Badger Common’Tater
April 2015
THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
Irrigation Issue
Volume 67 Number 4 $18.00/year $1.50/copy
SHARING THE VISION Little Plover River Conservancy Project Unites All Stakeholders INTERVIEW: AJ Bussan Discusses Irrigation LIQUID BEAUTY Spotlighting Field Irrigation Equipment NEWLY MINTED Follow Gumz Muck Farms’ Mint Harvest
Irrigation Splendor
Photo by Pete Sanderson
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You’d be healthier, too, if you spent your winters in Hawaii.
100% of Wisconsin Seed Potatoes must be winter tested to be eligible for certified seed tags.
• While all state seed potato associations winter test their foundation lots, some do not winter test 100% of their certified seed lots. • Wisconsin does, and this assures you get only the top-quality seed. • With the Wisconsin Badger State Brand Tag, you get one grade, one standard–certification that counts.
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For a directory of Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers, scan this code with your smartphone.
4 April 2015
Badger Common'Tater
On the Cover: Renowned photographer, Pete Sanderson captures the unique beauty of architecturally striking irrigation equipment silhouetted against a gorgeous sunset in this exquisite photo. He also shot the photo below of Springville Wharf for the Little Plover River Conservancy Project article.
Features
COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: AJ Bussan........................................................................... 8 BADGER BEAT: Uncommonly Challenging Common Scab................................................ 14 SHARING THE VISION Little Plover River Conservancy Project......................................... 17 LIQUID BEAUTY Spotlighting Field Irrigation Equipment.................................................. 20 NEWLY MINTED Follow Gumz Muck Farms LLC’s Mint Harvest....................................... 26 2015 MIDWEST MINT GROWERS ANNUAL MEETING....................................................... 34 AGROPERMITS HELP SIMPLIFY IOH-AGCMV Permitting and Compliance........................ 37 NEW VALLEY® IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY........................................................................ 39 WORLD POTATO CONGRESS to Drive Technology and Trade........................................... 41 ROOT DEMAND IRRIGATION® Accepts AE50 Award......................................................... 42 FINALLY! An Easy Guide to Produce Traceability.............................................................. 44
8
Departments
17
26 WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Andy Wallendal Vice President: Mark Finnessy Secretary: Eric Schroeder Treasurer: Josh Mattek Directors: Larry Alsum, Steve Diercks, Ron Krueger, Jeremie Pavelski, Gary Wysocki Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Cliff Gagas Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Don Isherwood, John T. Schroeder, Tom Wild and Dennis Zeloski WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Chris Brooks
34
AUXILIARY NEWS................................................. 47 GROUNDED...........................................................6 MARK YOUR CALENDAR........................................6 MARKETPLACE.....................................................59 NEW PRODUCTS..................................................53 NOW FOR THE NEWS..........................................60 NPC NEWS........................................................... 57 PEOPLE................................................................50 POTATO BOARD NEWS........................................48 SEED PIECE...........................................................52 TATER BIN............................................................ 61 WHAT’S COOKIN’.................................................46 WPIB FOCUS........................................................ 49
Vice President: Wayne Solinsky Secretary: Steve Bohm Treasurer: Zach Mykisen Directors: Butch Fencil, Cathy Schommer, Sally Surprise, Joel Zalewski Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Ron Krueger Vice President: Eric Schroeder Secretary/Treasurer: Dan Kakes Directors: Bill Guenthner, Charlie Mattek Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Jacquie Wille Vice President: Paula Houlihan Secretary/Treasurer: Sheila Rine
Mission Statement of the WPVGA: “To assist WPVGA members to be successful through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action, and involvement.” Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: “Our mission is to work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources.”
Directors: Ali Carter, Gabrielle Okray Eck, Patty Hafner, Lynn Isherwood WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor/Communications Director: Ruth Faivre Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Danielle Sorano Spudmobile Coordinator: Jim Zdroik (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail Address: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com
Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409. Subscription rates: $1.50/copy, $18.00/year; $30/2 years. Foreign; $30/year; $50/2 years. Telephone: (715) 623-7683. Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409. ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 623-7683, or write: Advertising Manager, Badger Common’Tater, P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409. The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 5
ASSOCIATE DIVISION / AUXILIARY
Scholarships Now Available
The WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary are pleased to inform you of scholarships totaling $6,000, available to students at post-secondary institutions. The Associate Division Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board of Directors will award the full $6,000, but may decide to award several smaller scholarships based on number of applicants and their merits. The purpose of this annual scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students whose immediate family are members of the WPVGA.
DUE BY
MAY 1, 2015 PLEASE MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO: Julie Braun WPVGA PO Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409-0327 or, Email Completed Form To: jbraun@wisconsinpotatoes.com Obtain applications online at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com or, by calling the WPVGA office.
(715) 623-7683 If you have any questions, please call Julie Braun at the WPVGA office.
These scholarships, which are used to defray educational expenses, are open to students in undergraduate and post-graduate programs. Applicants must be original residents of Wisconsin and are eligible to reapply in subsequent years regardless if they have been previously awarded a scholarship. The selection of a scholarship winner is based on the following criteria: • Merit – e.g. G.P.A., extra-curricular activities, etc. • Financial need. • Other information provided in the application. • The recipient must attend an accredited Wisconsin school of higher education as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student. • The recipient must meet the entry requirements of the selected accredited Wisconsin school of higher education (grade point average, etc.). Some of the information requested in the application may be considered personal or confidential. You may choose not to provide such information; however, the selection committee making granting decisions requests information on your financial status since these Associate Division and Auxiliary scholarships may be partially based on financial need. You are encouraged to complete the scholarship application form in a professional manner. The recipient must properly and fully complete and type the formal application. Hand-written applications will not be considered. Remember, the application is the only representation of you the selection committee will see.
Mark Your
Calendar JUNE 6
WALK WISCONSIN Pfiffner Park, Stevens Point, WI Julie Braun 715-623-7683
8-10
UNITED FRESH 2015 McCormick Place, Chicago, IL 202-303-3400, www.unitedfresh.org
12 SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT Maplewood Golf Course, Pickerel, WI www.maplewoodgolfcourse.com
JULY 8
WPVGA ASSOC. DIV GOLF OUTING Bullseye Country Club, WI Rapids, WI
8-10
2015 NPC SUMMER MEETING Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell, MT
15
HANCOCK FIELD DAY Hancock Ag Research Station, Hancock, WI
17
RHINELANDER STATE FARM FIELD DAY Rhinelander, WI
Grounded The old axiom, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” is never truer than in today’s hustle-bustle world.
19–23 PAA 2015 ANNUAL MEETING Portland, ME, www.paaannualmeeting.org
The photo above, for instance, was shot at Gumz Muck Farms LLC mint operation, the subject of one of our feature stories this issue. How better to describe the root system of the mint plant and the rich muck soil in which they are planted than to show it in a photo?
28-30 WORLD POTATO CONGRESS Beijing, China, 902-368-8885 www.potatocongress.org
An extremely visual person, I place great emphasis on photos and you will discover their importance in this issue, my first as Managing Editor of Badger Common’Tater!
AUGUST 8
ANTIGO TATER TROT Antigo City Park, Antigo , WI www.antigotatertrot.com
6-16
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR State Fair Park, West Allis, WI www.wistatefair.com
More importantly, I will be soliciting photos from YOU, our readers and members as I introduce more photo galleries such as the one in this issue called Liquid Beauty, which displays the splendor of running irrigation equipment in the fields. I will be accepting high-resolution photos from amateur camera buffs as well as professional photographers like Pete Sanderson, whose photos grace our cover and are in the photo gallery. Associate members are encouraged to send photos of their products, services or equipment in action, too. Next month’s editorial and photo gallery focus will be ‘Vegetables’. Be sure to read the enlivening developments of the Little Plover River Update and AJ Bussan’s discussion of irrigation overall as our guest interviewee this month. Please feel free to email me with your thoughts and any questions. Meanwhile, celebrate the great industry of farming every day!
Ruth Faivre
Editor rfaivre@wisconsinpotatoes.com
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8 April 2015
Interview AJ Bussan
by Ruth Faivre, Managing Editor
Name: AJ Bussan Title: Senior Production Agronomist Company: Wysocki Produce Farm Crops Grown/ Acreage: 13,000 acres of potatoes, canning crops and forage crops Location: Farm from Necedah to Bancroft Hometown: Cuba City, WI Current City: Waunakee, WI Years in Current Position: 1 Previous Employment: University of Wisconsin - Madison Schooling: B.S. – Soil and Crop Science, Chemistry, UW-Platteville. M.S. – Agronomy, University of Minnesota Ph.D. – Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison Activities/Organizations: Knights of Columbus Awards/Honors: WPVGA Researcher of the Year (Three times) WPVGA Industry Appreciation Award UW-Madison College of Ag and Life Sciences Pound Extension Award Family: Wife Colette, three children Hailey (20), John (16), Kennedy (14) Hobbies: Fishing, Badger Fan, playing hoops, mowing the lawn, (once you admit it is a hobby, you look forward to riding the mower)
A
renowned base-funded researcher specializing in potato and vegetable production and Wisconsin muck potato research, AJ Bussan has worked closely with Central Sands growers for several years to improve water conservation in potato and vegetable production and actively participates in the WPVGA's Water Task Force. According to Bussan, a native of Wisconsin, “Central Wisconsin farmers are doing a better job at growing profitable crops while at the same time making less of a demand on local water supplies.” Previously employed as a Potato and Vegetable Production Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he served as a faculty member in the Department of Horticulture, Bussan is now the Senior Production Agronomist for Wysocki Produce Farms. He also was a leading participant on several nationally funded potato research projects, including the U.S. Potato Board’s national chip and fry processing trials. Additionally, Bussan actively conducted research related to reducing the amount of acrylamide in processed potatoes and produced key analysis works at the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Storage Research Facility.
Honored with the WPVGA Researcher of the Year not once but three separate times along with the WPVGA Industry Appreciation Award, Bussan is a regular contributor to Badger Common’Tater and a guest speaker at many WPVGA events as well as the annual WPVGA Growers’ Conferences over the years. In previous press coverage, you stated you believe that Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers are doing a better job at growing profitable crops while simultaneously creating less of a demand on local water supplies. Can you elaborate on that belief further? Wisconsin potato producers were growing more than 80,000 acres of potatoes when I started working with the industry in December of 2001. Of those potatoes, over 60,000 acres were grown under irrigation in Central Wisconsin. Wisconsin potato acreage had shrunk to 60,000-65,000 acres per year by the end of the last decade with approximately 50,000 acres being grown in Central Wisconsin, yet total production has averaged nearly 95% of the total production that was produced during the first several years of this century. Potato seasons have not changed dramatically over the course of the
BADGER COMMON’TATER 9
last 15 years so the average ET or water use by a full season potato crop has remained relatively constant on a per acre basis, which is 18” to 22” per year. Wisconsin potato growers typically need to provide 8” to 10” of irrigation per acre in order to grow a full season crop. The results of the increased yield is that Wisconsin potato growers now grow 95% of the crop they grew in 2001 with 75% of the water that was required or water use efficiency (tons of potatoes/acre inch of water) has increased 126%. continued on pg. 10
AJ Bussan discusses small plot and field scale planting trials of potatoes in beds. BC’T photo.
Dr. Amy Charkowski poses in front of the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth at the 2015 Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Annual Meeting in Antigo.
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10 April 2015 Interview . . . continued from pg. 9
Wisconsin’s sandy soil regions are great for growing vegetables commercially, which helps establish our state as a major vegetable supplier. However, sandy soil requires irrigation for crops to thrive, particularly in years with reduced rainfall. Growers like Plover River Farms, use water wisely by utilizing computer controlled, energy-efficient, low horsepower, low pressure/ drop nozzle irrigation systems like this one located just south of their headquarters. It provides optimal coverage while lowering water usage and reducing evaporation. Photo by Ruth Faivre.
