July 2024 Badger Common'Tater

$28/year | $2.50/copy | Volume 76 No. 07 | JUly 2024

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

CROP PROTECTION ISSUE

NEW GENERATION Of Crop Protection FINDING THE RIGHT FOLIAR Fertilizer to Spark Chemistry FLYING HIGH WITH PRECISION Aerial Application Technology PROVIDING MIGRANT WORKERS With Health Care & Dental Services

INTERVIEW:

TIM SCHRANK

Nichino America Inc.

Don’t fret, it’s only water and dye being sprayed from the plane in this picture of Nichino America’s Tim Schrank at the Park Rapids Municipal Airport in Minnesota.

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FITS TO A The Perfect Fit for CPB Control With Torac ® Insecticide, you get control of Colorado Potato Beetle and a broad spectrum of other troublesome pests including aphids, psyllids, leafhoppers, and thrips. Torac works quickly, causing rapid feeding cessation, and it is effective on all life stages of target pests. Additionally, the unique mode of action of Torac makes it an excellent rotational option to manage pest resistance in potato, onion, and vegetable crops. With all this, you’ll want to fit Torac in your CPB spray program this season. To learn more, contact your distributor or local Nichino America sales representative.

©2022 Nichino America, Inc. All rights reserved. Torac is a registered trademark of Nichino America, Inc. Always read and follow all label directions. | 888-740-7700 | www.nichino.net

On the Cover: Though it might look dangerous, the aerial application of water and dye in the front cover picture is part of safety measures employed by the R.D. Offutt Company during its annual Aerial Applicator’s Clinic at the Park Rapids Municipal Airport, in Minnesota.

Smiling and posing for the image, taken in May 2023, is Tim Schrank of Nichino America, this issue’s interviewee.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: Tim Schrank, a Nichino America Inc. technical sales representative for the Great Lakes region, is shown at Gumz Farms in Endeavor, Wisconsin, where he was observing Colorado potato beetles before, during and after application of Torac® Insecticide, in June 2023. “What’s cool about my position is that I get to work with university extension researchers, scientists, growers, crop consultants and sales reps, people from all walks of life,” Schrank enthuses.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 57 EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 24 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6

16

40

38

MARKETPLACE................... 29

AERIAL APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY LIFTS OFF

BADGER BEAT

POTATOES USA NEWS

NEW PRODUCTS................ 54

Crop input rates adjusted on the fly to reduce waste

The mild Wisconsin winter could have lasting impact on 2024 insect population

U.S. retail sales volume of potatoes increased 5.6% over same period last year

FEATURE ARTICLES: 20 NOBLE COMMUNITY CLINICS offers health and dental services to migrant workers 34 HYBRID CROP PROTECTION products combine biological and chemical ingredients 46 THE RIGHT FOLIAR FERTILIZERS must be nonpolar and nonionic to spark chemistry 4

BC�T July

NOW NEWS....................... 50 NPC NEWS......................... 44 PEOPLE.............................. 28 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6 WPIB FOCUS..................... 45

SATURDAY, 8/10/24

Scan to register!

PRESENTED BY:

WITH HELP FROM: Times

Antigo

J.W. Mattek & Sons • Schroeder’s Gifts • Arika Alft State Farm Insurance • Kretz Lumber • Brickner’s

Supporting AHS Track & Cross Country and other youth organizations.

For more information or to register online, visit antigotatertrot.com WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Charlie Mattek Vice President: John Bustamante Secretary: Alex Okray Treasurer: Wendy Dykstra Directors: Mike Baginski, Randy Fleishauer, John Hopfensperger, Josh Knights & J.D. Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Andy Diercks Secretary: Nicola Carey Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, John Fenske, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Matt Selenske

Vice President: Ethan Olson Secretary: Morgan Smolarek Treasurer: Paul Salm Directors: Melissa Heise, Brady Patoka, Scott Scheer, Sally Suprise & Brandon Taylor Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Jeff Suchon Vice President: Charlie Husnick Secretary/Treasurer: Mitch Mattek Directors: Andy Schroeder & Clover Spacek Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Heidi Schleicher Vice President: Datonn Hanke Secretary/Treasurer: Becky Wysocki Directors: Jody Baginski, Erin Meister, Dakotah Smiley & Misti Ward

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To serve the potato and vegetable industry of Wisconsin through education, research, promotion, governmental action and sustainability leadership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

BC�T July

5

MARK YOUR

Calendar JULY

10

2024 PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING Lake Arrowhead Golf Course Nekoosa, WI 11 HARS FIELD DAY Hancock Agricultural Research Station Hancock, WI 13 PARDEEVILLE TRIATHLON Chandler Park, 8 a.m.

Pardeeville, WI 14-16 PMANA SUMMER MEETING Fargo, ND 18 ANTIGO FIELD DAY Langlade Agricultural Research Station Antigo, WI 30 CENTRAL WISC. FARMERS COLLABORATIVE SUMMER FIELD DAY Plover River Farms, 722 County Rd. J, 1-4 p.m.

Stevens Point, WI 31 RARS FIELD DAY Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station Rhinelander, WI

AUGUST

5-7

13-15 17

POTATOES USA SUMMER MEETING Westin Bayshore Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Close Farms & Country/Rock Fest Grounds Cadott, WI WAUPACA AREA TRIATHLON South Park, Downtown Waupaca, 7 a.m.

Waupaca, WI

SEPTEMBER

10-14 27-29

POTATO BOWL USA Grand Forks-East Grand Forks, ND & MN HARVEST FAIR 2024 Wisconsin State Fair Grounds West Allis, WI

OCTOBER

5

17 17-19 28-29

38TH ANNUAL SPUD BOWL Community Stadium at Goerke Park Stevens Point, WI 5TH ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT Wausau Skeet and Trap Club Wausau/Brokaw, WI GLOBAL PRODUCE & FLORAL SHOW Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, GA RESEARCH MEETING West Madison Research Station and virtual 1 p.m. on Mon., and 8 a.m. on Tues.

Verona, WI

JANUARY 2025

9-10

POTATO EXPO 2025 Orlando World Center Marriott Orlando, FL

FEBRUARY

4-6

6

2025 GROWER ED CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center Stevens Point, WI

BC�T July

Planting Ideas It’s a noble endeavor,

and one that Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan brought to my attention via email. He asked me to contact Ivan Coziahr, chief operating officer for Noble Community Clinics (formerly Family Health La Clinica) and set up a time to interview him about a new clinic being built in Stevens Point across from P.J. Jacobs Junior High School. A rendering of the inside of the clinic, with a projected completion date of July 2025, is shown above. Tamas said that Noble Community Clinics provides health care, dental and primary aid services to migrant workers and others, working out of several locations throughout Wisconsin, as well as a mobile unit, often at no cost to the patients through federal funding.

His reasoning was that WPVGA grower members might be interested in taking advantage of such services for their employees. That sounded fair enough, but then, as I’ve found, everyone’s story is always more interesting than taken at first blush. The Noble Community Clinics story is no different. The history and evolution of the clinics is fascinating enough to give the story in this issue a read, and the array of services provided, not only to migrant workers, but also to the community at large, is equally impressive.

I read a story in Farm Journal’s “The Daily Scoop” e-newsletter about precision technology advancements in aerial crop applications of insecticides and protection products. It reminded me of a similar feature I ran on WPVGA Associate Division member company Reabe Spraying Service and its services a few years back. The images that Curtis Meister of Reabe Spraying Service and Jay Calleja of the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) sent me in 2022 were incredible, so I contacted Farm Journal and the NAAA to ask permission to reprint the article and see if they could send me some pictures to go along with it. I received permission and images, and the feature article is inside.

This issue’s interviewee, Tim Schrank of Nichino America, had to remind me that we met a couple times at the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, and he’d seen me at numerous events. Sorry, Tim! I’m not only bad at remembering names, but I also meet a lot of people. Tim was an enthusiastic and fun interview, and provided some great photos of his own, including the one on the front cover. Don’t worry, its dye and water being sprayed. Enjoy the interview in this Crop Protection issue.

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

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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Interview NAME: Tim Schrank TITLE: Technical Sales Representative for the Great Lakes region

TIM SCHRANK, technical sales representative,

Nichino America Inc.

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

COMPANY: Nichino America Inc. LOCATION: Corporate: Wilmington, Delaware, but based in mid-Michigan HOMETOWN: St. John’s, Michigan YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: Coming up on two years

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Michigan

State University as a research assistant in multiple programs, including soil fertility, and wheat, soy, and dry bean breeding programs; internship at Corteva Agriscience; Crop Watch; Stoke’s Blueberry Farm and Nursery; and Hop Head Farms

SCHOOLING: Bachelor of Science degree in

Crop and Soil Science from Michigan State University (MSU)

ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Associate

Division member of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association; Northern Plains Potato Growers Association member; an associate with Minnesota Area II Potato Research and Promotional Council; and while in college, Alpha Gamma Rho-Tau Chapter, student senate, MSU Agronomy Club, and collegiate track and cross-country athlete

FAMILY: Three children—a son and identical twin girls born in October 2023

HOBBIES: Backyard barbecues with friends

and family, home improvement projects, and golfing

8

BC�T July

That good old Midwest work ethic is evident, one realizes, when talking to someone like Tim Schrank, technical sales representative for Nichino America, Inc., of Wilmington, Delaware.

Covering the Great Lakes region, Tim, who hails from Naperville, Illinois, but has lived in Michigan for almost a decade, currently in St. John’s, has been working in agriculture for the better part of nine years now.

“My first role in agriculture was working at Hop Head Farms as an intern,” he notes. “I was looking for a job where I could work as many hours as possible so that I didn’t have to work during college, because I wanted to concentrate on my studies and on cross-country and track and field.”

“You can do that on a farm—there’s always something to work on. I thought that was the greatest job experience I’d ever had up to that point,” he says, “doing everything from small equipment maintenance to driving tractors, irrigation

installation, and learning as much as I could in a hands-on way. It was a lot of fun!”

In his current position, Schrank works for Nichino America Inc. and its parent company, Nihon Nohyaku Company, based in Japan. Being established in 1928, it is Japan’s first and oldest agrochemical manufacturing company.

That’s a far cry from growing up in a Chicago suburb and working on his family’s hobby farm in Southwest Michigan where his family had “an Above: Tim Schrank, Nichino America technical sales representative for the Great Lakes region, scouts for pests in a potato field.

acre of blueberries and a row of hops for home brews.”

“My favorite part of working for Nichino is traveling across the country, all the people I get to meet and just learning from them,” he says. “What’s cool about my position is that I get to work with university extension researchers and assistants, scientists, growers, crop consultants, and sales reps, people from all walks of life.”

How does working for a global company with a rich history help you in your daily work as a technical sales rep in the Great Lakes region?

Working for a global company provides insights into commodities, crop protection, and other ag input trends well beyond the reach of the Midwest.

Having lived in the Midwest my whole life, it has been refreshing to work with such a well-informed group of people who help me navigate my role.

Global collaboration allows us to discover and develop new novel chemistries. We can gain a better understanding of where and how these compounds can support specialty crop growers around the world.

With the parent company being Japanese, they have created a culture at Nichino that trusts each person is doing their job to the best of their ability. They invest in their employees right from the start, and the message of “people first” was loud and clear to me when I walked in the door.

Each person at the company has impressed me in some way, and I am beyond grateful to be a part of this organization. Each day we find a way to serve agriculture, protect crops, and improve people’s lives.

Above: Torac® Insecticide from Nichino America is a fantastic tool in the fight against Colorado potato beetle, aphids, leafhoppers, diamondback moths, and thrips.

How many locations/production facilities does Nichino America have worldwide? Nichino is present in over 100 countries via 11 group companies and has a research facility in Kawachi-nagano, Japan. continued on pg. 10

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

What are the main Nichino products that fit best into the crop protection programs of area potato and vegetable growers? These products/ brands are my best fits for Midwest potato and vegetable growers: Torac® Insecticide is a broadspectrum insecticide that targets Colorado potato beetles (CPB), psyllids, aphids, diamondback moths, pepper weevils, leafhoppers, and thrips.

Torac halts feeding damage immediately, and controls pests usually within 24 to 48 hours. To help combat insecticide resistance, Torac is

N V S

ELSON’S

PQZ® Insecticide is a translaminar insecticide for piercing and sucking insects (aphids). PQZ stops feeding and prevents the transmission of insect vectored virus. For potato seed growers who are battling Potato Virus Y, which is vectored by green peach aphids, this is a valuable insecticide.

Portal® Miticide/Insecticide controls mites, pear psylla, leafhoppers, and some psyllids. It is one of our more recognized products and is used in many crops.

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an ideal rotational partner. Typically, this is a first-generation CPB material or is used as a border spray/last shot.

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Above: A broad-spectrum, contact-based insecticide, Torac has picked up steam nationwide for use in potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Both Torac and Portal have some activity in the control of powdery mildew, making them unique insecticides that also partially double as fungicides.

