Potato Country July/August 2023

A TRAILER THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO.

Since its invention in 1975, the Trinity EagleBridge™ has hauled potatoes longer than any other self-unloading trailer. They transport heavy loads on rough country roads year after year. With over 45 years of proven success, our reputation speaks for itself.

You need reliability. Trust Trinity.

www.trinitytrailer.com

PO Box 333, Roberts, Idaho 83444

Telephone: (208) 520-6461

Circulation: (503) 724-3581

PotatoCountry.com

EditoR

denise keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

oPERations ManagER, advERtising

Brian Feist brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

PUBlishER, advERtising

dave alexander dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

insEct idEntiFication

andy Jensen www.nwpotatoresearch.com

disEasE idEntiFication

Jeff Miller jeff@millerresearch.com

MaRkEt REPoRt

Ben Eborn napmn@napmn.com

Potato gRowERs oF washington dale lathim dale@pgw.net

EditoRial inFoRMation

Potato Country is interested in newsworthy material related to potato production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com.

advERtising salEs

For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, etc., call (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com.

sUBscRiPtions

U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at: potatocountry.com/subscribe or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to: brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to

Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444.

Potato Country magazine (ISSN 0886-4780), is published eight times per year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. It is produced by:

Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group.

One Lap Around. Four Pests Go Down.

n Colorado potato beetle

n Potato psyllid

n Worms (loopers, armyworms)

n Thrips

Insecticide applications may target a single pest, but other pests likely reside in your elds. With Delegate® WG insecticide, you can control multiple pests at once, including Colorado potato beetle, potato psyllid, worms (loopers, armyworms) and thrips.

As a member of the spinosyn class of chemistry (IRAC Group 5), Delegate WG controls pests like no other class of chemistry used in potatoes. Yet, Delegate has low impact on populations of key bene cial insects and will not lead to secondary pest outbreaks.

Following in her Father’s Footsteps

Story and photos by Denise Keller, Editor

For Katie Walchli, serving on the Oregon Potato Commission (OPC) is personal. It’s about helping the potato industry, but it’s also about staying connected to her late father.

Walchli is beginning her third year as a commissioner, a role her dad, Dan Walchli, filled for many years. It was during her dad’s term serving on the commission that Walchli became acquainted with the organization and began developing an interest in following in her dad’s footsteps.

Finding her voice

Walchli is part of the third generation on the family’s Hermiston, Oregon, farm, where they grow 2,000 acres of potatoes, watermelon, alfalfa, asparagus and wheat. Spuds account for 400 acres and are grown for the fresh, chipping and dehydrator markets.

Growing up, Walchli loved working on the farm and intended to farm for a living someday. However, when she became a young mom, a future in farming seemed less likely than it did during her youth.

Her perspective started to shift when she began accompanying her dad on

OPC business trips. His health prevented him from driving and traveling alone, so she became his chauffeur and travel companion. They first attended the Potato D.C. Fly-In together in 2012. At the time, Walchli was a 21-year-old single mom struggling to find her place. But it was because of her life circumstances that she was asked to speak during the event about the role of potatoes in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

“I thought, ‘This is cool. I like this. I can do this. I want to do this. I want to get

Katie Walchli visits a field during planting in mid-April.

back into farming,’” Walchli recalls of that first introduction to industry advocacy. “This is my passion. I am passionate about agriculture. I liked that we got to meet with the legislators and lobby on behalf of potatoes.”

Continuing to travel with her dad, Walchli began attending Oregon Potato Commission meetings and got to know the commissioners.

“I finally, for the first time, really felt welcome. I wasn’t judged for being young or a female. I was just accepted for who I was. I respected them for that, too,” she says. “Even now, even though I don’t have the years of experience as some of the guys on the commission, my opinion and my voice is still valued and heard.”

giving Back

For almost a decade, the fatherdaughter duo attended meetings together, including several trips to Washington D.C. before Dan Walchli passed away in February 2020 due to a brain tumor. Later that year, Katie Walchli wrote to the OPC, explaining the impact the commissioners had on her life and mentioning that she would like to be considered for an open position. In spring 2021, she applied and was appointed to the commission.

“It means a lot to me. I want to give back for what they gave to me. They helped me discover what I was really passionate about in life. It means a lot that I can come back and continue to work for potatoes and for the industry and try to make some sort of impact. I feel like I’m making a difference somewhere, even if it’s just a minute, little thing,” Walchli says. “And it’s something that keeps me close to my dad

because that’s what we had together.”

At age 33, she is among the younger commissioners and is only the second woman to ever serve on the Oregon Potato Commission. She hopes that through her involvement, she might act as a role model to encourage other girls and young women in the industry to remain in agriculture.

She is currently serving on the OPC’s trade committee but also enjoys working

Katie Walchli inspects seed in the planter.

A crew plants spuds at Walchli Farms.

on legislative issues and hopes to find her areas of expertise where she can be most helpful. As she learns the ropes, she asks a lot of questions and is treated graciously by her colleagues. She says she is also able to sometimes provide a new perspective to the group in return.

“I just have a passion for agriculture, and I hope that other people see that when they talk to me,” Walchli says. “I hope eventually, I can really make an impact and help farmers in the industry grow and stay relevant.”

In addition to advocating for Oregon potatoes, she works at Walchli Farms, handling food safety, audits, compliance, employee training and organic certification for crops other than potatoes. She also serves on the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference board and plans to continue being an active member of the industry, following the example set by her dad.

Katie Walchli is the second woman to serve on the Oregon Potato Commission.

