September 2025 Badger Common'Tater

STORAGE & MARKETING ISSUE

FIELD DAYS FOCUS On Potato Research

POTATO ASSOCIATON OF AMERICA Holds 2025 Symposium in Wisconsin

NEW ERA OF TRACEABILITY: Open Systems Are the Future

POTATO STORAGE: Financing Strategies

On the Cover: The 17,000-square-foot potato seed sorting and shipping facility built by McGowan Rice Construction includes approximately 560,000 hundredweight of storage capacity. McGowan Rice Construction is known to farmers in the United States and Canada for its agricultural buildings, potato and produce storages, warehouse facilities, and food processing plants.

The beautiful interior of a 28,000-square-foot farm and truck service shop built by McGowan Rice Construction includes an oil change pit, parts department and offices. Mark Rice says he and business partner Brady McGowan have more than 30 years of combined experience in agriculture and agri-business construction. Company services include front-end planning, pre-construction, design, general contracting, maintenance, and remodels. POTATOES

Summer Meeting held in Boston reflects on past year’s wins and learnings

“We’re very eager and excited about the future of this farm.

We know Ruder Ware will help position us for success.”

Jenna Dempze Ag Operations Manager, Gaynor Cranberry

WPVGA Board of Directors:

PreSideNT: JohN BuS Ta ma NT e

Vice PreSideNT: WeNdy Dyk S T r a

Secre Ta ry: JoSh KNighT S

Trea Surer: JohN HopfeNSperger

Direc Tor S: Mike BagiNSki, Ra Ndy FleiSh auer, Bria N Lee, J.D. Schroeder & Jeff SuchoN

Wisconsin Potato Industry Board:

PreSideNT: Heidi Al Sum-Ra Ndall

Vice PreSideNT: ANdy Dierck S

Secre Ta ry: Nicola Carey

Trea Surer: KeiT h WolT er

Direc Tor S: Rod Gumz, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder, Joe SeiS & Tom Wild

WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors:

PreSideNT: MaT T SeleNSke

Vice Pre SideNT: ET h a N Ol SoN

Secre Ta ry: MeliS S a HeiSe

Trea Surer: Paul Salm

Direc Tor S: Brady PaToka, ScoT T Scheer, Morga N Smolarek, Sally SupriSe & Bra NdoN Taylor

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement

Association Board of Directors:

PreSideNT: Charlie HuSNick

Vice PreSideNT: ANdy Schroeder

Secre Ta ry/Trea Surer: MarkuS Shafel

Direc Tor S: MiTch MaT T ek & CloVer Spacek

Wisconsin Potato Growers

Auxiliary Board of Directors:

PreSideNT: Heidi Schleicher

Vice PreSideNT: DakoTa h Smiley

Secre Ta ry/Trea Surer: Sama NT h a Cypher

Direc Tor S: Jody BagiNSki, MiS T i KiNNiSoN, JeNN a SuchoN & EriN MeiS T er

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.

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Cranberry farming is often a generational endeavor, and the team at Ruder Ware understands the delicate nature of family businesses. Clients like Jenna and Heidi at Gaynor Cranberry Company trust Ruder Ware to guide them through challenging discussions about succession, the future of the farm, and strategies for better positioning their business.

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"Pretty as a picture" and “cute as a button” just don’t seem to sufficiently describe Daizee Lou Opper (love that name!) sitting in a field of blossoming potatoes, below, in July 2025, complete with her pink and white blouse, fringed cowgirl boots and pink tractor. Michelle Hartman of Hartman Farms, Inc., in Antigo, Wisconsin, called to ask if she could email me a few photos of Daizee Lou, who is the daughter of Ethan and Whitney Opper, granddaughter of Todd and Michelle Hartman, and great-granddaughter of Michael and Theresa Hartman. That’s quite a lineage, and I bet Daizee Lou is not spoiled at all! Thank you for sending the photos.

Summer 2025, and particularly the month of July, has been a whirlwind of activity, but in the best possible ways. The Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS), Langlade Agricultural Research Station (LARS) and Lelah Starks Farm field days were held on beautiful Wisconsin summer afternoons, July 10, 17 and 31, respectively. Read about the important potato and vegetable research being conducted at the stations and enjoy pictures of the three field days in the feature article within this issue.

The 2025 Putt-Tato Open golf tournament also took place under blue skies, July 9, and included a full roster of 42 teams with four players each. The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Associate Division of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, the 2025 Putt-Tato Open reached and exceeded its goals through the support of golfers, sponsors and donors alike. Proceeds from the event are earmarked toward agricultural research, college scholarships and funding other industry causes to be determined by the Associate Division throughout the coming year. See the “Eyes on Associates” column herein for coverage and photos of the fantastic event.

Industry professionals, researchers and stakeholders attended the 2025 Potato Association of American (PAA) Annual Meeting, July 27-31, at the strikingly beautiful Monona Terrace in Madison. This year, the Annual Meeting included a Potato Storage Symposium hosted by the PAA and NAPSO (the National American Potato Storage Organization). This issue’s interviewee, Mark Rice of McGowan Rice Construction, was a speaker at the symposium, which also included a storage panel discussion led by Dale Nelson, co-owner of Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems, Morgan Smolarek, field manager for McCain Foods, and A.J. Bussan, director of agronomy for Wysocki Family Farms. See the related feature inside.

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

N1435 Cty Rd D

Antigo, WI (715) 623-2689 farm@sbfi.biz johnt@sbfi.biz

NAME: Mark Rice

TITLE: President

COMPANY: McGowan Rice Construction

LOCATION: Boise, ID

HOMETOWN: Boise, ID

YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: Three years

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Hansen-Rice Construction

SCHOOLING: Bachelor of Arts degree, Whitworth University

FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer, and kids, Caleb (17) and Charlotte (13)

HOBBIES: Spending time with family, traveling, and golf

Above: McGowan Rice Construction President Mark Rice poses in front of the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth during the Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting, July 27-31, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin. Rice gave a presentation on potato storage structures, design and engineering during a Storage Symposium at the PAA Annual Meeting.

Interview MARK RICE, president,

McGowan Rice Construction

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

Overseeing all steps of the building process, McGowan Rice Construction is known to farmers across the United States and in Canada for its agricultural buildings, potato and produce storages, food processing plants, warehouse facilities and other commercial structures.

Owners Mark Rice and Brady McGowan, who have more than 30 years of combined experience in agriculture and agri-business construction, wanted to take ownership of their products and the pride that comes along with building long-term builder-client relationships. McGowan and Rice proposed to parent company Hansen-Rice Construction that they spin off an agriculture-focused business. It made sense, and McGowan Rice Construction was born.

A full-service design/build firm working primarily in agricultural and industrial buildings, the McGowan Rice team takes a no-nonsense approach to building and refuses

Above: The Air Envelope is McGowan Rice Construction’s standard high-quality potato storge design and a great tool for reducing the risk of free moisture in the environment.

to compromise on strong ethics, accountability, safety and efficiency.

Company President Mark Rice says, in short, the construction company is focused on quality, cost and timeliness, believing that none of these things must be compromised for the other.

Services include front-end planning, pre-construction, design, general contracting, maintenance, and tenant improvements and remodels.

Mark, what is your background, and how did you initially get into the construction industry, particularly working with agricultural and potato storage buildings? My father, Ivan, and Dan Hansen founded HansenRice in 1983, so I have been around construction and the potato industry

basically my whole life.

I worked on my first potato storage when I turned 18, back in 1997, and continued to work construction throughout college summers.

Above: The aptly named “Air Everywhere Air Floor” (first image) features evenly spaced ventilation to keep air flowing through potato piles, ultimately controlling temperature and humidity. In-floor pipeand-cup floors (second photo) make up another popular air floor option.

After college, I lived in Seattle for about 10 years doing various continued

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professional jobs and then moved back home in 2010 to work for Hansen-Rice in a business development capacity. I gravitated immediately to potatoes and just fell in love with the people and ag industry.

At one point you were working for Hansen-Rice Construction, and then I believe you and Brady McGowan took on the agricultural portion of the construction business, forming McGowan Rice Construction. Is that correct, and are you still affiliated with Hansen-Rice? Correct, McGowan Rice Construction is really a spin-off that allowed us to have an agriculture-focused business.

Hansen-Rice has grown to become a large business, and Brady and I presented the opportunity to start

a business unit focused on the ag industry. It made sense and my brother, John, and Burke Hansen are partners in McGowan Rice as well.

How did you and Brady meet, and how’s business? Brady started working for Hansen-Rice as a project

manager right after college when he moved to Idaho from Maine over 20 years ago.

We worked together on many potato storage projects and our skillsets and values were aligned where we thought we could run a successful business together. Brady and I have worked together to complete many successful storage projects from Maine to Washington.

What percentage of the business is agriculture, and potato storage facilities in general? In any given year, it is probably around 80% or so of the business. The potato market has its ups and downs and so we make sure to have some diversity in markets.

What are the main challenges with properly constructing potato storge buildings, and how have you been able to meet those challenges?

A few of the main challenges to properly constructing potato storage buildings are managing the rugged environment that is required to properly store potatoes with a high moisture environment and maintaining very specific ventilation and temperature requirements.

In addition, potato storage facilities

This bird’s-eye view of an Okray Family Farms potato storage plant built by McGowan Rice Construction illustrates a work aisle Air Envelope facility design.

Above: An arch wall potato storage building is a common tried-and-true facility design.

are often built in cold environments where you can’t start construction until approximately April and the project must be completed by September for harvest, so meeting a schedule is critical.

Early planning and development go a long way in helping to build a successful project and completing it on time.

What does McGowan Rice do right regarding potato and vegetable storage buildings that you take pride in? We take critical care to make sure our storages reduce the opportunity for free moisture inside the potato storage bins.

While we build a variety of storage facilities, the Hansen-Rice Air Envelope is a well-known design that is a great tool for reducing the risk of free moisture in the storage environment.

It seems like potato storage buildings must combine design precision

“I gravitated immediately to potatoes and just fell in love with the people and ag industry.” – Mark Rice

with refrigeration, ventilation, and temperature control, with that technology constantly evolving. Give me some comments on what McGowan Rice offers that can help growers maintain a quality crop. Correct, technology is constantly evolving, and our growers can get very detailed information on the storage environment and the quality of the potatoes in storage.

We really try and emphasize that we will work together with the grower and ventilation contractor to make

sure we are flexible in our design to meet the capacity, ventilation, and refrigeration requirements for a specific project.

Are there areas that McGowan Rice Construction specializes in regarding potato and vegetable storage that other companies don’t? Explain. Yes, we have a unique Air Envelope with a complete open-web air cavity system that has been considered the premium model for over 30 years.

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With this design, we can ensure constant air movement in the cavity to reduce thermal drive moving to the storage area. We also have a very experienced design team that

is ultimately familiar with multiple storage configurations.

Inventory & Traceability That Pays for Itself

What suppliers do you work with that you’d like to mention as offering quality products, and what do they supply for you? We work with a variety of suppliers and contractors throughout the country in the ag industry. In the Wisconsin area, we have worked consistently over the years with both Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems and Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, as well as with Altmann Construction and many others.

What areas of the country does McGowan Rice Construction serve, and is it difficult dealing with logistics? We take pride in working throughout the country from Maine to California and everywhere in between. We have worked in Canada and Mexico, but since COVID, we haven’t been back yet. We are still talking with Canadian growers, and

Above: Mark Rice says that McGowan Rice Construction was proud to help create the potato storage display at the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, Wisconsin.

there may be an opportunity in the future.

