November 2021 Badger Common'Tater by bctater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 73 No. 11 | NOVEMBER 2021

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

ANNUAL SEED ISSUE

INTERVIEW:

J.D. SCHROEDER Schroeder Bros. Farms

SHOULD YOUR FARM Be Owned by an LLC? 2021 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED Seed Potato Growers Directory MEASURING NITROGEN Fixation in Cover Crops IS POTATO “MILK” THE MOST Sustainable Dairy Alternative? HOW ESTATE & CAPITAL Gains Taxes Could Affect You The weather in Antigo, Wisconsin, was about as good as it could get for this year’s potato harvest, here at Schroeder Bros. Farms.

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On the Cover: A cool September morning saw the Schroeder Brothers Farms team of Antigo, Wisconsin, hard at work harvesting the operation’s foundation seed potatoes. One of the largest Frito-Lay seed potato producers in the country, and a grower for The Little Potato Company since 2017, Schroeder Bros. Farms was originally homesteaded and founded in 1879.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: This issue’s interviewee, J.D. Schroeder, is a fifth-generation grower and one of several managers at Schroeder Bros. Farms. J.D.’s great-grandpa, Henry Schroeder, and his son, Tom, grew seed potatoes in the 1960’s, and his grandpa, John, joined the operation in 1972. “My father, John T., worked on the farm during high school and college and became full time circa 1980,” J.D. relates. That’s John T. planting seed potatoes in the accompanying photo.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 77 BADGER BEAT.................... 30 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6

26 SHOULD YOUR FARM BE OWNED BY AN LLC?

It avoids issues that arise if land is owned individually

66 AUXILIARY NEWS

Join the WPGA in selling baked potatoes at the WPS Farm Show in March

NEW PRODUCTS

Fourth edition of Building Soils for Better Crops gives tips on soil management

MARKETPLACE................... 34 NOW NEWS....................... 42 NPC NEWS......................... 76 PEOPLE.............................. 54

FEATURE ARTICLES:

PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6

20 50 60 70

POTATOES USA NEWS........ 58

RESEARCHERS MEASURE nitrogen fixation in two breeding program cover crops UPDATED FOR 2021: Complete Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers Directory HOW THE PROPOSED estate, income and capital gains taxes could affect your farm IS POTATO “MILK” the most sustainable of all 21st century dairy alternatives yet?

BC�T November

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WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Bill Guenthner Vice President: Alex Okray Secretary: Wes Meddaugh Treasurer: Mike Carter Directors: John Bustamante, Wendy Dykstra, Randy Fleishauer, Charlie Mattek & J.D. Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Andy Diercks Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Cliff Gagas, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Chris Brooks Vice President: Julie Cartwright

Secretary: Sally Suprise Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Paul Salm, Matt Selenske, Andy Verhasselt & Justin Yach Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: J.D. Schroeder Vice President: Roy Gallenberg Secretary/Treasurer: Charlie Husnick Directors: Matt Mattek & Jeff Suchon Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Devin Zarda Vice President: Datonn Hanke Secretary/Treasurer: Heidi Schleicher Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Marie Reid & Becky Wysocki

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To advance the interests of WPVGA members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement. Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: To work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources. Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409

WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor: Joe Kertzman Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Jane Guillen Spudmobile Education & Outreach Administrator: Doug Foemmel

WPVGA Office (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/WPVGA

Subscription rates: $2/copy, $22/year; $40/2 years. Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years. Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com. The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands. BC�T November

MARK YOUR

Calendar JANUARY 2022 3-4

POTATOES USA WINTER MEETING Anaheim, CA

5-6

2022 POTATO EXPO Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA

FEBRUARY 8-10

2022 GROWER ED CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn Convention Center Stevens Point, WI

16-17

INTERNATIONAL CROP EXPO Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND

23-3/3

NPC WASHINGTON SUMMIT (Annual Meeting and Potato D.C. Summit) Washington Marriott at Metro Center Washington, D.C.

23-3/4

2022 POTATO INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (PILI) California and Washington, D.C.

MARCH 7-10

POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING Denver, CO

29-31

60th ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association grounds Oshkosh, WI

MAY 9-11

UNITED FRESH CONVENTION & EXPO 2022 Boston, MA

30-6/2

11th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS & EUROPATAT 2022 Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland

JUNE 21-24

2022 NPC SUMMER MEETING Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown Convention Center Nashville, TN

JULY 12

2022 ASSOC. DIV. PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING The Ridges Golf Course Wisconsin Rapids, WI

12-14

2022 WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Roehl Acres and Rustic Occasions Loyal, WI (Clark County)

BC�T November

Planting Ideas Weather sometimes plays havoc with more than planting, harvest or growing seasons. It also put a literal damper on the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association “Past Presidents Golf Outing,” scheduled for August 11. Held in conjunction with a WPVGA Board meeting, the rains came during the proceedings and prevented the past presidents from hitting the links. That didn’t stop them from taking it all in stride, wearing those smiles and socializing a bit after the board meeting. The past WPVGA Board presidents above are, from left to right, T.J. Kennedy, Bob Guenthner, Larry Alsum, Nick Somers and Mark Finnessy. Having taken the photo, and liking how it turned out, I had to share. It was pointed out to me that there was an error in the October 2021 Badger Common’Tater, where I inadvertently credited Paul Bethke for penning the “Badger Beat” column outlining changes in how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency evaluates ecological risks from pesticides. In fact, the authors of the article are Russell L. Groves, University of Wisconsin (UW) Department of Entomology, Amanda Gevens, UW Department of Plant Pathology, and Jed Colquhoun, UW Department of Horticulture. Even though there’s already been some good-natured ribbing about the error, I do apologize to the researchers. The Badger Beat column in this issue, correctly attributed to Renee Rioux, Brooke Babler and Amanda Gevens, covers the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program’s Tissue Culture & Diagnostics Lab being relocated to its new home in the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC) on the UW-Madison campus. The move from its current location in the Biotron research facility to the WCIC will likely occur in mid- to late 2022. The Annual Seed Issue of the Badger Common’Tater is the largest of the 12 editions, in both size and circulation, distributed to potato growers across the country in addition to subscribers, and WPVGA members, Associate Division members and Auxiliary members. It features the complete and updated 2021 Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers Directory, as well as a special “Seed Piece” article on unraveling complicated genetics to breed Colorado potato beetle-resistant varieties of potatoes. Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe.

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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NAME: John Diercks “J.D.” Schroeder TITLE: Manager (one of many) COMPANY: Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc. LOCATION: Antigo, Wisconsin HOMETOWN: Antigo YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: Seven PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Daubert Law Firm, Wausau, for three years SCHOOLING: Juris Doctor, Mitchell Hamline School of Law, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison with a double major in Agricultural Business Management and Political Science, class of 2008; various motor control/ PLC (programmable logic controller) classes at Northcentral Technical College; and Antigo High School class of 2004 ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board President, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Board member, WPVGA Research Committee member, WPVGA Government Affairs Committee member, United of Wisconsin Board member, vice president of the Unified School District of Antigo, treasurer of the Antigo branch of the UW-Madison Alumni Club and a Community Health Foundation Board member

Interview J.D. SCHROEDER,

manager, Schroeder Bros. Farms Inc. By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

One of the largest Frito-Lay seed potato producers in the country, Schroeder Brothers Farms, Inc. of Antigo, Wisconsin, was originally homesteaded and founded in 1879. The certified and foundation seed potato operation has evolved exponentially since it began with a few dairy cows and some crops to feed the family and animals. Diversification is the name of the game, and Schroeder Bros. Farms, a four-time winner of Frito-Lay’s “Seed Grower of the Year” award, has it in spades.

“In the late 1980’s, we grew around 250 acres of Burbank potatoes, and now we only grow 40. We have a lot more acres of chips, russets and reds instead,” says John Diercks “J.D.” Schroeder, a fifth-generation grower and one of several managers at Schroeder Brothers Farms. “We started growing seed for FritoLay, in 1996, and for The Little Potato Company, in 2017,” J.D., who holds

AWARDS/HONORS: WPVGA Young Grower of the Year and AgriCommunicator awards FAMILY: “John Winston is 5 years old, Elloise is almost 3, and then there’s my wonderful wife, Hannah.” HOBBIES: “I like reading books, spending time with my family, watching sports and travel.” 8

BC�T November

Above: Whether picking rocks, grading potatoes or working on a nitrogen plan, J.D. Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms, Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin, says he knows he’s feeding the world, and tries to always maintain that positive perspective.

a law degree, details. J.D.’s great-grandpa, Henry Schroeder, and his son, Tom, grew seed potatoes in the 1960’s. When Tom got injured in a snowmobile accident, in 1972, J.D.’s grandpa, John, started working on the farm as well. “And my father, John T., worked on the farm during high school and college, and became full time circa 1980. His brothers, Pete and Rob, joined the farm in the years after that,” J.D., who is the current president of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board, relates.

What about Schroeder Bros. Farms and its history make the biggest impression on you, J.D., as a fifthgeneration grower? As a team of around 50 full-time employees, we try to provide quality seed potatoes, year after year, to help our customers have great crops and feed the world, while hopefully making a little money in the process. The goal is to provide such good seed that your customer wants to keep coming back. We have been doing that for a long time, and we need to keep doing that, trying to get a little better at things every year.

N V S

ELSON’S

Above: Cut foundation seed potatoes are trucked, loaded into a planter and ready to plant at Schroeder Bros. Farms. That’s John T. Schroeder, J.D.’s father, driving the John Deere Tractor.

What are your main roles or duties on the farm? I have a wide range of jobs. I spend a month each year hilling potatoes, and I work on the nitrogen plan. I recently gained the storage management job, including crop rotation planning, after one of our best long-term employees, Gene Huebner, passed away. I also put together the various spray plans. continued on pg. 10

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Interview. . .

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Sometimes, I help with frequency drive or PLC (programmable logic controller) issues on the grader or harvest equipment, and I am the main food safety person. I also spend quite a bit of time picking rocks and grading potatoes, and I take a lot of size profiles. I work on legal issues when they come up, but I prefer it when they don’t come up. How many family members work daily for Schroeder Bros. Farms and what are their positions? There are 10 of us. The guys in our family all spend a decent amount of time picking rocks and grading potatoes.

Wisconsin silt loam soil is cultivated in preparation for planting on Schroeder Brothers Farms, Antigo, Wisconsin.

John T., president, drives a potato planter and harvester, works on irrigation and makes many plans related to seed planting, storage, sales and shipping.

makes many plans related to the reds and russets we wash as table stock for grocery stores. That represents around 15 percent of our acres, depending on the year.

Pete, vice president, drives a potato planter, sprayer and harvester, and

Rob, treasurer, drives a harvester, does seed cutting, handles seed

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potato shipping at our north farm location, and runs irrigation. Gina, secretary of the corporation, performs many human resources and accounting tasks, pays bills and assists with the gift store, including item selection. Eric does windrowing, hilling, invoicing of seed, irrigation, food safety and certification paperwork, he works with the CropTrak supply chain software, and handles Healthy Grown and sustainability duties. SCOPING POTATOES Andy is charged with spraying, windrowing, seed shipping and scoping potatoes. Luke is not quite back full time from college, but he runs an unloading crew at harvest, as well as seed cutting and irrigation, and works in the shop when not busy with other things. My wife, Hannah, does inventory at our gift store, and Andy’s wife, Erin, handles online clothing sales and social media at the gift store. Judy, my mother, manages our gift store, which includes a lot of item selection. Check out “Schroeder’s Gifts” on Facebook to see lots of fashionable women’s clothing, along with other gift ideas. continued on pg. 12

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 10

My grandma, Jackie, started it in the 1970’s as a farmer’s market, and it has gradually transitioned over the years. They would even set potatoes out on the side of Highway 45 and people would leave money in a cashbox and take 50 pounds. We have a lot of very good employees helping in all aspects of the farm, and they let us know when they think we are making the wrong call. How many acres of seed potatoes are grown on the farm, and what percentage are Frito-Lay varieties? Around 2,250 acres of seed depending on the rotational year, and around 35 percent of it is for Frito-Lay. Are vegetables part of the equation, and if so, on what rotation? It is a three-year potato rotation that goes something like potato, alfalfa, alfalfa, potato, corn, oats/clover, potato. Once in a while, soybeans get in the mix. Where are most fields, and how far does the property in and outside of Antigo stretch? Most of the fields are in the Antigo Flats/Bryant area on Antigo silt loam, the Wisconsin state

Lamoka chipping potatoes are sorted and then transferred to storage via a new bin piler on Schroeder Bros. Farms. 12 BC�T November

soil. We also travel 30 miles north by Post Lake, 30 miles east to Mountain, 50 miles east to Suring and 7 miles south to the Aniwa area.