Walchli Farms grows 400 acres of potatoes in Hermiston, Ore.

disEasE idEntiFication QUiZ

Dr. Jeff Miller, a plant pathologist, is the president and CEO of Miller Research, Rupert, Idaho. He can be contacted by phone: (208) 531-5124; cell: (208) 431-4420; jeff@millerresearch.com

As potato plants grow from seed pieces, several pathogens can infect underground stems, interfering with emergence.

While not obvious, the potato plant in Photo A was stunted compared to neighboring plants. The primary symptom was a tan-brown discoloration of the seed piece.

In Photo B, the below-ground stem sections are dark brown in some areas, and the stem in the center of the photo has broken.

The plant in Photo C is stunted, and the stem is blackened and slimy. In addition, the seed piece is mushy and soft. Are these two issues related?

A grower noticed several blanks in the field. When the blanks were excavated, seed with bulbous growths were found, as shown in Photo D. What happened here?

Answers Page 25

Asa retired seed grower, I appreciated Dale Lathim's article about “Overdue Appreciation for the Seed Segment,” in the May/June 2023 issue of Potato Country.

My parents started growing seed potatoes in 1915, so many were surprised when we quit. We quit farming for many reasons, but high on the list was exactly what Dale mentioned. We were forced to cut corners to hang on, but you can't cut many corners and still grow top quality seed.

As an early-generation seed grower, it took five years to bring a new variety to market in large enough quantity, and by then, the industry would change its mind and leave us hanging or other seed growers would jump in and flood the limited market.

We enjoyed working with many good people in the potato industry and some

understood we had to have a fair price to survive. But there were too many who wanted good seed cheap and a few who thought we should wait several years to be paid! And one cutting shed in the Columbia Basin would always fight us on truck weights and freight costs.

Another problem was if our seed did not grow well in commercial areas, the first thing blamed was the seed. One year in the Pasco area, our seed was not growing well, and after looking at the fields and with the help of our seed broker, we learned that the fields had been in asparagus and there was chemical carryover.

Another problem is we have to hold seed at 38 to 40 degrees, and some growers are planting cold seed the next day into very warm soil, even into the 80s, which can cause problems if seed is not warmed up.

I've made a list of Murphy's Laws for potato growers, and several come to mind for shipping seed:

• If you only want two trucks to load, 10 will show up.

• If you want 10 trucks, only two will show up.

• The variety wanted first is in the back of the storage.

• The variety wanted the most is always in short supply.

• And for harvest time, the side door on a spud box seldom latches when moving beside the harvester, but it always latches when standing still.

• And for irrigating, the fastest turning sprinkler head is always next to the valve opener!

Thinking about everything mentioned makes me enjoy retirement more.

Sincerely,

Art Mangels

calEndaR

July 23-27

Potato association of america annual Meeting

Delta Hotel by Marriott Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada www.paaevents.org

Aug. 1-4

Potatoes Usa summer Meeting

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa Dana Point, Calif.

Caitlin Roberts, caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

nov. 8-9

Montana seed Potato seminar Holiday Inn Missoula, Mont. www.mtseedpotatoseminar.com

nov. 15-16

Pacific northwest vegetable association conference and trade show

Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, Wash.

Sheri Nolan, (509) 585-5460 or www.pnva.org

Self-made yard art crafted from potato equipment decorates Art Mangels’ flower garden.

Five Minutes with…

carlos Bonilla, oregon state University hermiston agricultural Research and Extension center director

Carlos Bonilla is the new director of the Oregon State University (OSU) Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC). As director, Bonilla serves as a leader at the station, provides support to conduct research and extension, facilitates communication with stakeholders and collaborates with the main OSU campus.

Bonilla hails from Chile, where he gained almost 20 years of faculty experience and worked with many crops similar to those grown on the West Coast of the U.S. including potatoes. He will use his background in agronomy, hydraulic and environmental engineering, and soil science to work on soil- and water-related issues, mainly focusing on irrigation and soil and water quality.

Bonilla saw the position at the HAREC as an interesting opportunity to use his leadership skills to contribute to research that addresses environmental challenges while helping farmers increase yield.

Looking ahead, Bonilla has four goals for the station. He and his team will work to continue cutting-edge research and science to enhance farmers’ competitiveness, maintain a local and regional focus in research to meet grower needs, effectively communicate the relevance and impact of research and discoveries, and develop dynamically adaptable recommendations.

Potato Country caught up with Bonilla to learn more about the new man at the helm of the HAREC.

Tell us something about yourself that people might find surprising.

I like driving a lot, which is required for this position at this station. I know some people hate driving on the highway or freeway. But I like to drive a lot. If you put good music in your car and you have a decent car, I like to drive and see the landscape.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an airplane pilot, and another job was some kind of builder. I have a lot of the skills and enjoy working as a carpenter. I love tools and I have a lot of tools. Since I was a kid, I was working right next to my dad all the time. He’s an engineer, but he was very good at building things.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?

I would like to have the brilliance and the attitude that Harrison Ford has in his movies. He’s a good example of a good actor. He played Indiana Jones and was in Star Wars, and they’re very different movies, and he became a different person in a very easy way. That’s interesting because I like when an actor adapts and puts his skills to a new

movie, and that’s something I try to do every day in the way that I talk to people. One of the challenges in this position is one minute you are talking to a farmer, the next minute you can be talking to a politician, the next time you can be talking to a student, and then you are talking to a technician. So you have to adapt in some way to the person you are talking to. It’s not acting, but you need to have the right words to introduce a topic in a very specific way to each of them.

What’s your favorite potato dish?

The potato I most like is baked potatoes. I could eat that every day. I like potatoes so much, and it’s such a good kind of food that I usually just put olive oil and salt, and that’s enough for me. And I have to tell you I like fries, too. I love them.

What advice do you have for growers competing in today’s market?