There are some challenges with working all over the country, but it is what we are used to dealing with, and we have a great network of partners and suppliers throughout the country to make sure we can execute a project on schedule.

Do you enjoy working with growers in different states, and if so, what do you like about the agriculture industry? Yes, we have great clients throughout all the potato growing areas. What we really enjoy about the ag industry is that you feel a sense of family and pride in growers’ work on a farm.

From ownership to employees, people take pride in their work and care about what goes on at the farm.

What are the top pieces of advice you can give potato and vegetable

growers about taking a crop from the field into storage to ensure quality produce comes out of storage? A potato never improves its quality in storage. “Quality in” gives you a chance for “quality out.”

Harvest conditions are rarely perfect but managing harvest temperatures

and potato pulp temperatures around 60 degrees is a key piece to starting off successful in storage. With that, continued on pg. 14

Above: With many growers raising small potatoes for The Little Potato Company and RPE, Inc., box storage has become more popular in recent years.

proper consistent building and ventilation maintenance helps with storage performance.

Do you suggest crop protection products to growers, or storage best practices, and what are some of them? We do not offer crop protection products, and most of the storage “best practices” are managed between the ventilation vendor and the grower.

I’ve been told that fewer growers are building new storage facilities and more want to remodel existing buildings. Is that true, and if so, why? While we are still building new storage facilities, the costs have been quite high over the past 4-5 years, so we have been participating in many remodels to help expand the life of existing buildings.

What does a typical remodeling job for a potato and/or vegetable grower involve? It typically has been fixing roof, wall and insulation issues. We have also worked on adding new fan houses and air plenums to existing buildings.

Mark, are you personally still working in the field, and what were or are your own specialties in that area? No, while always making sure I am aware of the project progress and working with our management and site crews, I have other responsibilities that don’t allow me to get too dirty.

Once a project is developed,

I stay very close to the day-today operations throughout the completion of the job.

How important is service after the sale, and how often do you find yourself back at storage facilities? This is critical and we take pride in our repeat work. That only happens if you answer phone calls from your clients when they have challenges.

Golfing for the McGowan Rice Construction team at the 2024 Putt-Tato Open are, from left to right, Jake Schwartzman, Mark Rice, Brad Knights, and Chris Dunn.

With materials costs having risen over the past 4-5 years, McGowan Rice Construction has been participating in many remodels to help expand the life of existing potato storage buildings. Among other things, remodeling existing storage facilities can increase air flow with plenum and fan house expansions and modifications.

What do you see as the future of McGowan Rice Construction? We want to continue growing our business throughout the industry and working with great clients across

Left: This interior shot of a potato storage building shows the floor flume used for floating potatoes into the facility.

RIght: Mark Rice gives his presentation “Storage Structures: Potato Storage Design and Engineering” during the Potato Association of America Annual Meeting, July 27-31, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Field Days Focus on Potato Research

Hancock and Langlade Agricultural Research Stations & Lelah

Starks Farm showcase current trials

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

The Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS), Langlade Agricultural Research Station (LARS) and Lelah Starks Farm field days were held on beautiful Wisconsin summer afternoons, July 10, 17 and 31, respectively.

Large crowds descended upon the research stations looking for information on the latest potato and vegetable production research being conducted by University of Wisconsin (UW) scientists and collaborators to help growers continue raising quality

crops efficiently and sustainably while realizing high yields.

The 412-acre Hancock station, located in the state’s Central Sands potato production area, focuses on developing and evaluating ways to sustainably grow vegetables in the region’s sandy, fast-draining soils above a high-water table.

On Thursday, July 10, the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) hosted its annual HARS Field Day, drawing around 100 attendees, including

Above: UW-Madison Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Russ Groves (right) and graduate student Claire Schloemer were all smiles at the LARS Field Day in Antigo, Wisconsin, as they gave an update on a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) project exploring neonicotinoid alternatives.

Left: Attendees of the HARS Field Day, July 10, in Hancock, Wisconsin, ride in a covered trailer out to the fields so they can learn about current potato and vegetable production research conducted at the station.

growers, researchers and community members from across the state.

The event began with a welcome from Mike Peters, director of the ARS network, and Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-District 19), who was honored with the Friend of Agriculture Award for her continued support of Wisconsin’s agricultural research infrastructure.

Sen. Cabral-Guevara authored a budget motion to increase funding for UW–Madison’s agricultural research stations by $2 million to help upgrade facilities and equipment.

“I wasn’t aware that this facility was as amazing and impressive as it is until I had the opportunity to come out here and hear from the scientists and the students,” Cabral-Guevara said.

GLOBAL IMPACTS

“This isn’t just something that benefits the students and

“What I love about field days is the chance to bring everyone together to see how research translates into real-world solutions for growers in the Central Sands and beyond.”

– Mike Peters, director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Research Station (ARS) network

researchers, this is something that many of our community members utilize for their farms and their growth,” she added. “It has impacts across the state, our country and the world.”

The budget motion authored by Cabral-Guevara details the importance of the stations. The

agricultural research stations operated by UW are the research and development laboratories for Wisconsin’s $104 billion agricultural sector, hosting more than 1,350 studies annually.

Wisconsin farms deploy the continued on pg. 18

Field Days Focus on Potato Research. . . continued from pg. 17

practices tested at these stations to improve their economic returns, protect natural resources and provide healthy, nutritious food for consumers.

“Our work here is driven by collaboration with faculty, industry partners, producers, students and policymakers,” Peters said. “Sen. Cabral-Guevara is a key collaborator who is advocating for the research

During the LARS Field Day on July 17, Angel Zarda and Scott Houdak of Venture Ag Drones gave a spraying demonstration over a soybean field using blue dye so those in attendance could inspect the plants afterwards to evaluate coverage.

and development arm of the State of Wisconsin.”

After welcoming remarks from HARS Superintendent Troy Fishler and UW Storage Research Facility Manager Amber Walker, field day attendees boarded wagons for a guided tour of six field sites, where researchers presented updates on key initiatives.

Topics included potato diseases,

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insect and weed management, potato breeding efforts to improve yield and quality, neonicotinoid and nitrate load losses from sandy soils, plus other water quality studies and precision agriculture technologies.

Extension Soil Scientist Dr. Matt Ruark gave a nitrogen optimization update, Dr. Jeffrey Endelman, UW Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, provided a potato breeding program update, and Dr. Russ Groves, UW-Entomology, presented “Insect Management in Potato and Processing Vegetables.”

NITRATE LOAD LOSSES

Soil Science Specialist Francisco Arriaga and graduate student Evan Freed gave an overview on their research project titled “Measuring Neonicotinoid and Nitrate Load Losses from Potato Production in Sandy Soil,” and Dr. Jed Colquhoun and Associate Professor Steven Hall, UW Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, gave water quality and weed management research updates.

Dr. Amanda Gevens, UW Department of Plant Pathology, provided a potato disease research update,

Above: UW-Madison Soil Extension Specialist Francisco Arriaga presents “Measuring Neonicotinoid and Nitrate Load Losses from Potato Production in Sandy Soil” at the HARS Field Day.

Right: UW-Extension Crops & Soils Regional Educator Scott Reuss followed up a presentation he gave on common weeds in Wisconsin potato and vegetable production agriculture with another showcase of weed varieties he potted up and brought to LARS.

and Yi Wang, associate professor in the UW Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, discussed “Using Precision Agriculture Technologies in Vegetable Crop Production.”

Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed a social hour and grilled chicken dinner with sweet corn, baked potato and potato salad provided compliments of the Associate Division of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA).

Brady Patoka of Jay-Mar, Inc. and his fellow Associate Division board members grilled the chicken, potatoes and sweet corn, the latter being courtesy of Flyte Family Farms.

The station’s horticultural garden and Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Storage Research Facility (SRF) were

open for self-guided tours throughout the day.

Researchers use the SRF, which was erected in 2006 through a gift from the WPVGA, to study ways of curbing losses and improving the quality of stored potatoes.

LARS FIELD DAY

Farm Manager Kevin Gallenberg welcomed guests attending the LARS Field Day, July 17, and thanked local businesses and sponsors, including

the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, WPVGA and WPVGA Associate Division, Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Insight FS, Swiderski Equipment, and Riesterer & Schnell.

Brooke Babler, assistant research program director for the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP), gave an update on field inspections, Potato Virus Y detections, winter test changes for

potato, direct tuber testing, and the UW Tissue Culture Lab moving back to the university campus.

Cropping Central agronomist and Pioneer representative Jason Culver discussed a soybean seed variety trial being conducted at LARS and using Nexta biologicals to enhance crop yield and resilience against environmental stressors.

UW-Extension Crops & Soils Regional Educator Scott Reuss followed up a presentation he gave last year on common weeds in Wisconsin potato and vegetable production agriculture with another showcase of weed varieties he potted up and brought to LARS this year.

Angel Zarda and Scott Houdak of Venture Ag Drones conducted a drone spraying demonstration over a soybean field using blue dye so

Top Left: Associate Professor Steven Hall, UW Department of Plant and Agroecosystem S ciences, gives water quality and weed management research updates during the HARS Field Day.

Top Right: Mike Peters (front right), Director of the Agricultural Research Station Network, honors Sen. Rachael C abral-Guevara (front left) with the Friend of Agriculture Award for her continued support of Wisconsin’s agricultural research infrastructure.

Field

Under a light blue sky with wispy clouds, Dr. Maria Caraza-Harter, UW-Madison Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences, gives a potato breeding program update during the LARS Field Day.

field day attendees could inspect the plants afterwards to evaluate coverage.

Dr. Maria Caraza-Harter, UWMadison Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Science, provided a potato breeding program update, and Matthew Pereyra, a graduate student working in the Dr. Gevens Lab, UW Department of Plant Pathology, presented recent research and updates from the field.

Dr. Groves and Ph.D. student Claire Schloemer, UW Department of Entomology, gave an update on a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Institute project studying neonicotinoid alternatives for crop protection.

A reception with food and refreshments, sponsored by Insight FS and the WPVGA Associate Division, was held at Antigo’s East City Park immediately following the LARS Field Day presentations.

LELAH STARKS FARM

Cody Bandoch, farm manager working for the Wisconsin Potato Coalition, welcomed guests to the Lelah Starks Farm in Rhinelander, July 31, and gave new equipment

updates, including the purchase of a mini-tuber seeder, a cup seed planter, seed cutter, Lockwood harvester, sprayer and bulk potato trucks.

The Wisconsin Potato Coalition was formed in December 2022 in a partnership with UW-CALS to operate the Lelah Starks Farm starting in the spring of 2023.

The coalition, which is an equal partnership between Baginski Farms, J.W. Mattek and Sons, Schroeder Bros. Farms, and Wysocki Family Farms, aims to strengthen Wisconsin’s potato industry through disease-free seed production and research support.

“When the Wisconsin Potato Coalition took over the Starks Farm,

Middle: Dr. Jeffrey Endelman, UW Department of Plant and Agroecosystem S ciences, provides a potato breeding program update at the HARS Field Day.

www.sandcountyequipment.com

paul@sandcountyequipment.com

Field Days Focus on Potato Research. . . continued from pg. 21

the university was operating under monetary losses,” Bandoch explained. “We increased E1 seed prices, efficiency in harvest and investment in infrastructure, and though we’re still operating at a net loss, going forward, we’ll be OK.”

Babler was on hand to update attendees on the WSPCP, saying the first seed inspection is complete, with more Potato Virus Y (PVY) than anticipated coming off the winter test in Hawaii.

