'All attention to potatoes'

Maatschap Drint in Hoornsterzwaag (Friesland) only grows chips potatoes, about 100 hectares per year. They focus on maximum yield and quality and, together with advisor Jan Harm Oosterhuis, look at where improvements can still be made. For example, the phytophthora control will be different next season than before, including a basic place for Infinite.

"Our heart is in potato cultivation. We think that's the best thing to do and we're good at it." Peter Drint explains in a few words why the company has been 100% focused on the cultivation of French fries since last year. In previous years, the partnership's growing plan was much more extensive, with several dozen hectares of lilies and seed potatoes. "That was definitely a great time", the arable farmer looks back, "but we really worked ourselves out of the seams. One job was not yet finished or the next was already waiting. We were always busy and we wanted to We simply stopped using lilies in 2017 and also with seed potatoes in 2020. And I have to say: so far it's been great." Drint says it with a sigh, but also with a smile. And he continues: "In order to do things really well, there must be some peace on the farm. That peace is now there. And it certainly has its effect. The three of us can handle 100 hectares of potatoes well and we can also putting the finishing touches on the i's more than before. That feels good."

Wet year was a good year
The land for potato cultivation is mainly leased and exchanged land from dairy farmers in the area. According to Drint, there has been a lot of effort in recent years. Among other things, by lily growers in the area, but also by larger arable farmers a bit further away. "We find it difficult to compete purely on the lease price. But due to long-term relationships and by handling the land properly, it is still possible to obtain sufficient suitable land."

Potato cultivation went well last season, thanks to the relatively wet season. "We farm here on fairly coarse sandy soil. It can withstand a lot of rain before it gets too much. Last year we didn't have to irrigate for the first time in many years. That was a real relief – especially if you've been growing lilies for years, for which you irrigate is essential," says Drint. With an average of 60 tons per hectare – and a single peak towards 70 tons – the yields were downright good. "And it could have been even better if we hadn't had that rainy period in May. That's why we were only able to plant the last plots in the first week of June; we usually didn't get much further than 50 tons on those pieces," he admits. the farmer. Still, he would 'sign immediately' for another damp year. "I would rather spray a few extra times against phythophthora than have to move the reels every day."

Sharp on phytophthora
Although the disease pressure was quite high due to the wet weather, phytophthora did not play a major role on the farm last season. According to Drint, this is partly due to the strong focus on potato cultivation, but also to the large capacity of the field sprayer, with which all 20 to 25 plots can be sprayed within a day.

What also helps, according to him, is the good contact with Jan Harm Oosterhuis of WPA Robertus – who is also present during the conversation. "During the season, we regularly spar with Jan Harm about what should be done in terms of crop protection. This is especially important in critical periods – which we had several times last year. Two always know more than one and Jan Harm also knows how the situation is elsewhere in the area," says the arable farmer. Oosterhuis also appreciates the close and good contact with the family, although he emphasizes that the Drints are entrepreneurs enough to make their own choices. "If I start talking about the use of biostimulants here, for example, then people certainly won't immediately join forces. There must be clear results, otherwise it is mainly seen as an extra cost item," Oosterhuis smiles.

Resilient crops
This does not mean, however, that the subject of 'resilient and vital crops' is not on the agenda. As an example Oosterhuis cites the sometimes moderate availability of calcium – a problem that mainly occurs on soils with the lowest pHs. "Because this has a direct relationship with quality – potatoes with a calcium deficiency give dark spots after baking – we try to do everything about it, such as applying liquid, high-calcium fertilizers during cultivation," says the advisor. According to Drint – who was a bit hesitant at first – this seems to be paying off slowly but surely. "In recent years we have gained remarkably well in weight and we also have less storage loss. So apparently that calcium does something..."

Prominent place for Infinito
With regard to phytophthora control, the schedule will be different this year than in previous years. The most important change is the prominent place for Infinite† Until last year, this was mainly used as a 'fire-fighting agent' – so if Phythophthora is present in the crop, this year it will be given a full place in the scheme, after Revus® and Zorvec®. Oosterhuis explains: "At about two thirds of the schedule we start with Infinito. With this we not only ensure good leaf protection, but we also cover the necessary tuber protection well. A nice plus of Infinito is that you can dose flexibly 0,9 to 1,6 liters per hectare. And you can also easily add a strengthening agent such as Curzate® Partner. All this makes Infinito a very practical and safe choice."

For Drint it will take some switching, because he says he was a real 'Valbon and Curzate man'. "But now that these drugs are no longer allowed, the schedule will have to change. The most important thing is, of course, that the schedule has good coverage, but a little flexibility in the dosage – as is possible with Infinito – certainly appeals to me. again and spray when necessary, so I'm certainly not a calendar sprayer! Means that you can play with, so to speak, certainly have an advantage for me", he concludes.

^{Revus® is a registered trademark of Syngenta
Zorvec® and Curzate® Partner are registered trademarks of Corteva Agriscience}

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