Agriculture is something that has been in my family for a while, and I’m very familiar with that and see how hard it is. I couldn’t be arrogant to say I have advice for you guys because farmers know a lot. However, one thing I can say is our purpose is to help in that process, provide them with new technologies, the best practices and the best recommendations for their activities. And they will always find a group of people here ready to help them.

titan steel

When we got a call last year from Derek Calaway with Titan Steel inviting us to check out a brand new potato storage building, we jumped at the chance to do a road trip. Turns out, it wasn’t very far and not much of a trip, but it still got us out of the office for an afternoon and we were grateful for that.

What we found at Wada Farms in Blackfoot, Idaho, was nothing short of impressive. Using the latest electronics, air circulation flooring and high-quality materials, Titan has constructed a spud storage building that will serve and last decades.

Titan was formed in 2020 by Dave Robison, Steve Wilcox and Layne Walker, who together bring over 40 years of experience to the storage building industry. They build potato storages, commercial buildings and aircraft hangers throughout the western U.S. For more information, visit www.titansteelidaho.com.

Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher

Titan Steel uses only up-to-date ventilation equipment and quality building materials to ensure years of trouble-free life.

Several access doors line the plenum in this new potato storage building.

This floor moves air through the storage pile.

Large fans keep air moving throughout the storage.

Gated fill-doors and a catwalk are features on this new build at Wada Farms.

Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association

RUSSET VARIETIES:

Russet Norkotah S3

Russet Norkotah S8

Rocky Mountain Russet

Silverton Russet

Rio Grande Russet

Canela Russet

Mesa Russet

Mercury Russet

Fortress Russet

Crimson King

COLORED VARIETIES:

Columbine Gold

Colorado Rose

Rio Colorado

Red Luna

Purple Majesty

Masquerade

Mountain Rose

Vista Gold

Seed Growers:

Zapata Seed Company

Worley Family Farms

SLV Research Center

San Acacio Seed

Salazar Farms

Rockey Farms, LLC

Pro Seed

Price Farms Certified Seed, LLC

Palmgren Farms, LLC

Martinez Farms

La Rue Farms

H&H Farms

G&G Farms

Bothell Seed

Allied Potato

Lorem ipsum

Massive humidification cells keep environmental balances in check.

Derek Calaway gives Potato Country a tour of a new Titan storage facility in Blackfoot, Idaho.

“Quality as High as our Mountains”

Benefiting

THANK

Event Hosted By:

YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Your generosity will provide $95,471 to the Ronald McDonald House

Platinum Sponsors: $3750+

Diamond Sponsors: $2500+

Gold Sponsors: $1250+

Hole Sponsors: $625+

10TH ANNUAL AG WORLD GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest

Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest

Honoring the Legacy of our Founder Warren Henninger through giving to the House

Honoring the Legacy of our Founder Warren Henninger through giving to the House

THANK YOU TO ALL GOLFERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

THANK YOU TO ALL GOLFERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

HELD JUNE 6, 2023 - CANYON LAKES GOLF COURSE

HELD JUNE 8, 2023 - THE LINKS AT MOSES POINTE

CONTRIBUTORS: $100+

Ag West Farm Credit, Ellie Charvet, Pat Motschenbacher, Beth Elkinton, Kathleen Strunk, Brian and Molly Meiners, Wendi Stark, Zurcher Dairy, Bar-E Dairy, Porterhouse Steakhouse, ABA Medical, Travis Meacham, Jay Wurz, Steve Gross, Donny Krautscheid, Scott Galbreath, Alyssa Johnson

Ag West Farm Credit, Ellie Charvet, Pat Motschenbacher, Beth Elkinton, Kathleen Strunk, Brian and Molly Meiners, Wendi Stark, Zurcher Dairy, Bar-E Dairy, Porterhouse Steakhouse, ABA Medical, Travis Meacham, Jay Wurz, Steve Gross, Donny Krautscheid, Scott Galbreath, Alyssa Johnson

SAVE THE DATES - 2024!

SAVE THE DATES - 2024!

June 4 - Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, WA

June 4 - Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, WA

June 6 - The Links at Moses Pointe in Moses Lake, WA

June 6 - The Links at Moses Pointe in Moses Lake, WA

To God Be The Glory!

To God Be The Glory!

BAGGING & PACKING ESSENTIALS

BUyERs' gUidE

chinook Equipment, inc.

www.chinookequipment.com

edp Potato and Onion Bagger

The newest potato and onion bagger from edp, model EB-2218DF, is the most accurate and highest capacity bagger built by edp Australia. This machine will accommodate most any open-mouth bag on the standard 9-inch bag holder. Most customers in the U.S. use this machine for a range of bags from 20 pounds to 50 pounds. Also available is the ability to fill cartons or crates with the optional carton-filling attachments. Speed control of both feed belts, pneumatic bag clamps, batch counters and monitoring of weight averages are among the standard features on the EB-2218DF.

Ellips

www.ellips.com

Grading and Sorting Equipment

Ellips, a supplier of grading and sorting solutions for the fresh produce industry, and its subsidiary, Elisam, have developed a unique grading and sorting solution specifically for varietal potatoes. The solution combines Ellips’ TrueSort optical grading technology with an Elisam carrier that provides the product handling and rotation necessary to facilitate very accurate sizing and defect detection. The objective is to enable users to deliver a product/package that will consistently meet customers’ everchanging size and quality specifications while increasing productivity and reducing labor costs.

kerian Machines

www.kerian.com

Speed Sizer

The Kerian Speed Sizer sorts potatoes by size quickly, accurately and gently. The constantly rotating rollers help the turning flaps align the potatoes with the rollers so that both round and long potatoes are consistently sorted by size. The Kerian Sizer is proven in use for reds, russets, round whites and many other types of potatoes.

lockwood Manufacturing

www.lockwoodmfg.com

GD-7 Sizer

Lockwood’s GD-7 Sizer allows growers to control the size up to three ranges at a time with near 100 percent accuracy. The VFD controls the speed and production flow needed. The unit includes fingertip controls for ease of operation with minimal greasing points and moving parts for less maintenance. Adjustable legs allow equipment to be stable on uneven ground. The GD-7 includes an 84-inch-wide sizing table, and varieties are sized by diameter, not length. It is easily adjustable. The moving roller design reduces bruising and skimming to help provide the best product possible.