“We’re hoping to get 95% emergence on 10-11 acres during our winter grow-out next year, with the rest of the testing done in the greenhouse so we can be ready to test for PVY and see it,” she said.

“Three out of the four greenhouses at the state farm are in production and the fourth will be by August 14,”

Babler added. “The tubers are storing well. We have enough for spring 2026 and will hopefully have surplus.”

PVY PRESSURE

PVY pressure remains a significant challenge, and the Wisconsin Potato Coalition has tightened up its own rule for replanting PVY lots to less than .25%, which is a higher standard than foundation status requirements.

The first stop during the wagon tours of the Lelah Starks Farm included a potato disease research update by Dr. Gevens, and an E1 field

Above: Jay-Mar Inc. Agronomist Brady Patoka (shown) and his fellow WPVGA Associate Division board members grilled chicken, potatoes and sweet corn as part of the HARS Field day. Flyte Family Farms provided the early season sweet corn.

Bottom: Dr. Amanda Gevens, UW Department of Plant Pathology, provides a potato disease research update as part of the Lelah Starks Farm Field Day.

where Dr. Groves discussed insect management in potato production.

Becky Eddy, superintendent at the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station (RARS), updated attendees

on potato breeding and variety developments, equipment upgrades and notable achievements, the latter including the fact that all clones entered for certification achieved that status this past year, and that 11,000 pounds of certified seed has been distributed throughout the United States and Canada.

“People are interested in our varieties,” she said.

“We have been focused on breeding for russets and chipping varieties, with two new chip varieties entered into the international SNAC trials, both with PVY and common scab resistance,” she said. “Currently

at RARS, we have 144 varieties in Year 3 that have PVY resistance.”

Such collaborations as those between RARS, the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, CALS, WSPCP, the Wisconsin Potato Coalition and industry at large are an attempt to meet customer needs in Wisconsin.

They also allow CALS to continue operations of mini-tuber production to ultimately produce disease-free seed at an isolated location such as the Lelah Starks Farm.

“What I love about field days is the chance to bring everyone together

Central agronomists and Pioneer representatives Joe

and Jason Culver (right) discuss a soybean seed variety trial being conducted at LARS using Nexta biologicals to enhance crop yield and resilience against environmental stressors.

Right: At the Lelah Starks Farm, Becky Eddy, superintendent of the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station (RARS), updated field day attendees on potato breeding and variety developments, equipment upgrades and notable achievements.

to see how research translates into real-world solutions for growers in the Central Sands and beyond,” Peters says. “This is the Wisconsin Idea in action.”

Left: Cropping

Markgraf (left)

New Era of Traceability

Why Open Systems are the future of fresh produce supply chains

By Todd Baggett, traceability expert, president and chief executive officer, Redline Solutions

The fresh produce industry is entering a pivotal new era. With Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 compliance deadlines approaching

and consumer expectations for food transparency rising, traceability is no longer just a best practice.

Regulations have the mandate of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and your company’s actions before the deadline will become brand differentiators.

But to meet the demands of this movement, our systems must evolve. It’s time for the fresh produce supply chain to embrace open systems where data flows freely, securely, and reliably from field to the retail food establishment.

Fresh produce moves fast. It’s harvested, cooled, packed, and shipped, often within a matter of days.

Above: Fresh produce moves fast. It’s harvested, cooled, packed, and shipped, often within a matter of days. Each of these handoffs has at least one Critical Tracking Event (CTE), and each actor involved must capture Key Data Elements (KDEs) that describe the “what, when, where, and who” of the product at that stage.

Each of these handoffs has at least one Critical Tracking Event (CTE), and each actor involved must capture Key Data Elements (KDEs) that describe the “what, when, where, and who” of the product at that stage.

Here’s the challenge: too many systems across the supply chain are still closed-loop, proprietary, and fragmented.

The planting, growing and harvesting data often live within one platform, while the packer-shipper’s packing, traceability lot codes, and shipping information are stored in another.

The distributor’s, retailer’s, and restaurant’s data are housed in yet another.

When systems can’t talk to each

other, traceability breaks down and the consequences range from inefficient recalls to reputational damage and regulatory penalties.

Open Systems Enable Flow, Not Friction

Open systems (standards-based and designed for integration) are the backbone of a modern, traceable supply chain.

They allow:

• Growers to generate and share location of harvest and lot codes instantly

• Packer-shippers to integrate harvest data into packing, labeling and shipping records automatically

• Distributors to receive, verify, and pass along traceability data with no loss of fidelity

• Retailers to receive upstream data through buying platforms, traceability data warehouses, or directly into their systems.

Rather than relying on PDFs, emails, or manual re-entry, open systems use APIs, GS1 Pallet SSCC labels, and standards like the PTI (Produce Traceability Initiative) Harmonized Case labels, in conjunction with secure cloud platforms to move data seamlessly.

They turn traceability from a reactive chore into a proactive asset.

What FSMA 204 Is Asking of Us

The FDA’s Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods (FSMA 204) makes one thing clear: traceability data must be electronic, granular, and shareable.

The rule emphasizes maintaining records for two years and being able to submit sortable spreadsheets within 24 hours of request.

That’s only achievable if systems are designed with data fluidity in mind. It’s no longer enough for each continued on pg. 26

“It’s no longer enough for each company to have traceability, but instead our traceability also must connect across all supply chain members.”

– Todd Baggett, Redline Solutions

Biocatalyst for Nutrient Release

BENEFITS

• Maximizes nutrient release from crop residues and the soil

• Extends existing nutrient availability later into the season

• Supports easier plantability in the spring

• Promotes more even crop emergence

• Optimizes yield potential for the next crop

company to have traceability, but instead our traceability also must connect across all supply chain members. That’s only possible with open systems that don’t trap data behind digital walls.

At RedLine Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how open systems change the game. Our customers using

integrated traceability platforms will not only comply more easily with FSMA 204, but they will also unlock insights that drive better decisions, reduce waste, and enhance food safety.

By incorporating FSMA 204 data collection directly into operational workflows, the required KDEs are

Unique operations need unique solutions.

automatically captured as part of the normal workflow processes, whether that’s harvesting, cooling, packing, shipping, or receiving.

EMPOWERING PACKER-SHIPPERS

This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving significant time and reducing the expense and risk of errors associated with handwritten logs or spreadsheet workarounds.

An open approach empowers packershippers, who play a central role in the supply chain, to seamlessly link harvest data with packaging and shipping information.

This ensures they can store CTE records, share traceability lot code data with their trading partners, and accurately report the CTEs that occur within the scope of their operations as required under FSMA 204.

Traceability is fundamentally about trust. Consumers trust that the produce they eat is safe. Retailers trust that the items they sell are traceable. Regulators trust that the supply chain can respond quickly when needed. That trust only flows where there is data integrity.

If you’re working on FSMA traceability compliance, ask yourself, “Is my data trapped, or does it flow?”

The answer will define not just your compliance posture, but also your resilience and reputation in the fresh produce world of tomorrow.

Eyes on Associates

Players Hit it Hard at the 2025 Putt-Tato Open

Much anticipated Associate Division tournament raises funds for research, scholarships and industry requests

To say it was a beautiful day, on July 9, for the 2025 Putt-Tato Open Golf Outing at Lake Arrowhead golf course, in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, is an understatement. With warm temperatures and just enough cloud cover to keep it comfortable, golfers had it made in the shade while attacking the links.

With a full roster of 42 teams of four players each (some with three) registered for the annual scramble tournament, the Putt-Tato Open reigned supreme again as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Associate Division of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

Through the support of golfers, sponsors and donors, the 2025 Putt-Tato Open reached its fundraising goals, with proceeds earmarked toward agricultural research, college scholarships and funding other industry causes to be determined by the Associate Division throughout the coming year.

The tournament is a favorite among industry players as a perfect midseason opportunity for the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing community to gather before harvest for camaraderie, networking, and a sporting good time.

Above: With a fountain in the background, Noah Hofmeister of Team Spectra Print putts the ball at Lake Arrowhead golf course in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, during the 2025 Putt-Tato Open.

Via sponsorships, donations and raffle ticket and mulligan sales, this year’s event raised more than $33,000 for worthy industry causes. The total includes $970 in mulligan sales and $2,360 in raffle tickets sold to golfers.

The Putt-Tato Open is an incredible undertaking, with Associate Division board members stationed outside the clubhouse on the morning of the event to check in groups and sell

Winning in a scorecard playoff with a tally of 58, the Warner & Warner Inc. (and Bushmans’ Inc.) team took 1st Place in the four-person scramble, represented by, from left to right, Chris Lockery, John Hopfensperger, and Nate Bolton.

mulligans to golfers who always prove generous in their support of the industry.

WPVGA Executive Assistant Julie Braun and Financial Officer Karen Rasmussen once again coordinated the golf outing, setting up a booth at the fourth hole to sell raffle tickets and engage golfers throughout the day.

Rural Mutual Insurance—the Zinda Insurance Group of Plover, and Jim Wehinger, Adams; VM Agritech; and Volm Companies, Inc. sponsored

lunch hot off the grill outside the clubhouse.

GOLD DINNER SPONSORS

McCain Foods donated appetizers for the awards banquet, while AgCountry Farm Credit Services, GreenLight Biosciences, Inc. and Sand County Equipment/Lemken/Lockwood were Gold Dinner Sponsors, helping provide a delicious post-tournament meal at the course.

Dynamic Alliance Roofing, LLC and Progressive Ag stepped up as Premier Event Sponsors this year,

Left: All smiles while representing Nichino America, as well as Wysocki Family Farms and McCain Foods, at the Putt-Tato Open are, from left to right, A.J. Bussan, Mike Johnson, Kevin Schleicher, and Tim Schrank.

Right: Golfing for Okray Family Farms, Javier Cipriano attempts a putt while teammates Brian Lee (left) and Alex Okray (center) show their support.

and Silver Sponsors included Big Iron Equipment/Spudnik and Compeer Financial. See the Putt-Tato Open “Thank You” ad in this issue for a rundown of all companies helping to make the event a success.

Plover River Farms was well represented at the Putt-Tato Open by, from left to right, Dan Walsch, Andy Wiza, Randy Fleishauer, and Jeanine McCain.

Paul Hegewald (left) and Mike Gatz of Bushmans’ Inc. were right at home in the golf cart during the Putt-Tato Open.

Above: Tim Duel of Riesterer & Schnell was the lucky raffle prize winner of a Pelican kayak donated by Sally Suprise of C & D Professional Insurance Services/Rural Mutual Insurance.

Above Right: Securing second place in a scorecard playoff with a score of 58 is the Bayland Buildings, Inc. team, made up of, from left to right, Jon Wurzer, Mitch Beilfuss, Logan Goodwill and Ric Szalewski.

Bottom: Representing Ascendance Truck Centers, Jay Weidman hits a solid chip shot at the Putt-Tato Open.

continued on pg. 30

REMINDER: Watch your inboxes for the WPVGA Tater Talk eNewsletter and information on registering for the 6th Annual Sporting Clays Shoot October 16, 2025 at the Wausau Skeet and Trap Club in Brokaw, Wisconsin.

a score

Associate Division Board President Matt Selenske was on hand to announce the tournament winners after dinner during the awards banquet, and, with the help of WPVGA staff, present cash to individual hole winners, and draw names and give out raffle and door prizes.

