Potato Country March/April 2021

STEPPING

UP

PotatoCountry.com • March/April 2021 • Western focus. National impact.

For the Advertiser Index click here

Growth Essentials Yield Trend Issues Pandemic Economics

FOODSERVICE MARKETING Educating and inspiring foodservice operators to incorporate potatoes on the menu.

Introducing Potato University, a complimentary, virtual curriculum designed for busy foodservice professionals to expand their knowledge of all things potatoes.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS. Register at : PotatoUniversity.com

Types of Cources Offered >>>

BAKING & ROA S TI N G

BOILING, P OAC H I N G & STEAMING

FRYING

SAUTÉ & PA N F RY

TYPES

I N T RO TO FRESH

I N T RO TO F R OZ E N

I N T RO TO DEHY

From potato pizza to loaded fries with global inspiration, foodservice operators have been learning and drooling over culinary innovation on how to bring America’s Favorite Vegetable further onto their menus.

SOCIAL MEDIA

SCHOOL FOODSERVICE MARKETING Reaching school foodservice professionals with key nutritional, recipe and preparation education about feeding potatoes to students.

School foodservice operators all over the country are learning how potatoes can be a main component in nutritious, versatile and delicious school meals, whether in the cafeteria or grab-and-go.

SOCIAL MEDIA

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING Strengthening demand for U.S. potatoes in international markets through customized programs designed to bring forward the benefits of U.S. potatoes.

A new international marketing campaign focused on encouraging decision makers from around the world to buy more U.S. potatoes and U.S. potato products.

U.S. FRESH POTATOES The Freshest You’ll Find

CULTIVATING QUALITY FROM THE GROUND UP

PERFECTING THE FRESH POTATO

FRESH OPTIONS, FRESH OPPORTUNITIES

Grown with precision and pride, the outstanding quality of U.S. fresh potatoes starts with the seeds—which pass through the U.S.’s strict seed certification system to ensure the best crop.

Then, the nurturing and nourishment of rich soil, warm days, cool nights, and careful knowledge passed down through generations of farmers, result in a premium product from seed to plate.

With data and insights to monitor and determine growing needs—from soil conditions and water content to weather patterns—U.S. growers use a combination of experience and technology to produce the freshest potatoes. And when it comes to selecting which crop makes the cut, all U.S. fresh potatoes are thoroughly inspected for quality and consistency, which means you can expect a perfect potato, every time.

Whether sold fresh to consumers or used in prepared recipes, meals, and sides, U.S. fresh potatoes are a versatile ingredient loved by everyone, everywhere in the world. And with a broad selection of fresh table stock options, the variety and versatility of U.S. potatoes is the perfect place to start exploring how these hardworking U.S. potatoes can work hard for you.

© 2021 Potatoes USA. All rights reserved.

w w w . Po t a t o Co u n t r y . c o m

Vol. 37 No. 3

PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Phone: (208) 520-6461

Country Western focus. National impact.

Table of Contents

Contacts Dave Alexander ...........................dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Publisher, Advertising

Denise Keller ..............................editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor

Andy Jensen.......................................... www.nwpotatoresearch.com

March/April 2021

Insect Identification

Jeff Miller .....................................................jeff@millerresearch.com Disease Identification

Bruce Huffaker ................................................. napmn@napmn.com

6 Stepping Up

Market Report

Dale Lathim ............................................................... dale@pgw.net

Saddle View Farms

Potato Growers of Washington

Brian Feist ...................................brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

10 “Virtually” the Same Conference

Operations Manager, Advertising

Washington-Oregon Potato Conference

12 Online Conference Draws Crowd

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.

14 Lessons From COVID-19: The Good, the Bad

ADVERTISING For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, copy submission, mailing, contract conditions and other information, call Dave Alexander at (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com.

16 Growth Essentials

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at www.potatocountry.com or call (503) 724-3581.

Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444.

Idaho Potato Conference

and the Opportunities Buyers' Guide

22 Pandemic Economics

Ripple Effects of COVID-19 on Idaho's Ag Economy

30 Potatoes at Retail: A Total Store Study Potatoes USA

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 2021. 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. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.

