BBRO BeetCast | Podcast on RSS.com

BBRO BeetCast

by Francesca Broom

Management Business News News Commentary

Season 2026

BeetCast May: Forewarning of changes ahead

It's a busy time of year for spray operators, so maybe listen to this in the cab as there are some important changes to chemical data sheets coming later this year. We also give an overview of aphid migration and our weeds trial.

BeetCast April: Future-proofing weed control strategies

Like many growers BBRO are preparing for changes in the world of weed control in sugar beet - what can you expect?

BeetCast March: Preparation key for a good start

March sees the release of the Virus Yellows Forecast. Risk is split across the growing region but good preparation and crop vigilance will help in building resilience.

BeetCast February: Change and opportunities

February has been a busy month for BBRO and the wider sugar beet industry with a number of exciting new changes to lead us into the new season. First on the list is the newly released Recommended List for 2027 which provides growers with a wealth of information in an interactive and easy to navigate form. Then we have the new BBRO website and as this is the 50th edition of BeetCast we have also made a few changes to the podcast. We hope you enjoy listening.

BeetCast January: Keep it clean in 2026

On-farm hygiene has always been an important part of sugar beet management but with increasing threats and climate change it has become a priority for all involved.

Season 2025

BeetCast December: Growing in many directions

December is a time of reflection and whilst you may contemplate how well the farm has faired what about your personal growth? Have you invested enough in yourself to reap the benefits in the future? We discuss 3 levels of learning and how each could have a place on your farm.

BeetCast November: Harvesting for optimum yield

On-farm conditions are unlikely to ever yield a 100% harvest of the crop, but could we be recovering more? Mark Winters (British Sugar) talks about harvester testing and how we might be able to recoup just a little bit more.

BeetCast October: Future proofing the sugar industry

Understanding how to grow a sugar beet crop is only one aspect of being a good sugar beet grower. That's where the Sugar Industry Programme (SIP) comes in. Past participant, Eddie Liddle joins new recruit Henry Stanford and course organiser Sam Williamson from NFU Sugar to discuss why the SIP is so important to the industry.

BeetCast September: A pest of many crops

We can all marvel at the plethora of insects in our soil but few of us would consider studying any one in any detail. However, this is essential if we are to understand their life cycles and impact to a crop, it is also a vital part of determining control. In this podcast we meet Martyn Cox who has picked up the mantle in regards to wireworms: a pest in potatoes, sugar beet, carrots and many more crops.

BeetCast August: The crop that keeps on giving.

2025 has proved a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to sugar beet management. The positives being lower levels of virus and a crop that is resilient to drought, and then on the flip side we have increasing concerns re beet moth and foliar disease. Prof Mark Stevens explains the changes seen this year and thoughts for the remainder of the season.

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