Above: A proud father, J.D. Schroeder says, “John Winston [front right] is 5 years old, Elloise [front left] is almost 3, and then there’s my wonderful wife, Hannah.”

What are your fondest memories on the farm, J.D.? My uncle, Pete, used to make maple syrup, and I can remember trying to carry sap buckets through the deep snow when I was little and spilling it all over the woods.

the story of a man who comes upon three builders.

What’s your favorite part of farming? There are lots of interesting things to learn all the time, and many incredible customers, employees, suppliers and professors to talk to. When I get appointed a tractor job on the farm, I can usually listen to an audio book. In the book “Happier, No Matter What,” by Tal Ben Shahar, the former Harvard happiness professor tells

He asks the first man what he is doing, and he responds, “I am laying bricks.” He walks 20 yards away and sees another builder doing exactly the same thing and asks, “What are you doing?” That man answers, “I am building a wall.” He sees a third builder performing the same work as the other two, and when asked what he is doing, the man says, “I am building a cathedral to the glory of God.” Shahar explains that our perspective matters a great deal and can make

a large difference in how happy we are.

“The goal is to provide such good seed that your customer wants to keep coming back.”

It varies how you feel on a daily basis, but when I am grading potatoes, I can ask, “Am I picking rocks or am I helping to feed the world?” That perspective provides me with a lot more purpose and motivation. How did harvest go this year? Anything of note as far as weather, rain, bulking, yield? This year’s harvest has gone very well. No one can remember a year like this in Antigo where we didn’t get rained out several days for at least one period, nor any other time when we have had such good weather during the day.

a rest day or three on the weekends.

It could have been a touch cooler during the day, along with cool nights to help the fans run.

Just a few years ago, we had to dig 100 acres of potatoes at the start of October that got froze more than once. The ground was wet, so it helped the tubers store heat, but it was very cold when we dug them, and it was not fun to grade out the frozen potatoes, some of which we graded twice.

We finished earlier than we ever have; it usually takes us until Oct 1520, and this year we finished in the first week of October after taking

They did still end up growing OK. I am grateful to the customer for buying them even though they didn’t meet our normal quality standards.

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What about farming in 2021 is most challenging? And what is most rewarding to you? This year, the weather was much better in Antigo. In 2020, we got one 6- or 7-inch blast at the end of July and the rows stayed under water in Bryant for a week. It seemed like they never started growing again after that, so yields were way down last year. This year, yields seem like they have been pretty good compared to the last two years, but still average historically. A few varieties did real continued on pg. 14

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

well, and a couple were below average. Talk about food safety and sustainable farming, J.D., and some of the practices Schroeder Bros. Farms puts into place. In terms of food safety, we do the USDA Harmonized Gap Plus audit on the field size, a Primus GFSI Farm and

Harvest audit on a couple hundred acres and a Primus GFSI packaging shed audit.

Above: J.D. Schroeder says the weather in Antigo was just about as good as it could get for this year’s potato harvest.

Dr. Richard Lankau from UW-Madison has been taking soil samples from Antigo potato growers, including us, and from farmers in the Central Sands, and doing DNA analysis on microbiome and big data collection to see what we can learn to improve soil health.

have also done some work with the Nature Conservancy to get a third monitor up and running.

Discovery Farms has recently come to Antigo and installed edge-of-field monitors so we can learn about phosphorus and soil runoff, and which rotations may lower it. We

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J.D. Schroeder sizes and grades fresh Lamokas at harvest. 14 BC�T November

continued on pg. 16

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 14

In fact, it doesn’t seem like many acres in Antigo have nitrogen applied through the pivots, which is different from the Central Sands.

Station next year to help us continue optimizing the amount we are using and avoid leaching as much as possible.

Professor Yi Wang is going to hopefully do some nitrogen work at the Langlade Agricultural Research

Frito-Lay is looking at requiring some different low-pressure nozzles on pivots covering their potatoes, which

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could reduce the amount of energy and water used. Our Antigo Flats grower group has been working with Chuck Bolte of VAS Laboratories on soil health measures using soil tests. What do you foresee on the horizon for changes in farming practices? As Yogi Berra said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” I agree. I hope, in the coming 10 or 20 years, that between advances in true potato seed and diploid potato breeding, we don’t get such a huge explosion in yields that supply and demand get out of whack and really lower the price. Professor Jesse Ausubel gave a talk on “Peak Farmland” several years back at a United conference. The idea is that, even as the world population grows, the need for more farmland is Above: The generational certified seed potato operation includes, from left to right, Pete, J.D., Eric and Andy Schroeder, as well as six other family members.

Above: An attraction at Schroeder Bros. Farms’ southern location is a Potato Museum, complete with antique tractors, tools and implements.

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decreasing as yields rise faster than the demand for food.

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If that is true, it could lower the value of farmland over the long term, but more yield on less acres is likely more sustainable for the environment. It will also be neat if UW gets affordable hyperspectral imaging devices with only the five best bands on drones or sprayer booms, so we can get good data on nitrogen use and disease management. Through her research, Dr. Amanda Gevens is detecting late blight several days before the human eye can see it. I’m also looking forward to Dr. Russ Groves’ work on being able to knock out genes on Colorado potato beetles so they are no longer resistant to insecticides. continued on pg. 18

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 17

Proud grandpa John T. Schroeder (left) sits in the tractor with his daughter-in-law, Hannah (right), and grandkids John Winston (middle) and little Elloise, on mom’s lap.

What do you hope for the future of Schroeder Bros. Farms? I just hope we can keep going successfully as our family has before us, so our kids have the option to farm if they want to.

18 BC�T November

There’s no better sight on Schroeder Bros. Farms than a field of healthy certified and foundation seed potatoes.

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Nutrien - Great Lakes 5053 County 420-21st Road | Gladstone, MI 49837 Contact AndersonsPlantNutrient.com Nutrien - Great Lakes is an authorized retailer of PureGrade Liquid Fertilizer. ©2021 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. PureGrade and GoldStart are registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc.

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Measuring Nitrogen in Cover Crops Crimson clover and hairy vetch can pull nitrogen from the air to help them grow Submitted by the American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America and Crop Science Society of America Researchers at Cornell University have been looking at ways to breed better cover crops, also known as green manures, that could help farmers in their quest

for sustainability. The research results were recently printed in Crop Science, a publication of the Crop Science Society of America.

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Katherine Muller, a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell, and her team have been working on strategies to measure nitrogen fixation in breeding programs for two common cover crops: crimson clover and hairy vetch. Both crops can pull nitrogen from the air to help them grow, a phenomenon called nitrogen fixation. “Green manures are crops used to improve soil fertility,” Muller says. “They help the soil by adding nutrients. We look at legumes, which bring nitrogen into the soil due to their symbiotic relationship with bacteria.” The use of legume green manures has been around for thousands of years. However, after the 1950’s, chemical fertilizers became the main nitrogen source for farmers Above: Ripe hairy vetch seeds were used in the study to display kinds of samples and measurements available to breeders. Photo courtesy of Sandra Wayman

in developed countries. This is because two scientists, Haber and Bosch, found a way to pull nitrogen from the air and make chemical fertilizer. NITROGEN LEACHING Though this type of fertilizer is productive, it also takes energy to make it, and the resulting nitrogen can easily leach into water bodies if not managed correctly. “Cover crops are important ecological management tools,” Muller notes. “They foster microbial communities and put nutrients in the soil. Essentially, they help build fertile soil that can supply nutrients when plants need them.” The use of cover crops can be risky to farmers because they cannot determine the exact amount of nitrogen supplied to the soil. Chemical fertilizers allow for the continued on pg. 22

Nitrogen fixation, or pulling nitrogen from the air, is a quality trait of crimson clover, a plant that is generally recommended to be grown in a mixture of grasses. Image courtesy of Sandra Wayman

BC�T November 21

Measuring Nitrogen in Cover Crops… continued from pg. 21

exact calculation of the amount of nitrogen applied to a crop. How much nitrogen is provided by each type of cover crop is not a known number. The amount supplied by a legume cover crop depends on how well it grows and how much of its nitrogen comes via fixation versus uptake from soil. Currently, cover crop seeds that are available do not have selective breeding for nitrogen fixation, a valuable trait. Plant breeders are working to develop cover crop varieties that reduce the risks and increase benefits to farmers. They hope that better varieties will increase the use of cover crops as an alternative to chemical fertilizer. NITROGEN FIXATION Nitrogen fixation is one of their top priorities for legume green manures. “We aim to help plant breeders develop strategies and target nitrogen fixation in cover crops,” Muller explains. “Because nitrogen fixation is a complicated trait that changes as plants grow, the timing of measurements is important.” For farmers, the most important measurement of nitrogen fixation is when the crop is terminated. Legume green manures are usually

The root system of a hairy vetch plant includes nodules that contain a symbiotic nitrogenfixing bacteria. Photo courtesy of Katherine Muller

terminated in the late flowering stage. Earlier termination means the crop is likely to resprout and become a weed.

tissues and measured nitrogen fixation. We were able to tell how much of the plant’s nitrogen comes from fixation versus the soil.”

However, breeding programs for hairy vetch and crimson clover cannot take a measurement at termination, as the plants need to be removed before cross-pollination.

The team tested three kinds of samples that a plant breeder might take to compare them to those most relevant to farmers. They then measured nitrogen fixation by sending their samples to a lab that measures total nitrogen content and the abundance of a naturally

“Our team did a field experiment with an active breeding program,” Muller relates. “We collected plant

continued on pg. 24

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Measuring Nitrogen in Cover Crops… continued from pg. 22

occurring stable isotope.

“We aim to help plant breeders develop strategies and target nitrogen fixation in cover crops.” – Katherine Muller,

Nitrogen from soil usually has a higher abundance of the stable isotope than that obtained from fixation. This allows researchers to estimate the proportion of nitrogen a plant obtains from soil versus fixation. EARLY FLOWERING STAGE “Our recommendation is to collect stems from each plant in the early flowering stage to measure the nitrogen fixation via stable isotopes,” Muller stresses. “This provides a good proxy for nitrogen fixation in whole plants, measured in the late flowering stage that is more relevant to farmers.” According to Muller, if breeders are going to add one measurement, it should be this. The proportion of nitrogen obtained

Cornell University postdoctoral researcher

by fixation often does not correlate with plant size or other measurements.

to help them make decisions,” she states.

“It is important to measure actual nitrogen fixed in the cover crop because it can vary,” Muller says.

“We hope our research will encourage more farmers to adopt legume cover crops as a nitrogen source,” Muller concludes.

“Farmers want to know how much nitrogen they are bringing into their fields. We need to accurately measure and provide this information

The research was done in conjunction with the Legume Cover Crop Breeding Project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Should Your Farmland Be Owned by an LLC?

A limited liability company avoids several issues that arise if the land is individually owned By Linda M. Danielson, attorney, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C. Many farm operations are conducted through a legal entity, such as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company (LLC). Yet, in many cases, the land used in the farming operation is owned by individuals rather than an entity.

There are several reasons why it is better for the land to be owned by an LLC set up for such a purpose. If you own real property personally and someone is injured on it, you may be liable to that party. The best protection is having the correct types and amounts of insurance.

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Above: An LLC can help with management and ownership issues related to a farm property.

However, what if the damages exceed the available insurance? In that case, your other assets (except for certain exemptions) would have to be used to pay the portion of the damages not covered by insurance. In contrast, if the real property is owned by an LLC, then generally only its assets are available to satisfy obligations; assets owned by the LLC members (owners) personally should not be at risk. Under Wisconsin law, a member or manager of an LLC is not personally liable for an LLC liability merely by virtue of being a member or manager (although a member or manager’s acts or conduct other than as a member or manager can create personal liability). SEPARATE LEGAL EXISTENCE It’s fairly easy to create an LLC. However, having an LLC in name only is not sufficient. To get the liability protection of an LLC, it must be operated in a manner that reflects

a separate legal existence. For example, contracts and leases with respect to the property should show the LLC, not its members, as the owner of the property. The LLC should have its own bank account, and income and expenses should be deposited into and paid from that account. If these formalities are not followed, a creditor may be able to “pierce” the veil of liability protection to reach the members’ personal assets to satisfy LLC obligations. An LLC can also help with management and ownership issues related to the property. An LLC can be either member managed or manager managed. If the LLC is member managed, each member is an agent of the LLC with respect to its business and can bind the LLC. If the LLC is manager managed, decision making authority

“If you own real property personally and someone is injured on it, you may be liable to that party.” – Linda M. Danielson is in the hands of one or more managers, providing centralized management. Most LLCs are governed by a written operating agreement. The operating agreement describes the rights and obligations of the LLC and its members. For example, if the LLC is manager managed, the operating agreement can describe how the managers are selected and removed. It can also require that certain actions, such as the sale of all or substantially all of the LLC assets, require the prior

approval of the members. OWNERSHIP CONTROL The operating agreement can also control the ownership of the LLC by prohibiting the transfer of interests without the consent of the other members (perhaps with some exceptions). The operating agreement can also address other issues, such as what happens to a member’s interest on death, divorce or other events, and how the purchase price will be determined and paid if an option continued on pg. 28

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BC�T November 27

Should Your Farmland Be Owned by an LLC?… continued from pg. 27

or obligation to purchase an LLC interest is triggered. Further, an operating agreement can prohibit a member from pledging an LLC interest as collateral. Using an LLC to own real property avoids several issues that arise if the land is individually owned. For example, if a landowner wants to transfer a fractional interest in property to a child, he or she must sign a deed making the transfer, which then needs to be recorded with the register of deeds office. In contrast, transfers in the LLC ownership can be made more easily and do not change the ownership of the property itself. The identity of the LLC owners is not part of the real estate records. Additionally, if there are multiple owners of real property, then, under

An LLC can be an integral part of the farm succession plan. It provides a structure to separate the active operation of the farm from land ownership.

