In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Kerry Leslie to talk about the Potato viruses, which can cause devastating compulsory burn down orders, and why these viruses remain a major concern for the industry going forward.

Welcome to Cropcast, your go-to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops.

Each month, SAC advisor Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.

Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.

Linked FAS Resources

• Six steps for virus management doc https://www.sasa.gov.uk/sites/default/files/The_6_Steps_to_Effective_Virus_Management_in_Potato_Crops.pdf
• The SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) https://www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/sac-consulting/our-expert-teams/knowledge-networks/potato-services/

Welcome to the first episode of Cropcast Conversations hosted by Principal Consultant Mark Bowsher-Gibbs. On today’s episode Mark is joined by Iain Riddel (Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting). They discuss growing sugar beet in Scotland and cover sugar beet trial work, sites, varieties, farmer group feedback and conclusions from trial work.

Episode Timestamps

00.32 Introducing Iain Riddell

01.49 Background to sugar beet in Scotland

05.05 Rural Innovation Support Service project

10.12 Biorefining hubs

11.35 Farmers feedback on practicalities of sugar beet in the rotation

15.43 Harvesting sugar beet

18.40 Storing sugar beet

19.35 Trials of different varieties at different locations

29.40 IBiolC Conference take-home messages

31.30 Iain’s closing thoughts

FAS Resources

Field Trialling Sugar Beet in Eastern Scotland

Other Resources

IBiolC (Organisation that connects industry, academia and government to bring biotechnology processes and products to the global market)

IBiolC annual conference (March 2025)

Sugar Beet: A Just Transition for the Chemicals Sector and a Net Zero Solution for Manufacturing.

For more information, visit www.FAS.scot

Twitter: @FASScot

Facebook: @FASScot

National Advice Hub

Phone: 0300 323 0161

Email: advice@fas.scot

In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Edward Scaman and Chris McClymont to talk about herbicides. How is the current season progressing and what is the best practice advice when it comes to applying products.

Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.

Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.

Linked FAS Resources

YouTube - Bayer Weed Screen

Find your local Bayer technical manager

FAS - Herbicides