Branston growers enjoy a summer of events

26 August 2011

This summer has seen the Branston Agronomy team host a number of events for their Producer Group members. From new varieties to irrigation, the field-based events covered a number of interesting topics using both in-house knowledge and industry speakers.

In July, the teams held their first workshops for machine operators, with a focus on reducing crop damage. Held at H Hey and Son in Selby on 4 July, and GR Ward and Co in Sleaford on 27 July, the half-day events included advice on harvester set up, Health and Safety in the field and quality expectations from the customers' point of view. Barry Baker attended to represent Grimme, the UK market leader in the supply of potato harvesting and handling machinery, and discussed setting up potato harvesters to reduce the risk of damage and bruising to the crop.

Branston also hosted two field walks in August, to provide growers with an open technical forum in which to take advice from the speakers and discuss important issues with other potato growers.

The annual open days, held at Blankney Estates in Lincolnshire on 4 August, and Perrin's Hill Farm in Somerset on 16 August, were attended by around 85 growers who represent potato supply from across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and the South West area.

The half-day hospitality events covered a number of subjects. Peter Hewett, Senior Seed Manager at Branston introduced new variety developments, including Blue Belle for the Tesco Finest range, and a number of external guests also attended to share their knowledge. Representatives from Certis, Belchim Crop Protection and Syngenta presented findings from desiccation trials, East Malling Research, Earthcare and Cranfield University explained efficient irrigation use and in conjunction with Cambridge University Farms, Branston demonstrated biofumigation products and nutrient trials (phosphorous and potassium).

Martin Stothard, Senior Field Services Manager at Branston's Lincolnshire site explained the reasons for the Producer Group events, "Each year, our summer events are key dates in the diary for our growers. The field walk in particular is a great forum for two-way discussion about the season and its potential highs and lows, as well as being a technically focussed event."

Martin looks forward to organising the event each year, "It's a fantastic way to bring experienced people from the potato industry together. I try to offer a varied range of speakers to cover a range of relevant topics using both our in-house knowledge and speakers from the outside industry."

Representing the South West site, Senior Field Services Manager Richard Meecham said, "Our field walk not only gives us the opportunity to discuss new varieties such as Blue Belle and Electra, but provides our growers with a wealth of advice from experts in the industry. Belchim, Certis and Syngenta gave excellent talks and the growers had the chance to ask specific questions about their own crops. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with our suppliers over a delicious hog roast!"

A number of growers commented that the field walks are a worthwhile event, pitched at the right level technically. Robert Howard, from EM Howard Limited in Lincolnshire explained, "Seeing the varieties of the future grown in a semi-commercial field environment and hearing about their key benefits helps me to plan ahead and meet customer requirements."

Reuben Collins, a Producer Group member from Tregonan, Cornwall said that the field walk was "A worthwhile, informative event. I particularly enjoyed seeing the new varieties and it was helpful to be reminded of the best practice in agronomy and machinery set up."

The next Producer Group event will be held at Branston Hall in the autumn. With an in-house focus, it gives members of the Branston team the opportunity to discuss the growing season, contracts, pricing and promotional activity and Branston's continuing on-site developments.