Central Wisconsin potato farmers saw a per acre increase in the amount of green beans that were planted that was consistent with declining volume of potato acres. In other words, for every acre of potatoes that was not grown in the seven Central Wisconsin counties an acre of green beans was planted. Green beans require between 6.5” and 7” of water per acre to grow a mature crop, which is 60 to 65% less water than the average potato crop requires. Even if green beans were double cropped behind peas or green beans, we would see a 20-30% reduction in water use relative to potatoes.
irrigated farmland through 2011 suggests most new acres are being planted to sweet corn, which requires 12”to 13” per year to grow. So, not only are potatoes grown with improved water use efficiency, but the crops to which irrigated farm land has been rotated, have an overall lower water requirement than potatoes, conserving between 20-40% more water relative to growing potatoes. Please recognize these estimates are based on in-season water use patterns and only consider crop evapotranspiration (ET) and not water lost outside of the production season.
Furthermore, nitrogen requirements of green beans and peas are lower thereby reducing fertilizer use in these crops compared to potatoes.
What are some of the challenges and concerns you see evolving within the irrigated production regions of Wisconsin, particularly with the current Little Plover River situation and water regulation?
Additionally, expanding acreage of
The
largest
challenge
from
a
Pictured here with his 2009 award, AJ Bussan is a three-time winner of the WPVGA Researcher of the Year award.
regulatory standpoint is the hold up in permit application reviews or denials due to recent judicial ruling requiring evaluating cumulative impacts on surface waters of the state. Farms are at great risk for economic loss if wells fail over the course of the growing season and cannot be repaired in a timely manner. This may be tolerable over the short term or the next 6 to 12 months, but could have catastrophic consequences over the long-term. The second largest challenge I see is the unwillingness to identify and implement solutions short of shutting off or putting unacceptable restrictions on irrigation wells. I believe we have plenty of water to accomplish agricultural, tourism, industrial, and community goals, but we need a different approach to thinking about water.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 11
In some cases, we may need to prioritize the use in certain areas of the state and correspondingly manage the water in accordance with that priority. For example, irrigation is being developed in new areas of the state and it may be more appropriate to ensure that new wells only cause minimal or acceptable effects. However, where irrigation is widely developed, we should work to maintain the current systems so that the current production is sustainable and does not cause challenges in new areas of the state. Finally, I believe models that accurately depict cumulative impacts are necessary toward finding new solutions. The models can be used to test hypothetical solutions and implement them across the landscapes of Central Wisconsin and the rest of the state. I also believe this will provide
AJ Bussan speaks at a 2013 Water Task Force (WTF) meeting. Also shown are (L-R), WTF members Mike Copas, Dr. Jeff Wyman and Andy Diercks. BC’T photo.
opportunities to expand irrigated production into areas with little irrigation and avoid concerns and controversies about future water use in those areas. How can Wisconsin farmers achieve greater efficiency in crop water management? Efficiency
can
be
increased
by
reducing evaporation and maintaining transpiration. Reducing ET will ultimately reduce transpiration, which in turn, reduces carbon assimilation and biomass production in plants. Biomass is required to produce yield so reducing transpiration will undermine the water use efficiency accomplishments described above. continued on pg. 12
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12 April 2015 Interview . . . continued from pg. 11
At a 2012 Rhinelander Ag Research Station potato tour, AJ Bussan explained how the hot, dry June and early July weather reduced tuber bulking and made it difficult to keep up with water demand on the potato crop. BC’T photo.
If we reduce transpiration and subsequently reduce yield, than it takes more acres to grow the same volume of crop. A 5% reduction in transpiration at the wrong stage of growth will actually double the volume of water required to grow the same amount of crop. Yet, none of the current pumping restrictions account for any of the seasonal fluctuations in water requirements for the crop. In contrast, reducing evaporation of water or water loss directly from the soil or plant surface has no impact on yield and is the primary mechanism to improve water use efficiency in irrigated fields of Central Wisconsin. Little is known about specific mechanisms and approaches with the greatest potential affect, but could include no-till production schemes, cover crops, reduced cultivation and other strategies that decrease the presence of bare soil. Evaporation accounts for 20% to 60% of the water loss from production fields depending on the crops being grown. What irrigation equipment enhancements have you seen that will help Wisconsin farmers continue to be ‘good stewards’ while meeting increasing yield demands?
Heartland Farms, Inc., the recipient of the 2011 National Potato Council Environmental Stewardship Award, is one of many WPVGA farms that utilize the Wisconsin Irrigation Scheduling Program, low-pressure water systems and drop nozzles that use less energy and place the water closer to the ground, reducing evaporation. Photo courtesy of Heartland Farms, Inc.
Properly working irrigation equipment that applies uniform application of water across the field is a huge requirement. This reduces yield variability and more specifically, under and over application of water in parts of the field that can result in reduced yields and subsequent reductions in water use efficiency. Variable rate application also has the potential to improve irrigation water efficiency. By taking advantage of greater soil moisture holding capacity that may occur in parts of fields, the same crop yields could be achieved with less irrigation water. While total water use efficiency (tons of crop/acre inch transpired) might be similar, the amount of irrigation water required might be reduced. Otherwise, strategies that minimize evaporation become critical during certain times of the year. For example, 2012 had many days with low relative humidity and high evaporative demand. Under these cropping conditions we may have appreciable evaporation of irrigation waters. This increases the importance of drop nozzles or other strategies that reduce evaporation.
How have research funding efforts from Wisconsin farmers and groups such as WPVGA, helped to better understand the complexities of crop water use and use water more wisely, thusly producing food with a much smaller carbon footprint than would otherwise be possible? In my mind, two substantial research efforts have been facilitated through research funding critical towards improving water management under irrigated agriculture. The first is differential water use by crops, which has been known for years and studied by soils, agronomy, horticulture and biological systems engineering faculty, staff and students. New management approaches evaluating landscape strategies to develop crop rotations in space and time are going to be necessary to promote more water conserving farmscapes. Combining this effort with cumulative impact modeling is at the core of new strategies to minimize impacts of irrigation on ground and surface waters. The second effort is evaluation of production strategies that improve water use efficiency. This includes:
BADGER COMMON’TATER 13
During 2013 Antigo Field Day, AJ Bussan reported on several of his research projects involving evaluation of fresh market, red-skinned and specialty varieties as well as his national trials of chip and fry processing varieties. BC’T photo.
• Pest and fertility management approaches that have allowed for increased production of vegetables (i.e. value of fumigation, neonicotinoids insecticides, strobilurin fungicides, etc.). • Improved varieties and hybrids. New green bean varieties have increased yields 30 to 40% over published maximum yield potential (from 6 to 8 ton). • Deferred irrigation in deep rooted crops such as field corn, sweet corn or soybean reduces need for irrigation prior to reproductive stages by 1.5” to 2.5” per acre or 5 to 7.5 million gallons on a 130° pivot. • Deficit irrigation potential in field corn and sweet corn. I do not recommend widely, but preliminary research suggests less than a 5% yield impact from deficit irrigation in corn. • Bed planting in potato production appears to reduce the amount of water that leaches beyond the root
AJ Bussan is shown with W9133-1rus, a promising fresh market russet at the Second Annual Potato Variety Harvest Expo, Hancock Research Station. BC’T photo.
zone in the bottom of the furrow. This is also preliminary research and may only be appropriate on coarse soils. • Drip irrigation is cost-prohibitive,
but 3 years of small plot research and one summer of field scale research, suggests irrigation could be reduced 15 to 25% with only a minimal impact on potato yield and quality.
14 April 2015
Badger Beat Uncommonly Challenging Common Scab By Amanda J. Gevens, Assistant Professor & Extension Plant Pathologist, UW-Madison (with contributions from UW-Madison Plant Pathology Graduate Research Assistant, Bryan J. Webster)
Potato producers worldwide face challenges with control of common scab, a disease caused by soil borne bacteria that reduces crop quality and, at times, yield. Potato tubers with extensive scab lesions are often unmarketable and are typically rejected across multiple markets including fresh, seed, and processing. The economic impact of potato common scab in the U.S. is not well documented; however, yield losses due to this disease are likely in the tens of millions annually. Although often a highly variable disease concern from year-to-year, common scab has become increasingly troublesome to Wisconsin and Upper Midwestern producers due to the limited efficacy of cultural and chemical control options. The unmistakable and highly anticipated smell of freshly turned soil in the spring comes from two small molecules, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol, which are mostly produced by Streptomyces bacteria. Of this richly smelling genus, just a small number of species can cause common scab on potato tubers, and tap roots of radish, parsnip, carrot and beet. Streptomyces scabies has long been considered the primary causal species affecting potato, but recent genotyping from our Wisconsin research has revealed multiple potato-disease-causing species including Streptomyces stelliscabiei, europascabiei and glauciniger. Many
factors influence infection and severity of common scab symptoms including diversity of soil microbial populations, soil pH, temperature and soil moisture. Potato tubers develop common scab during the tuber initiation phase and symptoms develop into three distinct lesion types at maturity: 1) russeted superficial lesions, 2) raised corky patches that are erumpent, and 3) pitted scabs that can vary from shallow to deep pits. It remains unclear as to what factors decisively influence lesion type – cultivar, pathogen species, soil type or other agroecological factors. However, some of our recent work suggests an association with pathogen species. Management strategies have included use of cultivar resistance, crop rotation, management of water during tuberization (low moisture promotes disease), management of soil pH to ≤5.2, and pesticides. However, even combined, these approaches often provide inconsistent control of common scab. Over the past several decades, growers and researchers have explored pesticide management programs for management of common scab. Control results are typically highly variably for most pesticides. However, pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) fungicide and chloropicrin fumigant have provided some of the most consistent, and repeated positive results in problematic fields with susceptible cultivars.
