1411

Badger Common’Tater The

November 2014

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO-VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

Look to the Future At Potato Expo 2015

Interview with:

Art Seidl of Seidl Farms, Inc. Pictured in a potato field in bloom at Seidl Farms, Inc., Deerbrook, Wisconsin are (L-R) Jeff and Jim Fassbender; Frank, Art and Mark Seidl.

Volume 66 Number 11 $18.00 per year $1.50 per copy

Research Helps Farmers Manage Necrotic Potato Viruses

Plus: Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Crop Directory • USPB Partners with World Food Championships • Potatopalooza

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The better the synergy, the greater the yield.

At the U.S. Potato Board we’re building success like never before. Consumption is up, attitudes continue to improve, and our customers and consumers are hungry for more. What tools are we using? A fully integrated marketing model that leverages the strengths of multiple initiatives to achieve results no individual program could ever achieve alone.

consumer advertising The “Many Sides of Potatoes” advertising campaign, comprising both online and offline media vehicles, leverages key consumer insights to motivate and inspire an increase in potato purchases.

Showcasing exciting and flavorful seasonal recipes that speak to consumers’ desires and perceptions about potatoes, the advertising campaign provides consumers with healthy new ideas for how to prepare potatoes for dinner tonight.

Learn more about the United States Potato Board approach to domestic marketing.

Contact Meredith Myers: meredithm@uspotatoes.com

© 2014 United States Potato Board. All rights reserved.

consumer advertising foodservice marketing consumer research public relations retail programs

4 November 2014

Features

6

Common’Tater Interview with: Art Seidl

by Tamas Houlihan, Managing Editor....................................................................................................... 6 The Badger Beat: Research Helps Farmers Manage Necrotic Potato Viruses

by Dr. Amy Charkowski, UW Dept. of Plant Pathology and Administrative Director, Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program........................................................................................ 12 Water for All: WPVGA Helps Sponsor Second Annual WELLers Walk to Help Build Wells in Africa ...................................................................................................... 16 Dewulf Announces Agreement to Acquire Miedema . ............................................................ 20 Look to the Future with POTATO EXPO 2015..................................................................................... 22 Tasteful Selections to Partner with Katie’s Krops.................................................................28

Departments What’s Cookin’ by Gerri Okray............................................ 30 Auxiliary News by Paula Houlihan......................................... 32 Potato Board News. ............................................................ 33

16

People........................................................................................ 35 New Products....................................................................... 41 NPC News............................................................................... 42 WPIB Focus............................................................................ 43 Seed Piece.................................................................................. 44 Marketplace............................................................................ 48 . . . And Now For The News............................................. 58

52

48 WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Larry Alsum Vice President: Andy Wallendal Secretary: Mark Finnessy Treasurer: Josh Mattek Directors: Steve Diercks, Ron Krueger, Jeremie Pavelski, Eric Schroeder, Gary Wysocki Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-R andall Vice President: Cliff Gagas Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Don Isherwood, John T. Schroeder, Tom Wild and Dennis Zeloski

The Tater Bin by Justin Isherwood........................................... 68 Mark Your Calendar. .......................................................... 70

WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Eugene Mancl Vice President: Chris Brooks Secretary: Steve Bohm Treasurer: Wayne Solinsky Directors: Paul Cieslewicz, Butch Fencil, Z ach Mykisen, Sally Surprise Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Ron Krueger Vice President: Dan Hafner Secretary/Treasurer: Charlie Mattek Directors: Bill Guenthner, Eric Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Jacquie Wille Vice President: Paula Houlihan

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: “To assist WPVGA members to be successful through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action, and involvement.”

Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: “Our mission is to work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources.”

Secretary/Treasurer: Sheila Rine Directors: Ali Carter, Gabrielle Okray Eck, Patty Hafner, Lynn Isherwood WPVGA Staff Interim Executive Director /Managing Editor / Communications Director: Tamas Houlihan Director of Promotions and Consumer Education: Dana R ady Financial Officer: K aren R asmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Danielle Sorano (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail Address: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com

The Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409.

Subscription rates: $1.50/copy, $18.00/year; $30/2 years. Foreign; $30/year; $50/2 years.

Telephone: (715) 623-7683. Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409.

ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 623-7683, or write: Advertising Manager, The Badger Common’Tater, P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409.

The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands.

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6 November 2014

Common’Tater Interview

with:

Art Seidl

by Tamas Houlihan, Managing Editor

Name: Art Seidl Title: President Farm Name: Seidl Farms, Inc Crops Grown/Acreage: 1,000 acres of potatoes, green beans, sweet corn, peas, oats, winter wheat and barley.

Location: Deerbrook, WI Hometown: Deerbrook, WI Current Residence: Deerbrook, WI Years in Present Position: 30 Schooling: 1975 Graduate of Antigo High School; Associate Degree in Diesel Mechanics from Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI in 1977.

Activities/Organizations: Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) member; Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) member; WSPIA Board of Directors – Past President; Wisconsin Potato Industry Board – Former Director; United States Potato Board – Former Wisconsin Representative; WPVGA Vegetable Committee – former member; Elks Club.

Family: Wife – Gay; Daughters – Ann Marie, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Diane; Son – Mark.

Hobbies: Hunting and Fishing.

O

ne of the stalwarts in the Antigo area certified seed potato industry, Seidl Farms, Inc., has a long history of potato farming.

Frank Seidl grew up on his parents’ (Art and Evelyn Seidl) dairy farm in Bryant, Wisconsin which also raised about 15 acres of table stock potatoes. Frank grew his first crop of potatoes 65 years ago in 1949. He was just 21 years old at the time and farmed 20 acres in Bryant.

From 1950 up until 1980, the farm raised fresh and chipping potatoes, along with oats and clover.

In 1980, the farm began raising certified seed potatoes. Although Frank’s son, Art, was working in Dillon, Colorado at the time, son-in-law Jim Fassbender had been working on the farm since he

graduated from high school in 1976.

Jim married Frank’s daughter, Peggy, who continues to serve as the farm’s Secretary-Treasurer. Peggy handles all the bookkeeping for the farm. Jim’s son, Jeff, joined the farm after he graduated from high school in 2008.

Art rejoined the farm in 1985 and is now the President of Seidl Farms, Inc. Today the farm raises 1,000 acres of potatoes, green beans, sweet corn, peas, oats, winter wheat and barley. The 210 acres of certified seed potatoes include Atlantics, Goldrush, Red Norlands, Russet Norkotahs and Snowdens.

Art has been very active in the potato industry, serving on the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) board of directors, including a term as President. He is a former

The most important thing is to keep your seed clean. You have to keep the diseases out, especially the viruses and late blight. – Art Seidl

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 7

Name: Frank Seidl Title: Owner/Founder (Retired) Farm Name: Seidl Farms, Inc Hometown: Bryant, WI Current Residence: Pickerel, WI Years in Present Position: 65 Schooling: 1946 Graduate of Antigo High School Activities/Organizations: Elks Club; Pickerel/Pearson Lions Club Family: Wife – Irene; Son – Art; Daughter – Peggy Hobbies: Fishing

Director on the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, and has served as a Wisconsin representative on the United States Potato Board. He is a long-time member of the WSPIA and the WPVGA, and previously served on the WPVGA Vegetable Committee.

In the following interview, Art and Frank Seidl, along with Jim and Jeff Fassbender, give their thoughts on a number of issues related to the production of certified seed potatoes.

How did the potato growing season go for you this year, and how does your seed potato crop look?

What we dug and put into storage looks good right now. The growing season was a challenge from start to finish, though.

We planted about ten days later than normal. We started planting on May 23 and finished on May 31, and there were decent conditions in that time period.

Name: Jim Fassbender Title: Vice President Farm Name: Seidl Farms, Inc Hometown: Neva, WI Current Residence: Bryant, WI Years in Present Position: 38 Schooling: 1976 Graduate of Antigo High School Activities/Organizations: Bryant Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club Family: Wife – Peggy (Seidl); Daughters – Ashley and Stephanie; Sons – Scott, Jeff and Ryan.

Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing and Snowmobiling.

Throughout the growing season, there were too many cloudy days—we really didn’t get many warm, sunny days this summer. Toward the end of the season we finally got some sunny weather and the crop bulked up nicely. We also had to irrigate a lot in July due to very dry conditions, but then by the first week of August it got very wet. We got seven

Name: Jeff Fassbender Title: Farm Operator Farm Name: Seidl Farms, Inc Hometown: Bryant, WI Current Residence: Bryant, WI Years in Present Position: 7 Schooling: 2008 Graduate of Antigo High School; Studied Ag Business at Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, WI Activities/Organizations: Bryant Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club Family: Wife – Aly Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Snowmobiling.

inches of rain between August 29 and September 3. Then we got another two and a half inches of rain on September 4 and we had to wait another ten days to harvest. Everyone in the Antigo area was in the same boat. We had to leave about 12-15% of our potatoes in the field due to all the wet conditions. Once we continued on pg. 8

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8 November 2014 Common’Tater Interview . . . continued from pg. 7

Art Seidl and his wife, Gay.

Pictured in front of a bin of seed potatoes in storage are (L-R) Art and Frank Seidl; Jim and Jeff Fassbender.

finally started harvesting on September 16, we had very good conditions right through October 1st, when we finished.

We actually struggled more with the oat harvesting due to the wet conditions than we did with the potatoes. Overall, I’m pleased with the quality and yields on our seed potato crop.

What do you think is the most important factor in being a successful seed potato grower?

The most important thing is to keep your seed clean. You have to keep the diseases out, especially the viruses and late blight. I’m really hoping for very cold weather this winter to freeze all the potatoes that were left in the ground and prevent volunteers next spring. We went back out and used a field cultivator to lift up the potatoes that we didn’t harvest so they’ll freeze easier.

What do you think is the most critical

One of the Seidl Farms trucks features an important message. aspect of seed potato harvesting?

I would say how you handle them is very critical. It’s very important to not bruise the potatoes during harvest. We’ve found that we get healthier potatoes

I would say the most important thing is to treat your help well. We’ve been fortunate to have good help over the years, and it’s probably because we treat them well. – Frank Seidl

when we dig them along with a little dirt or mud, rather than digging in dry conditions. The mud actually prevents bruising.

Have you made any significant changes to your seed growing operation in the last 5-10 years? If so, what?

We built a new shop and grading area in 2010. That has really improved our grading and loading capabilities. We also went to a 4-row Lenco harvester which has helped reduce bruising. We took the M-Table off the Lenco and replaced it with a multi-sep table that is not so aggressive on the potatoes— continued on pg. 10

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10 November 2014 Common’Tater Interview . . . continued from pg. 8

Art Seidl uses a skid steer to move potatoes Pictured in a Seidl Farms potato field in bloom a few years back are (L-R) Jim Fassbender; in storage.

Frank and Art Seidl. it really helps prevent bruising. We’ve also added auto-steer, which helps tremendously with planting accuracy.

And we’ve upgraded and improved our irrigation systems, adding more pivots and swing arms.

We use a 4-row Kverneland cup planter.

It’s low maintenance, easy to clean, and easy to make seed spacing changes.

We’ve used the 4-row Lenco harvester for the past six years and it’s a lot more chisels

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Frank: Have the challenges of the potato industry changed over time? If so, how?

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What do you see as the biggest challenge in the seed potato industry and what do you do to meet that challenge?

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The biggest challenge is to keep the seed clean and free of disease. Some viruses are mutating and spreading and don’t show symptoms, which make them very difficult to manage. But we scout regularly and stay on a tight spray schedule of 5-7 days, depending on the disease pressure. We’ve also been using

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Yes, the industry has changed a lot over time. We’re able to harvest a lot faster now than we used to; I remember we got our first mechanical harvester in 1966.

I can also remember loading boxcars with 100-pound bags of potatoes; now we can use a skid steer.

One of the biggest new challenges is in the area of food safety. We built our new grading and loading facility because of all the new rules and regulations on food safety and traceability.

Frank: What’s the most important thing you learned in your long history of potato growing?

I would say the most important thing is to treat your help well. We’ve been fortunate to have good help over the years, and it’s probably because we treat them well.

Frank: What’s the best advice you could give another grower in regard to potato farming?

Don’t plant potatoes in humid weather.