Milestone

www.milestone-equipment.com

Inline Sizer, AccuSizer

Milestone’s inline sizers and AccuSizers offer gentle and accurate sizing in a compact package. Standard inline sizers are available in numerous configurations and can incorporate the company’s proprietary quick adjust and sizing star for increased sizing accuracy. The AccuSizer has been many growers’ go-to for washed or peeled potatoes for over 30 years. The tried-and-true design, along with robust construction, has earned the AccuSizer a reputation of precise and low-maintenance operation.

BAGGING & PACKING ESSENTIALS

BUyERs' gUidE

Rietveld Equipment, llc

www.rietveldequipment.com

Upmann Packing Machines

As the U.S. distributor for Upmann packaging machines, Rietveld Equipment is able to bring the planning, design, construction and final assembly of one of the leading manufacturers of weighing and packaging technology in Europe to the U.S.

Upmann offers fully automatic filling and sealing machines for net bags, trays, boxes and poly bags. Upmann’s product line offers everything from clippers and baggers to carton-fillers and robotic arms. Using one company to supply the entire packaging line, as well as the design of the line, assures that all aspects of the packing line work together seamlessly.

symach

www.symach.nl/en

Palletizing Equipment

Symach has a long history of palletizing potatoes and innovating to provide customized modular designs, guaranteeing a high stacking rate with maximum flexibility. From 50-pound bulk and paper master bags, to gentle handling for complex display bins and Octabins, crates and counts, Symach has solutions to handle all customers’ palletizing needs.

Symach also offers options to stabilize the pallet at the end of the line, including wrapping and double stacking, and palletizing within the margins of the pallet to ensure ease of loading during the shipping process.

volm companies

www.volmcompanies.com

Breathable & Sustainable Packaging

A new packaging option from Volm Companies allows for excellent product visibility and breathability. Volm has unrolled its newest innovation in produce packaging with the new paper mesh window to provide an attractive, full-colored, shelf-ready package. Fully customizable for artwork, the package size, window and venting options help showcase the product while improving shelf life at the retail level. Plus, coupled with Volm’s Vertical Form, Fill and Seal Bagger, packing facilities can automate their packing process and drive higher profits.

INSECT Biology QUiZ

This material is provided courtesy of Andy Jensen, Ph.D., Manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium. For more information, visit www.nwpotatoresearch.com.

As I’ve mentioned before, there are many insects and other arthropods that live in or visit potato fields. Most of the species found in potato are rarely noticed and do not impact the crop. Below are four arthropods that live in potato fields but are probably rarely noticed.

Questions:

1. What is each arthropod?

2. Is each a pest, beneficial or neither?

Answers Page 29

PotatoEs Usa

Potatoes Reign supreme as america’s Favorite vegetable for seventh straight year

By Kayla Vogel, Senior Global Marketing Manager – Consumer and Retail, Potatoes USA

Potatoes reign as America’s favorite vegetable for the seventh year in a row, according to the 2023 Consumer Attitudes & Usage study conducted by SRG on behalf of Potatoes USA.

Eight in 10 Americans report they eat potatoes at least once a week, up 3 percent from the previous year. Rounding out the top five favorite vegetables were broccoli, corn, tomatoes and salad mix.

When it comes to preparation, mashed potatoes top the charts as the style consumers had eaten most recently, moving into first place this year. Mashed potatoes were followed by fries, baked potatoes, roasted potatoes and hash browns, although fries continue to be the most popular foodservice side. Of the preparation styles, roasted potatoes – sliced or diced –saw the biggest growth (+4 points) from the previous year.

CROSSOVERS/WINDROWERS

2018 Allan 6 row

2015 Double L 6560 6 row

2009 Double L 951 4row

1996 Double L 851 4 row

2012 Lockwood 554 4 row

2006 Lockwood 5000 4 row RH Ext

2004 Lockwood 5000 4 row RH Ext

1984 Logan 2 row RH BC

SCOOPERS

Spudnik 100 24” 3ph

1982 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph

TRUCKS

1995 Ford LTL9000 CAT- 3176, 13 spd, Chalmers susp., 318,000 miles, 1995 Spudnik 2100 22’ bed Combo, New Paint

1982 IH 2500 Cummins NTC300, Auto Trans., Hendrickson Susp., 325,000 miles 1991 Spudnik 2100 22’ bed Combo- Reconditioned