Editorial Board

32 Yield Trend Issues Market Report

Gary Roth

Chris Voigt

Some changes brought about by COVID-19 will likely become permanent.

See what this means for the retail food industry on page 14.

On The Cover Frank Martinez, Ubaldo ride atop a digger during harvest at Saddle View Farms in late September 2020. See how the growers are stepping up in the industry on page 6.

Potato Country

Executive Director

Washington State Potato Commission

Oregon Potato Commission

(509) 765-8845

(503) 239-4763

Departments

Martinez Jr. and Juan Martinez

4

Executive Director

March / April 2021

15 20 26 28 34

Disease Quiz Calendar In the News New Products PGW Column

Nina Zidack

Frank Muir

Jim Ehrlich

Montana Seed Potato Certification

Idaho Potato Commission

Colorado Potato Administrative Committee

Director

(406) 994-3150

President/CEO

(208) 334-2350

President/CEO

(719) 852-3322

Stepping Up Story and photos by Denise Keller, Editor

Y

ou could say Frank Martinez leads by example. His son and nephew say he’s leaving big shoes to fill. Either way, the younger two Martinez men seem to be following in Frank’s footsteps, as both are taking active roles in the potato industry.

Frank Martinez represented the potato industry in a 2012 commercial for McDonalds French fries and also served on the U.S. Potato Board and Washington State Potato Commission each for 12 years. Last year, his son Juan Martinez became a Potatoes USA board member, and his nephew Ubaldo Martinez Jr. attended the Potato Industry Leadership Institute.

“I just love what I do so much that I want to spread it a mile wide and educate others,” Frank says. “That’s what I’m instilling in Juan and Ubaldo.”

Taking a cue from his dad, Juan wanted to become more involved in the industry and gain a better understanding of what happens to the potatoes he grows after they leave the processor. In his role with Potatoes USA, he is learning more about marketing and trade.

“It helps me expand my knowledge.

It’s just a good experience,” Juan says.

“I believe that it’s going to educate me more. It’s one thing to be a farmer and experience the farm, and it’s another experience outside the farm.”

Ubaldo’s participation in the Potato Industry Leadership Institute, which included learning about the potato industry in Michigan and talking to legislators in Washington D.C., reinforced his commitment to serve the industry.

“I’m learning from the best,” Ubaldo says of his uncle. “A lot of people don’t want to get involved. They don’t care.

I want to see this potato industry grow.

I want to do better. I want to inform people.”

In the future, he hopes to serve on the Washington State Potato Commission in some way.

6

Potato Country

March / April 2021

Juan Martinez and his dad, Frank Martinez, stand in a storage facility as freshly harvested spuds are piled behind them.

“There are a lot of us Hispanics that don’t know about what the potato commission does,” he says. “I’d like to get more involved to let them know what they do.”

On the Farm

The Martinez family operates Saddle View Farms in Warden, Washington, producing Umatilla Russet and Russet Burbank potatoes for processing, along with some field corn and wheat. Although Frank has produced as many as 2,100 acres of potatoes, he has been cutting back production and has farmed around 800 acres the last five years. In 2020, however, the processor reduced Saddle View Farms’ contract to 530 acres in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frank leases all but 50 acres.

“When land was cheap, I had no money. When I started coming into money, land got very expensive,” the grower recalls.

With a need to follow the availability of good potato ground and adequate irrigation, Frank grows spuds 50 miles from the main farm.

During harvest, Juan puts in plenty of miles driving trucks. He has worked for his dad for 19 years and is a supervisor on the farm. He also grows 65 acres of his own potatoes at JAM Farms.

Ubaldo takes care of field operations from planting to harvest. His experience in potatoes began while working at Skone and Connors Produce, where Frank was a foreman at the time. After 14 years there, Ubaldo worked as a truck driver and then in construction for a few years before Frank offered him a job as foreman at Saddle View Farms. Ubaldo accepted, thinking it would give him more time at home, he recounts with a smile.

“You have to have a good support system, a wife that understands this farming deal is 24/7. It never ends,” he says.

The amount of required paperwork is especially time consuming. On top of managing employee safety, Ubaldo also works to keep up with pest management, disease control and crop nutrition.

Recently, he has experienced positive results with two products from Omex.