Prize money was awarded for top scores, and quite a few impressive, donated items went to those whose names were drawn for raffle and door prizes. The industry support was amazing as always, and everyone who participated in the Putt-Tato Open contributed to a good cause and walked away winners.

All segments of the potato and vegetable growing industry participated, including growers, researchers, processors, potato brokers, insurance companies, banks and lending offices, real estate agents, fertilizer and chemical plants, implement and equipment dealers, and irrigation, refrigeration, trucking,

Steve Worzella drives the ball home during the Putt-Tato Open in Nekoosa.

Golfing for Compeer Financial, Andrew Schulenberg kicks up a divot as he smashes one off the tee.

With

of 58, the Vista Financial Strategies team found themselves in 3rd Place after a scorecard playoff. From left to right are Parker Williamson, Pierce Valk, Skyler Valk, and Marcus Moreau.

storage and construction companies.

Occupied hole sponsors hosted games and contests, and gave out prizes, gifts, and refreshments on the course, providing fun at each stop along the way.

The Putt-Tato Open includes hole

awards for longest drives and putts and being closest to the pins, as well as monetary prizes up for grabs to golfers with the best shots.

Right: The Coloma Farms team, from left to right, Crystal Diercks, Kimmie Krueger, Paul Bratz, and Matt Krueger, just wanted to have fun at the Putt-Tato Open.

Congratulations go out to Justin Bangston of Express Employment Professionals who hit a hole-in-one on the 7th hole of Lake Arrowhead continued on pg. 32

MORE THAN JUST A SPROUT CONTROL

Unlock greater protection & profit with 1,4SIGHT®! This dormancy enhancer preserves field-fresh quality, extends shelf life, maintains firmness, & can reduct operational costs for your potatoes.

Contact us today to find out more! 208 887 9766 www.14group.com

Left: Max Tatro of T.I.P. Inc. tries to win a free drink by bouncing the ball into a blue Solo Cup at the Bula Land Company sponsored hole.

Eyes on Associates . . .

continued from pg. 31

golf course during the 2025 Putt-Tato Open.

Each year, the Putt-Tato Open provides a much-needed break during the growing season and generates significant funds that are put right back into the industry.

2025’s sold-out tournament speaks directly to the dedication and generosity of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry. Look for the Putt-Tato Open to be back and stronger than ever in 2026 and for years to come.

of

won a Blackstone Griddle donated by Allied/Pest Pros for the Putt-Tato Open.

Left: Matching shirts were the play of the day for the Riesterer & Schnell team, represented by, from left to right, Tim Duel, Travis Pliska, Lukas Erdmann, and Brian Hiess.

Above: Jason Karpinski

Wysocki Family Farms

Golfing for The Little Potato Company, Kurtis Goman takes a nice chip shot.

THANK YOU to the 2025 Putt-Tato Open Golf Sponsors

PREMIER EVENT SPONSORS

Dynamic Alliance Roofing, LLC

Progressive Ag

GOLD DINNER SPONSORS

AgCountry Farm Credit Services

GreenLight Biosciences

Sand County Equipment/Lemken/Lockwood

SILVER SPONSORS

Big Iron Equipment/Spudnik

Compeer Financial

LUNCH SPONSORS

Rural Mutual Insurance:

Zinda Insurance Group & Jim Wehinger

VM Agritech

Volm Companies, Inc.

APPETIZER SPONSOR

McCain Foods USA

DRINK SPONSOR

Nichino America, Inc.

GOLF BALL SPONSOR

Sand County Equipment

RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSORS

• Blackstone 28” Griddle

– Pest Pros & Allied Co-op

• Gift Basket

– Swiderski Equipment

• Radio Flyer Wagon & Gardening Supplies

– Jay-Mar, Inc.

• RTIC Cooler with Beverages

– BMO Bank

• Fishing Tackle Basket

– EXIT Realty CW

• Gift Certificate for Rounds of Golf

– Lake Arrowhead

• Custom Bean Bag Toss Set

– Vista Financial Strategies

• Kayak & Paddle

– C & D Professional Insurance Services & Adventure Outfitters

• $500 in Gift Cards

– Hammer-Lok

HOLE SPONSORS

Allen Supply Company, Inc.

Altmann Construction

Anderson O’Brien, LLP

Ascendance Truck Centers

Bula Land Company

Bushmans’, Inc.

Compeer Financial

EXIT Realty CW

Gowan USA

GreenLight Biosciences

Hammer-Lok

IState Truck

Mayo-Harriston

Food + Farm Exploration Center

Green Bay Packaging, Inc.

MetLife Agricultural Finance

Modern Produce Equipment LLC

Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems, Inc.

Nichino America, Inc.

Noble Community Clinics

North Central Irrigation

Phospholutions

Prevail Bank

Progressive Ag

Riesterer & Schnell

Roberts Irrigation Co., Inc.

Schierl Tire & Auto Service

Service Motor Company

T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc.

The Little Potato Company

TriEst Ag Group

Truck Country

Vista Financial Strategies, LLC

VM Agritech

Warner & Warner, Inc.

New Products

1,4-DMN Confirmed Safe for Use on Potatoes

Codex Alimentarius (the “Food Code”) adopts MRL for 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene

Great news for potato producers: Codex Alimentarius, the “Food Code,” has confirmed the safety of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (1,4-DMN) for use on potatoes, setting a new standard for food safety and fostering international trade.

1,4-DMN is a naturally occurring biocontrol agent that enhances dormancy, controls sprouting and encourages field-fresh quality in stored potatoes.

The conclusion on safe use followed a thorough review process by experts from the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), which then was successively confirmed by Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues earlier in 2024.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted the Codex Maximum Residue Level (CXL) for

1,4-dimethylnaphthalene of 15 mg./ kg. during its annual meeting in Geneva, on November 26, 2024.

1,4-DMN is a true dormancy enhancer rather than a sprout suppressant. It mimics naturally occurring potato hormones, triggering the production of potato tubers’ own dormancy enhancing enzymes.

1,4SIGHT®, 1,4SEED®

Sold by DormFresh and 1,4GROUP as 1,4SIGHT® for processing and table potatoes and as 1,4SEED® for seed potatoes, 1,4-DMN is highly effective

• Our refrigeration units are available in single and three phase

• Quality components, manufactured at our shop in Prince Edward Island

• Door models are portable and can be moved to different storages as needed

at managing sprouting and peeping from storage bin right through shipping. 1,4SIGHT and 1,4SEED also offer important secondary benefits, including decreased moisture loss (shrink) and less bruising.

1,4-DMN is currently approved for application in various regions, including the European Union, Canada, and the United States.

Both the Pest Management Regulatory Agency in Canada and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States have approved 1,4-DMN under the biopesticide registration process and classify 1,4-DMN as a substance that does not require the setting of a maximum residue level (MRL).

“We are excited that 1,4-DMN now finally was assigned a Codex MRL. Many companies will breathe easier knowing that it now will be much simpler to ship potatoes treated with 1,4-DMN to foreign destinations,” says Jeanette VonKrosigk, 1,4GROUP’s global regulatory affairs director. This newly adopted global food safety standard will foster international trade. Obtaining a CXL is considered as a critical step towards full international acceptance of 1,4-DMN treated potatoes and processed products made from treated potatoes.

Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions & Consumer Education

Here’s Your WPVGA Promotions Retreat Recap

Approved 2025-’26 budget includes a comprehensive array of initiatives

The 2025 Promotions Retreat, held May 21-22 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, provided a platform for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Promotions Committee members to outline the upcoming year’s promotional efforts.

The retreat served as an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate

and fine-tune strategies to elevate Wisconsin potatoes, while also addressing ever-evolving industry needs.

Built into the retreat agenda were opportunities for professional development and team alignment.

A virtual retail panel, composed of representatives from various

independent retail companies/ organizations, provided a valuable perspective and created vital relationships.

Brian Truax, vice president of sales and marketing for Indianapolis Fruit, Michael La Kier, vice president of brand development for IGA, and Don Theisen, store director for Trig’s in Rhinelander, all shared their expertise about recent consumer trends, the displays and messages that are most effective for consumers, and types of marketing to increase produce sales.

The panel moderator and past chairman of the United Potato Growers of America, Dave Warsh, also introduced the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program and got the panelists’ feedback about featuring Wisconsin Healthy Grown® products in their stores and how an

Above: The Midwest Family Madison team, from left to right, Sara Belleau, Liz Matzke and Elyse Birkett, presents to the Promotions Committee on May 21, 2025.

The WPVGA Promotions Committee takes in a presentation by Midwest Family Madison on leveraging social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and programmatic display advertising to drive consumer awareness and promote Wisconsin potatoes in key markets.

organization like WPVGA can be a resource going forward.

GROUP ACTIVITY

The second day of the meeting began with a group activity that promoted camaraderie, communication, and fun. In smaller groups of 3-5 people each, committee members drew folded notecards containing the names of famous individuals.

Each group member needed to use “I” statements to describe the person and his/her accomplishments without divulging the person’s name. The other group members had to guess who their team members were describing. As some names were more well-known and others obscure, it made for entertaining dialogue.

The second activity involved each group member taking turns holding a potato and talking about “roots”— such as their first memory involving potatoes, what drew them to the industry, a memory of collaboration to solve a challenge, a value/principle that keeps them grounded at work, or a memory of why they’re proud to be part of the Wisconsin potato industry.

These activities and the virtual retail panel, in conjunction with other aspects of the agenda, helped the group maintain a strategic mindset throughout the two-day retreat and settle on a 2025-’26 promotional budget.

The approved budget includes a comprehensive array of initiatives designed to boost the industry’s visibility, foster consumer education, and promote Wisconsin’s agricultural sector locally and globally.

International Trade Shows: Global Reach for

Wisconsin’s Produce

As part of the 2025-’26 budget, the Promotions Committee has allocated funds to support travel to major international trade shows, including Expo ANTAD in Guadalajara, March 2026, and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) show that will be held in Toronto at the end of April 2026.

Above: The second day of the 2025 Promotions Retreat began with a group activity that promoted camaraderie, communication, and fun. From left to right in the two images are Brian Lee, Wendy Dykstra, Alex Gumz, Andy Diercks, Melissa Heise, Heidi Randall, Cassie Krebs and Tim Huffcutt.

These events provide valuable opportunities to showcase Wisconsingrown potatoes and vegetables to a broader international audience. By attending ANTAD in Mexico and CPMA in Canada, the WPVGA aims to strengthen export relationships, discover new markets, and open

Mark Rice, Owner

doors for Wisconsin growers to expand their reach beyond the United States.

In a separate but related project, WPVGA also received a third grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (WI DATCP) to expand exports of Wisconsin potatoes.

WPVGA has used previously awarded grants from DATCP to focus on the Mexican and Canadian markets. This third grant, however, will mainly include Mexico and hosting not only another reverse trade mission in spring 2026, but also planning a trade mission for Wisconsin growers to nurture business relationships in Mexico in fall 2025.

Food Safety Training: Building Trust through Education

Food safety remains a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s agricultural reputation, and the 2025-’26 budget allocates resources for food safety training aimed at industry professionals. Training sessions will ensure that growers and other stakeholders are equipped with the latest best practices, meeting domestic and

international standards.

By investing in ongoing food safety education, the WPVGA aims to help growers stay ahead of the curve and reinforce consumer confidence in Wisconsin’s produce.

Wisconsin Spudmobile and Spudmobile 2.0: Bringing Potatoes to the People One of the standout features of the approved budget is continued

La Kier, vice

of brand development for

support for the Wisconsin Spudmobile, which plays a vital role in educating the public about the benefits of Wisconsin potatoes.