Gatten® Fungicide is a top-of-the-line powdery mildew fungicide that stops current infections in their tracks, halts formation of new fungi via their “feeding parts” and prevents secondary sporulation.

The active ingredient, Flutianil, is a unique mode of action, Frac code U13, making it one of a kind and a perfect tool for anyone in need of protecting their vegetables or fruit from powdery mildew.

NEW TOOL IN THE TOOLBELT This product has grown immensely in popularity in tree fruit, grapes, and pumpkin production due to its translaminar activity (ability to move to both sides of the leaf) and its duration control, approximately 10-14 days, as a new tool in folks’ toolbelts.

If battling powdery mildew, Gatten can be a good fungicide to halt infections from spreading early or continue to hold them in check.

Moncut® Fungicide is a liquid in-

furrow potato seed piece treatment containing the systemic SDHI fungicide Flutolanil for the control of soil and seedborne Rhizoctonia.

Moncut is a more specific in-furrow treatment but makes up for the narrow spectrum of disease control by being highly effective.

Moncoat® Fungicide is a premiere dry potato seed piece treatment with both curative and preventative activity on seed and soilborne Rhizoctonia solani. Moncoat contains Flutolanil, a systemic SDHI, and Mancozeb in an alder bark formulation offering superior suberization of potato seed pieces.

“I was looking for a job where I could work as many hours as possible so that I didn’t have to work during college, because I wanted to concentrate on my studies and on cross-country and track and field.”

– Tim Schrank

technical sales rep, Nichino America

If using dry seed piece treatments, then Moncoat is an ideal fungicide with a very loyal collection of growers who swear by it.

Moncoat and Moncut are options that potato growers, especially those growing for seed, should learn about.

They can be excellent alternatives to what other growers are using and allow farmers to rotate chemistries between one’s seed operations and those farms that have fresh, chip, or processing as the end use.

Customizing equipment to fit your needs for over 25 years!

These are the best examples for potato and vegetable growers. If you wish to learn more about our entire portfolio, you can visit our website, www.nichino.net, for information on each of our products and contact information for our sales and technical representatives.

So, do you offer all three— weed, insect and disease control products—for potato and vegetable growers? Nichino focuses specifically on specialty crop protection products. We have some fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides for a variety of specialty crops.

For potatoes specifically, we have two potato seed piece treatments and three insecticides. We also have an herbicide, Venue®, that can be used for pre-plant burn down, however it is not labeled for in-season use. continued on pg. 12

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BC�T July 11

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 11

Have local growers adopted Torac into their crop protection programs, and is it seeing more adherents in Wisconsin and the Midwest? Torac is a fantastic tool in the fight against Colorado potato beetle (CPB), aphids, leafhoppers, diamondback moths (DBM), and thrips. I have not seen psyllids in the Midwest, but I hear Torac has excellent control on those, too!

use for the metabolization of foreign chemicals.

Torac is a contact-based insecticide, and therefore, the insects need to be present in the field already to control them. We typically say at least 50% egg hatch of CPB before a spray is warranted.

I often must manage expectations for folks regarding Torac and water volumes, pH of their water, choice of adjuvant, and the amount of time the insecticide provides activity against insects.

It also does require the synergist Pipernoyl-butoxide (PBO) to be paired with it. PBO blocks a specific pathway in some insects that they

The active ingredient does not have activity for long periods of time, but it makes up for that with high lethality when applied as recommended. I

We recommend a rate of 5.5 fluid ounces for PBO pairings with Torac.

There are a few options on the market for PBO, but we do not manufacture or sell it. Reaching out to your local distributor would be your best bet for more information there.

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am happy to help anyone fine-tune their applications who has not had a satisfactory experience with it. It’s often as simple as increasing gallons per acre of water output or using a different surfactant/pH adjuster.

STAPLE IN GROWERS’ PROGRAMS Torac has become a staple in many local growers’ programs, as it is a unique mode of action and can be used to really knock back populations when pressure is high. I often recommend it as a first-generation spray, as it is active for all life stages and will help you start the season off with your population under control.

Torac has really picked up momentum here in Wisconsin, and I would be remiss to not mention some of the folks who continue to support it. For growers, Heartland Farms, Wysocki Produce Farm, Alsum Farms & Produce, R.D. Offutt Company, and Gumz Muck Farms are just a few.

Above: Tim Schrank says one of his favorite aspects of the job is traveling across the country and meeting people from all walks of life, learning from each of them. “All the people at trade shows—you’d be surprised who all attends them and the diversity of what they have to offer,” he says. Schrank is shown at the 2022 Great Lakes Expo and the 2023 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show.

Torac has also really picked up steam all over the country in cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.

Anyone battling CPB, thrips, or DBM should have it in their IPM program.

Here in Wisconsin, I worked with Gumz Farms to help get onion thrips under control. They were fantastic to work with, and when they followed my suggestions, we had great results.

I am fortunate to be able to work with so many top-notch farms across the entire Midwest.

How important is it to have another Colorado potato beetle control option in the toolbox? It is essential for growers to have as many tools in their toolbox as possible. More pest control options prolong the lifespans of all chemistries being used in a production system.

Managing resistance, especially with Colorado potato beetles and thrips, is key for Wisconsin.

Should Torac be used in rotation with insecticides of different modes of action? Of course, rotation is essential for all integrated pest management programs. In potato production, Torac is a unique mode of action, so if it is not already in your potato or vegetable IPM program, it should be one that you consider.

programs? My most important responsibilities when helping with IPM programs include ensuring growers follow the labels, get recommendations that work for their farms, and have successful applications.

It is of utmost importance to me that growers have healthy crops and profitable seasons.

Above: Tim Schrank (right) poses with Kalie Christensen (left) and Jacalynn Gumz (center), both of Gumz Muck Farms, at the 2023 Spud Seed Classic golf outing in Deerbrook, Wisconsin.

Are the needs of each farming operation different, and how do their crop protection or IPM needs differ? Of course, every farm is unique and there is a plethora continued on pg. 14

To better protect chemical options for the future, pesticide rotation should always be considered. Torac is no different.

Do most Nichino America crop protection products tank mix well with other chemistries? It’s important to always follow label instructions, but our products mix well with other chemistries. One of our goals when creating new formulations is to have container sizes that are practical to growers, and as I like to say, “play nicely together” in tank mixes.

As a technical sales rep, what are your most important responsibilities in working with growers and their integrated pest management (IPM) BC�T July 13

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

of factors that play into why each farm has unique needs. Soil types, weather, geography/landscape, IPM programs and crop mix of neighboring fields are all examples of things that can influence decisions on a farm.

Are potato and vegetable growers a large and important part of Nichino’s overall market? Absolutely. As a company that focuses on specialty crops, vegetable growers are a large part of our customer base.

I’ve had folks that I call on tell me that their operation is not sizable enough for a visit or that we don’t have anything in our portfolio for them, but I explain that we still value them and want to help find solutions for their farms.

Nichino’s proprietary chemistry can provide a solution to the challenging pest and disease concerns faced by growers. Nichino has long been a supporter of programs, like IR-4, that focus specifically on specialty 14 BC�T July

crop growers.

What are your biggest challenges in today’s market as a technical sales rep? Currently, my biggest struggle is inventory costs within the supply chain. It has become more expensive for companies to store products in their warehouses due to increasing interest costs.

This has caused more people to buy products as they need them versus having them already stocked at warehouses nearby. This can cause some strain on products getting where they are needed in a timely fashion.

We take great care to remind people that if you think you may need something to reach out earlier rather than later. I am thankful that we have talented people who manage inventories closely to ensure growers and distribution channels can receive their purchases on time.

What have your biggest successes

Above: I guess you can forgive a Michigan State University alumni like Tim Schrank for posing with Sparty, the college sports mascot, here at the 2024 Winter Potato Conference put on by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.

been so far? I am the first Midwestbased representative for Nichino, so there were a few growers for whom I was the first Nichino team member they had ever worked with.

In my two years, I have been able to build strong relationships in the tree fruit, vegetable, and potato markets.

What can Nichino America offer to potato and vegetable growers that perhaps other agrochemical companies can’t? Growers need all the tools they can get. We see our product line fitting the needs of the grower alongside the offerings from our competition.

One difference with Nichino is our small size. If I need to call our president, I have his number saved in my phone. We don’t have a lot

of corporate layers. We can make things happen on a dime. We all work together to serve our customers.

Can you help growers with regulatory issues, and if so, how?

Nichino has a dedicated regulatory team supporting our labels and participating in industry groups like Crop Life America, Responsible Industry for Sound Environment, and other industry advocates.

When questions arise, I have access to experts within the Nichino organization.

Are regulatory issues becoming more problematic for you and growers?

EPA timelines have been increasing each year in recent memory. This means growers have fewer new options to control pests and diseases on the horizon.

How important is servicing the client after the sale? It’s critical.

Nichino comes from a long tradition of responsibility to their customers— striving to be a valuable partner in their agricultural business.

Understanding our customers’ goals, challenges, and opportunities makes us better at helping them succeed.

We aim to be their trusted source for answers, advice, and solutions.

Training and learning from local representatives within all the distribution companies is also key to ensuring clients continue to have a good experience with our products.

Is there anything you’d like to add that I might have missed regarding Nichino America and the products in your portfolio? Despite being a smaller company with a small We need to preserve the efficacy portfolio of products, we have a of the currently available products broad1impact across3:14 thePMcountry.

07-24 Badger Common'Tater (7.25x4.75).v1.pdf 2024-06-03 since new products will be few and far between.

I believe that the approach of having

fewer products with experts for each is better than having a vast number of SKU’s that have varied efficacy and limited knowledge from manufacturer representatives.

Although I focused primarily on tree fruit, vegetables and potatoes in the Midwest, Nichino also does a lot of work in the fruit, cotton, rice, peanut, and tree nut markets.

If you are interested in learning more about us and if we can be of help to you or your operation, do not hesitate to visit us online or reach out to a representative of ours. I can be reached at tschrank@nichino.net, or 989-763-3506.

Also, if you plan on being at the WPVGA Associate Division Putt-Tato Open, make sure to say “hi” and introduce yourself. Mention this article, and I will have a gift for you!

BC�T July 15

Precision Technology Advancements in Aerial Application

Crop input application rates are adjusted on the fly to reduce potential waste or environmental harm Reprinted with permission from Farm Journal, original source publication and company

By Brad Fritz, U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service agricultural engineer Precision agriculture is an approach to modern farming focused on optimizing resources, enhancing productivity and minimizing environmental impact.

Agricultural aviation is a key component of precision agriculture.

GPS (Global Positioning System), a technology required for precision application, has been used in agricultural aviation for more than 30 years.

The agricultural aviation industry treats 127 million acres of cropland aerially each year—about 28% of U.S. cropland.

Aerial application is often the only, 16 BC�T July

or at least the most economical, method for timely pesticide application. It permits large areas to be treated rapidly and far faster than any other form of application allows.

When wet fields or weather Top and Right: Agricultural aviation is a key component of precision agriculture, treating about 28% of U.S. cropland each year.

The aircraft is flying over a string spraying pink dye. The string is then run through a fluorometer, which measures dye and outputs the spray pattern used to ensure uniform application. A flow valve control is employed to provide constant rate or variable rate applications. (Photos courtesy of the National Agricultural Aviation Association)

conditions prevent use of other treatment methods, aerial application may be the only method available to treat pest pressure that does not harm the crop or compact the soil.

Precision in aerial application includes using GPS guidance systems to provide accurate navigation information. This technology enables pilots to maintain consistent flight paths across the field and ensure uniform application across the whole site.

Variable-rate application technology via prescription mapping and flow control systems allows for aerial site-specific applications by adjusting rates on the fly to ensure optimal crop input use while reducing potential waste or environmental harm.

The same technology is also used to apply a constant rate of nutrients ® ® ® ® ®®

and plant protection products uniformly across the field.

WEATHER DATA SYSTEMS Onboard flight weather data systems constantly monitor wind speed, wind direction, temperature and humidity.

Brand-new aerial technology couples weather monitoring systems with electronic control of individual nozzles.

Left: Ag aircraft use wind-driven adjustable pumps. The angle is adjusted on the blades of the pump to provide the correct spray application rate flow, or gallons per acre (GPA). (Photo courtesy of the National Agricultural Aviation Association) Right: A boom shutoff valve is used to turn off the outer parts of the boom for additional spray drift mitigation. (Photo courtesy of the National Agricultural Aviation Association)

This allows for adjusting nozzle flow in real time during the application as wind speed and direction change, and it further improves the precision of aerial pesticide applications.

of analyzing the data and then controlling the spray system accordingly will result in the most precise applications possible in agriculture.

Technology is in development to incorporate the AGDISP model, a software application that predicts on- and off-target movement of spray from agricultural aircraft.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service’s Aerial Application Technology Research Unit provides spray nozzle models for professional aerial applicators.