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Wisconsin law, any owner who wants to be bought out can bring a partition action to require that the property be either divided among the owners or sold. The partition right can be eliminated if the property is owned by an LLC.

Finally, the LLC can be an integral part of the farm succession plan. It provides a structure to separate the active operation of the farm from land ownership. This is useful, for example, if the long-term objective is to allow family members not active

Above: One argument for LLC farm ownership is that, if you own real property personally and someone is injured on it, you may be liable to that party. The best protection is having the correct types and amounts of insurance, which LLC’s can provide.

in the farm operation to have an ownership interest in the land.

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WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES BC�T November 29

Badger Beat Seed Certification Program’s Tissue Culture & Diagnostics Lab Headed to New Home

TCDL produces and maintains seed potato planting stocks and provides diagnostic testing for pathogens of concern By Renee Rioux, Brooke Babler and Amanda Gevens

The Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program

consists of three key components: the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm in Rhinelander, the Certification Program itself, housed in Antigo, and the Tissue Culture & Diagnostics Lab (TCDL) located on the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison campus. While the first two may be the most publicly visible, the TCDL plays a critical role in the state’s seed potato industry by producing and maintaining planting stocks and providing diagnostic testing for pathogens of concern to the industry. The TCDL is also involved in extensive campus research projects; provides tissue culture training opportunities

for public and private entities worldwide; and serves as a repository for SpudPro lines, industry collections and specific varieties grown outside the state that are difficult to source elsewhere. The lab was started in the 1980’s, around when tissue culture became a key aspect of ensuring high-quality, disease-free planting stocks for seed

The current Tissue Culture & Diagnostics Lab (TCDL) space is within the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Biotron. The Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, which has maintained space in the building since the 1990’s, is now relocating as the Biotron is closing its doors.

potato production. While initially located in the same building that houses the UW-Madison Departments of Plant Pathology and Entomology, it was quickly realized that a building full of plant pests and pathogens was not the ideal place for production of clean planting stocks! The laboratory was subsequently relocated to the Biotron, a then stateof-the-art controlled environment research facility on the west end of the UW campus. Dedicated in 1970 and opening its doors for research three years earlier, the Biotron was a remarkable facility in its early years. The building’s climate-controlled rooms could replicate nearly every environment possible on earth through finely tuned control of light, heat, humidity and other variables.

The TCDL will occupy new lab space in the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center. Renovations are slated to start in the next few months, with anticipated completion by late 2022. In addition to the lab space, the TCDL will have a dedicated plant growth room and access to shared facilities and equipment. 30 BC�T November

As a shared resource for public and private use, the Biotron housed research on everything from cheese to squirrels and even window blinds.

AGE BECAME APPARENT Fifty years is a lifetime for many buildings, but especially one with sophisticated technology. As the Biotron neared its 50th anniversary in 2020, its age was apparent. The once state-of-the-art facility lacked energy efficiency and building maintenance was becoming a challenge. The TCDL was not spared from these issues as its own growth rooms struggled to maintain conditions required for optimal plantlet growth, and autoclaves used by the lab to sterilize materials frequently failed. The team managed to maintain the high-quality planting stocks it is known for, but not without a few emergency transfers of plants between growth rooms or traipses across campus to use functional autoclaves. In late 2019, the university determined maintenance of this building was no longer sustainable and announced that the Biotron would soon close its doors, requiring the TCDL to find a new home. Thankfully, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and campus administrators were committed to the needs of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program and worked closely with the program and Department of Plant Pathology to identify a new location that would fit our unique needs. These requirements included proximity to campus to maintain university collaboration and support the lab’s diagnostics arm, adequate isolation from materials that could introduce pests or pathogens, and growth rooms able to reach the cool temperatures needed for optimal potato tissue culture. This was far from an easy set of requirements to meet, but working closely with university administrators, we identified a space in the continued on pg. 32 BC�T November 31

Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 31

Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC), a former Monsanto plant transformation facility that was donated to University Research Park and UW-Madison, in 2016. The WCIC ticks the boxes of being close to campus and providing a clean environment, free from pathogens and pests. It is a modern and wonderfully maintained facility with access to shared equipment, such as dishwashers and autoclaves, that are

critical for TCDL operations. BUILDING RENOVATIONS Building renovations are needed to convert the available lab space to house the TCDL’s many sterile hoods for tissue culture and small growth chambers, and to modify the growth rooms, which were constructed with corn and soybean in mind, to meet optimal temperature and humidity set-points for potato. Over the past year, we coordinated

TCDL research and service activities benefit the public and private sectors. 32 BC�T November

Left: Potato tissue culture plantlets are maintained in glass tubes by the TCDL. Samples from these tubes can be propagated to produce hundreds to thousands of plantlets each year. Right: The current TCDL team is made up of long-term Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program team member Brooke Babler, who currently leads the team, recent hire Sarah deVeer, and fantastic undergraduate research assistants Lauren Pryor and Claire Reichardt. Left to right in the back row are Babler and Pryor, and in the front row, left to right, deVeer and Reichardt.

The numbers don’t lie regarding TCDL activities.

with university leaders and a local contractor to finalize construction plans, and the project officially kicked off in September 2021. With a budget of nearly $1.3 million, the renovations are no small undertaking. Yet, they will provide the TCDL with the infrastructure and resources needed to continue maintaining and producing highquality planting stocks for its stakeholders as well as a broad range of diagnostic services for many years to come.

“The Biotron was a remarkable facility in its early years. The building’s climatecontrolled rooms could replicate nearly every environment possible on earth through finely tuned control of light, heat, humidity and other variables.” – Renee Rioux

Initial funding for the project was generously provided by the UWMadison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and CALS.

Additional funds for the remaining budget needs will be met by multiple coordinated efforts of the Department of Plant Pathology, seed certification program and Wisconsin potato industry.

This substantial support showcases the commitment of the university and CALS to the seed certification program and greater Wisconsin potato industry.

We anticipate that renovations to the WCIC will be completed in midto late 2022 and that the TCDL will transition to its new home shortly thereafter.

While there will certainly be some challenges in moving our entire tissue culture collection and related equipment to a new location, we are looking forward to the improved facilities and the many great opportunities that they will provide. We are also thrilled to share the new lab with the Wisconsin potato industry and invite everyone to visit us in our new location!

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BC�T November 33

Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

Fries and Baked Potatoes Enjoyed at Spud Bowl

While the football team couldn’t pull off a win, the potato industry was victorious

Well, it’s the first time in several years the University of Wisconsin (UW)Stevens Point football team couldn’t quite pull it off. That is, a win during the well-known Spud Bowl game, October 2, at Goerke Field in Stevens Point. The team, which is 2-2 so far this season, succumbed to the Eau

Claire Blugolds, 15-25, in the annual Spud Bowl game sponsored by the Wisconsin potato industry. It was a frustrating loss as the game marked the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener. Despite the game’s outcome, however, the industry was proud to be present and promote Wisconsin

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Left: Spudly poses with Spud Bowl Committee Member Alex Okray of Okray Family Farms at the 2021 Spud Bowl, October 2, at Goerke Field in Stevens Point. Right: Spud Bowl attendees enjoyed free baked potatoes provided by Myron Soik & Sons, Stevens Point, and servings of French fries donated by McCain Foods, Inc., of Plover.

potato growers, especially after having to forgo the Spud Bowl in 2020 due to COVID-19. Prior to kickoff, the event began with a Spud Hunt consisting of hidden items and giveaways around Goerke Field. Attendees had fun searching for $5 gift cards donated by Trig’s of Stevens Point, along with other items strategically hidden. It proved a great way to get people in the football mindset for the upcoming game. Mother Nature presented warm

temperatures, but that didn’t stop potato Spud Bowl Committee members and volunteers from handing out free French fries and baked potatoes with sour cream and butter to all attendees during the game. Myron Soik & Sons of Stevens Point donated 600-plus potatoes, and McCain Foods, Inc., Plover, provided 1,200 servings of fries. Spud beer, specially brewed for the occasion by Point Brewery, was sold prior to the game in a separate area from the stadium and served to those who tailgated prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff. Free root beer was also provided to attendees during the game, which paired well with the baked potatoes and fries. SPUD GUN Spud Bowl Committee members, along with UW-Stevens Point’s new chancellor, Thomas Gibson, even took turns shooting Spudmobile and “Powered by Wisconsin

Potatoes” T-shirts into the crowd at halftime. The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association mascot, Spudly, was also present and made quite the impression as he wandered the stands interacting with fans from both teams. While the free food and fun is

Above: Spudly invited himself to sit next to UW-Stevens Point fans during the annual Spud Bowl, October 2, at Goerke Field in Stevens Point. The WPVGA mascot also showed that he has the beat, joining the university band in a song.

a big draw for many, there’s a more important focus on helping students continue their education. continued on pg. 36

Bushman’s Riverside Ranch

Specializing in Silverton, Caribou and Reveille Russets Seed Cutting & Suberization is Available!

Contact: Jeff Suchon, Farm Manager 715-757-2160 office • 715-927-4015 cell

Or call Jonathon or John E. Bushman: 715-454-6201 715-454-6201 BC�T November 35

Marketplace…

continued from pg. 35

Top: Spud Bowl Committee members, representatives from UW-Stevens Point and four of the five scholarship winners gathered on the field to be recognized at halftime during the Spud Bowl game, October 2. Pictured left to right are Alex Okray of Okray Family Farms in Plover; WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan; Nick Somers of Plover River Farms in Stevens Point; scholarship winners Cody Trowbridge, Hannah Jo Sroka, Breanna Schnell and Darren Kieffer; UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Thomas Gibson; Carole Gagas of Gagas Farms in Stevens Point and Dianne Somers of Plover River Farms. Not pictured is scholarship winner Abby King. Middle Left & Right: UW-Stevens Point faced off against the Eau Claire Blugolds for the Spud Bowl game at Goerke Field. The Pointers lost to UW-Eau Claire 25-15. UWSP quarterback Trey Schroeder (#8, shown) threw for 129 yards and one touchdown. Running back Vercion Gammel was Point’s leading rusher with 67 yards, and running back Jahi Stigall caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Schroeder and ran for an 18-yard touchdown. 36 BC�T November

UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Thomas Gibson takes a stab at shooting the t-shirt gun during the Spud Bowl game at Goerke Field in Stevens Point. Nick Somers of Plover River Farms backs him up in his endeavor.

Five $1,000 scholarships were awarded to deserving recipients thanks to funds raised from the Wisconsin potato industry. Almost all the winners were present to be recognized during a halftime announcement. The 2021 Spud Bowl Scholarship recipients, who all come from farming and/or agricultural backgrounds, are Darren Kieffer, Abby King, Breanna Schnell, Hannah Jo Sroka and Cody Trowbridge. Not pictured herein is scholarship winner Abby King. All have shown valuable leadership skills through school, extracurricular activities and volunteering for various organizations outside of their respective studies. Overall, the Spud Bowl was a welcomed success as the group looks forward to planning another one in 2022. continued on pg. 38

WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan shoots a T-shirt into the crowd with the spud gun, while Nick Somers of Plover River Farms, kneeling, looks on during the 2021 Spud Bowl game.

