April 2025 Badger Common'Tater

$28/year | $2.50/copy | Volume 77 No. 04 | April 2025

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

IRRIGATION & SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT ISSUE

INTERVIEW:

SEAN TIMM,

VICE PRESIDENT, North Central Irrigation

WISCONSIN HOSTS FUTURE Leaders of Potato Industry UW-MADISON RESEARCHERS & Potato Growers Work Together NATIONAL CHIP PROGRAM Thrives on Industry Collaboration IRRIGATION & WATER MANAGEMENT Survey Provides Valuable Information Sean Timm was checking for proper operation of a new Valley corner pivot machine when this picture of his son, Leland, was taken at sunset.

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Inventory • Replenishment services • Handle all freight needs • Long-Range planning • Jenna Wenzel • John Eckendorf Nic Bushman • Chris Lockery • Tim Feit Jerome Bushman (FL - WI) Mike Gatz, Jim Stefan and Chris Fleming (Milwaukee) Paul Hegewald (All fruits and vegetables) Mike Whyte (Michigan) Transportation: Matt Dobbe • Denise Moze Mike Carter CEO | John Hopfensperger COO

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On the Cover: A cute little boy, a beautiful sunset, and a new corner

pivot machine—what more could a person want for the cover of this “Irrigation & Specialty Equipment” issue of the Badger Common’Tater?

Sean Timm, vice president of North Central Irrigation, in Plainfield, Wisconsin, says he was checking for proper operation of a new Valley corner machine when the picture of his son, Leland, was taken.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: Sean Timm, president of Vantage North Central and vice president of North Central Irrigation, in Plainfield, Wisconsin, poses in front of a Valmar Airflo 7600 spreader in the shop where in-house mechanics work on equipment for not only the company, but also for customers. “The spreader is my farm’s,” Timm notes. “It is equipment that I’m getting ready for spring. We don’t sell the spreaders, but customers in the area have them, and I’ve worked on them before.”

DEPARTMENTS: DISHING IT UP WITH DANA....................... 61 BADGER BEAT.................... 48

18 WISCONSIN HOSTS PILI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE State welcomes the future leaders of potato industry

EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 58

28

45

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6

MARKETPLACE

AUXILIARY NEWS

NEW PRODUCTS................ 40

WPVGA staff pays tribute to late Spudmobile driver and friend George Neuber

Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary celebrates 50 years of promoting spuds

NOW NEWS....................... 32 NPC NEWS......................... 59

FEATURE ARTICLES:

PEOPLE.............................. 51

24 CLOSE PARTNERSHIP leads to innovation & tools that help produce healthy crops

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

42 NATIONAL CHIP PROGRAM collaborates with industry on potential new varieties

POTATOES USA NEWS........ 57

54 USDA IRRIGATION & WATER Management Survey data valuable to all producers

WPIB FOCUS...................... 47

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Learn More!

WPVGA Board of Directors: President: John Bustamante Vice President: Wendy Dykstra Secretary: Josh Knights Treasurer: John Hopfensperger Directors: Mike Baginski, Randy Fleishauer, Brian Lee, J.D. Schroeder & Jeff Suchon Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Andy Diercks Secretary: Nicola Carey Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Fenske, Rod Gumz, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Matt Selenske Vice President: Ethan Olson

Secretary: Melissa Heise Treasurer: Paul Salm Directors: Brady Patoka, Scott Scheer, Morgan Smolarek, Sally Suprise & Brandon Taylor Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Charlie Husnick Vice President: Andy Schroeder Secretary/Treasurer: Markus Shafel Directors: Mitch Mattek & Clover Spacek Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Heidi Schleicher Vice President: Dakotah Smiley Secretary/Treasurer: Samantha Cypher Directors: Jody Baginski, Misti Kinnison, Jenna Suchon & Erin Meister

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To advance the interests of WPVGA members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement.

Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: To work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by providing technology and information resources.

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

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

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

Subscription rates: $2.50/copy, $28/year; $45/2 years.

Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years.

Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com.

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

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5

MARK YOUR

Calendar

MAY 17-20

2025 NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOC. SHOW McCormick Place Chicago, IL

JUNE 20

WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI

24-27

NATIONAL POTATO COUNCIL SUMMER MEETING Coeur d’Alene Resort Coeur d’Alene, ID

26

WISC. POTATO GROWERS AUXILIARY 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Food + Farm Exploration Center Plover, WI

JULY 9

2025 PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING Lake Arrowhead Golf Course Nekoosa, WI

10

HARS FIELD DAY Hancock Agricultural Research Station Hancock, WI

17

ANTIGO FIELD DAY Langlade Agricultural Research Station Antigo, WI

27-31

109th MEETING OF THE PAA —POTATO ASSOCIATON OF AMERICA Madison, WI

31

LELAH STARKS ELITE FOUNDATION SEED POTATO FARM FIELD DAY County Road K Rhinelander, WI

AUGUST 5-7

WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Clinton Farms Bear Creek, WI

6-9

POTATOES USA SUMMER MEETING Boston, MA

OCTOBER 16-18

IFPA GLOBAL PRODUCE & FLORAL SHOW Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA

27-28

WPVGA RESEARCH MEETING Hancock Ag Research Station and virtual, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily Hancock, WI

JANUARY 2026 6-8

POTATO EXPO 2026 Gaylord Texan Dallas, TX

FEBRUARY 3-5

6

2026 GROWER ED CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn & Convention Center Stevens Point, WI BC�T April

Planting Ideas The only picture Mark Finnessy of Okray

Family Farms wanted taken of him was sitting (at right in the image to the right) in one of the Miller Park stadium chairs strategically located along a short wall in the corner of Wisconsin Congressman Tony Wied’s office.

Matt Young (at left in the photo) of the Wisconsin Potato Coalition was more than happy to sit in the other Miller Park chair, each of which was incidentally manufactured by the Neenah Foundry of Wisconsin. Matt and Mark were part of a Wisconsin contingent “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill” during the National Potato Council (NPC) Washington Summit, February 24-28, in Washington, D.C. Matt also participated in the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) that Wisconsin hosted prior to the group traveling to D.C. for the Washington Summit. Read the full feature herein.

If you live in Wisconsin, you might have seen a recent television commercial featuring Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms and Amanda Gevens, Professor, Extension Specialist and Department Chair, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology. The commercial shows Gevens and Diercks sitting on chairs in a field and talking about the collaborative efforts between university researchers and potato growers with the goal of producing a healthy crop. See the article and photos in this issue, along with information about how to watch the commercial.

Gary and Liz Wysocki were honored during the American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet, March 3, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, in Stevens Point. Gary and Liz received the Portage County “2025 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award” for their commitment to the progress and success of the agri-business industry.

The annual awards banquet also recognizes Portage County 4-H members who have taken on leadership roles, “Outstanding FFA Seniors,” and Agribusiness Scholarship recipients. See “Now News” inside for complete coverage of the event.

For this “Irrigation & Specialty Equipment” issue of the Badger Common’Tater, I enjoyed a nice visit with Sean Timm of North Central Irrigation and Vantage North Central, who showed me around the office, shop and facilities, and took time to answer my interview questions. Learn more about the multi-tiered business and Sean’s own farm and family in the main Interview feature that leads off this issue.

Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe.

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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Interview

SEAN TIMM, president, Vantage North Central,

and vice president, North Central Irrigation

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

NAME: Sean Timm

TITLE: President COMPANY: Vantage North Central TITLE: Vice president COMPANY: North Central Irrigation LOCATION: Plainfield, WI HOMETOWN: Mazomanie, WI YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 18 PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Cummins NPower, LLC (now Cummins Sales and Service)

SCHOOLING: Agriculture engineering degree from the University of WisconsinPlatteville

Sean Timm’s grandfather, Leland, really did walk from

school to the farm every day during the horse and buggy days. It was a small dairy farm that his parents (Sean’s great-grandparents), Henry and Lena Timm, started on County Road A outside of Plainfield, a distance most kids couldn’t fathom walking today.

Unfortunately, Henry passed away at an early age, and Lena raised their kids in town while renting out the farm. “Once Grandpa Leland graduated from 8th grade, he told his mom that he wanted to go back to farming because the people on the farm weren’t taking care of it the way he wanted,” Sean says.

ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:

Oasis Town Board for 16 years, coach of Plainfield Little League with son, Leland, and Plainfield United Methodist Church

FAMILY: Wife, Melissa; and son, Leland (9), and daughter, Elena (4). “Our kids were born five years apart on the same day,” Sean says. “Yes, they have the same birthday.”

HOBBIES: Hunting, farming, and driving Traxxas radio control cars with Leland

Above: Shown in his office, Sean Timm, vice president of North Central Irrigation, says, “All our employees are like family, and they’re the ones who make us successful. It’s a family atmosphere that’s been cultivated here since the beginning. We wouldn’t be where we’re at without our employees.”

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“My father, Nathan, had hay fever issues, so Grandma and Grandpa didn’t expand the farm much,” Sean explains. “My dad worked for the

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in Madison, and Mom taught in the local school.”

today as president of Vantage North Central and vice president of North Central Irrigation, in Plainfield.

“My introduction to farming was coming up to visit Grandma and Grandpa,” he adds. “My dad would help raise crops, and Grandma and Grandpa milked cows until they were 77 years old, selling milk to the Wild Rose Creamery for cheese and butter.”

Left: Sean Timm (left) couldn’t be more proud of his family, including his wife, Melissa, and children, Leland (9), and Elena (4).

“It really started with irrigation, back in 2006. I wanted an irrigation well on the farm because I was sick of the stuff I was growing burning up,” he states. “I worked with Roberts Irrigation to get a well dug, and I knew Scott and Candi Polzin of North Central Irrigation prior to that.”

Middle: Sean Timm’s children, Leland and Elena, are ready to drive the skid steer. “We were just getting started with site prep for a new building at the farm,” Sean relates.

“When they finally quit milking, they were down to seven cows and probably 20 head of cattle total in the barn,” Sean relates.

THE FARMING BUG The farming bug never left Sean, who eventually moved to the town of Oasis, outside of Plainfield, and today raises corn and beans on approximately 150 acres of land.

“I keep doing that because my kids are going to grow up knowing how to work,” he says. “The dynamic of farming has changed, with 1 percent of the people growing 99 percent of the food, but you can’t replicate the experience of growing up on a farm.”

“Ask any experienced business owner, in or outside of the ag industry,” Sean suggests, “and they’ll tell you that they can train a farm kid.”

Farming also led to Sean’s dual roles

Right: This picture of a new pivot/irrigation system installation was taken at Patrykus Farms in Bancroft, Wisconsin.

“When I started to work with Scott [president of North Central Irrigation]

N V S

ELSON’S

continued on pg. 10

N7158 6TH DRIVE P.O. BOX 215 PLAINFIELD, WI 54966 OFFICE: (715) 335-6660 FAX: (715) 335-6661

EGETABLE

KEEP ON TRACK WITH OUR

TORAGE

S

on installing a pivot after the well was dug, he watched me dig and lay pipe,

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AGRI-VENTILATION SALES AND SERVICE 24 HR. EMERG. SERVICE BC�T April

9

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

move my own equipment, and pour concrete, all without having to ask a lot of questions,” Sean explains.

“So, Scott’s dad, Doug, came to me and asked if I would ever consider doing something else. I had it pretty good at Cummins, but now that I’ve been with North Central Irrigation for nearly two decades, I never look around at what other jobs are out there,” he remarks.

What about North Central Irrigation convinced you to build a career at the company? We’ve got a great group of guys. All our employees

are like family, and they’re the ones who make us successful. It’s a family atmosphere that’s been cultivated here since the beginning. We wouldn’t be where we’re at without our employees.

Left: A Valley machine is delivered to the field for installation.

My son calls Scott “Grandpa.” Leland came into the office with me this morning. He does that all the time, and then I drop him off at school. He knows all the guys in the shop, and they’re nice to him, letting him help when he can.

old, he drove a thousand-bushel grain cart by himself during harvest. Those are some proud moments.

Leland drives tractors, excavators, payloaders … when he was six years

Right: When this photo was taken, the team at North Central Irrigation had just finished water hookup on a new pivot install at Lein Dairy Farms in Almond, Wisconsin.

Farming is tough. There’ve been many times over the years when I need to get the crops in, and at the same time, we’re extremely busy here at North Central Irrigation.

Even at 9 years old, Leland will begin

The North Central Irrigation showroom in Plainfield, Wisconsin, is staffed with knowledgeable people experienced in servicing the equipment they sell.

10 BC�T April

sorting things out first thing in the morning, asking, “What are we going to start with today, Dad? We could go here or there, and we need this equipment. I could start with the brush chopper, and you can take the rake …”

The idea of him planning how to proceed with the day’s chores is somewhat remarkable. He goes out

by Grandpa and gets in the little snowblower tractor and clears his driveway for him.