In just the past 6 years, here in Wisconsin, my program has evaluated over 30 conventional and organic pesticide inputs for common scab control. The materials we have tested can be categorized as conventional fungicide and fumigants, and biopesticides. I have included a table, which summarizes our trial work and general common scab results. Please be mindful that this work was conducted in a single common scab disease nursery at the Langlade County Extension Airport Research Station on ‘Yukon Gold’ potatoes. Pentachloronitrobenzene, or PCNB (Blocker®), applied as a pre-plant soil treatment, and chloropicrin, applied as a soil fumigant prior to planting, have both resulted in good and consistent common scab control across trial replications and across years. Serenade Soil and Quadris resulted in good, but inconsistent common scab control results over the 6 years of testing. While the microbial biopesticides contain beneficial microorganisms that can inhabit the soil and have been shown to provide some common scab reduction in controlled environments, these materials were highly variably in control performance in our multiple years of trialing. As we look ahead to other disease concerns for potato production in 2015, let us first consider the resulting effects of this long, cold winter. While
BADGER COMMON’TATER 15
it is likely that a high percentage of our above ground debris-borne plant pathogens froze to death if snow cover was limited on open fields, the pathogens that live beneath the soil surface and have specialized protective fungal structures for longterm survival may have survived just fine. Remember that many of our most persistent soil borne pathogens are adept at surviving winters in northern climes, including Streptomyces species. Fungicide seed treatments, in-furrow pesticide application, and fungicide/ fumigant soil incorporants can have a place in an integrated disease management plan which includes cultural practices such as planting
certified potato seed to aid in minimizing disease levels and proper handling and sanitation of storage/ cutting/curing facilities prior to planting, and cultivar resistance. In combination, integrated practices minimize economic losses to disease, minimize environmental effects, limit risk of pesticide residues, limit development of fungicideresistant pathogen strains and limit development of pathogen strains, which may overcome host disease resistance. For further information on potato disease management and fungicides, please refer to the following sources. Our Potato & Vegetable Pathology
Website can be sourced at http:// www.plantpath.wisc.edu/wivegdis/. The 2015 A3422 Commercial Vegetable Production in Wisconsin guide is available for purchase through the University of Wisconsin Extension Learning Store website: http:// learningstore.uwex.edu/Search. aspx?k=A3422. In addition, a pdf of the document can be downloaded or is available at the following direct link: http://learningstore.uwex.edu/ assets/pdfs/A3422.PDF Summary, on page 16, of potato common scab control trial results from 2009 to 2014 on ‘Yukon Gold’ in Antigo, WI. Gevens, A.J.; Potato & Vegetable Pathology, UW-Madison; gevens@wisc.edu
SAVE MONEY, SAVE WATER; UPDATE YOUR SPRINKLER PACKAGE. KEEP COSTS LOW WITH EFFICIENT WATER APPLICATION. Meet irrigation challenges head-on with greater water efficiency. Converting to low-pressure sprinkler technology saves thousands in energy bills. Valley Irrigation will ensure that every drop of water is working to put more money in your pocket. Trust your Valley dealer to get the right design in your hands. Schedule a sprinkler package review today. ®
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16 April 2015 Badger Beat . . . continued from pg. 15
Common Scab Control Trial Results from 2009 to 2014 on ‘Yukon Gold’ in Antigo, WI Treatment
Active Ingredient
Application Rate/Acre
Time of Application
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
X
X
X
X
General Comment on Efficacy
Untreated control
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
X
Colonize
mycorrhizal inoculant
2.0 oz
At-plant
X
X
NA Poor
Colonize + Messenger
mycorrhizal inoculant + harpin protein
2.0 oz + 3.0 oz
At-plant
X
X
Poor
Agzyme
bio-stimulant and foliar nutrients
12.8 oz
At-plant
X
Serenade Soil 1.34%
Bacillus subtilis strain 713
32.3 fl oz/113 fl oz/194 fl oz
At-plant
X
X
Quadris Flowable 2F
azoxystrobin
11.7 fl oz
At-plant
X
X
Poor
X
X
X
Good – highly variable
X
Good – highly variable
MycoApply
mycorrhizae
At-plant
X
Poor
Quash 50WDG
metconazole
2.0 fl oz/4.0 fl oz At-plant
X
Poor
Untreated control – No fumigation
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
Vapam
metam sodium
40.0 lb
Fall prior
X
X
X
X
Poor
Blocker 4F
pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB)
10.0 pt
At-plant
X
X
X
X
Good
Blocker 4F + Mocap 15G
PCNB + ethoprop (15%)
10.0 pt + 20.5 lb
At-plant
X
Good
Mocap 15G
ethoprop (15%)
20.5 lb
At-plant
X
Good
Blocker 4F + Rejuvenate
PCNB + naphthalenic acid (NAA)
10.0 pt + 0.33 oz
At-plant
X
Rejuvenate
naphthalenis acid (NAA)
0.33 oz
Seed trt
Blocker + Serenade Soil
PCNB + Bacillus subtilits
5 pt + 4.4 oz
At-plant
Tiger-Sul 90CR
elemental sulfur
1000 lb
At-plant
Regalia SC
Reynoutria sachalinensis extract
29.3 fl oz
At-plant
Regalia 5SC
Reynoutria sachalinensis extract
0.5 fl oz
At-plant
X
Regalia 5SC
Reynoutria sachalinensis extract
4.0 fl oz
At-plant
X
Pic Plus
chloropicrin (85%) + solvent
117 lb/234 lb/351 lb
Fall prior
Pic Plus
chloropicrin (85%)
234 lb a.i.acre
Fall prior
X
Good
Pic Plus + Serenade Soil
chloropicrin (85%) + Bacillus 117 lb a.i./acre subtilis + 8.8 oz
Fall prior + at-plant
X
Good
Pic Plus + Serenade Soil
chloropicrin (85%) + Bacillus 351 lb a.i./acre subtilis + 4.4 oz
Fall prior + at-plant
X
Good
C60 Pic
chloropicrin (60%)
167 lb/250 lb/333 lb
Fall prior
C60 Pic + Regalia 5SC
chloropicrin (60%) + Reynoutria sachalinensis extract
167 lb a.i./acre +4.0 fl oz
Fall prior + at-plant
X
Good
C60 Pic
chloropicrin (60%)
250 lb a.i./acre
Fall prior
X
Good
C60 Pic + Regalia 5SC
chloropicrin (60%) + Reynoutria sachalinensis extract
333 lb a.i.acre + Fall prior + 0.5 fl oz at-plant
X
Good
Mocap 15G + NAA
ethoprop (15%) + NAA
20.5 lb + 0.33 oz
At-plant
X
Poor
AmegA SC
iron, phosphite, plant oils, and surfactant
10.0 pt
At-plant
X
Poor
Poor
X
X
X
Good
X
X
Good – highly variable
X
X
X
Good – highly variable
X
X
X
X
X
X
Poor Poor Poor – low disease pressure X
Poor – low disease pressure Good
X
Good
Sharing the Vision
BADGER COMMON’TATER 17
Little Plover River Conservancy Project Unites All Stakeholders By Ruth Faivre, Managing Editor
Working together, Wisconsin’s citizens can solve the most complex problems even when they involve a number of diverse sectors such as Wisconsin’s base of potato and vegetable growers, other agricultural interests and associations, government entities, businesses, environmental groups, conservationists, universities, hunting and fishing enthusiasts and the general public. That is certainly true of what was once termed, “a hot potato”; the Little Plover River watershed’s rising and falling water flow levels. Meeting the challenge headon over the past years, all of the interested parties in this consortium have gathered and shared data, investigated possible solutions, reviewed reams of research, attended numerous meetings and strategized for countless hours. OUTCOME Finally, all of their hard work is starting to produce tangible results with the announcement of the Little Plover River Conservancy Area Project, a far-reaching undertaking involving the Village of Plover, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) applying for a comprehensive grant. Jointly, these three governmental groups, other local leadership and area farmers will develop 140 acres of land near the Little Plover River into a conservancy, while also creating an agricultural education center and potential new headquarters for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA). continued on pg. 18
These photos of the Little Plover River’s Springville Wharf area by renowned photographer, Pete Sanderson, represent some of the Little Plover River’s scenic, recreational and wildlife/marine opportunities that all the parties involved in this project are working to protect.
18 April 2015 Sharing the Vision . . . continued from pg. 17
DNR representatives facilitated discussions, provided guidance on the creation of this conservancy area and commissioned a study of the Little Plover River water model to help identify ways to improve stream flows.
FINE POINTS The grant provisions also involve Del Monte Foods, Inc. of Plover, WI moving its discharge of nutrient-rich cooling water closer to the Little Plover River recharge area, thereby increasing and revitalizing the Little Plover River’s stream flows and water quality. Additionally, increasing the amount of land under the Del Monte Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) may help generate further opportunities for other parties to utilize the nutrientrich Del Monte cooling water. The Little Plover River Conservancy Project will also encompass these benefits: • Provide supplemental public access to the river • Create more wetland areas in the Little Plover River headwaters. • Restore shorelines and streambeds from Springville Pond to the headwaters. • Refurbish the Kennedy Avenue flow by removing drainage ditches while allowing for spring runoff when water levels are high. • Establish a central location to
promote and educate the public regarding Wisconsin’s rich agricultural traditions, crop facts, economic impact and good steward practices while reinforcing the state’s commitments to natural resources and the environment. • Provide opportunities for educational interaction such as school classes planting trees and prairie plants supervised by UWSP College of Natural Resources students.
WPVGA STATUS Recently, the WPVGA Board of Directors passed motions to support working with the Village of Plover and the DNR on the Little Plover River Conservancy Project and to modify the WPVGA By-Laws to allow the relocation of WPVGA’s headquarters to any potato-growing region of Wisconsin. The relocation motion was approved as an amendment to the WPVGA bylaws at the WPVGA annual board meeting held February 5, 2015 in Stevens Point.
THE NEXT STEP The Village of Plover and WPVGA will partner with the Community Foundation to raise funds and in-kind donations for these purposes: • Development of Little Plover River conservancy area overall. • Construction of nature trails connecting the Little Plover River
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FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN GOALS WPVGA Headquarters: $500,000 Little Plover River Conservancy: $500,000 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Gold Sponsor -$50,000 Silver Sponsor - $25,000 Bronze Sponsor - $10,000 You can also partner with this project through in-kind donations, which will play an important part in its success. Donating your professional and organizational skills, heavy equipment, building supplies and landscaping/hardscaping components for tasks like clearing land and brush, landscaping and construction will help make this project a success.
conservancy area to the Green Circle, the Amherst bike trail and Village of Plover residential areas • Excavation of a 10-acre pond, building berms and a sledding hill. • Creating a wetland area with an elevated walkway. • Building an all season meeting space as well as group shelters. • Establishing hunting and fishing access and erecting hunting blinds for deer and duck hunting. • Restoring stream banks. • Improving fish and wildlife habitats and providing fishing piers. • Designing and constructing pavilions and parking areas. • Creating educational learning opportunities with dedicated kiosks and signage within each pavilion and along park trails.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 19
• Planting and landscaping prairie land and reforesting areas.
have already initiated the WPVGA fundraising efforts.
This project is now underway and some site work will begin in 2015 with the goal of significant completion in 2016.
If the WPVGA office is relocated to this property, the new building is proposed to be about 3,200 square feet. The land and building will be funded through the fundraising campaign and then deeded to WPVGA. WPVGA will be responsible for real estate taxes, building and grounds maintenance, utilities and other bills. WPVGA pays rent, electric and phone bills currently.
CAMPAIGN GOALS Initial projections are estimated around the one-million dollar range with $500,000 for the Little Plover River Conservancy Project and $500,000 for relocating WPVGA headquarters from Antigo to a parcel adjacent to the Little Plover River entrance off County R. Local growers
Going forward, WPVGA Finance and Administration Committee will continue to research all aspects of this proposed WPVGA offices relocation
from Antigo closer to the heart of Wisconsin’s prime potato growing region and the state capitol for legislative issues. Most importantly, with all interested parties working together as “partners” and everyone’s voice counting, the future holds much greater promise of a balanced use of water and natural resources. For more details or to contribute, contact Jeremie Pavelski, Heartland Farms: jpavelski@hfinc.biz or Jim Wysocki, Wysocki Family of Companies: jimwysocki@rpespud.com.
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20 April 2015
Liquid Beauty
Spotlighting Field Irrigation Equipment By Ruth Faivre, Managing Editor
Water! With each new growing strong frames highlighted against season, Wisconsin’s farmers balance the need to conserve and protect this precious natural resource while addressing the world’s increasing food demands, rising production costs and climate extremes. In Wisconsin, nearly 473,000 acres of potatoes, vegetables, fruits, turf and nursery crops (2013 NASS) are irrigated yearly with highly advanced, effective and efficient irrigation systems to ensure profitable crop production. As you drive down rural road and past our state’s many farms, you see these systems in our local fields every day. However, have you ever really looked at them, I mean actually taken a minute to appreciate the intricate equipment involved in irrigation systems or noted their architecturally
a sunset or gleaming in the bright sunlight, delivering the gift of water to thirsty plants? These photos supplied by landscape photographers and irrigation equipment suppliers will hopefully present irrigation in an unexpectedly different light.
Above: Irrigated potato flowers at sunset. Photo by photographer, Pete Sanderson. Left: A Washington grower uses FieldNET® by Lindsay (www.zimmatic.com) wireless irrigation management tool to irrigate and monitor his potato crops. Image provided courtesy of Lindsay Corporation.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 21
Left: “With drop nozzles and low pressure sprinklers on my Zimmatic® pivot (www.zimmatic.com), the water efficiency has increased substantially,” states Keith Labrie, Maine potato grower. Image provided courtesy of Lindsay Corporation. Right: The Zimmatic® 9500CC Custom Corner with GPS Corner Guidance by Lindsay (www.zimmatic.com) maximizes production with pinpoint accuracy. Image provided courtesy of Lindsay Corporation.
continued on pg. 22
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22 April 2015 Liquid Beauty . . . continued from pg. 21
Above: The Magnum Weight represents Senninger’s (www.senninger.com) most economical weight for center pivot sprinklers. Unlike most drop weights, this filled weight is constructed out of UV and corrosion-resistant thermoplastic. The weight contains no metal parts, making it both theft resistant and largely immune to price fluctuations common with zinc metal weights. Image provided courtesy of Senninger Irrigation. Left: FieldNET® by Lindsay wireless irrigation management (www.zimmatic.com) gives growers the power to manage and control pivots, laterals and pumps from a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Image provided courtesy of Lindsay Corporation. Below: Nelson Irrigation’s O3000 Orbitors (www. nelsonirrigation.com) installed on an Idaho potato field. Image provided courtesy of Nelson Irrigation Corporation.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 23
Left: Valley Variable Rate Irrigation (www.valleyirrigation. com) offers the ultimate in precision irrigation. Based on a VRI Prescription, water is only applied where it needs to be not to unnecessary areas in your field, such as ditches, canals, buildings, and boggy areas. Here, a Valley 8000 series center pivot uses VRI on a potato field. Image provided courtesy of Valley Irrigation. Right: Nelson Irrigation’s O3000 Orbitors (www.nelsonirrigation. com) features new technology that eliminates the struts of a sprinkler body to provide outstanding uniformity and optimal droplets at low operating pressures. Image provided courtesy of Nelson Irrigation Corporation.