The combination of GPS, onboard weather systems, individual nozzle control and software capable

The spray nozzle models assist in continued on pg. 18

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Precision Technology Advancements in Aerial Application . . . continued from pg. 17

the selection of setups that meet the droplet size and nozzle flow rate requirements for a given application.

Choosing the appropriate spray droplet size and flow rate is important for ensuring proper spray coverage on the target and minimizing off-target movement.

Even if you release spray at a precise location in the field, you haven’t made a precise application if all the crop protection product does not reach the target or runs off the plant.

The field of aerial application continues to focus on increasing the precision and accuracy of applications on cropland. It is working toward the overall goal of greater efficiency, productivity and ecological duty.

“Choosing the appropriate spray droplet size and flow rate is important for ensuring proper spray coverage on the target and minimizing off-target movement.”

18 BC�T July

– Brad Fritz,

U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service agricultural engineer

Above: The lightbar is outside of the cockpit on the fuselage; it provides swath guidance to the pilot at sub-foot accuracy. The big screen is the user screen for the GPS unit.

The smaller screen to the bottom-right is the display for the Aircraft Integrated Meteorological Measurement System, which provides real time measurement of wind direction and speed, temperature, and humidity. (Photo courtesy of the National Agricultural Aviation Association) Bottom: An aerial nozzle is tested in a wind tunnel with a laser diffraction system to measure the droplet size. (Photo courtesy of the National Agricultural Aviation Association)

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Providing Migrant Worker Health Care & Dental Services Noble Community Clinics is building a new Stevens Point facility to better service area needs

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Not only does Noble Community Clinics (formerly Family Health La Clinica) provide health care, dental, and behavioral health services for migrant workers at several locations throughout Wisconsin, but the clinics are also open to anyone who seeks care, regardless of whether someone has commercial, private, Medicare,

Medicaid or no insurance coverage at all.

“We provide supporting services to all, including but not limited to insurance enrollment, referral management, and transpiration,” says Ivan Coziahr, chief operating officer for Noble Community Clinics.

“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.

With “50 years of caring” under its belt, Noble Community Clinics provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and mobile health services, Above & Left: Exterior and interior renderings show the new Noble Community Clinics facility to be completed in July 2025 and opened in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, across from P.J. Jacobs Junior High School.

20 BC�T July

as well as substance use recovery, inhouse retail pharmacy, and in-school preventive dental services. It will also add chiropractic and optical services in its new Stevens Point location.

Seven locations serve patients throughout Wisconsin with access to everyone, regardless of insurance income, language, or age, filling a gap in medical services and offering high-

quality, affordable care.

The clinic began with a small group of activists and medical volunteers in the 1960s and was formally organized in Wautoma, in 1973, specifically to address the needs of migrant and seasonal agricultural workers in the state of Wisconsin, the most underserved people in the area.

Above: Noble Community Clinics (formerly Family Health La Clinica) operates a mobile unit that travels to farms, migrant labor camps, and businesses, making it convenient for employers to provide health care, dental, and other services to employees. Depending on household size and income, services may be provided at reduced rates or no cost through federal grant funding.

continued on pg. 22

continued on pg. 22

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BC�T July 21

Providing Migrant Worker Health Care & Dental Services. . . continued from pg. 21

NON-PROFIT STATUS La Clinica, as it was known, started as a seasonal health center run by volunteers for thousands of migrant agricultural workers traveling to the heart of Wisconsin each year to work in the fields. La Clinica became formally recognized as a non-profit organization in 1973.

In 1977, a permanent facility was opened in Wild Rose to better serve migrant and seasonal workers through a dedicated staff. As La Clinica grew its resources and infrastructure, organizational leaders looked for ways to share their services with all residents of Central Wisconsin.

In the 1980s, La Clinica received federal funding through the Health Resources & Services Administration to become a community health center, a legal designation that allows it to offer wide-reaching health services in the area. Now, the general population can benefit

from the services provided.

The clinic went from serving migrant seasonal ag workers to servicing anyone, filling gaps and addressing unmet healthcare access needs, particularly for people who are underinsured or uninsured.

Noble Community Clinics accepts all patients of all insurance coverages, ranging from Medicare and Medicaid to many commercial insurances.

Twenty percent of Noble Community Clinics patients have no insurance.

In addition to Wautoma, clinic locations include Beaver Dam, Friendship, Mauston, and Stevens Point. Noble is also in the middle of constructing a new 38,000-squarefoot facility being built across from P.J. Jacobs Junior High School, in Stevens Point, with a planned grand opening in July 2025.

CLINIC EXPANSION “We’re doubling the size of the dental clinic, going from four

Ivan Coziahr, chief operating officer of Noble Community Clinics, says costs for underinsured or uninsured services are based on income and household size via a sliding fee scale.

dentists to nine and from two behavioral health professionals to 10,” Coziahr says. “On the primary medical care side, we’ll grow from one full-time and one part-time provider to three.”

“The new clinic includes chiropractic and optical services, as well as an in-house retail pharmacy,” he adds.

“This year alone, we will spend nearly $750,000 on migrant workers,” Coziahr says. “It’s critical that individuals understand we are a fullservice organization. This includes, but is not limited to, calling patients to confirm appointments, even with outside appointments, and following up with them to check that they made it to those appointments.

In some cases, we even provide transportation.”

“We’re helping the underserved population navigate health care, but we also provide those same services to the general population and don’t treat anyone differently,” he adds.

La Clinica, as Noble Community Clinics was known, started as a seasonal health center run by volunteers for thousands of migrant agricultural workers traveling to the heart of Wisconsin each year to work in the fields. Here, farmworkers’ children sit on a pickup truck used by their parents.

22 BC�T July

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).

“It’s critical that individuals understand we are a full-service organization.

A registered nutritional dietician travels with the mobile unit and can This includes, but is not limited provide information for people with chronic health problems or diseases. to, calling patients to confirm “I’d love to explore setting up exam appointments, even with outside rooms at canneries or farms,” Coziahr concludes. “The more touch points appointments, and following up with we have with patients allows us to serve employees and their families them to check that they made it to effectively.” those appointments. In some cases, For more information or to find out how to set up appointments for your we even provide transportation.” employees and seasonal workers, contact Noble Community Clinics,

– Ivan Coziahr, attention Ivan Coziahr, ivan.coziahr@nobleclinics.org, 920-787-9442, https://nobleclinics.org.

chief operating officer for Noble Community Clinics

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Plainfield, WI BC�T July 23

Marcus Kennedy

Cameron Pokorny

Jacob Kirsling

Eyes on Associates

Driven Students Recognized with Scholarships Top scholars awarded whose immediate families are WPVGA members Committed and deserving students reap the rewards of their hard work through scholarships toward higher education.

Keenly aware of the need for a talented and solid agricultural workforce, the WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary team up each year to raise funds through golf outings, membership dues, a silent auction, baked potato and French fry booths, and donations to present dedicated students with scholarships.

Merit-based scholarships are earned by high-achieving students to defray costs of tuition and school fees.

The Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the top candidate and funded not only through a silent auction the Associate Division holds during the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, but also from donations and a special contribution made by the Auxiliary.

Established in 2016, the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship honors its namesake, who was a founding member of the Auxiliary 24 BC�T July

and an integral part of the Wisconsin potato industry.

To remain objective, the names of the students are taken off their applications when board members review and evaluate them, thus awarding is done solely on the merits of applicants and information they provide.

This year, the Auxiliary and Associate Division came together to award eight deserving students whose families are members of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) with $9,060 in scholarships.

Deserving winner of the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship, MARCUS KENNEDY is the son of Cynthia and T.J. Kennedy, the latter of whom is vice president of operations at Heartland Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin.

Marcus, who will be attending Iowa State University in the fall as an agribusiness major, achieved a cumulative 3.815 grade point average during high school and earned 31 credits toward college.

Employed at Heartland Farms as an

operations support specialist, he has been honored with the 2020-’23 Academic All-Conference Award and 2020-’22 Academic Achievement Award, is a member of the National Honors Society and Future Business Leaders of America, and has served as vice president and treasurer in the local FFA chapter.

After graduating from college, Marcus hopes to be a junior agronomist and eventual farm manager for a potato operation in Central Wisconsin and use his career to aid in any way he can at the Food + Farm Exploration Center, in Plover.

With 88 credits under his belt and a 3.798 GPA, CAMERON POKORNY attends the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Platteville as a software engineering major and mathematics minor. His father, Dale, is project manager for MPB Builders, in Ripon, and mother, Kim, is an agriculture education teacher at SAGES Charter School.

Cameron is a U.S. Presidential Scholar, secretary of the Platteville Student Veterans Organization, and member of the UW-Platteville Radio Club, men’s rugby team, and Alpha

Karissa Rettler

Gamma Rho-Beta Gamma Chapter.

“I have already begun making career connections in the agriculture industry and have had unique opportunities like advocating in Washington, D.C. during National Ag Day, serving for a year on Wisconsin’s Ag Youth Council, and touring a local ag engineering facility,” Cameron relates.

JACOB KIRSLING, whose parents are Jason and Jenny Kirsling, is employed as an irrigation technician, farm hand, equipment operator and truck driver at Patoka Farms and Helbach Farms, in Amherst, and previously worked for Heartland Farms and Sand County Equipment.

He is enrolled at UW-River Falls, where he will major in crop science with an agribusiness minor. Jacob was on the honor roll for all four years at Amherst High School, where he was an FFA member and won the Academic Achievement Award.

“My Patoka family history is highlighted in the April 2023 Badger Common’Tater,” he says. “I’m part of the fourth generation whose work ethic developed by working on the potato grading line. Not only have I spent my life at Patoka Farms, but I’ve also worked for other WPVGA farms involved in the industry.”

Another scholarship winner who has gained experience at a WPVGA potato and vegetable operation, KARISSA RETTLER, whose parents

Leah Bobek

are Matthew and Jessica Rettler, has been with Flyte Family Farms of Coloma for four years.

Karissa is enrolled in the PreVeterinary Program at UW-Stevens Point as a biology major and chemistry minor. She earned Highest Honors for all four years of high school, Lamp of Learning pins, and National Honors Society recognition,

Madison Kwak

and was class salutatorian, class president, and student council president at Tri-County High School, in Plainfield.

She also received 1st and 2nd Team All-Conference honors in track and volleyball, and was involved in band, 4-H and FFA. “I will eventually apply to vet school continued on pg. 26

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Eyes on Associates . . . continued from pg. 25

at UW-Madison or the University of Iowa, and plan to come back to Central Wisconsin to open my own veterinary clinic. In the future, I hope to practice on 4-H and FFA animals for free like my vet had done for me from time to time,” Karissa says.

Daughter of John and Constance Bobek of Trembling Prairie Farms, in Markesan, LEAH BOBEK will be attending UW-Platteville for the fall semester as an animal science major and ag business minor.

Having worked as the office manager and cattle caretaker on the family farm since 2016, Leah was awarded the Academic Achievement, Highest Honor Roll and National Honor Society awards from 2020-’24 and was a 1st Team All-Conference Volleyball player at Markesan High School.

Leah held secretary, treasurer and parliamentarian positions with FFA and attended state and national conventions.

“I hope that UW-Platteville will prepare me for my future career.

I have always been involved in agriculture and want to pursue a career that involves animals and business,” she says.

MADISON KWAK is the daughter of Thomas and Tricia Kwak, who both work for WPVGA Associate Division member company Chippewa Valley Bean. With a 3.994 cumulative high school GPA, Madison is enrolled at UW-Madison for the fall semester concentrating on atmospheric and oceanic sciences with a minor in sustainable energy systems.

She was a four-time academic letter winner at Menomonie Senior High School, an accredited parliamentarian, school valedictorian, National Honor Society member and National Finalist in FFA Equine Placement Proficiency.

In addition, Madison was a forensics team captain and medalist, lettered 26 BC�T July

Adison Glodowski

in concert/jazz band, and participated in track and field and the orchestra pit of the school musical.

“Growing up in rural northwest Wisconsin, I asked myself many summers if it would rain enough to have a sufficient hay yield to feed the horses throughout the winter,” she says. “Conversely, there were other summers when I wondered if it would ever stop raining so I could ride.”

“I was fascinated by learning and applying the science behind these changes to my family farm’s crop and animal management,” Madison says. “Few things are as crucial to agriculture as weather.”

Daughter of Tracy Glodowski, who works for the Town of Alban, and Keith Glodowski, Wysocki Produce Farm, in Plainfield, ADISON GLODOWSKI is enrolled in agribusiness management at Black Hawk East in Galva, Illinois.

Winner of the 2023 Portage County 4-H Large Animal Science Award, Adi carried a 3.96 cumulative GPA at Rosholt High School and landed a Portage County 4-H Scholarship and Sam Fran Agriculture Scholarship.