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BC�T November 37

Marketplace…

continued from pg. 37

Charlie Berens Tries His Hand at Making Potato Salad Ever try making potato salad with your mom? How did that go for you? Comedian and social media icon Charlie Berens recently learned, perhaps the hard way, that his mom is still, well, his mom, especially when it comes to cooking in her kitchen! Berens, contracted by the WPVGA Promotions Committee, went for the classic potato salad using Wisconsin potatoes and his mom’s recipe. The video follows a humorous banter between Berens and his mom

during the preparation session as she corrects him for using the wrong equipment, not measuring and, at times, not choosing his words carefully, among other things. It’s a classic and relatable dialogue between mom and son as they both work to complete a project. MILLIONS OF “LIKES” And as was the case with the “First Time Potato Grower” video, the potato salad recipe had more than 60,000 views on YouTube, more than

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38 BC�T November

Above: In addition to a video of comedian and social media icon Charlie Berens making potato salad with his mom, six other short video bytes are posted on WPVGA’s social media platforms. Enjoy the videos by visiting https://eatwisconsinpotatoes.com/about/ and scrolling down.

4 million “likes” and more than 400 comments after being posted for less than 24 hours. On Facebook, 17,000 people liked the video, 4,500 people shared it and 1,200 people commented, again, within just a few hours of being posted. Reach on both YouTube and Facebook is expected to broaden further. Besides the recipe video, Berens also filmed six short video bytes that each touched on different aspects of the industry. Buy local, nutrition, research and sustainability and technology were a few topics he covered. One video byte each day posted on WPVGA’s social media platforms in early October. Enjoy the videos by visiting https:// eatwisconsinpotatoes.com/about/ and scrolling down.

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Alegria

High yield of smooth yellow tubers in tough growing conditions. Great tasting baked fries or wedges.

FUTURE VARIETIES

TESSA

GOLDEN GLOBE

New improvement on Alegria for smooth, shiny, mid-season maturity.

Very early maturing, handsome tubers

CHRISTEL

NEW CROSS WITH GALA

Bright gold, round tubers

Potential new round variety

Charles Higgins, President

Norika America, LLC | 14514 Los Lunas Road | Helotes, TX 78023

719-588-2388 • email: higginsfarms@twc.com

3 Row Electric Harvester

ALLAN EQUIPMENT CROP CART, SPEED UP PLANTING AND HARVEST. AND 4 ROW ELECTRIC HARVESTER FEATURES: •Use with multiple crops, grain,3vegetables, or sugar beets 2 stage primary belt innovation increases separation Small turning radius and self centering steer wheels •Holds a full tractor trailer and unloads fast 3 independent vibrators Touch screen controls for ease of use and realtime adjustment •Available with or without cleaning table Less moving parts to maintain

WINDROWER FEATURES: • Individual row pick-up or full shear • Clear visibility • Friction drive secondary beds to reduce drop heights • Rear steering axle with optional height adjustment • Dual discharge available • Available in 2, 4 or 6 row options

• • • • •

Self contained 100kw generator is easily removed for other uses such as irrigation and winter power failures • 60 sack holding tank option •

6 Row Windrower

Simple, Efficient, Reliable Design and manufacture of all types of handling, harvesting and planting equipment allanequipment.com (902) 672-2510  info@allanequipment.com

Accurate Seed Placement Pays Speed up planting while increasing POTATO seed placement accuracy.PLANTER Pays for itself PRESS in 1 yearWHEEL or less KIT Accurate Seed Placement Pays

Accurate Speed upSeed plantingPlacement while increasingPays seed placement Accurate Seed Placement Pays accuracy. Pays for itself in 1 year or less. Speed up planting while increasing Speed up planting while increasing PLANTER WITHOUT PLANTER WITH seed placement accuracy. seed placement accuracy. PRESS WHEEL PRESS WHEEL Pays for itself year or or less less 6 MPH 3.2 MPH Pays for itself in in 1 1 year ACCURACY:

88%

PLANTER PLANTERWITHOUT WITHOUT PRESS WHEEL PRESS WHEEL

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PLANTERWITH WITH PLANTER PRESSWHEEL WHEEL PRESS

MPH 66MPH

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BULK BOX & VAN 90% 90% TRAILER INSERT

Built strong, and built to last, you can depend on the round-sided Allan high-capacity bulk box to transport and unload with ease.

20’, 22’, 24’ and 26’ available.

Allan Equipment Manufacturing Ltd.

has been in the potato business for over 50 years, we design and manufacture a full line of potato equipment with solutions for planting, crop care, harvest and handling.

Now News WPVGA Launches FarmersForCleanWater.com New action center highlights industry’s comprehensive efforts to ensure clean water across state On October 5, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) announced the launch of FarmersForCleanWater.com, a new website that showcases the industry’s work to safeguard Wisconsin’s water resources. WPVGA has long been a strong and vocal advocate for farmer-led water quality initiatives, and this website

will enable the organization to better highlight that information. Visit https://farmersforcleanwater. com. The new website serves as an online Action Center where visitors can receive a detailed update on WPVGA’s work and then share that information with others. It features a detailed look into several different areas and tools used by agriculture leaders across the state to safeguard our water resources, and it outlines research that reinforces those efforts. “More than anyone, as stewards of our state’s land and precious natural resources, Wisconsin farmers are focused on finding solutions to the water issues facing our state,” says WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan.

42 BC�T November

“We’re proud to launch FarmersForCleanWater.com,” Houlihan adds, “and showcase our farmer-led initiatives to preserve, protect and enhance Wisconsin’s waters.”

World Potato Congress Seeks Industry Award Nominees Industry Award Ceremony is a prestigious event on the international potato scene On behalf of Romain Cools, president and chief executive officer of the World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC), and Tamas Houlihan, chairman of the WPC Industry Awards Committee, nominations for the 2022 World Potato Congress Industry Awards are now being requested. The WPC Industry Award Ceremony is an important and prestigious event on the international potato scene. The award recognizes a lifetime of contributions to the potato industry. Typically, three outstanding individuals are recognized during the Industry Awards Ceremony at the World Potato Congress. The next congress is being held in Dublin, Ireland, May 30-June 2, 2022. Industry Award proposers are invited to submit a written nomination, which must include the following information in order to have your nomination reviewed: Industry Award Proposer – You must provide your full name, professional status and contact information (email and telephone number). Industry Award proposers are requested to refrain from a writein campaign in support of their nominee. Letters of support for your nominee will not be factored into the decision-making process. Nominee Information – Please provide your nominee’s full name, contact information (email and telephone number), the nominee’s career outline and reasons why this nominee is a good candidate for the Industry Award (maximum 250 words). Nomination Submission – Email your

nomination information (as indicated above) to the awards committee chairman, Tamas Houlihan, at thoulihan@wisconsinpotatoes.com. Nomination Deadline – Please note that applications will only be accepted until the close of business on November 30, 2021. Industry Awards Committee members will review and assess all written applications received by November 30, and recommend potential award recipients to the WPC Board of Directors for final approval. Prominent past award recipients include J.R. Simplot and Harrison

McCain. The 2018 Industry Award recipients from the 10th World Potato Congress in Cusco, Peru, were Dr. Gary Secor, USA, Dr. Anton Haverkort, the Netherlands, and Alberto Salas, Peru. For further information about the Industry Awards application, please contact Tamas Houlihan, chairman, WPC Industry Awards Committee, at thoulihan@wisconsinpotatoes.com. To learn more about the 11th World Potato Congress in Dublin, Ireland, please visit www.wpc2022ireland. com. continued on pg. 44

Dagen Heritage Farms EST. 1882

SEED POTATOES

VIGOR

VARIETIES

Umatilla Lamoka Modoc Red Norland Russet Burbank Waneta • ND 1241Y FY1, FY2, FY3

MINNESOTA SEED

POTATOES

Isolation - Sanitation Dedication - Winter-Tested

Call Justin Dagen Today!

Karlstad, MN • (218) 686-1734 • jdagen@wiktel.com BC�T November 43

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 43

Farming for the Future Foundation Uses New Platform TikTok is being used to educate a younger audience about agricultural innovation and sustainability

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For many, fall marks the beginning of the end. By autumn each year, the growing season has come to an end, and harvest is in full swing by midSeptember. School is back in session, and most have returned to a seminormal schedule following summer vacations. However, fall of 2021 marked the beginning of something new for the Farming for the Future Foundation (FFTFF). FFTFF officially launched a TikTok account. The platform is being used to connect with a younger audience to meet the mission of educating current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability.

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44 BC�T November

The platform features videos on various harvesting techniques, processing procedures, careers within the industry, farm tours and more. It is being utilized to give youth a more clear and accurate representation of the work being done within the industry every day. Joining TikTok is allowing the Foundation to meet its audience where they are while in the development phase of the curriculum and Food + Farm Exploration Center. MEET THE BOARD: PAUL PALMBY Agriculture pulses through Paul Palmby’s veins. The opportunities he has been given in the industry have kept him interested and engaged in

agriculture, he says. “I have never really had a desire or reason to leave agriculture or the food business,” Palmby relates. “It really is all I know.” Read more about Palmby by visiting https://www.fftf.us/news/boardmember-spotlight-paul-palmby. MEET THE TEAM: MALORIE PAINE Malorie Paine joined the FFTFF team in August. Her family has deep roots in agriculture, allowing her to blend seamlessly into the team. “Without agriculture, humanity could not survive,” Paine says. “Agriculture has always been a part of me that I never wanted to lose.” Read more about Paine and the work she’s doing by visiting https://www. fftf.us/news/meet-the-team-maloriepaine. WE’RE GROWING Farming for the Future Foundation is seeking an enthusiastic, selfmotivated and highly experienced Education Program Manager. Along with our Curriculum Developer, the Education Program Manager plays a key role in execution and evaluation of all education programs, supervises instructional staff and/ or teachers, and supports the implementation of strategies for program growth and scaling. The ideal candidate has experience managing complex, multifaceted education programs, agriculture education experience, experience developing and leading curriculum and training programs, supporting collaboration with community partners and volunteers, demonstrated experience in a K-12 classroom setting, and is passionate about ag education and its education programs. To learn more about the Education Program Manager, read the job description by visiting https://www. indeed.com/job/education-programmanager-e3bffce047854394. continued on pg. 46

BINFRONT BARRIERS …a better barrier

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BULK STORAGE Barrier system walls off potatoes in bulk storage. • Interlocking Design for Stacking • Vertical Edges Prevent Gaps when Placed Together at Various Angles • Vertical Ribs Prevent Trapping of Dirt & Increase Wall Strength • Angled Barrier Ends Allow for 90-Degree Turns Using Three Barriers • Lightweight, Easy to Clean & Disinfect BinFronts can be placed in tight circumferences for corners or circles, eliminating the burden of ordering corner pieces.

Contact Pete Schroeder • 715-623-2689 • farm@sbfi.biz Visit https://binfront.biz/ for more images and information. BC�T November 45

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 45

Vive Wins “Crop Protection Solution of the Year” Award

AgTech Breakthrough’s awards program recognizes innovation in agricultural technologies Vive Crop Protection announces that it was named “Crop Protection Solution of the Year” as part of the 2021 AgTech Breakthrough Awards. AgTech Breakthrough is a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the modern global agricultural technology market. Vive Crop Protection has successfully created six new fungicide and insecticide products using trusted active ingredients with its patented and innovative nano-polymer

46 BC�T November

Allosperse Delivery System technology. The Allosperse Delivery System allows previously incompatible products to be mixed with liquid fertilizer and other crop inputs and applied in one application, reducing fuel, time and water usage. Using nanotechnology, Allosperse is finely tuned for precise targeting, whether the product is being mixed in a spray tank or applied to the soil, seed or foliage. While Allosperse does not change

the mode of action of a pesticide, growers have seen significant improvement in performance simply by applying products at the right time, in the right place and at the right rate. Vive products do not require additional equipment solutions. The fungicide and insecticide products are simply added to the liquid fertilizer tank and applied. Most products that contain the Allosperse Delivery System are mixed with liquid fertilizer and applied in-furrow at plant to

increase operational efficiency and demonstrate functionality. INCREASE GROWER ROI “We are honored to receive this recognition from AgTech Breakthrough. At Vive Crop Protection, we are committed to developing products and technologies that increase grower ROI, efficiency and sustainability,” says Darren Anderson, chief executive officer of Vive Crop Protection.