Above: While irrigation equipment often emits the most beautiful rainbows, a set of skyward bound real rainbows give them stiff competition. Photo by photographer, Pete Sanderson.
continued on pg. 24
24 April 2015 Liquid Beauty . . . continued from pg. 23
Right: The new Valley VFlex™ Corner (www.valleyirrigation.com) offers a vast array of features and options, including three span lengths, two types of sprinkler sequencing, two types of guidance systems, multiple tire choices, multiple steering options, two water inlet options and trailing or leading orientation. It can be customized to meet the requirements of your field, your operation and your method of farming. Image provided courtesy of Valley Irrigation. Below: The i-Wob is Senninger’s (www. senninger.com) top-selling pivot sprinkler. It instantly and uniformly covers the entire area of its wetted circle with consistently sized droplets. This consistent droplet size maintains the sprinkler’s pattern integrity and helps prevents wind-drift and evaporation. Image provided courtesy of Senninger Irrigation.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 25
Above: Electrogator II reversible, electric gear driven center pivot system with leading edge engineering by Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc. (www. reinke.com) provides ultimate potato field irrigation. Image provided courtesy of Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc. Right: Sunrise over irrigation equipment running on Buena vista grasslands south of Plover off of Taft looking east. The terminal moraine is in the background. Photo by photographer, Pete Sanderson.
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26 April 2015
Newly Minted!
Follow Gumz Muck Farms LLC’s Mint Harvest Article and Photos by Ruth Faivre, Managing Editor
Richard Gumz, co-owner of Gumz Muck Farms, LLC, stands in one of the operation’s mint fields near the Baraboo bluffs.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 27
Top Left: Commercial mint is a sterile, complex perennial, seldom producing seed. Planting a new mint field requires digging up an existing field of certified rootstock with healthy growth. One acre of rootstock will produce ten acres of new mint. Left: Mint grows best in nutrient-rich, extremely fertile, dark muck soil of which there are large deposits in Central WI. Muck soil is found in previously swampy or wet areas formed during the glacial age. Above: Planting time - Sterile mint rootstock is being planted into the 5’-8’ deep muck soil. The rootstock is bred for disease-resistance, which minimizes chemical pesticides usage.
The heady aroma, of a field of
commercially grown peppermint awakens your senses and immediately evokes memories of your favorite mint-related foods and beverages. Peppermint’s taste and aroma derive from high concentrations of volatile, organic oils called terpenes. Complex compounds, terpenes are volatile because they dissipate quickly, vaporizing readily into the air, even at room temperature. While many foods, beverages, beauty products, liqueurs, confectioneries, and medicines incorporate peppermint oil into their formulations, these products are not the biggest end users of Wisconsin grown mint oils. Ninety percent of Wisconsin mint oil is designated for chewing gum and toothpaste. A 55-gallon drum of mint oil can flavor nearly five-million sticks of chewing gum or thousands of tubes of toothpaste. continued on pg. 28
28 April 2015 Newly Minted! . . . continued from pg. 27
Above: Harvest preparation - Gumz Muck Farms harvests and distills their mint crops July to August when the plants are about twofeet high and at ten percent of full bloom. A self-propelled mower conditioner cuts and gathers the plants into windrows to cure for 2-3 days, allowing moisture to evaporate from the leaves.
The first U.S. mint crop was planted around 1810. Today, the U.S. grows an annual average of 150,000 acres of peppermint and spearmint (8085% peppermint and the remainder spearmint), accounting for more than 70% of the world’s mint oil supply, approximately equal to the yearly total corn acreage in Columbia County, WI. Mint is not a crop normally associated with Central Wisconsin, where potatoes and vegetables dominate the farming industry. It was not commercially cultivated in Wisconsin until the mid-20th century primarily to supply Chicago’s chewing gum giant, the Wrigley Company. Even after a late start, Wisconsin ranks fifth in the nation for mint oil production with approximately 80-85% of acreage devoted to growing peppermint, the remainder to spearmint.
MINT MASTERS No one should know this better than
Above: Harvest - The forage harvester chops the dried mint and blows it into a distillation tub. It takes about two acres of hay to fill a mint tub. It is then transported back to the distilling operation where mint oil will be extracted.
Richard Gumz, who together with his brother, Roderick, co-owns Gumz Muck Farms, LLC, with farms located in Marquette, Columbia and Sauk Counties. Their mint operation is ranked in the top twelve nationwide
and top two in Wisconsin. Richard has served as President of the Wisconsin Mint Board for several years. Gumz Muck Farms totals over 6,000 acres with 1,000+ acres planted to mint. Red potatoes, onions, carrots,
BADGER COMMON’TATER 29
Above: The molten-hot fire inside the boiler, which you can view through this porthole, reaches 340 degrees Fahrenheit.
soybeans and field corn grow on the remaining acres. Their mint is grown in two separate locations, one in the Endeavor area and the other in Baraboo in a flat valley below the bluffs, which is exceptionally scenic.
SUPER SOIL Gumz Muck Farms is so named because their farms are all on mucklands. Supercharged with even more nutrients than mineral soils, mucklands began long ago as swampy or wet areas full of vegetation and trees that decayed into organic matter as the wetness evaporated, eventually evolving into rich muck soil. It takes nature about 500 years to complete create just one foot of muck soil. Extremely fertile, muck soil also features great water-holding capacity and usually needs no irrigation, an important aspect for crops with high moisture requirements. Muck is moist all season, dries on the surface only and does not crust over in the sun. One-foot depth muck soil can retain two inches of water, compared to mineral soil, which holds only one inch of water per foot. Plants can survive two weeks in muck soil without any limitations, compared to only one week on mineral soil. Due to its high concentrations of organic matter, muck is almost pitch
Above: Gumz Muck Farms has several extraction/distillation facilities located at key points to maximize efficiency. Boilers (not shown) operates at 110 -120 psi, to fire up the distillation process.
black in color, allowing it to efficiently collect and retain heat from the sun and heat up earlier than lightercolored ground in the spring, an advantage for crops that need an early start, like mint and onions, which Gumz Muck Farms also plants.
for harvesting.
Muck’s high organic matter content also alleviates soil compaction. The soil is fine, soft and loose, allowing plant roots to grow deeper more easily. Fairly light and finely textured, it blows away easily when it is dry, so farmers often build windbreaks near their crops and use extensive cover crops.
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Gumz farms maintain drainage canals around the mint fields. By raising or lowering canal gates, they can maintain water tables near surface levels during the growing season and then drop levels to ensure dry fields
While mucklands are susceptible to frost in late spring and early fall, the harvest on these fields is vastly superior, far outweighing any disadvantages.
According to Richard, “Mint is sterile and produces no seeds—it is propagated by the roots. To start a new field, we dig certified rootstock with strong growth from healthy fields in early spring and plant the roots in rows to start a new field. Mint is a very shallow-rooted crop and does well on the moist, muck soils. Even though mint is a perennial, we only grow it in any given field for three to five years to improve fertility and minimize disease buildup.” continued on pg. 30
30 April 2015 Newly Minted! . . . continued from pg. 29
“If the weather cooperates, sprouts appear about two weeks after planting. By late summer, the plants spread horizontally, forming solid mats,” explains Richard. “The mature crop is harvested between mid-July to late August by mowing/swathing like alfalfa hay. It is left to dry for two to three days, then chopped like haylage into special wagons that serve as cooking vessels. The wagons have gasketed doors and pipes with holes drilled in them, lining the wagon floor,” continues Richard. The mint continues through the distilling process and is transformed into oil. Following harvest, the mint is plowed under to protect the shallow root system from adverse winter conditions. The fields are then planted with cover crops to protect against wind and water erosion.”
DISTILLATION MADE EASY The Distillation Process graphic illustrates the manner in which the mint is refined into oil.
Above: Processed mint oil is pumped into 55-gallon galvanized drums where it can be stored for several years. It takes 8-10 tubs of mint hay to fill a 55-gallon drum with mint oil. Drums are loaded on a semi-trailer and hauled to a buyer in Indiana. Most of the oil will ultimately be sold to Colgate for toothpaste or the Wrigley’s Company for chewing gum.
DISTILLATION PROCESS
BADGER COMMON’TATER 31
Above: The relatively tasteless vegetative matter that remains in the tub after essential oils are extracted, is deposited in a pile while still steaming hot and once cooled, is recycled for use as sterile compost.
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The water left in the gravity separator flows into the used water tank where it will be recycled to feed the continued on pg. 32
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In the gravity separator, mint oil rises to the top and is pumped into 55-gallon galvanized drums for shipment to mint oil buyers, who formulate, blend and deliver the mint oil to end users such as Wrigley and Colgate.
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Steam runs from the boiler into pipes in the bottom of the harvest tub and pushes up through the mint hay for 90-120 minutes, extracting mint oil from the glands on the leaves’ lower surfaces, as a vapor. The oil and steam vapors flow through a hose into the condenser, which returns the vapor to a liquid form. The condenser cools steam and mint oil vapor to about 115 degrees, where mint oil and water separate well and then flow into a gravity separator.
chisels ● rod-weeders ● choppers ● cultivators ● rod-weeders ● chisels ● fertilizer applicators ●
32 April 2015 Newly Minted! . . . continued from pg. 31
boiler once again to make steam for processing. Richard expands further, “Normally, it takes two acres of mint to fill a tub, which will yield 80 to 100 pounds of oil. Wisconsin’s average yield is about 50-pounds per acre.”
GUMZ FARMS PRODUCTS Gumz Farms produces a wide selection of locally grown, premium quality red potatoes, yellow onions, peppermint and spearmint, field corn, soybeans and carrots. Their products are distributed to regional and national wholesalers, retailers and food service companies under many labels, including their own signature brand, Richard’s Finest. Gumz Farms also offers a wide range of produce services including washing, grading, packaging, transporting, sales and distribution. They are also authorized dealers of Pioneer Brand Seeds®.
Top: I asked Richard what the used water tank temperature was. He said it was about 140 degrees resulting from the condenser cooling the steam and mint oil vapor so they will separate well. I am glad it was his hand and not mine, that close to the water. Bottom: Mint is a perennial plant. In its first year, it is planted in 36” rows, which rapidly spread out, mat-like to fill the field. Bees love mint blossoms, which provide much needed nectar at a time when many other flowers have stopped blooming.
PAST & PRESENT The Gumz farming operation began in the early 1900's, when Frederick Gumz, great grandfather to Richard and Roderick Gumz, emigrated from Prussia and settled into a small Midwestern farming community in Indiana. There, he established the first Gumz family farm. “Our grandfather started growing mint in Indiana over 80 years ago and expanded into Wisconsin in the 1940s when the Indiana land became increasingly infected with Verticillium wilt disease, which can greatly damage mint,” states Richard. “The fungus can remain dormant in the soil for ten years, waiting to re-infect the next mint planting. At the time, Wisconsin was not yet exposed to Verticillium wilt. Frederick eventually passed down his high work ethic, commitment to quality and belief in preserving the
land, to three generations of Gumz farmers and counting. As good stewards of the land and sensitive to environmental concerns, Gumz Muck Farms, which remains family operated, utilizes responsive agricultural practices including
integrated pest management, third party auditing and crop rotation. This helps drastically reduce pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. The Endeavor farms incorporate a series of drainage ditches left naturally wild, which creates a bird watcher’s
BADGER COMMON’TATER 33
Top: The Gumz Farms’ drainage ditches are left naturally wild, providing abundant cover and a suitable environment for birds and wildlife. I saw a large great blue heron along the road and a bald eagle soaring high overhead. The photo below left is a Purple Gallinule marsh duck spotted along the water in the ditchs. Rarely seen in Wisconsin, the Purple Gallinule has an orange bill and iridescent feathers. Right: Roderick (left) and Richard (right) Gumz pose in front of their newly completed, extensively remodeled office/ warehouse expansion, initiated to serve current and future demand in a safer and more responsive manner.
paradise full of snow-white egrets, great blue herons, ducks, geese, red tail hawks, bald eagles, killdeer, redwinged blackbirds and many different songbirds depending on the season. (Editor’s note: During my visit to the Endeavor farms, I glimpsed two beautiful Purple Gallinule marsh ducks with iridescent feathers and orange bills, rarely sighted in Wisconsin.) The Baraboo operation, nestled in a large, flat valley surrounded by the incredibly scenic Baraboo Bluffs, offers a more wide-open feel. Richards’s grandfather purchased this land in 1948. Surprisingly, when Richard’s dad, Jerry, climbed Baraboo Bluffs in the early 1950s, there were no trees on them. Today, conifers and hardwoods blanket the bluffs.