If you notice your concrete floors are sweating, don’t plant potatoes—they’ll melt in the ground. And don’t dig when it’s too hot—the potatoes will melt in storage. And don’t plant too many potatoes. Overproduction kills the market.

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12 November 2014

The Badger Beat Research Helps Farmers Manage Necrotic Potato Viruses

by Dr. Amy Charkowski, UW Dept. of Plant Pathology and Administrative Director, Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program Seed potato certification was started in Wisconsin over a century ago to help provide potato farmers with healthy seed of known varieties. Then, and now, potato viruses were one of the main disease problems faced by potato growers.

Today, there are three potato viruses that either cause, or are poised to cause serious yield and quality losses in potato in North America. The most common of these, Potato virus Y (PVY) is now responsible for over 90% of seed potato certification rejections due to disease. The others, Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) and Tobacco rattle virus (TRV), are currently rare in potato, but unfortunately, may become significant problems in the near future.

What symptoms do these viruses

cause? PVY causes a wide variety of symptoms in potato and the symptoms depend on the virus strain, the potato variety, and the conditions under which the potatoes are grown. For example, the same strain of PVY that causes mosaic symptoms on Snowden and Atlantic, will also cause leaves to fall off of Goldrush or Dark Red Norland plants. Numerous photos of PVY symptoms from different strains common in North America on common varieties can be found at www. potatovirus.com. Some strains of PVY will also cause necrotic arcs and rings to form on potato surfaces. It appears that only some potato varieties commonly grown in North America, such as Yukon Gold, are highly susceptible to tuber symptoms caused by necrotic PVY strains. Curiously, necrotic PVY

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strains do not always cause necrosis, even in highly susceptible varieties, such as Yukon Gold, suggesting that environment plays an important role in necrosis.

Both PMTV and TRV can also cause potato tuber necrosis, although with these viruses, the necrosis generally occurs as rings or arcs inside the potato.

PVY, in contrast, generally causes necrotic rings on the outside of the potato. PMTV causes bright yellow chevron-shaped symptoms on plant leaves, while in contrast, TRV may cause no foliar symptoms at all.

How are these viruses spread? All three of these viruses can be spread by infected seed potatoes, which is why there is a zero or low tolerance for these viruses in seed potatoes.

PVY is also spread by many species of aphids. This virus is spread nonpersistently, meaning that aphids can pick up the virus after feeding for a short time and spread it to a new plant immediately. Fields planted with a high number of PVY-infected potato plants serve as a local source of inoculum, but the field soil itself cannot become contaminated with PVY. Therefore, if farmers in a region consistently plant seed potatoes that are low in PVY, losses from this disease are unlikely to be significant.

Although PMTV and TRV are much rarer, they pose a greater risk than PVY. The vectors for both of these viruses are soil-borne and once a field is infested with these viruses, the virus will be a persistent problem, even if healthy seed potatoes are used. PMTV is spread by the pathogen that causes powdery scab and TRV is spread by stubby root nematodes. Both vectors are found in continued on pg. 14

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14 November 2014 The Badger Beat . . . continued from pg. 12

seed potato fields in North America, so the potential for spreading the virus as well is high.

Can farmers plant varieties that are resistant to potato viruses?

Plant resistance is the simplest, most economical, and most environmentally friendly way to manage plant diseases.

However, even though PVY has been a consistent problem in potato production every year for at least the past century, and even though multiple resistance genes are available for this virus, most potato varieties released in the past century are not resistant to PVY. As for TRV, and PMTV, we know very little about the responses of common potato varieties to these viruses and we know little about potential resistance genes for these viruses or their vectors.

A new USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) project was recently funded to help farmers manage necrotic potato viruses. The researchers involved in this project will be meeting yearly at the annual Potato Expo (http:// www.potato-expo.com/) and we invite your participation in this meeting to help us refine this project. Our first meeting will be on January 7th, 2015, starting at 10 am at the Rosen Shingle Creek.

Š2014 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

In 2009, the USDA funded a $2 million

SCRI project focused on management of necrotic strains of PVY that was led

by Stewart Gray (Cornell University) and that included researchers from New York, Idaho, and Wisconsin. This project helped us learn much about virus management. Some of the findings from this project include: 1. Determining that only a few varieties, such as Yukon Gold, are at high risk for necrosis caused by necrotic PVY strains, 2. Quantifying losses caused by PVY in commercial fields, 3. Refining mineral oil spray protocols for PVY management, 4. Identifying long term effects of management practice changes on disease incidence in seed potatoes, 5. Identifying PVY-resistant lines maintained by the Wisconsin potato breeding program and determining which previously-described markers would be easiest to use to identify lines carrying these resistance genes, 6. Developing a marker for a newly discovered PVY resistance gene.

Findings from this project helped us both decide how to manage PVY, and specifically how to manage necrotic strains of PVY, in seed potato certification and on seed farms.

Because of the success of this initial project, last spring, over 25 potato

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researchers from across the United States worked together to develop a follow-up project focused on multiple necrotic viruses, including PVY, TRV, and PMTV. We recently learned that this project was chosen for funding by the USDA and we have spent much of this fall preparing research plans. This project has three main goals, all of which are aimed at economically and efficiently managing these diseases.

Our first goal is to use modern methods to detect and monitor necrotic viruses in seed potatoes and pathogen vectors in soil, with the hope of providing farmers with the information needed to help slow spread of these viruses to new fields. We will also provide certification agency staff with in field training on how to recognize PMTV and TRV in the field, since these viruses are not familiar to many inspectors.

The second goal of this project is to assist potato breeding programs in releasing PVY, TRV, and PMTV resistant varieties by identifying useful sources of resistance to these viruses, and if possible, their vectors. Some newly released potato varieties appear to be resistant to tuber necrosis caused

by PMTV, which is a good indication that our project will be able to identify currently-available varieties suitable for planting on PMTV-infested soils. As part of this project, researchers will also determine the responses of common potato varieties to PMTV and TRV. Our final goal is to assist farmers with cost effective risk management tools for necrotic potato viruses. For example, this part of our project includes multiple analyses of large datasets to help farmers learn about aphid flights and whether decisions they make about the location of their seed potato crops relative to rotation crops affect risk of virus spread.

We may learn that particular rotation crops put adjacent seed potato crops at a higher risk for PVY spread. We will also be exploring the effects of potato viruses on storage and processing of potatoes to determine if these viruses impact the quality of stored tubers and if so, to try to find ways to mitigate these impacts.

Stay tuned for further updates on this important research project affecting potato production throughout the United States.

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16 November 2014

Water for All:

WPVGA Helps Sponsor Second Annual WELLers Walk to Help Build Wells in Africa In an effort to raise funds to build wells in Africa, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) helped sponsor the second annual Makah Water for All WELLers Walk on September 20 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

This unique event consisted of a walk along the Wisconsin River, from Pfiffner Park to Bukolt Park, with participants repeatedly filling and carrying water jugs to a central location, as if they were making the trek many villagers in Cameroon, Africa make daily, simply to gather enough water for their family's immediate needs.

This family-friendly event was designed to raise awareness of the need for clean drinking water and raise funds to help deliver it to those in need. The event also included a presentation on 14 wells that have already been built, plans for future wells and information on how to become a WELLer. All proceeds go toward building more wells (each well costs about $5,000) and improving

Paul Roberts of Roberts Irrigation, Plover, and his wife, Dawn, fill jugs and get ready to walk.

things in perspective,” said Sam Dinga, a native of Cameroon, Africa, and now a Stevens Point resident.

Carol Okray of Okray Family Farms, Plover, is pictured with Jarvis Jay McElrath, a traditional Cameroon-style drummer who performed throughout the walk, providing inspiration to the walkers. more lives.

“If you think about the average American consuming 100 gallons of water per day, and then you see how many people and how long it takes to fill a 250-gallon container, I think it puts

In 2009, Dinga lost his 40-year old sister, Ma Kah, to stomach complications due to bad drinking water. Ma Kah had been traveling to impoverished villages around Cameroon, helping the villagers obtain clean water. To honor his sister, and in hopes of preventing more people from suffering her fate, he started the Makah Water for All Foundation and pledged to build 40 pump wells in the rural areas of Cameroon.

The Makah Water for All Foundation was created with the belief that healthy drinking water, as an essential need, should be available and accessible for all people, with the current focus on the villagers in Cameroon. To date, thanks to tremendous support from the people of Central Wisconsin, 14 wells have been completed, changing the lives of over 20,000 villagers. continued on pg. 18

Men, women, young and old all did their part hauling water at Bukolt Park in Stevens Point.

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18 November 2014 Water for All. . . continued from pg. 16

Makah Water for All founder Sam Dinga thanks the sponsors and all the volunteers, including the walkers.

Tatum Houlihan (foreground) is happy to let members of the UW-Stevens Point women’s hockey team fill her jug of water from the chilly Wisconsin River.

Through generous donations provided by the WPVGA, Paramount Farms, Okray Family Farms, Bushmans’, Inc., Warner & Warner, Roberts Irrigation and many others, this year’s WELLers Walk raised enough funds to build two more wells.

Central Wisconsin depends on safe, sustainable water, not only for basic daily living needs, but also for agriculture, the economy, the livelihood of restaurants, breweries and businesses and the present and future health of the community.

“We wanted to show that the Wisconsin potato industry cares about water both locally and globally,” said WPVGA board member Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Hancock, who also serves as co-chairman of the WPVGA’s Water Task Force. “We know how important water is and we’re willing to do whatever we can to make sure there’s enough water for everyone. This fundraising event is for a great cause, and we are very happy to support it.”

Makah Water for All has a fund with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin. Contributions can be made directly to the fund by going to WPVGA Interim Executive Director Tamas Houlihan fills a large container of water www.cfcwi.org or by making a check with the jug he hauled. to Makah Water for All Fund and mailing it to Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, 1501 Clark St, P.O Box 968, Stevens Point WI 54481.

For more information, visit: www. makahwaterforall.org.

Despite the heavy load, most walkers were smiling the entire route.

This walker uses her head to help her carry the heavy jug.

Dick and Carol Okray. Carol’s volunteer efforts help make this a very “well” organized event.

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20 November 2014

Dewulf Announces Agreement to Acquire Miedema The Dewulf group has reached a preliminary agreement for the acquisition of Miedema, a leader in the development and production of modern technology for storage, sorting, transport and planting of potatoes. The company markets strong brands, like Miedema, Structural and Smart Solutions. With this acquisition, the Dewulf range of potato and vegetable machines will be strengthened and the group will grow to become the undisputed global leader in this segment of the agricultural machinery manufacturing market.

Working together, Dewulf and Miedema will be able to provide a complete product range for modern-day potato and vegetable growers around the world. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.

T.I.P., Inc. of Custer, Wisconsin is the importer for the full range of Miedema products. Contact T.I.P. at 715-592-4650 or tip@tipinc.net.

The current management of Miedema will stay shareholder of the subsidiary in Winsum, the Netherlands (28%), thus ensuring continuity for all stakeholders.

Potato and vegetable machinery manufacturing company Dewulf has announced plans to acquire Miedema. T.I.P., Inc. of Custer, Wisconsin is the importer for the full range of Miedema products.

Miedema's in-house development, production and management will remain in Winsum. Synergy will be sought primarily in the sales of machinery, the marketing and the purchasing

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22 November 2014

Look to the Future with POTATO EXPO 2015

By POTATO EXPO 2015 Co-Chairs and Steering Committee – Rob Davis, RHD Inc., Connell, Wash., and Randy Mullen, Mullen Farms, Inc., Pasco, Wash.

What better way to kick off the new year than by getting the inside look at issues facing the industry, creating new connections, finding products and solutions for your business, and so much more – all in one place. POTATO EXPO only comes around once a year so be sure to attend this January 7-9, 2015 in Orlando, Florida.

When 1,900 growers and industry partners descend on a city, it’s prime time for networking, and just as the

kitchen is often the place where everyone gathers in a home, the Trade Show is the central hub of networking at POTATO EXPO. There’s always a buzz of excitement when the doors open for the Trade Show, with growers eager to discover the latest technology and services and to build partnerships with other growers and industry partners from across the country and around the world. The 2015 Trade Show features 60,000 square feet of exhibit space to showcase cutting-edge technology,

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The theme for POTATO EXPO 2015 is “Experience the Electricity” so it’s only fitting that the schedule includes an energizing lineup of speakers offering their expertise to guide you in the year ahead. New in 2015, the Trade Show will feature the Opening and Closing Sessions on the EXPO Stage. As global demand for U.S. agricultural products continues to increase, Matt Tripodi, international trade professional at

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 23 Euromonitor International, will offer a compelling look at the world during the Opening Session to inspire your export success.

