Scotland’s potato crop could avoid the secondary regrowth issues due to the colder weather. With temperatures in the teens, crops further north look to be less affected than England for re-sprouting potatoes.
Many farmers have started burning off shaws, which will bring harvest forward this year, while others are waiting for crops to fill out as yields are estimated to be down on the year, particularly in non-irrigated fields.
Discussions at last week’s Potatoes in Practice highlighted that most thought tuber numbers would be okay but sizes could be an issue. Particular concern was raised about potatoes destined for the baking market.
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Recent wet downpours have raised concerns about growth cracks appearing. The dry weather over the summer resulted in plants unable to utilise nutrients in the soil, but recent wet weather could see excessive nutrient availability overwhelming the tuber and causing cracks.
Nevertheless, prices look to be strong this year, with salad Maris Piper potatoes going at £300/t, according to AHDB. Find out more on pages six and seven with our Potatoes in Practice feature.
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Scotland’s potato crop could avoid the secondary regrowth issues due to the colder weather. With temperatures in the teens, crops further north look to be less affected than England for re-sprouting potatoes.
Many farmers have started burning off shaws, which will bring harvest forward this year, while others are waiting for crops to fill out as yields are estimated to be down on the year, particularly in non-irrigated fields.
Discussions at last week’s Potatoes in Practice highlighted that most thought tuber numbers would be okay but sizes could be an issue. Particular concern was raised about potatoes destined for the baking market.
Recent wet downpours have raised concerns about growth cracks appearing. The dry weather over the summer resulted in plants unable to utilise nutrients in the soil, but recent wet weather could see excessive nutrient availability overwhelming the tuber and causing cracks.
Nevertheless, prices look to be strong this year, with salad Maris Piper potatoes going at £300/t, according to AHDB. Find out more on pages six and seven with our Potatoes in Practice feature.
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