AI in new ways to create on-farm efficiency and value,” says Bryan Vaughn, managing director of AgTech Breakthrough Awards. “This includes both biological and chemical AI, which Vive can easily deliver in the same jug,” Vaughn notes. “By using Vive products, growers have found that time-

consuming activity is no longer required.” “Congratulations to everyone at Vive Crop Protection on being our choice for ‘Crop Protection Solution of the Year’ with its truly breakthrough solution,” he concludes. continued on pg. 48

“This award affirms that our combined decades of experience in agriculture, business, science and technology are successful at reducing environmental impact while increasing crop quality and yields,” Anderson remarks. “Research shows that 97 percent of customers re-use Vive products year after year and that they are estimated to have saved U.S. farmers 34 million gallons of water, 189,000 gallons of fuel and 15,000 hours of farm labor since 2018,” he states. The mission of the annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industry’s most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of agricultural and food technology categories, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based agricultural technologies, farm management, indoor farming, food quality and data analytics. This year’s program attracted more than 1,500 nominations from over 15 countries throughout the world. “Developing novel active ingredients can take decades and cost millions of dollars. Vive Crop Protection has put its focus on making existing active ingredients more efficient and able to be applied differently, allowing growers to use proven BC�T November 47

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 47

Farm Credit Associations Move to Next Phase of Merger

Joint board resolution approved by AgCountry and Farm Credit Services of North Dakota AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Farm Credit Services of North Dakota are pleased to announce the joint board resolution was unanimously approved by both boards on July 13, 2021, approving the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

The combined association would operate under the AgCountry Farm Credit Services brand name and, if all conditions are met, the newly merged association is expected to begin operation under the management of AgCountry Farm Credit Services CEO Marc Knisely effective January 1, 2022.

Following a review and approval by Farm Credit Administration (FCA), the merger vote will go to stockholders.

“This is a strategic merger for both associations,” shares AgCountry Board of Directors Chair Ed Hegland.

“Our board has worked diligently to determine how best to support the long-term success of members, the cooperative and the communities we serve.” CASTING VOTES “Next, we will need our shareholders to play their important role for our cooperative,” Hegland adds, “by reviewing the merger packet that will be mailed following FCA approval and casting their votes.” “The Board of Directors serving Farm Credit Services of North Dakota views this as a good merger for members of both cooperatives,” says Bryan Ankenbauer, board chair for Farm Credit Services of North Dakota. “Both associations are closely aligned in mission and focus on memberowners’ success,” Ankenbauer adds. “The combined association will benefit from increased loan portfolio diversity, a larger capital base and a wide array of products and services.” Following the merger, memberowners can expect the same personalized service they count on today from their current branch locations and branch staff while leveraging increased staff depth, experience and skill sets that are a direct result of a merged association. They can also count on the same commitment to patronage, or cash dividends, which could effectively reduce interest rates by 1 percent for the cooperative if financial conditions are met.

48 BC�T November

30TH MAY - 2ND JUNE 2022 www.wpc2022ireland.com

The 11th World Potato Congress 30 May - 2 June 2022, Dublin, Ireland

The Changing World of the Potato WPC Inc. and the Irish Potato Federation are pleased to invite you to the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC 2022) in Dublin, Ireland. This is the world’s leading event for potato professionals and offers an opportunity for delegates to gain a unique insight into the future of the rapidly changing world of the potato. WPC 2022 will bring together industry leaders, researchers, NGO’s and producers and will provide a unique platform to network, make new business connections and engage with a global potato audience. WPC 2022 will be held in conjunction with the 2022 Europatat Congress.

Main Congress Topics: » Key Market Trends » Opportunities for Growth » Latest Technology Developments

» » » »

Agronomy Sustainability The Green Consumer Development and Food Security

WPC 2022 registration is open! » Various social events, tours and accommodation can be booked during the registration process. » Visit www.wpc2022ireland.com for further details. Early Bird Registration closes 31 January 2022.

See you in Ireland in 2022!

www.wpc2022ireland.com

DUBLIN, 29 - 30 MAY 2022

2021 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATO GROWERS DIRECTORY Above: Dan Wild harvests seed potatoes on Wild Seed Farms, Antigo, Wisconsin.

PRIMARY BUSINESS PHONE NUMBERS ARE BOLD-FACED. BAGINSKI FARMS, INC. N3474 County H, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Farm (715) 627-7753 Fax (715) 623-5412 Out of State (888) 446-7753 Mike Baginski (715) 627-7838 Mike Baginski Cell (715) 216-1240 Email mike@baginskifarms.com Website www.baginskifarms.com Baby Boomer, Bellamonda, Baby Lou, Colomba, Goldrush, Mercury Russet, Modoc, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Radley, Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Silverton, Superior BULA POTATO FARMS, INC. Shipping Address: W8376 County Road K, Elcho, WI 54428 Billing Address: W11957 Highland Road, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Warehouse (715) 275-3430 Office/Warehouse Fax (715) 275-5051 Dennis Cell (715) 216-1614 Adam Cell (715) 216-1613 Farm Email bulaseed@frontiernet.net Dennis Email: dennis@certifiedseedpotatoes.com A08433-4STO, Caribou Russet, Goldrush, Lady Liberty (NY152), Lakeview Russet (W9433-1Rus),Norland (Dark Red Selection), Paroli, Plover Russet (W9133-1Rus), Reveille Russet, Silverton, Superior, Umatilla Russet, Vanguard Russet, W97422-3Rus, Yukon Gold BUSHMAN’S RIVERSIDE RANCH, INC. N8151 Bushman Road, Crivitz, WI 54114 Farm (Crivitz, WI) (715) 757-2160 Jeff (715) 927-4015 Jon (715) 454-6201 Fax (715) 757-2243 Email jssuchon@gmail.com Caribou Russet, Reveille Russet, Silverton 50 BC�T November

CETS, LLC ASTRO TUBERSTM N77 W24677 Century CT, Sussex WI 53089 Office (262) 246-1799 Fax (262) 246-1762 Cell (262) 391-4705 Website: www.cetstech.com EAGLE RIVER SEED FARM LLC Ron Krueger, Farm Manager 4334 Chain O' Lakes Road, Eagle River, WI 54521 Eagle River Warehouse (715) 479-8434 Fax (Eagle River) (715) 479-8792 Ron Krueger Cell (715) 891-0832 Email rlkrueger@charter.net CW08221-5Rus, Colomba, Caribou Russet, Frito-Lay Varieties, Goldrush, Lady Liberty (NY152), Mackinaw, Mercury Russet, Modoc, Molli, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), NY 163, NY165, NY 168, Paroli, Plover Russet (W9133-1Rus), Red LaSoda, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Silverton, Soraya, Umatilla Russet, W12078-76, W8893-1R, W9742-3Rus FLEISCHMAN, DAVID FARMS N2568 Cty Hwy HH, Antigo, WI 54409 Office (715) 623-6353 Cell (715) 216-2343 Fax (715) 627-0183 Email davidfleischmanfarms@gmail.com Goldrush, Mercury Russet, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Russet Norkotah, Silverton, Superior, Yukon Gold FRITO-LAY, INC. 4295 Tenderfoot Rd, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Andrew Sieker (715) 365-1622 Cell (620) 791-8808 Frito-Lay Varieties GALLENBERG FARMS, INC. W7932 Edison Road, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm (715) 623-7018 Roy Gallenberg (715) 627-2906

John Gallenberg (715) 623-2295 Email rgallenberg@hotmail.com Goldrush, MegaChip, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Red Prairie (W8405-1R), Superior GUENTHNER FARMS, INC. N4653 Chillie Rd, Antigo, WI 54409 Farm (715) 627-7683 Bill Guenthner (715) 627-2792 Tom Schmidt (715) 216-1953 Fax (715) 627-0507 Goldrush, Langlade, Paroli, Red LaSoda 10-3 GP Ventures, Inc. PO Box 320, Antigo, WI 54409 Office (715) 623-7877 Fax (715) 623-7127 Jim Kennedy (715) 623-7877 Email gpci.office.assistant@gmail.com Frito-Lay Varieties, Malou, Jelly, Snowden HAFNER SEED FARMS, INC. W8243 County B, Bryant, WI 54418 Office/Warehouse (715) 623-6829 FAX (715) 623-4203 David Hafner (715) 623-6902 Kevin Hafner (715) 216-1606 Brad Hafner (715) 216-1603

Email khafner1@hotmail.com Atlantic, Goldrush, Russet Norkotah, Silverton, Snowden, Superior HARTMAN FARMS, INC. N2846 County HH, Antigo, WI 54409 Michael Hartman Home (715) 623-7083 Michael Hartman Cell (715) 219-1802 Todd Hartman (715) 610-6477 John Hartman (715) 216-2059 Goldrush, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Russet Norkotah, Superior KAKES FARMS, LTD. W8539 Kakes Road, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm (715) 623-6348 Dan Kakes (715) 623-7268 Dan Kakes Cell (715) 216-6348 Aaron Kakes Cell (715) 216-5281 Fax (715) 623-4614 Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Goldrush, Snowden KOHM AND SPYCHALLA, LLC N4244 Hwy 52, Antigo, WI 54409 Dr. Barbel Kohm (715) 623-5773 Dr. James Spychalla (715) 216-7449 NY 163, Crestone Russet, Silverton continued on pg. 52

BC�T November 51

2021 Seed Directory. . . continued from pg. 51

MATTEK, J. W. & SONS, INC. N5798 Star Neva Rd, Deerbrook, WI 54424 Farm/Office (715) 623-6963 Fax (715) 627-7245 Jim Mattek (715) 623-7391 John Mattek (715) 623-6864 Joe Mattek (715) 623-3156 Cell (715) 216-0599 Email jwmattek@gmail.com Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Hodag, Lamoka, Lady Liberty (NY152), Mackinaw, Manistee, NY163, Petoskey, Pike, Silverton, Snowden NORTHERN SAND FARMS 11263 Cty Hwy M, Crandon, WI 54520 Justin Bula (715) 889-0666 David Bula (715) 478-3349 Stan Bula (715) 889-2911 Email justin.bula@gmail.com Adirondack Blue, Adirondack Red, Austrian Crescent, German Butterball, Goldrush, Kennebec, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Manistee, Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Red Gold, Red Pontiac, Silverton, Snowden, Superior, Yukon Gold RINE RIDGE FARMS, INC. W8132 County O, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm/Office (715) 627-4819 WATS (888) 853-5690 Fax (715) 627-4810

Ken Rine (715) 623-6791 Ken Rine Cell (715) 216-0760 Dan Rine Cell (715) 216-0765 Email rinerdg@yahoo.com Lamoka, Mackinaw, MegaChip, Lady Liberty (NY152), Waneta SCHROEDER BROS. FARMS, INC./SCHROEDER FARMS, LTD. N1435 County D, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Farm (715) 623-2689 Fax (715) 627-4857 North Warehouse (715) 627-7022 John T. Schroeder (715) 216-0174 Pete Schroeder (715) 216-0177 Robert Schroeder (715) 216-0169 Eric Schroeder Cell (715) 216-0186 Pete Email farm@sbfi.biz John T Email johnt@sbfi.biz Eric Email eric@sbfi.biz Atlantic, Blushing Belle, Frisian Gold, Frito-Lay Varieties, Goldrush, Hodag, Lamoka, Lady Liberty (NY152), Manistee, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Prairie Sun TT08-024/20, Plover Russet (W9133-1Rus), Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Russet Norkotah TX296, Silverton, Snowden, W8893-1R

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52 BC�T November

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SEIDL FARMS, INC. N5677 Chillie Road, Deerbrook, WI 54424 Farm/Office (715) 623-6236 Fax (715) 623-4377 Art Seidl (715) 623-6236 Jeff Fassbender (715) 216-4433 Ryan Fassbender (715) 219-2014 Atlantic, Goldrush, Manistee, Norland (Red Selection), Russet Norkotah, Snowden

4628 Cty Hwy FF, Blue Mounds, WI 53517 David or Jesse Perkins (608) 212-7816 Email potato@vermontvalley.com Website www.organicpotatoseed.com Adirondack Blue, Adirondack Red, Austrian Crescent, Carola, French Fingerling, German Butterball, Goldrush, Kennebec, Magic Molly, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Peter Wilcox, Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Red Gold, Red Prairie (W8405-1R), Superior, Yukon Gold

SOWINSKI FARMS, INC. - CERTIFIED SEED 4698 Tenderfoot Road, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Paul Sowinski (715) 272-1192 John Hein (715) 550-9010 Farm/Office (715) 369-3225 Fax (715) 369-3226 Email sfiseedfarm@gmail.com Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Manistee, Snowden

WILD SEED FARMS, INC. W9797 Cherry Rd, Antigo, WI 54409 Warehouse/Office (715) 623-3366 Fax (715) 623-5245 Tom Wild Cell (715) 216-1223 Dan Wild Cell (715) 216-1225 Email wildseed@antigopro.net Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Red LaSoda 10-3, Superior

SUNNYDALE FARMS, INC. W9751 County I, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm (715) 627-7401 Mike Shafel Cell (715) 216-4531 Fax (715) 627-4114 Email sunnydaleseed@yahoo.com Atlantic, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Red Prairie (W8405-1R), Snowden, Superior

WIRZ, INC. N3581 Wirz Lane, Antigo, WI 54409 Angel Wirz (715) 627-7739 Fax (715) 627-4523 Cell (715) 216-4035 Shop/Farm (715) 627-2860 Email wirzinc@yahoo.com Website www.wirzinc.com Atlantic, Lamoka, Manistee, MegaChip, Snowden, White Pearl