Frank Martinez oversees harvest as a load of Russet Burbanks comes in from the field.

He’s been using SizeN and Slyce on every field the last two years, and they seem to be working, he says, noting that tubers have been bulking up better.

“Farming is not for everyone. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. If you’re not dedicated enough, you’re not going to survive here. You’re not going to like your job. I love my job. I’m faithful to it. I love planting the spuds, watching them grow, digging them, every aspect of farming,” Ubaldo says. “I take it very

seriously. I work very hard at it. I try to do the best that I can.”

In the Future

Ubaldo is grateful to have Frank teaching him about farming – not only about how to grow potatoes, but also how to manage a farm and lead people.

Juan, too, is thankful to have grown up “with the farm” after Frank adopted him as a newborn.

“He gave me a second opportunity

Crews harvest Russet Burbanks near Ritzville, Wash., in late September 2020.

PotatoCountry.com

7

Saddle View Farms at life. I was born to a poor family. He adopted me,” Juan shares. “I don’t take things for granted. Everything I do, I do with hard work and dedication. I appreciate everything he does.”

It was with hard work and dedication that Frank built Saddle View Farms. After growing up as a migrant farm worker and quitting school at age 15, Frank planted 35 acres of potatoes in 1981 and began farming full time in 1987.

The sacrifices Frank made to start his own farm push Juan to work harder and make him excited to see how far he can take the family farm.

“My dad is a very well-known farmer.

His reputation is out of this world,” Juan says. “I’ll never be able to fill my dad’s shoes, but I can try to come close to filling his shoes.”

Frank advises the next generation to not become complacent because conditions – from soil to weather – are always changing. Similarly, the industry will continue to face new challenges and will need growers to be involved in its leadership. He’s proud to know his son and nephew are ready to take that on.

“I think that’s a father’s dream to have a son or daughter follow in their footsteps,” Frank says.

Ubaldo Martinez Jr. manages field operations from planting to harvest at Saddle View Farms.

Juan Martinez climbs into a truck during harvest in late September 2020.

Saddle View Farms foreman Ubaldo Martinez Jr. drives tractor during harvest because COVID concerns kept some employees home, leaving the farm shorthanded.

8

Potato Country

March / April 2021

What’s under your crop is under your control.

You can’t see nematodes, but you can protect from their damage. Use Velum® Prime to protect your root and tuber crops from damage caused by nematodes.

Long-lasting and wide-spectrum nematode protection that also suppresses Early blight, Early dying and White mold.

Convenient in-season chemigation application.

Innovative chemistry: not a restricted use product.

Effectively manages nematodes, leading to an average increased yield of +41 CWT/A1 with an average increase in profits of $279/A.2

For more information, visit www.VelumPrime.com.

Trial conducted by Miller Research, Acequia, Idaho, 2015.

Average price per CWT based on USDA Crop Production 2017 Summary Report.

1

2

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Not all products are approved and registered in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local product dealer or representative or U.S. EPA and your state pesticide regulatory agency for the product registration status in your state. Bayer, Bayer Cross, and Velum® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2020 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

“Virtually” the Same Conference O

rganizers of the 2021 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference, held online Jan. 25-28, are looking at the silver linings of holding a virtual conference. For one, they found an online platform that was easy to navigate and showcased conference exhibitors, sponsors and speakers. In addition, attendees from other states that do not usually attend the in-person event were able to participate.

This year’s conference consisted of four days of sessions including a cultivar performance workshop, updates from industry organizations and three mornings of research reports.

Sessions were well attended, according to organizers, and the agenda offered much of the content that regular attendees expect from the annual conference.

With that being said, conference organizers are looking forward to seeing everyone in person next year. The 2022 Washington-Oregon Potato Conference is set for Jan. 24-27 in Kennewick, Washington.

Mark Pavek with Washington State University compares planting whole versus cut potato seed.

Sagar Sathuvalli with Oregon State University explains the attributes of Rainier Russet, which will be introduced this year.

10

Visitors to the expo hall of the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference could visit exhibitor booths with one click.

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Potato Country

March / April 2021

There’s only one move

to checkmate .

