Potato Review

14 POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NPI AWARDS Mark Stalham (nominated for an Agronomy Award) What the nominees say: “He would probably prefer to describe himself as a scientist rather than an agronomist but he has acquired a well-deserved reputation for his ability to pass on practical advice to farmers.” “Mark is renowned for his contribution to research on irrigation efficiency, varietal susceptibility to common scab and the importance of cultivation timings to reduce the impact of soil compaction.” Mount Liming (nominated for an Innovation Award and a Machinery Award) What the nominees say: “A totally unique design and development for intensive PCN sampling. Originally developed as a device for reducing sampling time in the field, it’s USP is now the hugely intensive sample density and guaranteed sample collection points.” “Practical impact for growers employing this machine is the huge increase in sample density, hugely improving accuracy for PCN detection. For the operator, field time is greatly reduced meaning a higher throughput of work each day.” Nematicide Stewardship Programme (nominated for an Environmental Award) What the nominees say: “The number of operators attending the NSP training courses and completing the additional on-line units illustrate the success of the NSP in reaching its target audience and significantly improving both application machinery and best practice.” O.W. Wortley and Sons Ltd (nominated for a Grower Award) What the nominees say: “In just three generations the Wortley Family has grown its farming enterprise from an initial ten acres to 4,500 acres through a proper understanding and adoption of novel forms of husbandry and new techniques.” Ray Andrews Crop Systems (nominated for an Innovation Award) What the nominees say: “Ray has built up a great team serving UK farmers. I know of no other supplies so dedicated to helping farmers get it right.” Restrain (nominated for a Machinery Award) What the nominees say: “The generator does not need yearly servicing, only each year replacing for calibration the sensors. The B200 is prepared for sending data to the cloud, anywhere and always access to your equipment.” Robet Nelstrop (nominated for a Grower Award) What the nominees say: “Last season was a particularly challenging one and Robert worked hard to deliver an exceptional year for both quality and yield despite the difficult weather conditions.” Syngenta (nominated for an Environmental Award) What the nominees say: “Planting up Green Headlands is a genuinely sustainable solution. It can offer a simple, cost effective and time efficient option to make better use of a hitherto unused area of land, that will improve the environment and to protect soil and water.” Team Sprayers (nominated for an Environmental Award) What the nominees say: “Team’s units, used in conjunction with the Digimon rate controller, have led to significant improvements in product efficacy and safety, moving the industry away from previous practice.” TimMerrison & RichardThompson (nominated for a Grower Award) What the nominees say: “Although running an essentially traditional and uncomplicated maincrop business based on long-term supply arrangements and rotational sustainability, Tim and his managing director Richard Thompson have always been prepared to try new approaches to improve operating efficiency and crop quality.” Tom Stevenson (nominated for an Environmental Award) What the nominees say: “Tom and his team have a relentless approach to continuous improvement in their cropping systems. VamWatertech (nominated for an Environmental Award) What the nominees say: “VAMWaterTech solutions are innovative, but foremost they are the most reliable total solutions and components for water re-use in the global vegetable washing and processing.” WilliamGribbon (nominated for a Grower Award) What the nominees say: “William merits special recognition for the way he has put Swaffham on the map. His passion and drive, plus his approachable manner, have drawn attention to the Norfolk Peer potato from across the country.” Whole Crop Marketing (nominated for a Marketing Award) What the nominees say: “Yorkshire Wolds’ seed is now regarded as a premium product and a natural choice for Yorkshire farmers and other growers across the country. WCM’s involvement in the development of this market has been paramount.”