The Spudmobile, a mobile education unit designed to teach consumers about potato cultivation and nutrition, will continue its presence at local events and festivals thanks to Brian Bushman and Trisha Grezenski, of Bushman Trucking LLC, in Wittenberg.

Both Bushman and Grezenski have their commercial driver’s licenses and understand the difficulty in filling a niche position like that of the Spudmobile driver. In an act of gracious generosity and consideration, they offered to help drive the Spudmobile to and from specific events.

WPVGA is limiting these to highertrafficked events such as three days

Above: The virtual retail panel moderator and participants are, top right, Don Theisen, store director at Trig’s in Rhinelander; second row, left to right, Dave Warsh, past chairman of United Potato Growers of America, and Brian Truax, vice president of sales and marketing for Indianapolis Fruit; and, bottom, Michael

president

IGA.

at the Wisconsin State Fair, five Packers games in Green Bay, and three race events (i.e., Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon in October, Madison Marathon in November, and the Run Madtown Half Marathon in May 2026). Events outside of these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While the Promotions Committee is elated to have the Spudmobile on the road again, the committee is equally as excited to have the privilege of setting aside some funding for a “Spudmobile 2.0.”

The details of a “Spudmobile Chapter 2” are very much in their infancy. However, the process of brainstorming ideas and securing funds must begin now.

The Promotions Committee members appreciate the willingness of the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board (WPIB) to begin reserving funds for such a large, detailed, and intricate project. The inability to do so would greatly constrict and/or prevent other projects and partnerships within the budget from occurring or moving forward in the meantime.

Healthy Grown Grower and Consumer Outreach: Advocating for Sustainable Practices

The Healthy Grown® Grower and Consumer Outreach programs, which are funded as part of the budget, both focus on sustainable farming practices and the health benefits of consuming locally grown potatoes. With increased demand for environmentally responsible farming, this initiative will educate growers and consumers on the principles of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program and certification, which guarantees that products are produced using methods that prioritize environmental stewardship. The Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program saw an increase in participation at the start of the 2025 crop planting thanks to Walmart’s benchmarking of the program

regarding its integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

As a result of increased growth, WPVGA started looking for Wisconsin Healthy Grown® product outlets, such as independent retail stores. Trig’s retail stores quickly accepted the invitation to discuss a Wisconsin Healthy Grown® potato promotion when the 2025 crop hits the market.

T.A. Solberg Company owns four northern Wisconsin stores, namely in

Minocqua, Eagle River, Rhinelander, and Tomahawk. It’s the perfect area in which to navigate a promotion for Wisconsin Healthy Grown® products and to keep the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program moving forward for the industry and for consumers.

Wisconsin Potato Events: Engaging Communities and Promoting Health A major emphasis of the 2025-’26 budget is the Powered by Wisconsin

Potato Events initiative. This program aims to engage consumers while promoting the health benefits of potatoes through prominent community events.

The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon (October 2025), Madison Marathon (November 2025), and Run Madtown Half Marathon (May 2026) will also spotlight Wisconsin potatoes as part of the events’ nutrition strategies, with potato chips offered to runners as a salty snack for recovery, and the Spudmobile being on site to greet runners and event attendees.

By sponsoring these events, the WPVGA is leveraging the connection between fitness, health, and the consumption of nutritious local produce.

Digital Marketing & Nutrition Education and Public Relations:

Expanding the Potato Story To further amplify the reach of Wisconsin potatoes, the budget allocates funding for digital marketing in partnership with Midwest Family Madison.

The effort will focus on leveraging social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and programmatic display advertising to drive consumer awareness and promote Wisconsin potatoes in key markets like Waukesha, Madison, and La Crosse.

In addition, Ten Acre Marketing will lead nutrition education and public relations endeavors, ensuring that Wisconsin potatoes are seen not only as delicious, but also as an essential part of a healthy diet.

The initiative will include repurposing content from articles written the previous year on social media, amplifying content performance on WPVGA’s consumer website, and introducing WPVGA to podcast and webinar participation.

TV Spots and Local Promotions: Connecting with Consumers

For a second year, WPVGA is also partnering with Wisconsin Foodie on an episode devoted to Wisconsin potatoes. Year one of the episode resulted in more than 11,000 views and more than 180,000 impressions.

While the details are currently being discussed for the second episode, the award-winning TV show is sure to resonate with consumers in helping to set Wisconsin apart and encourage them to buy local when they shop.

As part of the ongoing promotional push within “Nutrition Education and Public Relations,” Dana Rady will continue conducting monthly TV spots in Wausau and Eau Claire throughout the year. These spots will keep Wisconsin potatoes top-ofmind for consumers, promoting the versatility, taste, and health benefits of America’s favorite vegetable.

In addition, Ross Mollet of Busy Sunday Promotions will attend hightraffic events such as races and Green Bay Packers games to help promote Wisconsin potatoes to consumers, ensuring maximum exposure at each event without overburdening industry members.

Engaging the Public: Mascots, Sponsorships, and Educational Programs

To foster deeper connections with both children and families, Spudly, the potato mascot, will continue to appear at various events, bringing fun and educational opportunities to younger generations while promoting Wisconsin-grown potatoes.

The Stevens Point Youth Area Football sponsorship also reflects WPVGA’s commitment to community engagement, with the association showing its support for local youth sports.

Financial support will also be directed to the Alice in Dairyland program, a highly regarded initiative that promotes Wisconsin’s agriculture and educates the public on the agricultural industry.

Additionally, the Spud Bowl, September 6, will receive sponsorship as part of WPVGA’s ongoing commitment to education and supporting Wisconsin’s agricultural events in a significant potato-growing region.

Conclusion: A Strong and Unified Effort

The 2025-’26 budget approved by the WPVGA Promotions Committee is a comprehensive, forward-thinking plan designed to elevate Wisconsin potatoes on the national and international stages while educating consumers about the health benefits of locally grown produce.

With a mix of traditional outreach, digital marketing, community events, and global trade opportunities, the budget reflects a strong commitment to the future of the Wisconsin potato industry.

By continuing to invest in these promotional efforts, the WPVGA ensures that Wisconsin potatoes remain a staple in kitchens and at dining tables and athletic events across the country and beyond.

Above: Longtime WPVGA Promotions Committee member Mike Gatz “just really likes potatoes.”

PAA Holds its 2025 Annual Meeting in Wisconsin

Potato Storage Symposium includes panel of state’s respected professionals

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

In front of the incredibly beautiful backdrop of Lake Monona at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin, the Potato Association of America (PAA) held its Annual Meeting on July 2731, 2025.

The meeting included five days of discovery, collaboration and celebration with scientists, researchers and industry leaders who are passionate about advancing potato science.

PAA Section meetings focused on work that is shaping the field, such as potato breeding and genetics; extension, production and management; plant protection; physiology; and utilization and

Gashaw B. Alemu, Department of Plant Pathology, University of WisconsinMadison, discusses how “Potato cv. ‘Granola’ Has Moderate Tolerance for Bacterial Wilt Disease” during the Potato Association of America (PAA) Annual Meeting in Madison, Wisconsin.

marketing.

Sunday kicked off with a graduate student event sponsored by 1,4 Group followed by the PAA Board of Directors Meeting, poster sessions

set-up, a president’s opening and welcome reception sponsored by Simplot, and welcoming remarks from Wisconsin Sen. Patrick Testin.

Above:

Monday, July 28 began with an inspiring conversation celebrating the women driving innovation and excellence in potato research, exploring careers, sharing achievements and recognizing vital contributions made to by this essential part of the agricultural community.

The North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) co-hosted a Technical Storage Symposium with the PAA Utilization and Marketing Section, marking a significant gathering of the foremost minds in potato storage science, engineering,

and commercial application.

The 2025 symposium aimed to bridge critical knowledge gaps and foster dialog across the spectrum of storage-related disciplines.

The PAA Storage Symposium convened leading experts from academia, industry, and global research institutions, each of whom addressed cutting-edge advancements in:

• Post-harvest storage chemistry –exploring the biochemical dynamics that influence dormancy, sprout inhibition, and quality retention.

Amber Walker, storage research facility manager of the Hancock Agricultural Research Station, introduces presenters during the Technical Storage Symposium portion of the PAA Annual Meeting.

Right: Jeff Miller (left), president of Miller Research, LLC, in Rupert, Idaho, and Nora Olsen, professor and extension specialist, University of Idaho, give a presentation on “Navigating the Disease Landscape of Russet Potato Variety Susceptibility.”

• Structural design and engineering of modern storage facilities –emphasizing airflow optimization, moisture control, and energy efficiency.

Kurt Demeulemeester of Inagro, in Belgium, explains the phase-out of chlorpropham (CIPC) in the European Union (EU), which has necessitated the exploration of alternative sprout inhibitors for potato storage.

Left:

• Regulatory shifts and marketdriven standards – highlighting how evolving food safety, climate, and environmental guidelines are reshaping storage protocols.

The event was especially timely as the potato sector continues to confront climate volatility, shifting market pressures, and the demand for more sustainable and resilient storage practices.

Kurt Demeulemeester of Inagro, in Belgium, discussed the phase-out of chlorpropham (CIPC) in the European Union (EU), which has necessitated the exploration of alternative sprout inhibitors for potato storage.

CIPC had been the primary dormancy extending chemical in the EU for over five decades, as well as in the United States, but its de-authorization prompted a rapid pivot to alternative suppressants.

By mid-2020, the use of CIPC was banned in Belgium, and residue limits

were significantly reduced from 10 ppm (parts per million) to 0.01 ppm, with a temporary threshold of 0.4 ppm from September 2021.

This regulatory change has prompted the need for effective alternatives to ensure the quality and longevity

of stored potatoes.

Demeulemeester summarized experimental trials conducted between 2015 and 2020 utilizing storage chambers maintained at 6.5° Celsius. Several potato varieties

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Brooke Babler (left) and Josie Spurgeon of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program pose in front of the booth they set up at the PAA Annual Meeting, in Madison.

PAA Holds its 2025 Annual Meeting in Wisconsin . . . continued from pg. 43

were tested with multiple application dates and dosages of various sprout inhibitors.

The inhibitors evaluated included Maleic Hydrazide (MH), ethylene (Restrain), mint oil (Biox-M), orange oil (Argos), 1,4-DMN (1,4 Sight), and an experimental compound, 3-decen2-one.

QUALITY PARAMETERS

Multiple potato storage quality parameters were assessed, such as

French fry color, internal germination and weight loss. And commercial potato storages were monitored monthly during five storage seasons (2020-2025) on sprouting levels, internal sprouting, weight loss and fry color.

The results indicated varying levels of germination control depending on the product and potato variety, as well as the season. Maleic Hydrazidtreated potatoes resulted in better

Above: A storage panel moderated by Gustavo Teixeria (left), University of Idaho, included, from left to right, Kurt Demeulemeester of Inagro, in Belgium, Morgan Smolarek, field manager of McCain Foods of Plover, A.J. Bussan, director of agronomy for Wysocki Family Farms, Bancroft, and Dale Nelson, co-owner of Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems in Plainfield.

sprout control during the storing phase and less internal sprouting.

Spearmint/orange oils offered sprout suppression but required regular application and monitoring. Ethylene showed variable results and might affect fry color.

1,4 DMN provided dormancy extension and satisfactory sprout control. However, all products needed multiple (hot) fogs or continuous application and none of the alternatives matched the long-lasting efficacy of a single CIPC application.