Is Vantage North Central the technology/Trimble arm of North Central Irrigation? When North Central Irrigation started working with Trimble on variable rate irrigation (VRI) as it came onto the scene in Central Wisconsin and began to take hold, that’s how Vantage North Central was created.

If we wanted to get started on the GPS (Global Positioning System) end of the business and sell, install and

“In my opinion, farmers have had to be precise for a long time, so precision agriculture is nothing new. How it’s administered, the practices, how they’re completed, and how info is tracked and moved in front of the right people is new.”

– Sean Timm service Trimble ag guidance out of our facility, we needed a second entity to run it.

At the time, we had a greater concentration of growers using VRI here in Central Wisconsin than anywhere else in the nation.

We were hoping we’d be able to find some more qualified people who are experts in the areas of GPS and VRI, but it’s proven to be a challenge.

We’ve had some good people, and some have moved on.

What are the top three or four products that North Central Irrigation and Vantage North Central currently sell and service?

Irrigation is the bread and butter of the business by a long shot. Tractor guidance (Trimble) and implement guidance are also up near the top. continued on pg. 12

SNOWDEN • ATLANTIC • LAMOKA MANISTEE • LADY LIBERTY MACKINAW • PETOSKEY • BLISS

Contact: Jim or John

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 11

Growing potatoes is a fussy business—once you put seed in the ground and finish hilling, you don’t want to move the hill. You don’t want your next pass with the tractor, sprayer or applicator to swipe the hill and expose potatoes to the elements.

Repetition in hilling and spraying, pass to pass, is important.

You don’t want to change the tire

location from the previous pass when going down the row. That’s where implement guidance comes in, and though we don’t do tons of implement guidance, we do it better than anyone else.

Above: Being tuned up and spruced up in the North Central Irrigation shop are a Terex “Commander” digger derrick and a company service truck.

Some of what we learn on the irrigation side of the business transfers back to the GPS guidance end, and vice-versa. Both ends of the

For periods of time, Valent didn’t have good options for pivot-corner guidance, but through our own experience and knowledge, we came

business are valuable to us.

The North Central Irrigation crew is shown towering a new corner arm for Heartland Farms in the first image, and rolling a tower back over in the second photo after two machines accidentally hit each other. No pipes were damaged, and the crew had the irrigation unit back up and running for Heartland Farms 14 hours after it happened.

12 BC�T April

up with alternatives that were just as good as others for the customer.

How much time and effort goes into servicing what you sell? I’m a bad salesman because I want to solve customers’ problems. I don’t set out with a goal of selling them something, but rather in forming relationships with our customers.

That’s what keeps them coming back repeatedly.

We make mistakes, but we own them. That was the philosophy behind North Central Irrigation long before I came here. Scott and his dad, Doug, knew that doing what they said they were going to do was important, a philosophy that binds the company and customers together better than pricing.

they might not experience quality and service after the purchase. In the end, we all work on competitive machines, but we need to solve the customers’ problems when they have issues with the equipment or its operation.

Does service need to be expedient?

There’s a timeframe of how fast things need to move in agriculture.

Farmers don’t have time to be without water or a tractor. I’ve followed a planting crew for 70 hours to try to solve problems they were having because they couldn’t shut down to figure out what was wrong.

If they did, it would have a ripple effect long after planting season.

I think it’s difficult for the public to conceive the absolute nature 04-25 Badger Common'Tater 1 2025-03-03 12:47apm of agriculture.

We were proud When customers buy on price (7.25x2.25).v1.pdf alone,

Left: The contracted Sifuentes build crew and North Central Irrigation crew are shown at a new corner arm install on Sean Timm’s farm.

Sean is pictured fourth from left, just below his son, Leland, sitting on the Valley control panel box.

Right: At age 7, Leland was driving the grain cart on the family farm during soybean harvest that year.

part of supporting the Pavelski family and the Food + Farm Exploration Center. Valmont saw value and got on board, and Scott and I see the value and are happy to be a part of it.

The idea of a farm-to-fork exploration and learning center is necessary. Too many people don’t understand where their food comes from, let alone the rigors of what farmers go through to get it onto their plates, and the continued on pg. 14

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

uncertainty and pitfalls growers face season after season.

How else can North Central Irrigation help in that regard? We also do our best to provide a completely positive experience through our products and in adapting and evolving through technology.

We have an in-house mechanic who not only services our vehicles, but also the customers’ if they choose.

We try to do what’s right for people through a good quality product at a fair price and not sell them equipment they don’t need. That’s honestly and why I’m a bad salesman.

We’re the ones taking service calls, Scott and I, and we’re as familiar with the machines as the customers who are running them. By finding economical solutions for customers, then at the end of each project, you feel good about what you did.

How important is the technology sector in irrigation? Huge. Irrigation scheduling is something that’s continually being developed to help growers figure out when watering is necessary. Experience trumps any scheduling product, but finding technology that helps growers with useful information is crucial.

Valley has long offered a base station for remote-control platforms, so multiple people can run pivots.

Through remote access, thousands of hours and millions of miles of wear and tear on vehicles have been saved over the lifetimes of the equipment.

That’s why farmers still crave them.

Valley’s BaseStation3 has been offering advanced irrigation management for efficient water use and crop health, and now the company is moving on to the AgSense 365 irrigation management system, which uses modern digital technology to keep growers connected to their farms.

Our new EnCompass Sequencing uses 14 BC�T April

Above: The North Central Irrigation team installs two pivots at the Food + Farm Exploration Center.

the same platform as sprinkler VRI on each individual sprinkler head and machine and sequences the corner arms.

Above: The HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe installation put in by North Central Irrigation runs under County BB in Waushara County.

I had the first EnCompass corner in our area. I went from an older corner arm, and I can see a vast difference in the crop and water application. So, Valley has taken another leap forward through the updated sequencing and precision corner water application.

versus elevated parts of the field?

Irrigation is not a blanket need but beneficial where needed.

Farmers are always looking for ways to better manage their businesses, and VRI is still a key piece of technology that hasn’t fully come into its own yet.

VRI is useful in multiple aspects of the cropping system. How much water do you have to pump in certain areas of the field that are of differing soil types, or within low-lying areas

Another advantage of VRI is in meeting the challenges of living and working in highly scrutinized areas of the state. We hang closer in the balance of having some real problems in this area than some people realize.

Water is one of the largest drivers of the economy, and from my experience, the public, along with some members of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), think we over-pump water, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Most of these people have never raised a crop and barely stepped into a field, so for them to regulate water in a field and economy they know nothing about is ludicrous.

Right now, on the farm, I’m trying to redrill a well that my grandma and grandpa drilled in 1968, and to retain my permit, the DNR wants me to cut water use by 40%. I can barely raise corn and beans as it is, and they’re devaluing my land. This is rearing its ugly head.

What does precision agriculture mean to you? In my opinion, farmers have had to be precise for a long time, so precision agriculture is nothing new. How it’s administered, the practices, how they’re completed, and how info is tracked and moved in front of the right people is new.

It’s not just GPS or VRI, but also the fact that farms have whole IT departments, and there are tablets and Wi-Fi networks in fields to transfer information at planting,

hilling, and harvest.

Precision agriculture is the connection of every GPS manufacturer from their screens back to the Cloud platform or farmers’ platforms.

I think drones that incorporate cameras (including those that help

Above: The North Central Irrigation team installs two pivots at the Food + Farm Exploration Center.

identify disease) and have spraying capabilities and artificial intelligence (AI) will become a big part of farming over time. continued on pg. 16

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BC�T April 15

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 15

Using drones to apply crop protection products has a lesser impact on fields than traditional spraying, so the practice is being eyeballed by a lot of people. Obviously, when it rains, aerial spraying is an option for a grower who can’t get out into the field because of mud or flooding.

The farmer still needs to apply products to the plants. They don’t stop growing, and application timing is critical. When Mother Nature throws you a curveball, drones can be a big help.

product without trying to gut out the original design and cheapen it.

Valley’s done well.

Above: The new Valley pivot installation and water hookup pictured was completed for Eric Siler on his farm.

Valley is the only machine that can be run on just about any terrain. You put some machines in certain areas, and their structure can’t handle it.

Valley is a great product, but to me, what makes us good is the value that our people at North Central Irrigation bring to the Valley product.

field if that’s what they want to do.

Drone cameras are intensive products, though, because they require someone to look at the imagery and analyze it. That’s where AI can be useful in analyzing the images and providing information.

What other services do you offer?

We help growers starting at the service entrances of their properties and move throughout their operations. I run a lot of projects, doing anything from digging to laying and moving pipes, pouring concrete, and wiring systems. We lead from the front.

Why do you think Trimble software and services are user friendly or advanced? Trimble had a legacy platform and has now gone to a Cloud-based platform that people log into to be able to track expenses on all facets of their farm, access spray and irrigation reporting, and monitor equipment and operations.

Have you built relationships with growers? Absolutely, because they’re people who have known me and my family since the beginning. The relationships I have with some of the growers go far beyond professional aspects. There are several growers around here I’d consider family. It’s a tight-knit group.

How has the irrigation business changed since you’ve been aboard?

The manufacturers have worked at trying to add value to the precision end of the products, and they’ve done a good job at keeping up a core

What do you hope for the future of North Central Irrigation and Vantage North Central? I want to see it continue down a path of success and maybe have a chance for my kids to enter the

16 BC�T April

I want to continue to be able to operate and give our employees the ability to keep supporting their families and our customers, and to keep solving growers’ problems.

I want to see my kids do what they want to do. They’ll be exposed to the business and core values of what goes on here and hopefully carry on farming’s core values in their lives. It will serve them well down the road.

Is there anything you’d like to add that I failed to touch on? Just my appreciation to people in this profession and even in my previous profession at Cummins. There have been people who have given me opportunities and taken time to show me things. That’s what I’m trying to do with my crew, to pass along info to people like those who helped me.

I have a lot of love and respect for Grandma and Grandpa. I’ve learned a lot and wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t have those relationships and opportunities, including my relationship with my wife and the sacrifices she’s had to make.

You work a lot of hours in this business.

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Wisconsin Hosts Future Leaders of Potato Industry WPVGA grower members, staff, and PILI participants stand up for potatoes at Washington Summit

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Wisconsin rolled out the red carpet for future leaders of the potato industry, welcoming them to the state, February 19-22, for the Leadership, Education & Advancement Foundation’s “Potato Industry Leadership Institute” (PILI).

Visitors enrolled in the Leadership Institute traveled from Colorado,

Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington for two full days of leadership training.

The PILI program provides an overview of the local and national potato industry, including challenges

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and issues beyond the production sector.

2025 PILI Grower Leader Colin Szawlowski of Valley Spud, Hadley, Massachusetts, welcomed participants to Madison, Wisconsin, and began introductions.

Leadership Institute participants introduced each of their assigned classmates after having talked to and interviewed them beforehand and provided information about their assigned partner’s farms/employers, families, leadership goals, and something fun about that person.

National Potato Council (NPC) Chief Operating Officer Mike Wenkel, Above: Future leaders of the potato industry toured The Little Potato Company in DeForest, Wisconsin, as part of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI), February 19-22.

Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan, and Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer Kim Breshears presented “Understanding the Organizations of the U.S. Potato Industry.”

Above: Many members of the Wisconsin contingent “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill” include, from left to right, Keith Wolter (Hyland Lakes Spuds), Chelsea Zegler (McCain Foods), Erin Meister (Reabe Spraying Service), Joe Kertzman (WPVGA), Matt Young (Wisconsin Potato Coalition), Natalie Nesburg (Potato Sustainability Alliance), Tamas Houlihan (WPVGA), Mark Finnessy (Okray Family Farms), and Eric Schroeder (Schroeder Bros. Farms). Also attending the Washington Summit were Larry Alsum and Wendy Dykstra. continued on pg. 20

DISCOVERING STRENGTHS NPC Program Coordinator Madeleine Poulin provided business skills training for the 2025 PILI class, and Wenkel conducted an exercise on “Discovering Your Strengths.”

The 2025 Leadership Institute included visits to The Little Potato Company, the Food + Farm Exploration Center, Heartland Farms, Alsum Farms & Produce, and the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company.

PILI participants from Wisconsin included Erin Meister, Reabe Spraying Service, Inc., Natalie Nesburg of the Potato Sustainability Alliance, and Matt Young, who works for the Wisconsin Potato Coalition. 2025 marked the 23rd year of PILI, and Wisconsin has 39 alumni members.