She was an FFA president and sentinel, swine exhibitor and on the Math League and Enchanted Forest Decorating Committee.

“After college, I plan to continue growing my cattle herd and finding an agriculture-related career, keeping an open mind while attending college to

Brenna Dulak

see where I could end up,” she says.

“Wherever I end up, I plan to work in the agriculture industry and am willing to try different experiences to better the industry that I love so much.”

An administrative assistant for WPVGA Associate Division company Swiderski Equipment, BRENNA DULAK, daughter of Brian and Nicole Dulak, is enrolled in nursing at Winona State University.

She carried a 4.0 cumulative GPA at Mosinee High School, was the National Honors Society president in 2023-’24, a Mosinee Student State Senate treasurer, swim team captain, and won the Academic Excellence Award in 2021 and Academic Honors in 2022 and 2023.

“My future career will help with agriculture in many ways, including keeping our farmers and their families safe and healthy. The agriculture industry can be a dangerous lifestyle,” Brenna reminds, “so as a nurse, I can help them stay healthy, and teach them what to do if they get hurt or are having health problems that affect their work.”

Congratulations to all the incredibly talented scholarship winners who will grow and evolve alongside the agriculture industry, taking it and their careers to the next level and far into the future.

People Heinzel Selected as 77th Alice in Dairyland Communications professional to promote the importance of agriculture The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has selected Halei Heinzel of Oconomowoc as Wisconsin’s 77th Alice in Dairyland.

In this position, Heinzel will work for the contract year as a full-time communications professional for DATCP, educating the public about the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin.

Heinzel graduated in May 2024 from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison with a degree in Life Sciences Communication. Before starting at UW-Madison, Heinzel was active in her high school’s FFA chapter.

She graduated from the Farm and Industry Short Course program with certificates in Agribusiness Management and Dairy Farm Management.

While on campus, Heinzel was involved with the Babcock House Student Cooperative, Science Communication Club, and UW Polo Club, and serves on the Board of the Wisconsin Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association.

ACTIVELY INVOLVED Heinzel has held internships with the Farm and Industry Short Course program, and Professional Dairy Producers, and worked with the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board.

“I am so excited and honored to be spending the next year serving as the 77th Alice in Dairyland, the official ambassador of Wisconsin’s diverse and abundant agriculture industry,” she says.

“I am looking forward to connecting Wisconsinites with agriculture,” Heinzel continues, “sharing the

impact of this vibrant industry both in local communities and across the state, and the stories of hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to agriculture every day.”

Heinzel was selected during the 77th Alice in Dairyland Finals hosted by Door County, May 2-4, 2024. She began her term as the 77th Alice in Dairyland on July 8. She succeeds the 76th Alice in Dairyland, Ashley Hagenow of Poynette, who continued her current term until the transition.

About Alice in Dairyland Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, fulltime communications professional with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

The Alice program is supported by several partner organizations, including Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Goodman’s Jewelers, the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Beef Council.

For more information about the 77th Alice in Dairyland Finals in Door County and the Alice in Dairyland program, visit https://www. aliceindairyland.com and follow Alice online on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

28 BC�T July

Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

Promotions Retreat Focuses on Strategic Planning

Newly elected Committee Chairman Tim Huffcutt takes reins from Brian Lee The only thing constant in life is change. We can either avoid it, fight change, or roll with it and appreciate it for what it is. The latter is usually time-consuming, not to mention the most challenging, as it typically involves a process that requires stepping outside our comfort zone and thinking on a much higher playing field.

However, doing so can be incredibly rewarding given the learning opportunities available and education provided along the way.

Thinking on a higher level is exactly what the WPVGA Promotions Committee has been challenging itself to do for a little more than a year.

A simple request for a facilitator at a brainstorming meeting to generate ideas related to promotional programming led to working with

former Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern.

Toaspern, who had just retired from the national marketing organization in June 2022, agreed to a contract with the Promotions Committee for services related to strategic planning, thinking and alignment.

A wealth of knowledge on domestic and international work related to potatoes, combined with his

familiarity of Wisconsin and the state’s growers, make him a perfect fit for local discussions.

Over the course of a year, Toaspern has been working with WPVGA Promotions Director Dana Rady and committee members on implementing the same strategic approach that Potatoes USA uses.

This involves establishing a strategic continued on pg. 30

Above: The WPVGA Promotions Committee kicks off day one of the Promotions Retreat on Thursday, May 23, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Pictured left to right and top to bottom are Brittany Bula, Bula Land Company; Paul Salm from BMO Harris Bank, representing the Associate Division; Nick Burns of James Burns & Sons; Wendy Dykstra from Alsum Farms & Produce; Dianne and Nick Somers, Plover River Farms; WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan; Brandon Taylor of Exit Realty CW, representing the Associate Division; Mike Gatz, Bushmans’ Inc.; Heidi Randall, David Wickline and Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms & Produce; Melissa Heise from Swiderski Equipment, Inc., representing the Associate Division; Tim Huffcutt, RPE, Inc.; WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator George Neuber; WPVGA Executive Assistant Julie Braun; Erin Meister of Reabe Spraying Service, representing the Auxiliary; Becky Wysocki from Wysocki Family Farms; contractor and former Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern; WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady; and Promotions Chairman Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms.

BC�T July 29

Marketplace . . .

continued from pg. 29

framework, namely, objectives, strategies, performance measures and activities. It also involves each committee member challenging him/ herself to think on a higher level than before.

While the process is extensive, it helped streamline discussions during the 2024 Promotions Retreat, May 23-24, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, and provoked some beneficial dialogue.

On Friday of the retreat, the Promotions Committee approved a $355,000 budget that encompasses the following highlights: TRADE SHOWS • As a continuation of the work established via two grants from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection aimed at expanding exports, the Promotions Committee will be returning to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Show, April 2025, in Montreal, Quebec, simply as an attendee as opposed to being an exhibitor.

• The committee will also be returning to Expo ANTAD 2025 in Guadalajara, Mexico, in March.

The goal of this continued work is to nurture the relationships that have already been established from attending trade shows and hosting reverse trade missions for the two countries.

SPUDMOBILE AND SPUDMOBILE CHAPTER 2 • August 2024 will officially mark 10 years of the Wisconsin Spudmobile being on the road. It is a milestone that hasn’t been a guarantee. What reaching that milestone also means is that the industry is getting closer to its goal of having the vehicle on the road for 10-15 years total.

• It’s important that the committee begins talking about what will take 30 BC�T July

the Spudmobile’s place once the current vehicle officially retires down the road, and consequently, begin setting money aside to be able to pull the trigger on a new project when the time comes without limiting other programming efforts.

• This is the same process the committee implemented before the current Spudmobile was born.

POWERED BY WISCONSIN POTATOES TEAM • This activity has historically been devoted to covering registration fees for those in the industry who serve as ambassadors for Wisconsin potatoes to others who may be unfamiliar with the state’s large potato industry.

• Years ago, the Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes list of events was quite extensive. Over the years, some of those events have been discontinued while industry participation in others has been somewhat sporadic and smaller in comparison to the number of total runners in a particular race.

• As such, the Promotions Committee will be focused on attending events

Above: WPVGA Promotions Director Dana Rady explains the strategic framework guiding discussions on Thursday, May 23, at the 2024 Promotions Retreat in Wisconsin Dells.

in more urban areas like Madison.

The focus will also be on a larger presence at those events via having the Spudmobile on site and handing out giveaways.

• Industry participation will be encouraged, either by helping welcome visitors to the Spudmobile and/or running in one of the offered races, the registrations of which WPVGA would cover.

DIGITAL MARKETING •W ork with Midwest Family Madison will continue for a third year after two consecutive years of growth and success regarding increased website traffic and brand awareness through social media campaigns in select markets.

•D etails of next year’s campaign will be discussed in the coming weeks, but they could very well include more cooking videos and perhaps giving WPVGA mascot Spudly a new perspective in the kitchen.

NUTRITION EDUCATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS • Working with Ten Acre Marketing out of Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a new strategic initiative this year. The firm is well versed in agriculture, working to position brands and advance the industry, as well as fresh produce in general.

• Ten Acre Marketing’s focus with Wisconsin potatoes will be writing and strategically placing positive articles about spuds, the nutritional benefits they naturally provide and their ability to power performance in the hands of registered dieticians across the Midwest.

• The idea is to establish a foundation within the nutrition community and with consumers that the agency influences without allowing anyone to become sidetracked by misperceptions that exist about potatoes.

• Ten Acre Marketing will also be

GROWING BEYOND

using a monitoring service to track what is and is not being said, as well as where these conversations are taking place, thus providing the ability to modify content accordingly to achieve desired goals.

Above: Former Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern describes the importance of measuring activities based on results during the Promotions Retreat.

• E ssentially, this work is the most direct approach to the committee’s continued on pg. 32

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Improve Crop Uniformity Movement of photosynthetic compounds from leaf to tuber is crucial.

Inadequate plant respiration will lead to reduced and irregular tuber size.

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objective and goal of “creating awareness of how potatoes fuel performance and improving consumer/dietician perceptions of potato nutrition.”

WISCONSIN FOODIE • For the first time, Wisconsin potatoes will be sponsoring the TV show, “Wisconsin Foodie.” The show airs on PBS every Thursday from early January through early May. In that period, there are 13 newly produced episodes, which then repeat several times each week from the middle of May through December.

• While PBS represents most of the show’s viewership, each episode is also posted to the company’s YouTube channel, which attracts a slightly younger viewing audience.

• As an underwriter, WPVGA receives one regular season episode devoted to Wisconsin potatoes with the potential for mentions in other episodes as determined by the production team.

• Each episode is aimed at making the connection between agriculture and people’s dinner plates.

HEALTHY GROWN • The Healthy Grown Program continues to be a focal point for the Promotions Committee, especially considering the sustainability standards and messaging it represents.

• Growers’ customers continue to value what the program stands for and encourages, especially in today’s climate with consumers wanting to know more about where their food comes from and how it’s produced.

comes through the help of Deana Knuteson from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who assists growers with program requirements, Jeb Barzen who helps growers implement prescribed burns on their farms, and the WPVGA with a passwordprotected Healthy Grown portal on its website.

• The portal is a significant timesaver, as growers have their own account and can complete the paperwork online as opposed to filling out hard copies. They can also duplicate the previous year’s forms and simply change what needs to be changed for the new year.

• Additionally, the Promotions Committee remains committed to covering the third-party audit certification fees in full for the program’s current participants, as well as any new ones who join.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING EFFORTS CONSISTENT WITH PREVIOUS YEARS • T he Promotions Committee will continue its Alice in Dairyland partnership as a collaborative effort with the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary.

• Sponsorship of the Spud Bowl in Stevens Point (on Saturday, October 5, 2024) will also continue, as will Spudly appearances at select events.

• Furthermore, there will be continued work with Mad Dog and Merrill on an episode devoted to Wisconsin potatoes, as well as a commercial asset to use at WPVGA’s leisure.

• Consequently, the WPVGA continues reaching out to growers who are not part of the program and assisting them with becoming Healthy Grown members.

Another change for the Promotions Committee going into a fresh fiscal year is welcoming new member Nick Burns of James Burns & Sons, in Almond, as well as the voting in of a new chairman.

• This grower outreach support

Tim Huffcutt of RPE, Inc., Bancroft,

32 BC�T July

has served on the committee for seven years and sees the group as “strong with a solid core of tenured members coupled with newer contributors who bring fresh diverse perspectives.”

Huffcutt accepted his nomination and the gavel from now Past Chairman Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms. Lee served the committee as chairman for three years and was instrumental in ensuring that the group stayed focused on the strategic planning process.

“In my three years as Promotions Committee chair, it has been a privilege to work with the group of people who are on the committee,” says Lee. “We have gone from controlled chaos at times to a team that is on board with the current direction in which we as a group have decided to go.”

“We now have solid numbers that show that people are recognizing Wisconsin as a premier grower of potatoes,” he continues. “With this new solid structure and vision, I feel, as a group, we will continue this path and keep Wisconsin in the mind of consumers when buying potatoes.”

THE RIGHT DIRECTION Huffcutt agrees and says he’s pleased with the direction of the WPVGA Promotions Committee and is encouraged by two recent developments: “First, the strategic framework developed and implemented by Dana Rady with long-time Potatoes USA executive John Toaspern, and second, the thoughtful committee member succession approach of the Auxiliary and Associate Divisions.”

“The framework Dana developed with John gives committee members guidance for how to think about funding opportunities,” he remarks, “and criteria for assessing whether the various requests align with our objectives.”

Huffcutt says he’s impressed with the amount of care being given to onboarding new participants, specifically as it relates to representation from the Auxiliary and Associate Division. Having a liaison from each board on the committee, along with a backup, provides continuity in conversations and general knowledge of the committee’s direction.

“I am excited about supporting Dana and collaborating with her and the entire Promotions Committee to generate momentum while building upon a strong foundation that she and the team established over the past couple of years,” Huffcutt concludes.