Going forward, the Gumz brothers assert, “We will continue to diversify and grow in areas complimentary to our current products and services. In regards to mint oil, we went through a difficult period in the 1990s when oversupply caused prices to plummet for the next ten years. Luckily, mint has a shelf life of over ten years. Better prices returned, but only on a limited contract basis.” “Nevertheless, we will remain in the mint business regardless because even if we do not know the future of the industry, mint oil will always be a desired commodity,” the brothers affirm. “Change is an integral part of farming and we learned to adapt and adjust a long time ago.”
34 April 2015
2015 Midwest Mint GROWERS ANNUAL MEETING February 26-27, Wisconsin Dells, WI, Chula Vista Midwest mint growers from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan state associations gathered at their annual meeting to interact with other producers and individuals involved with the mint oil industry. The meeting provided a great opportunity for growers to attend a number of seminars held by university researchers and specialists actively addressing production issues. The seminars focused on various challenges and numerous topics for this economically important niche crop.
Dr. Amanda Gevens, Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI addressed nematodes in Wisconsin, Verticillium disease description and management and fungicide updates for the Midwest.
Dr. Ann MacGuidwin, Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, discussed nematode biology and threshold determination.
A.J. Todd, A.M. Todd Co., a Division of WILD Flavors, Kalamazoo, MI, gave the Mint Industry Research Council (MIRC) Chairman’s Report and Council Update.
Katie Howard, Winfield Solutions, Minneapolis, MN conducted a seminar on crop physiology and biomass in mint detailing characterization of vegetative and reproductive growth and development and improving persistence strategies of Wisconsin peppermint and spearmint.
Richard Gumz, Wisconsin Mint Board President, who welcomed all growers and participants to the annual meeting, kicked off the two-day program. A variety of educational seminars was held along with state grower meetings and the annual banquet and business meeting.
Dr. Steve Weller, Horticulture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN shared Indiana weed management studies and studies of herbicide resistant weeds in Indiana.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 35
Left: Dr. Ralph Green, Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, covered field trials for lesion nematode control on peppermint. Right: Les Toews, I.P. Callison & Sons, Inc., Lacey, WA reviewed the U.S. Mint Oil Buyer’s outlook.
continued on pg. 36
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36 April 2015 Annual Meeting . . . continued from pg. 35
Randy Van Haren, Pest Pros., Inc., explained how to identify hidden pest problems, treatment and management techniques. Lieutenant Michael Klingenberg, WI State Patrol (TBD) presented information about implements of husbandry.
Dr. Jed Colquhoun, Horticulture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI outlined research updates on weed management for Wisconsin mint.
Dr. Russell Groves, Entomology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI served as the moderator of the meeting and helped to coordinate the entire event.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 37
Agropermits Help Simplify IOH-AGCMV PERMITTING AND COMPLIANCE Agrometrics, LLC, a top notch Jamallamudi, who belongs to a farming analytical and technological service provider to the agricultural sector employing leading edge technologies and top tier talent, announced the official launch of AgroPermits, www. agropermits.com.
family and has worked closely with growers in North America for the past decade, observes, “Growers prefer to spend time improving production efficiencies to feed the people than navigating complex regulations.”
AgroPermits is an online software system that simplifies the Implements of Husbandry (IoH) and Agricultural Commercial Motor Vehicles (AgCMV) permitting and compliance process for all stakeholders including growers, cities/townships and counties in the state of Wisconsin.
Townships and counties are also not equipped with enough staff to scrutinize and approve IoH and Ag CMV permit applications. The problem is compounded by the fact cities/ townships will not have any revenue in the form of application fees or traffic citations related to IoH and AgCMV to hire extra staff. Expected application processing times range from three to six weeks.
The 2013 Wisconsin Act 377 created a free permit for Implements of Husbandry (IoH) and Agricultural Commercial Motor Vehicles (Ag CMV) exceeding the new weight and length limits. Failure to carry the permit would result in a fine of $2,500 per violation. Madhu Jamallamudi, the president of AgroPermits explains, “The current permitting process is complex requiring an understanding of regulations governing lengths, weights, and categories with variations for townships/cities, counties, and state for each power and towing unit combinations.”
Jamallamudi believes, “AgroPermits offers an effective software solution to solve the challenges faced by both the agricultural equipment operators as well as Maintaining Authorities (MA) such as cities and counties. The system simplifies the process of collecting vehicle data, assessing permit requirements, applying for permits and demonstrating compliance to the law enforcement officials in a cost effective manner.” AgroPermits’ innovative methodology simplifies the data collection process
Madhu Jamallamudi
and helps collect data four times quicker than the traditional process. Its algorithms are designed to understand and navigate complex IoH & AgCMV regulations based on individual city preferences for opting in/out. The system auto populates thousands of pages of application forms and is designed to save time, effort and money while eliminating human errors and costly penalties. You can download the data collection Excel template free from www.agropermits. com. continued on pg. 38
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38 April 2015 AgroPermits Help Simplify . . . continued from pg. 37
AgroPermits’ President Madhu Jamallamudi in front of a potato planter being readied for weighing. Photo courtesy of AgroPermits.
Jamallamudi recommended the start of the weighing process as soon as possible if you have not already done so. It can take some time to measure the lengths and weights of all the vehicles despite a reduction in the data collection time by 80% if you are using AgroPermits’ Excel template. After the data is collected, one can sign into the online portal at agropermits.com to import the data, assess and apply for the permits.
effective solution. If you or your staff weighs all the vehicles, fills out thousands of pages of application forms and maintains necessary permits, you can drain valuable resources and time. AgroPermits charges $6 per permit per year, which is three to four times
more cost effective than applying for those permits manually using staff personnel. Volume discounts are available if you need a large number of permits. For more information, contact Madhu Jamallamudi, madhu@agropermits.com, or (870) 200-9080.
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Permit applications are sent to the Maintaining Authorities for approval electronically via e-mail or into the Maintaining Authority Console (MAC) if that MA is using AgroPermits’ system for approving and managing permit applications. After the permits are received, you can use AgroPermits’ smart phone app to display the necessary permits to law enforcement officials easily while on the road. According to Jamallamudi, the cost of compliance with IoH and AgCMV regulations can be high for the producers, which is why AgroPermits is committed to delivering a cost
IoH & AgCMV Compliance Made Easy
BADGER COMMON’TATER 39
New Valley® Irrigation Technology Integrates Precision Irrigation Data into Other Farm Management Programs Article and Photos by Valley Irrigation Massive amounts of data are generated every day on the farm. Making this information useful can be challenging, especially as an increasing number of systems generate multiple streams of unstructured, unintegrated data. Wouldn't it be nice if all those applications worked together to make farm management easier?
embedded in the Valley BaseStation3T irrigation remote control and monitoring product.
Valley® Irrigation is taking the first step toward creating unified farm management with Irrigation ExchangeT, cutting-edge technology
Valley Irrigation, The Leader in Precision Irrigation®, is working with industry-leading seed companies, continued on pg. 40
Irrigation Exchange enables growers to share precision irrigation data with complementary management systems and make informed water application decisions.
Valley BaseStation3 Pivot Control iPhone application.
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40 April 2015 New Valley速 Irrigation Technology . . . continued from pg. 39
equipment manufacturers and agronomy service providers to synchronize irrigation with other critical and interdependent farm operations. This integration leads to data-driven irrigation decisions that increase efficiency, production and profits. Valley Director of Technology Adoption Andy Smith said some growers use more than 20 separate software programs to manage their farm operations.
Valley Irrigation Exchange Field View for laptop.
Irrigation Exchange allows growers to actively control their irrigation equipment from within other farm management platforms, eliminating the need to log into or switch between multiple systems.
timely data available across a variety of platforms for farmers, farm managers, agronomists or whomever the grower chooses. It provides a truly comprehensive approach to irrigation management."
"Irrigation certainly doesn't happen in a vacuum," Smith said. "The amount of water needed depends on everything from soil and crop type to rainfall and fertility.
Smith emphasized that Valley believes all farm-specific irrigation information belongs to the growers.
"Irrigation Exchange makes relevant,
"Although it handles critical and sensitive farming records, Irrigation Exchange keeps that information
safe," he said. "Only you have access to your data, and you choose what to share and which partners to share it with." With the ever-increasing demand on limited resources, Irrigation Exchange puts the grower in command of the most powerful stream of irrigation data ever developed. Growers can leverage that integrated information to develop a strategy that will increase yields and produce economic benefits. For more information about Irrigation Exchange, visit valleyirrigation.com/ ix. With historical sales of more than 200,000 center pivots and linears, Valmont-built equipment annually irrigates approximately 25 million acres around the world. The Nebraskabased company remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions now and well into the future. For more information, please visit www. ValleyIrrigation.com. Valley Irrigation Exchange Field View for iPad.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 41
World Potato Congress to Drive Technology and Trade The World Potato Congress (WPC) is scheduled for July 28-30, 2015 in Yanqing, Beijing, China. The WPC will hold a variety of topical seminars of interest to the potato industry worldwide. The trade show will occupy an area of 10,000 square meters and the industry tours will include rich content. Numerous experts are featured and several developing countries will attend. WPC will offer participating companies and organizations the broadest exchange, trade and cooperation opportunities and drive technology and trade integration in the potato industry. During the Awards Ceremony at the Badaling Great Wall, delegates will enjoy Chinese potato delicacies and other specialties, climb the Great Wall in the moonlight and listen to traditional Chinese music. WPC offers elaborately selected several tourist routes for the participants to immerse themselves in the historical culture and natural scenery of this ancient oriental country. The following is a list of the technical sessions to be held at the 2015 World Potato Congress: 1. Water Challenges and Opportunities in Potato Production. Exploring water-related issues like water use efficiency (WUE), water-saving measures, efficient irrigation methods, waste water treatment techniques in production and processing of potatoes. 2. Potato Consumption and Markets. Examining potato import and export, direct supply from farmers to supermarkets, financing and impact of global financial crisis on consumers and growers. 3. Major Potato Diseases. Learning about occurrence, control and
prevention of potato late blight, potato black leg and other new diseases and application of genetics and disease control and prevention in the potato industry. 4. Potato Variety Breeding. Investigating breeding technologies of new varieties which can adapt to different environments or demands; focusing on various varieties that can meet the needs of processing, fresh consumption and other marketing arenas. 5. Promotion of Public Awareness of the Potato. Analyzing potatoes' nutritional value and status in developing countries and demands of consumers; studying new communication strategies and promotional methods to expand the demands of consumers and boost consumption. 6. Storage and Processing Technology. Exploring post-harvest potato processing methods; focusing on efficient storage technologies, processing methods and development trends of processing technologies for various
potato products such as chips, French fries, seed potatoes, and table potatoes. 7. Application of Biotechnology in Potato Breeding. Delving into application of biotechnology in potato breeding and its significance to the global potato industry. 8. Potato Mechanization. Considering technologies for potato mechanization throughout the entire potato process production from planting, growing, field management and plant protection all the way to harvest, storage, packaging, current applications and future trends. 9. Integrated Crop Management. Scrutinizing application of emerging technologies like Lidar remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite data to minimize potato production risks resulting from noticeable changes in climate. For more information, visit the WPC website at: www.potatocongress.org.
42 April 2015
Root Demand Irrigation® Accepts AE50 Award By Root Demand Irrigation
Illustration of the plant-driven efficiency of the Root Demand Irrigation system. Photo courtesy of Root Demand Irrigation.