For a winning potato season, you have to be strategic. You are not only combatting diseases like Early blight and White mold for this season’s crop, but also fighting them for seasons to come. With Luna Tranquility® fungicide, you get two different modes of action with rotational and tankmixing capabilities. So, fight diseases year in and year out with Luna Tranquility.

Learn more at LunaPotatoGamePlan.com.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Not all products are approved and registered in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local product dealer or representative or U.S. EPA and your state pesticide regulatory agency for the product registration status in your state. Bayer, Bayer Cross, Luna,® and Luna Tranquility® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2021 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

PotatoCountry.com

11

Online Conference Draws Crowd T

he turnout for the virtual Idaho Potato Conference was about on par with attendance at the conference the last few years. Organizers were happy to have almost 900 people register for the three mornings of presentations. Another 50 people signed up for the Spanish session, which covered issues including reducing bruise, potato grading and common storage diseases.

Participants seemed to like the wide variety of topics presented at the conference and appreciated having speakers from across the U.S. participate via the virtual format, according to conference planning committee co-chair Mike Thornton.

Highlighted presentations included a discussion of tuber lenticels from Paul Bethke with USDA-ARS in Wisconsin.

Andy Robinson with North Dakota University and University of Minnesota reported on managing brown center and hollow heart. Ken Frost with Oregon State University gave a summary of soft rot disease in potatoes. And Washington State University’s Mark Pavek and Francisco Gonzalez detailed cultural management practices for Clearwater Russet and Alturas and soil moisture monitoring research.

Attendees also appreciated the flexibility of the virtual format, Thornton said. This was a common theme in the feedback organizers received, especially from people outside Idaho who might be unable to travel to an in-person event. Conference participants logged in from across the U.S., as well as Canada, Australia and Israel.

Participants also shared a lot of positive feedback about the live question and answer sessions at the end of each pre-recorded presentation.

The 2022 Idaho Potato Conference is scheduled for Jan. 19-20 in Pocatello, Idaho.

In a presentation about measuring soil moisture, Washington State University researcher Francisco Gonzalez reminds potato growers to walk their fields and check moisture, even with sensors installed.

Jolyn Rasmussen with Simplot shows online attendees that 58 percent of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products and check packaging labels to ensure positive social and environmental impact.

Phil Wharton presents information on potato early die (PED) in Idaho. PED results in premature vine wilting and can affect yield by as much as 50 percent. Wharton says treatment with Elatus or Velum can significantly reduce PED.

12

Potato Country

March / April 2021

Apply less, expect more?

It’s time for a crop nutrition plan that gets more return from every drop.

Get custom-calibrated formulas and complete agronomic support for the nutrients you need and the quality potatoes you want. Every step of the way, AgroLiquid has precisely what it takes to help you succeed like never before.

Find an AgroLiquid dealer near you.

ApplyLessExpectMore.com

Pro-Germinator®, Sure-K® and Kalibrate® are registered trademarks and LiberateCa is a trademark of AgroLiquid. © 2021 AgroLiquid. All Rights Reserved.

PotatoCountry.com

13

Lessons From COVID-19: The Good, the Bad and the Opportunities

By Michael Sansolo, Retail Food Industry Consultant

F

ollowing the craziness of 2020, the entire food industry faces both a specific challenge and opportunity as prominent as ever: determine what shoppers want and, as a follow up, find out how to best satisfy those needs.

Certainly, 2020, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, has created an unusual environment that casts this perennial issue in a new light. In 2020 (and certainly into 2021), shoppers’ needs have focused on finding enough supplies to survive mandated lockdowns and then finding solutions and ideas for mealtime in an environment where restaurant eating has become near impossible.

Against this backdrop, the entire food industry is presented and confronted with opportunities and challenges both new and old.

The unique concerns of this very strange year include ensuring that supply chains manage to stay functional despite incredibly unexpected shortages in everything from toilet tissue to even coins for change. While the industry has been – and continues to be – hard pressed to meet all those challenges, the results, nearly a year into the crisis, have been largely encouraging.

Food stores of all types remained largely in stock of all items, and retail workers rose to the challenge of keeping

stores open and serving customers. More visible than usual to shoppers has been the incredible efforts undertaken to keep all elements of the supply chain functioning from farms to transportation to product manufacturing and on to distribution centers. In countless ways, the industry has demonstrated its ability to survive an unthinkably difficult time and to merit its status as an essential industry.