VERMONT VALLEY COMMUNITY FARM LLC Organic Seed Potatoes

Kakes Farms Ltd. W8539 Kakes Rd., Bryant, WI 54418

Foundation and Certified Seed Potatoes: Atlantics

Office: (715) 623-6348

Goldrush

Snowdens

Cell: (715) 216-6348

Fax: (715) 623-4614 BC�T November 53

People Potato Grower Magazine Honors Diercks

Steve Diercks is named in “50 for 50” list of innovative and influential individuals Throughout 2021, as part of Potato Grower’s celebration of its 50th year in publication, the magazine and affiliated website (www. potatogrower.com) are honoring 50 of the potato industry’s most innovative and influential individuals, companies and organizations over the past half-century. The “50 for 50” series includes researchers, salesmen, packers, processors and, of course, potato growers. Potatoes—including leadership in the potato industry—are in Steve Diercks’ blood. When he was elected president of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) in 1989, he became the fourth generation in his family to serve in that role. Steve’s son, Andy, was also a WPVGA Board president in 2002. Of course, Steve wouldn’t have spent a lifetime being a trusted industry

voice if he hadn’t earned that respect through a highly successful career as a farmer. In 1962, Steve and his father, Robert, founded Coloma Farms, named for the village near which it resides. Since then, the operation has grown to

Coloma Farms Vice President Steve Diercks, facing camera, leads a tour of a potato storage facility. Diercks is being recognized with Potato Grower magazine’s “50 for 50,” honoring 50 of the potato industry’s most innovative and influential individuals.

some 2,700 acres, on which 850 acres of potatoes as well as soybeans, corn and other vegetables are grown each year. He manages the farm today in partnership with Andy. RESEARCH & SUSTAINABILITY Under Steve’s direction, Coloma Farms has placed a premium on research and sustainability, developing strong relationships with not only researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but also with organizations like the WPVGA, World Wildlife Fund and other entities. He was instrumental in raising industry financing for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Storage Research Facility at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station. In 1996, Coloma Farms received the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award from the

54 BC�T November

National Potato Council (NPC). These relationships have helped Coloma Farms thrive by enabling it to grow the most profitable and environmentally sound product it can. Steve has always seen this focus on science and discovery as his obligation to future generations of potato growers—a philosophy Andy

Steve and Andy regularly welcome researchers to their farm with open arms.

of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection; and several other local, regional and national organizations.

On top of his aforementioned work with the WPVGA, Steve has held leadership positions with the NPC; Potatoes USA; the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board; UW College

In a family chain of potato industry leaders that dates back nearly a century, it’s safe to say Steve Diercks is an indispensable link.

has continued to employ in his own farm and business relationships.

John Cychosz Passes Away

He loved being involved in agriculture and was an entrepreneur John James Cychosz, age 69, passed away Monday morning, September 13, 2021, following a short illness. John was born November 1, 1951, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the son of Peter and Stella (Wojtalewicz) Cychosz. He graduated from Pacelli High School, in 1969, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1973. John married the love of his life, Dorothy Kosmalski, his “brown-eyed girl,” on June 15, 1974, at Saint Adalbert’s Church, Rosholt. John enjoyed his family and especially his grandchildren. He devoted much of his career to ministry, serving as an associate pastor, school administrator and in many volunteer positions. John’s service to the Lord was described as “the best of the best” by a fellow minister.

A FRIEND TO THOSE HE MET He was also involved in agriculture and was an entrepreneur. His interests included outdoor sports, polka dancing and operating heavy equipment. Most of all, John was a friend to all those he met. John is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his three children, Brian Cychosz, Stevens Point, Mary (Mike) Newman, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; and Jeremy (Jamie) Cychosz, Monroe, Louisiana; and his grandchildren, Hannah and Faith Newman, and Gloria, Tyler, Isaac, Eliott and Isabela Cychosz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Stella Cychosz, and mother-in-law, Virginia Kosmalski. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Refuge (Good News Fellowship Church), in Stevens Point. Friends and family gathered to share memories

John Cychosz November 1, 1951 September 13, 2021

Saturday morning until the time of the service. A memorial in John’s name will be established at a later date. continued on pg. 56

BC�T November 55

People. . .

continued from pg. 55

MacIsaac Announces Retirement

United Potato Growers of Canada general manager served for 10 years Kevin MacIsaac, who has been general manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada (UPGC) since October 1, 2011, announces his retirement. MacIsaac’s diversified career over a 42-year timespan includes dedicated service as an extension agronomist, farmer, industry organizer and a knowledgeable and eloquent advocate. MacIsaac feels the time is right for a change. “I was fortunate to have the life experience of being a farmer for 27 years,” he says, “milking cows, growing cereal and protein crops and, of course, lots of potatoes.”

“Just as rewarding was the opportunity to work for potato growers across Canada in the last decade,” he adds, “to bolster the concept of balanced supply and demand, and profitability to the grower members of the United Potato Growers of Canada.” The general manager’s work over the past decade leaves the UPGC in good shape as a strong, credible organization with members from the east coast of Prince Edward Island to the west coast of British Columbia. UPGC was founded in 2006 with the mission of providing timely information, allowing growers

Kevin MacIsaac’s career spanned 42 years and included service as an extension agronomist, farmer, industry organizer and a knowledgeable and eloquent advocate.

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to make informed production and marketing decisions. It works with its sister organization, United Potato Growers of America, which has similar goals.

partners and comrades and raised UPGC’s profile with growers and other industry members. We thank him for all his work and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

MacIsaac was hired by the organization 10 years ago to increase its capacity in determining the available supply of potatoes for fresh, seed and processing markets.

With some additional free time, Kevin hopes to spend some more of it with his six grandchildren and continue a hobby of being

a runner, having qualified for the Boston Marathon next spring. UPGC hopes to have a replacement for the position soon and is actively seeking applications for the general manager position. For further information, contact info@ unitedpotatocanada.com.

Kevin was also a well-known participant on national and international potato organizations and spoke at grower meetings across the country. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS One of the highlights of his job was developing strong, mutually respectful working relationships with counterparts in the United Potato Growers of America and their grower membership. Kevin began his profession after graduating from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and the University of Guelph, becoming an extension agronomist with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture.

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Subsequently, he and his brother, Blair, operated Lily Pond Farms Ltd., a family farm business in Bear River, Prince Edward Island (PEI).

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He has been involved with many farm organizations, including as chair of the PEI Potato Board, Chair of the PEI Soil and Crop Improvement Association and Director of the PEI Processing Committee. Ray Keenan, chair of the UPGC, says, “We always appreciated the experience Kevin brought to the table. His knowledge of our industry and ability to communicate with growers across the country were strong attributes.” “In addition,” Keenan continues, “he was a tireless promoter of our organization among our international

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Potatoes USA News Hot Potato Run 2021 a Spud-Tacular Success

As summer wound down, Team Potato ramped up and showed strength in numbers and a love for potatoes during the virtual Hot Potato 5K. Over 75 Team Potato members raced their way to victory with an athletic activity of their choice during Labor Day weekend.

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Activities included running, walking, biking and swimming, with one team member even hiking and rock climbing their way to a 5K!

com/team-potato/ to learn more about and become a member of the community, and then join the Team Potato Facebook Group to engage, encourage and inspire all of the potato-fueled athletes.

Team Potato members from all over the country documented their experiences and shared potatofueled accomplishments on the Team Potato Facebook Group page, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/223825322271560, inspiring and supporting each other. And the best part? Hot Potato 5K finishers received a new, custom medal to commemorate this accomplishment and add to their Team Potato collection. Visit https://www.potatogoodness.

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Above: Team Potato members posted their accomplishments on the Team Potato Facebook Group page, https://www. facebook.com/groups/223825322271560.

Hot Potato 5K finishers received a new, custom medal to commemorate this accomplishment and add to their Team Potato collection.

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How the Proposed Estate & Capital Gains Taxes Could Affect You Here are strategic planning opportunities for ag business owners regarding the 2021 tax law proposals By Art Littlefield, farm succession and estate planning specialist, Lincoln Financial Agribusiness Services We should begin with the fact that we do not know what, if anything, will be passed by the U.S. House and Senate, and signed by President Joe Biden.

As of this writing in early October, all we have are numerous proposals regarding estate, income and capital gains taxes, gifting/wealth transfer techniques, and possible enactment

dates. Through the legislative process, language and amounts will likely be changed, added and removed. The 2022 mid-term elections might result in membership and leadership changes in Congress. The same could hold true with the 2024 presidential election. The results of the future elections may provide opportunities for elected officials to change or remove a portion or all of the 2021 proposals if signed into law. With these disclaimers, let’s get into things that we know and upon which we should focus, i.e., the existing law but with an eye towards flexibility to respond to any new legislation. Above: Growers’ focus has been on harvest. Hopefully, those who could potentially be affected by tax law proposals can now redirect some attention to working with a trusted financial advisor on these important issues.

60 BC�T November

The individual provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 generally sunsets on December 31, 2025.

have rights to the income and principal that are produced by the gifted assets.

The applicable exclusion amount allows for no taxation on gifts and estate transfers with an aggregate lifetime and death total of $11.7 million (2021 amount), per person. A husband and wife can jointly pass $23.4 million.

In a properly structured SLAT, B may also serve as the trustee, and children and grandchildren can also be beneficiaries.

The amount will increase annually for inflation before it is reduced to the 2010 level of $5 million, indexed for inflation, effective January 1, 2026.

Depending upon the specifics of the family’s financial circumstances, B can also establish a SLAT for A, but there

must be differences so they avoid the reciprocal trust doctrine. There are, however, two main risks associated with SLATs: 1) A and B get divorced. Since it is an irrevocable gift by A, B may continue to benefit; and 2) B dies so the trust assets are no longer indirectly available to A. The trust would be available to the children and grandchildren. continued on pg. 62

HWMC PROPOSAL The September 13, 2021 House Ways and Means Committee’s (HWMC) proposal, as part of the Build Back Better legislation, reduces the amount to approximately $5.85 million per person after December 31, 2021. The opportunities: 1) Consider gifts prior to year’s end. Consolidate these gifts with one spouse up to $11.7 million before using the other spouse’s exemption; 2) An LLC with voting and non-voting member interests might be utilized as an asset for gifting if there is an opportunity for discounts; and 3) Making the LLC gift to a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) may prove attractive. Assets transferred into trust, designed not to be includable in the grantor’s estate, will not benefit from a step-up in basis. However, if farm ground is utilized, it is likely that the senior generation would like the ground not to be sold (where basis would be important) and to be part of the family’s legacy for generations into the future. A SLAT is created by one spouse (“A”), the grantor, for the benefit of the non-grantor spouse (“B”). An irrevocable gift of assets is made by A to the SLAT, thereby removing those assets from A’s taxable estate. Party B, as a trust beneficiary, may BC�T November 61

How the Proposed Estate & Capital Gains Taxes Could Affect You . . . continued from pg. 61

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Talk with your financial advisor to understand how the reciprocal trust doctrine and these two risks can be mitigated. You do not have time to wait. The date of enactment is not known, but the HWMC referenced the date as being retroactive to September 13, 2021, when their proposal came out of committee. A properly structured LLC Operating Agreement and SLAT Agreement should be put in place as soon as possible, that is, prior to any effective dates. Step-Up In Basis: Just because the HWMC proposal may modify the “transfer tax” on appreciated assets, either during lifetime or at death, it does not include language eliminating the step-up in basis under current law.

The American Families Plan will purportedly be designed with protections so that familyowned businesses and farms will not have to pay taxes when given to heirs who continue to operate them.

This does not mean the risk is gone. There are other legislative proposals that may include such language in a

final bill. The President’s American Families Plan (AFP) proposal includes provisions addressing what is considered to be a loophole.

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“If you do act, remember to allow for flexibility in your planning because, just like the weather, laws and leaders can change in the opposite direction.” – Art Littlefield Generally, the AFP ends the practice of “stepping up” the basis for gains exceeding $1 million ($2.5 million per couple when combined with existing real estate exemptions). The proposal is designed to make sure the gains are taxed if the property is not donated to charity. The AFP will purportedly be designed with protections so that familyowned businesses and farms will not have to pay taxes when given to heirs who continue to operate them.

these changes, billions in capital income would continue to entirely escape taxation. AFP PROPOSAL The AFP proposal would impact gains on property transferred by gift and owned at death by decedents dying after December 31, 2021, and certain property owned by trusts, partnerships and other non-corporate entities as of January 1, 2022. The HWMC proposal contained

The President believes that without

continued on pg. 64

There are strategic planning opportunities for ag business owners regarding the 2021 tax law proposals.

