Potatoes Australia returns this winter with a bumper edition.

There is a dedicated section to Hort Connections 2021 – a three-day conference and trade show with over 2,200 delegates from all sectors of the horticulture industry, who descended on Brisbane from 7-9 June to ‘Celebrate the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables’.

We also introduce the National Awards for Excellence winners, which include Corteva Agriscience Young Grower of the Year and Victorian potato grower, Xavier Toohey.

There is also a strong biosecurity focus in this edition. You can find an overview of the Potato Growers’ Biosecurity Manual – which has been developed by Plant Health Australia in partnership with AUSVEG – as well as a profile on African Black Beetle, a pest that can cause extensive damage to potato crops.

The Potatoes Australia cover image is three generations of the Mildren family, who operate Reck Farms in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley region. Inside, Reck Farms Operations Manager Pat Salter sits down with Craig and Andrew Mildren to chat about a range of topics, including Reck Farms’ latest innovations, overcoming challenges and ways to attract young people into the potato industry.
Also included with Potatoes Australia is the first edition of PotatoLink.

What is PotatoLink?

The PotatoLink Magazine is part of the PotatoLink extension project that is being led by Applied Horticultural Research, with funding from Hort Innovation using the Fresh Potato and Potato Processing levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

The PotatoLink project aims to bring Australian potato growers the resources they need to maximise profitability and yield. Activities include field days, workshops, demo sites and a data-rich website. It also includes this new magazine, filled with the latest information from here and around the world.

PotatoLink will bring the industry a fresh approach on:

  • Pest and disease management.
  • Soil health.
  • Irrigation.
  • International trade analysis.
  • Technology advances.
  • Strategies to enhance returns.
  • Grower workshops and demo sites.

With a strong regional focus, this first issue of PotatoLink introduces readers to their state representatives, including a ‘What’s on’ section that features upcoming events.

The launch issue also includes:

  • New tools for powdery scab.
  • Storing seed potatoes.
  • Managing irrigation with IrriSAT.
  • Jobs for July.
  • Trade analysis.
  • Ask the Spud GP.

This is just a small portion of what is in this edition of Potatoes Australia, so if you’re not already receiving your hard copy, you can subscribe to receive future editions of the magazine for free by emailing communications@ausveg.com.au. Please provide your mailing address.