Given the near complete collapse of the foodservice industry, it’s hardly surprising that food retail sales have boomed, with many companies posting levels of sales growth unseen in decades.

But even in the face of that growth, other consumer challenges, wants and desires are changing, and savvy companies must keep an eye on these issues to best thrive once the health crisis passes. For example, online shopping for food has blossomed faster than anyone expected, likely altering the very nature of food shopping into the future. And the economic hangover of the prolonged shutdown of much of the economy creates a new set of challenges, as large portions of the population are likely to focus on budget issues in 2021 and beyond.

What makes these challenges more prominent than usual is that millennials and Gen Z, two young and incredibly large demographic groups, are coming of age while this is happening. That means their shopping, cooking and eating habits are

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Potato Country

March / April 2021

forming in circumstances that might lead them to be even more focused on lowprice operators and electronic commerce convenience for decades to come.

The opportunity and challenge is clear to the food industry, including commodity groups. For the first time in possibly 50 years, Americans are returning to home cooking and eating, so the industry has a rare opportunity to help these shoppers with recipes, product tips, nutritional benefits and more. Done properly – and with cooperation throughout the supply chain – this could lead to long-term gains in food retail sales.

However, this requires new thinking and better levels of cooperation and consumer education than we’ve seen in years. Minus that, a once-in-a-generation opportunity could be missed.

In addition, agricultural groups growing potatoes, onions, carrots and other products need to consider how to pivot production away from the decimated restaurant industry and toward food retail, a daunting, but essential, task on its own.

There is no way of knowing today when the COVID crisis will deepen or, hopefully, end, but just as in other tumultuous times, some changes brought about will likely become permanent.

Shoppers’ desires are always shifting, and the entire food industry must constantly adapt to them or risk losing opportunity and more.

Editor’s note: Michael Sansolo is a retail food industry consultant, speaker and author. He spoke at Potato Expo 2021 about the impact of COVID-19 on the supermarket industry.

For more information, visit www.michaelsansolo.com.

Subscribe at PotatoCountry.com/subscribe

Know Your Potato Diseases

Disease Identification Quiz Dr. Jeff Miller 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

Answers Page 20

As you are cutting some potatoes, you see discoloration (necrosis) inside. These tubers looked fine on the outside.

What is causing these problems?

Are they all caused by the same pathogen?

What is the pathogen?

How could you determine for sure that your diagnosis is correct?

Photos courtesy Jonathan Whitworth, USDA-ARS B – Pomerelle Russet

A – Clearwater Russet C – Russet Burbank

Russet Seed Available for 2021 Crop Season! Call and Reserve Your Seed Order With Us Today!

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15

Growth AgroLiquid

www.agroliquid.com/agronomics/crops/potato Sure-K

Potatoes use more potassium than any other nutrient. Potassium (K) is required for nutrient movement in the potato plant and is also important in the formation of sugars and starches. In potatoes, K influences tuber size, specific gravity, susceptibility to blackspot bruise, after-cooking darkening, reducing sugar content, fry color and storage quality.

Sure-K, from liquid fertilizer company AgroLiquid, enters the plant more effectively than conventional potassium fertilizers and has excellent crop safety when applied with the seed or as a foliar application.

Sure-K combined with other important crop nutrition products from AgroLiquid increased not only the number of potatoes, but also their quality and size. With flexible application and slow-release technology, potato crops receive essential potassium where it is most effective, and they are able to utilize the nutrients throughout their growth cycle.

Brandt

www.brandt.co EnzUp Zn

Brandt EnzUp Zn helps growers prime soil for success. The proprietary technology contains micronutrients and a high concentration of enzymes that have been treated with a patentpending process that keeps enzymes active in the soil longer. Brandt EnzUp boosts soil health and activity, increases water and nutrient uptake, and promotes strong plant and root development. Using Brandt EnzUp on potatoes at planting with a starter fertilizer produces a difference in quality and yield.

WHO CARES THAT IT SAVES TIME? ASK THE ONE WHO NEEDS MORE ACRES PER DAY.