He also expressed appreciation to immediate predecessor, Lee, as well as to those who previously served in the Promotions Committee

chairperson role: Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms; Christine Lindner, Alsum Farms & Produce; Chris Brooks from Central Door Solutions; and Mike Gatz, Bushmans’, Inc. The Promotions Committee is

Above: Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms and Produce, in Friesland, shares information about Wisconsin Foodie on Thursday, May 23, at the 2024 Promotions Retreat.

embracing a plethora of changes, one strategic objective at a time.

BC�T July 33

New Generation of Crop Protection Hybrid solutions combine biological and chemical active ingredients

By Moshe Reuveni, chief scientist, STK Bio-Ag Technologies The call for chemical load reduction is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture. New effective alternatives to existing products are required to increase options for the control of plant diseases.

New hybrid solutions are now proving to present a best-of-both-worlds opportunity by combining biological and chemical crop protection active ingredients to provide an effective solution.

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These include Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) and Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) for improved efficacy in plant disease control and a reduced synthetic chemical load compared to other mixtures based on two traditional chemicals.

INHIBITS SPORE GERMINATION Regev significantly inhibits spore germination or lesion development on treated leaves and limits the expansion of lesions caused by various fungi.

Tea tree oil (TTO) disrupts the fungal cell membrane and cell wall in plant continued on pg. 36

Previous Page and Above: As part of a field test, potato plants are shown, from left to right, untreated and showing signs of brown spot, treated with standard chemical fungicide in the second image, and treated with Regev hybrid fungicide in the final picture.

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New Generation of Crop Protection . . . continued from pg. 35

tissue infected with phytopathogenic fungi, exhibiting a curative activity against fungal pathogens that enables growers to use it even when the disease is already visible on the tissue.

TTO also activates defense mechanisms in plants and induces systemic resistance against plant pathogens.

Difenoconazole, the second active ingredient of Regev, affects the fungal cell membrane by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis.

With these multiple modes of action, diseases effectively controlled by Regev include powdery mildews (caused by fungi in the order Erysiphales), apple scab (Venturia inequalis), Black Sigatoka in banana (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), and species of Alternaria, Cercospora, Botrytis, Rhizoctonia, Pyricularia, Helminthosporium, Sclerothium, and more.

Because Regev has a unique multiple functional activity and presents a very low probability for development

of resistance or cross-resistance in plant pathogens, it could be an important tool in preventing the development of resistance during the growing season.

Its application can be rotated with products that exhibit different modes of action and to which fungal pathogen populations have shown a loss of sensitivity, so that the population of individuals that are less sensitive to chemical products can be reduced.

Above: Regev hybrid fungicide shows strong efficacy against brown spot of potato.

IMPROVES EFFICACY Studies have also shown that a combination of TTO together with difenoconazole improves the efficacy of difenoconazole, including against fungal populations that exhibited a lower sensitivity to it.

Regev is currently used for controlling a broad range of diseases on arable crops, cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Hundreds of trials have been conducted in recent years with various crops and pathogens and in different countries.

Regev is already registered in the United Sates, including Wisconsin, as well as in Israel, Serbia, The Philippines and 10 Latin American countries for various crops and diseases. It is currently in the process of registration in Brazil and the European Union.

Historically, biopesticides have been used largely on high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, but hybrids like Regev have additionally proven to be a cost-effective approach for row crops like soybeans, and broad acre crops such as rice and corn.

Tomatoes treated with Regev fungicide are beautiful on the vine.

36 BC�T July

The preventive and curative activities

of Regev, together with the indirect activity via the host plant by systemic resistance, and the fact that it is reliable, leaves little residue and provides significant added value to growers, make Regev an important component in plant disease control.

THE FUTURE OF AG “Nowadays, biopesticides are much more aligned with the future of the agricultural sector,” says Moshe Reuveni, chief scientist, STK Bio-Ag Technologies.

“I am proud to be part of the STK team, which develops and brings to market new and effective biopesticides, including the innovative tea tree oil-based products with their unique multi-functional activity,” he adds.

“This unique multi-functional activity presents different modes of action and is assisting farmers in improving the quality of their yields, serving as a unique tool for resistance management and ensuring better control over pests and diseases in a sustainable way,” Reuveni concludes.

Regev’s activity has been shown on a wide range of plant diseases and can be an attractive alternative for controlling them.

“Nowadays, biopesticides are much more aligned with the future of the agricultural sector.”

– Professor Moshe Reuveni, chief scientist, STK Bio-Ag Technologies

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Regev promises successful yields without risking the profit margins while simultaneously upholding regulations and responding to growing consumer demands.

It represents a new generation in the future of crop protection.

For more information, contact STK Bio-Ag Technologies care of Jon Amdursky, 201-394-2476, jamdursky@aol.com, or visit https://stk-ag.com.

F O C U S E D O N AG . F O C U S E D O N YO U. BC�T July 37

Potatoes USA News Sales Increased Across All Potato Categories

U.S. retail sales volume up 5.6 percent in the first quarter of 2024 versus 2023 U.S. retail sales volume of potatoes increased 5.6% in January-March 2024 compared to the same period last year, and dollar sales increased 4.4%, reaching nearly $4.6 billion.

All categories of potatoes increased in both volume and dollar sales, indicating strong growth across the board.

All categories of potatoes increased in volume and dollar sales for the quarter, including: • Fresh: Dollar sales increased 0.6%; volume sales increased 7.6% • Frozen: Dollar sales increased 10.5%; volume sales increased 3.3% • Chips: Dollar sales increased 3.3%; volume sales increased 1.7% The most significant sales volume increases in January-March were for deli-prepared sides (7.8%) and fresh potatoes (7.6%).

Dollar sales of fresh potatoes were nearly $1.1 billion, a 0.6% increase from the previous year. Fresh sales

Fresh volume sales for russet potatoes increased 10.8% from January-March 2024 compared to last year.

Although dollar sales of fresh potatoes increased 0.6% over the previous year, they decreased (-5.5%) for red potatoes.

volume increased for all types except red (-3.3%) and white (-3.1%).

Purple saw the highest sales volume increase (18.9%), followed by medley (11.5%), yellow (11.2%) and russet (10.8%).

increased for purple (12.4%), medley (9%), yellow (8%), fingerling (3.4%), and petite (1.1%). Dollar sales decreased for red (-5.5%), white (-1.7%), and russet (-0.2%).

This is especially significant for russet and yellow potatoes, which make up 63% and 16% of fresh volume sales, respectively.

Dollar sales for fresh potatoes

All pack sizes smaller than 10 pounds saw an increase in volume and dollar sales. The largest sales volume increase was for 8-pound bags (25.5%), followed by 10-pound bags (9.1%), 5-pound bags (8%), bags under 2 pounds (7.6%), and bags 2-4 pounds (4.2%).

Bags greater than 10 pounds saw a decrease in volume sales (-25.8%).

Bags weighing 10 pounds saw a 5.9% decrease in dollar sales, and those greater than 10 pounds saw a 36.8% decrease in dollar sales.

All pack sizes smaller than 10 pounds saw an increase in volume and dollar sales, including 5-pound bags (up 8%).

38 BC�T July

Circana (IRI) compiles these figures by working directly with retailers.

Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein. Please reach out to Media@PotatoesUSA.com with any questions.

regev peforms in the fight against early blight and more

Julie Pasche | North Dakota State University | Inkster, ND | 2022 10 applications on a 7-day schedule, Jul 7 - Sep 9 | Rated Sep 26 (40 DAF)

Application rates: Manzate ProStick 2 lb, Revus Top 5.6 oz, Echo Zn 34 oz, Regev 7 oz, Luna Tranq. 11.2 oz, Scala 7 oz, Provisol 4 oz.

Numbers in treatment names indicate application timing. Letters above bars indicate significant difference. Results that share a letter are not significantly different.

Except Echo Zn and Manzate ProStick, all programs included Echo Zn 34 oz (1,3,4,6,8-10), Quadris 9 oz (2), and Manzate Pro-Stick 2 lb (2,5,7).

REGEV® hybrid fungicide has proven itself against Early Blight over several years of potato field trials. Take a look at the above NDSU trial results from 2022, and you can see for yourself the remarkable Early Blight control delivered by programs with REGEV.

tree oil and difenoconazole provides potato growers with nine powerful mechanisms of activity for effective preventive, curative and anti-sporulant control. This means you get protection throughout the pathogen’s life cycle—all while enhancing plant growth, yield and resistance management.

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Badger Beat Insect Overwintering The mild winter could have a lasting impact on insect populations

By Russell L. Groves, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Entomology

Insects have a variety of methods for surviving the cold

brought on by winter in temperate zones. Many insects are better able to survive the cold when temperatures remain stable, not fluctuating through alternate thaws and freezes.

Insects have a variety of methods for surviving the cold brought on by winter in temperate zones. Many insects are better able to survive the cold when temperatures remain stable, not fluctuating through alternate thaws and freezes.

We might assume that long durations of very cold temperatures would have the greatest effect on survival, but this is not always the case. The large variety of insects (we often find pestering our crops in the field) also possess a wide range of strategies and habitats for successful overwintering.

Among these niches are within and under the soil, and our friend the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is among the insects that attempt overwintering in this way. CPB overwinters in the adult stage,

40 BC�T July

primarily in soil (up to 12-16 inches deep) in the woods and brushy borders next to host crops, though some burrow into soil in the field.

When cold temperatures prevail in a Wisconsin winter, we often have frost that penetrates the ground within previous year’s potato, which can cause greater mortaility among those adults attempting to overwinter within the field.

We often observe greater survivorship of the adult beetles in the grassy or wooded field borders surrounding fields where frost may not extend below 2-4 inches under a protective layer of leaves, brush and grasses. Blankets of snow benefit CPB by insulating the ground and keeping the temperature surprisingly constant.

Another interesting example of insects overwintering as adults includes honeybees. These important insects have been intensively studied during the winter and are found to remain semi-active in hollow trees through the generation of body heat.

The consumption of up to 30 pounds of stored honey during the winter months makes this possible.

The metabolism and subsequent oxidation of the honey results in heat energy produced by the consumption of the honey and circulated throughout the hive by the wingfanning of worker bees.

This is a unique circumstance whereby an insect stays active throughout the winter and does not undergo a formal hibernation or diapause period.

Above: The Colorado potato beetle attempts to overwinter within and under the soil, up to 12-16 inches deep. (Photo courtesy of J. Obermeyer)

DIAPAUSE STATE Insects (like the CPB) that are inactive during the winter months undergo a diapause state in which their growth, development, and activities are suspended temporarily, with a metabolic rate just high enough to keep them alive.

In comparison, vertebrates undergo hibernation, during which they have minor activity and add tissues to their bodies.

Still other strategies insects employ in overwintering include migration (i.e., monarch butterfly), as well as overwintering in a variety of resistant life stages.

For example, many of our vegetable pest insects successfully pass the winter as immature larvae or nymphs, and these include the onion thrips, several cutworms, white grubs and wireworms.

Here again, the protection of heavy

Honeybees remain semi-active during winter months in hollow trees through the generation of body heat. (Photo courtesy of Perfectbee.com)

covers of leaf litter or similar shelters protect these immature life stages in the soil, and many of these species replace the water in their bodies with glycerol, which acts as a kind of antifreeze.

Like the CPB, some grubs and wireworms simply burrow deeper into the soil to escape the cold that may penetrate if the frost is pushing downward. continued on pg. 42

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Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 41

A few important pest species overwinter as eggs that survive the winter above ground. Corn rootworm is an example that lays eggs in or on the soil surface.

Generally, northern corn rootworms are more resistant to cold temperatures when compared to western corn rootworms. However, the duration of the cold period is a key factor that impacts survivorship.

Longer periods of cold temperatures can dramatically reduce corn rootworm egg hatch.

SNOW COVER & SOIL MOISTURE Combined with the duration of cold temperatures, the amount of snow cover and soil moisture at the time of the cold temperatures can influence survivorship.

In our potato system, several aphid species overwinter as eggs laid on trees and other woody plants in areas surrounding our fields. Green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) overwinter as eggs on the bark of plants in the Prunus genus, such as cherry and plum trees.

The eggs are laid in bud axils and bark crevices on twigs in the fall, and hatch around the time of bloom in the

Several aphid species overwinter as eggs laid on trees and other woody plants in areas surrounding potato fields. (Photo courtesy of Whitney Cranshaw)

spring. The nymphs that hatch feed on flowers, young foliage, and stems, and eventually develop into winged females that produce live young without mating (parthenogenesis).

The 2023-’24 winter season ranked warmest on record for the contiguous United States with eight states across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast each observing their warmest winter on record (including Wisconsin).

Specifically, February 2024 was the third-warmest February on record for the nation and precipitation ranked in the driest third of the historical

record for the month.

What might this signal in terms of pest abundance or the damage potential for several of our crops?