Omaha, Neb. (February 17, 2015) — Root Demand Irrigation® (RDI®) recently accepted one of 50 awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) for ground-breaking industry innovation for the development of its subsurface irrigation product. ASABE President Lalit Verma and ASABE Executive Director Darrin Drolinger further honored RDI by naming it one of five innovations that will change the nature of the crop farming industry. Root Demand Irrigation is a unique form of subsurface irrigation that interacts with the plants’ roots to release water to meet the crop’s requirements. The RDI tube, a combination of the material science of DuPont and irrigation technology expertise and manufacturing of Valmont® Irrigation, is the key component of the new product. Other “smart” irrigation systems must be monitored and controlled to turn water on and off at a specific time or applied by a carefully planned prescription. The game
changer offered by RDI is the way the tube senses the naturally occurring chemicals released by the plants’ roots that in turn releases water at the most beneficial time for the plants. “It is like precision chemigation in a PVC pipe based on actual water measurements,” ASABE President Verma explains. “The purpose is to economize on the quantity of water used by placing it close to where it is needed in the plant, and at a time that is optimal.” “RDI is honored to be seen as such an innovation that we stand out among so many outstanding products in the agricultural industry,” said Darren Siekman, Root Demand Irrigation General Manager. “RDI expects its significant benefits will be recognized globally and across broader agricultural segments – making this product truly a game-changer for the crop farming industry.” Further confirming the trailblazing innovation of RDI, compared to other
Photo of the AE50 Award symbol. Photo courtesy of Root Demand Irrigation.
forms of irrigation, is the minimum filtration requirements for ground or surface water, the ease of installation in irregularly shaped fields or on previously lost acres, as well as the minimum labor requirements during the growing season. An additional benefit is the ability to effectively pair RDI with center pivots to achieve coverage for additional acres while maintaining labor and cost savings. The AE50 awards program annually honors up to 50 products that will best advance engineering for the food and agriculture industries. Products and systems are selected based on their role in bringing advanced technology to the marketplace that help farmers,
BADGER COMMON’TATER 43
food processors and equipment manufacturers cut costs, enhance quality and increase profits. The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food and biological systems. Its members, from more than 100 countries, are consultants, managers, researchers and others who have the training and experience to understand the interrelationships between technology and living systems. To find out more about Root Demand Irrigation visit, www. rootdemandirrigation.com. RDI tube showing water droplets water seeping out of the tube. Photo courtesy of Root Demand Irrigation.
Irrigation Splendor Imagine owning this Pete Sanderson Limited Edition print! Renowned photographer, Pete Sanderson perfectly captures the unique beauty of architecturally striking irrigation equipment silhouetted against a gorgeous sunset in this exquisite print. Pete Sanderson personally prints and signs each 11”x17” pigmented ink jet print on cotton paper. This Irrigation Splendor print is $40.00/each until May 31, 2015. Prints can be picked up at Koerten’s Fine Framing & Gifts or delivered direct (add $10.00 if you prefer it shipped to you). Many other Pete Sanderson images also available at Koerten’s Fine Framing & Gifts!
To order, contact Koerten’s Fine Framing & Gifts: (715) 341-7773, sales@koertens.com or visit 2501 Church St, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
44 April 2015
FINALLY!
An Easy Guide to Produce Traceability Article and Photos by RedLine Solutions Produce traceability is a hot topic that is requiring attention from all food suppliers. In the last year, we have seen a significant turn of events; commodities such as apples, peaches, plums, nectarines and citrus were hit hard by food safety recalls. You may be one of those businesses wondering what the government will be requiring next, how to plan and implement a traceability system, or how you will afford traceability, and how traceability can positively impact profits. Fortunately, there is a resource to help you. Best of all it is free! Produce Traceability For Dummies® covers all aspects of fresh produce traceability from understanding the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and the latest government regulations to an overview of how to choose a good traceability solution. The book even covers what to do in the event of a recall. Additionally, Produce Traceability For Dummies® shows how implementing a good traceability solution can actually save a company time and money. Produce Traceability For Dummies® provides all the information a grower-shipper needs to trace their commodities effectively through the supply chain, ultimately keeping healthy produce in the stores and saving lives. “This book is meant to be a quick read to gain an understanding of produce traceability requirements and how readers can implement them in their own companies,” said Todd Baggett, CEO of RedLine Solutions. “We all know FSMA regulations are coming. My hope is this book demystifies
produce traceability and promotes adoption within our industry.” Produce Traceability for Dummies® is available as a free download from the RedLine Solutions website (www. redlineforproduce.com). Produce companies need good traceability systems to support their Food Safety programs and protect consumers as well as their business. RedLine Solutions is a leading supplier in providing produce companies with inventory and traceability solutions that are compliant with industry and federal requirements and effectively manage traceability throughout their operations.
RedLine Solutions brings the right combination of innovative technology, industry knowledge, and top-notch service that drive efficiency, achieve new levels of inventory visibility and worker productivity. Redline’s suite of produce traceability applications includes:
BADGER COMMON’TATER 45
RedLine Cooler™ - the leading inventory management and traceability solution for the Cooler. RedLine Packing™ - a complete inventory, traceability and case labeling solution for packing operations. PTI Lite™ - a user-friendly traceability system that has everything needed for PTI compliance, sized to fit any organization. RedLine Field™ - a complete solution that enables grower shippers to meet case labeling traceability requirements for field-packed items. RedLine Receipt™- allows companies to quickly and accurately receive harvested bulk products and update inventory information in their grower accounting or inventory software.
What’s Cookin’ by Gerri Okray
The following are recipe submissions from potato industry folks. Try them and enjoy!
HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS WITH BLUE CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE A brilliant blend of crispy and sharp, creamy goodness! Yield: 6 snack-size servings Prep: 30 minutes Ready: 1 hour Ingredients for Chips: 2 Medium russet potatoes Sunflower or vegetable oil, for frying Fine sea salt Ingredients For Dipping Sauce: 1 Tbs. Unsalted butter 1 Small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup) 2 Tbs. All-purpose flour 1 Cup whole milk 4 oz. Creamy blue cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup crumbled) 1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper
Using a mandolin slicer set to the thinnest setting, sliced unpeeled potatoes. Place potato slices in a bowl of ice water to soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain and arrange in a single layer between sheets of paper towels or clean tea towels to dry completely. Fill a large, heavy saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of oil. Set over medium heat and monitor until it reaches 350 degrees F. Carefully drop in a few potato slices at a time, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes, flipping once or twice, until chips are evenly golden in color. Transfer to a paper-towel lined baking tray to cool; sprinkle liberally with fine sea salt. Let oil come back to temperature before repeating with another batch of potato slices.
To prepare sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about seven minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Continue to cook, whisking regularly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in blue cheese until melted. Season to taste with cayenne and salt. Serve warm.
ROASTED POTATOES AND HADDOCK PUTTANESCA A hearty, surprising Puttanesca sure to be a family favorite. Yield: Makes 4 servings Prep: 30 minutes Ready: 45 minutes Puttanesca Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium pot over low heat. Add garlic and anchovies; cook, stirring frequently to break up anchovies, until garlic is soft but not browned, 3-4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add tomato purée, increase heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, 15-20 minutes. Stir in olives; simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 425°F. Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet. Toss 1-tablespoon oil, potatoes, shallots, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl to coat. Spread in a single layer on prepared rack. Roast on top oven rack for 18 minutes. Keep in oven. Place fish in an 8x8x2" glass-baking dish. Drizzle with remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on bottom oven rack and roast with potatoes until fish is just
opaque in center, potatoes are golden brown and tender, and shallots are crispy, about seven minutes longer. Place potatoes, shallots and fish on a platter in an even layer. Spoon Puttanesca sauce over; garnish with caper berries and parsley.
Ingredients: 3-1/2 Tbs. Olive oil, divided 4 Garlic cloves, sliced 4 Anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes and their juices, coarsely puréed 1/4 Cup halved, pitted oil-cured black olives 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt plus more 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper & more 1 lb. Fingerling potatoes, halved 2 Large shallots, peeled, leaving root end intact, quartered 3/4 lb. Haddock or halibut fillets, cut into 1 1/2" cubes 1 Tbs. Drained capers, rinsed 1 Tbs. Chopped flat-leaf parsley
BADGER COMMON’TATER 47
Auxiliary News by Paula Houlihan, Vice President, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary
Here We Grow Again Ahh…Spring! What a lovely time of year. The days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up and very soon many of you will begin planting. We at the Auxiliary have turned our attention to hosting our upcoming annual Feed My Starving Children mobile packing event. This event exemplifies the generous heart of Wisconsin growers, your community support and commitment to feeding the world. And we couldn’t do it without you!
Thanks to your charitable donations and time volunteering at the event, we have packed and distributed well over half-a-million meals. We look forward to working with all of you in making this year’s event another great success. Watch upcoming issues of the Common’Tater for more details. For now, mark your calendars for June 20, 2015 and share this opportunity with your family and friends. We’d love to have them join us! This event is our chance to make a real difference
in the world and in the lives of the children we reach. Interested in learning more about what the Auxiliary does, how you can get involved and/or become a member? We welcome guests at our meetings. Come see what we’re all about! You can check with the WPVGA office for upcoming meeting locations, dates and times. Happy Spring Everyone!
48 April 2015
Potato Board News Industry Veteran Ryan Krabill Named First Ever USPB Director of Research & Analysis By David Fraser, Vice President, Industry Communications & Policy The United States Potato Board (USPB) is pleased to announce industry veteran Ryan Krabill joined its staff in the newly created position of Director of Research & Analysis. Krabill begins his new role April 1, 2015. Krabill brings a lengthy record of potato industry leadership and proven results from his most recent role as Senior Director, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs with the National Potato Council (NPC) in Washington, DC. Krabill built strategic alliances in Congress and with national and state industry groups to advance potato policy initiatives, a skill which will serve him well as he coordinates and develops strategic alliances with potato researchers across the country to help advance potato research, as well as work to secure additional funding for various potato research initiatives.
N V S
ELSON’S
Richardson adds, “We were fortunate the Board’s needs coincided with the personal objectives of someone with such valuable industry knowledge as Ryan. Ryan understands many of the industry’s issues and is familiar
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USPB President & CEO, Blair Richardson, outlines the primary objective of this new position: “In addition to the variety trial programs and ongoing nutritional research activities supported by the Board, the potato industry faces many challenges that need to be addressed through strategic and cooperative research efforts. The Board is uniquely positioned to help facilitate these efforts when and where appropriate. However, this requires focus and attention to detail that can only be achieved by placing the right person in a role to manage these activities and build the programs.”
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with many potato industry leaders. Moreover, he understands the systems within many government agencies such as EPA and USDA that will be helpful as we search for grant funding and support of our research efforts. Accordingly, we expect the learning curve to be short as we build this program.” During his tenure with NPC since June 2010, Krabill managed policy and logistics for the NPC Trade Affairs, Legislative and Government Affairs, and Environmental Affairs Committees and served as Chair of the Commodity Programs Working Group in the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance during preparation for the 2014 Farm Bill. He regularly wrote issue papers, weekly newsletter articles and op-eds for audiences ranging from farmers to policymakers, to consumers. Prior to joining NPC, Krabill’s public policy experience was extensive, including Deputy Director of USDA’s Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs and as Deputy White House Liaison for the
BADGER COMMON’TATER 49
agency. Krabill also served as Executive Assistant in the U.S. Senate – Office of the Sergeant at Arms. Early in his career, Krabill was very active in both state and national politics, working as a campaign staffer for several campaigns. Krabill says, “I expect to bring additional focus, energy and leadership to the research efforts already underway within the potato industry. The relationships and knowledge I have built over the past few years will accelerate that process and enable me to hit the ground running to coordinate those valuable efforts. The Board has a strong reputation, and I’m excited to use my previous experience to contribute to such a respected organization.” As to his first order of business, Krabill states, “I will evaluate current research programs in an effort to maximize the industry’s current investments. This evaluation will enable me to better identify future opportunities, implement steps to take advantage of
those opportunities, and address the threats facing the industry, from pests to perception.” Krabill explains his vision going forward: “We have a duty to ensure the industry’s substantial investments in research are maximized to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. potato industry, both here and abroad. This is a unique opportunity to address the critical research needs facing the industry, and I look forward to helping facilitate those efforts in the most efficacious manner possible.”