Wisconsin-Madison, will examine the role that biopesticides can play as part of integrated disease management programs.

To wrap up POTATO EXPO 2015, agricultural futurist and trends expert Jim Carroll will offer his predictions of the next 30 years of agricultural technology, from driverless tractors to data-transmitting crops. 2045 will be here before we know it, so it’s always good to be on the lookout for tools and technology that can make our operations more efficient.

Stay up to speed on the future of truck transportation with an EXPO Stage session by Luke Gowdy, Transportation Operations Manager with C.H. Robinson, as he addresses how shippers can respond to changes in transportation and utilize transportation more effectively over the next five years.

The always popular EXPO Stage educational sessions bring top issues facing the industry right to the Trade Show floor. Many options are available to fight potato diseases and Amanda J., Gevens, Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology and Extension Plant Pathologist at the University of

Visit www.potato-expo.com for the complete schedule of speakers and events, including keynote speaker Chris Wallace, three-time Emmy awardwinning anchor for Fox News, who will provide an insider's look at politics, the White House, and the future of America.

Also looking to the future is nationally recognized marketing expert Kelly McDonald, who will discuss evolving

marketing strategies in an increasingly diverse world.

Market-targeted Breakout Sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to select from more than 20 sessions dedicated to the chip, fresh, process, and seed sectors, so attendees can take a focused look at the latest industry issues and trends affecting their markets and be better prepared for what’s coming in the future.

Who can say what’s in store for future POTATO EXPOs – we think it’s safe to say that the meeting gets better and better every year, and you won’t want to miss 2015 in Orlando. Register today at www.potato-expo.com to find new ways to grow your business and start the year off with a competitive edge.

We’ll see you there! continued on pg. 24

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Bula Potato Farms of Wisconsin (Molli, Alegria), Felix Zeloski Farms of Wisconsin (Soraya, Wega, Merlot, US Blue), Childstock Farms of New York (Soraya), Crown Farms of Maine (Soraya), Zapata Seed of Colorado (Alegria), Quality Seed of North Dakota (Soraya), Cascade Farms of Washington (Alegria), Zuckerman Farms of California (Alegria), Ebe Farms of Washington (Merlot, US Blue, Soraya, Molli), and Summit Farms of Colorado (Molli, Soraya, Allora)

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24 November 2014 Potato Expo 2015. . . continued from pg.23

Potato Expo Features Top-Notch Speakers Environmental Activist Mark Lynas to Speak on Science-Based Environmentalism Mark Lynas is dedicated to bringing science to the discussion on the topic of causes and solutions of the world's environmental problems. He is committed to science-based solutions that will aid our ability to preserve both people and planet.

Lynas champions science-based environmentalism and is quick to criticize “anti-science environmentalism.”

His ideas on the application of science to issues like nuclear power and GMO food production have caused shock waves through the environmental community.

From the perspective of a historian, Lynas will provide numerous examples of how when public misunderstanding and superstition become widespread on an issue, irrational policy making is the inevitable consequence; and great damage is done to peoples’ lives as a result.

To sign up for Mark Lynas’ blog or to follow via Twitter go to http://www. marklynas.org.

Don't miss his eye-opening presentation at POTATO EXPO 2015!

Mark Lynas

Marketing Expert to Make Keynote Address at Potato Expo One of the keynote speakers at the 2015 Potato Expo in Orlando, Florida this January will be marketing expert Kelly McDonald. The marketing environment has become more complex, and consumers have become more sophisticated. Diversity marketing is the new norm, and this doesn't simply mean racial diversity. Diversity comes in many forms: gender, race, age, life stage, language preference, sexuality, and hobbies or special interests are all ways in which people's differences are recognized.

differences rather than similarities, but this can really stretch your marketing muscles and bring incremental results.

By recognizing these differences and tailoring your product, message, or marketing efforts to reflect consumers’ uniqueness, you are validating the importance of a consumer group. It may be counter-intuitive to focus on

• Learn which group represents the largest marketing opportunity for your business right now and which group will be your greatest opportunity tomorrow.

Come hear Kelly McDonald, who literally wrote the book on how to market to people not like you, to: • Learn about the hottest new market segments and how they're shaping culture.

• Learn the key emotional drivers for important market segments and how your business can leverage those in marketing messages.

continued on pg. 26

Kelly McDonald

continued on pg. 24

26 November 2014 Potato Expo 2015. . . continued from pg.24

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE TUESDAY, January 6 2:00PM-6:00PM

Registration Open Panzacola Registration

WEDNESDAY, January 7

BREAKOUT SESSIONS: Chip Breakout: • Food Safety and Traceability Initiatives for the Chip Industry • What’s in the Pipeline for Chip Variety Development?

• Latest Tools, Resources for Managing Storage Rot

7:30AM-7:00PM

Registration Open Panzacola Registration

1:00PM-7:00PM

Tradeshow Open

4:30PM-5:15PM

Opening Session: Matthew Tripodi

Fresh Breakout:

5:30PM-7:00PM

Kick-off Reception in Trade Show

• How to Win in a Rapidly Changing Retail and Consumer Environment

THURSDAY, January 8

• Tuber Necrotic Viruses: Impacts on Tuber Quality and Farm Profitability

• Fresh Potato Category Performance: A Look at Retail Data • Sustainability: Marketing Opportunity or Requirement?

7:00AM-5:00PM

Registration Open Panzacola Registration

8:00PM-9:00PM

Breakfast in the Tradeshow

8:00AM-Noon

Tradeshow Open

• Global Trends in Potato Processing

9:00AM-10:00AM

General Session: Kelly McDonald

• Development and Commercialization of Potato Varieties for QSRs

10:30AM-11:00AM

Expo Stage Session: Dr. Amanda Gevens

• Biopesticides: What Does the Future Hold?

Noon-1:30PM

Luncheon: Keynote Speaker, Chris Wallace

Seed Breakout:

1:30PM-5:00PM

Tradeshow Open

• Changes to the Management of Bacterial Ring Rot: Idaho’s Approach

1:30PM-2:30PM

Meet the Researchers at the PAA Poster Session

• PVY and Other Emerging Viruses – Best Management Practices to Minimize Virus Levels in Seed Crops

2:00PM-2:30PM

Expo Stage Session: Luke Gowdy

2:30PM-5:00PM

Breakout Sessions

• Herbicide Resistant Weed Management in Potato Cropping Systems

5:00PM-6:30PM

Networking Receptions

6:30PM-9:00PM

Special Event: Plumtackee, Florida Hootenanny Hangout!

FRIDAY, January 9 8:00AM-9:30AM

Breakfast General Session: Mark Lynas

9:30AM-11:30AM

Tradeshow Open

10:00AM-10:45AM

Closing Session: Jim Carroll

• Foodservice Trends and Potato Sales

Process Breakout:

• The New Soft Rot – Europe Battles Dickeya Solani

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 27

2015 BEIJING

9th

World Potato Congress Develop Together For a Better Future

Develop Together For a Better Future

Yanqing 28-30 July

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Beijing 2015 www.2015bjwpc.com

Registration will be available on October 28th.

Looking forward to your participation!

Ven u e : B e i j i n g B a d a l i n g Inter n at i o n a l C o nferen c e & E x h i b i t i o n Cent re

28 November 2014

Tasteful Selections, the specialty potato brand from RPE Inc., is sponsoring Katie’s Krops for a second consecutive year. Katie’s Krops is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth across the country to grow a healthy end to hunger in their communities, one vegetable garden at a time. A portion of the profits from specially marked bags of Tasteful Selections’ Ruby Sensation and Honey Gold potatoes available October through January will go to the nonprofit.

As part of this sponsorship, the 16-yearold founder, Katie Stagliano, attended PMA Fresh Summit with RPE to meet with members of the produce industry.

Katie’s Krops has donated thousands of pounds of fresh produce to organizations helping people in need both from Katie’s flagship garden in South Carolina and by awarding grants to more than 80 youth-led gardens in 29 states. The mission of Katie's Krops is

to start and maintain vegetable gardens of all sizes and donate the harvest, as well as to assist and inspire other young leaders to do the same. RPE and Tasteful Selections are helping Katie reach her goal of creating and maintaining 500 gardens across all 50 states by 2018 by donating proceeds from packages of Tasteful Selections potatoes to help fund Katie’s Krops gardens.

“We are so excited to partner with

Tasteful Selections small potatoes feature unique varieties that are easy to prepare. They are offered in 1-bite, 2-bites, and 3-bites sizing and come in a variety of package sizes complete with variety descriptions and recipes.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 29

Tasteful Selections again this year,” commented Katie Stagliano, founder and chief executive gardener of Katie’s Krops. "Proceeds from the sale of the Katie’s Krops Tasteful Selections packages have already gone a long way in providing the funds that are needed to start new, youth-run Katie's Krops gardens across America and will continue to this year as well, thus providing a sustainable and healthy solution to hunger."

Founded by the now 16-year-old Katie Stagliano, the idea for Katie’s Krops was conceived in 2008 when Katie grew a 40-pound cabbage and donated it to a local soup kitchen. After seeing the impact of one large cabbage, Katie was determined she could do more to help those in need, and has been doing that ever since, becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2012. Katie’s powerful work has even been featured in an upcoming documentary, The Starfish Throwers.

“We are delighted to continue partnering with Katie’s Krops, which is such a worthy nonprofit, bringing together hunger relief and youth volunteerism,” said Russell Wysocki, president and CEO of RPE Inc., co-owner of Tasteful Selections. “Katie inspires people of all ages to make a difference in their communities, and we want to help Katie grow her dream.”

Katie's Krops, 501(c)3 organization empowers youth across the country to end hunger in their communities one vegetable garden at a time. It was founded in 2008 by Katie's Stagliano who at the age of 9 donated a 40 pound cabbage to a soup kitchen where it fed 275 people. Moved by the experience, she started Katie's Krops, which currently funds over 80 youth-run gardens in 29 states from which the fresh harvest is donated to the underserved.

Tasteful Selections LLC is a joint venture

of RPE, CSS Farms and Plover River Farms Alliance Inc. They are a vertically integrated grower, shipper, marketer of premium specialty potatoes with unique attributes for size and flavor.

RPE, a second generation family farm,

The Tasteful Selections Sunrise Medley.

is a category leader and key grower/ shipper of year-round potatoes and onions. RPE prides itself on maintaining a high level of business integrity that includes commitments to environmental sustainability, as well as category innovation and retail solutions.

30 November 2014

What’s Cookin’

by Gerri Okray

Heavenly Mashed and Smashed Potatoes The following recipes were submitted by contestants in the 2014 Wisconsin State Fair potato recipe contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary.

This year’s theme was “Heavenly Mashed and Smashed Potatoes.” These are the top three finishers. The winner was Lisa Dziadulewicz of Sheboygan,

1st Place: Submitted by: Lisa Dziadulewicz, Sheboygan, WI Mashed Potatoes Ingredients: 3 lbs. Wisconsin baking potatoes 2 sticks (1/2 lb.)Butter, cold and cut into cubes 1/2 cup Heavy cream, warmed Bacon Jam Ingredients: 1 lb.

Bacon 3 Lg. Yellow onions, peeled and thinly sliced 6 Cloves garlic, smashed with the flat side of a knife or a pan and peeled 1/3 cup cider vinegar

Makes 8 servings

Salt and pepper to taste 1 oz. Shredded sharp cheddar 1 cup Bacon jam (recipe follows)

1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar 1/4 cup Pure maple syrup 1/2 cup Very strong brewed black coffee 2 Tbs. Bourbon 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

Bacon Jam: Cut the bacon slices into one inch strips. Add the bacon to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, stirring frequently, until the bacon is browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a papertowel lined plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.

Place the Dutch oven back over the medium-high heat and add the onions and garlic. Stir well and reduce heat to medium. Continue to cook for about 8 minutes, or until the onions are mostly translucent. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and drop heat again, this time to low.

Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, and boil hard for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, stir the browned bacon into the onions and liquid.

Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to make sure things aren’t sticking, adding ¼ cup of water if it seems to be drying out. When the onions are melting soft and the liquid is thick and syrupy, after about 3 hours, remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.

Transfer the contents of the Dutch oven to the work bowl of a food processor that has been fitted with a blade. Fit the lid in place and pulse several times or until the Bacon Jam is a spreadable consistency. Scrape into a jar (or jars) or a container with a tight fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Wisconsin who received $150 for her flavorful “Slammin’ Jammin’ Mashed Potatoes” recipe. Try them and enjoy!

Slammin’ Jammin’ Mashed Potatoes Mashed Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash potatoes and pierce with a fork. Roast potatoes in the oven for 1 to 1½ hours, depending on their size, or until they are fork tender.

Let potatoes cool slightly, then remove the skins. Put the potato flesh through a ricer. At this point, you should have 1½ pounds of potato flesh. Add the butter and work it in thoroughly.

Slowly add the cream, and then the cheese.

Taste and season with salt and pepper.

To Assemble: Swirl about 1½ to 2 tablespoons of bacon jam per ¾ cup serving of potatoes.

Mound attractively on plate.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 31

Wisconsin Smoky Sweet & Yellow Mashed Potatoes

2nd Place: Submitted by: Cindy Paul, Menomonee Falls, WI

Ingredients: Makes 4 servings 4 Medium Wisconsin yellow potatoes 1 Lg. Wisconsin sweet potato ½ cup Smoky bacon cheese spread ¼ cup Wild berry balsamic vinegar ¼ cup Butter 1 Medium Yellow onion 1 cup Smoky provolone cheese, shredded ½ cup Heavy whipping cream 2 cups Mushroom broth 1 Tbs. Brown sugar 1 tsp.

Porcini mushroom salt 1 Fresh tarragon sprig 1 Egg

Cook onion in butter until caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and cook for 5 more minutes.

Boil Wisconsin potatoes in mushroom broth until tender.

Drain potato liquid and cook potatoes stirring carefully & frequently for 2 minutes to dry them out.

Warm the cream on low and add the tarragon sprig to it.

Put potatoes in oven-proof bowl; add onion mixture with butter, ¼ cup of shredded cheese, and bacon cheese spread then mash.

Pull leaves from sprig and put in with potatoes. Pour cream into potatoes and mash thoroughly with hand masher.

Stir in one egg and bake for 20 minutes in 350°F oven.

Top with remaining shredded cheese and bake until top is browned and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

3rd Place: Submitted by: Beth Campbell, Belleville, WI

Savory Roesti (Swiss) Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients: Makes 8-12 servings 6 Medium Yukon Gold potatoes ½ cup Finely chopped onions (1 Medium) ¾ cup Finely shredded Swiss cheese ½ tsp.

Seasoning salt

½ tsp.

1/3 cup 1 cup 4 oz. ¼ cup

Ground black pepper Butter, softened Sour cream Cream cheese, softened Finely chopped fresh parsley

In a medium saucepan, place the uncooked potatoes and enough water to cover.

Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer, covered for 20 to 30 minutes or until just tender. Drain well, cool slightly. Peel the potatoes. Cover and chill the whole potatoes anywhere from 4 to 24 hours.

Using the coarse side of a hand shredder, shred the potatoes. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded potatoes with all of the rest of the ingredients until all is totally mixed together.

In a 12 inch buttered casserole dish, evenly spread the potato mixture and with a large spoon, press the mixture down to form it together.

Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until the mixture is heated all the way through and bubbly around the edges and nicely browned on the top.

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32 November 2014

Auxiliary News Auxiliary Launches Kids Dig Program for 2014-15 School Year

by Paula Houlihan, Vice President, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary

An old-fashioned potato sack race highlights this Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes harvest party in Antigo.

Fall is in the air, the kids are back to school and the Auxiliary has launched the Kid’s Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program for the 2014-2015 school year.

Each year this program continues to grow in popularity and reaches an increasing number of participating schools across Wisconsin. With the arrival of the Spudmobile, we are excited to include this amazing mobile education unit in our Harvest Parties and visits to schools

around the state. These parties provide further opportunity to meet in person with the students to share information about potatoes, our industry and to celebrate the success of their potato growing efforts.

The Kids Dig program and Harvest Parties have proven to be a fun and interactive way to promote our wonderful industry. With the addition of the Spudmobile, we’ll have the

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opportunity to interact parents and teachers too!

with

their

The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary is proud to support the Wisconsin potato growers. Did you know that you can become a member of the Auxiliary if you are: a grower; a family member of a grower; work for a grower; an Associate Division member; or a family member of an Associate Division member?

As a member of the Auxiliary, you can be as involved as you like. You don’t have to join the board or be an officer to volunteer to help out at events or join committees to work on projects that you’d like to support. This is a great industry. Help us support our growers and get the word out that potatoes are delicious AND nutritious!

Our next Auxiliary meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Green Mill in Schofield. We welcome you to stop in and see what we’re up to!

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 33

Potato Board News USPB Announces Partnership with World Food Championships Potatoes to be infused ingredient in November World Recipe Championship The United States Potato Board (USPB) announced the World Food Championships has officially signed on as a partner for its 2014 competition, which will be held in Downtown Las Vegas, November 12-18. Competitors in the World Recipe Championship event will be required to incorporate potatoes, America's favorite side dish vegetable, into their recipes. The USPB will also host the #TopTater Tournament of Champions event which will pit returning champions against one

another in a potato-centric cooking competition.

The USPB has also announced an exciting opportunity for one talented individual to win a trip to Las Vegas to compete live in the World Food Championships. Aspiring competitors can enter their mouth-watering, 5-starworthy, innovative and original potato recipes into the #TopTater Recipe Contest on the USPB's Potato Goodness Facebook page for the chance to win.

The grand prize winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the World Recipe Championship in November. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/ PotatoGoodness.

“The USPB is thrilled to be partnering with the World Food Championships," said Meredith Myers, Global Public Relations Manager. “It's the perfect platform to showcase potatoes on a continued on pg. 34

Wild Seed Farms Varieties: • Atlantic • Superior • Red LaSoda • Snowden

Tom or Dan Wild

715-623-3366

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

34 November 2014 Potato Board News. . . continued from pg. 33

global scale.”

Only in Las Vegas can food, fame and fortune be combined into one jackpot event. The 2014 World Food Championships will feature nearly 500 of the world’s best cooks and chefs, pitting “joes” and “pros” on an equal playing field to battle it out for hundreds of thousands of dollars and the coveted title of the World Food Champion.

Following a tournament-style format across nine iconic food categories — BBQ, chili, burger, sandwich, recipe, dessert, bacon, pasta and seafood — competitors will battle for their chance to claim the World Food Champion title.

“As a versatile and complimentary part of many recipes, potatoes are a perfect vegetable to feature at our event,” said Mike McCloud, President of the World Food Championships. “Potatoes span all forms of cuisine, and we're looking forward to seeing the creative recipes the competitors will present.”

In addition to being an infused ingredient for the World Recipe Championship, potatoes will also be available to competitors cooking in the Kenmore® Kitchen Coliseum as part of the World Food Championships’ official pantry.

To

stay

in

the

World

Food

Championships chatter, visit http:// www.worldfoodchampionships.com; Facebook.comWorldFood Championships or Twitter (@World FoodChamp). Or tune into the new reality TV show about the event, which will air for six weeks on A&E's newly branded FYI network, which started in July.

To win your way to Vegas to compete in this year’s competition, sign up at Kenmore’s cookmore.com. The best entries in the FoodChamp Challenge recipe contests will win free entry to compete at the World Food Championships!

About the World Food Championships The World Food Championships features nearly 500 competitors seeking food fame and fortune in Las Vegas.

The third annual event will invite the champions from the biggest and best food competitions around the world into a single, high stakes culinary showdown for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Following a tournament-style format

across multiple iconic food categories, including burger, sandwich, barbecue and more, the WFC will culminate with a Final Table faceoff where category champions brave potential elimination in front of a live audience and a discerning panel of culinary celebrities. For more information visit: worldfoodchampionships.com.

Your Integrated Seed Solution Colorado Lab and Greenhouse

• New, State-of-the-Art Facility in Colorado City • Isolated from Other Potato Production • Innovative Nutrient Film Technology • “Ready to Grow” Minitubers

Cody, NE Seed Farm • Isolated from Other Potato Production • Ideal Loamy Sand Soil • Clean Ground – No Powdery Scab or Nematodes • Zero Virus Tolerance For minitubers contact: elizabeth.sanders@cssfarms.com, 719-676-2791 For FG1 or FG2 Seed contact: milt.carter@cssfarms.com, 605-886-2577

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 35

People McCain Foods Limited Names New Canadian President McCain Foods Limited announced on Sept. 28 the appointment of Shai Altman as President, Canada, effective October 20, 2014. Altman will assume full responsibility for the Canadian business.

marketing team. Since 2002 he has worked as General Manager of Wrigley in Israel and India, and has held the position of President, Wrigley Canada since 2009.

He brings to McCain more than 15 years of leadership experience in both mature and developing markets with expertise in the development and direction of growth strategies.

"Shai's passion, expertise in and dedication to strategic growth will be of great value to McCain," said President and CEO Dirk Van de Put. "He will be a tremendous asset to both our Canadian business and our North American Senior Leadership Team."

Altman joins McCain from Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, where he has held increasingly senior cross functional roles since 1997. He started his career in sales, moved through key account management and customer marketing, and then went on to lead the consumer

Altman replaces former president Darryl Rowe, who stepped down last December.

The most popular varieties of these world-class hybrids are going fast.

continued on pg. 38

Shai Altman

Wisconsin’s Highest Yielding Corn and Soybean Varieties Are At

Visit with Wayne, Tom, Br ion, Clint and Ann today to secure the top pe rforming hybrids.

Don’t delay, these seeds ar e growing fast!

www. Jay-Mar.com

Plover (715) 341-3445 •

800-236-2436 Antigo (715) 627-4321

36 November 2014

• MULLET •

• MOHAWK •

• MUSTACHE •

• FRO •

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 37

• DREADLOCKS •

• LEIA •

No matter how they grow, sprouts aren’t cool.

Introducing SmartBlock®. This breakthrough potato sprout inhibitor is a naturally occurring molecule that has no adverse effect on potato quality and is even exempt from EPA’s tolerance requirement. Use it alone or with other sprout inhibitor products to ensure season-long control.

Talk to your applicator about incorporating SmartBlock.

Because when it comes to potatoes, bald is beautiful.

SmartBlock works. See how at amvac-chemical.com.

Plainfield, WI 715.335.6660

• BALD & BEAUTIFUL •

© 2013 AMVAC Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved. SmartBlock and Yield Enhancement Solutions are registered trademarks and YES is a trademark of AMVAC Chemical Corporation. Always read and follow label directions. www.amvac-chemical.com. AV-2013-SMARTBLOCK650WS

38 November 2014 People. . . continued from pg. 35

Bill Zakrzewski, 2014 WPVGA Associate Division Business Person of the Year, Passes Away William “Bill� Zakrzewski Jr., age 51 left this world on Sunday, September 28, 2014. Early indications are that he was able to make his tee time in heaven, where he proceeded to shoot 4 under par on the front nine.

Bill was born March 29, 1963. He is the son of William Sr. and Nancy Zakrzewski.

In the years that followed, he developed a generous, outgoing and exceedingly positive personality that drew people to him. As a lifelong salesman, he developed meaningful relationships with a wide range of people in the community. His time at Roberts Irrigation was marked by professional accomplishments and lasting friendships.

The WPVGA Associate Division presented the Associate Division Business Person of the Year Award to Bill in February of 2014. Zakrzewski was a long-time member of the Associate Division who also served a five-year term on the Associate Division Board of Directors. He served two years as Associate Division Board Treasurer and one year as Vice President.

Bill was a regular participant in the Associate Division golf outings and a long-time member of the WPVGA Powered by Potatoes athletic teams.

He was a contributor to the Water Task Force and helped countless growers with their water and irrigation needs.

He was involved in the industry for over

Bill Zakrzewski

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 39

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

20 years and was always willing to help out at Associate Division events such as the Annual Industry Show or the Hancock Field Days.