Weight loss increased under certain treatments and is correlated with the level of sprout control.

Nora Olsen, professor and extension specialist, University of Idaho, and Jeff Miller, president of Miller Research, LLC, in Rupert, Idaho, gave a presentation on “Navigating the Disease Landscape of Russet Potato Variety Susceptibility.”

This issue’s interviewee, Mark Rice, president of McGowan Rice Construction, shared his expertise on “Storage Structures: Potato

Storage Design and Engineering.”

STORAGE PANEL

A storage panel moderated by Gustavo Teixeria, University of Idaho, included Dale Nelson, co-owner of Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems in Plainfield, Wisconsin, Morgan Smolarek, field manager of McCain Foods of Plover, and A.J. Bussan, director of agronomy for Wysocki Family Farms, Bancroft.

Sessions on Monday ended with a fun trivia pub crawl, while Tuesday’s presentations concluded with an ice cream social sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and WPVGA Associate Division, and a PAA dinner and auction at the Madison Children’s Museum.

Proceeds from the auction support the Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Endowment, which funds student participation at future PAA meetings. Donations help advance the next generation of potato scientists.

Wednesday, July 30, included a fun run/walk, a Potato Breeders Forum, annual member business meeting and by-law vote, Potato Research Advisory Committee meeting and PAA Awards Banquet.

Olsen and Miller also teamed up for a discussion on Wednesday, July 30, on the “Economics of Early Blight/ Brown Spot Management of Potato in the Semi-Arid Environment of Southern Idaho.”

Attendees of the PAA Annual Meeting were invited to explore Wisconsin potato and specialty crop production facilities on Thursdays, July 31, including the Alsum Farms & Produce potato packing, sorting and grading shed of Friesland, and the mint fields and distillation facility of Gumz Farms, in Endeavor.

The Potato Association of America is heading to New Orleans, July 26-30, for its 2026 Annual Meeting.

STORAGE BUILDING PROJECT

LEASE

• 100% tax deductibility of qualified tax leases

• No down payment requirement. First lease payment due when the project is completed.

• Potential estate planning benefits for the client

• Collateral flexibility on most transactions

Now News

Greenhouse Brings Agriculture to Life

Food + Farm Exploration Center creates year-round learning space

Exciting things are sprouting in the new Greenhouse at the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, Wisconsin. Generously sponsored by Carol and Dick Okray of Okray Family Farms, there’s been tremendous progress toward creating a year-

round learning space that brings agriculture to life for all ages.

From installing irrigation systems to preparing tables and crop beds, this project is moving forward with the support of an inspiring group of volunteers and the Food + Farm

Exploration Center team — and the vision is starting to bloom.

In late May, the Food + Farm Exploration Center hosted a greenhouse volunteer event that brought together a powerhouse group of local organizations, all eager to dig in and lend a hand.

This kind of collaboration with partners like the Portage County Business Council, Inc., Simplicity Credit Union, Sentry, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, RR Donnelley, Okray Family Farms, Heartland Farms, Inc., the University of WisconsinStevens Point, Lineage, and Skyward is what makes the mission possible.

Their efforts, from plumbing prep to structural support, helped lay the literal and figurative foundation for the greenhouse’s next phase. The staff is eternally grateful for the volunteers’ time, energy, and belief in the work.

The team then got busy planting a diverse mix of Wisconsin crops to support educational programming and create hands-on learning opportunities. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s growing:

Herbs & Aromatics

• Lavender

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Basil

• Mint

Vegetables & Focus Crops

• Sweet corn

• Norland & Jelly potatoes

• Chantey & Bryillance carrots

• Beets

• Cucumbers

• Onions

• Beans

• Peas

• Tomatoes

The crops will serve as the foundation for new engaging experiences that showcase plant systems, seed growth and innovation, plant wellness and sustainable agriculture, all while teaching greenhouse visitors how food goes from field (or greenhouse!) to fork.

The team of volunteers continued:

• Installing irrigation systems and fertigation setups

• Seeding, planting, and maintaining an evolving crop plan

• Prepping educational stations, signage, sanitation, and observation tools

Each of these pieces helps fulfill the Food + Farm Exploration Center’s mission: to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. None of this happens without helping hands from donors and volunteers.

A Greenhouse grand opening, also sponsored by Dick and Carol Okray, is planned for October 2, 2025.

Allied Coop Opens New Fertilizer Plant in Plover

Allied Cooperative is proud to announce the grand opening of its newly constructed dry fertilizer plant at its agronomy location, in Plover,

Wisconsin. Built on the existing site at 4809 Monroe Avenue, the new facility marks a major investment in supporting the productivity and growth of area farmers.

With a storage capacity of 14,000 tons, the plant is equipped with state-of-the-art mixing and highspeed blending systems, allowing for faster receiving, custom blending, and efficient shipping to Allied’s fleet and walk-in customers.

The upgraded system also includes expanded bin space and enhanced storage capacity, enabling Allied to offer a wider range of fertilizer products.

A key feature of the new facility is trackside railcar unloading, which allows railcars to be offloaded directly indoors. This minimizes weatherrelated delays and helps ensure a steady, efficient flow of fertilizer to meet seasonal demand.

The plant also includes new office space and a small conference room to better support daily operations and provide a comfortable meeting

space for customer consultations and agronomic planning.

Located in the heart of Wisconsin’s Central Sands region, the Plover location plays a critical role in serving one of the nation’s premier vegetable-growing areas. Local growers rely on Allied Cooperative for timely, high-quality service to support the production of potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, peas, carrots, cucumbers, and a variety of row crops.

“This new facility reflects our longterm commitment to the growers of Central Wisconsin,” says Rob Larson, chief executive officer of Allied Cooperative. “By investing in modern infrastructure and technology, we’re ensuring our ability to deliver fast, reliable service while helping producers stay competitive and productive in today’s ag economy.”

The new fertilizer plant is now fully operational and prepared to meet the needs of growers across the region. An open house with dinner was held on August 5, 2025.

Noble Community Clinics Holds

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Stevens Point services available to all regardless of insurance status or ability to pay

On July 14, 2025, Noble Community Clinics held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new 38,000 squarefoot facility across from P.J. Jacobs High School, on 2501 Main Street, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

The very next day, Tuesday, July 15, the $18 million clinic opened its doors to anyone in need of healthcare regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay.

The clinic, which is expected to serve 15,000 patients annually by 2027, includes a retail pharmacy, behavioral health services, primary care medical services, chiropractic and optical services, and a large dental practice.

“The services are for everyone,” Noble Community Clinics Chief Executive Officer Laura Waldvogel says. “We specialize in people who have barriers to accessing care. Many times, those are socioeconomic barriers, people living in poverty, and people who maybe use the Medicaid system, those who use Medicare.”

Also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Sec. Kathy Blumenfeld, Sen.

Patrick Testin, Rep. Vincent Miresse, and Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza.

Noble Community Clinics Chief Operating Officer Ivan Coziahr was joined at the ceremony by Todd Kuckkahn, a speaker, consultant and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point adjunct professor, Gregg Gutschow, major gifts officer for Aspirus

Health, and Carrie Penovich, Aspirus president of Wisconsin’s Southeast Division.

“Our goal is to improve community access to essential health services,” Penovich states. “This state-of-the-art facility will double the dental health services in our community, ensuring thousands have access to care. The underserved, under-insured and noninsured will find respite here through compassionate, accessible health care.”

SUPPORTING SERVICES

“We provide supporting services to all, including but not limited

to insurance enrollment, referral management, and transpiration,” Coziahr says. “Cost for discounted services is based on income and household size via a sliding fee scale. A person may qualify even if they have commercial insurance but perhaps are on a high-deductible plan.”

Noble Community Clinics also operates a mobile unit that travels to farms, migrant labor camps and businesses, making it seamless for employers to provide health care, dental and other services

to employees at reduced rates or virtually no cost (depending on income) through federal grant funding.

Using a holistic approach, Noble Community Clinics and its mobile unit can provide most point-ofcare testing, allowing health care professionals to identify those “silent killers” such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

Left: Seated in the front row for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Noble Community Clinics Stevens Point facility are, from left to right, Sen. Patrick Testin, Rep. Vincent Miresse, Sec. Kathy Blumenfeld, and Gov. Tony Evers.

Right: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, saying, “This is a significant state-supported project partially funded by $2 million from our nongrant program. Community health centers bridge health gaps, and since 2019, Noble Community Clinics has been serving Stevens Point.”

A registered nutritional dietician travels with the mobile unit and can provide information for people with chronic health problems or diseases.

Noble Community Clinic has offered some dental and medical services in Stevens Point since 2019, but the two Noble Clinics that had been operating in Stevens Point up until July closed their doors, moving services to the new building.

Guests were invited inside the new clinic after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for tours of the facility and lunch provided by Purple Basil of Plover.

Noble Community Clinics broke ground on the new facility about a year ago and held a public open house at the new location, on July 26, for those in the community who were not invited to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Guests were invited inside the new clinic after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for tours of the facility and lunch provided by Purple Basil of Plover.

DormFresh Unveils Trial and Research Center

New German facility is pivotal step in developing sustainable potato storage

DormFresh Ltd., a leader in potato storage solutions, in partnership with TASC International (Germany) GmbH, recently announced the grand opening of its new Trial and Research Center in Rosche, Germany.

This cutting-edge facility is a pivotal step in developing sustainable potato storage and sprout inhibition methods, especially critical following the European Union’s CIPC ban.

Representing a €600,000 (euro) investment, the center spans 310 square meters with a 36-ton storage capacity. It features six state-of-the-

art, gas-tight storage boxes with automated controls for temperature, humidity, and CO₂ content, enabling precise research.

Lars Willem Köpp, managing director of TASC International GmbH, emphasized the center’s role in bridging product development with commercial reality. Its core mission is to support DormFresh’s trials for European Union approval of new sprout inhibitors while enhancing TASC International’s expertise and supply chain control.

The center aims to set new

standards for quality assurance and sustainability in potato storage by focusing on effective and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Initial trials are underway, with the facility pursuing GEP (Good Experimental Practice) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accreditation to support European Union product approval.

DormFresh, known for its 1,4SIGHT® product, remains committed to leading potato storage technology and sustainability.

Badger Beat

Using Drones in Potato Breeding

Software helps researchers extract data from individual plots in field trials

By Jeff Endelman and Johan Aparicio, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences

Since 2019, the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison potato breeding program has been collecting aerial images of its trials with a drone, or UAV (uncrewed aerial vehicle). Our first drone was a DJI Phantom 4 PRO V2 quadcopter.

In 2025, we upgraded to the DJI Mavic 3 Multispec for its real-time kinetic (RTK) positioning system, which has improved the quality and reduced the cost of image stitching to generate a single, integrated image of each field (Fig. 1).

Over the past six years, we have explored different ways to improve the breeding process with drone images.

One simple but powerful benefit has been that, using one person to fly the drone, our entire team can now review images from the Hancock and Rhinelander Agricultural Research Stations and monitor crop progress (stitching is complete within two days).

We have three FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)-certified pilots on our team at present, so the burden of making weekly flights at two locations can be shared.

Visual inspection of the images is just the beginning. In 2020, a postdoctoral scientist in our group developed the FieldImageR software to help researchers extract data from individual plots in field trials (https://github.com/OpenDroneMap/ FIELDimageR).

In 2025, we released the ExploreHTP software to further simplify the process of extracting data from aerial images (https://github.com/ AparicioJohan/exploreHTP).

