10 September 2010

'Beet the Best' competition launched

British Sugar has teamed-up with Farmers Weekly to launch an exciting new competition called 'Beet the Best', allowing sugar beet growers, university/college students, young farmers clubs and beet advisers to 'pit their wits' against industry specialists, resulting in a chance to win a fantastic trip to the Castilla y Leon region in Spain in April 2011.

The competition is divided into three rounds that will be run during October, November and December 2010, and registration for the competition is via the 'Beet the Best' website www.beetthebest.co.uk or Farmers Weekly (www.fwi.co.uk).  Entries include three team categories and an individual category.  Team entries are for a maximum of four members.  If you are interested in entering the competition, registrations are open from the 10 September 2010 before the first round commences on 1 October.

BASIS-registered entrants will receive 2 CPD (Continuous Professional Development) points for each round they complete as well as 4 NRoSO points for each of the three rounds.

Questions are divided across three rounds, focusing on the different stages of crop management, preparation, crop protection and harvest and delivery.  Each round features 13 multiple-choice questions, as well as two 'open' questions to further challenge the entrants.

The competition is based on the sugar beet crop maximum yield potential, and competing teams and individuals will have the opportunity to maintain the 'virtual' potential of the crop.  Incorrect answers will lead to yield penalties.  A panel of judges from British Sugar, Farmers Weekly, BBRO (British Beet Research Organisation), NFU (National Farmers Union) and Newcastle University will review progress and agree the winning entries.

Winners will be announced at the beginning of 2011, with the winner(s) winning a 'once in a lifetime' study tour to Northern Spain.  From 17 to 21 April, the winners will be hosted on a tailor-made tour looking at beet sugar production in the region and visiting local farms.  There will also be a factory visit and tour round the AIMCRA beet research organisation, as well as the opportunity to sample the other delights of this culturally rich Castilla y Leon region of Spain.

Further information:

Paul Bee, Agriculture Communications, British Sugar
Tel: 01733 422904 or mobile: 07850 369885
paul.bee@britishsugar.com

James Andrews
Farmers Weekly
Tel: 0208 652 4082
james.andrews@rbi.co.uk

'Beet the Best' is a British Sugar and Farmers Weekly competition, in association with NFU Sugar, Newcasle University and British Beet Research Organisation/Brooms Barn.

Entries are only available for people aged 18 years and over and the 'Beet the Best' competition prize to Spain will be all expenses paid.