2004 Kenworth W900 M11 Cum 350hp 15 speed Tran. Spudnik 26’ bed

1997 Peterbilt 377 Cummins diesel, 18spd 20’ bed frame

BULK BEDS/BOXES/

SELF UNLOADING

1985 Logan 20B Electric 20’

2000 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric Reconditioned

1999 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric

1997 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric

1992 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric

1990 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric

1990 Spudnik 2100 26’ Electric

1986 Spudik 2000 20’ electric

2008 Spudnik 6160 6 row R&L discharge

2007 Spudnik 6140 4 row

2001 Spudnik 5140 4 row

1997 Spudnik 5140 4 row

HARVESTERS

2017 Allan 3 row Electric with VFD controls

2018 Double L 7340 4 row

2004 Double L 859 2 row 69”

2003 Grimme SE 75-30

2012 Lockwood 474H 4 row

2004 Lockwood 484 4 row

2012 Spudnik 6640 4 row

2009 Spudnik 6400 4 row

2008 Spudnik 6200 2 row multi sep

2001 Spudnik 5625 2 row

CROP CARTS

2020 Allan AEC 35T, Scott Table

STINGERS

2015 Double L 832 36” BC with fingers

2007 Double L 833 30” Belt Chain only

3- 2014 Logan Trac Pro 30” x 10’ belt only

1994 Spudnik 2230 36” belt only

CONVEYORS TELESCOPIC

Spudnik 1255 30”/36”x 85’ TC 220 Volt 1ph

1997 STI 30” x 70’ 3ph Tel. Conv.

CONVEYORS STRAIGHT

Double L 809’s 30” x 40’ 3ph x 6

Spudnik 1200 30” x 40’ 3ph x 4

Spudnik 1200 30” x 30’ 3ph

Spudnik 1205 30” x 30’ 3ph

In terms of health-related attributes, the largest increases were seen in consumers who believe potatoes provide nutrients (+4 points), are an excellent source of vitamin C (+5 points) and are good for weight management (+4 points).

Other noteworthy insights on consumer behaviors include:

• Half of Americans report someone in their household follows specific dietary guidelines, most typically low-sugar, low-sodium and low-carb diets.

• 83 percent of consumers say they tend to use recipes for their food preparation, and most seek them out using search engines, recipe sites, YouTube and Facebook.

• While most Americans would describe themselves as short-order cooks favoring basic meals, a growing majority (61 percent) prefers to cook with ingredients from scratch as opposed to packaged or prepared foods.

This year’s study indicates that consumers primarily choose

SIZER ONLY

1998 Spudnik Model 910 72” acorn rolls 230 volt 3phase, spring adjustable

DIRT ELIMINATOR WITH SIZER

1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer

2013 Milestone Model MSDS 96 BC Elev Sizer clod drum split picking table

2010 Milestone 60” sizing table only w/acorns quick adjust arms

1994 Milestone 72” Dirt Elim. Sizer, 2 – 24” x 12’ stingers

2011 Spudnik 96” 990 BC Elev. Reverse roll table, sizing table, split picking, cross out conv.

2004 Spudnik 995 DES 72” Q A dirt & Size roll tables, split picking 230 volt 3ph.

2002 Spudnik 72” DE belt elev

DIRT ELIMINATOR ONLY

2017 Milestone 96” 480 3phase

1998 Double L Model 806 BC, fingers, belt table, 2- pups 230 volt 3ph

2006 Spudnik 995 72”Finger rollers, ellis table, Belt Chain table 230 Volt 3phase

1990 Spudnik 950 72” 230 volt 3phase

ROCK/CLOD/AIR ELIMINATORS

2013 Harriston 4240 Clod Hopper 3ph

2013 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph

2011 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph

2003 Harriston 200 Clod Hopper 3ph 480 volt Ellis table

EVEN FLOWS/ SURGE HOPPER

New Logan Surge Pro Hoppers 60” 72”

DIRT TARE PILER

New Logan Dirt Tare Pro 30” 36”

MISC.

Ace Roll over Hyd. Reset Plow 5 bottom

2020 Logan Barrel Washer for little potatoes

Belly Dump Unloader Attachment for Scooper

Evenflows: 1200 cwt, 900 cwt, 400 cwt

Greentronics Scale

Kerian 72” sizer

Mayo 60” flat washer belt chain elevator

Tri Steel 60” felt dryer

Flumes, pumps, rolling tables

PLANTERS

2020 Checchi Magli 4 row used, but like new

2005 Lockwood 6 row pick planter 6 row 36”

2003 Kverneland 3300 cup 6 row 34” pull hitch

2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6 row pull Type

2008 Spudnik 8080 Pull type cup, 8 row, 36”

2008 Spudnik 8060 Cup 6 row 36” Semi Mount

2004 Spudnik 8060 Cup 6 row 36” Semi Mount

SEED CUTTERS

Better Built model 448 single phase 220 volt 48”

TREATERS

2016 Excel 10” liquid and dry treater 230 V 3ph

2002 Better Built 12” Cannon Duster

1991 Better Built CDT10- 8” Cannon Duster

WATER DAMMERS

2014 Logan 8 row Yield Pro 36” folding wings Water Dammer

PREMIUM USED EQUIPMENT

QUICK & RELIABLE PURCHASE

foods based on flavor, value and freshness, which is consistent with earlier studies.

That being said, consumers are also looking for food that’s convenient or makes them excited about eating.

While potatoes continue to be America’s favorite vegetable, the study also asked respondents why they don’t eat them more frequently.

Most consumers responded that they believe they already eat enough potatoes, followed by concerns that potatoes are high

Kerian SPEED SIZER

Proven for use in: Reds, Russets, Round Whites, Gold Rush and more

Potato Sizing Video Now Available: www.kerian.com

GENTLE: Separates without damaging potatoes

ACCURATE: Precisely grades potatoes of all shapes and varieties

FAST: Thirteen standard models custom-designed to meet your needs sort from 1000 lb/hr to 80,000 lb/hr

SIMPLE: Effective but simple design provides a rugged, low cost, low maintenance machine at a high value to our customers. It can even be used in the field!

KERIAN MACHINES INC.

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in carbs or fattening or that they prefer other vegetables. It’s worth noting, however, that all these barriers declined from the previous year.

When asked what would encourage them to buy more potatoes, consumers cited lower prices, smaller bag sizes to reduce food waste, having recipe and meal ideas, and knowing more nutritional information about potatoes.