Bill gave generously of his time, and was instrumental in helping solve the problem of irrigation wire theft. He was dedicated to the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry, and demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to growers.

Bill was a sports enthusiast. He left high school with three varsity letters and continued wrestling in college at Indiana State University. Not only could he carry your foursome in a golf outing, he could also give you a detailed recruiting background of the entire Wisconsin Badger basketball team.

He treasured the time spent with his family at his cabin in the north woods, usually with a trusty black lab at his side.

Yes, he lost his battle with cancer, but not before he was able to enjoy three more years of memories, love and reflection. His life will be defined not by how it ended, but by the joy he brought to those around him.

Harvesting

Planting

Dan, John, Dave and Kevin sorting winter samples.

WISCONSIN CeRtIFIeD SeeD POtAtOeS

Hafner Seed Farms W8245 CTH B., Bryant, WI 54418

Quality Healthy Seed: • Atlantic • Goldrush • Snowden • Norkotah • Silverton • Superior

A family farm celebrating over 55 years happily serving our customers!

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family would appreciate donations to the Hope House at the Marshfield Clinic.

Bill leaves a loving and proud family including his daughter Hannah Zakrzewski, his three sons: Trevor Zakrzewski, John (Angela) Jennings and Clint Jennings; and a grandson Malachi Jennings; his father William Zakrzewski Sr. and mother Nancy Zakrzewski; one brother Robert Zakrzewski, one sister Lori (Greg) Schultz and two nephews Benjamin and Jordy Schultz.

Funeral Services were held on October 3, 2014 at the Pisarski Community Funeral Home in Plover. A private family burial took place at a later date in the Guardian Angel Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com continued on pg. 40

Field in bloom Reed

GOPack!John • Dave • Dan • kevin

Storage

Phone: 715-623-6829 Fax: 715-623-4203

40 November 2014 People. . . continued from pg. 39

PAA Announces 2014 Honorary Life Member Awards Chuck Brown, Jim Zalewski, Sam Thornton and Phil Nolte were recognized by The Potato Association of America (PAA) as Honorary Life Members during its 98th annual meeting held in Spokane, Washington this past summer.

Brown is a research geneticist at the Agricultural Research Service in Prosser, Washington. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis and his first job was at the International Potato Center. He has spent his professional life studying and incorporating disease resistance in potatoes.

Zalewski grew up on a seed potato farm in Antigo, Wisconsin. He received his Ph.D. in plant pathology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

He taught plant pathology at Oregon State University for five years, was

director of cultural research at OreIda until 1992, and was the manager of commercial application research for NatureMark Potatoes from 1992 to 2002. During this time, Zalewski started a consulting firm, Spud Dr., which he operated until 2013. Zalewski joined 1,4Group as director of research and development in 2009 and held the position until his death in 2014.

Zalewski died of pancreatic cancer on May 30, 2014. He received his Honorary Life Membership from PAA President Nora Olsen during a reception at his home a few days prior to his death.

Nolte is currently the Extension seed potato specialist for the University of Idaho. He received his Ph.D. from North Dakota State University. He has worked for the University of Idaho since 1991.

In 2000 Nolte received the University of Idaho’s Excellence in Outreach award.

Nolte’s research has focused on seedrelated problems, including potato mosaic virus complex, bacterial ring rot, as well as fusarium dry rot and suberization.

Thornton joins his father, Robert Thornton, as a PAA Honorary Life Member. Thornton currently works for Syngenta and its Land.db software promoting effective farm record keeping. He previously worked for Novartis and Zeneca as a seed treatment specialist. Prior to that he worked for the Washington State Potato Commission as the director of research and grower relations. Thornton was PAA president in 2006.

The 99th Annual Meeting of The PAA is set for July 19-23, 2015 in Portland, Maine.

Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes

Look what cropped up in a Wisconsin potato field this fall: it’s little Jessie Seis, daughter of Joe & Dana Seis of Sterling Farms LLC, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin.

Judging by her shirt, it’s a safe bet that this won’t be the last potato harvest for this future farmer.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 41

New Products RedLine Receipt™ Improves Efficiencies in Receiving Bulk Products RedLine Solutions, the leader in produce traceability and inventory solutions, recently announced a new cutting-edge application, RedLine Receipt, that enables companies to quickly and accurately receive harvested bulk products and update inventory information in grower accounting systems.

“We are now able to capture much more information about each bulk receiving load quickly and efficiently giving management real-time information on all incoming bulk inventory," said Jason Kinloch, Operations Manager at Domex/Kershaw Companies. “The new

Megachip

efficiencies with RedLine Receipt save us time and money while providing a solution for us to capture valuable information for overall improved business intelligence.”

To facilitate rapid receipt, RedLine Receipt scans pre-printed tags on each bin and links them to harvest receipts, accurately tying the harvested product to a specific grower/ranch/commodity block/lot combination for accounting and traceability purposes. Every bin is then put away and its location recorded in the grower accounting system.

RedLine Receipt provides exceptional inventory control by tracking and

recording bins as they are moved while updating the grower accounting system in real time.

“RedLine Receipt brings a high level of efficiency to receiving bulk product at the packing shed while capturing traceability information.

Faster receiving and cooling ultimately translates into a longer shelf life in most commodities,” said Todd Baggett, CEO of RedLine Solutions. “With this new application, RedLine continues to build on industry-leading inventory management solutions.”

Rine Ridge Farms, Inc.

Lamoka

Foundation & Certified Seed Potatoes Marcy

Pike

Specializing in NEW Chip Varieties Nicolet

Dan Rine

Ken Rine

W8132 Hwy O, Bryant, WI 54418 • Email: rinerdg@yahoo.com

715-627-4819 • Toll Free: 1-888-853-5690 • FAX: 715-627-4810

42 November 2014

NPC News NPC Annual Meeting Friday, January 9, 2015 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

NPC Nominating Committee Meeting

1:00 PM - 2:45 PM

NPC Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting

3:00 PM - 4:45 PM

NPC Trade Affairs Commitee Meeting

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

NPC Grower and Public Relations Committee Meeting

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

NPC Reception

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

NPC Awards Banquet

Saturday, January 10, 2015 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM

NPC Finance and Office Procedures Committee Meeting

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

NPC Memorial Breakfast

8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

NPC Legislative and Government Affairs Committee Meeting

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

NPC Business Meeting

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 43

WPIB Focus Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

July 13

Aug 13

Sept 13

Oct 13

Nov 13

Dec 13

Jan 14

Feb 14

Mar 14

Apr 14

May 14

June 14

Year-to-Date

CWT 1,245,187.84 561,590.05 991,078.83 2,797,856.72 Assessment $74,679.68 $33,695.37 $59,464.80 $167,839.85

July 14

Aug 14

Sept 14

Oct 14

Nov 14

Dec 14

Jan 15

Feb 15

Mar 15

Apr 15

May 15

June 15

Year-to-Date

CWT 1,618,594.66 584,167.62 1,071,362.65 3,274,124.93 Assessment $97,295.75 $35,049.99 $64,101.70 $196,447.44

Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc.

(715) 623-2689 Reds: • Red Norlands • Dark Red Norlands • Red Endeavor Whites: • Atlantics • Snowdens • Superiors • Pikes • MegaChip • Lamoka Russets: • Russet Burbanks • Goldrush • Silverton • TX296 Norkotah • Russet Norkotah CO8 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

N1435 County D • Antigo, WI • (715) 623-2689

44 November 2014

Seed Piece Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Crop Report: Good Yields and Quality Alex Crockford, Program Director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Agency, provides the following comments on this year’s Wisconsin certified seed potato crop: “Another reluctant spring delayed some seed potato plantings, but overall, the bulk of Wisconsin's 8,500 acres of seed potatoes were planted within norms, with only a slight increase in acreage from 2013.

Regular rain and cooler temperatures promoted extensive and healthy vine growth. No Late Blight was detected in field inspections by the Wisconsin seed potato certification program. Aphid pressure was below normal for the 2014 season.

The 2014 Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association board of directors includes (L-R): Ron Krueger (President), Dan Hafner (Vice President), Charlie Mattek (Secretary/ Treasurer), Bill Guenthner and Eric Schroeder.

Bulking weather was good for early maturing varieties, but many growers delayed vine kill to allow for further bulking of full season varieties. Yields

and quality look good despite plenty of rain in early September. Digging was slow at first due to wet conditions, but gradually improved in the second half of

September. Potatoes entering storages were of good type and condition with ideal nighttime temperatures for cooling.”

2014 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATO Primary business phone numbers are bold face.

GROWERS DIRECTORY Baginski, Ted & Sons, 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 Goldrush, Jelly, MegaChip, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Silverton, Superior

Bula Potato Farms, Inc. W11957 Highland Rd., Antigo, WI 54409 Office / Warehouse 715-275-3430 Office / Warehouse FAX 715-275-5051 Dennis Cell 715-216-1614 Adam Cell 715-216-1613 Email: dennis@certifiedseedpotatoes.com AC96052-1RU, Alegria, Bannock Russet, Belinda, Canela Russet, Dakota Trailblazer, Freedom Russet, Goldrush, Mercury Russet, Molli, Norland (Dark Red Selection), POR02PG37-2, Princess, Silverton, Superior, Sylvana, W62344RUS, Yukon Gold

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 45 Gallenberg Farms, Inc. Bushman’s Riverside Ranch, Inc. W7932 Edison Rd, Bryant, WI 54418 1262 Franzen Drive, Wittenberg, WI 54499 715-623-7018 Brian Cell 715-432-9680 Farm 715-627-2906 Brian 715-454-6911 Roy Gallenberg 715-623-2295 Jonathon 715-454-6203 John Gallenberg 715-627-2043 FAX 715-454-6506 FAX rgallenberg@hotmail.com Farm (Crivitz, WI) 715-757-2160 Email: Email: Potato1@netnet.net Goldrush, MegaChip, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Red Endeavor (W6022-1R), Superior Silverton Guenthner Farms, Inc. Fleischman, David Farms N4653 Chillie Rd., Antigo, WI 54409 N2568 CTH HH, Antigo, WI 54409 Farm 715-627-7683 Office 715-623-6353 Dwayne Guenthner 715-627-0403 Fax 715-627-0183 Bill Guenthner 715-627-2792 Goldrush, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Tom Schmidt 715-627-2123 Selection), Russet Norkotah, Superior, Yukon Gold FAX 715-627-0507 Goldrush, Langlade, Reba, Red LaSoda 10-3, Snowbird, Teton Frito-Lay, Inc. Russet (A008-ITE) 4295 Tenderfoot Rd., Rhinelander, WI 54501 Kyle Hibbard 715-365-1622 Guenthner Potato Co., Inc. FAX 715-365-1620 P.O. Box 320, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Warehouse 715-623-7877 Frito-Lay Varieties FAX 715-623-7127

Robert Guenthner 715-623-7877 Gallenberg, Darwin & David 715-623-6586 Michael J Fischer 715-610-7037 W8636 County B, Bryant, WI 54418

Email: mikegpci@cirrinity.com Adirondack Blue, Adirondack Red, Austrian Crescent, German Butterball, Kennebec, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Frito-Lay Varieties Red Pontiac, Russet Sebago, Yukon Gold continued on pg. 46

New grading line!

Accurate sizing to meet your needs!

David J. Fleischman Farms Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes

Specializing in B-size seed! rn Brand new, mode ty. ili fac ge ra sto B-size

State-of-the-art Storage Facilities 1- 2- 3-Year Contracts N2568 Hwy HH • Antigo, WI 54409

715-623-6353

Fax: 715-627-0183 • Cell: 715-216-2343

Beautiful Yukon Gold Crop!

Attractive • Smooth Skin

We treat all seed as if we were going to replant it ourselves.

