Potatoes in Practice 2016
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
The event is organised and hosted by the James Hutton Institute in partnership with AHDB Potatoes, SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) and Agrii. The event is also supported by media partner Potato Review.
Join in the converation before, during and after the event by using #PotatoesInPractice
"Best location of any spud show!" Richard Newman, Agri Sales Manager, R J Herbert Engineering Ltd
Seminar Sessions
The Potatoes in Practice seminar programme forms a key part of the technical knowledge exchange with growers, and this year’s talks examine an even wider range of topics by even more experts.
For the first time, the event will feature talks from the visiting European Association of Potato Research (EAPR), chaired by Prof Ian Toth (James Hutton Institute) and Dr Mike Storey (AHDB’s Head of Resource Management). This expert group will talk about the current potato research work going on, and demonstrate the positive impact that international collaboration has on research for the potato crop. There will be a valuable opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues with this expert international potato group.
A special potatoes marketing session will address consumers and variety selection, chaired by specialist heritage potato grower and AHDB board member, Anthony Carroll of Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes. This marketing session features three quick-fire presentations from food ambassador and Scottish chef Christopher Trotter, AHDB Potatoes’ consumer campaigner, Stu Baker and leading potato breeder, Dr Finlay Dale of Caithness Potatoes, rounding up with a marketing-focused Q&A session.
Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) research will be examined, with presentations from Vivian Block and Xinwei Chen (James Hutton Institute). Bill Watts (Harper Adams University) will discuss growers’ options for management of PCN using bio-fumigation.
Potato storage developments will be covered by crop storage experts, Dr Glyn Harper (Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research) and Dr Mark Taylor (James Hutton Institute).
Live Machinery Demos
We're delighted to be joined by Grimme UK who will be demonstrating their GF 600 three bed folding bedtilla, followed by a CS MW 150 stone separator, with stars. Also being demonstrated is their GB 330 trailed bed planter: their adaptable two row potato planter will be converted to a three row planter for the afternoon demonstration.
DuPont, makers of Vydate® 10G, will hold a technical clinic during the field demonstration of a one pass operation for nematicide broadcast and incorporation. The clinic will provide practical advice for growers to help nematicide users get the best from their application, whether broadcast, primarily for potato cyst nematode, or in furrow on the planter for suppression of free living nematodes, the vector(s) for TRV which cause spraing.
Knowledge Hub
2016 is Scotland's Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and we're pleased to feature some of the latest technology being utlised in agriculture and research including apps, drones and a demonstration of our TouchTable.
Field Plots
This year we have a total of 24 plots on display covering everything from varieties to Blackleg control and biofumigation to dessication.
Marquee Exhibits
With a total of 45 marquee displays and demos, there's plenty to see and learn about indoors. We'll have a range of experts ready to talk to you and share their advice about their services and products and we took on board what many of you said about the lack of hands-on activities. Hutton science staff will be on hand to demonstrate and talk about everything from soil management and gene mapping to alternative uses for potato waste foliage and the importance of our links to China in potato production.
Outdoor Exhibits
We've got a huge range of outdoor exhibits this year from potato boxes to potato machinery - and the list continues to grow.
Timetable
The event timetable has been finalised and we're delighted to publish it in advance of the event. This will hopefully allow visitors and exhibitors to plan their day in advance. There's a lot to get through and we've tried to design the timetable to allow everyone to get a taste of everything that's on offer from field tours to seminars. But don't forget to eat!
Visitor Information
Visitor registration is now officially open and bookings are being made via Eventbrite.
Exhibitor Information
Exhibitor booking for Potatoes in Practice is now closed. Please see below for a full list of exhibitors along with set-up notes for exhibitors.
Location
Potatoes in Practice is held at Balruddery Research Farm and directions can be found below.
- PDF file: Location map and directions to Potatoes in Practice 2016 at Balruddery Research Farm (1.8 MB)
The route to the event site has been carefully planned to minimise traffic going through the village and to avoid any 'incidents' with heavy machinery. Please don't rely solely on your satnav to take you to site. Please follow the AA signage once you see it - this takes you on the best route.
2015 Images
Contact
If you have any queries, please contact Pam Cassidy, Events Co-ordinator, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA. Email: events@hutton.ac.uk Tel: 01382 568 751.