Potatoes USA commissions the Consumer Attitude & Usage study annually to help assess Americans’ potato consumption, their perceptions about the vegetable, and their attitudes about foods in general. The goal is to be able to share and apply insights to help the potato industry better meet the needs of its consumers.

Please contact Potatoes USA at media@potatoesusa.com for more information about the 2023 Consumer Attitudes & Usage study.

know yoUR disEasE answERs

(FROM PAGE 10)

The seed piece in Photo A is showing symptoms of Fusarium coeruleum (also called F. solani). This Fusarium can rapidly decay the seed, stunting the plant or completely rotting the seed before a plant can emerge. Fusarium dry rot on seed can be managed with an effective seed piece treatment.

Photo B is showing severe symptoms of Rhizoctonia stem canker, caused by Rhizoctonia solani. When disease is severe, emerging stems can be cut off. The plant may try to send up additional stems to replace those that are lost. This takes time, resulting in delayed emergence. Rhizoctonia canker can be managed by using effective seed treatments and/or in-furrow fungicides. Seed treatments are most effective for seed-borne Rhizoctonia, and in-furrow fungicides are most effective for soil-borne Rhizoctonia.

Pectobacterium atrosepticum and P. carotovorum are capable of causing blackleg (the stem symptom) and bacteria soft rot (the tuber symptom), respectively (Photo C). Plants will be stunted or may not even emerge from both diseases. Seed quality influences the incidence of these diseases. There are no seed treatments or in-furrow sprays that directly affect soft rot or blackleg. Seed treatments that facilitate fast wound healing can reduce bacterial soft rot of seed pieces.

The seed tubers in Photo D are “blind” seed pieces; they do not have eyes. As a result, stems will not develop. Tuber cells may start dividing, causing the round protrusions, but these will not develop into plants.

“A more gentle way to size your potatoes quickly and accurately.”

grant Funds Potato Early die complex Research

A team of Michigan State University (MSU) researchers has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop and evaluate sustainable methods of managing potato early die complex.

Potato early die complex is caused by the convergence of a fungus, Verticillium dahliae, and nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, which compromises the plant’s health before it’s able to reach maturity and can reduce yield by as much as 50 percent.

Previous MSU research concluded that poultry manure and a compost blend are effective at reducing P. penetrans populations and improving potato yield. The goal of the new project is to provide insight on a compost blend that has the desired antimicrobial characteristics to fend off potato early die complex.

kenya to host 2026 world Potato congress

Nairobi, Kenya, has been selected as the site of the 2026 World Potato Congress. This will be the first time the event will take place in sub-Sahara Africa. Organizers say the country is centrally located and a leader in potato research and development in east Africa. Potatoes are the second most important food crop, after maize, in Kenya. The World Potato Congress, slated for late July 2026, will include a trade show, presentations and tours and is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates. Meanwhile, the 2024 World Potato Congress is scheduled for next June in Australia.

iPc wins PR Prize

The public relations campaign for the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) French fry-scented perfume “Frites by Idaho” has won the top prize from the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA).

Each year, the NAMA chooses the best marketing campaigns from agriculture and commodity groups. Frites was up against more than 1,100 entries including campaigns from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Wisconsin Cheese, Tyson Foods, John Deere, Bayer, Purina Animal Nutrition and U.S. Dairy. Entries were judged on challenge or opportunity, objective or desired response, target audience, and craftsmanship/ originality.

The IPC introduced its “Frites by Idaho” perfume in February 2022. Priced at $1.89, then the national average for a large order of fries, the 1.7-ounce bottles of Frites sold out overnight and generated international publicity, including coverage on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, FOX News, Access Hollywood, The Kelly Clarkson Show and the BBC.

study assesses value of washington Potato industry

The Washington State Potato Commission and Washington State University teamed up to measure the economic impact of potato production and subsequent potato processing in Washington state. The farm gate value of Washington potatoes in 2022 came in at approximately $876.9 million. The value of finished potato products exported amounted to $3.24 billion. That money flowed through the sector supply chains within Washington, generating nearly $2.58 billion in additional indirect business-to-business transactions. Wages and salaries from the Washington state potato sector resulted in $1.5 billion. Total economic output dependent on the potato sector amounted to over $7.35 billion. In addition, state and local governments collected $254.67 million in tax revenue directly dependent on the state’s potato sector.

Redox Recruits coo, general counsel

Redox Bio-Nutrients has hired Sam Straight as its new chief operating officer (COO) and general counsel. Straight comes to the Idaho-based plant nutrition product company after a 24-year career at a Salt Lake City law firm, where he worked with Redox as a client. His position at Redox includes operational, sustainability, regulatory and legal matters.

Potatoes Usa Elects new leaders

Potatoes USA elected Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wisconsin, as the 2023-24 chairman of the board. Carter, a 25-year veteran in the potato industry and CEO and co-owner of Bushmans’ Inc., has been on the board for a decade and a member of the Executive Committee for six years.

In addition to Carter, Potatoes USA’s 2023-24 Executive Committee includes Les Alderete, Monte Vista, Colorado; Trever Belnap, Hamen, Idaho; Jennifer Gogan, Houlton, Maine; Leah Halverson, Grand Forks, North Dakota; Jeff Jennings, Camden, North Carolina; Mike Larsen, Declo, Idaho; Shelley Olsen, Othello, Washington; Ed Staunton, Tulelake, California; Dennis Wright, Kennewick, Washington; and Jason Davenport, Bakersfield, California.

vive

crop Protection hires First chief of staff

Megan Wheeler has joined Vive Crop Protection as chief of staff. A member of the executive team, she will partner closely with the company CEO on key initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, fundraising and effective scaling. The chief of staff role is new to Vive, but this is Wheeler’s third time in such a role. She has over 17 years of marketing and operational experience in technology across multiple disciplines, including real estate, pharmaceutical, custom software development, finance and digital accessibility.