From Wisconsin, PILI participants flew to Washington, D.C., February 22, where they joined state potato growers, WPVGA staff, and industry representatives at the NPC Washington Summit, February 24-28, BC�T April 19

Wisconsin Hosts Future Leaders of Potato Industry . . . continued from pg. 19

to “Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”

Also flying to Washington, D.C. to advocate for and discuss issues vital to the success of the Wisconsin potato industry were Larry Alsum and Wendy Alsum-Dykstra from Alsum Farms & Produce; Keith Wolter of Hyland Lakes Spuds; Chelsea Zegler, McCain Foods; Mark Finnessy, Okray Family Farms; Eric Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms; and Tamas Houlihan and Joe Kertzman of the WPVGA. NPC’s annual Washington Summit

provides a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.

Attendees of the annual Washington Summit hear from top officials and policy experts and meet with Congressional leaders representing potato-growing states and districts.

ADVOCATING FOR ISSUES During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, attendees advocated for issues such as keeping potatoes in federal nutrition programs,

PILI participants sampling cheese at the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company are, from left to right, Alexandra Bare (Minnesota), Steve Hovan (Montana), Brice Walther (Michigan), and Michael Murphy (New York).

20 BC�T April

Above: WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (left) and Alicia and Jeremie Pavelski (front row, far right) of Heartland Farms pose with PILI participants in front of the world’s largest potato masher at the Food + Farm Exploration Center, in Plover, Wisconsin.

promoting free and fair-trade agreements, and protecting tax policies that support the long-term health of family-owned farming operations.

The six NPC issue papers that Washington Summit attendees discussed with Congressional leaders and staff covered “Securing

Food + Farm Exploration Center Chef and Kitchen Lab Facilitator Davey Lynch conducted a seminar “Innovation Is in our Instant Pots,” during which he created a delicious Irish stew using Little Potato Company Creamer potatoes.

a Competitive Agricultural Tax Policy,” “Agriculture Immigration Reform,” “Proactive Trade Policies,” “Reinforcing the Nutritional Value of Potatoes in Federal Policies,” “U.S. Potato industry Priorities in the Farm Bill,” and “Investing in U.S. Potato Industry Research.”

In addition, Zegler was in Washington, D.C. to represent McCain Foods after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had frozen implementation of work funded under the Inflation Reduction Act, including McCain’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program project that helps potato growers.

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Zegler met with Congressional leaders to explain that further implementation delays could mean losing an entire crop year of practices continued on pg. 22

Top Left: Wendy Dykstra and Larry Alsum both sit on the Finance Committee of the National Potato Council (NPC), which holds all committee meetings as well as its Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates and Awards Dinner during the Washington Summit.

Larry is also a member of the Environmental Affairs Committee and Wendy sits on the Board of Potato LEAF (Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation).

Top Right: A discussion panel during the Washington Summit on “What to Expect for Nutrition Policy in 2025” included, from left to right, Jennifer Tiller, chief of staff to the Deputy Secretary and senior advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA; Beth Johnson, founder and principal partner of Food Directions, LLC; and Katherine Thomas, Senate Agriculture Committee senior professional staff, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry.

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BC�T April 21

Wisconsin Hosts Future Leaders of Potato Industry . . . continued from pg. 21

to assist growers with agronomic and conservation challenges.

During lunch on Tuesday, February 25, Wenkel and NPC Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles conducted a priority issues overview for PILI and Washington Summit attendees from across the country.

At the Washington Summit, NPC holds its Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates and Awards Dinner, and meetings of all committees, including Finance, Legislative Affairs, Environmental Affairs, Grower Outreach & Industry Research, Trade Affairs, and the Board of Directors.

the Transition,” by Brian Klippenstein, a member of the USDA Transition Team.

A discussion panel on “What to Expect for Nutrition Policy in 2025” included Beth Johnson, founder and principal partner of Food Directions, LLC; Katherine Thomas, Senate Agriculture Committee senior professional staff, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry; and Jennifer Tiller, chief of staff to the Deputy Secretary and senior advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA.

Left: Nathan Gonzalas, editor and publisher of “Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales” and an election analyst for “CQ Roll Call,” gave a keynote address and election analysis during lunch, on February 26, as part of the NPC Washington Summit.

Middle & Right: Members of Congress addressing the potato industry on Capitol Hill included Sen. Ronald Lee Wyden (left), Oregon, and Sen. Dan Newhouse (right), Washington.

senior director of federal government affairs, Western Growers.

Nathan Gonzalas, editor and publisher of “Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales” and an election analyst for “CQ Roll Call,” gave a keynote address and election analysis during lunch on February 26.

NEW ADMINISTRATION General Sessions on Wednesday, February 26, included “The New Administration—A View from Inside

“Agricultural Immigration Reform” was the panel discussion subject tackled by Wenkel of NPC, Diane Kurrle, senior vice president of USApple, and Jonathan Sarager,

PILI participant Erin Meister of Reabe Spraying sits at the desk of Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden during Capitol Hill visits as part of the NPC Washington Summit.

Larry Alsum and Wendy Dykstra (left and right) of Alsum Farms & Produce, and Natalie Nesburg (center) from the Potato Sustainability Alliance traverse the halls of Congressional office buildings during the NPC Washington Summit.

22 BC�T April

Members of Congress addressing the potato industry on Capitol

Above: Visiting the office of Congressman Mark Pocan during the NPC Washington Summit are, from left to right, Wendy Dykstra, Larry Alsum, Natalie Nesburg, Erin Meister and Joe Kertzman.

Left: Meeting with Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson’s policy advisor, Scott Rausch (right), during the NPC Washington Summit are, from left to right, Eric Schroeder (Schroeder Bros. Farms), Tamas Houlihan (WPVGA), Keith Wolter (Hyland Lakes Spuds) and Chelsea Zegler (McCain Foods).

Also in the room but not visible in the photo are Mark Finnessy (Okray Family Farms) and Matt Young (Wisconsin Potato Coalition).

Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer Photography

Hill included Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Idaho Sen. James E. Risch; Dr. Justin Benavidez, chief economist with the House Ag Committee; Sen. Ronald Lee Wyden of Oregon; Sen. Dan Newhouse from Washington; and Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson of Pennsylvania.

On Thursday, February 27, Washington Summit attendees from Wisconsin and all major potato producing states gathered at Capitol Hill to meet with dozens of Congressional leaders and staff to advocate for the potato industry’s policy priorities.

Wisconsin potato growers and industry representatives rolled out the red carpet for PILI participants and traveled with them to Washington, D.C. for a week of “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”

BC�T April 23

UW-Madison Researchers & Potato Growers Work Together Close partnership leads to innovation and tools that help produce healthy crops

By Preston Schmitt, University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Photos by Bryce Richter and Jeff Miller Andy Diercks, a fourth-generation potato grower from the small village of Coloma in Central Wisconsin, is blunt about the difficult realities facing family-owned farms today.

“There are days when the choices

aren’t always good, and you’re making the least bad choice,” he says.

“But we’ve survived well. I’m proud of what we do here.”

For decades, Diercks’s family and farmers across the state have worked

closely with vegetable researchers at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison. The teamwork ensures a healthy harvest, from the initial seed supply to disease prevention and management.

Amanda Gevens, a UW–Madison Extension specialist and the department chair of plant pathology, knows all too well the high stakes for Wisconsin farms. She arrived at UW in July 2009, the same month that a late blight epidemic hit the state for the first time in nearly a decade.

Gevens had to learn how to relay critical information to farmers in a timely, useful manner so that they could take action against the debilitating plant disease.

“The intervention that you recommend can save the return for that crop,” she says. “And for very

The Diercks family has been farming in Central Wisconsin for four generations.

24 BC�T April

Above: Coloma Farms owner and operator Andy Diercks (left) talks with Amanda Gevens, professor of plant pathology at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison.

A commercial currently airing on television in Wisconsin shows the same scene and speaks to the collaboration between UW-Madison researchers and state potato growers.

To view the commercial, visit https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThTOXkLHvko.

large acreage, that can be in the millions of dollars.”

CROP MANAGEMENT TOOLS One of Gevens’ important communication tools is Blitecast, UW’s weather-based data model that calculates a daily risk value (from zero to four) for late blight based on rainfall and temperature.

Once the accumulated risk value reaches 18, it means that the environmental conditions are favorable to late blight, signaling to farmers that it’s time to spray fungicides.

The online tool both helps to prevent late blight and preserves a farm’s precious resources by not over-spraying. To learn more about Blitecast, visit https://vegpath. plantpath.wisc.edu/dsv/.

Some farmers religiously check Blitecast every day, while others wait for Gevens’ weekly e-newsletter, “Vegetable Crop Update.”

“They’re [UW researchers] not afraid to ask us to change, and we don’t have any problem asking why they’re trying to get us to make some of the changes. It’s a great relationship, and, frankly, one of the main reasons I’ve stayed on the farm.”

A September issue announcing the latest Blitecast readings reported an isolated case of blight in a tomato sample from southwestern Wisconsin and provided a list of recommended fungicides. It also noted UW’s free services for late blight testing and disease strain typing.

“These tools are the basis for

– Andy Diercks Coloma Farms

starting our blight programs and our primary source for disease pressure regionally,” Diercks says. “I think every grower is using them.”

TACKLING DISEASE UW researchers are tackling the entire “disease triangle”—the environment (tracked by Blitecast), continued on pg. 26

BC�T April 25

UW-Madison Researchers & Potato Growers Work Together. . . continued from pg. 25

the pathogen (diagnosed and managed through testing), and the host, that is, the health of the seed.

Since 1913, UW-Madison has overseen the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. The university maintains the state’s potato tissue culture, storing the tiny plantlets of potatoes that seed future commercial production.

The year-long inspection process covers the entire growing cycle and even involves shipping seed potatoes to Hawaii during the winter months to continue to observe their health and quality.

UW-Madison’s program has become a model for other states, and Wisconsin farmers have come to trust implicitly the health and productivity of the seed supply.

“A GREAT RELATIONSHIP” Diercks, who graduated from UW in 1993 with a degree in agricultural engineering, operates Coloma Farms alongside his father, Steve.

The farm spans 2,700 acres and is a supplier to McCain Foods, the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato products.

To view the commercial currently airing on television in Wisconsin that speaks to the collaboration between UW-Madison researchers and state potato growers, scan the QR code or visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ThTOXkLHvko.

26 BC�T April

A healthy crop of potatoes is the goal of UW-Madison researchers tackling the entire “disease triangle”—the environment (tracked by Blitecast), the pathogen (diagnosed and managed through testing), and the host, that is, the health of the seed.

The Diercks family has long collaborated with UW researchers to implement more productive and sustainable practices. They routinely return the favor by opening their farm to the university for education and research projects.

“They’re not afraid to ask us to change, and we don’t have any problem asking why they’re trying to get us to make some of the changes,” Diercks says. “It’s a great relationship.

It’s frankly one of the main reasons I’ve stayed on the farm.”

The close partnership between UW researchers and Wisconsin farmers is also leading to promising innovations.

Gevens’ lab is developing a tool that uses aerial imaging from aircraft and satellites to evaluate the health of crops in the ground.

IDENTIFYING DISEASE “We’ve developed some models that tell us when the crop has late blight or early blight. We can identify diseases in the plant before it’s showing symptoms. We’ve never been able to do that,” Gevens says.

“We think it will help give better

information to the farmers in advance of disease.”

Her team is also testing the use of Ultraviolet light in a way that’s “almost like dosing using a chemical,” she says, to treat disease while potatoes are in long-term storage.

Gevens grew up working on a small vegetable farm in New York and interacting with agents from the Cornell Cooperative Extension. So, it’s no wonder that she feels right at home in her current career and alongside dedicated farmers like Diercks.

“The research team—they’re just really good people,” Diercks says.

“We know them socially. They have beers with us at the end of the day.

They’re friends. And they’re willing to get out of Madison and grab samples, walk around in the field, and get their feet and hands dirty.”

That commitment, he adds, makes them “the best potato research team in the country. And we’re really proud of that.”

ASSOCIATE DIVISION / AUXILIARY

Scholarships Now Available

The WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary are pleased to inform you of scholarships totaling over $9,000, available to students attending post-secondary institutions. Several scholarships will be awarded to students with WPVGA ties based on the number of applicants and their merits.

The top candidate among all applicants will be awarded the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Avis, who was a founding member of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary and an integral part of the Wisconsin potato industry.

The scholarships detailed above can be used to defray educational expenses and are open to students in undergraduate and post-graduate programs. Applicants must be residents of Wisconsin and are eligible to reapply in subsequent years regardless of whether they have been previously awarded a scholarship.