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How the Proposed Estate & Capital Gains Taxes Could Affect You . . . continued from pg. 63

language to increase the Section 2032A amount from $750,000 (indexed for inflation, approximately $1.2 million in 2021) to $11.7 million with inflation indexing for slightly more than $12 million in 2022. If a decedent has a taxable estate, there are two options available to the estate: 1) Pay the estate taxes to get the step-up in basis; or 2) Utilize Section 2032A on the farmland and receive a reduction in the basis in order to save 40 percent now and pay 30 percent or more when the ground is sold. To be clear, with Section 2032A, the ground had to have been farmed by the family both before death and then for 10 years after death. “Family” does not include nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, etc. It must be farmed by lineal decedents. Should the heirs have a problem during the 10 years, they may be required to pay the estate tax plus interest. The only step-up they will receive is the amount of the tax that was paid with no credit for the interest. Also, a tax lien may be filed on the related acres. Section 2032A can help to reduce

64 BC�T November

estate taxes now, but there is no way to estimate the impact of the capital gain tax when the ground is ultimately sold. In summary, your focus has been on harvest. Hopefully, you can now redirect some attention to working with a trusted financial advisor on these important issues. ONLY PROPOSALS No one knows the specifics of any new laws, or if there will be any, until such laws are enacted. Today, they are only proposals, but the legislative process is moving forward. In addition, the actual effective date(s) will remain unknown until final legislation. We do know that there is the possibility for truly significant changes. If you do act, remember to allow for flexibility in your planning because, just like the weather, laws and leaders can change in the opposite direction. Current and future generations are more likely to benefit from your acting now. Art Littlefield can be reached at 630408-0110 and Art.Littlefield@LFG. com.

Lincoln Financial Network is the marketing name for the retail and financial planning affiliates of Lincoln Financial Group and includes Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation and Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., broker-dealers, registered investment advisors and members of FINRA and SIPC. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Lincoln Financial Network and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances. CRN-3859898-100821 The citation for the American Families Plan is: https:// www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/ statements-releases/2021/04/28/ fact-sheet-the-american-familiesplan/. The citation for the House Ways and Means Committee proposal is: https://waysandmeans.house. gov/sites/democrats.waysandmeans. house.gov/files/documents/ SubtitleISxS.pdf.

Auxiliary News By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA

Hello, everyone! Happy November, and I hope each of you had

a great harvest season. It’s hard to believe 2021 will soon be in the books, so I thought now would be the perfect time to talk about all the upcoming opportunities to help the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary with various activities and programs in 2022.

First up is the WPS Farm Show, to be held in Oshkosh, March 29-31, 2022, where the Auxiliary sells baked potatoes. Cliff and Carole Gagas have graciously run the baked potato booth for years, but we’re always looking for willing volunteers to help. Next up are the Spudmobile visits and harvest parties for our Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program in the spring, and we welcome new people to help us with the events! This is a great chance to meet kids in their classroom environments and engage them not only regarding the nutritional value of potatoes, but also teaching them about the growing cycle. POTATO HARVESTERS Kids always love to visit the

66 BC�T November

Spudmobile where they see images and videos of potato harvesters in the fields, and we love to see their faces light up with excitement! The Spudmobile is also on the move quite often for various events, so be sure to stay tuned for when it’s coming to a town near you. Last, but not least is the big one, serving baked potatoes at the Wisconsin State Fair. I covered the 2021 State Fair experience in my last “Auxiliary News” article, but I’d like to highlight how important it is to get volunteers to come down to Milwaukee and join in on the fun. We are hoping for a few more people to join our groups in 2022, so if this is something you might be interested in, feel free to reach out and learn

There can never be too many volunteers to work in the baked potato booth run by the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary each year during the Wisconsin State Fair. photo courtesy of OnMilwaukee.com, LLC

more about it. If you would like to help with any of these activities or learn more about them, please contact the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Assoc. office at 715-623-7683. Sincerely,

Datonn

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climate. SARE’s newest book, the fourth edition of Building Soils for Better Crops, provides rich detail on ecologically sound practices for developing and maintaining healthy soils. It is a must-read for farmers, educators and students alike. The new edition of this highly regarded book provides critical

Above: SARE’s newest book, the fourth edition of Building Soils for Better Crops, provides rich detail on ecologically sound practices for developing and maintaining healthy soils.

updates to reflect new science and many exciting developments in soil health over the past 12 years. Building Soils for Better Crops includes detailed information on soil-improving practices as well as indepth background, from what soil is to the importance of organic matter. Along with providing practical strategies for achieving agricultural sustainability with high-quality soil, the book presents readers with a holistic appreciation of the importance of soil health. Building Soils for Better Crops is written by Fred Magdoff, University of Vermont emeritus professor of plant and soil science, and Harold van Es, Cornell University professor of soil science, and published by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Building Soils for Better Crops is free to read online or to download as a PDF at www.sare.org/soils. Print copies can be ordered online for $23 each, plus shipping and handling. Call 301-779-1007 for tax free, rush or purchase orders. Discounts for bulk orders apply. 68 BC�T November

Tong Updates Vegetable Polishing Equipment

TPS-Pro polisher proves effective on root crops, including potatoes, carrots and parsnips As part of the company’s ongoing development program, Tong Engineering has unveiled several updates to its range of vegetable polishing equipment. “As a supplier to the food industry, we have been fortunate that demand for advanced and automated vegetable handling equipment has continued to strengthen,” explains Simon Lee, sales manager at Tong Engineering. “With this in mind, our product development team not only focuses on designing and introducing new equipment to the market, but they are also committed to developing our existing machinery,” he says. “Updating our vegetable polishers is the latest phase of this continuous development strategy.” Originally introduced to the market in 2012, the TPS-Pro polisher features an electric direct-drive motor inside every brush shaft. The machine’s lowmaintenance design uses the highest quality components, providing exceptional longevity, labor efficiency and superior polishing results. The latest model of the TPS-Pro polisher has been carefully fine-tuned for 2021, resulting in a more refined design that maximizes performance and makes maintenance even easier. 14- & 18-BRUSH MODELS Manufactured in a 14-brush model featuring a 10-foot-long x 2.6-footwide barrel, as well as an 18-brush model featuring a 10-foot-long x 3.44-foot-wide barrel, the TPS-Pro polisher is suitable for effective polishing of root crops, including potatoes, carrots and parsnips, providing outputs of between 16.5 and 33 tons per hour. For lower throughputs of up to 11 tons per hour, Tong’s popular U-Brush polisher is a favorite among smaller

packers who require a reliable, lowmaintenance machine that provides a high-value polished finish, but at a lower cost. The U-Brush polisher has also been updated for 2021 to increase the machine’s capacity. Besides being a very economical machine, one of the unique features of the U-Brush polisher is its internal bypass system that allows operators to effectively bypass the polisher in instances where the polishing process is not required.

“Our range of vegetable polishers accommodates the throughput requirements of both the largest vegetable processors and smaller fresh-pack companies, and we are very much dedicated to providing the complete handling solution at all capacities,” adds Simon. For further information about Tong’s complete range of vegetable handling equipment, please visit www. tongengineering.com. Or contact Carole Metcalfe at Tong Engineering, carole.metcalfe@tongengineering. com, for more details.

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Is Potato Milk the Most Sustainable Dairy Alternative Yet? Wisconsin holds the “Dairy State” title, yet there’s no escaping plant-based milk in the 21st century By Nichola Daunton as first printed in Euronews There’s no escaping plant-based milk in the 21st century. Visit any major supermarket and you’re likely to find more than three types on the shelf. It’s not just a domestic phenomenon. In the United Kingdom, nearly a quarter of British people now consume plant-based milk, with that figure rising to 33 percent among those 18-24 years old. Entering into this popular and saturated market is a new plantbased milk, claiming to be the most sustainable dairy alternative yet: potato milk. Suitable for vegans and nut-free, Swedish company DUG has just won a 2021 World Food Innovations Award in the Best Allergy Friendly Product Category for its potato milk creation.

So where does potato milk sit in comparison to other plantbased milks, and with such strong competition, can it have an impact on the market?

First, a brief history of plant-based “milks” is in order. Sustainability and the quest for a low carbon footprint have been at the heart of the plant-based milk boom since the beginning. While the carbon footprint of dairy milk varies from country to country, the global average is a 6.65 lbs. of carbon dioxide (CO2) per quart produced. HUGE CARBON SAVINGS When compared to oat milk’s average of 2 lbs. CO2/quart, it becomes clear there are huge carbon savings to be made. These facts, coupled with an increasing awareness of climate issues, are what makes the plantbased milk market so lucrative. Not all “milks” are created equal, though, and shaky green credentials Above: Potato milk is the new dairy alternative on the block. Image courtesy of Canva/copyright Canva

70 BC�T November

“Potato milk is appealing to a young, coffee-fueled crowd, much like oat milk brands Oatly and Mooala before it.” – Nichola Daunton

Above: Suitable for vegans and nut-free, Swedish company DUG has just won a 2021 World Food Innovations Award in the Best Allergy Friendly Product Category for its potato milk. Image courtesy of DUG

have seen some plant-based milks falling out of favor in the last decade. While almond milk, for example, has a low carbon footprint during production, an average of just 1.55 lbs. CO2 per quart, it is environmentally disastrous in other ways.

Around 80 percent of almond milk is grown and produced in California, a state well-known for its droughts. This makes almond milk’s high water production values—31.5 gallons to produce just one glass—terrible for the local environment.

very sustainable.

Though this is still less water than it takes to produce one glass of dairy milk, the carbon footprint of shipping it across the world makes almond milk one of the worst culprits.

Taking the green crown at the moment is oat milk. Widely regarded as the most sustainable milk to date, oat milk uses slightly more CO2 per pound than almonds, but uses less land and significantly less water, making it, until now, the winner across the board.

But due to its use for feeding dairy and livestock, soy production has reportedly led to vast areas of the Amazon rainforest being cleared, destroying vital ecosystems in the process.

Equally, soy milk has had a very rocky relationship with environmentalists. With low water use and CO2 per pound to produce, on paper, soy is

continued on pg. 72

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Is Potato Milk the Most Sustainable Dairy Alternative Yet? . . . continued from pg. 71

Above: Soy production has reportedly led to vast areas of the Amazon rainforest, and thus vital ecosystems, being cleared. Image courtesy of Council on Foreign Relations Right: Oat milk, soy milk and almond milk are all dairy alternatives. Image courtesy of Canva

NEW MILK ON THE BLOCK Created by Professor Eva Tornberg, at Lund University, DUG is the name of the latest plant-based milk to challenge oat milk’s crown. Produced in Sweden, and now available to buy in shops in the United Kingdom and online, like most plant-based milks, it is created from an emulsion of the plant-based product—in this case potatoes—and rapeseed oil. Available in Original, Barista and Unsweetened editions, potato milk is appealing to a young, coffee-fueled crowd, much like oat milk brands Oatly and Mooala before it. But what are the environmental credentials of potatoes? Well

according to DUG, they’re excellent. The company’s website states that growing potatoes is twice as efficient as growing oats per square foot, and that potato milk has a lower carbon footprint than any other plant-based milk, clocking in at a tiny .6 lbs. CO2 per quart. Potatoes also need 56 percent less water than almonds to grow, and, according to DUG, they are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. HOW DOES IT TASTE? But how does potato milk taste? After all, if DUG wants to break into the already over-saturated milk market, there’s one key thing they need on their side: flavor. So, does potato milk have good

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flavor? To date, there’s been a fairly positive reception on Amazon, though several reviewers have commented that the milk splits in tea. This is something they’ll need to deal with if they want to reach a mass, particularly British and European audience. How much further can milk innovation go? Sales of plant-based food have increased by a huge 49 percent in Europe in the past two years alone, according to this European Union-funded research, so it’s no wonder that new companies are trying to enter the market. Whether the climate footprint of plant-based milk can go any lower, or whether there is public appetite for yet another plant-based milk remains to be seen. Have we reached a peak in plantbased milk, or will we be drinking something even stranger in 2022? To see the original article as printed in Euronews, please visit https://www. euronews.com/green/2021/08/31/ is-potato-milk-the-most-sustainabledairy-alternative-yet.

Seed Piece Breeding Beetle-Resistant Potatoes Natural resistance to CPB can increase yield of America’s favorite vegetable By ACSESS, the Alliance of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science

Potatoes are the most consumed vegetable in the United

States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, domestic farmers grew more than 42 billion pounds of potatoes in 2019. That’s 128 pounds of potatoes per person. But farmers growing potatoes face many challenges. One tiny, yet devastating pest is the Colorado potato beetle. It can cause immense damage to potato crops and is notorious for becoming resistant to chemical insecticides. In a new study published in Crop Science, a publication of the

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The Colorado potato beetle can devastate potato production, but some wild relatives of domesticated potatoes have natural defenses against these beetles. The wild plants make their own beetle-killing compounds. “Some of these compounds can kill Colorado potato beetle larvae,” says Natalie Kaiser, lead author of the study. “These compounds also dramatically reduce adult beetle feeding.”

