Organised by the German Agricultural Society (DLG), the team behind Agritechnica in Germany, Potato Days UK aims to meet the demand from UK and Irish potato professionals for an event that combines practical demonstrations, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and knowledge exchange opportunities.
The 20 hectare site hosts a purpose-built marquee with around 60 exhibitors from across the sector. The show field will feature larger static machinery and equipment displays, providing a chance for visitors to engage in discussions with a wide range of manufacturers, suppliers, and support organisations, fostering business relationships that help advance farming operations.
James Harrison of EG Harrison & Co Ltd, a large-scale potato grower from Norfolk, plans to attend the show:
“It’s great to bring the potato industry together on a working demonstration site where farmers and growers can see the latest technology firsthand. It’s also an excellent way to explore the current options for delivering potatoes to their chosen markets and engage with the industry,” says James.
Field solutions over two days
In 2024, potato growing already demands a high degree of flexibility from farmers due to significant changes in weather conditions. Potato growers attending the event will look for both technical and farm input solutions to prepare for similar scenarios in the future.
“At this unique farm venue, potato professionals can efficiently identify market-ready farm solutions. Plus, entry is free,” said Greg Smith, DLG’s UK & Ireland representative. The event, designed to mimic farm conditions, will include live harvesting demonstrations by the latest machines from industry specialists such as AVR, Dewulf, Grimme, and Standen. These live demos will allow visitors to observe how to efficiently harvest potatoes and load them into trailers.
Trial plots present the latest agronomy methods
Select exhibitors have planted trial plots showcasing new technologies in weed reduction, crop protection, different varieties, and innovative irrigation systems. These crop trials offer visitors the opportunity to closely inspect the latest in crop and agronomy methods.
One such exhibitor is Emerald Research. “Our on-site trial plots are designed to evaluate ways of reducing the fertiliser and fungicide footprint using comprehensive programmes of microbials, biostimulants, and nutrient placement at planting, combined with foliar applications once there is a canopy,” said Helen Holman, marketing and communications manager at Emerald Research. “We look forward to meeting growers and discussing the changing world of crop management,” she added.
Dan Hewitt, business manager GB for Restrain, manufacturer of a unique generator that converts ethanol to ethylene gas for post-harvest sprout control in potatoes, said, “We are thrilled to have a demo trial plot at Potato Days UK to showcase our new ‘Restrain Precision Ethylene Treatment’ technology and Accumulator Seed Treatment. We’re excited to connect with familiar faces and meet new customers who share our passion for cutting-edge technology.”
Knowledge exchange and learning opportunities
The DLG Expert Stage will host an informative programme of talks and workshops on both days. These sessions, curated with the support of partners such as UK Food Valley, University of Lincoln, McCain, Dyson Farming, and GB Potatoes, will feature panel discussions, talks, and seminars.
Andrew Webster, a potato grower based in Ormskirk, is particularly keen to attend the event: “I’m interested in learning from the talks and discussions. Knowledge exchange is vital, and even if you take away one thing and use it, there’s a benefit. You learn so much from the questions and discussions, too. It’s all about marginal gains to reach your goals,” says Andrew. “Supporting this event is crucial for potato farmers and growers—if you don’t attend, it might not be there in the future! If you’re in the industry, you should be looking into the future—towards ‘next generation’ potato growing. Potato Days UK offers us that opportunity,” he added.
About the Venue
Nocton Farm, owned by Dyson Farming –one of the largest and most innovative farming companies in the UK – will provide 20 hectares in the heart of the British potato region for Potato Days UK. With a cultivation area of 137,000 hectares and an annual harvest of some 5.5mt, the UK is the fourth-largest potato-growing region in Western Europe, after Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
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