DUE BY

MAY 1, 2025

Applications can be obtained online at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com or by calling the WPVGA office at

(715) 623-7683

If you have any questions, please call the WPVGA office and ask for Julie Braun.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO: Julie Braun WPVGA PO Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409-0327 or, Email Completed Form to: jbraun@wisconsinpotatoes.com

The selection of scholarship winners will be based on the following criteria: • Applicant or applicant’s immediate family must be, or be employed by, WPVGA or a WPVGA grower or Associate Division member.

• Merit – e.g. G.P.A., extra-curricular activities, etc.

• Other information provided in the application • The applicant must attend an accredited school of higher education (includes technical college) as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student.

• The applicant must meet the entry requirements of the selected accredited school of higher education (grade point average, etc.).

Some of the information requested in the application may be considered personal or confidential. You may choose not to provide such information; however, the selection committee making decisions requests information on your financial status since Associate Division and Auxiliary scholarships may be partially based on financial need. You are encouraged to complete the scholarship application form in a professional manner. Applications must be properly completed and typed.

Hand-written applications will not be considered. Remember, the application will be the only representation of you that the selection committee has a chance to see.

Applications can be obtained online at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com or by calling the WPVGA office at 715-623-7683. If you have any questions, please call the WPVGA office and ask for Julie.

BC�T April 27

Marketplace

by Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions & Consumer Education

Staff Shares Tributes to George Neuber

Spudmobile driver and friend will be missed by WPVGA members and coworkers It was September 2022. I headed to the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm (Starks Farm) on County K in Rhinelander.

Brooke Babler, current associate director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, had requested the Spudmobile be brought to the

farm where the staff was hosting about 100 6th grade students.

At the time, however, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association was searching for a new Spudmobile driver, leaving the vehicle unavailable.

I asked Brooke if she would settle for me giving a series of short presentations to the students, answering questions, and handing out giveaways. She agreed.

After the last group, I began talking to a familiar-looking gentleman.

Above: George Neuber stands in front of the Spudmobile as he gets ready for his first trip—returning the vehicle to the storage unit in Ellis, Wisconsin, after repairs in February 2023.

Left: WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator George Neuber (left) promotes Wisconsin potatoes with the 76th Alice in Dairyland, Ashley Hagenow, at the Run Madtown Half Marathon in May 2024.

28 BC�T April

I had heard his name and seen him from a distance at previous industry functions but had never spoken with him one-on-one. He introduced himself as George Neuber and began sharing his life story.

He lived “just down the road” from the Starks Farm where he started in 2009 and had recently retired, in 2021. He had agreed to come back and help the crew at the farm during the busy seasons of planting and harvesting.

NEW SPUDMOBILE DRIVER Hearing of his retirement, his openness to stay active with various work, his knowledge of the industry and diesel mechanics, and the fact that he had a current Commercial Driver’s License, I half-jokingly asked, “Any chance you want to drive our Spudmoible?”

Without missing a beat, he said, “Absolutely!” continued on pg. 30

George Neuber and his wife, Jessie, enjoy some nice weather and quality time at the Oak Creek Farmers Market in August 2023.

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Marketplace. . .

continued from pg. 29

Stunned at his quick response, I thought I had better fill him in a bit on the specifics. I was confident that once I did, his quick response would turn into an “I was just kidding,” or “I’ve got too many other things going on right now.”

But those responses never came.

Instead, upon learning more about the job, he said, “That all sounds just fine!” Still unsure that he was serious, I said I would email him the job description, give him the chance to think it over and discuss the possibility with his wife, and I would contact him a couple of weeks later.

I reached out two weeks later, and his answer hadn’t changed. He said that he and his wife, Jessie, were excited about the opportunity!

Hence began our new human resources adventure of bringing a new person on staff and getting him acquainted with the vehicle, not to mention teaching him about the Electronic Logging Devices and corresponding app on his cell phone to track his hours of service.

Due to Spudmobile repairs in the latter part of 2022, George got to

Staff Memories:

“I’m extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know George Neuber. He was the ideal person to operate the WPVGA’s Spudmobile.

He was a good driver, had great knowledge of the potato industry through his past experiences working for the State Farm, and was a very affable person who could relate to everyone, especially children.

He enjoyed sharing his insights into the industry with others. He was chatty and had a great sense of humor, but he was also very diligent 30 BC�T April

drive the vehicle for the first time in early February 2023 when the repairs were completed. George slipped right into the driver’s seat with a big smile, turned the engine on and drove it back to the storage unit in Ellis.

Others remarked, “Thank you for bringing the Spudmobile to teach our kids about Wisconsin potatoes!

George was so knowledgeable and a joy to work with! We hope you will consider coming back next year.”

IN HIS ELEMENT There was something about that moment that told me he was in his element.

Examples go on. George really cherished getting “Thank You” cards in the mail from Spudmobile visitors, especially students, who had attended events where he traveled.

Over the next several weeks, he learned more about the Spudmobile and its exhibits as he prepared to attend his first event, the “Boston School Forest Day,” in Plover, in April 2023.

The months that followed were busy with visits to schools, sporting events, community block parties, career fairs, farmers’ markets, Farm Tech Days, the Wisconsin State Fair, Packers games and industry-related events.

The Spudmobile was on the road again! The compliments flowed from Spudmobile visitors about George’s efforts, knowledge, and personality. “George is so kind! Thank you for teaching us about Wisconsin potatoes,” they said.

and hard-working. He was a highly regarded member of our staff, and we will miss him dearly, not only as a co-worker, but as a friend.” ~ Tamas Houlihan, WPVGA Executive Director

“What a genuinely nice guy,” is what I told my wife when I got home late on a Sunday evening after picking up George when the Spudmobile had broken down. I’d met George several times before that at various events, including once at the Alsum Farms & Produce 50th Anniversary Celebration where I also met some of his family.

But even though we both worked

On the morning of February 3, 2025, as I prepared to head to Stevens Point for our annual Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, I received the tragic news that George had unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack the day before.

LIFE IS FRAGILE Life has a shrewd way of reminding you of its fragility. I had just spoken with George the week prior. We’d had a good conversation about various event requests I was getting as we looked forward to the Spudmobile’s “busy season.” Never did I suspect that we wouldn’t get to work together during this busy season.

George was a treasured member

for the WPVGA, I hadn’t spent any quality time with him. I remember thinking it was neat that he brought his family to some of the events where the Spudmobile made appearances.

Anyway, warning lights came on in the Spudmobile as George was driving it to Central Wisconsin after having it at the State Fair, and he pulled off the freeway in Westfield.

George’s car was parked in Stevens Point and he needed a ride, so I drove to Westfield, picked him up and drove him to his own vehicle so he could get home after a long week on the road.

of our team. His loss leaves a void that is not easily filled.

One thing I’ll always remember about George is his love of conversation.

Through it, he shared his loves and joys, most of which centered around his wife, kids, and grandkids. Through it, he inquired about my family and even showed up for a summer baseball game or two to cheer on Griffin and Easton.

Wisconsin potatoes and passion for the Wisconsin potato industry with adults and kids alike. A genuine and humble personality, George was one of a kind.

Above: George Neuber (rear, on the stairs) watches passersby at the Madison Marathon, in November 2024, as Spudly tries interacting with the runners and spectators.

He was even known to pull a “grandpa move” a time or two with my kids at work events as they would return to me with “special treats or drinks” and stories of short rides in the Spudmobile.

come to a work event with me if they knew George would be there! Thank you, George, for the plethora of memories and impact on our lives in such a short amount of time. It was a privilege to know and work with you.

Through it all, he shared his love of

They were always more willing to

George was so appreciative, genuinely thanking me several times, and then the conversation flowed as I drove toward Stevens Point. He told me about his family, of whom he was so proud, about his truck driving job he’d held previously and how much he liked driving the Spudmobile, meeting and talking to people who toured the educational vehicle at events and sharing his experiences with them and his family members.

“George was a great team member

George was a true gentleman.” ~ Joe Kertzman, Badger Common’Tater Managing Editor

of the WPVGA. He had so much pride driving the Spudmobile. I enjoyed our conversations.” ~ Karen Rasmussen, WPVGA Financial Officer

“It was a pleasure getting to know George as a co-worker. Though I didn’t see him frequently, when I did, he was always kind, positive and upbeat. He often talked about his family, and especially his grandkids with great pride and joy.

It was very apparent that his family meant everything to him. He was also very proud to make appearances with

the Spudmobile and had a gift for talking to people and spreading the word about Wisconsin potatoes.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to his family. I will remember George as always having a smile on his face.” ~ Julie Braun, WPVGA Executive Assistant

“George always had a smile on his face when he’d come into the office. He usually had a story about his grandkids helping him with the Spudmobile, and I know his wife, Jessie, was invaluable at events. ” ~ Jane Guillen, WPVGA Program Assistant BC�T April 31

Now News Gary and Liz Wysocki Honored at Ag Banquet Husband and wife land 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award

On March 3, Gary and Liz Wysocki received the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award from the Portage County Business Council during its annual American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet.

Each year, the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award is presented to deserving individuals for their exceptional dedication to the advancement and success of the agribusiness industry, as well as meaningful contributions to the agribusiness community.

Held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, in Stevens Point, the American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet is the premier Portage County event honoring not only agriculture, agri-businesses and industry leaders, but also 4-H leaders and youth, and FFA high school seniors. Agribusiness scholarships are also awarded to deserving students.

This year’s banquet was sponsored

by Del Monte Foods, the Food + Farm Exploration Center, Heartland Farms, Inc., Mid-State Technical College, Schierl Tire & Auto Service, and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA).

Following a social hour, Portage 32 BC�T April

County Business Council President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Witte welcomed guests to the banquet and gave an invocation before dinner.

The master of ceremonies, Portage County Ag Agent Ken Schroeder introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski.

Secretary Romanski’s presentation, “The Future of Agriculture,” was particularly poignant considering the 4-H and FFA students being honored, as well as the technological advancements and sustainable farming methods practiced by modern farmers such as the

Above: For their exceptional dedication to the advancement and success of the agribusiness industry, as well as meaningful contributions to the agribusiness community, Gary and Liz Wysocki were honored with the “Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award” from the Portage County Business Council, on March 3, 2025.

Wysocki’s and Wysocki Family Farms. $116.3 BILLION INDUSTRY Romanski touted agriculture as a $116.3 billion industry in Wisconsin directly or indirectly employing 1 in 10 people in the state. He and Witte both talked about high-value vegetable crops in Portage County, such as potatoes, green peas, snap beans and sweet corn, and the state’s dairy industry, all contributing significantly to Wisconsin’s economy.

“We invest in our strengths, and agriculture is one of them,” Secretary Romanski said. “Farmers are in a pretty stressful business; there’s a lot involved in feeding the world, so we need to make sure we invest in things that work.”

“Ag is a place where growers and legislators agree on something,” he added. “There’s been a lot of investment in agriculture, and we have great young people engaged in 4-H and FFA. We’re always impressed by the quality of young people, and investing in them is investing in the future of agriculture.”

In Schroeder’s award presentation to the Wysocki’s, he said, “Tonight, we honor Gary and Liz, a couple whose service, generosity, and leadership have enriched countless lives.”

“Gary has dedicated his life to the agricultural business with Wysocki Family Farms, contributing to advancements in farming and sustainability,” Schroeder continued. “His ingenuity led to the development of a patented device for potato holding bins, a testament to his forward-thinking approach to agriculture.”

Schroeder noted that, in 2010 and 2014, Gary played a pivotal role in the California Tasteful Selections bite-size potato packaging facility, managing projects and overseeing plant layout and equipment installation.

Even in retirement, Schroeder said, Gary’s passion remains strong, as demonstrated by his work with Eagle River Seed Farm, overseeing equipment, irrigation, and land projects.

WPVGA BOARD MEMBER He then noted Gary’s community initiatives serving on the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Stevens Point Spud Bowl Committee, the Portage County Business Council Agri-Business Committee, and his service as a WPVGA Board Member for six years.

Schroeder recognized Liz’s

In addition to the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award, Wisconsin Sen. Patrick Testin (right) and Rep. Vinnie Miresse (left) also presented Gary and Liz with a Citation of Commendation for their contributions to agriculture.

compassion, dedication, and service to both animals and people alike, which he said have made a profound difference in the community.

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Liz earned her degree from the University of Minnesota, in 1987, and dedicated 17 years to working at area veterinary practices before founding her own, Misty Acres Animal Care Vet Clinic, in 2004.

She dedicated two decades to this practice before retiring in 2024.

Beyond her veterinary work, Liz has donated to the Salvation Army and worked closely with Afghan and Iranian refugees through Greg Hensel, offering 4H/FFA market animal lambs to support their transition to the community. continued on pg. 34

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Now News . . .