A native of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Krabill earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and Communication Studies, cum laude, from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA. For more information on the USPB as the nation’s potato marketing organization, positioned as the “catalyst for positive change,” and the central organizing force in implementing programs that will increase demand for potatoes, please visit www.uspotatoes.com.
WPIB Focus Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison Month
Jul-13
Aug-13
Sep-13
Oct-13
Nov-13
Dec-13
Jan-14
Feb-14
Mar-14
Apr-14
May-14
Jun-14
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,245,187.84
561,590.05
991,078.83
3,114,438.10
2,627,700.74
2,160,770.84
1,872,969.27
1,976,498.93
14,550,234.60
Assessment
$74,679.68
$33,695.37
$59,464.80
$186,867.82
$157,665.35
$129,645.84
$112,268.32
$118,698.94
$872,986.12
Jul-14
Aug-14
Sep-14
Oct-14
Nov-14
Dec-14
Jan-15
Feb-15
Month
Mar-15
Apr-15
May-15
Jun-15
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,618,594.66
584,167.62
1,071,362.65
3,145,808.22
2,930,799.68
2,055,822.91
1,632,134.39
2,314,996.35
15,353,686.48
Assessment
$97,295.75
$35,049.99
$64,101.70
$188,748.83
$175,821.97
$123,346.96
$97,909.10
$138,906.57
$921,180.87
50 April 2015
People Tomorrow's Leaders Trained at 2015 Potato Industry Leadership Institute Bridgett Cheff of Ronan, Mont., elected 2016 Grower Leader By Steve Holton, National Potato Conference The Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) Class of 2015 held from February 18-25 included twentyseven potato growers and industry representatives. The annual program, administered by the National Potato Council (NPC) and the United States Potato Board (USPB), identifies and trains the next generation of industry leaders. PILI participants traveled from potato growing regions across the country to attend eight days of industry training and professional development. This
year's class kicked off in Spokane, WA, where the class received an overview of the local and national potato industry including some of the challenges and issues beyond the production sector.
Participants visited Grand Coulee Dam and the John Keys Pumping Station, which provide the irrigation water to support potato production in Washington State.
NPC Executive Vice President and CEO John Keeling provided attendees with an overview of the industry's pressing public policy issues. USPB Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern gave a market and consumer update and highlighted international export opportunities for potatoes and potato products.
Attendees joined in the discussions on public policy taking place at NPC's Potato D.C. Fly- In, where they learned about the legislative and regulatory priorities of the U.S. potato industry. The program finished with a day of lobbying visits to offices on Capitol Hill, where participants joined their state grower delegations for the Fly-In to
Participants in the 2015 Potato Industry Leadership Institute. Front row (left to right): Shelley Olsen, Othello, WA; Tyler Tschirky, Eltopia, WA; Trever Belnap, Lewisville, ID; Megan Finney, Klamath Falls, OR; Thomas Campbell, Big Lake, MN; Barbra Davis, Center, CO; Henry Nira, LaSalle, CO; Erin Nissen, Mosca, CO and Joe Howard, Boardman, OR. Second row (left to right): Donny Krautscheid, Kennewick, WA; Scott Payton, Gaylord, MI; Reid Mattive, Monte Vista, CO (2015 Grower-Leader); Tyler Backemeyer, Columbus, NB; Dean Bair, Alliance, NB; Josh Knights, Hancock, WI. Third row (left to right): Kevin Storm, Cass City, MI; Ben Harris, Moses Lake, WA: Mark Telford, Arco, ID; Mary LeMere, Plover, WI; Jennifer Borowicz, Crookston, MN; Kyle Jacobs, Hamer, ID; Robbie Irving, Caribou, ME and Kyle Michael, Urbana, OH. Back row (left to right): Ragen Darrington, Idaho Falls, ID; Dana Rady, Antigo, WI and Bridgett Cheff. Photo courtesy of Steve Holton, National Potato Council.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 51
The Wisconsin delegation met with Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), seated at his desk. Shown clockwise from Rep. Ribble are Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education; Larry Alsum, Alsum Farms and WPVGA Board member; Josh Knights, Heartland Farms; Jim Wysocki, Russet Potato Exchange (RPE)/Paragon Potato Farms Inc.; Tamas Houlihan, WPVGA Executive Director; Mark Finnessy, Okray Family Farms and WPVGA Vice-President, Mary LeMere, Plover, WI and Paul Bleiberg, Legislative Director for Rep. Ribble. Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer, Spudman magazine.
meet with members of Congress and advocate for industry priorities. 2015 Potato Industry Leadership Institute participants toured the Syngenta Seed Processing Facility in Pasco, WA on the third day of their eight-day Leadership Immersion. Reid Mattive of Worley Family Farms in Monte Vista, CO served as the group's Grower-Leader, after being elected to the position in 2014. At the conclusion of the event, the 2015 class elected Bridgett Cheff of Lake Seed Farms in Ronan, MT to serve as the 2016 Grower-Leader. The Institute is made possible each year through a major sponsorship from Syngenta. For additional photos, visit www.facebook.com/ nationalpotatocouncil
2015 Potato Industry Leadership Institute participants tour the Syngenta Seed Processing Facility in Pasco, Wash., on the third day of their eight-day Leadership Immersion. Photo courtesy of Steve Holton, National Potato Council.
52 April 2015
Seed Piece WSPIA Board Re-Elects Krueger President for 2015 At a meeting held in Antigo in February, the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association board of directors re-elected Ron Krueger of Felix Zeloski Farms, Eagle River, to serve as the Association’s President for 2015. Krueger recently completed his fifth and final year on the WSPIA board. However, he was appointed to serve out the remaining year of board member Dan Hafner’s term, who resigned from the board at the end of 2014. Dan Kakes of Kakes Farms, Bryant, was elected to the board at the WSPIA
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The 2015 Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association board of directors includes (L-R): Ron Krueger (President), Eric Schroeder (Vice President), Dan Kakes, (Secretary/Treasurer), Bill Guenthner and Charlie Mattek.
Annual Meeting held in January. He will serve a five-year term of service, effectively replacing Krueger’s position. He was elected to the office of Secretary/Treasurer on the board. Eric Schroeder of Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc., Antigo, was elected Vice
President of the WSPIA. Bill Guenthner of Guenthner Farms, Inc., Antigo will continue to serve as Chairman of the Promotions Committee while Charlie Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., Deerbrook, will serve as Chairman of the Advisory Committee.
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BADGER COMMON’TATER 53
New Products Demco Sidequest Saddle Tank Systems By Demco Products
In 2014, Demco celebrated our 50th year of providing high quality, unique products for your farming operation. We are excited to continue doing this going forward and are committed to “Doing our Best to Provide You the Best.”
saddle tank distributes the weight on your tractor well, with approximately 75% of the weight at the rear and 25% of the weight at the front.
200 gallon Demco SideQuest Saddle Tank Systems on a John Deere tractor. Call Big Iron Equipment, (715) 344-3401, for further information.
Our SideQuest Saddle Tank Systems continue to be the best saddle tank system in the industry. By attaching to the outer dual wheel of your tractor, the SideQuest
Contrary to "traditional” saddle tanks, our SideQuest tanks do not put all the weight and stress on your tractor frame. SideQuest also provides superior visibility from the tractor
seat and allows duals to be positioned on the front and rear of the tractor. Add a Demco 3 point sprayer boom to the SideQuest tanks and you have an efficient, economical sprayer.
Demco 50 Series Pull-Type Sprayers By Demco Products Demco 50 Series pull-type sprayers, in sizes of 850, 1,050 and 1,250 gallons with 60’, 80’, or 90’ booms, continue to be the premier pull-type sprayer in the industry. Our unique tank design provides superior product clean-out and agitation. Our trailer is the shortest in the marketplace, providing excellent tracking and reducing crop damage. Parts for Demco sprayers, from companies such as Banjo and TeeJet, are readily available when you need them. Demco also continues to be an industry leader with a full line of grain carts and gravity flow wagons. Contact your local Demco dealer today for more information!
Demco 50 Series Red & Gray 850 Gallon Sprayer. Call Big Iron Equipment, (715) 344-3401, for further information.
continued on pg. 54
54 April 2015 New Products . . . continued from pg. 53
Bio Injection Contractor Solves Grower Problems By Target Set Technology Ltd Bio injection specialist contractor and machinery manufacturer Target Set Technology Ltd provides a unique contracting service. The company also offers growers the opportunity to purchase their own injection machines.
How Does it Work? Using new technologies, together known as SIDE RIDGE INJECTION™ (SRi™) enables the injection of bio products, nutrients and fertilizer, at high pressures (8-10 bars), directly to the roots of growing potato plants through unique profile injectors. Crucially, the SRi™ system allows the most optimum timings to be selected for maximum effect.
PCN Control Proven, effective PCN (Potato Cyst Nematodes) control is achieved by injecting a specially developed Garlic based liquid product, directly into the potato ridges. The injection process also offers the added benefit of disrupting nematode connections to the plant’s root system.
Target Set Technology’s SIDE RIDGE INJECTION™ (SRi™) 6-Row injection machines. Visit their website, www.targetset.co.uk. for further information.
Bruising and Quality Control
SRi™ by injecting a special combination of calcium and zinc elements at key timings. Where damage through standard farm practice has been found to be unacceptable, SRi™ has reduced this to minimal levels.
A dramatic reduction in potato bruising has been achieved through
Additional likely benefits have been achieved in the control of Internal
Rust Spot (IRS) and Hollow Heart. The crop is further boosted by aeration and oxygenizing as the SRi™ injection system passes through the potato ridges. Independent trials have also revealed a considerable increase of calcium level in plants.
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BADGER COMMON’TATER 55
Liquid Fertilizer Injection Direct injection of liquid fertilizer with SRi™ has proven to offer significant advantages over conventional systems, both through the direct nature of the application, and through timeliness. Injecting 5-8 weeks later than usual, one example shows how SRi™ contributed to a 12% yield increase. A second example, also injecting liquid fertilizer at emergence after the usual application time, but with a 30% reduction in fertilizer, showed an 8% increase in yield, clearly demonstrating scope for cost savings. The facility to add phosphate for the purpose of increasing tuber numbers
is another potential benefit of the SRi™ injection system.
Testimonial David Chambers, Pennard Hill Farm Ltd, Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire. “At Pennard Hill Farm Ltd, we compared the Target Set SRi™ system against our standard farm practice of liquid placement at planting in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. In 2013 the Target Set Technology trials planter was used to plant and inject fertilizer. The data recorded from replicated digs showed a 10t/ha increase in yield with the (Target Set SRi™) injected fertilizer.”
Contracting Service The latest 2015 model Target Set Technology SRI™ injection machines feature all new DABb injectors with an improved narrow profile design, and completely redesigned side plates to eliminate ridge disturbance. Target Set Technology operates two contracting teams and will shortly be adding a new Grassland Injection (GLi™) service focusing on Chafer Grub control. Target Set Technology would be more than happy to talk to growers about their specific needs and to tailor application programs and machinery accordingly.
FMC Launches Fungicide with Novel Mode of Action By FMC Corporation FMC Corporation is launching Fracture™ fungicide, a new broad spectrum, biological fungicide labeled for the prevention and control of powdery mildew, botrytis and brown rot blossom blight. Fracture is a patented fungicide labeled for use in the United States on almonds, grapes, strawberries and tomatoes, and is the first biological fungicide to be launched by FMC since announcing Biosolutions as a strategic initiative in late 2013. Fracture fungicide includes a completely new mode of action for disease management, providing decisive, multi-site control in a way no other fungicide can claim. It works on contact by deforming and inhibiting fungal cell production, ultimately tearing apart the cell wall and disrupting the fungal cell membrane. Within eight hours, the fungal cell is dead. The active ingredient, Banda de Lupinus albus doce (BLAD), is so new that it is not yet classified by the current FRAC group codes. BLAD is
a naturally occurring seed storage protein from the sweet lupine plant.
forward to bringing a market-leading portfolio of biological solutions.”
“Fracture is an excellent resistance management tool,” said David Davies, FMC Agricultural Solutions North America segment manager. “By offering an entirely new mode of action that compliments synthetic fungicides, Fracture expands growers’ options and will help extend the lifespan of other chemistries.” Fracture should be used as part of a complete spray program for disease control and resistance management.