Potatoes USA’s 2023-24 Executive Committee includes: (back row, left to right) Trever Belnap of Hamer, Idaho; Jeff Jennings of Camden, N.C.; Mike Larsen of Declo, Idaho; Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colo.; Dennis Wright of Kennewick, Wash.; (front row, left to right) Jason Davenport of Bakersfield, Calif.; Shelley Olsen of Othello, Wash.; Mike Carter of Rosholt, Wis.; and Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA CEO. Not pictured are Jennifer Gogan of Houlton, Maine; Leah Halverson of Grand Forks, N.D.; and Ed Staunton of Tulelake, Calif.

Record global French Fry trade

Major exporting countries shipped a record 9.878 billion pounds of French fries and other frozen potato products to countries outside their local trading zones during the year ending March 31, 2023. That is 495 million pounds more than year-earlier shipments, a 5.3 percent increase. Limited raw-product supplies and strong domestic demand have held back offshore sales for U.S. fryers. Despite similar challenges in the EU, external exports climbed 5.6 percent above yearearlier sales.

Smaller exporters such as China, Canada and Turkey reported strong export growth during the period. On the other hand, frozen product sales from Argentina and New Zealand fell short of the year-earlier export volume.

In this article, we explore global French fry trade by major exporter as well as the trade outlook for the next 12 months.

European External French Fry Exports up 5.6 Percent

European fryers shipped a record 6.528 billion pounds of French fries and other frozen potato products to customers outside the EU during the year ending March 31. Exports to external customers exceeded year-earlier sales by 344 million pounds, a 5.6 percent increase. Fourteen of the EU’s top 20 external customers increased their French fry and other frozen product purchases during the year ending March 31. The U.S. posted the largest import volume increase during the period. U.S. imports

totaled a record 516 million pounds, 148 million pounds more than yearearlier purchases, a 40 percent increase. Saudi Arabia (+22.8 percent), the United Kingdom (+5.5 percent) and Australia (+52.6 percent) also increased purchases from the EU. Brazil, the fourth largest importer of EU French fries, reduced its

limited raw-product supplies. Processors in Idaho and the Columbia Basin are dealing with raw-product supply constraints. Overall, Canada had more processing potatoes than it held a year ago, but most of the finished product is going to the U.S. North American fryers captured 23.6 percent of the global

purchases by 61 million pounds, or 15.5 percent relative to the year earlier. Chile reduced its imports by 76 million pounds, or 25.5 percent, during that timeframe. EU processors captured 66.1 percent of the global French fry business. That is up from 65.9 percent in 2021-22 and 64.9 percent in 2020-21.

north american French Fry sales to offshore Markets down 1.4 Percent

Combined offshore exports of frozen potato products from the U.S. and Canada totaled 2.327 billion pounds during the year ending March 31. That fell 33 million pounds short of year-earlier shipments, a 1.4 percent decline. U.S. frozen product exports fell 2.9 percent, while Canadian offshore exports climbed 7.5 percent during the year ending March 31. Japan, the largest customer, took 636 million pounds of product during the period, 8 million pounds, or 1.2 percent, less than yearearlier purchases. The largest sales decline came in Mexico, which reduced its purchases by 14.2 percent, to 498 million pounds. Exports to South Korea and the Philippines increased by 4.9 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively. In contrast, sales to Taiwan fell 0.3 percent short of year-earlier exports. Frozen product exports to the remaining 78 customers rose 4.7 percent above yearearlier levels.

U.S. exports have been held back by

market, which is down from 25.2 percent in 2021-22 and 25.8 percent in 2020-21.

French Fry Exports From argentina, china, turkey, new Zealand Mixed

Argentina exported 467 million pounds of French fries during 2022-23. That is 32 million pounds less than year-earlier sales, a 6.5 percent decline. Argentina’s global market share was 4.7 percent, down from 5.3 percent a year earlier.

China exported 247 million pounds of French fries to customers outside of greater China during the year ending March 31. That is 139 million pounds more than year-earlier sales, a 129 percent increase. Exports have nearly tripled during the past two years. China has a 2.5 percent share of the global French fry market.

Turkey has become a major player in the global French fry trade. That country exported 186 million pounds of frozen product during the year ending March 31, a 73.6 percent increase compared to 2021-22 sales. Turkey’s market share rose to 1.9 percent, from 1.1 percent a year earlier.

New Zealand exported 123 million pounds of French fries during the year ending March 31. That is 837,000 pounds less than year-earlier sales, a 0.7 percent decline. New Zealand captured 1.2 percent of the global market during 2022-23, down from 1.3 percent a year earlier.

"Combined offshore exports of frozen potato products from the U.S. and Canada totaled 2.327 billion pounds during the year ending March 31."

will global French Fry trade continue to grow over next 12 Months?

French fry demand appears to be strong around the globe, though limited raw-product supplies have put a damper on export growth. Domestic demand also has been strong both in North America and in the European countries. That has limited the product available for offshore sales.

Planting and crop development have been delayed by cold weather for much of the Pacific Northwest potato crop. Many European growers have faced similar challenges. It is early in the growing season and the potato crop still has plenty of time to catch up; however, there is the risk that yields could be negatively impacted for the second year in a row. North American fryers have been counting on early potatoes to fill their end-of-season supply gap. Those potatoes could be harvested before they have had time to reach their yield potential. North American processors may be able to re-capture some of their lost market share beginning in July when the new crop becomes available.