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She has also been a Portage County 4H and FFA Market Animal Committee member and was recognized as a “Friend of 4H” in 2014.

“Liz’s commitment to education and youth development is evident in her eight years of service on the TriCounty School Board [2001-2009],” Schroeder said. “She has also worked tirelessly for the Humane Society of Portage County, providing veterinary care, surgical services, and guidance as an advisor.”

Since 1999, Liz and Gary have been active in the Almond 4H Busy Bees

and have cooked potatoes and corn for the Rosholt Fair bidder meal since 2005. As lifetime FFA Alumni members at Tri-County Plainfield, they have not only been active supporters but also hold leadership roles—Liz as treasurer and Gary as vice president.

WIDESPREAD GENEROSITY “Their generosity extends far and wide,” Schroeder remarked, “as they are steadfast supporters of the market animal sale, ensuring that meat donations are provided to employees and food pantries in Bancroft and Plainfield.”

Above: The American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet is the premier Portage County event honoring not only agriculture, agri-businesses and industry leaders, but also 4-H leaders and youth, and FFA high school seniors.

Agribusiness scholarships are also awarded to deserving students. The 2025 award and scholarship recipients are, from left to right, Ciera Pasholk, Mollie Wisinski, Dalton Clark, Kylie Garner, Brooke Mallek, Harlee Kirsling, Sam Stuczynski, and Noah Spoelstra.

“Their dedication to agricultural education is evident in their financial support of the Food + Farm Exploration Center,” he continued,

The Wysocki family came out in full force in support of Gary and Liz garnering the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award. They are, from left to right, Becky Wysocki, Russell Wysocki, Diane Wysocki, Jeff Sodeberg, Liz Wysocki, Terri Sodeberg, Gary Wysocki, Kirk Wille, Louis Wysocki, Lucas Wysocki, Jacquie Wille, Anna Hausler, Jim Wysocki, Sharon Wysocki, and Kevin Schleicher.

34 BC�T April

AD 15 Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

AMERICAN AGRICULTURE AWARDS 4-H Leadership in Agriculture – Noah Spoelstra Outstanding FFA Senior Awards – Dalton Clark, Almond/Bancroft; Sam Stuczynski, Amherst; Ciera Pasholk, Rosholt; and Mollie Wisinski, SPASH Agri-Business Scholarship Recipients – Kylie Garner, Harlee Kirsling, and Brooke Mallek 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award – Gary and Liz Wysocki

“and the Mid-State Technical College Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA) Center.”

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One of their most impactful contributions is the Tri-County Education Foundation Inc., a charitable corporation they initiated to provide scholarships and financial assistance to students.

Through this foundation, they established the LIFT Scholarship (Lifting Individuals for Tomorrow) in 2022, which has already provided full tuition to nearly 30 students attending UW schools and Wisconsin technical colleges. With funding secured through the Class of 2042, this program is a beacon of hope for future generations.

In addition to the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award, Wisconsin Sen. Patrick Testin and Rep. Vinnie Miresse also presented Gary and Liz with a Citation of Commendation for their contributions to agriculture.

As Schroeder said, “Gary and Liz, you exemplify selflessness, leadership, and generosity, inspiring future generations to follow in your footsteps.”

The annual Portage County Business Council’s American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet recognizes individuals who do just that.

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continued on pg. 36 BC�T April 35

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 35

LOCKWOOD® Launches New Website

Improved features and user-friendly tools available in time for potato planting LOCKWOOD Manufacturing is proud to announce the launch of a completely updated website design.

After months of design and testing, LOCKWOOD launched the new site in February, prior to the potato planting season.

The new website includes improved features and tools users are accustomed to, as well as new additions to help create an easy-tonavigate site.

“Our primary goal during the redesign process was to make the site user friendly and responsive across all platforms and devices,” says Nick Chiodo, LOCKWOOD marketing manager. “We worked to ensure that our website visitors can locate the

36 BC�T April

information they need quickly.”

Among many updates, the redesigned website layout includes an improved dealer locator, quick links to popular tools, and a streamlined design to view equipment available for sale.

On top of these interactive features, LOCKWOOD’s product lineup is highlighted on redesigned pages that incorporate photo slideshows and video links to see the equipment in action.

“The best part is that the website is open 24/7/365!” Chiodo exclaims.

“Visit us any time or drop us a line on the new Contact page.”

Visit the new LOCKWOOD website at https://lockwoodmfg.com.

T-L Irrigation Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Family-owned and operated company supplies pivots to farmers the world over On January 1, Hastings, Nebraskabased T-L Irrigation Company celebrated not just a new year, but also its 70th year of supplying innovative, reliable irrigation solutions to farmers the world over.

Reaching its platinum anniversary is a testament to the will and dedication to excellence first modeled by company founder LeRoy Thom.

“Persistence was one of many things my dad was great at and insisted upon. When we were working on a prototype, it was never if it was going to work, it was when it was going to work,” says David Thom, president of family-owned and operated T-L Irrigation Company.

Throughout the decades, T-L Irrigation has helped its farming customers adopt increasingly efficient and effective irrigation technologies.

Starting as a supplier of irrigation Above: The Thom family members of T-L Irrigation are, from left to right, Chase Crawford, Dave Thom, Jim Thom, John Tom, and Chris Thom.

equipment, T-L took its first step into manufacturing with the purchase of an aluminum pipe tube mill to make pipe for gravity irrigation.

In 1969 came the first T-L Irrigation pivot, a novel hydrostatic drivepowered pivot in a marketplace

flooded by water, hydraulic and electric-drive systems.

Straightforward and effective technology continues to be the cornerstone of the extensive T-L product lineup. continued on pg. 38

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A reputation for quality and durability helped T-L Irrigation emerge as an industry leader during the pivot manufacturing boom of the 1970s and ’80s. At one point, there were more than 70 pivot manufacturers in the United States, Thom says. T-L Irrigation is one of just four remaining manufacturers.

QUALITY PRODUCTS “We know that what looks good on an engineer’s drawing board may not look so good in the mud 20 years from now. As a result, we’re never quick to release a product. We prioritize making sure our products run for a long time and are made right for the market,” Thom says.

Every piece of equipment, from tires

to telemetry, is tested extensively on Thom family farms and must rise to their standards before being offered to farmers. Reliable, easy-to-repair products that performed consistently in the field helped bolster an everincreasing customer base over the years.

future,” Thom says.

Thom recalls it being very exciting when the company started selling pivots across the state line and into Colorado. Now, the family’s pivots are at work in 87 countries on six continents.

“It’s always been driven into me that if our customers are successful, we’ll be successful,” says John Thom, vice president at T-L Irrigation and part of the third generation of the Thom family to serve in the company. “A core value within our family is to make products that just work and keep on working. I’m proud to be a part of this legacy.”

“We’re a family business and our customers run family businesses.

I’ve always enjoyed designing new products that can help our customers be more profitable now and into the

Thom and his brother, Jim, operate T-L Irrigation along with multiple other family members. They’re proud to see the next generation embracing the same passion for the industry and customers.

Fairchild Equipment Wins 11th Consecutive Industry Award MVP Award is coveted accolade for member organizations/material handling distributors Fairchild Equipment, a recognized leader in the material handling industry, has been awarded the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Award for its outstanding achievements in 2024 by the industry trade association, The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA).

This achievement marks the 11th

year that Fairchild Equipment has achieved the Award.

The MVP Award is a coveted accolade within the industry, with fewer than 10% of MHEDA’s member organizations earning this distinction.

Fairchild Equipment’s continued recognition as an MVP within the industry underscores a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and

responsible stewardship in the business world.

To qualify for the annual MVP Award, companies must provide evidence of their commitment to partners

SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group.

38 BC�T April

in business, including customers, employees, and suppliers. They must satisfy criteria in the following important areas: • Industry advocacy • Customer service and safety practices • Business networking • Continuing education • Business best practices “We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award from MHEDA, marking our 11th recognition,” says Van Clarkson, president of Fairchild Equipment.

“MHEDA does an outstanding job of holding its members to a higher standard, not only within our industry, but also across businesses of all kinds.”

“For us, this achievement is a tremendous source of pride,” Clarkson adds, “as it represents our unwavering commitment to living out our core values, which closely align

with the criteria for this award.”

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated employees, whose hard work and passion drive our success, and to our loyal customers, without whom this recognition would not be possible,” he says. “This award is a testament to the strength of our entire team and our commitment to excellence.”

“The MVP is a prestigious honor within the material handling industry, recognizing excellence across a broad range of accomplishments beyond financial performance,” says Nate Storey, chief executive officer and president of Storage Solutions, Inc., and 2025 MHEDA chairman.

“Receiving this award reflects Fairchild Equipment’s exceptional leadership, commitment to industry best practices, active community engagement, and focus on continuous improvement,” Storey says.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award from MHEDA, marking our 11th recognition,” says Van Clarkson, president of Fairchild Equipment.

“This recognition not only strengthens the company’s reputation within the industry,” he concludes, “but also fosters trust and pride among its customers and community, solidifying its role as an industry leader.”

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New Products Spectrum Releases Wireless Soil Health Probe

Two-in-one instrument measures pH and EC, providing results via the FieldScout® app Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health, and now Spectrum Technologies introduces 2-in-1 measurement technology for direct soil measurement of pH and EC (electrical conductivity of soil water), which are essential soil health indicators.

This 2-in-1 probe is simple to use.

Start by making a pilot hole to the desired depth, then fill the hole with distilled water. Wait until the water is absorbed by the soil, then insert the probe to the desired measurement depth(s). Soil pH & EC will be displayed in the FieldScout® pH/EC app on your phone. Note the vertical variability of these measurements.

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than 14,000 customers in over 80 countries.

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RPE Announces Sweet Potato Program

Year-round availability includes a variety of packaging options for consumers RPE, Inc., a trusted leader in the fresh produce industry, is excited to announce the launch of its new comprehensive sweet potato program, tailored to meet growing market demands while maximizing efficiency for retail partners.

This program is designed to offer year-round availability and includes a variety of packaging options to cater to diverse consumer needs.

Key Components of the Sweet Potato Program: • F lexible Giro Bag Options: Available in 3-, 4-, and 5-pound sizes, these bags are designed for convenience and flexibility.

•M icro Single Packs: Perfect for single servings, these 8 oz. packs offer a quick and easy option for consumers on the go.

• S teamer Bag: This 1.5 lb. bag is ideal for health-conscious consumers looking for a fast, healthy side dish •B ulk Cartons: A 40 lb. option caters to bulk purchasers and institutional buyers.

• S weet Potatoes Your Way™: A standout in the industry, this 12 oz. micro tray with a Brown Sugar Cinnamon seasoning packet offers a unique value-added product.

It’s the only one of its kind in the market, providing convenience and customization in one package.

Sweet Potatoes Your Way redefines convenience with its microwaveready tray and versatile seasoning options, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience.

These petite sweet potatoes come with a thin, tender skin that does not require peeling, making them a perfect fit for a variety of cooking methods, whether quickly microwaved, crisply air-fried, or traditionally roasted.

The included Brown Sugar Cinnamon seasoning packet adds a classic, savory-sweet flavor that is especially perfect for the fall season.

“Sweet potatoes have shown consistent market growth and profitability, and by introducing Sweet Potatoes Your Way along with our comprehensive suite of traditional offerings, we are meeting consumer demand for both convenience and flexibility,” says Rachel Atkinson-Leach, vice president, Brand & Category Excellence at RPE. “This program is meticulously designed to optimize shelf space and provide our retail partners with products that meet their customers’ needs year-round,” she adds.

For more information about RPE’s

innovative sweet potato program, visit https://www.rpeproduce. com, call 800-678-2789, or email salesinfo@rpespud.com.

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National Chip Program Thrives on Industry Collaboration Participants review data on new varieties that might someday be commercially viable as potato chips Article provided by Potatoes USA

The success of the potato industry is built on growers’

bringing together breeders, growers and chip processors to review data on new varieties and discuss which ones might be commercially viable as potato chips.

Because the needs and expectations of growers and chip processors are constantly evolving, so too is the work of the potato breeders who

The NCP, which gathered in Chicago in December 2024 to review data on hundreds of new potato variety candidates, was formed in 2008 after chip potato farmers and processors requested a formal process to test and identify new varieties needed in the industry.

ability to introduce new potato varieties that meet market demands. For example, when snack-size bags of potato chips were popularized, the industry responded by breeding smaller potatoes for smaller chips to fit into the bags. collaborate with them.

That’s why Potatoes USA’s National Chip Program (NCP) meets every year,

By focusing on supply, the program helps growers achieve production goals and meet market demand from Above: When snack-size bags of potato chips were popularized, the industry responded by breeding smaller potatoes for smaller chips to fit into the bags.

