Name: Martyn Smith
Role: Jack of all trades!
Length of time at PGP: Just over 3 and a half years, but 8 years in total.
“Describe your day-to-day role here at Particularly Good Potatoes…”
“For me, this really depends on the time of year, but my job includes roles such as driving the harvester during lifting, grading potatoes, working in the welding shed and fixing mechanics, destoning before planting, driving the digger in the winter making bases for sheds and working on the drainage ensuring everything runs smoothly. As well as this, I’ll help with leading & spreading fertiliser, laying the irrigation pipes in summer and sometimes I’ll give the lads a hand with the cereal harvest in August & September. I’m a jack of all trades really!
“I’m grateful to be part of the PGP team, contributing my skills to ensure we supply quality potatoes to the North East. While my role involves various tasks throughout the year, it’s the diversity that keeps me engaged. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities. Yet, amidst the hustle, I find fulfilment in knowing that my efforts are just a small part of a much larger mission. Together, we’re dedicated to delivering excellence and nourishing communities with our farm-fresh produce.”
“What happens at this time of the year on the farm?”
“Typically, April is the month that we start planting and there’s quite a few jobs to be done other than just planting straight into the ground! My role focuses particularly on de-stoning, leading fertiliser and seed potatoes.
“The process of de-stoning is simple – we lift the bed up that’s been bed-tilled and basically, we remove any stones or large ‘clods’ that could affect the shape of the potatoes when they grow. By doing this, when I come to lifting them during harvest, all I’m taking out is nice, fine soil and the delicious potatoes.
“De-stoning also helps me to get a better understanding of each field, and certain areas of that field too. If there’s a particular area that’s a bit more condensed, I’ll make a note of that and when it comes to harvest time, I know what to look out for. It’s all about building a relationship with not only the potatoes that are being planted, but the fields themselves.”
“What’s your favourite potato variety?”
“My favourite variety of potato has to be the classic and well-known Saxon. It’s an all-rounder, just like myself! It’s perfect for mashing and baking and they taste DEVINE.
“Fun fact: Did you know that Saxon potatoes are prized for their high yield and excellent storage capabilities, making them a favourite among growers and consumers alike? It’s no wonder why I’m drawn to this timeless classic – it’s a true gem in the world of potatoes!”