Figure 1: Aerial images of a potato breeding trial at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station were taken at 50 (left) and 62 (right) days after planting.

Instead of measuring vine maturity or early vigor at a single time point, we can now efficiently characterize growth and senescence across the entire season for hundreds of breeding lines.

To illustrate, Figure 2 shows the percentage of ground cover and average height for over 100 early generation (Field Year 3) chipping varieties in our 2022 trial at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS).

Emergence time ranged from 2648 days after planting. Peak height generally occurred around the time of canopy closure, or 15–35 days after emergence. These two growth traits had a slight negative correlation (r = - 0.27), indicating a tendency of late-emerging varieties to catch up with earlier ones by canopy closure.

Our goal is to use ground cover and height data to predict yield, since plants use the canopy to intercept

light and make carbohydrates.

In crop production, being able to forecast yield helps with storage planning and other business decisions. For breeding, the motivation is different: we want

to predict the yield potential of new varieties before it has ever been measured.

In Field Year 2 (FY2), up to 1,000 new chipping varieties are planted each

Figure 2: Growth curves are for ground cover and plant height in the potato breeding trial. The gray curves are individual plots, and the colored line indicates the trial average.

Badger Beat. . .

continued from pg. 53

year at the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station, with eight plants per clone.

At present, we use genomic marker data to make yield predictions based on historical data for hundreds of relatives (parents, grandparents, cousins, etc.).

IMPROVED PREDICTIONS

By flying the drone over this trial, we hope to improve the accuracy of yield predictions, which must be ready by harvest.

Only 30% of the FY2 clones are selected in the field based on a visual assessment of tuber type, size, and number.

Marker-based predictions about disease resistance, yield, specific gravity, and fry color are consulted on a smartphone during in-field

at HARS (Table 1).

Each trial had over 100 breeding clones, which changed each year. Thus far, our research indicates using the integrated area under the growth curve (AUC) is better than any single time point and comparable to using the entire time series as a highdimensional predictor.

The correlation (r) between AUC and yield was similar for the two growth traits, ranging from 0.4-to-0.6. Combining the AUCs for ground cover and plant height slightly improved

In a previous project, we observed benefits from combining genomic marker and weather data when predicting yield across environments. The addition of growth traits derived from drone images may further enhance such models.

Acknowledgments

External funding for this research has come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA) Hatch Project 1013047, Award 2021-34141-35447, Hancock and Rhinelander Agricultural

HA RVEST SUCCESS

Table 1: The table shows the correlation between yield and the area under the growth curve (AUC) at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS).

PEOPLE

WPVGA Hall of Famer Bob Helbach Passes Away

His love of the industry and desire to help all vegetable farmers was well known

Robert Patrick Helbach unexpectedly passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the age of 82. Bob was born on November 3, 1942, in the same bedroom he slept in for the past 60 years, in the Town of Lanark, Portage County, Wisconsin, to George and Neva “Merle” Helbach.

The youngest of 10 children, Bob grew up on the family dairy farm, and after losing his father at age 13, he milked cows and operated the farm with his mother until he graduated from Amherst High school, in 1960.

Shortly after graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country from April 1961 to 1965. He spent most of his career in the U.S. Marine Corps serving aboard the USS Coral Sea.

Bob married Helen Dernbach on April 4, 1964, at St. Martin’s Church in Buena Vista. They had six children. After serving his country, Bob worked as a salesman for Waupaca Auto Supply, Schultz Industries and Hedlund Manufacturing before coming back to the home farm in 1974.

Following one of his passions and tired of travel and time away from family, Bob restarted Helbach Farms, raising field corn and snap beans. As the farm was expanded, he started raising potatoes.

Bob served for many years on the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Board negotiating contracts with the processors. His love for the industry and desire to help all vegetable farmers was known by everyone. He was inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame in 2014.

He loved his family and especially enjoyed taking the grandkids and great-grandchildren on “Ranger” rides and to Timber Rattlers baseball games. Bob was an avid sports fan and supported all Amherst Falcon athletics, especially baseball; he enjoyed all baseball, farming and especially his family.

He was a devoted Catholic, had a devotion to the Virgin Mary and recited the rosary every morning.

FAMILY LEGACY

Bob is survived by his wife, Helen Helbach, Amherst; sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Helbach, Plover; children: George (Lara) Helbach, Black River Falls; Robert (Jennie) Helbach, Rosholt; Corky (Shelley) Helbach, Amherst; Michael (Debra) Helbach, Amherst; and Suzanna (Travis) Firkus, Rosholt.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Zachary (Ashley)

November 3, 1942 – July 21, 2025

Helbach; Lindsay (Steve) Maves; Alex (Dasha) Helbach; Olivia Helbach; Zachary Zillmer; Alli (Nate) Parker; Shawn (Bria) Skibba; Sean (Stephanie) Skibba; Paige Skibba; Tanya (Chris) Mitchell; Cameron Gaulke; Abigail Helbach; Gabriel Helbach;

Robert P. Helbach

People. . .

continued from pg. 55

Andrew Helbach; Anthony Firkus; Parker Firkus; and Elizabeth Firkus.

Bob is further survived by his greatgrandchildren: Josie Maves; Jaxon Maves; Jayce Maves; Isla Helbach; Thomas Helbach; Ivory Skibba; Shawn Skibba Jr.; Oliver Mitchell; Oakley Mitchell; and Meadow Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Merle Helbach; a daughter, Elizabeth Ann; and siblings, Harold, Neva, Frederick, Joseph “Charles”, Jim, Mary Ellen,

Marcia, Hazel and David.

A funeral mass was held at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, in Almond, on July 26, 2025, with Father James Kurzynski, Father Rajendra Anandan and Father Joseph Birungi officiating. Interment took place in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Town of Lanark, Portage County, Wisconsin.

Visitation was on Friday, July 25, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church with a rosary service, and on Saturday until the time of the service

at the church.

The Helbach Family would like to thank the Amherst Fire Department and paramedics for their professional and caring work with Bob. We would also like to thank the Jungers-Holly Funeral Home, and all family and friends for the show of love, support and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in the memory of Bob Helbach.

Antigo Legion Baseball Team Honors Dwayne Guenthner

Family has been fans of the game and strong supports of local teams and leagues

The Antigo American Legion 19U Baseball Team honored longtime Antigo potato grower Dwayne Guenthner at a game on July 21, 2025.

The Antigo Typhoon American Legion Post #3 hosted Wittenberg on Monday, July 21, at Kretz Park, during a game billed as “Dwayne Guenthner Night.” Former Typhoon player Riley

Guenthner, grandson of Dwayne, threw out the ceremonial first pitch in Dwayne’s honor. The Typhoon battled but came up short in an 11-6 loss to Wittenberg.

The Typhoon is proud to honor the Guenthner family, who have been baseball fans and strong supporters of local teams and leagues. Dwayne Guenthner, of Bryant, passed away

on August 21, 2021, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital with his family at his side. He was 85 years old.

Dwayne was born in Antigo and graduated from Antigo High School in 1954. Following high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, in Washington, as a military police officer for four years, where he was also a member of the U.S. Air Force Baseball Team.

Dwayne continued to serve in the reserves for another four years. Upon honorable discharge from his service, he was united in marriage to Mary Strasser, on July 16, 1960, at First Baptist Church.

Dwayne was a local potato grower, beginning his farming alongside his father and continuing with his son, Bill, and Tom Schmidt, operating Guenthner Farms, Inc.

BASEBALL PLAYER

He thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors, farming, playing golf, fishing, hunting, and in his younger years, playing baseball. Dwayne played for Deerbrook in the county league from 1956- 1965, winning

the championship five times. He loved playing games and cards with his children and grandchildren and especially loved watching the grandchildren play sports. Bill and Jolene Guenthner were proud to see their son, Riley, continue the family baseball tradition by playing for the Antigo Typhoon Legion team. When Dwayne was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington, he played

for the Fairchild Flyers, who took the championship of the Northwest Baseball Conference and moved on to play in the U.S. Air Force World Baseball Tournament at Walker Air Force Base in New Mexico. Dwayne played 3rd base, and the team advanced to the eighth game of the tournament before being eliminated.

The WPVGA was a proud sponsor of the Antigo Legion baseball game on July 21. We’d like to thank Dean

Above: The Antigo Typhoon American Legion Baseball Team honored longtime Antigo potato grower Dwayne Guenthner (inset) at a game versus Wittenberg on July 21, in Antigo. Pictured here are members of the Guenthner family, including, from left to right, Dick Strasser, Bruce Jadin, Lois Jones, Madelynn Jadin, and Judy Jadin, along with Mary, Bill, Riley and Jolene Guenthner. Dick and Lois are Mary’s siblings, while Bill and Judy are Dwayne and Mary’s children.

Noskowiak and the Antigo Dugout Club for honoring Dwayne and the Guenthner family.

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Potato Storage Financing Strategies

Build for the future as European processors evaluate locations to expand operations in the United States

By Cathy Schommer, vice president of commercial financing, and Bill Pfingsten, senior leasing specialist, Compeer Financial

The Midwest potato industry is experiencing a growing interest from processors looking to capitalize on the region’s robust potato-growing landscape and its proximity to the East and Southeast populations.

As the third-largest potato producer in the country, Wisconsin sits at the center of this growing opportunity, particularly among European processors who are looking to expand their operations into the United States and evaluating locations that can enhance their supply chain

This opportunity, along with growth from within existing processors and supply chains, brings with it a need for new and enhanced potato storage

Most of the existing potato storage facilities in Wisconsin were built decades ago. Many need either a complete overhaul or replacement to improve ventilation and humidity

controls in addition to more storage capacity. All these storage enhancements require investment.

The questions many potato producers have today include: Are we going to replace or update our outdated storage facilities? How do we capitalize on new opportunities in a way that’s economical? What investments are feasible under our current business model?

Producers must assess their financial risk capacity and debt obligations to help them determine the most suitable financing solution for their business model and operational goals.

Fortunately, there are multiple financing solutions that allow

Above: With European processors looking to expand their operations into the United States, this opportunity, along with growth from within existing processors and supply chains, brings with it a need for new and enhanced potato storage facilities.

potato producers to tackle their infrastructure challenges and gain a competitive advantage.

FINANCING SOLUTIONS

There are two primary financing options for potato storage infrastructure updates: leases and loans.

● Leasing advantages: Leasing offers several advantages for potato producers looking to modernize their facilities:

○ Lower upfront costs and payments: A lease provides lower upfront costs during the construction phase of facilities, and, once operational, lease payments are typically lower than loan payments of equivalent terms due to their buyout structure.

○ Tax benefits: Lease payments can be expensed immediately rather than depreciated over years, if not decades, providing faster write-offs

that can benefit producers.

○ Estate planning: Leasing offers the ability to transfer assets to the next generation without triggering capital gains taxes.

○ Reduced collateral requirements: With leasing, there’s typically less collateral required, allowing

Miedema MH 242 Scotts Evolution

Heavy-duty receiving hopper up to 1000 ft³

Above: Suitable financing solutions are available to potato producers looking to build new storage facilities or remodel existing ones. Shown is a beautiful modern Heartland Farms potato storage building.

producers to use existing real estate to leverage for other operational needs or expansion opportunities.

Potato Storage Financing Strategies. . .

continued from pg. 59

○ Approval process: With certain lenders, the approval process for leases tends to be more agile than traditional financing.

● Loan advantages: Loans offer a different set of benefits:

○ Repayment terms: Loans have longer repayment terms, often up to 20 years.