The mild winter of 2023-’24 could have a lasting impact on insect populations, as each species has different strategies for surviving the winter. For example, warmer temperatures can increase the activity of insects like aphids, thrips and whiteflies.

Other factors, like pathogens and beneficial insects, could help control aphid populations. Many of our natural enemy species could also have enjoyed greater overall survivorship, which could help control pests and limit early season reproduction.

HIGH SURVIVAL RATES As previously discussed, insects that typically rely on colder temperatures to regulate their life cycles may have higher survival rates during a mild winter. This could lead to larger populations in the 2024 summer months.

As we have observed with CPB, some insects may emerge earlier than usual in the spring following a mild winter. This early emergence could disrupt ecosystems and agriculture, potentially leading to increased pest activity earlier in the growing season and responses to pest populations well ahead of normally timed

42 BC�T July

(Photo courtesy of NOAA Climate.gov)

activities.

The mild winter can extend the activity periods of insects with multiple generations within a season, allowing them more time for reproduction and growth. Here again, this could contribute to greater populations throughout the production season and even into 2025.

Multi-generational species like onion thrips, virus-transmitting aphids, and potato leafhoppers are all pests worthy of more careful scouting.

In some cases, the mild winter could facilitate the spread of invasive insect species into new regions where they might not have been able to survive during colder winters.

We maintain a careful eye for new and emerging pests like Swede midge (in cole crops), brown marmorated stinkbug (in sweet corn and succulent bean), and the Asiatic garden beetle in potato.

Conversely, mild winters may also benefit natural predators of insects, such as birds and other animals,

The mild winter could facilitate the spread of invasives species, like the Asiatic garden beetle in potato, into new regions where they might not have been able to survive during cold winters. (Photo courtesy of E. Engasser)

leading to more effective control of insect populations in the long term.

Overall, the specific impact of a mild winter on insect populations will depend on a complex interplay of factors, and predictions may vary depending on the circumstances prevalent in our region and the insect species involved. It is good to be prepared!

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NPC News NPC Holds Annual Agency Farm Tour EPA and USDA staff visited potato fields and the BASF Research Facility The week of May 20-24, National Potato Council (NPC) President Bob Mattive joined NPC staff during the annual Agency Farm Tour. The tour, held in Maryland and North Carolina, is for employees of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Pest Management Policy.

Tour stops included irrigated and non-irrigated potato fields and the BASF Research Facility. The close proximity to Washington, D.C. provided the opportunity for Rod Snyder, senior advisor for agriculture to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, and Ed Messina, director of OPP, to be part of the tour.

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Above: Agency Farm Tour participants pose for a picture at Black Gold Farms, in Maryland.

Maryland and North Carolina opening up their farms to help us ensure the agencies understand the complexity and diversity of potato production across the U.S.” Mattive states.

“The opportunity to see production practices in these two states,” he continues, “reinforced for me the importance of having the greatest flexibility in pest management tools we have available to the industry.”

The annual tour is designed to strengthen relationships with agency staff members and to educate participants on commercial potato production practices, including the real-world use of federally regulated pesticides.

The farm tour also showcases Integrated Pest Management practices and includes demonstrations on handling and use of pesticides, including equipment used in pest management.

Bipartisan Group Calls for H-2A Wage Freeze The 2024 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), and the rate’s likely increase in 2025, is making agricultural guest labor unaffordable for farm employers, resulting in higher consumer costs, wrote a bipartisan group of 120 U.S. Congressional House members, on Wednesday, May 22.

The letter, led by Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), was sent to House Appropriations leaders requesting an H-2A visa guestworker wage freeze in the upcoming appropriations process.

The authors noted that the AEWR has more than doubled since 2005, making agricultural labor and its products more unaffordable.

“With the nation’s average AEWR reaching $17.55/hour in 2024 (more than a 5 percent increase year over year), and other inflated input costs including fuel and fertilizer, many farms are in danger of going out of business,” said Rep. Huizenga in a press release.

“With all the unknowns and challenges faced by farmers, the

last thing we need to add to the mix is volatile annual changes to labor rates,” said NPC Vice President of Legislative Affairs and Idaho potato grower Dean Gibson.

“We applaud this bipartisan group of House members for elevating this issue within Congress and for joining with growers to ask for a wage rate freeze,” Gibson added.

“NPC also thanks the state potato associations for their efforts as we work together as an industry to urge Congress to finally address the serious and ongoing labor crisis through a bipartisan immigration

reform package,” he said.

“While more permanent solutions are needed to address the AEWR’s past impact and its future trajectory, we request that the Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriations Bill prohibit funds from being used to implement a wage larger than the January 2023 wage rate, or otherwise freeze the H-2A wage rates at January 2023 levels,” the group stated.

The letter is available by visiting https://huizenga.house.gov/ uploadedfiles/fy25_h2a_wage_ freeze_final_5.21.24.pdf.

WPIB Focus Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison Month

Jul-22

Aug-22

Sep-22

Oct-22

Nov-22

Dec-22

Jan-23

Feb-23

Mar-23

Apr-23

May-23

Jun-23

CWT

1,672,188.74

1,652,461.65

1,253,802.65

2,220,884.60

2,839,864.67

2,284,689.72

1,511,913.78

2,557,962.60

2,149,511.42

2,199,779.23

3,000,183.10

23,343,242.16

Assessment

$133,812.37

$132,196.95

$100,304.10

$177,635.82

$227,110.48

$182,814.53

$120,953.10

$204,565.04

$171,879.92

$176,059.39

$239,961.68

$1,867,293.38

Month

Jul-23

Aug-23

Sep-23

Oct-23

Nov-23

Dec-23

Jan-24

Feb-24

Mar-24

Apr-24

May-24

CWT

1,313,762.07

1,528,723.01

977,118.59

2,045,401.98

2,686,018.96

2,077,816.49

2,083,671.00

2,011,188.99

2,168,247.92

3,200,286.89

2,629,261.77

22,721,497.67

Assessment

$105,353.00

$122,297.83

$78,169.48

$163,634.01

$214,877.01

$165,983.07

$166,830.95

$160,961.88

$173,459.55

$256,024.32

$210,308.70

$1,817,899.80

Jun-24

Year-to-Date

Year-to-Date

BC�T July 45

The Right Foliar Fertilizer Sparks Chemistry Crops turn a cold shoulder to molecules with the wrong magnetism Headlines questioning the efficacy of foliar fertilizers in soybeans come as no surprise to chemical engineer Jae Fielding.

Molecular science shows plant leaves and key components of many, but not all, foliar fertilizer products are literally polar opposites of each other and chemically guaranteed to repel one another, he says, no matter the crop.

“It’s like trying to shove two magnets together. If the components of a foliar applied fertilizer product are going to make it into the leaf instead of rolling off, they must at the very least be nonpolar and nonionic,” Fielding explains.

Unfortunately, many foliar fertilizer products contain critical components—sometimes more than one—that are either polar or ionic.

Salts, such as ammonium nitrate and potassium chloride, are common 46 BC�T July

polarized problem components. They need to be neutralized to make it into the plant.

Fielding, a retired 26-year Dow Chemical employee specializing in polymer chemistry and current Kugler Company sales representative who also assists in product research and production, says there are four attributes an effective nitrogen foliar fertilizer product should possess.

1. Fertilizer molecules and polymers must have a nonpolar molecular structure.

2. Fertilizer molecules and polymers must have non-ionic molecular structures.

3. The product must contain soluble carbon.

4. The product must offer nitrogen in an available form.

Shifting to neutral. It’s not enough that the key components and

polymers lack magnetic charge, but rather the foliar fertilizer product in its entirety needs to be neutral.

Soluble carbon serves to neutralize ionic or polar aspects of carriers, including water.

“Soluble carbon has surfactant properties. It helps neutralize the foliar fertilizer product along with any tank-mixed products. Water polarity is also reduced, increasing the ability of all applied products to stick to plant leaves,” Fielding says.

Stoking the fire. Neutrality ensures components are chemically able to cross into the plant. Nitrogen is what fuels results. The macro nutrient is critical to plant growth and is a component of chlorophyll. That’s why leaves turn yellow when they’re nitrogen deficient.

“Nitrogen applications facilitate creation of more chlorophyll, which results in greener, bigger leaves that,

in turn, photosynthesize more light,” Fielding says.

The results of photosynthesis are measured in yield.

NOT JUST ANY NITROGEN It can’t just be any nitrogen for a foliar application, though. Applying 28 or 32% nitrogen in the form of urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) in water as a foliar will burn crop leaves, reducing productive chlorophyll, he says.

In the right form, nitrogen is readily absorbed by plant leaves without damage. Well-fed plants increase their rate of photosynthesis, drawing more water and nutrients from the soil. Foliar feeding fosters topdown and bottom-up nutrition simultaneously, Fielding says.

Foliar feeding can be a highly effective component of a strategic, efficient, and responsible fertility program. Splitting fertilizer continued on pg. 48

continued on pg. 48

Solutions BC�T July 47

The Right Foliar Fertilizer Sparks Chemistry . . . continued from pg. 47

applications throughout the season mitigates financial risk to growers and minimizes environmental nitrogen loss.

Slow-release foliar products, like Kugler’s KQ-XRN, create the possibility of further extending nitrogen delivery. In the case of KQ-XRN, three separate polymer components keep applied fertility on the leaf, releasing nitrogen for up to six weeks.

BEYOND SOYBEANS The effectiveness of foliar fertilizer applications in soybeans specifically was recently called into doubt by a study published in 2021. Qualified state soybean boards funded field trials of six commercially available foliar nutrient treatments in 16 states. Data showed little to no benefit to the applications.

While jarring, this information

requires a more critical look, Fielding says.

“The products tested do not represent all foliar fertilizer products,” he notes. “It’s apples to oranges or worse. Polymers, surfactant characteristics, fertilizer components, polarity, and more can all have significant impacts on performance.”

Performance of these and other foliar fertilizer products on soybeans is

also unrelated to their performance on other crops. Foliar feeding can produce dramatic outcomes in a variety of crops and across a range of conditions.

Kugler Company of Nebraska offers other products that utilize KQ-XRN and have been used successfully to foliar feed potatoes.

Specifically, Kugler KS 2075, 20-0-7.55S, 70% SRN (slow-release nitrogen) has been used in Colorado, Idaho,

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and North Dakota on many species of potatoes, both by itself for foliar application and as a carrier for herbicides and fungicides.

SLOW-RELEASE NITROGEN The value of the SRN is its ability to stay on the leaf for up to 45 days, adding continuous herbicide efficacy and fungicide protection.

Another Kugler product that has been successfully used on potatoes is KS 178C (17-0-0-0-8CL, 61% SRN).

KS 178C’s value lies in the high level of chloride that is the primary active ingredient in virtually all fungicides.

The product is not sold as a fungicide, but rather as a plant health foliar fertilizer.

Other Kugler products containing KQXRN as a primary nitrogen ingredient are KS 1348C (13-3-4-0 8Cl, 51% SRN), and KS 143SF (14-14-3 40% SRN). These products can be used on all crops.

“For best foliar fertilizer application

“It’s like trying to shove two magnets together. If the components of a foliar applied fertilizer product are going to make it into the leaf instead of rolling off, they must at the very least be nonpolar and nonionic.”

– Jae Fielding, chemical engineer, the Kugler Company

results, farmers should select products that meet the basic criteria of being nonpolar and nonionic,” Fielding stresses.

“As with any other product or practice,” he remarks, “a sound strategy would be for growers to

do their own on-farm, side-by-side trials before committing the whole farm to a single solution.”

For more information, contact Kugler Company, attention Jae Fielding, jfielding@kuglercompany.com, 308-737-9755, or 800-445-9116.

BC�T July 49

Now News

UW Extension Begins Regional Pest Alerts Bick Lab to release timely insect emergence and trapping trends The Bick Lab in the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Entomology is partnering with UW-Madison Extension, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to release timely insect emergence and trapping trends to Wisconsin farmers, landowners, and crop consultants.

The insect emergence and trapping trends are based on DATCP trapping efforts.

This new alert service aims to serve as a timely “heads up” for insect pests. The resource is intended to help guide farmers’, landowners’ and crop consultants’ timing for checking pest traps, reduce time and resources spent scouting for insects, and reduce injury caused to crops via insect pest testing and identification.

Those who sign up to receive insect pest alerts can elect to receive updates for northern, central, and/or southern Wisconsin by text.

A longer form of the insect pest updates will also be shared online at https://cropsandsoils.extension. wisc.edu/pest-management/insectpest-alerts/ and link to important 50 BC�T July

resources from UW-Madison Extension and beyond.

Dr. Emily Bick, assistant professor of Precision Pest Ecology and Extension specialist for field and forage crops at UW-Madison, says, “I hope this service, in conjunction with scouting, enables timely, data-based integrated pest management decisions.”