Left: Potatoes USA’s National Chip Program (NCP) was formed in 2008 after chip potato farmers and processors requested a formal process to test and identify new varieties needed in the industry.

42 BC�T April

processors. At the same time, it gives breeders an opportunity to better understand how potatoes respond to different environments across the United States.

“It’s the broad adaptation of potatoes in a wide range of environments, which is not something we could do individually before,” says Walter De Jong, professor at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Sciences, Plant Breeding and Genetics Section.

“Breeders have a friendly rivalry, but primarily we’re working together to advance the whole industry.”

– Jeff Endelman, professor, UW-Madison Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences and director of the state potato breeding program

IDENTIFYING VARIETIES “The NCP trials are fantastic for identifying varieties that can grow in a wide range of environments,” De Jong adds, “from variation in soils, temperature, rainfall and other environmental factors.”

“This year, the processors bumped up their threshold of specific gravity a little bit,” explains David Douches, director of the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Interdepartmental Graduate Program at Michigan State University.

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“That’s important information for us, because as a breeder, if we don’t know what the industry is valuing, we’re not making the right decisions in our selections,” he says. “We take that into account.”

The NCP sometimes even sees rival breeders cross breeding candidates from separate programs to meet the needs of the industry.

“It’s a collaborative enterprise that really distinguishes potatoes from other crops,” says Jeff Endelman, professor, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences.

“Breeders have a friendly rivalry,” Endelman notes, “but primarily we’re working together to advance the whole industry.”

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National Chip Program Thrives on Industry Collaboration . . . continued from pg. 43

Total

Lady Liberty

Manistee

Hodag

Makinaw

Dundee

Bliss

The Potatoes USA chart shows 2024 registered seed acres for chipping variety graduates of the National Chip Program that were adopted by the potato industry.

PLANTING NEW VARIETIES After December’s meeting in Chicago, growers have begun planting new varieties identified by the NCP. Candidates for the fresh potato market are shipped further south, while candidates for strong storage qualities are shipped to northern states.

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The NCP will start reviewing new data on the candidates this summer.

Growers and processors have also shared appreciation for the NCP giving them access and knowledge of new potato varieties.

“The NCP trial program has helped develop varieties that have altered the way we source potatoes,” says Phil Gusmano, vice president of purchasing at Better Made Snack Foods. “We are able to use varieties that store much longer into the spring and summer and allow us to stay local in our sourcing.”

“These varieties have better gravity, disease resistance and shelf life than older varieties we previously sourced,” Gusmano states. “Without the NCP trials, we would not have the

Top Left: Several Wisconsin growers raise chipping varieties for Frito-Lay, including Heartland Farms of Hancock. Mike Kavanaugh of Kavanaugh Farms in New Brunswick, Canada, stands by a Lay’s Potato Chips display at the Food + Farm Exploration Center during a Canadian Reverse Trade Mission hosted by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, in 2024.

The Pavelski family of Heartland Farms was instrumental in the establishment of the Food + Farm Exploration Center.

quality raw materials we use today.”

The NCP also gives growers an advantage when marketing their crops to customers.

“Heartland Farms has always strived to be a leader in chip production for our customers. Ensuring we plant varieties that allow us to capitalize on yield and quality plays a significant part in that,” says Tom Prasalowicz, farm manager at Heartland Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin.

“Our involvement with the National Chip Program has given us valuable insights on these varieties,” Prasalowicz stresses, “as well as the opportunity to provide input on variety performance and outlook.”

Auxiliary News

By Dakotah Smiley, Vice President, WPGA

50 Years Strong: Celebrating the Auxiliary’s Legacy Key achievements in the fourth decade include food safety & global philanthropy

As the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) entered its fourth decade (2005-2015), the world of food

and agriculture underwent rapid transformation. Families became smaller, convenience foods dominated, and environmental sustainability took center stage.

Through these shifts, WPGA remained committed to its mission— promoting Wisconsin potatoes, supporting growers, and educating the public.

The Fourth Decade: 2005-2015 WPGA adapted to evolving consumer trends by launching new initiatives and strengthening its community presence. With a focus on education, sustainability, and outreach, the

Auxiliary ensured that Wisconsin potatoes remained a staple on dinner tables across the state and beyond.

Key achievements of the fourth decade: • Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes Expansion – WPGA expanded its flagship educational program, engaging children with hands-on activities like potato harvest days,

sack races, and classroom lessons on nutrition and farming.

• E mbracing Convenience – As busy lifestyles reshaped eating habits, WPGA promoted easy, nutritious, and budget-friendly potato recipes through new cookbooks, brochures, and live cooking demonstrations.

• T he Spudmobile Debut – A milestone moment in WPGA’s history, the Spudmobile hit the road as a traveling educational exhibit. Showcasing Wisconsin’s potato industry, sustainable farming practices, and the versatility of potatoes, the mobile unit made continued on pg. 46

An old-fashioned potato sack race puts smiles on the faces of fourth graders participating in the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program.

BC�T April 45

Auxiliary News . . . continued from pg. 45

appearances at schools, fairs, and community events.

• Food Safety and Sustainability – In response to growing concerns about food sourcing and environmental impact, WPGA partnered with industry leaders to educate the public on responsible farming techniques, water

conservation, and food traceability.

• Global Philanthropy – WPGA played a key role in the Feed My Starving Children Mobile Packing project, helping to distribute over half a million potato-based meals to children in need worldwide.

Right: Kathy Bartsch prepares baked potatoes for the 2009 WPGA State Fair booth.

As WPGA celebrated 40 years of

Gayle and Linda Bacon of G&L Bacon Farms, Inc., Hancock, conducted a workshop on Wisconsin agriculture in Weslaco, Texas.

46 BC�T April

Left: Pictured in the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) booth at the 2013 Industry Show are, from left to right, Jacquie Wille, Ali Carter, Jim Bacon and Paula Houlihan. All three women served on the 2013 Auxiliary Board of Directors.

Carole Gagas puts the finishing touch, cheddar cheese, on baked potatoes at the WPGA booth during the 2010 State Fair.

WPGA board member Kathy Bartsch (left) explains the ins and outs of potato growing to a group of elementary school children at the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes Harvest Party, in My 2012, at St. Thomas More Elementary School, in Appleton.

dedication, its members remained committed to growing awareness, fostering innovation, and ensuring a bright future for Wisconsin’s potato industry. Stay tuned as we continue our journey through WPGA’s remarkable history into its fifth decade and 50th anniversary!

Until then,

Dakotah Right: The group of volunteers at the 2007 State Fair includes, front row, left to right, Brenda Bula, Rita Fox, Cathy Kaminski, Terri Jorgenson, and Jill Sheakly; and back row, left to right, John Kaminski, Linda Bacon, Judy Beggs, Chris Maiorano, Judy Merola, Sue Boldig, and Tina Bacon.

WPIB Focus

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Month

Jul-23

Aug-23

Sep-23

Oct-23

Nov-23

Dec-23

Jan-24

Feb-24

Mar-24

CWT

1,313,762.07

1,528,723.01

977,118.59

2,045,401.98

2,686,018.96

2,077,816.49

2,083,671.00

2,011,188.99

14,723,701.09

Assessment

$105,353.00

$122,297.83

$78,169.48

$163,634.01

$214,877.01

$165,983.07

$166,830.95

$160,961.88

$1,178,107.23

Month

Jul-24

Aug-24

Sep-24

Oct-24

Nov-24

Dec-24

Jan-25

Feb-25

CWT

2,082,664.08

1,837,453.47

642,921.10

2,193,868.28

2,558,234.61

2,533,917.93

2,160,286.12

1,795,454.22

15,804,799.81

Assessment

$167,100.87

$146,986.28

$51,433.66

$175,474.49

$204,693.85

$202,713.44

$172,787.78

$143,636.38

$1,264,826.75

Mar-25

Apr-24

Apr-25

May-24

May-25

Jun-24

Jun-25

Year-to-Date

Year-to-Date

BC�T April 47

Badger Beat Processing Snap Bean Responses to Nitrogen on Irrigated Sandy Soil Three-year study evaluates responses of two snap bean cultivars to different N fertilization treatments

By Yi Wang and Taqdeer Gill, Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Efficient nitrogen (N) management is critical for

optimizing crop yield and minimizing environmental impacts, especially on irrigated sandy soil where nutrient leaching is a serious concern.

Snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are high-nutrition and high-value processing vegetable crops crucial to Wisconsin’s economy. However, they are poor biological N fixers and require N fertilizer applications for achieving high yield potential.

Growth stages of N application

Previous field trials conducted in Plover, Wisconsin, suggest that 112 kg. (kilograms) N ha⁻¹ (per hectare) is the optimal N application rate for snap bean production in the Central Sands region (Wang et. al., 2015).

N application amounts (kg. N ha-1)

Planting

0

0

0

0

0

0

V2-V3

0

17

31

45

59

73

V7-V8

0

17

31

45

59

73

Seasonal total N rate

0

34

62

90

118

146

Table 1: Split applications of different nitrogen fertilization treatments are shown at each growth stage in each year.

48 BC�T April

Above: Yi Wang is shown during the 2024 Hancock Agricultural Research Station Field Day with a 100-pound robot that she and her team acquired that’s the perfect size for scouting snap bean and green pea fields. She outfitted the droid with orange Crocs so it wouldn’t damage the soil. Among its many capabilities, it hops, walks and turns.

The objective of this three-year field study was to evaluate responses of two snap bean cultivars to different N fertilization treatments, and to investigate how total N uptake was partitioned between different N sources (N fertilizer versus N from the environment).

The field trial was implemented with six N fertilization rates and two snap bean cultivars (a non-nodulating cultivar Huntington and a nodulating cultivar DM88) at the University of Wisconsin Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS), from 2022 to 2024.

The experimental design was a strip-plot/split block design with four replications. Target planting population was 44,500 seeds/ha⁻¹.

Seeds were planted on June 1 (± 3 days) and harvested on August 3 (± 3 days) each year.

Year

Total precipitation during the growing season (cm.)

Irrigation amount (cm.)

Nitrate concentration (mg. L-1)

Total nitrate-N from Irrigation (kg. ha-1)

2022

20

20

25

51

2023

11

27

33

90

2024

23

12

22

27

Nitrogen treatments are shown in Table 1. Nitrogen-related traits including biological N fixation, total N uptake, and marketable yield at harvest were measured and analyzed.

Other production practices including irrigation and pest management were all maintained at the optimal levels.

Soil N test of the top 1 foot of the field showed that NO3-N+NH4-N was 5.2 parts per million (ppm) preplanting, and 11ppm post-harvest,

suggesting that there should be some soil mineralization occurring over the course of the field season.

The groundwater from the well that irrigated our plots contained relatively high nitrate concentrations: 25, 33, and 22 mg. L-1 (milligrams per liter) in 2022, 2023, 2024, respectively, making the total nitrate-N inputs from irrigation water 51, 90, and 27 kg. ha⁻¹ separately, continued on pg. 50

Table 2: Shown above are total precipitation and irrigation amounts, nitrogen concentrations in the irrigation water, and total nitrate-N inputs from irrigation water in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

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Figure 1: Yield responses of the two cultivars to different nitrogen fertilization treatments are illustrated in each season. Bars marked with different letters are significantly different at p<0.05 in each year.

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BC�T April 49

Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 49

besides the N fertilization (Table 2).

Particularly in 2023, a dry year, the high irrigation amount and high nitrate level together resulted in substantially more nitrate-N input from the groundwater.

Figure 1 shows the marketable yield (sieve sizes 4 and 5) of each cultivar in every year. It was found that yields from 2022 and 2024 were close to overall average, but those from 2023, a dry year with more irrigation events and high irrigation water nitrate-N inputs, showed remarkably higher yields under all treatments.

A good example is the non-nodulating cultivar Huntington under the control treatment (with no supplemental N fertilizer added and no biologically fixed N) produced 23 tonne (metric ton) ha⁻¹ in 2023, which is 70% higher than 2022 (13.5 tonne ha⁻¹) and 77% higher than 2024 (13 tonne ha⁻¹)!

Also in 2023, the highest N rate at 146 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in 29 tonne ha⁻¹ of yield for Huntington.

These results clearly indicate that in a dry year with high irrigation and high background nitrate: 1) only the 90 kg. ha⁻¹ of nitrate-N from the irrigation water could be sufficient for the plants to achieve high yield potential; and 2) adding as much as 146 kg. ha⁻¹ of N fertilizer could only add 6 more tonne h⁻¹ of yield.

N fertilizer rate

Total N uptake

In general, the nodulating cultivar DM88 did not show as much yield response as the non-nodulating cultivar Huntington under all N treatments. Based on the data shown in Figure 1, if not considering the abnormal year 2023, the optimal N rate for DM88 is 34 kg. ha⁻¹, and for Huntington is between 62 and 90 kg. ha⁻¹.