YELLOWS – Yukon Gold WHITES – Superiors RUSSETS – Goldrush, Russet Norkotah REDS – Red Norland, Dark Red Norland

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

46 November 2014 Seed Piece… continued from pg. 45

Hafner Seed Farms, Inc. W8243 County B, Bryant, WI 54418 Office/Warehouse 715-623-6829 FAX 715-623-4203 David Hafner 715-623-6902 Dan Hafner 715-627-4152 John Hafner 715-623-6829 Atlantic, Goldrush, Lamoka, Pinnacle (W5015-12), 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), Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Russet Norkotah, Superior Kakes Farms, Ltd. W8539 Kakes Rd., Bryant, WI 54418 Farm Dan Kakes Dan Kakes Cell FAX Atlantic, Goldrush, Snowden

715-623-6348 715-623-7268 715-216-6348 715-623-4614

Mach’s Sunny Acres, Inc. 3236 County HH, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Warehouse 715-623-5882 FAX 715-623-5882 Ronald Mach 715-623-6855 Kenneth Mach 715-627-4187 Email: rmach73@gmail.com Accumulator (W2324-1), Atlantic, Red LaSoda, Red LaSoda 10-3, Superior 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 Mobile 715-216-0599 Email: jwmattek@gmail.com Accumulator (W2324-1), Atlantic, Beacon Chipper, Lamoka, MegaChip, Pike, Pinnacle (W5015-12), Russet Norkotah, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Silverton, Snowden Northern Sand Farms 112463 CTH M, Crandon, WI 54520 David Bula 715-478-3349 Ed Bula 715-478-3437 Lamoka, Nicolet (W2133-1), Pinnacle (W5015-12), Russet Burbank, Snowden, Tundra (W2310-3), Umatilla Russet Northern Sand Farms Specialty Growers LLC 8703 Berry Lane, Crandon, WI 54520 Justin Bula Office 715-478-1475

Cell Website Experimental Varieties

715-889-0666 www.northernsandfarms.com

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’s Mobile 715-216-0760 Dan’s Mobile 715-216-0765 Email: rinerdg@yahoo.com Lamoka, Marcy, MegaChip, Nicolet (W2133-1), Pike Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc./Schroeder Farms, Ltd. N1435 County D, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Farm 715-623-2689 FAX 715-627-4857 Warehouse, Schr. Farms, Ltd. 715-627-7022 John T. Schroeder 715-623-5735 Pete Schroeder 715-627-4069 Robert Schroeder 715-623-3113 Eric Schroeder Mobile 715-216-0186 Email: farm@sbfi.biz

John T Email:

johnt@sbfi.biz

Eric Email: eric@sbfi.biz Atlantic, Goldrush, Lamoka, MegaChip, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Pike, Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Russet Norkotah TX296, Silverton, Snowden, Superior Seidl Farms, Inc. N5677 Chillie Rd., Deerbrook, WI 54424 Farm/Office 715-623-6236 FAX 715-623-4377 Art Seidl 715-623-6236 Frank Seidl 715-484-2052 Jim Fassbender 715-623-6481 Jeff Fassbender 715-216-4433 Atlantic, Goldrush, Norland (Red Selection), Russet Norkotah, Snowden Sowinski Farms, Inc. - Certified Seed 4698 Tenderfoot Road, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Al Sowinski 715-272-1192 John Hein, Seed Mgr. 715-369-3225 Farm/Office 715-369-3225 FAX 715-369-3226 Email: heinscsf@yahoo.com Atlantic, Nicolet (W2133-1), Snowden, Waneta (NY-138) Sunnydale Farms, Inc. W9751 County I, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm 715-627-7401 Mike Shafel 715-216-4531 James Shafel 715-216-4532 FAX 715-627-4114 Email: sunnydaleseed@yahoo.com Atlantic, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Snowden, Superior, Yukon Gold

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 47

Vermont Valley Community Farm Organic Seed Potatoes 4628 CTH FF, Blue Mounds, WI 53517 Dave or Jesse Perkins 608-212-7816 Email: potato@vermontvalley.com Website: www.organicpotatoseed.com Adirondack Red, All Blue, Carola, French Fingerling, German Butterball, Goldrush, Kennebec, Magic Molly, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Peter Wilcox, Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Red Maria, Superior, Yukon Gold Wild Seed Farms, Inc. W9797 Cherry Rd., Antigo, WI 54409 Warehouse/Office 715-623-3366 FAX 715-623-5245 Tom Wild Mobile 715-216-1223 Dan Wild Mobile 715-216-1225 Email: wildseed@antigopro.net Atlantic, Red LaSoda, Red LaSoda 10-3, Snowden, Superior Wirz, Inc. N3581 Wirz Lane, Antigo, WI 54409 Donald Wirz WATS FAX Mobile phone

715-627-7739 888-257-7739 715-627-4523 715-216-4035

Shop 715-627-2860 Email: wirzinc@yahoo.com Website: www.wirzinc.com Atlantic, Lamoka, MegaChip, Nicolet (W2133-1), Pike, Snowden Zeloski, Felix Farms Ron Krueger, Farm Manager 4334 Chain of Lakes Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521 Eagle River Warehouse 715-479-8434 FAX Eagle River 715-479-8792 Mobile: 715-891-0832 Email: rlkrueger@charter.net AF4296-3, AF4648-2, AFO338-17, Amarosa, Baltic Cream, Banana, Beacon Chipper, Dakota Russet, Jacqueline Lee, Kea, Lamoka, Merlot, MSK061-4, MSQ086-3, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Purple Pelisse, Purple Peruvian, Red Endeavor (W6002-1R), Rose Finn Apple, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Silverton, Soraya, US-Blue, W10252-1PWFing, W9962-1RY/Y, W9979-1YR/Y, Wega

Sowinski Certified Seed Farm Manager: John Hein (715) 369-3225 Paul Sowinski (715) 401-0415 Isolated Growing Area – Foundation/Certified

5818 Fire Lane Rhinelander, WI 54501 Office: (715) 272-1192 Fax: (715) 272-1658

Varieties Grown Atlantic • Nicolet NY138 • Snowden

Sowinski Trucking, LLC has sanitary equipment for your transportation needs.

sowinski@frontier.com

48 November 2014

Marketplace

By Dana Rady WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

WPVGA Consumer Website Gets New Vibe The next time you visit WPVGA’s consumer website, www.eat wisconsinpotatoes.com, you’ll notice some new colors, a different layout and an overall vibrant look that entices you to explore further.

fear not because you can submit your own! Furthermore, this recipe page of the site is linked to the QR code in the Spudmobile, which means everyone can access these great-tasting, flavorfilled dishes anytime they want!

The newly-designed site went live in October and showcases some new and exciting features. One of them is a new and improved recipe database that allows you to search for recipes based on ingredient and the course you’re thinking of. And if you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share,

Besides walking away with a recipe or two and knowledge of the great health benefits potatoes offer, you’ll also walk away with a few more contacts. You’ll get a chance to meet and become acquainted with the growers in Wisconsin who provide you with the potatoes and vegetables you enjoy daily.

“Your Locally Owned Insurance Connection Since 1888”

FARM PACKAGES Life & Health Personal Packages Business Packages We represent Secura – WPVGA endorsed insurance carrier

715-627-4302

800-236-4302 • FAX: 715-623-4189 POST OFFICE BOX 66 522 CLERMONT - ANTIGO, WI 54409 www. mccormickklessig.com

After reading about our growers, why not read about the Wisconsin chefs who make those potatoes and vegetables into great-tasting dishes under “Meet the Chefs?” It’s truly a “field to fork” experience you won’t want to miss.

Finally, if you want to keep tabs on the industry, check out our events page to find out where we are and when, especially as it relates to the Spudmobile.

We aren’t sitting still, so be sure to visit often!

Wisconsin Potatoes on Display at Wisconsin Grocers Association Innovations Expo There’s never a dull moment when Wisconsin Potatoes are on the menu… or at a trade show! And this year at the WGA Innovations Expo in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin grocers saw some new items on display at the WPVGA booth.

For starters, the new buy local quartersized bins are great at catching people’s eye with their vibrant colors and prepared potato dishes. They also feature the health benefits potatoes offer, including the fact that they are free of gluten, fat, sodium and cholesterol, and that they are packed with vitamins, nutrients and complex carbohydrates that satisfy your body’s energy needs.

Potatoes are a vegetable that have it all and more, so why not promote them with these bins and kwik lok tags?

The tags are also a feature grocers saw

The new “Wisconsin Potatoes” kwik lok tags are sure to be a hit with consumers who want to buy local.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 49

Pictured at the Wisconsin Potatoes booth at the WGA Innovations Expo in Wisconsin Dells are (L-R) Chris Brooks, Rick Hafner and Tamas Houlihan. Hafner is a Senior Inspector with the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Agency who just happened to be in Wisconsin Dells that day and decided to check out the trade show. at WPVGA’s booth during the October trade show. With the color “badger red” and the words “Wisconsin Potatoes,” consumers can’t miss finding their local spuds on shelves.

Besides being introduced to new

promotional materials and receiving a bag of WPVGA’s fantastic potato chips, the hundreds of attendees learned more about Wisconsin’s traveling billboard, the Spudmobile, and how they can schedule it for a future appearance.

Alice in Dairyland Zoey Brooks is pictured with her long-lost cousin (possibly) Chris Brooks at the WGA Innovations Expo. They are both proudly displaying Wisconsin potatoes.

Overall, the WGA Innovations Expo is a show WPVGA appreciates being a part of in an effort to encourage the buy local initiative. continued on pg. 50

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50 November 2014 Marketplace . . . continued from pg. 49

Spudmobile Visits Retail Stores for Potatopalooza Celebration For the second consecutive year, WPVGA has organized a month-long celebration called Potatopalooza, an event geared toward educating consumers about where their food comes from and the growers who provide it. And this year, the Spudmobile has been enjoying that journey as well.

Every Saturday in October, Wisconsin’s traveling billboard visited a different retail store to promote the potato and vegetable industry. Here’s a taste of all the fun on October 4 at Metro Market in Madison and the Copps in Stevens Point on Oct. 11.

Heidi Randall (Alsum Farms and Produce) and Gary Wysocki (RPE) help greet visitors to the Spudmobile on October 4 at the first Potatopalooza event of 2014.

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Jim Steffen (Bushmans’ Inc.) and his wife Kim volunteer with Mike Gatz (Bushmans’ Inc.) and his wife Connie at the Potatopalooza event in Madison’s new Metro Market on October 4. Shoppers played the bean bag toss game for a chance to win Roundy’s gift cards.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 51

Gary Wysocki (left, RPE) shows Spudmobile visitors the Potato Variety and Recipe Kiosk at the Oct. 11 Potatopalooza event in Stevens Point.

Jim Steffen (Bushmans’, Inc.) and Gabrielle Okray Eck (Okray Family Farms) help shoppers play the Tater Toss game to try to win a Roundy’s gift card at the Oct. 11 Potatopalooza event in Stevens Point. continued on pg. 52

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52 November 2014 Marketplace . . . continued from pg. 51

Spudmobile Supports Cheeseheads at Lambeau Field What goes together better than potatoes and cheese? On October 2, visitors got that and more with the Spudmobile promoting Wisconsin potatoes at Lambeau Field.

The grilling duo Mad Dog and Merrill were also there to add some flare to the event. They prepared delicious potato

dishes, filmed an episode promoting Wisconsin potatoes while also featuring the farmers who provide those spuds!

All this was done right in front of Wisconsin’s traveling billboard, the Spudmobile, while visitors walked through! Here’s proof of the fun had by all.

Chris Brooks (WPVGA Associate Division Vice President) photo bombs this cheesehead posing near the Spudmobile at Lambeau Field on October 2.

Grilling Duo Mad Dog and Merrill get ready to film the episode promoting Wisconsin Spuds with Larry Alsum on October 2 at Lambeau Field.

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Karen Rasmussen, Julie Braun and Dana Rady (all of WPVGA) help out at Lambeau Field on Oct. 2 while Rod Kolash (Lashbro) tapes the Mad Dog and Merrill episode.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 53

Jerry Bushman (Bushmans’, Inc.) talks taters with Mad Dog and These Packer backers can’t get enough of potatoes after Merrill during an episode shoot at Lambeau Field on Oct. 2. experiencing the Spudmobile on Oct. 2. continued on pg. 54

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54 November 2014 Marketplace . . . continued from pg. 53

Say cheese…and spuds! Mike Carter (left) and John Hopfensperger of Spudmobile visitors enjoy learning about different Bushmans’, Inc., pose in front of the Spudmobile at Lambeau Field on varieties produced in Wisconsin at the Potato Variety Oct. 2. and Recipe Kiosk on Oct. 2 at Lambeau Field.