“For insect pests,” Dr. Bick adds, “timing interventions, like insecticides, correctly ensures maximum success of the applications and better protection of crop yield.”

Sign up for insect pest alert text messages by visiting https://

Above: A new insect emergence and trapping trends alert service aims to serve as a timely “heads up” for crop pests. The black cutworm image is courtesy of Roger Schmidt, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Bugwood.org.

cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/ pest-management/insect-pest-alerts/ and clicking the red “Sign up for test alerts” box.

View insect pest alerts on the web at https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc. edu/pest-management/insect-pestalerts/. For questions, contact Dr. Emily Bick, 608-262-3854, ebick@wisc.edu.

1,4GROUP Shifts CIPC Manufacturing to U.S. Move follows non-renewal of registration in Europe and the United Kingdom In a significant move, 1,4GROUP has shifted the manufacturing of chlorpropham (CIPC) to the United States, marking a transition away from its previous manufacturing base overseas. The shift follows the nonrenewal of CIPC registration in Europe and the United Kingdom, leading to the termination of overseas production in January 2020.

This change ensures the continued availability of CIPC to customers in North America, where it remains approved for use.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) granted approval for the new

U.S.-based manufacturer, enabling customers to benefit from the reliable sprout inhibitor that has been a staple in the industry since the 1950s.

This demonstrates 1,4GROUP’s commitment to delivering highquality products and ensuring a reliable source of CIPC in North America. Customers in both the United States and Canada can continue to implement effective potato storage procedures.

“We at 1,4GROUP are very enthusiastic about the transition,” says 1,4GROUP Chief Executive Officer Steve Elfering. “This will allow us to continue delivering our

SOLUTIONS FOR

quality products [PIN/NIP 98% CIPC and Spud Guard] for sprout control to our valued customers in the North American Potato industry.”

“We would like to thank EPA and PMRA for recognizing the quality of our products and the need the potato industry has for them,” Elfering adds.

For further information, please visit: https://14group.com/.

1,4GROUP is a leading supplier of potato storage solutions, dedicated to providing high-quality products for year-round potato storage. The company is committed to serving the evolving needs of its customers. continued on pg. 52

At Compeer Financial, we’re defined by you — your hopes for the future as well as your needs today. Our Food & Agribusiness team leverages industry expertise across the entire food value chain to provide flexible and innovative solutions that support our clients’ growth.

And we’re equipped with the funding capacity to position your business for success every step of the way. As agriculture continues to evolve, so will we, together.

DEFINE YOUR SUCCESS WITH US COMPEER.COM/YOU OR CALL (844) 426-6733 Cathy Schommer, VP Food & Agribusiness

(608) 370-6792 | Cathy.Schommer@compeer.com

Dan Kendall, Insurance Officer

(608) 370-6825 | Dan.Kendall@compeer.com

Ag Lending | Crop Insurance | Ag Business Services | And More Compeer Financial can provide assistance with financing and operations based on historical data and industry expertise. Compeer Financial does not provide legal advice or certified financial planning. Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. NMLS #619731. © 2024 All rights reserved.

BC�T July 51

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 51

Food + Farm Exploration Center Debuts Summer Programs Programming seeks to cultivate knowledge and grow love for locally grown veggies The Food + Farm Exploration Center is inviting learners of all ages to participate in a variety of programs and events this summer. There is something for everyone from scheduled programs for kids to workshops for families and special events for adults. Or just come and enjoy the Colorful Plate Café, no ticket needed to enter.

“You could visit the exploration center every week and experience something new each time,” says Brittany Marquard, education program manager at the exploration center. “We really want to entice everyone to come into the exploration center to experience food and science in ways that are meaningful to them. Our team has been busy creating these experiences.”

The monthly speaker series, “Ag After Hours,” provides adults the opportunity to learn from our experts and enjoy the exploration center.

There will be activities all summer long for kids, including mini summer camps, drop-in programming, and special sessions just for teens and tweens.

“We have enjoyed interacting with our visitors on field trips, day trips and our cooking classes. Now we are looking forward to connecting with them even more during these additional program opportunities,” says Bobbi Kubish, director of educational programming.

Visitors will also be invited into our demonstration fields as we head into summer. There will be guided farm tours through the grounds of the exploration center. Visitors will have

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT

Reserve your spot today at: explorefoodandfarm.org

To learn more about our adult education programs or to register for Ag After Hours visit:

Registration includes snack, t-shirt, lesson time and indoor and outdoor exploration time. All camps are taught by certified K-12 teachers!

explorefoodandfarm.org

4th Tuesday of Every Month 5:30-7:30pm Light Hors d'Oeuvres Provided Cash Bar Available Open Exploration for Adults

Cost is $5 (non-members) Free for Members

Pre-registration strongly encouraged

Common Ground Conversations (For local growers, producers and allied industry professionals)

1st Friday of Every Month 8:00am Drip Coffee Pastries Provided

Cost is Free for All to Attend Pre-registration not required

The Food + Farm Exploration Center truly has something to offer to learners of all ages.

The Food + Farm Exploration Center strives to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Guests of all ages are welcome to explore at the exploration center, whether you purchase a membership, daily tickets, attend a program or visit our Colorful Plate Cafe.

52 BC�T July

Learn more about the variety of summer programs available and register at www.explorefoodandfarm. org. Members receive special pricing on programs.

MINI-CAMPS FOR KIDS

The Food + Farm Exploration Center is all about cultivating knowledge for learners of all ages, even adults!

(For any adult interested in agricultural innovation and sustainability)

The Food + Farm Exploration Center strives to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Guests of all ages are welcome to explore at the exploration center, whether they purchase a membership, daily tickets, attend a program or visit the Colorful Plate Café.

Summer

Adult Education

Ag After Hours

the opportunity to see vegetables growing in the demonstration fields and learn about irrigation, solar energy and new technology used in safeguarding crops from pests and disease.

$100

Each Session 10% Off for FFEC Members!

Limited to 16 spots per session

Elementary

Middle School

(incoming 2nd-5th grade)

(incoming 6th-9th grade)

Session One: July 8-12 9:00-11:30am

Session One: July 8-12 1:00-3:30pm

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

MAD SCIENCE

Spice up your week and put some flavor in your summer! Learn cooking basics the first two days and show off your new chef skills by preparing three mystery meals the following days!

Dive into the brains of Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Issac Newton, and learn how these famous scientists have contributed to agriculture. Learn by doing with mad fun science experiments!

Session Two: July 22-26 9:00-11:30am

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF POLLINATORS Come see what all the buzz is about!

Learn about a new pollinator friend each day and the role they play in making our healthy food! Take home a new pollinator craft each day!

Session Two: July 22-26 1:00-3:30pm

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Spice up your week and put some flavor in your summer! Learn cooking basics the first two days and show off your new chef skills by preparing three mystery meals the following days!

Compeer Financial Awards County Fair Grants $241,000 earmarked for facility improvements in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, is supporting county fairs with grants to improve facilities and experiences offered to rural communities across the Upper Midwest. Sixty-one fairs received County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants this year, totaling $241,850.

“County fairs are an integral part of summer experiences for rural communities,” says Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “These grants aid fairgrounds in supporting necessary updates, which improve the experience for exhibitors and are enjoyed by the thousands of visitors attending fairs each year.”

Of this year’s applicants: • 37% have needs for electric, lighting or ventilation improvements to enhance security and safety • 25% have needs for building upgrades, enhancing exhibitor and public experiences • 24% have needs for structural repairs to extend the life of buildings • 15% have needs for new or repaired animal pens and stalls to accommodate increasing number of exhibitors and support the safety of animals, exhibitors and the public Since the program was established in 2018, the fund has awarded 422 County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants for a total impact of over $1.4 million, touching the lives of 11.1 million fair organizers, participants and attendees. The fund intends to offer this grant again in March 2025.

Wisconsin organizations in Compeer Financial’s territory receiving support

sheep and swine barn, and adding fans in the dairy and beef barn from the County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program include: • Adams County Agricultural Society, Inc.: poultry barn fans and bleachers for animal shows and livestock auction • Alto Fair Inc.: upgrading hog panels • Ashland County Fair: purchasing bleachers for the animal exhibit arena • Blake’s Prairie Junior Fair: sheep and swine exhibit addition • Buffalo County Fair Association: replacing beef barn boards, adding ventilation in the beef and swine buildings and adding pens in the goat area • Calumet County Agricultural Association: replacing steel I-beams and block, as well as installing new windows and overhead door in the dairy arena • Crawford County Fair: updating electrical outlets and adding new breaker boxes in the exhibits building and 4-H food stand and replacing beef barn poles • Eau Claire County Friends of the Fair: new goat pens • Elroy Fair Association: rewiring, new lighting and adding tunnel ventilation in the hog barn • Green County Agricultural Society and Mechanics Institute: LED lighting upgrades in the sheep and goat barn, hog building and show building • Green Lake County Fair: new pens in the poultry and rabbit barn, electrical wiring and fans for the

• I ron County Fair Association: adding a roof over the 4-H livestock and horse washing and grooming outdoor facility, and structural and roof repairs and windows in the 4-H horse training and event management structure • L odi Agricultural Fair: extend Wi-Fi coverage from the fair office to the livestock buildings •P ierce County Friends of the Fair: updating electrical breaker panels and adding outlets and LED lighting to the arena barn •P olk County Fair Society Inc.: upgrading the sound system in the livestock barns and show barn •R acine County Agricultural Society Inc.: LED lighting upgrade in the 4-H and beef barns •R usk County Small Animal Project: purchasing wall mount fans, lumber, paint and materials to build tables and purchasing additional hanging feed and water pans for small animals • S awyer County Agricultural Fair Association: replacing stalls in the pig barn • T rempealeau County Ag Society, Inc.: improving the drainage in the horse arena •W ashburn County Junior Fair Association: painting the dairy and beef barn •W innebago County Fair Association: adding electrical outlets and replacing barn fans For more information about the County Fair Facility Upgrade Program, visit https://compeer.com/ investing-in-rural-communities/.

BC�T July 53

New Products Smartphone App Measures Soil Aggregate Stability

Being able to measure soil health and structure aids in making sound management decisions “The future success of regenerative agriculture at scale boils down to one key ingredient: giving farmers the information they need to be successful,” says Wayne Honeycutt, president and chief executive officer of the Soil Health Institute.

Regenerative agriculture can mean many different things to different people, but the unifying principle, the foundation, is soil health. Healthy soil makes crops more resilient to drought and heavy rain, reduces reliance on expensive crop inputs, and supports productive and profitable farm businesses.

This makes regenerative agriculture

Wayne Honeycutt, president and chief executive officer of the Soil Health Institute, says giving growers the information they need to be successful is the key to regenerative agriculture.

Yeska Bros. Farms LLC Wild Rose, WI Contact: Ken 920-572-2209 • Dan 920-572-1956 • Randy 920-572-1957 Potato Trucks 1989 RD 688ST Mack w/ 24’ Logan Potato Box w/ hand rolled tarp 1997 RD 688S Mack w/ 24’ LL Potato Box w/ EZ tarp 1994 CH 613 Mack w/ 24’ Logan Potato box w/ EZ tarp 1990 CH613 Mack w/ 24’ LL Potato Box w/ EZ tarp 1998 RD 688S Mack w/ 24’ LL Potato Box w/ EZ tarp 1999 RD 688S Mack w/ 24’ LL Potato Box w/ EZ tarp 1995 GMC Semi Tractor

Semi Trailers 2010 LL Model 958 32’ Potato Box Trailer w/EZ Tarp 1998 LL Model 849 32’ Potato Box Trailer w/ EZ Tarp

Potato Equipment Spudnik 30” Bin Piler w/remote Lockwood 30” Bin Piler Logan 938 4 Row Windrower Seed Elevator 20’ gas powered Portable Lockwood air head Ford 6-cylinder gas motor Elevator on Wheels 36” W by 20”L, 3 phase electric motor

Trucks 1982 IH Diesel Tandem Automatic, 3208 Cat Engine w/20’ Potato Box

54 BC�T July

1989 IH 1989 Single Axle, 5 Speed, Diesel 7.3L w/20’ Lockwood Potato Box 1982 Ford 8000 Diesel 3208 Cat Motor Automatic w/16’ Box 1989 Ford L8000 Single Axle, 6 speed Diesel w/18’ Lockwood Potato Box 1995 Freightliner FL60 Automatic, Diesel, Single Axle, Cumming Engine 5.9 w/16’ Potato Box 1996 Ford L8000 Single Axle, 6 Speed Diesel Cumming Engine w/16’ Box 1989 IH Tandem 8 speed Diesel, L110 Cummings Engine w/20’ Dalman Potato Box 1983 GMC Tandem Axle, 429 Gas Automatic w/20’ Tesco Potato Box 1987 IH Single Axle Automatic 466 Diesel w/16’ Box

Irrigation Equipment Cummins C-160 Engine w/Murphy switches & Berkley Pump Model B4JRMBM John Deere Diesel Engine 6359D Series 300 w/Murphy switches, 95Hp, Electronic RPM gauge John Deere Diesel Engine Type 6329DH w/Murphy switches, 87 Hp, Electronic RPM gauge Olson Pivot Point

Weaker aggregates will slake (or break apart) more easily, while stronger aggregates slake less, indicating better aggregation and healthier soil.

one of those rare win-win situations for farmers, agricultural industries, the environment, and ultimately, for society.