In 2023, for the nodulating cultivar DM88, we measured its total N uptake by the whole aboveground biomass, tested its total biological N fixation (BNF), and calculated the rest of the N uptake that should be derived from other sources, including N fertilizer, soil mineralization, and irrigation water nitrate.

It is obvious that as the N fertilizer rate increased, DM88’s total N uptake increased, its BNF decreased, and N derived from other sources also increased. Without testing the Biological N fixation

N signatures of different sources, we could not clearly know the percentage of N from each source, and this will be an objective of future studies.

15

This three-year study demonstrates that the N fixing snap bean cropping system on irrigated sandy soils is highly complex, and there are at least four primary N inputs into the system: N fertilizer, BNF, soil N mineralization, and nitrate-N from irrigation water.

It is already known that BNF will be inhibited by N fertilization, but many questions still exist. For example, does the plant foliage take up all nitrate-N from the irrigation water? How much N is from soil mineralization during the growing season? How do the 15N signatures vary between different sources, and can we test them?

Total N from Fertilizer + Soil + Irrigation

Total nitrate-N from Irrigation

kg ha⁻¹ 0

141

55

86

34

133

38

95

62

138

14

124

90

139

11

129

118

188

21

167

146

175

13

162

90

Table 3: Total nitrogen (N) uptake by the bean pods and other aboveground biomass, total biological N fixation, and total N from fertilizer, soil mineralization, and irrigation water are combined for the nodulating cultivar DM88 under each N fertilizer rate.

50 BC�T April

PEOPLE Bettilee “Betty” Zeloski Passes Away Husband, Dennis, is a WPVGA Hall of Fame member & retired seed potato grower Bettilee “Betty” B. Zeloski, 83, Lake Mills, died peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 16, 1941, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Allen and Ruth (Owen) Bowe.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison, and prior to starting a family, had been employed at the UW Hospital in Madison.

Betty married Dennis Zeloski on November 14, 1964, in Kiel, Wisconsin. A Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame member, Dennis took over the family business, Felix Zeloski Farms (now Eagle River Seed Farm), from his father, in 1973, and ran it until his retirement and selling of the operation to CSS Farms and RPE, Inc. An early generation foundation-class seed potato farm founded in 1935,

by Felix, the farm has continued to expand with high-quality foundation seed through multiple generations of the Zeloski family and other tenured seed growers.

Church of Christ in Lake Mills. She enjoyed playing tennis, swimming, reading, and traveling.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Dennis; their daughters, Kim (Glenn) Dufour, Debra (Robert) Caddigan, Aimee (Eric) Haakenson, and Jaime (Kyle) Brunner; nine grandchildren, Bobby Caddigan, David Caddigan, Anna Haakenson, Lauren Haakenson, Ben Haakenson, Molly Haakenson, Josh Brunner, Julia Brunner, and John Brunner; and other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her brother, John Bowe.

Memorial services were held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Lake Mills.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to Aurora Zilber Family

Bettilee “Betty” B. (Bowe) Zeloski June 16, 1941 – February 20, 2025

Hospice, American Heart Association, or to your local library. continued on pg. 52

Purchased by Wysocki Family Farms in 2019, Eagle River Seed Farm includes about 1,200 farmable acres, and over 300 acres of early generation seed grown annually on a three-year crop rotation that includes oats and clover, which is mulched and returned to the soil to create high organic matter. The farm is now managed by Clover Spacek.

PROUD & ACTIVE MEMBER Betty was a proud and active member of the First Congregational United BC�T April 51

People . . .

continued from pg. 51

Dr. Erin Weber Awarded Grant to Study Potato Virus Y Carthage College assistant professor will develop tools to detect devastating pathogen Carthage College Assistant Professor Erin Weber, Ph.D., has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant worth $498,000 that will support research in the development of tools to detect a devastating potato virus.

equipment, hire a full-time research technician, and cover students’ travel expenses to major professional conferences.

Potato Virus Y (PVY) affects up to 80 percent of potato crops worldwide.

This grant will provide Carthage students with the opportunity to participate in high-impact undergraduate research and to share their results at regional and national conferences. Stipends will support nine research students over the next three summers.

The grant supports Weber’s work in understanding how PVY infects plants by creating two biochemical tools: an enzymatic-based reporter that will allow real-time detection as the virus moves throughout the plant, and a synthetic PVY genome that can be modified to study the impact of viral mutations on plant infection.

Funding is also set aside for Carthage to bring in new high-end lab

Weber’s line of inquiry could ultimately help scientists and potato

breeders target natural resistance in a plant’s genetic makeup to prevent the spread in potatoes. Weber’s team will study PVY in tobacco plants due to their short growing cycle.

Weber’s research has agricultural implications both near and far.

Wisconsin is one of the top potato producers in the United States, ranking third behind Idaho and Washington.

LONG-TERM RESEARCH The grant program, operated by the NSF’s Directorate for Biological Sciences, is designed to help early career faculty members establish long-term research programs

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at schools that primarily serve undergraduate students.

It aligns with a broader push to strengthen and diversify the nation’s workforce in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations.

Weber, an assistant professor of chemistry, has taught at Carthage since 2020. The new funding, totaling $498,983, enables her to continue the research she began as a postdoctoral assistant to University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Emeritus Paul Bethke, Ph.D. The potato virus study adds to a robust tradition of innovative

scientific research at Carthage, where first-year students in life sciences conduct genomics experiments in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and many work with NASA scientists on critical aerospace projects.

Dozens of collaborative faculty and student projects are also funded each year through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, a hallmark at the college since the 1990s.

“Hands-on experience is crucial for helping students determine what they want to do in the future,” Weber says. “Research like this exposes

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BC�T April 53

Irrigation & Water Management Data Valuable to Producers Survey results show that there were 212,714 farms with 53.1 million irrigated acres in 2023 Article provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) There were 212,714 farms with 53.1 million irrigated acres, which included 81 million acre-feet of water applied in the United States,

according to the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey results, published October 31, 2024, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

“This report offers detailed, comprehensive, up-to-date information specific to the agriculture industry’s use, management, and investment of water supplies and irrigation systems,” he explains.

In 2018, the irrigation survey results showed that there were 231,474 farms with 55.9 million irrigated acres, which included 83.4 million acre-feet of water.

Data highlights from the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey include:

The results show that the number of farms irrigating crops, the amount of land irrigated, and the total water used for irrigation decreased between 2018 and 2023.

“The 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey, conducted every five years, expands on the data collected in the 2022 Census of Agriculture,” says NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons.

54 BC�T April

• T he total amount of water used in 2023 was 81 million acre-feet, down 2.8% from 2018.

Above: The Water Management Survey results show that the number of farms irrigating crops, the amount of land irrigated, and the total water used for irrigation decreased between 2018 and 2023.

Left: The largest portion of irrigated farmland acres in the United States was dedicated to cropland, including grain and oilseed crops, vegetables, nursery and greenhouse, and hay crops.

• The average acre-feet applied per acre was 1.5, which was the same as the 2018 irrigation survey. An acre-foot is the amount of water required to cover one acre to a depth of one foot.

• The largest portion of irrigated farmland acres in the United States was dedicated to cropland, including grain and oilseed crops, vegetables, nursery and greenhouse, and hay crops.

• Farmers irrigated 49.6 million acres of harvested cropland acres in the open in 2023.

• Groundwater from on-farm wells accounted for 54% of irrigation water applied to acres in the open, and the average well depth in 2023 was 241 feet.

“This report offers detailed, comprehensive, up-to-date information specific to the agriculture industry’s use, management, and investment of water supplies and irrigation systems.”

– Joseph L. Parsons, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Administrator

Idaho, Nebraska, and Texas— accounted for around one-half of the irrigated acres and more than half of all water applied.

• The irrigation results show 12.6 million more irrigated acres with sprinkler systems than gravity irrigation.

• Equipment, in general, is one of the leading irrigation expenditures with farmers and ranchers spending $3 billion on irrigation equipment, facilities, land improvements and computer technology in 2023.

• Five states—Arkansas, California,

• Energy costs for pumping well and

surface water amounted to $3.3 billion.

• T he irrigated area of horticulture under protection was 1.7 billion square feet in 2023. This compares with 1.5 billion square feet in 2018.

• I rrigated horticulture grown in the open was 598,980 acres in 2023.

This compares with 581,936 acres in 2018. continued on pg. 56

BC�T April 55

Irrigation & Water Management Data Valuable to Producers . . . continued from pg. 55

The 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey followed up with approximately 35,000 producers who indicated in the 2022 Census of Agriculture that they irrigated or had irrigation equipment.

Producers provided information on water sources and amount of water used, acres irrigated by type of system, irrigation use sorted by crop, and system investments and energy costs.

“The 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey data provide valuable information that producers, farm organizations, businesses, state departments of agriculture, elected representatives and legislative bodies at all levels of government can use to make agriculture water use more efficient,” Parsons states.

“From comparing water use by application methods or appraising

Farmers irrigated 49.6 million acres of harvested cropland acres in 2023.

water use trends to developing improved technologies or federal programs, these data are crucial to the industry,” he remarks.

To access the results of the 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey, visit https://www.nass.usda. gov/AgCensus or view in NASS’s

online Quick Stats database at https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov.

NASS is the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture and is committed to providing timely, accurate and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

56 BC�T April

S GER TA AD

TE

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

B

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

Potatoes USA News Healthcare Pros Attend Culinary Medicine Immersion Potatoes can be a nutritious diet staple for patients from different backgrounds Eating more potatoes means eating more vegetables, and there are endless possibilities for patients seeking nutritious, culturally relevant ways to add spuds to their diets.

That was one takeaway for healthcare professionals attending Potatoes USA’s culinary medicine immersion at Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, in New Orleans, this January.

Invited to the event were 10 highly accomplished healthcare professionals who participated in hands-on learning about how potatoes can be a nutritious diet staple for patients from different cultures or low-income backgrounds.

“We had holistic conversations about how to elevate the entire produce category, with potatoes being part of a traditionally sound meal plan,” says Chef R.J. Harvey, culinary director at Potatoes USA. “We’re doing that so we can educate doctors and healthcare professionals, who have their patients’ trust, on how to prepare nutritious foods.”

Culinary medicine is an evidencebased field that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine. Its objective is to help people reach good personalized medical decisions about accessing and eating high-quality meals that help prevent and treat disease and restore well-being.

BEYOND FRESH POTATOES Considering the diverse needs and incomes of patients, the culinary medicine immersion went beyond recommending only fresh potatoes for patients.

“One ‘aha’ moment came from healthcare professionals who didn’t consider products like frozen or dehydrated potatoes as a nutritious

Chef R.J. Harvey (left), culinary director at Potatoes USA, poses with healthcare professionals attending a culinary medicine immersion event at Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, in New Orleans.

option,” Harvey says. “They were really intrigued by ways that patients on a budget could use these options to create a nutritious meal in an hour or less.”

As one example, Executive Sous Chef Aurora Hollenbeck showed participants how to reconstitute dehydrated potatoes with flour and Greek yogurt to create potato bagels with six simple ingredients and 10 grams of protein.

The event went beyond nutrition to share tips for recommending potatoes in global cuisines. This included a “world tour” of potato dishes from regions spanning Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and North America.

“It’s important to hit on those notes because they don’t want to recommend the wrong type of cultural cuisines, and they’re dealing with diverse patient populations,” Harvey explains. “For example, you wouldn’t tell a patient from Peru not to eat potatoes.”

On the second day of the event, participants got to try some of their

own hands-on creations.

“They knocked it out of the park,” Harvey relates. “One team wanted to theme their dish after New Orleans, so they did a play on shrimp and grits.

They made potato grits using fine diced potatoes and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and then they breaded oyster mushrooms with potato chips and dehydrated potato flakes.”

What they’re saying: • “ While we were there, one participant had a call with a patient whose labs showed low potassium.

The physician said he told his patient to enjoy potatoes to get more potassium, and he was really geeked out about that,” Harvey says • “ They definitely shared that they were excited about all the different ways to utilize frozen and dehydrated potato products to save a lot of time while still getting the nutritional benefits,” Hollenbeck adds.

BC�T April 57

Eyes on Associates

By WPVGA Associate Div. President Matt Selenske, Allied Coop’s Pest Pros Division

Hello, everyone. Sometimes

it is tricky to know when to get started in the field. As I am writing this, we just got 5 inches of snow, and the weather forecast is calling for 60 degrees in four days. That’s Wisconsin weather for you!