Getting excellent disease and insect protection shouldn’t take any extra time or hassle during the busy planting season. AZteroid® FC 3.3 and Midac® FC mix perfectly – no plugged nozzles or extra water required.

Learn more about saving time and getting excellent performance at vivecrop.com/potatoes Always read and follow label instructions. ® ™ Trademarks of Vive Crop Protection Inc.

16

Potato Country

March / April 2021

Essentials Crop Vitality

www.cropvitality.com CaTs

CaTs is a 100 percent water-soluble calcium with a 0-0-10S-6Ca analysis. CaTs applied through the irrigation system can supply much needed calcium and sulfur at critical growth and uptake times. Recent trials with CaTs in the Pacific Northwest have shown both increased yields and improved storability.

Ferticell

www.ferticellusa.com Explorer, Pro K, Nutri-Plus, ProCal, Active NPK

By developing a product line from clean plant- and mineral-derived sources, Ferticell guarantees a quality product without the chemical inputs and salts that can degrade soil health and microbial activity. Ferticell carries a full line of fertilizers approved for organic use in agriculture production with more than 14 available in 35 states.

Explorer, the first plant-derived soy protein in the U.S., is available as a 16 percent dry powder nitrogen or a 10 percent liquid solution. Pro K, the first plant-derived liquid potassium at 20 percent, eliminates salt inputs and is a great tank mix partner. Nutri-Plus is a super concentrate of amino acids essential for abiotic stress and protein formation and works as a complexing agent for other nutrients. ProCal is a calcium carbonate approved for organic use with 3 percent soy protein nitrogen to increase calcium uptake. Active NPK is a product line of four NPK dry powder fertilizers approved for organic use.

PILERS

2007 Milestone 42” all belt, 230 3ph remote 2000 Wemco 36” all belt, 480 3ph, remote 1993 Double L 831 36mm BC Elev., 36”x49’ Tel. 230/480 volt 3ph 1992 DL 811 30” BC Elev. x 49’Tel., 3ph remote 1990 DL 811 30” BC Elev. x 49’Tel. 3ph Remote 1986 Spudnik 36”x 36mm BC 48’ Tel Boom 220 V 1ph 1985 DL 813 BC Elev. 30”x49’ Tel. 3ph 1984 Spudnik 450 36” 3ph all belt Remote 1984 DL 812 36” x 49’ 3ph all belt

SCOOPERS

U P

S

2000 Spudnik 925 72” 3ph 480 Volt 1996 Spudnik 925 72” 3ph 480 Volt 1991 Spudnik 910 60” 3ph 480 volt

BEDS

TRAILERS

PLANTER/TARE/PILER

Trinity 53’ 3 axle All Stainless new bin 25” chain

TRUCKS/TRUCKS & BEDS

2007 Mack 330hp Allison Auto x 5 1999 Mack EZ350 10spd 4.17 ratio 2012 Logan LP24 PTO 1989 IH 4900 DT466, Auto w/ 06 Spudnik 20’ EZ tarp 2006 Lockwood 554 LH 2008 Spudnik 6140 RH 2006 Double L 851 4 row RH 2000 Double L 851 4 row LH 1999 Double L 851 4 row RH 1998 Double L 851 Four Row RH 1982 Logan 2 row

U Q

2012 Double L 901 20’ elec. /roll tarp dual drive 2011 Double L 901 20’ elec. /roll tarp dual drive 2001 Double L 802 Bed 22’ PTO only roll tarp dual drive 2000 Double L 801 Bed 20’ Electric dual drive 1999 Spudnik 2100 Elec. 20’ w/EZ Tarp dual drive 1999 Spudnik 2100 20’ PTO dual drive 1999 Spudnik 2100 24’ PTO dual drive 1984 Logan SB20 Electric

N E

HARVESTERS

2009 Double L 953 4 row 2009 Spudnik 6400 2007 Double L 853 2005 Spudnik 6400 bunker, Hyd-Assist drive wheels 2004 Double L 873 2001 Spudnik 6400 1996 Lockwood 4640

SEED CUTTERS

2000 Better Built 46520 60” 3ph 1996 Milestone 48” 1ph 1993 Milestone 36” 1ph

TREATERS

New Excel 10” combo liquid & dust 2008 Milestone 42” Duster 1998 Milestone 36” Duster 1996 Milestone 36” Duster

PLANTERS

New Logan 36” Tare Piler 3ph VFD 1991 DL 815 24” x 24’ 220 Volt 1ph 1975 Milestone Cutter to Truck piler

M O

WATER DAMMERS

New Logan Yield Pro 6 row 36” Water Dammer 1990 AG Engineering 6 row 36” hyd reset 2008 Logan Yield Pro 4 row 36” spring shanks

C .