2. Cave crickets are neither pest nor beneficial. These crickets are generalist feeders on decomposing plant material, leaves, etc., but do not build up troublesome populations. Centipedes are beneficial, being generalist predators in and on the soil. Springtails are neither pest nor beneficial, feeding on decomposing material in and on the soil. They are sometimes found in rotten tubers, but are not the cause of the rot. Damselflies are aquatic predators when immature, and as adults, are predators of flying insects, catching their prey in flight. Most damselflies in potato fields would develop to adult in nearby irrigation ditches, ponds and natural water bodies.

By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News

kEy Points

• Major exporting countries shipped a record volume of French fries and other frozen potato products to countries outside their local trading zones during the year ending March 31, 2023.

• EU fryers have captured nearly all the export sales growth, while north american exports fell short of year-earlier levels.

• Fryers in china, turkey and canada have been able to take advantage of the limited raw-product supply situation in the U.s.

• the U.s. imported a record volume of French fries from the European Union during the year ending March 31 due to strong domestic demand and limited raw-product supplies.

• north american processors may be able to re-capture some of their lost market share when the new crop becomes available.

Editor’s note: To contact Ben Eborn, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: P.O. Box 176, Paris, ID 83261; (208) 525-8397; or email napmn@napmn.com.

1. Photo A is a cave cricket. Photo B is a centipede. Photo C is a springtail, a.k.a. collembola. Photo D is a damselfly.

setting the stage for 2024 contract negotiations

By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington

contract price increases that growers have received around North America the past two years have been a hot topic of debate and hand wringing about whether or not they have been large enough to sustain growers long term.

To be fair, the historical increase of nearly 20 percent annually the past two years would seem like it is a huge win for growers. However, there are many growers in all growing regions who believe the number is far too low and is barely survivable, let alone sustainable. As I have mentioned before in this column, every grower’s circumstances are different and based on their buying power and ability to take delivery. The utilization rate of equipment and storages also has a tremendous impact on the efficiency and, thus, the profitability of each operation. As stated before, those talks are in the rearview mirror now and will not change. But we must understand where we are to set the base for the 2024 contract negotiations.

TheThe increases received for the 2022 crop were a blessing for all growers in that they were enough to keep most growers whole economically, even with the greatly reduced crop yield and size

low margins with the entire industry assuming trend line yields would continue and quality would remain high. What the 2021 and 2022 crops have shown us is that we can no longer count

profile. Very few growers lost actual dollars on their potato crop this past year. But at the same time, most did not make nearly as much as they were hoping to for better financial footings going forward. Some processors look at the 20 percent increase in the potato contract and assume growers made good money. However, when yield reductions and deductions for smaller size were applied, the gross revenue per acre was barely above what the same grower received for the most recent “average crop,” which was in 2020.

All growers and processors need to recognize that most growers need to have a couple of good years to make up for the past two challenging seasons. Margins have become too small to completely write off outlier years like 2021 and 2022 and believe that that is what the margins in the contracts are for. We have been running on extremely

on that and higher margins are needed going forward.

Another aspect I think many may be overlooking by focusing on the volatile variable costs, such as fertilizer, chemicals, land and labor, is how high fixed costs have become. The cost to build, maintain and prepare to replace tractors, harvesters, irrigation pivots, pumps, storages, etc. has more than doubled in the last five years. Historical margins do not come close to covering what it takes to own and maintain firstclass potato growing operations.

We at Potato Growers of Washington (PGW) recognize that the past three years have been a huge challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic followed by back-to-back record weather-impacted crops. We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to improve the contract price to levels that work great if Mother Nature gives us an “average crop.” However, we know there is far more work to be done and there are many more aspects such as the margins on variable costs and the ever-increasing fixed costs that need to be addressed very soon. The industry has seen a great deal of consolidation over the past few decades, and we do not want to see that escalate in the coming years. Potatoes have been king of crops to grow in the Columbia Basin, and with the billions of dollars at stake in the frozen potato products industry, we all need for them to remain king for years to come.

We at PGW are up for the challenge and hope to have your support as we go forward.

"All growers and processors need to recognize that most growers need to have a couple of good years to make up for the past two challenging seasons."

herbicide approved for Use in Potatoes

Gowan Company LLC has received federal registration of its Sonalan HFP herbicide for use in potatoes and has sent labels to each state for approval.

Sonalan HFP is a FRAC Group 3 DNA herbicide containing ethalfluralin in a liquid EC formulation. It is tank-mix compatible with most pre-emergence herbicides for expanded control of annual grasses and key broadleaf weeds before emergence. Sonalan HFP provides extended weed control, which minimizes potatoes’ competition for water and nutrients, allowing the crop to yield to its maximum potential, according to the company. In addition, the product is billed as an excellent addition to herbicide resistance management programs. Visit www.gowanco.com.

company introduces smart irrigation system

The InteliRain Micro-Precision Irrigation (MPI) System is designed to adequately water crops without wasting water. As a fully automated pivot irrigation solution, this system reduces water usage by 34 percent and provides the potential for a 17 percent increase in crop yields.

Multi-spectral robotic sensors mounted on each span of the pivot scan the field, continuously collecting real-time field data. The sensor data is wirelessly transmitted to an on-site computer, ensuring seamless data collection and analysis. By combining the real-time sensor data with weather information, the InteliRain MPI System generates precise watering prescriptions tailored to the specific needs of each nozzle. This system employs advanced machine learning models to account for the unique characteristics of microzones within the field, resulting in highly accurate soil moisture predictions. These nozzle-specific prescriptions are then automatically transmitted wirelessly to each span of the pivot, ensuring that each area receives the optimal amount of water. Visit www.intelirain.com.

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