When asked about the reason for FMC’s investment in the biological market, Hullebroeck explained, “FMC is broadening its portfolio of crop protection products to deliver more value to growers around the world. Biologicals have a significant role to play in resistance management, environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.”
“This is our first biological fungicide offering, and we expect many more solutions will come from our significant investment in biological discovery and development,” said Marc Hullebroeck, vice president and business director, FMC Agricultural Solutions. “With our purchase of the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Biosolutions and our global Alliance with Chr. Hansen, FMC has created an end-to-end biological platform that complements our traditional strengths in synthetic crop protection chemistries. We look
With a one-day pre-harvest interval and a four-hour re-entry interval, Fracture can be applied up to five times per season, providing growers with a flexible management tool that offers quick, reliable disease control and meets or exceeds established standards. All state registrations for Fracture have been received, with the exception of California and Florida, which are expected soon. Visit their website, fmc.com, for further information on Fracture fungicide. continued on pg. 56
56 April 2015 New Products . . . continued from pg. 55
Volm Introduces the Half-N-Half®Pouch By Volm Companies, Inc. Antigo, Wis., (February 24, 2015) Volm Companies, Inc., a long time industry leader in providing quality packaging and equipment solutions to the fresh produce industry, recently introduced a new line of packaging, the Half-N-Half Pouch. This innovative pouch packaging offers the convenience of a standup pouch with added breathability through incorporating an eco-friendly Ultratech® mesh panel into the bag. "We expanded our packaging portfolio last year to focus on pouches for fresh produce. At that time, we also began developing the Half-N-Half Pouch as a way to not only differentiate from other produce on the shelves with this one-of-a-kind look, but to add breathability for keeping the produce fresh longer," said Micah Johnson, Flexible Packaging Product Manager. “This pouch looks great on
Volm Companies, Inc.’s new Half-N-Half stand-up, breathable pouches. Visit their website, volmcompanies.com, for more information.
the shelf, extends produce shelf life and provides an optimized customer experience when purchasing and using the product.” The Half-N-Half Pouch can be customized with many features from zippers for convenient opening and closing to different film finishes like high clarity, opaque or matte. It is also available with different gusset and formats.
Volm also recently introduced the Volmpack Kangaroo Bagger. The Kangaroo is an easy to use, small footprint bagger that allows packers to move away from costly and laborintensive manual packing to an affordable and automated process for filling pouch style bags. “We have a long history of developing packaging solutions to improve the profitability and productivity of our customers. To be able to offer the Kangaroo bagger as a way to complement the Half-NHalf Pouch and our common pouch style bags is important as part of our Total Solutions approach,” added Johnson.
The Kangaroo Bagger from Volm Companies, Inc., is a smaller footprint bagger. Visit their website, volmcompanies.com, for more information.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 57
NPC News Growers Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill By Steve Holton, National Potato Conference On February 23-26, NPC hosted the 2015 Potato D.C. Fly-In, where more than 150 U.S. potato growers and industry partners from across the country came to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry's most pressing federal policy priorities. Growers blanketed Capitol Hill, meeting with 136 U.S. Senate and House offices representing 22 states and met with federal regulators at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During their Hill visits, growers urged Congress to address key industry issues, including funding for the Potato Research Special Grant; Pollinator Health; Truck Weight Reform and Voluntary GMO Labeling. The 2015 Fly-In featured presentations by a number of lawmakers, many of whom were influential in reversing the ban on fresh white potatoes in continued on pg. 58
Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer, Spudman magazine.
Potato D.C. Fly-In participants pose for a group photo before visiting members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Photo courtesy of Steve Holton, National Potato Council.
Angus King (I-Maine) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer, Spudman magazine.
58 April 2015 NPC News. . . continued from pg. 57
Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN). Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer, Spudman magazine.
the WIC program. Fly-In attendees heard from Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Angus King (I-Maine), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who all applauded the recent WIC victory. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kans.) joined the group to address GMO labeling, Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) briefed the group on immigration reform and
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) discussed the pollinator health issue. The common theme among members of Congress who were a part of the event was the importance of participants willing to make the trip and share their story. “We’re here to help and can communicate your concerns much more effectively to our colleagues and regulators if we know what is on your mind,” said
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Jonah Goldberg, bestselling author and Founding Editor of National Review Online was a featured speaker at the Opening Session/Welcome Reception of the program. Photo courtesy of Steve Holton, National Potato Council.
Senator King. Fly-In attendees heard from a number of renowned political strategists and commentators, including Jonah Goldberg from the National Review Online; Stuart Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report and Roll Call and Reid Wilson of the Washington Post's Read In. Katty Kay of BBC World News America was also on hand to give participants her views on the current domestic and international climate. Additional speakers included Alexis Taylor, with USDA's Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services and Anita Pease from EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs. On Wednesday, NPC hosted the annual Friends of Potato Growers Congressional Potato Luncheon in the Rayburn House Office Building, where growers and elected officials joined at the lunch line for a hearty helping of potatoes. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) dropped by the luncheon to address the House 2015 legislative agenda, take questions and thank participants for traveling to the event to share their concerns.
BADGER COMMON’TATER 59
Marketplace By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education
2015 Food Safety Classes Beneficial for Growers The month of March marked the beginning and end of WPVGA’s third year offering food safety training classes to its members. Aimed at keeping growers proactive in preparing for their annual food safety audits, WPVGA offered several classes this year. Primus GFS training is a 3-day course, the completion of which prepares attendees for a globally accepted audit. HACCP, or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, certification is required for all organizations that pack or wash product. It also helps organizations with their risk assessments and achieves the “qualified individual” requirement at each facility under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). HACCP certification requires full completion of the 2-day course. Finally, Harmonized Standard training was conducted by a representative from SCS Global in California, an organization familiar with and qualified to audit for the Harmonized Standard as well as the Global GAP schemes.
Attendees listen to Harmonized Standard Trainer Rebecca Anderson from SCS Global at the 2015 food safety training held at the Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort, Rothschild, WI on March 10.
Just shy of 100 WPVGA grower members participated in the training across the three classes offered, many of them newcomers to food safety. Many of them also joined the association in order to take advantage of the cost savings affiliated with attending training through WPVGA as opposed to providing the training individually at their own organizations.
It is a program that has proved valuable for the industry and one the Promotions Committee believes important to continue funding in the future. If you have questions about WPVGA’s food safety training and offered courses, please call WPVGA at 715-623-7683 or email drady@ wisconsinpotatoes.com.
Above: WPVGA grower members listen intently during the second session of Harmonized Standard held March 11 at the Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort, Rothschild, WI. Left: Harmonized Standard Trainer Rebecca Anderson from SCS Global explains aspects of the Harmonized Standard audit and answers questions from attendees about the scheme at the March 10th food safety training session held in Rothschild, WI.
60 April 2015
Now for the News Black Gold Farms Expands:
Potato Production and Packing Capabilities Enhanced with Acquisition of George Wood Farms near Camden, NC Black Gold Farms, an industry leader in potato production, sales and marketing, recently acquired the legacy potato production operation, George Wood Farms located near Camden, NC. This acquisition includes all associated production and packing operations. Black Gold Farms, a fourth generation family farm and grower, shipper, marketer of all types of Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other commodities has an extensive network of farm locations throughout the United States, and
are headquartered in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Black Gold Farms will be responsible for production, sales and distribution of all products grown on the farm. The potato production will consist of primarily chip stock potatoes, and will encompass fresh red, yellow and white potatoes. The packing facility on site has the capability to pack poly and paper as well as tote and bulk capacity. Matt Wood, Partner at George Wood Farms said, “It is evident that these changes will allow stronger service to
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our customers by reducing risk through greater geographic diversity. The result is a more sustainable organization for all of our team members and customers.” With this acquisition, long-time George Wood Farms Partner and Manager, Jimmy Harrell will remain the leader of this particular operation. Chris Hopkins, a long-time Black Gold Farms Group Manager in Columbia, NC will be assisting with oversight and other details involved in the transition. “I’m excited to be a part of the Black Gold Farms team. I believe they will bring in some additional expertise with their years of experience and passion for potatoes,” stated Harrell. Eric Halverson, CEO of Black Gold Farms states, “We are excited about the added capabilities that the George Wood Farms brings to Black Gold Farms. We anticipate a smooth transition due to the high level of skill and dedication of the existing team at the George Wood Farm, ensuring continuity to current suppliers and customers.” Halverson continues, “This acquisition really complements our current chip potato acreage in North Carolina and throughout the US. It is also an excellent fit for our yearround red potato production in North Dakota, Missouri, Indiana and Texas.” For more information or further details relating to the Black Gold Farms fresh or chip program, contact Leah Brakke at leah.brakke@blackgoldfarms.com
BADGER COMMON’TATER 61
Tater Bin By Justin Isherwood
A Companion Kind A simple ritual it is, our evening walk down to the creek, before supper with the dogs and the chance of a ball or stick. I suspect this collective habit with dogs has been a wellworn human routine ever since CroMagnon and Neanderthal. Something distinguished happened to our species when we married our fates to dogs. The dog connection has been my personal pattern since as a farm boy when I wandered down the cow lane, age about four years, herding the cows to their morning pasture. This was my first official farm chore; accomplished in the company of a dog. Technically, the dog was babysitting. Most of us have had the experience when at an impressionable age some smart-alecky kid in Sunday school points out that god spelled backwards is dog. This is supposed to be an insult to God. As a farm kid, I didn’t feel that way, instead it made perfect sense. After all, it was the dog who gave me courage enough as a four year old to chase really big cows to a faraway place. About a mile it was; the woods just short of Borneo and halfway around the world, a strange and foreboding place. It was less foreboding because I had my companion, a four-legged kind of courage and self-defense bonded to the human heart fifty or a hundred millennia previous, under the same sense of vulnerability to a strange and decidedly hostile world. When the great forward-propelling inventions of mankind are listed such as fire, spear, bow and arrow, gardening, bread, beer, taxes, wheels, catsup, hot dogs, electricity, gunpowder, window glass, pizza, tea,
wine, scissors, toothbrush, indoor, roller bearings, brassieres, ball point pens birth control and thousands of more items; one of the more sterling achievements of our human saga is routinely neglected. That would be our relationship to “canis familiaris,” our companion in courage and adventure. I often wondered, as a farm kid might, if dogs do the world more average good than psychologists and pricedby-the-half-hour shrinks. What dog, lacking any invitation to soul or eternal life, is the less happy, eager and companionable for this oversight? To a farm kid this suggests something. How could a religion so fraught for soul, heaven and eternity not include a gospel for my dog? I realized early on, in that cow lane, that my companion dog would square itself in front of anything threatening to a miniscule child, a naturally occurring paladin. If my personal defender at the price of
table scraps would do this without the need of heaven, where was my similar measure of courage? I feel this more acutely because that farm dog has a special station in the hall of heroes. He accompanied me on every field activity; dog walked us kids to school, and then ambled home. That dog rode the hay wagon and owned its precise spot in the middle of the seat in the pickup truck. That dog went tent camping, ate what we tried to cook and when we went to college looked out the bedroom window with a forlorn heart. When we came home on semester break, that dog bounded to the bed and lay close. My wife chose me less for me than my farm dog, a border collie that soon after took up her safekeeping. Preferring to sleep on her bed rather than its master’s, although I admit I too preferred that option. continued on pg. 62
62 April 2015 Tater Bin. . .
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continued from pg.61
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My farm yet has that cow lane in the same place it was when the barn was full of cows. The lane has a crook in it from going around a tree that isn’t there anymore. My son recently voiced the opinion that we should realign the lane to match the field. I have resisted this, saying I just like it the way it is. Not knowing why I until I realized all those dogs, those heroic, ever-eager, ever-loyal farm dogs are buried in regimental order along that lane. Among the lilacs, dogwood, wild grape, ox-eye daisy and asparagus, lay the dog gods of the farm. A lab who could unload hay bales from a wagon, a terrier who could
dig a fence hole faster than a tractormounted posthole digger if not quite so straight. A border collie that could jump from the ground to the top of a hay load and give birth to her puppies in my bed (for some reason it didn’t bother me).
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This is the same lane where my dad buried his dogs and my grandfather, his, and not a headstone in sight. When it comes to that kind of courage, that essential dog courage of life, no headstone is required.
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Seems the smart-alecky critics of Sunday school were right, God spelled backwards is dog.
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