T

CROSSOVERS/WINDROWERS

M IP

2014 Mayo 500 cwt 48” elev, 36” discharge 3ph 1993 Spudnik 1800 600cwt 48” Elev. 3ph 1996 Double L 860 600 cwt 3ph 1986 Milestone 90cwt 30” Elev.

Auto fill 3ph VFD Milestone 30cwt tilt belt 3ph VFD Milestone 30cwt 3ph VFD

E D

CONVEYORS - TELESCOPIC

SIZER ONLY

2000 Spudnik 900 60” 230 volt 3ph 1997 DL 807 62” BC with 3 stingers 3ph 1987 Spudnik 60” belt hopper, fingers, BC table 3ph 1984 DL 806 44” BC with 2 stingers 3ph 1986 DL 824 36” BC with 1 stinger 1ph

EVEN FLOWS

2014 Logan Trac Pro 10’ x 30” x 10’ belt 3ph 2002 Spudik 2200 30” Double L 36” x 12’ all belted chain 3ph Double L 832 BC 30” fingers 1984 Spudnik 2200 Belt 30” x 8’ 3ph x 2

Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph x 10 Double L 808 30” x 25’ 3ph x 4 Spudnik 1200 30” x 40’ 3ph x 2 Spudnik 1200 24” x 20’ Hopper 3ph

DIRT ELIMINATOR ONLY

2014 Spudnik 991 72” Multi Sep /Air Sep Harriston Model 200 Clod Hopper

STINGERS

CONVEYORS - STRAIGHT

2011 Mayo 84” DE, Sizer 3ph 2000 Double 878 DE 78” 3ph flip down 72” sizer 1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer

ROCK/CLOD/ELIMINATORS

1990 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph 1984 Spudnik 100 24” 1ph 1982 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph 1993 Double L 837 24” 3ph

Shop built 30”/36” x 65’ 480 V 3ph Double L 820 30” x 60’ 3ph Double L 810 30” x 50’ 3ph Spudnik 1200 TC 24” x 50’ 220 V 1ph

DIRT ELIMINATOR W/ SIZER

2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6-row frame pull with steering 2007 Gruse Bed planter 4 row off set hitch 1996 Lockwood 6 row pick mechanical 1995 Kverneland 4 row 3200 – 36”

SHREDDER/VINE BEATERS/ POWER HILLER 1986 Loftness 4 row 36” Steel rollers

MISC.

Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Mayo Scooper belly dump unloader attachement

WAREHOUSE/PACKAGING

Tri Steel felt dryer 60” x 15’ L 4 brushes 26 felt drying rolllers Mayo 60” x 8 ‘ flat table washer, 18- 6” brushes & spray bar Kerian 60” wide sizer 2- Steel flumes 30” wide by 50’ long 2- Tri Steel 6” flume pumps 1000 gpm 10hp Flat conveyor 36” W x 40’ L 2014 Odenburg model Halo 2000 80” 1000 cwt warehouse Even flow with tilt conveyor Mayo 24” x 53’ Telescopic Van Loader conveyor Mayo 30” Elevating conveyor to Van Loader Kerian 60” sizer Portable Washer with brushes, pumps, holding tank on wheels Rolling table 30” x 11’

NOT COMPLETE LIST. CHECK SPUDEQUIPMENT.COM OR CALL

BRUCE: (208)390-5120 | BRUCEN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • EVAN: (208)757-8481 | EVANN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • ERIC: (701)629-7090 | ERICD@TRISTEELMFG.COM

PotatoCountry.com

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Growth ICL Specialty Products Inc. www.polysulphate.com Polysulphate

Polysulphate is the only naturally occurring fertilizer delivering four essential nutrients, all in sulfate form: potassium, sulfur, magnesium and calcium. Every granule of Polysulphate contains naturally balanced nutrition for uniform distribution across fields and maximum soil productivity. Low chloride and pH neutral, Polysulphate is extremely safe and ensures potatoes reach their highest quality and yield potential. Polysulphate is well suited for blending with most standard fertilizers and is fully soluble.

