Autumn is one of the busiest and most exciting times on our farm. After months of planting, tending, and nurturing, the potato plants have finished their growing cycle and it’s time for harvest – or, as we call it in farming terms, “lifting.” This is the point at which all our work in the fields quite literally comes to the surface.
Potato lifting is a careful process designed to protect the crop and the soil. Modern harvesters gently loosen the soil, lift the potatoes to the surface, and separate them from stones and plant debris. Skilled operators work at a steady pace, checking quality constantly to ensure that every tuber is harvested with care.
We grow several varieties here at Turvelaws, each destined for different uses – from salad potatoes to chipping and roasting – and each variety has its own harvesting window. Timing is critical: the crop needs to be mature enough for good skin set (to protect the tubers in storage), but not so late that weather or soil conditions put it at risk.
“Harvest time is when all the planning and hard work pays off,” says Alastair Robson. “Lifting potatoes isn’t just about getting them out of the ground; it’s about making sure they arrive at our customers in the best possible condition. We treat the soil and the crop with respect at every stage.”
Once lifted, the potatoes are graded and moved into temperature-controlled stores on site. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps us supply our customers consistently throughout the year. Our investment in storage and handling means that even months after lifting, the potatoes you buy from us are still as fresh and high quality as the day they left the field.
Harvest at Turvelaws is about more than machinery and logistics; it’s the culmination of a year’s work by people who care deeply about what they grow.
It’s also part of a bigger story of sustainable, responsible farming – protecting the soil, encouraging biodiversity on our land, and supporting the local community while producing a staple food for homes and businesses across the UK.