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THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 55

Inside the Spudmobile, Packers fans eliminate Kelsey Sorenson (RPE) helps Mad Dog and Merrill prepare a potato dish during the potato bugs as they play the game on the episode shoot on Oct. 2 at Lambeau Field. interactive touch table. continued on pg. 56

Felix Zeloski Farms Eagle River Seed Farm LLC

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56 November 2014 Marketplace . . . continued from pg. 55

The Spudmobile stands ready for visitors at Lambeau Field on Oct. 2.

Hartman Farms, Inc. Foundation & Certified WISCONSIN Seed Potatoes CERTIFIED Dark POTATOES Red Norland SEED Red Norland Goldrush Russet Norkotah Superior

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Quarter-Sized Potato Bins are Now Available WPVGA is finding new ways to encourage displays promoting Wisconsin Potatoes. One of the newest ways is with a quarter-sized bin that will be assembled at the retail stores.

The bin features a “buy local” message with prepared potato dishes. They also showcase the nutritional benefits potatoes have to offer, including the fact that they’re gluten, cholesterol, and fat free, to name a few.

Retail stores are getting excited about putting them in the middle of aisles and as end caps. It’s a great way the potato and vegetable industry is encouraging consumers to buy local and helping them recognize the quality products Wisconsin farmers provide.

Be sure to watch for these bins and pick up a bag of Wisconsin spuds when you shop. They’ll be a great addition to your dinner tables!

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 57

New Buy Local Bin Design Complete The Midwest will soon see the new Buy Local potato bins displayed in retail stores now that the final design has been approved.

The designs do a great job of telling the “field to fork” story while also incorporating an encouragement to buy local. While only one panel was changed from the original design, the bin helps inform people of where their food comes from, and does so in a creative way.

By looking at one panel, consumers become acquainted with Wisconsin grower Justin Isherwood as he holds freshly-harvested potatoes in front of a potato field. And through a series of images on the other panel, consumers are taken from the store to prepared dishes on people’s plates, all while

featuring WPVGA’s award-winning “Spuds Appeal” Wisconsin potato logo.

It’s a bold message that, along with the vibrant colors, will enhance the public’s

knowledge of Wisconsin’s important agricultural contribution and the quality products our farmers are committed to putting on people’s plates each day.

J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc. N5798 STAR NEVA RD, DEERBROOK, WI 54424 Telephone: (715) 623-6963 • FAX: (715) 627-7245 • Email: jwmattek@gmail.com GROWER & SHIPPER

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58 November 2014

…And Now For the News Potatoes Are Nutritious and Versatile Kitchen Staple In her blog post in honor of National Potato Month, registered dietitian Kelli Shallal states that potatoes have been

unjustly given a bad reputation due to their high carbohydrate content.

Potatoes are actually packed with critical

nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium.

Because so many types and varieties exist, Shallal says it is nearly impossible to become bored with potatoes!

The following is a snippet from her blog post (http://www.foodandnutrition.org/ Stone-Soup/September-2014/Potatoesa-Classic-and-Colorful-Kitchen-Staple/):

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Here are the potato types commonly found in the United States: Russet (starchy) Russet potatoes are one of the most common and popular types of potatoes in the U.S. A high starch content yields a pillowy-but-creamy texture, making them destined for beloved dishes like wedge cut French fries, baked potatoes or old-fashioned mashed potatoes.

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With their beautiful red skins they are firm and creamy with a slightly sweeter taste and medium starch content. They are exceptionally versatile and can be cooked using any cooking method — as an ingredient in larger dishes or served on their own.

New (waxy) New potatoes or baby potatoes actually refer to the age when the potato is picked. When they are harvested at a young age, there is less time for the sugar in them to convert to starch, therefore they are sweeter and waxier than other potatoes. They hold their shape well and are often used in potato salads.

Yellow (all purpose) Known for a buttery and rich taste, these potatoes are loved for their decadent flavor. They are all-purpose so they are rather versatile, but watch how long you cook them. Prolonged cooking can lead to a mushy, falling-apart potato instead of a nice firm one.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 59

Fingerlings (all purpose) Grown in a variety of colors, these fun potatoes resemble the shape of fingers.

Similar to new potatoes, they are lower in starch and waxier than other varieties.

They should be used within three days of purchase to avoid rotting.

Blue/Purple (all purpose) These potatoes are eye-catching and a fun conversation starter. There are a variety of colors available, both skins and flesh color may vary from light yellow to deep purple, and are usually available in the late fall. They get their blue color from anthocyanins, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and boosts the immune system. They are an all-purpose potato, so they can be substituted for many types of dishes without a problem for a striking effect and antioxidant punch!

Kelli Shallal, MPH, RD, is a registered

dietitian, nutrition consultant and communications specialist based out of Phoenix. In addition to her clinical role and private practice, she is the Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics board's social media coordinator.

Connect with her on Twitter and read her daily health and fitness blog, Hungry Hobby, where she shares easy tips on nutrition, fitness, wellness and a little bit of life. continued on pg. 60

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60 November 2014 …And Now for the News. . . continued from pg. 59

Potato Virus S May Break Down Late Blight Resistance in Potato Washington State University researchers have discovered that a common potato virus and a fungus-like pathogen can work together to damage the crop. In a study published this summer, scientists found that potato virus S (PVS) breaks down late blight resistance in potato.

The study is in the American Journal of Potato Research (Lin, Y-H., D.A. Johnson and H.R. Pappu. 2014. Effect of Potato virus S infection on late light resistance in potato. Amer. J. Potato Research).

The implications will impact potato breeding programs, as they must now take the virus into consideration during breeding for potato late blight resistance, said Hanu Pappu, the Sam Smith Distinguished Professor in plant pathology.

Pappu teamed with WSU colleague Dennis Johnson, professor of plant pathology, and Ph.D. student Yu-Hsuan Lin, now a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University.

More than half of the nation’s potatoes are produced in the Pacific Northwest.

The potato industry contributes over $3.5 billion annually to Washington state’s economy.

PVS is commonly found around the world and historically hasn’t been a concern for growers in the U.S. “Now it’s demanding attention because of its role in making late blight disease more severe,” Pappu said.

Lin developed an experimental system to test for the three-way interactions among potato, late blight pathogen and PVS. She validated the interactions under controlled conditions, and this platform will be useful for screening additional

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THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 61

potato genotypes. Lin said her research used only one late blight resistant variety of potato because it is the only commercially available variety that has both tuber and foliar resistance.

Pappu said further research is needed to see exactly how these pathogens collaborate at the molecular level and how the host’s genetic mechanisms affect the pathogens.

“This is much more complicated research,” he said. “We normally study how a plant interacts with a single pathogen. Now we have to find how two very different pathogens interact with each other and the plant.

“Lin’s findings underscore the need to keep in mind the dynamic nature of the pathogens and their interaction with their hosts,” he said.

The project was funded by the Washington State Potato Commission.

Giant Potato Contest Returns Thanks to the generosity of the Gowan Company and John Mohr, the winner of this year’s Giant Potato Contest will receive 90 lbs of Gavel fungicide valued at $700.00! That’s enough fungicide to treat about 45 acres. And what’s more, the winner also gets a case of good beer, a certificate of accomplishment, and bragging rights for one year. You simply can’t pass up this offer. Make plans to enter the Giant Potato Contest. You can’t win if you don’t enter.

Rules: The winner will be the person who grows the heaviest single tuber.

Potatoes must be grown in Wisconsin soil. There are no restrictions on variety or production method. There will be no penalty for ugly or hollow tubers.

Venue: Entries must be brought to

the 2015 UW Extension and WPVGA Grower Education Conference by 11:00 AM on February 4, 2015, where official weights will be determined.

For additional information contact Paul Bethke at pbethke@wisc.edu. continued on pg. 62

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62 November 2014 …And Now for the News. . . continued from pg. 61

9th World Potato Congress: Nominations Open For Industry Awards The President of the World Potato Congress (WPC) Mr. David Thompson, Canada, and the Chairman of the WPC Industry Awards Committee, Mr. Douglas (Doug) Harley, Scotland, have announced that nominations are now being called for the 2015 World Potato Congress Industry Awards.

The World Potato Congress Industry Awards are an important and prestigious event on the international potato scene.

They recognize individual lifetime contributions to the potato industry.

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Typically four outstanding individuals are recognized during the awards presentation ceremony at the triennial Congress. The next Congress will be held at Yanqing, Beijing, China, in July 2015. Visit the 9th WPC website and learn important information about the next World Potato Congress.

Written nominations are invited for submission.

Applications close December 1, 2014. The application form and submission instructions appear on the World Potato Congress website.

Click the following link to download the form: http://www.potatocongress.org/ awards/.

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Prominent recipients who have received past awards include J. R. Simplot and Harrison McCain. The recipients of the 2012 Awards, which were presented at the Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, are: Guy and Luc Van den Broeke, Belgium; Dr. Stuart F. Carnegie, Scotland and Mr. Ennio Pizzoli, Italy. continued on pg. 64

Wisconsin Potato Pioneer: Wisconsin Potato Industry: August Winkler

Thank You!

The family of August Winkler would like to thank the Wisconsin potato growers for all your hard work and dedication in providing food for a hungry nation. We think it’s important to spread the word: Every time you eat, thank a farmer!

We are very proud that August Winkler was inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame in 2011. We are also pleased to see the Wisconsin potato growers carry on this proud history and tradition of seed potato excellence. We have found the Wisconsin potato growers to be wonderful people who are doing great work. It all makes for a great industry!

Sincerely, The Family of August F. Winkler August Winkler

John Winkler (son)

Jake Petoniak (great grandson)

David Winkler (grandson)

Henry W. Petoniak (great grandson)

Sarah Winkler Petoniak Georgia W. Petoniak (granddaughter) (great granddaughter) Pioneer seed and commercial potato grower, Eagle River-Three Lakes area Dedicated to potato variety improvement Conducted on-farm fertilizer research President, Wisconsin Potato Growers Association, 1940 Elected to second Wisconsin Potato Growers Association Board Individual Member of Potato Association of America Nominated for induction into WPVGA Hall of Fame for 2011

Kakes Farms Ltd.

We would love to honor his memory and dedication the potato W8539 KakestoRd., Bryant, industry. Please consider voting August Winkler into the WPVGA Hall of Fame. Thank you.�

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64 November 2014 …And Now for the News. . . continued from pg. 62

FreshPack 50EC Controls Sprouts In Storage Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation is excited to announce that its market-leading FreshPack 50EC product can now be thermally applied to potatoes in storage to burn buds, stop sprouting, and extend potato dormancy.

formulation technology to increase bud-burning power and sprout control efficacy, while maximizing safety and ease of application. FreshPack 50EC works to maximize the value of your potato crop.

FreshPack 50EC has been used successfully to burn buds/peepers and sprouts on the packing line and now can be thermally applied to potatoes in storage. The product label was recently amended to allow for in-storage application and to provide growers, packers, and processors with a new tool for potato sprout control in storage.

For more information, please contact Eugene Mancl of Ron’s Refrigeration at 715-421-1525 or eugene.mancl@ ronsrefrigeration.com

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THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 65

Potatoes Can Be Part of Weight Loss Diet New research funded by the United States Potato Board (USPB) found that individuals can consume potatoes and still lose weight. The study included 90 overweight adults who were randomly assigned to one of three dietary intake groups for 12 weeks. Individuals in the low glycemic index energy reduced (LGI-ER) group and the high glycemic index energy reduced (HGI-ER) group were instructed to reduce their energy intake by 500 kcal/day and to consume diets that were mainly composed of either low-GI or high-GI foods, respectively.

Individuals in the control group received no instructions concerning energy or GI restrictions. In addition, all three groups were instructed to consume five to seven servings/week of potatoes.

After 12 weeks, the researchers reported that all three groups had lost weight, and no significant differences in weight loss between the three groups were observed.

“Some people have questioned the role of potatoes in a weight loss regimen because of the vegetable’s designation as a high glycemic index food,”

said coauthor Britt Burton-Freeman.

“However, the results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years: it is not about eliminating a certain food or food groups, rather, it is reducing

calories that count.”