We have some spring soil-sampling to accomplish yet, and we can’t get into the fields too early because making a mess is good for no one. Once we get rolling, though, things will go like clockwork, I’m sure. Having a little patience always helps.

In our March WPVGA Associate Division Board Meeting, we recapped the Industry Show in February and went over the exhibitor surveys to see if there are any improvements we can make in the future. We also revisited sponsorship lists and silent auction items to evaluate how we did in comparison to other years.

Lastly, we reviewed the meals,

including lunches, and dinner and entertainment at the Industry Show Awards Banquet.

We also started planning our next event at the meeting—the 2025 Putt-Tato Open to be held July 9, 2025, at Lake Arrowhead Golf Course, in Nekoosa, again looking at sponsorship opportunities and raffle item ideas, as well as meals and other logistics.

We are finalizing our plans for the WPVGA Associate Division/Auxiliary scholarships this month as well. Last year, we awarded around $9,000 in scholarships available to students attending post-secondary institutions who are employed by or whose immediate families are employed by the WPVGA or a WPVGA Grower, Associate Division or Auxiliary member.

Please see the full-page Associate Division/Auxiliary Scholarships ad

In March, the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors recapped the Industry Show and went over exhibitor surveys to see if there are any improvements that can be made in the future. Jeramy Williams of American Drone gave a “Bringing Value to Ag” presentation at the 2025 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show on “How Drones Enhance Efficiency and Sustainability in Agriculture.”

in this issue. Information will also be included in upcoming Tater Talk e-Newletters. Applications are due May 1, so keep that on your radar.

As you are reading this, I am hopeful my spring soil sampling will be done, but in our industry, we are dictated by the weather. I hope the weather cooperates with you as well.

Until next time.

Matt Selenske WPVGA Associate Division President Left: The WPVGA Associate Division Board has begun planning for the 2025 Putt-Tato Open to be held July 9, 2025, at Lake Arrowhead Golf Course, in Nekoosa. Representing Big Iron Equipment at the 2024 Putt-Tato Open are, from left to right, Kevin Groshek, Stacy Groshek, Bill Zelinski and Jeff Sommers.

58 BC�T April

NPC News Tschirky Elected National Potato Council President Washington grower has been active in state and national associations The National Potato Council (NPC) installed its 2025 roster of Executive Committee leaders at the organization’s annual Washington Summit, February 24-28, in Washington, D.C. During the Annual Meeting of the Voting Delegates, Ted Tschirky of Pasco, Washington, was elected to serve as the Council’s president for the next 12 months.

Previously serving as NPC’s first vice president and vice president of trade affairs, Tschirky has been actively involved in state and national potato associations for more than 20 years.

A third-generation farmer in Washington’s Columbia River basin,

Tschirky served on the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) prior to joining NPC in a leadership role.

During his involvement with the WSPC, he traveled to D.C. often to advocate on behalf of the state’s potato industry and saw the impact NPC was having, not only on a national level, but also within international trade.

He also learned how important establishing solid relationships with state and federal representatives was for the overall wealth and health of the industry. continued on pg. 60

ALL NEW!

Ted Tschirky of Pasco, Washington, was elected National Potato Council president during the organization’s annual Washington Summit, February 24-28, in Washington, D.C.

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BC�T April 59

NPC News . . .

continued from pg. 59

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS “As this year’s Council president, I want to encourage our Executive Committee and board members to get involved with their state representatives as much as possible,” Tschirky said, “which, in turn, helps build stronger relationships on the federal level.”

“When it comes to policies affecting agriculture,” he added, “it should be our goal for elected officials to come to us and ask how these rules and regulations would affect our businesses. It takes time to get to this point, so let’s make it a commitment to get there at all levels.”

At age 18, Tschirky’s first “official” farming project was with Future Farmers of America growing potatoes for Lamb Weston. For nearly 45 years, he’s carried on his family’s legacy, which started with his great-grandparents migrating from Switzerland and originally settling in Oregon.

His father established Washington Tschirky Farms in the 1950s. The business now grows mostly potatoes for processing and includes a storage facility.

Today, his wife, Merideth “Meri,” and his sons, Tyler and Dylan, joined him in overseeing the business. In 2025, Ted and Meri are celebrating 42 years of marriage.

The full NPC Executive Committee roster includes: • Ted Tschirky (Pasco, Wash.) – President • Ben Sklarczyk (Johannesburg, Mich.) – First Vice President and Vice President of Grower Outreach and Industry Research • Chris Olsen (Othello, Wash.) – Vice President of Environmental Affairs • T.J. Hall (Hoople, N.D.) – Vice President of Finance • Dean Gibson (Paul, Idaho) – Vice President of Legislative Affairs • Brett Jensen (Idaho Falls, Idaho) – Vice President of Trade Affairs • Bob Mattive (Monte Vista, Colo.)

– Immediate Past President • Kam Quarles (NPC CEO) – Non-voting Member A grower-led organization, NPC is managed by an Executive Committee and Board of Directors, which oversee its operations and provide guidance on policy activities.

Board members are appointed

Pictured in front of the Old Executive Office Building on the White House grounds, the 2024-’25 NPC Executive Committee includes, from left to right, Ted Tschirky, Chris Olsen, Ben Sklarczyk, Brett Jensen, Dean Gibson, R.J. Andrus, T.J. Hall, Bob Mattive, and Kam Quarles.

Photo courtesy of the National Potato Council 60 BC�T April

Above: New National Potato Council (NPC) President Ted Tschirky addresses the NPC Board of Directors at the 2025 Washington Summit. Executive Committee members joining him on stage include, from left to right, Brett Jensen, Chris Olsen, T.J. Hall, Dean Gibson, Ben Sklarczyk, and Bob Mattive. Photo courtesy of the National Potato Council / Bill Schaefer Photography

by the Executive Committee from recommendations submitted by state potato grower organizations and they each hold office for one calendar year.

NPC is the voice of U.S. potato growers and industry members in our nation’s capital. NPC protects potato growers’ interests in Washington, D.C. by addressing issues that affect the potato industry, from policy issues debated in Congress to regulatory issues proposed by federal agencies.

For a complete list of Executive Committee and Board of Directors members, visit https://www. nationalpotatocouncil.org/who-weare/grower-leadership/.

The NPC 2025 Washington Summit is a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.

From February 24-28, growers and industry stakeholders met with members of Congress and the Administration to advocate for issues such as keeping potatoes in federal nutrition programs, promoting free and fair-trade agreements, and investing in research to support the long-term health of the U.S. potato industry.

DISHING IT UP WITH DANA Hash Brown Waffles: a Healthy Win for the Rady Family

Hash Brown Waffles INGREDIENTS:

Endless possibilities for toppings include the author’s choice of a simple fried egg on each one

3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed

Column and photos by Dana Rady, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

½ stick butter, melted

Not long ago, I saw an image on Facebook with the caption “The hardest part about being an adult is figuring out what to make for dinner every night.” I chuckled.

Sure, it’s a slight exaggeration, but I can empathize. And when I saw it, I thought, “Well, add breakfast and lunch to that, too!”

Our boys take their lunches to school every day and eat breakfast at home.

While I’m grateful we can give them homemade, healthy meals, it can also be challenging to make sure we don’t slip into the pit of “mundane.”

waffle maker), and he asked what I was doing. I told him I was making hash brown waffles. His eyes lit up and he asked, “Oooh, can I help?”

Pretty soon, Easton and Havyn were also in the kitchen with their aprons on ready to “stir, stir,” as Havyn says.

HEALTHY BATCH OF WAFFLES These simple concoctions ended up making a healthy batch of waffles for

¼ cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded 3

eggs

½ Tbsp. butter for frying the eggs salt and pepper to taste Olive oil cooking spray for waffle iron

continued on pg. 62

We’re a family that likes variety, which means my husband, Eric, and I need to challenge ourselves when cooking so no one gets bored. It’s not always an easy balance.

Our oldest, Griffin, has really taken to cooking. Easton is becoming more interested in it as well. On the weekends, Griffin will start making protein pancakes or waffles, and they taste great! It’s been nice to see him becoming more independent in that way.

Just the other night, Griffin saw me getting out his waffle maker (yes, it is his

As soon as they found out Mom was making hash brown waffles, the Rady kids, from left to right, Easton, Havyn and Griffin, put on their aprons to help her in the kitchen.

BC�T April 61

Dishing It Up with Dana…

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continued from pg. 61

Griffin Rady digs into a hash brown waffle topped with a fried egg.

dinner as well as breakfast the next morning.

We served each waffle with a fried egg for a little extra protein, but I got to thinking how fun it would be to top these beauties with taco meat and related ingredients, or pizza sauce and all the fixings, or … the phrase “endless possibilities” is not an exaggeration here.

What I like best is the fact that I can make a batch of these waffles and put them in the freezer for when we need a quick, healthy, creative and fun meal. It doesn’t get much better.

And let’s face it, it’s hash browns!

One beneficial tidbit: I found that slightly mashing the hash browns and cheese helped keep the mixture together a little better. I also found that putting a bit more filling in the waffle maker helps keep the waffle together when it’s done cooking.

I hope you try this and have fun with it. And if you do top it with something other than an egg, I’d love to hear about your creativity. So, shoot me an email (drady@wisconsinpotatoes. com) and let me know how it went.

62 BC�T April

DIRECTIONS Preheat waffle iron on the regular setting and spray both sides with cooking spray.

Badger Plastics & Supply.............. 18

Place the hash browns in a bowl.

Pour the melted butter over the hash browns, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir in the shredded cheese.

Bushmans’ Inc................................ 3

Scoop a bit of the hash brown mixture into each waffle section.

Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is crispy and turns golden brown, approximately 8 minutes per waffle. Repeat with the remaining hash brown mixture.

Fairchild Equipment...................... 23

Badger State Irrigation................. 64 Big Iron Equipment....................... 21 Central Door Solutions................. 17 Compeer Financial........................ 53 Condon Oil.................................... 33 Forte Humidifiers.......................... 44 Fox Packaging............................... 35 Jay-Mar, Inc................................... 41 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc................ 11

While the waffles are cooking, begin frying the eggs and prep toppings of choice.

Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc...................... 9

Melt ½ tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully crack the eggs into the pan and cook for one minute. Flip and cook for another couple of minutes, or until the desired doneness is achieved.

Nutrien Ag Solutions.................... 37

To serve, top each waffle with a fried egg and sprinkle with a bit more salt and pepper.

Ron’s Refrigeration....................... 49

Visit https://eatwisconsinpotatoes. com/recipes/hash-brown-waffles/ and enjoy!

Schroeder Brothers Farms.............. 7

North Central Irrigation................ 39 Nutrien Ag Solutions Great Lakes................................... 2 Omex USA..................................... 15 Roberts Irrigation . ....................... 25 Sand County Equipment............... 52 Swiderski Equipment.................... 59 Symach Palletizers........................ 19 T.I.P............................................... 29 ThorPack, LLC............................... 51 Titan Machinery............................. 5 Vista Financial Strategies.............. 43 Volm Companies........................... 13 Warner & Warner, Inc................... 36 WPVGA Assoc. Div. and Aux. Scholarships................. 27 WPVGA Spud Seed Classic Sponsors.......................... 63 WPVGA Support Our Members.... 38 WSPIA........................................... 56 Wyma Solutions............................ 55

Friday, June 20, 2025 Bass Lake Country Club W10650 Bass Lake Road Deerbrook, WI 54424

Deadline for sponsorship commitments to be included in June Badger Common'Tater: May 1, 2025* DINNER SPONSOR $2,500

SILVERTON SPONSOR $1,000 BUSHMAN’S RIVERSIDE RANCH

• Company name/logo on two banners placed in prominent areas • Company name/logo on dinner ticket & one beverage cart • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for four golfers

LUNCH SPONSOR $2,000 • Company name/logo on one banner and lunch ticket • Company name/logo on one beverage cart • Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for four golfers

GOLDRUSH SPONSOR $1,500

• Company name/logo on one banner • Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for one golfer

SUPERIOR SPONSOR $500

• Company name/logo on one banner • Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event

OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSOR $300

• Company name on hole sign • Rights to occupy a hole on the course and provide giveaways*

*If alcohol is being served, it must be purchased through the golf course

• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Company name/logo on one banner • Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for two golfers

CONTACT KAREN RASMUSSEN for more details (715) 623-7683 Make checks payable to WSPIA *

We WILL accept sponsors after this date.

MAIL PAYMENT TO: WSPIA, P.O. Box 173 Antigo, WI 54409

BASIC HOLE SPONSOR $200

• Company name on hole sign • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event

Since 1998, this tournament raised over $214,000, which was donated to Wisconsin potato research.

P.O. Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Stevens Point, WI 54481 Permit No. 480