BP2003 CROP UPDATE

Crop Update 16 August



As I write this, we are less than three weeks away from the event and from harvest. We have carried out yield and quality digs and now have a fair idea of what to expect at lifting.



If you are visiting the event I thought it might be helpful to give you an idea of what to expect from the site.



At BP2003 the harvesters will be working on an area which is very different to the previous BP Harvester Exhibitions.



Whilst this year�s site has some clear advantages, in terms of access and proximity, the fact that most of it has never grown potatoes before might tell you something about the challenge we faced.



The soil type is extremely variable � from blow away sand to heavy sandy clay loam � and had not been ploughed when the decision to go ahead was taken in April.



Cultivations and planting tried hard to cope with the extremes of conditions and we had a clear weather run from ploughing to completing planting. However, the remainder of April was dry and some of the heavier area ridges dried out to a hard, small clod. This delayed emergence by some 3-4 weeks leaving this area some way behind the remainder of the crop.



Water availability was questionable so it was decided to choose drought tolerant varieties to err on the side of caution. This proved to be a wise move as it actually was the case that the crop could not be irrigated. However we have had 225mm (8 inches) of rainfall since planting and despite some of that falling in short periods, most of the crop area has yielded well.



We hope our decision to be bold will be seen to be worthwhile. A successful harvester demonstration with some of the best machines in the world on display will, we are sure, prove this to be the case.



We expect the crop to deliver yields of 16-17t/acre and dry matters are already in excess of 20%.



We are confident of a successful event and would be delighted to see you there. Our main stand is number 117 in the �Doing Business Centre� and we will also, in conjunction with McCain have a marquee in the field. We will provide light refreshments and some specially cooked potatoes.