Read a news article about the study at Stone Hearth News. Read the study abstract at Journal of the American College of Nutrition. continued on pg. 66

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66 November 2014 …And Now for the News. . . continued from pg. 65

Bayer CropScience Launches New Award to Recognize Produce Industry Innovators Bayer CropScience will honor a leader in the produce industry whose thinking, practices and use of technology enhance the role of produce in creating better lives. The Bayer CropScience Produce Innovation Award will recognize a grower, whose innovative efforts improve yield and quality of a produce crop; increase accessibility of produce to a broader group of people; or increase demand for produce by

expanding awareness and appreciation for the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, including tree nuts and potatoes.

“Bayer CropScience is proud to honor a grower with this award demonstrating the power of ‘Science For A Better Life,’” said Rob Schrick, horticulture lead, Bayer CropScience. “’Science For A Better Life’ is our mission at

Ventilation

Bayer, and we’re excited to spotlight an innovator that deploys methods in the field, across their operations or within the supply chain to enhance the positive contribution of produce on individual lives and society overall.”

“There currently is a great deal of discussion surrounding the nation’s health, and there are many challenges regarding nutrition and produce availability among economically and culturally diverse communities. One thing is for certain: fruits and vegetables, including potatoes and tree nuts, provide crucial nutrients to positively impact health and enhance lives.”

Bayer announced the new award program during the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Convention and Expo in Anaheim, California in October. Entries will be accepted now through January 5, and the winner will be announced during Bayer’s 10th annual Ag Issues Forum, being held February 24 – 25, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona.

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The award is open to any grower who receives a significant portion of income from the production of a crop within the citrus, grape, pome fruit/stone fruit, tree nut, vegetable or potato industry.

The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 Ag Issues Forum in Phoenix, a $10,000 grant to advance their award-winning innovation or to support a project in their local community that also increases the positive contributions of produce in people’s lives, a $2,000 gift card to the Apple Store to further efforts in business technology, and recognition as a produce innovator.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 67

Mad Dog and Merrill Episode to Air November 9th In October, Mad Dog and Merrill worked with several Wisconsin potato growers from across the industry to shoot one of their television shows at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. That episode will air on Sunday morning of November 9th.

contact WPVGA at wpvga@ wisconsinpotatoes.com or visit the Mad

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Filmed in front of the frozen tundra that is Lambeau Field while Packers fans walked by and through the Spudmobile, Mad Dog and Merrill prepared dishes featured inside Wisconsin’s traveling billboard with the help of representatives from the industry. WPVGA Board President Larry Alsum, WPVGA Hall of Famer Jerry Bushman, and Kelsey Sorenson of RPE all appear in this episode featuring Wisconsin potatoes.

And thanks to their jokes and positive attitudes, Mad Dog and Merrill helped draw in quite a crowd as people anxiously waited to sample the featured recipes. See the Marketplace column beginning on page 48 for photos and information about this event.

Check your local listings for time and station regarding the Wisconsin potato episode. It will repeat again early December. For more information,

68 November 2014

The Tater Bin

by Justin Isherwood

Justin Isherwood and his wife, Lynn, are potato growers from Plover, Wisconsin.

Once There Were Real Pickup Trucks Once upon a time you didn’t drive a pickup truck unless you were a farmer, alternatively a livestock broker. Pickups during this once upon a time were an open admission of low life, and in all likelihood an ingrained lifestyle.

Pickup trucks by design were the direct offspring of the Conestoga wagon, about the same weight to power ratio, same skinny tires, same disingenuous attitude on a cold morning.

Once upon time four wheel drive pickups were about as rare as wild oysters in the Little Plover. Once upon a time pickup trucks were restricted to six volt with foot starters that if you were a height-challenged kid you needed to slouch in the seat to reach

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across the gas pedal to engage the starter. The windshield wipers were entirely theoretical, and about as fragile as butterfly wings. When engaged, the starter gave out a sort of mating grunt, at which the engine proceeded to turn over one half revolution, exactly corresponding to a good hand crank technique. This was supposed to start the truck. Meaning you had to get in that slouch position for a second try at that foot starter. On second application the engine turned over another half turn, at which point it stopped to collect itself as you jiggled your foot against the starter pedal to please try again and perhaps if the moon and stars were in correct alignment it might try one

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further revolution sufficient to start it.

It is a well-known fact what Aztecs did to virgins every spring to get the corn crop going. What they might have done to start a pickup truck can only be imagined. It got worse in the winter.

Pickup trucks were once made of a very rare earth alloy that at any speed in excess of 20 mph caused the fenders to collectively flap, mindful of the mating rituals used by prairie chickens. To admit there were farmkids who believed pickup trucks were not built in factories but bred like every other decent farm animal, as explained why they carried a bed with them everywhere they went.

The pickup truck not above crossbreeding with either prairie chickens or other native fauna.

Once upon a time pickup trucks had the bed space equal to a checker board, in the deluxe model about two checker boards. The only alternative was to add capacity with stake-sides that slid into holes provided. Once all true pickup trucks had holes in the bed walls to allow for this necessary hyperextension.

The maximum height was generally about eight feet, beyond which you might have trouble getting into the village of Amherst and the Coop store, this being before Fleet Farm arrived. The pickup equipped with side extensions looked ungainly but when aligned to the wind improved their velocity. Since DOT considered pickup trucks a vehicle of husbandry it didn’t matter whether these modifications rendered them

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 69

lethal as long as they actually carried hay.

Once all pickups had skinny tires, so slight the tread of any modern tire could equip four vintage tires with the necessary rubber. A pickup tire wasn’t considered worn out until all the rubber was worn off the cotton cords, it was a known fact a tire worn to the cords was better on icy roads than a tire with treads. However we rarely took the pickup truck out on icy roads owing to the odds it wouldn’t start. Not unless you remembered to put a trouble light next to the engine, better yet under the carburetor, then to add a quilt over the hood to keep the thing toasty. Once it was a regular duty of every farmkid to put the pickup truck to bed on winter nights and tuck it under a blanket like an oversize baby brother. Collectively it was believed these faithful attentions would start the truck the next morning.

Assuming you had taken the battery in the house the night before. A six volt battery can last for centuries as long as you were a faithful steward of the electrolyte. Sorta exactly like marriage except the battery went under the bed.

Except on real cold nights. This was considered good training for a farmkid, what to go to bed with and why.

Once upon a time real pickup trucks only came with six-cylinder in-line engines that only sissies optioned with a cab heater. As for defrost, that’s what vent windows were for. If you wanted to splurge for the sake of defrost, one of those cute little fans with rubber blades that spun at the high setting to about 12 rpm. The rubber blades were to prevent some less ambitious farmers from using them as an electric shaver. If that desperate, use a chainsaw.

Once real pickup trucks did not, could not, in fact in most jurisdictions cited as illegal, have the automatic transmission.

If you couldn’t manage the box elder tree gear shift you oughtn’t be driving a

Once it was a regular duty of every farmkid to put the pickup truck to bed on winter nights and tuck it under a blanket like an oversize baby brother. pickup truck in the first place. The gear shift was that tree growing in the middle of the truck, to be used in a like fashion as an oar in a rowboat. Our dad let us take the pickup truck on dates with girls because he knew we couldn’t possibly do anything dangerous with the gear shift obstructing the scene. Additionally its last chore had been to run a load of bull calves to Amherst to die and the truck hadn’t been hosed out since.

Bull calves on their way to death had a way of gaining full and lasting revenge.

Sometimes my dad threw additional offending material into the bed of the truck to prevent any girl I dated from getting too comfortable. Which reduced my dating circle to farmgirls who had been already hardened to farm odors standard to a pickup truck.

This morning as I was waiting at the state highway to cross to the field on the other side I watched the morning traffic. Amazing how many people drive big pickups to work; turbo diesels with chrome exhausts, 4-wheel drive, tires the size of Texas, covered truck beds with liners that have never known the birth control powers of calf scours. Pickup trucks with carpeting, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, leather seats, cruise, windshield wipers the size of galley oars, a stereo that doubles as therapeutic massage, power steering, power brakes, heated seats, and nary a fender flapping in the wind like a corn fed goose trying for take-off. It is a good thing most of those driving by are busy on their cell phones or else they’d notice that the guy on the tractor waiting at the side of the road is crying.

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70 November 2014

Advertisers Index Advanced Farm Equipment............................. 13 AMVAC..................................................... 36-37 Badger Plastic & Supply.................................. 31 Baginski Farms............................................... 53 Big Iron Equipment......................................... 13 BMO Harris Bank........................................... 67 BTU Corp....................................................... 66 Bula Potato Farms........................................... 59 Bushmans’, Inc................................................11 Bushman’s Riverside Ranch............................ 51 CETS LLC........................................................ 61 Clifton Larson Allen........................................ 14 CSS Farms...................................................... 34 David Fleischman Farms................................. 45 Farm Tech Days...............................................17 Felix Zeloski Farms......................................... 55 Fencil Urethane Systems................................... 7 Frontier Servco FS.......................................... 20 Gallenberg Farms........................................... 32 Hafner Seed Farms......................................... 39 Haines Equipment.......................................... 38 Hartman Farms............................................... 56 Jay-Mar........................................................... 35 John Winkler.................................................. 63 Johnson Potato Farms..................................... 50 JW Mattek & Sons, Inc................................... 57 Kakes Farms................................................... 63 Lindsay Mfg.................................................... 19 McCormick-Klessig Insurance......................... 48 Met Life.......................................................... 52 Milestone/Sand County Equipment................. 58 Minnesota Certified Seed............................... 42 Nelson’s Veg. Stor. Systems............................ 68 Noffsinger...................................................... 62 Norika America LLC....................................... 23 North Central Irrigation.................................. 22 North Dakota State Seed................................ 62 NutraFlo/Great Lakes Agri-Service.................. 21 Oasis Irrigation............................................... 60 Potato Expo.................................................... 25 R&H Machine................................................. 10 RedLine Solutions........................................... 65 Riesterer & Schnell......................................... 69 Rine Ridge Farms............................................ 41 Roberts Irrigation.............................................. 9 Ron’s Refrigeration........................................... 2 Rural Insurance.............................................. 54 Schroeder Bros. Farms.................................... 43 Schutter Seed Farm........................................ 29 Seidl Farms..................................................... 64 Sowinski Farms............................................... 47 Spiegl Construction........................................ 12 Sunnydale Farms............................................ 49 T.I.P., Inc........................................................ 72 T-L Irrigation................................................... 15 USPB................................................................ 3 Valley Irrigation................................................ 5 Warner & Warner........................................... 67 Wick Buildings............................................... 40 Wild Seed Farms............................................ 33 World Potato Congress................................... 27 WSPIA............................................................ 71

Mark Your Calendar JANUARY 2015

7-9

Potato Expo 2015

Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL

Contact: NPC 202-682-9456; www.potato-expo.com

NPC Annual Meeting

9-10

Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL

Contact: NPC 202-682-9456; or hollee@nationalpotatocouncil.org

47th Annual Idaho Potato Conference & 36th Ag Expo

20-22

Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID

Contact: 208-529-8376

Washington - Oregon Potato Conference

27-29

Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA Contact: 509-766-7123

February

3-5

4

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

WPVGA Associate Division Annual Meeting Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI

Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

5

WPVGA Annual Meeting

WPVGA Grower Education Conference and Industry Show

19-26

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

Potato Industry Leadership Institute

Washington (state) and Washington, DC

Contact: NPC 202-682-9456 or hollee@nationalpotatocouncil.org

NPC Potato D.C. Fly-In

23-26

Washington, D.C.

Contact: NPC 202-682-9456 or hollee@nationalpotatocouncil.org

march

9-12

USPB Annual Meeting

The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO

Contact: Robin Vest at: rvest@uspotatoes.com

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

100% of Wisconsin Seed Potatoes must be winter tested to be eligible for certified seed tags.

• While all state seed potato associations winter test their foundation lots, some do not winter test 100% of their certified seed lots.

• Wisconsin does, and this assures you get only the top-quality seed.

• With the Wisconsin Badger State Brand Tag, you get one grade, one standard–certification that counts.

Don’t bet your farm on untested seed potatoes.

Check the winter test results and Begin with the Best — Wisconsin!

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc.

P.O. Box 173 • Antigo, WI 54409 • 715-623-4039 • www.potatoseed.org

For a directory of Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers, scan this code with your smartphone.

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