○ Prepayment flexibility: Loans also allow for prepayment of principal without restrictions for those who want the ability to accelerate debt reduction.

FLEXIBILITY IS CRITICAL

Potato industry dynamics are shifting in Wisconsin and across the Midwest. Those who seek a competitive advantage need financing solutions tailored to their operational realities.

While every producer will have

unique circumstances that drive their decision-making, there are generally two paths forward for those interested in financing the

The first path is for producers who want to take advantage of the tax advantages of leasing arrangements, and the second appeals to those who seek longer-term financing solutions to manage debt within existing cashflow constraints.

These paths underscore that there is no one-size-fits-all financing solution for potato producers. As such, it’s important to partner with lenders who truly understand the agricultural market, especially the unique and evolving challenges within potato storage in the Midwest.

Those eager to modernize their storage capacity and secure new contracts will inherently benefit from financial partners capable of structuring flexible solutions that help minimize their risk, preserve their cash flow, and position their operations to embrace new opportunities with confidence.

More information about financing and leasing options can be found at https://compeer.com/ag-financing/ agriculture-loans/equipment-facilityfinancing/equipment-facilitylease.

Above: Janelle West supervises storage of a Frito-Lay potato variety at Eagle River Seed Farm.

Potatoes USA News

Boston Plays Host to Potatoes USA Summer Meeting

Committees and staff presented their wins and lessons from previous fiscal year

Members of the Potatoes USA Board traveled to Boston, August 5-8, for the Summer Meeting. In each board committee meeting, the committee chair and Potatoes USA staff liaison presented on wins and learnings from the previous fiscal year (July 2024-June 2025) and how they plan to apply those learnings in the new fiscal year, which began on July 1.

The Potatoes USA board committees are:

• Market Development, Dave Masser, Travis Meacham, Hunter Gibbs, cochairs

• Consumer, Hunter Gibbs, chair

• Retail, Dave Masser, chair

• Foodservice, Travis Meacham, chair

• Culinary, Cliff Shaw, chair

• Nutrition & Health, Kathy Sponheim, chair

• Communications, Trever Belnap, chair

• Production Research, Nathan Bender, Jess Blatchford, co-chairs

• Finance, Wendy Dykstra, chair

While each program looked at yearover-year evolution, during Potatoes USA Chief Executive Officer Blair Richardson’s update to the full Board, he took a moment to reflect

Above: Potatoes USA Global Retail Development Manager Nick Bartelme discusses retailer engagement at the Potatoes USA Summer Meeting, August 5-8, in Boston, Massachusetts.

on how much has changed over the last dozen years, both internally at Potatoes USA and externally.

He emphasized that while we can’t control crop size, market prices, and other external factors year-to-year, Potatoes USA is continually protecting existing demand for potatoes and working to create new demand for the future.

With changes in the global marketplace, as trade has increased alongside production growth, the industry needs to focus on being adaptable.

Board Chairman Steve Elfering shared a similar sentiment, speaking to the importance of seeing beyond shortterm trends, and thinking long-term and at a macro level when it comes

to Potatoes USA’s goal of increasing demand for potatoes.

Board members also attended a social media training about building a social media marketing strategy.

Outside of the boardroom, attendees enjoyed a Boston Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park and participated in a scavenger hunt that took them from the Boston Common, through the Public Garden, and down to Faneuil Hall, giving everyone an informative, fun walking tour through Boston.

Thank you to all the board members who were able to make it to Boston. We know how busy everyone is, so we appreciate the time and commitment to gather in person.

If you are interested in learning more about what was presented at the meeting, please reach out to Potatoes USA at media@potatoesusa.com.

Top Left & Right: Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer Kim Breshears says, because of the association’s “eat more potatoes in more ways” and “potatoes fuel performance” campaigns, as well as informative press releases, studies, researched articles and social media posts about potatoes being a high-nutrient vegetable, the reasons for people not eating more potatoes are declining.

Wisconsin Potatoes USA board members Wendy Dykstra and Kevin Scheicher represented “Team Potato” and the “Milwaukee Taters” well at the Summer Meeting in Boston.

Left: At the Potatoes USA Summer Meeting, National Potato Council Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles updated attendees on the accomplishments and challenges the trade association has experienced over the past year, saying “Despite all the chaos, very positive things have been accomplished, in 2025, including some significant benefits to growers.” A few of the benefits include securing millions of dollars in federal funding for the potato Market Access Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC), and the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

Right: Among the topics discussed by Potatoes USA Chief Executive Officer Blair Richardson at the Summer Meeting were a high global demand for potatoes, world potato trade, potato production, population growth, urban lifestyles affecting how potatoes are purchased and consumed, ramped up potato production in China and India, which are also undercutting the competition in price, potato exports, foodservice, U.S. agronomic practices, food safety and regulations, U.S. retail potato sales, potato nutrition, and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES BADGER STATE

NPC News

NPC Presents at Potatoes USA Meeting in Boston

Long history of collaboration between two potato associations

On August 8, 2025, National Potato Council (NPC) Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles joined 2025 NPC President Ted Tschirky at the Potatoes USA Summer Meeting, in Boston.

Tschirky thanked Potatoes USA for the hospitality and the strong history of collaboration with NPC and the

entire U.S. potato industry. He also highlighted the upcoming Potato Expo in Dallas, Texas, January 6-8, 2026.

Kam provided an overview of the issues NPC is working on in support of Potatoes USA’s mission, including substantial new funding for programs under the Farm Bill.

continues

Left: National Potato Council (NPC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kam Quarles (left) and NPC President Ted Tschirky joined Potatoes USA for its Summer Meeting, August 8, 2025, in Boston.

Right: NPC CEO Kam Quarles discusses the potato industry’s annual contribution to the U.S. economy during the Potatoes USA Summer Meeting.

Senate Confirms NPC-Supported USDA Trade Nominee

The Senate confirmed Luke Lindberg as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. The confirmation came in early August with a vote of 77-18, following a nomination that had been pending for months.

The NPC, along with a coalition of other agricultural groups, had previously advocated for Lindberg’s swift confirmation. The groups emphasized his leadership as

essential for U.S. agriculture, citing his experience at the South Dakota Trade and the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

Upon his confirmation, Lindberg reiterated that his primary goal is to address the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, which is currently projected at $49.5 billion. He promised to immediately engage with commodity groups across the country to discuss trade priorities and solutions.

Agriculture Sec. Brooke Rollins expressed her support, stating that Lindberg’s “drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.”

Lindberg is the fourth of President Donald J. Trump’s nominees to USDA to be confirmed, joining Sec. Rollins, Deputy Sec. Stephen Vaden, and General Counsel Tyler Clarkson.

DISHING IT UP WITH DANA

Keep Your Grip on These Chips

Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Chips are so good, little hands may be tempted to steal them

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

Earlier this week, I was finishing up a recipe that would be featured on the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s program spot on WSAW-TV 7 the next morning. It was about 6 p.m., and upbeat music was playing on the speakers in the kitchen.

Griffin, our 12-year-old, said, “Mom, do you want to see my move?” He disappeared down the hallway, just out of view, only to appear again while doing some funny little dance to the beat of the music.

Of course, as soon as our 3-year-old

daughter, Havyn, saw her brother, she needed to do the same thing.

“Hey Mom, do you want to see my move?” she asked. “Of course!” I responded.

Like her oldest brother, she disappeared down the hallway only to reappear doing something between a skip and a hop, giggling the whole time.

As I told her what a great dancer she was, she asked again, “Hey Mom! Do you want to see my other move?” When I told her I did, she

Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Chips INGREDIENTS:

1 6-ounce russet potato, washed and dried

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

said, “Ok, close your eyes.” I obliged and eventually realized after several seconds that she hadn’t told me to open them again.

As I peeked through my eyelids, I noticed her stealing the “Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Chips” I had made for my TV spot. The bowl, sitting on the counter, was just within her reach.

SCARY SAVVY

It’s amazing (and scary) how savvy she is for her age. She also has what we call a spicy personality. So, this little setup of hers didn’t really surprise me. Her brothers and I couldn’t help but laugh.

I appreciated this little skit of hers for multiple reasons.

For starters, it was proof that my chosen recipe was edible (kids don’t lie when they don’t like something). Second, I am glad she was reaching for healthy food. A little oil (I used avocado), salt and pepper, a few minutes in an air fryer, and this healthy and crunchy snack hits just the spot.

Third, I’m grateful she was eating a wholesome, versatile vegetable that is produced sustainably and with the same care I put into preparing our family dinners.

Health has always been an important focus for our family. And in the last few years, Eric and I have researched how to modify our diets to alleviate certain ailments before looking into medications.

So, with the vitamins and minerals potatoes naturally provide, in addition to the fact that humans in general are deficient in many of those minerals, you can trust that I’ll be making these air fryer chips (and many other Wisconsin potato recipes) again!

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the air fryer to 375° Fahrenheit.

Thinly slice the potatoes with a knife or a mandolin. A food processor with a thin setting for slicing works well, too.

Place the potato slices into a bowl of cold water to rinse some of the starch off. Remove the potato

slices from the water and drain well before laying them on some paper towel to dry.

Place the potato slices in an even layer (the bigger your air fryer, the more chips you can do). Lightly brush the potatoes with the vegetable oil and cook them in the air fryer for about 20 minutes.

Using a pair of tongs, gently remove the chips from the air fryer.

Season them with the sea salt and black pepper. Repeat if more chips are desired.

Serve chips with your favorite dips or sauce. Also use these for your favorite nacho dish, especially for parties and game-day get-togethers.

Visit https://eatwisconsinpotatoes. com/recipes/salt-and-pepper-airfryer-chips-2/.

The temptation to sneak a couple Salt and Pepper Air Fryer Chips from the bowl was too much for 3-year-old Havyn Rady.

ENHANCE TUBER QUALITY AND YIELD ENHANCE TUBER QUALITY AND YIELD ENHANCE TUBER QUALITY AND YIELD WITH SO4 PELLETIZED GYPSUM WITH SO4 PELLETIZED GYPSUM WITH SO4 PELLETIZED GYPSUM

Sulfur: Fuel Vigor and Yield

Boosts protein formation and ctivates natural defenses against disease like common scab.

Improves tuber development by enhancing sugar movement and

Calcium:

Support Tuber Integrity and Quality

Prevents internal disorders like hollow heart and browning by strengthening cell walls. Reduces bruising and damage at harvest with improved tissue integrity.

Enhances disease resistance through stronger skin and structural defenses. Supports tuber growth and nutrient movement for better bulking and quality.

CORRECT & MAINTAIN WITH 98G CORRECT & MAINTAIN WITH 98G CORRECT & MAINTAIN WITH 98G

Change Soil pH QuicklyMaintain Soil pH & Yields Enjoy Application Flexibility

98G is made from 98% pure calcitic limestone, finely ground and pelletized for easy spreading. It breaks down quickly in the field and fully adjusts soil pH within 3 to 6 months—faster and more effectively than aglime.

Optimize soil pH with 98G for season-long performance. Its finely ground, fast-acting formula allows flexible, lowrate applications in fall or spring. Proper pH boosts nutrient availability, root development, and yield potential. Don’t let poor pH limit your crop—stay ahead with 98G.

98G can be applied in flat-rate or variable-rate applications. It can be mixed with other dry fertilizers reducing the number of trips across the field and spread spring or fall. This flexibility means you can address soil pH when and how it works for you with the same equipment used to spread other dry fertilizers.