“We’re excited to see that interest in regenerative agriculture has really taken off,” Dr. Honeycutt says.

McCain Foods has committed to implementing regenerative practices on 100% of its potato acreage by 2030. The Soil Health Institute (SHI) has been working with McCain on its regenerative agriculture journey in the last couple of years, supporting staff and growers with soil health education.

McCain and SHI have established peer networks where farmers and technical specialists can partner together to adopt regenerative practices to their potato operations and regions.

In that time, the SHI has also released Slakes, a free smartphone app to measure aggregate stability,

a powerful indicator of soil health.

Aggregates are collections of soil particles held together by chemical bonds as well as roots, sugars, and glues made by soil organisms.

Weaker aggregates will slake (or break apart) more easily, while stronger aggregates slake less, indicating better aggregation and healthier soil.

STABLE SOIL AGGREGATES The more stable soil aggregates are, the more resistant soils are to wind and water erosion, and compaction.

“You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” says Ogilvie, “and being able to measure soil structure and soil health is a critical part of making sound management decisions.”

Cameron Ogilvie, a soil health educator with SHI, is enthusiastic about this new tool. “Potato growers know how important good soil structure is for growing a healthy crop,” Ogilvie says. “This app provides a new science-backed test in the palm of growers’ hands that they can run on their tailgate!”

The Slakes app, available from Google Play and the Apple App Store, uses a smartphone camera to take a picture of three dry soil aggregates before and after exposing them to water for 10 minutes. The app then automatically calculates an aggregate stability index.

SHI recommends measuring aggregate stability using the Slakes app as part of a minimum suite of measurements to assess the impact of management practices on soil health. Aggregate stability index values from Slakes can be compared over time to measure improvements in soil health.

As Honeycutt notes, “Improving soil health through regenerative practices can help growers build resilience and improve their bottom lines. I’ve never met a farmer who, after transitioning to a regenerative soil health system, ever went back!”

The Slakes free smartphone app provides a new science-backed test in the palm of growers’ hands that they can run on the tailgates of their trucks.

For more information, contact the Soil Health Institute, 2803 Slater Rd., Ste. 115, Morrisville, NC 27560, 919230-0303, https://soilhealthinstitute. org/. Or visit McCain Foods at https:// www.mccain.com/sustainability. continued on pg. 56

BC�T July 55

Now Products . . . continued from pg. 55

Redline Solutions Offers Rugged Tablet

ET80/85 Windows boasts a 12-inch reinforced Gorilla Glass screen and ambient light sensors

’s Ronefrigeration R & Air Conditioning

24 HOUR

EMERGENCY SERVICE

The ET8X is a powerful and versatile device perfect for work, no matter what conditions come your way.

The ET80/85 boasts a 12-inch screen that is reinforced with Gorilla Glass in case of any drops. Beyond the screen, the frame is also rated for drops to concrete from 4-5 feet, with the addition of a rugged boot.

At 800 NITs (a measurement representing the amount of light produced by one candle), this display will remain legible inside or outside.

YOUR ONE CALL STORAGE SOLUTION

Computerized Control Systems Refrigeration • Humidification • Ozone Electrical Design & Installation Potatoes • Onions Sprout Inhibiting: Sprout Nip® • Amplify® • Shield®

Ambient light sensors allow the tablet itself to adjust to differences in environmental lighting by altering the display and keyboard backlighting. And, according to Zebra, its display has been tempered with an anti-reflective and anti-smudging treatment to further boost visibility.

The adaptability of the ET8X tablets is the key to their usage in various work environments. Zebra has put an extraordinary amount of care into making the tablet design itself impervious to elements present in a wide variety of work environments.

From a drop in the mud to use near flammable hazards, Zebra has a plan for it on the company’s spec sheet.

1-800-236-0005 WWW.RONSREFRIGERATION.COM

56 BC�T July

KEYBOARD ATTACHMENT The ET8X can easily transition from being used in a vehicle for on-thego tasks to being employed for data

entry with a simple attachment of the keyboard.

Best of all, the ET8X carries on the Zebra tradition of offering a full array of accessories, allowing you to customize the perfect device for your needs. From additional battery packs to niche accessories like ID card scanners, Zebra has options for you.

Each tablet comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty and PowerPrecision+ software.

PowerPrecision+ allows you to access important details about your device’s battery health and status. Compare your battery performance against the factory standard, view an estimate of when the battery will need replacing, and more.

RedLine Solutions is here to help your organization pick the right devices, configurations, accessories and support for each of your environment and use cases.

To learn more about the ET8X family, email the Redline Solutions team at info@redlinesolutions.com, fill in an online contact form at https:// redlinesolutions.com/contact, or call us at 408-562-1700.

Ali's Kitchen Two Recipes Are a Heartfelt Sendoff from Ali!

Mini Hummus Stuffed Baked Potatoes & Potato Spice Cake: a delicious way to say farewell Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary This will be my last submission for Ali’s Kitchen. I make this announcement with an immense amount of gratitude for the opportunity afforded me nearly 10 years ago to write the column.

I have enjoyed my time creating and sharing potato recipes with you. Thank you for welcoming me into your own kitchens and sharing feedback and ideas over the years.

It’s truly been a joy!

As I say “goodbye,” I thought it would be fun to share two of my favorite recipes. Both were featured on WSAW Channel 7 years ago. The crew at the news station had wonderful things to say after sampling. Both recipes have also been made over and over in my own kitchen and never fail to receive high praise from guests and family.

I leave you with these two favorites and a much-loved quote from Virginia Wolf: “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

STUFFED BAKED POTATOES DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Wash the potatoes well and pat dry with paper towels.

Using a small knife, slice off the top quarter of each potato. Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out a bit of the middle of each potato to create a well that you will later fill with the hummus.

Place potatoes into a large bowl, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Using your fingers, gently mix the oil and potatoes, ensuring that each spud is well coated.

Line a baking pan with parchment paper (this is important as the parchment helps to crisp up the potatoes and makes clean-up a bit easier) and place each potato cut side down onto the baking pan.

Bake the potatoes for 20-30 minutes or until they are cooked through but still firm, and the edges are nice and crisp.

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the potatoes to cool until nearly at room temperature.

To fill the potatoes, spoon the continued on pg. 58

INGREDIENTS: Mini Hummus Stuffed Baked Potatoes • 1 ½ pounds small yellow potatoes • 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil • 1-2 tsp. salt • 1-2 tsp. pepper • 10-ounce container of plain hummus • 2 tsp. paprika • 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves BC�T July 57

Ali's Kitchen…

Advertisers Index

continued from pg. 57

hummus into a quart-size zip-top plastic baggie. Snip off one bottom corner of the baggie with scissors to create a small opening. Squeeze the bag and ooze the hummus into the

well of each baked potato.

1,4 Group.......................................41

Sprinkle the potatoes with the paprika and top off most of the filled potatoes with a small basil leaf.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services....37 Antigo Tater Trot..............................5 Badger Plastics & Supply...............12 Badger State Irrigation..................60 Big Iron Equipment........................11

INGREDIENTS:

Binfront Barriers............................44

Potato Spice Cake

Compeer Financial.........................51

• 1 ½ cups sugar • ½ tsp. cinnamon • ¾ cup butter • ½ tsp. salt • 1 cup basic mashed potatoes • ¾ tsp. nutmeg • 3 eggs, beaten • 1 tsp. baking powder • 2 cups flour • 1 cup milk • ¼ tsp. vanilla

Energy Edge...................................34 Gowan Company...........................19 Hartland Enterprising LLC..............28 Jay-Mar, Inc....................................25 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc.................21 JH Biotech, Inc...............................27 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc.....................10 Nichino America..............................3

CAKE DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan (I chose to use a bundt pan).

Cream sugar and butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Add potatoes and eggs, blending well.

Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder in a small bowl. Mix lightly.

Alternately beat dry ingredients and milk into the creamed mixture until well blended. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 45-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

INGREDIENTS: Caramel Frosting

FROSTING DIRECTIONS Melt butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan on low heat. Cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add milk and bring to a full boil on medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Beat in sugar with an electric mixer until consistency is easily spreadable.

Noffsinger Mfg...............................13 North Central Irrigation.................35 Nutrien Ag Solutions.....................23 Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc................33 Omex USA......................................17 Riesterer & Schnell..........................9

This frosting recipe makes more than I personally think you need for the cake and is quite sweet, so adjust to your taste.

Roberts Irrigation . ........................49

Oh, and a little tip—the frosting sets up quite quickly as it cools, so do not wait too long to frost your cake.

Sand County Equipment..................2

Enjoy!

Ron’s Refrigeration........................56 Rural Mutual Insurance.................43 Schroeder Brothers Farms...............7 STK Bio-Ag Technologies................39 Swiderski Equipment.....................47 T.I.P................................................31 ThorPack, LLC................................42 Titan Machinery............................55

• ¼ cup butter

Volm Companies............................15

• 3 ½ Tbsp. milk

WPVGA Spud Seed Classic

• 1 cup light brown sugar

Thank You....................................59

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

WSPIA............................................48 Yeska Bros. Farms..........................54

58 BC�T July

WE EXTEND A BI G THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS WHO CONTRI BUTED TO THE 2024 SPUD SEED CLASSI C GOLF EVENT!

DINNER SPONSOR S AgCountry Farm Credit Services Syngenta LUNCH SPONSORS IState Truck Centers Nichino GOLDRUSH SPONSORS WSPIA SILVERTON SPONSORS Ag Logistics, Inc. Bushman’ s Ri ver si de Ranch

Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC Vol m Compani es

SUPERIOR SPONSORS Bi g I r on Equi pment , I nc.

Cropping Central LLC & Pioneer Seed Eagle River Seed Farm LLC Hyland Lakes Spuds Insight FS J. W. Mat t ek & Sons, I nc.

Nor t hwest er n Mut ual Weal t h Management Company

N u t r i e n A g S o l u t i o n s- G r e a t Lakes Sand Count y Equi pment Schr oeder Br os. Far ms, I nc.

Sommer , Ol k & Payant SC Swi der ski Equi pment , I nc.

TriEst Ag Group

OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSORS CoVantage Credit Union Express Employment Professionals

Langlade Ford M3 Insurance Riesterer & Schnell, Inc.

Roberts Irrigation Co. Vista Financial Strategies WSPIA

BASIC HOLE SPONSORS Arlen’s TV & Appliances Ascendance Truck Centers Badger State Irrigation Beaver Machine, Inc. Fairchild Equipment, Inc. Fuller Sales & Service Gallenberg Farms, Inc. Gowan USA Jay-Mar, Inc.

Kakes Farms, Ltd. KerberRose CPAs Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Co. Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Nichino Nutrien Ag SolutionsGreat Lakes

Parsons of Antigo Quinlan’s Equipment, Inc. Southside Tire Co., Inc. Sowinski Seed Farm T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc. T.I.P., Inc. Warner & Warner, Inc.

DONATIONS AgSource Laboratories Badger Common’Tater Bass Lake Golf Course Culver’s of Antigo Dixie Lunch

Fifth Avenue Lounge North Star Lanes Peroutka’s Meats Riesterer & Schnell, Inc. Rural Insurance, Antigo

Salon 731 Schroeder’s Gifts Swiderski Equipment, Antigo WPVGA WSPIA

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

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

Contact <Dealership name> to learn more about the FieldNET family of Contact <Dealership name> to learn Pleasemanagement contact remote irrigation more Badger about the FieldNET family of State Irrigation ® tools – FieldNET Pivot Watch™, remote irrigation management TM of your for support on all and FieldNET Pivot Control Pivot FieldNET Watch™, toolsZimmatic – FieldNET®and FieldNET Pivot Controlname> LiteTM. Contact <Dealership FieldNET Pivot ControlTM andto learn

irrigation management more about the FieldNET family of .

FieldNET Pivot Control LiteTM products and tools. remote irrigation management tools – FieldNET® Pivot Watch™, FieldNET Pivot ControlTM and FieldNET Pivot Control LiteTM.

<Dealership Name> <Street> <City, ST 00000-0000> <Dealership Name> N6775 5th Avenue <Street> <phone> Plainfield, WI 54966 <City, ST<web> 00000-0000>

715-335-8300

© 2024 Lindsay Corporation. All rights reserved. Zimmatic, FieldNET, FieldNET Advisor, FieldNET Pivot Watch, FieldNET Pivot Control and FieldNET Pivot Control Lite are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lindsay Corporation or its subsidiaries.

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