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Seed Piece . . .

continued from pg. 73

But consuming large amounts of the compounds can have adverse health effects in humans. While beetles chomp on potato leaves, humans obviously do not. “So, it is desirable to create potato varieties that make these anti-beetle compounds only in their leaves,” says Kaiser, a researcher at Michigan State University. But generating this beetle-resistant variety of potato has been a challenge of many layers. RESOURCE INTENSIVE One challenge is testing potato varieties for beetle resistance. Field trials can take months, if not years. They can also be costly and resource intensive. Kaiser and colleagues developed a research shortcut. They compared the chemical profile of hundreds of individual potatoes with their

Researcher Natalie Kaiser and her team developed a diploid potato line that can selfpollinate. Shown is the fruit of the wild potato variety Solanum chacoense, which is naturally diploid. It has been bred to produce seeds and fruit upon self-pollination. Photo courtesy of Luca M. Kaiser

resistance to Colorado potato beetle in the field.

measurement instead of having to conduct field trials.”

“We found chemical signatures that could predict resistance to Colorado potato beetles,” Kaiser explains. “Breeders can select resistant potatoes with a simple chemical

This method could save time and money. Another obstacle in breeding beetleresistant potatoes is the sheer amount of genetic information

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breeders need. “There are several genes controlling the types and amounts of anti-beetle compounds that any given potato variety will produce,” Kaiser remarks. Not only is it challenging to track all those genes during breeding, but researchers must also breed for other traits, like yield potential and tuber appearance. “There are approximately 40 important traits to consider when developing a new potato variety,” Kaiser states. “Assembling the right combination of genes controlling all these traits is crucial.” This process is complicated by the fact that potato varieties often have four copies of every gene. Potato isn’t the only tetraploid or polyploid crop to have multiple gene copies. COMPLICATED GENETICS Having four copies of each gene can make potato genetics complicated, according to Kaiser. “Each of the four copies can be a different version of the gene,” she says. One way around the problem is to use potato varieties that naturally only have two copies of each gene— diploids. Like most animals, humans have two copies of every gene—one each from male and female parents. But many diploid potato varieties are

Natalie Kaiser assesses the resistance of potato lines in a field naturally infested with Colorado potato beetles. The wild potato relative Solanum chacoense (USDA8380-1 [80-1]) remains untouched by beetles throughout the season due to natural resistance. Photo courtesy of Natalie Kaiser using a self-timer

self-incompatible. “This means that a plant will not set fruit and seed when a flower is pollinated with its own pollen,” Kaiser says. This reproductive barrier makes breeding very challenging. Kaiser and her team developed diploid potatoes that are selfcompatible. Through this process, they discovered that multiple genes and the environment determine whether some potatoes can produce self-fruit and seed.

The new potato varieties and genetic tools will allow researchers to “examine the genetic foundations of self-fertility, and insect and disease resistance,” Kaiser notes. “This way, we can create new potato varieties that were previously infeasible.” Researchers at Michigan State University are extending the research in field trials this summer. “We will screen new potato varieties for individuals that have good tuber characteristics along with beetle resistance,” Kaiser promises.

WPIB Focus

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Month

Jul-20

Aug-20

Sep-20

Oct-20

Nov-20

Dec-20

Jan-21

Feb-21

Mar-21

Apr-21

May-21

Jun-21

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,267,472.18

1,275,285.84

1,290,414.89

3,5833,172.91

Assessment

$101,400.66

$102,092.25

$103,233.20

$306,726.11

Aug-21

Sep-21

Month

Jul-21

Oct-21

Nov-21

Dec-21

Jan-22

Feb-22

Mar-22

Apr-22

May-22

Jun-22

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,292,191.75

981,540.84

933,052.68

3,206,785.27

Assessment

$103,342.07

$78,594.28

$74,682.23

$256,618.58 BC�T November 75

NPC News

Registration Open for Potato Expo

Don’t miss the in-person 2022 event in Anaheim, California Potato Expo 2022, January 5-6, in Anaheim, California, will be an event you won’t want to miss! Join us for countless opportunities to connect with clients and do business in the Expo Hall, learn about the latest technologies and products at the Breakout Sessions and Potato Talks, and reconnect with friends during receptions, pop-up meetings and spontaneous run-ins. A lot of what you have come to expect from Potato Expo will be offered,

but things may look slightly different so we can safely attend. Visit our Health and Safety page, https://www. nationalpotatocouncil.org/potatoexpo/safety/, for what you can expect in Anaheim. We can’t wait to see you in January, but for now, check out the schedule, book your room, and register to attend the largest potato industry gathering in North America! Visit https://www.nationalpotatocouncil. org/potato-expo.

Support the Potato LEAF Auction at Potato Expo Select items will be part of the live The Potato Leadership, Education, auction held during the Potato and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is hosting live and silent Expo 2022 Kick-off Reception on Wednesday, January 5, in the Expo auctions during Potato Expo 2022 in support of its leadership development Hall, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. efforts to benefit the U.S. potato Potato LEAF is also hosting a silent 21-11 Badger Common'Tater (4.7x3.5).v1.pdf 1 2021-10-08 11:47 AM industry. auction, beginning on December 1,

2021, and closing at the conclusion of Potato Expo at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, on January 6, 2022. Potato LEAF is seeking auction items for both a live and silent auction. Such would include products, services or experiences valuing $50 or greater, and other donations such as equipment, sporting event packages, vacations, etc. Items and experiences up for bid will include: • A four-night stay for four guests at a Grand Mayan Resort property in Mexico • Five-night stay for up to nine guests at the Château La Rametière in the French countryside • Apple Series 6 Aluminum Case with Solo Loop watch • VIP Potato Expo 2023 experience, including round-trip transportation to Denver and a stay in a Gaylord Rockies Resort presidential suite For more information on how to donate or bid on auction items, visit https://pleaf.org.

76 BC�T November

Ali's Kitchen Prepare Now for the Holidays Three recipes can be made in advance, freeing up days later for visiting with family Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Want to get a head start on family gatherings and make holiday dinners a little less overwhelming? I have something extra special for you this month—not one recipe, but three! And, even more exciting is that each of these recipes is ideal for making in advance, freezing and having convenient FREEZER MASHED POTATOES When making freezer mashed potatoes, there are two tricks that will guarantee a creamy, smooth result once the dish is reheated. First, be sure that there is plenty of cream/milk and butter involved. The fat content is key to helping maintain the creamy mashed potato texture that we all love. Second, use red potatoes. While russets are fabulous mashed, they are high in starch and tend to get grainy after being frozen. Instead, I prefer using a waxy potato. Red-skin potatoes are perfect for mashing and freezing. INGREDIENTS: Freezer Mashed Potatoes • 5 lbs. red-skin potatoes • 8 Tbsp. butter • 8 oz. sour cream • 8 oz. cream cheese • 1/4 cup whole milk • salt, pepper and a bit of garlic powder to taste DIRECTIONS Wash and peel the potatoes.

potato dishes on hand for the future. Many potato recipes can be made in advance and successfully frozen. With a little bit of effort now, you free up your time for those days when you’d rather be visiting with your family than working in the kitchen. Boil in a large pot of salted water until fork tender.

just fine in this scalloped potato recipe. Yellows are also a delicious choice!

Drain potatoes and return to pot.

INGREDIENTS: Freezer Scalloped Potatoes • 4 lbs. russet potatoes • 8 oz. Gruyere cheese (Swiss cheese can also be used here) shredded

Add butter, sour cream, cream cheese, milk and seasonings. Mash potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer. To freeze, place the mashed potatoes into your preferred freezer- and ovensafe casserole dish and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, cut a piece of wax paper to fit over the top of the casserole dish.

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded • 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped) • 2 cups heavy cream • 1 1/2 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. black pepper • 1/2 tsp. thyme

Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and place in the freezer. Mashed potatoes will be just fine in the freezer for up to two months.

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

To reheat, allow the frozen mashed potatoes to thaw in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Once thawed, bake them, covered, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are hot throughout.

Peel and slice the potatoes to about 1/8inch thick (a handheld mandoline comes in handy here).

FREEZER SCALLOPED POTATOES While russets were not ideal for our freezer mashed potatoes, they work

Layer half the potatoes evenly onto the bottom of the baking dish.

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Stir together the garlic, cream, salt, pepper and thyme.

continued on pg. 78

BC�T November 77

Advertisers Index Ali's Kitchen. . .

continued from pg. 77

Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of the Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Pour half the cream and garlic mixture over the potatoes and cheese. Repeat layers—the other half of the potatoes, the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and the remaining cream mixture. DON’T BAKE FULLY Bake in the oven, uncovered, for about 40 minutes. You do not want to fully cook the potatoes since you will be finishing the cooking process when you bake them again prior to serving. To freeze, remove the whole casserole from the oven and place it quickly into the refrigerator. You want to stop the cooking process and quickly lower the temperature of the food for sanitary purposes. Once cooled completely, cut a piece of wax paper to fit over the top of the casserole. Then, tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and place the whole dish in the freezer. Store the scalloped potatoes in the freezer for no longer than four weeks for best texture results. To reheat when you’re ready to eat the scalloped potatoes, simply pull the dish out of the freezer. You can thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator ahead of time or simply put the whole casserole into the oven straight out of the freezer. I personally prefer to go straight from the freezer to the oven to save fridge space and have always had great results. Bake thawed scalloped potatoes at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Bake frozen scalloped potatoes at the same temperature, but for about 50-60 minutes. FREEZER POTATO DINNER ROLLS This potato roll recipe was featured in the May 2018 “Ali’s Kitchen” column. INGREDIENTS: Freezer Potato Dinner Rolls • 2 (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast packets • 1 1/3 cups warm water • 1 cup warm, plain mashed potatoes 78 BC�T November

• 2/3 cup sugar • 2/3 cup butter (softened & room temp.) • 2 eggs • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tsp. salt • 5-6 cups all-purpose flour DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 2/3 cup warm water and set aside. In an extra-large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the remaining 2/3 cup water, sugar, softened butter, eggs, cheese and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl, along with about 2 cups flour, and mix until smooth. Continue adding flour to the bowl until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. You may not need the full 6 cups of flour. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise until double in size. This will take about an hour. Push dough down, re-cover it with the kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow to rest for about 10 minutes. Grease a baking pan with a pat or two of butter, or cooking spray, and set aside. SHAPE DOUGH INTO BALLS Pull portions of the dough, shape into balls and place on to the prepared baking pans. You should be able to get about 40 potato rolls from this dough. To freeze, place balls of dough on greased baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer to plastic bags. The dough can be kept frozen for up to four weeks. To bake and serve, remove the preferred number of frozen rolls from the freezer and place them on greased baking sheets. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, place in a warm area and allow the dough to thaw and rise for about 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Enjoy some great holiday food with your families and friends!

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You’d be healthier, too, if you spent your winters in Florida.

• While all state seed potato association 100% of Wisconsin Seed theirpotato foundation lots, some do not wint • While all all state seed • While state seed potatoassociations associationswinter winter test test 100% of Wisconsin Seed of their certified seed lots. theirtheir foundation lots, some dodonot winter test 100% 100% of Wisconsin Seed foundation lots, some not winter test 100% Potatoes must be winter of their certified seed lots. of their certified seed lots. does, and this assures you Potatoes must bebe winter • Wisconsin Potatoes must winter •for Wisconsin does, and tested to be eligible • Wisconsin does, andthis thisassures assures youget getonly only the the top-quality seed.you tested to be eligible for tested to be eligible for top-quality seed. top-quality seed. • With the Wisconsin Badger State Brand certified seed thethe Wisconsin Badger • With Wisconsin BadgerState StateBrand BrandTag, Tag,you youget get certified seed tags. certified seed tags.tags.• With

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Don’t bet farm untested seed potatoes. Don’t bet your farm onseed untested seed potatoes. Don’t bet youryour farm on on untested potatoes. Check thethe winter results and Begin with Best Wisconsin! Check the winter testtest results and Begin with thethe Best —— Wisconsin! Check winter test results and Begin with the Best — Wisconsin! WISCONSIN WISCONSIN Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. WISCONSIN CERTIFIED Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. CERTIFIED Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. P.O. Box 173 • Antigo, WI 54409 • 715-623-4039 • www.potatoseed.org SEED POTATOES CERTIFIED P.O. Box 173 • Antigo, WI 54409 • 715-623-4039 • www.potatoseed.org SEED POTATOES

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