Nutri-Cal

www.nutri-cal.com Nutri-K

Nutri-K liquid potassium is a special formulation of highly soluble potassium, carboxylic acids and carbohydrates. The carboxylic acids and carbohydrates, which are the same complexing agents identified in the formulation of Nutri-Cal, are derived from plant extracts in a patented process. There are no nitrates, chlorides or sulfates. It has a low salt index and is therefore non-corrosive.

The product works when the T.O.G. complexes the elemental potassium ion, which subsequently allows the ion to be absorbed directly and immediately through the leaf and fruit cell walls.

Nutri-K T.O.G / liquid potassium complex provides a unique delivery system, which protects the potassium from forming an insoluble compound, enabling more efficient movement of potassium ion to the fruit/vegetable where it is needed most.

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Essentials OMEX

www.omex.com Cell Power SizeN

Cell Power SizeN supplies nitrogen in a form that encourages compact growth and rooting. The product uses a unique chemistry to hold nitrogen in the amine form. This creates a more compact, strong growth habit, encouraging tuber development.

Cell Power SizeN keeps plants strong and healthy and helps grow the harvested part of the crop, the root. It improves size, uniformity and grading of potato crops. Cell Power SizeN supplies plants with nitrogen in a form that will not leach past the root zone, and plants require less energy to process amine-nitrogen, which is particularly important during periods of stress. Cell Power SizeN also supplies potassium, necessary for starch synthesis as well as the transport of sugars, water and nutrients, which, in combination with the improved growth habit of the amine technology, increases the quality of potatoes.

Oro Agri

www.oroagriusa.com Nanocal

Nanocal is a sub-micronized, soil-applied, readily available liquid calcium specifically formulated to be applied at hook to strengthen cell walls, improve tuber quality, increase specific gravity, mitigate storage issues and promote overall crop health. Nanocal should be applied just prior to or at the early stages of tuber initiation to ensure maximum calcium uptake during cellular division. It’s meant as a supplemental source of calcium available to plants during this critical stage of development; it’s not meant to remedy calcium deficiency in soils.

Maximizing Potato Yield Starts at Planting We can give you the harvest details with a yield monitor

RiteDepth - Automatic Depth Controller

Sonar Sensor Technology For More Uniform Planting Depth • Uniform seeding depth is important to achieve uniform emergence which will in turn help with timing and efficacy of spray & fertilizer applications.

• Sonar sensors improve uniformity while reducing the need for frequent adjustments.

• Sonar sensors are small, out of the way, allowing a clear view of the planter and cause no obstruction to stubble and trash from previous crops.

As a leader in precision agriculture systems we offer unique solutions specifically designed with the root and vegetable producer in mind.

For more information visit greentronics.com or contact us at 519-669-4698 PotatoCountry.com

19

Growth Essentials Quality Liquid Feeds www.qlf.com

QLF Agronomy L-CBF

QLF Agronomy L-CBF (liquid carbon-based fertilizer) is a combination of balanced crop nutrients with complex carbon sources. QLF’s soil nutrition solutions feed soil biology and enhance plant nutrient availability.

L-CBF products provide a boost in growth for the microbial population in the soil to directly support healthy and productive soils. Along with supplying a critical form of readily available carbon as sucrose, L-CBF products provide a balanced nutritional package specific to the sustainability and longevity of highly productive soils.

Redox

www.redoxgrows.com RootRx

RootRx (0-0-5) is a botanical extract product that contains 5 percent potassium. RootRx contains proprietary soluble carbon compounds that improve antioxidant production and stimulate root growth and metabolism. RootRx reduces abiotic stress by increasing root quality and quantity, resulting in improved soil health.

Verdesian Life Sciences www.vlsci.com Lyra

Lyra combines several proven technologies from Verdesian Life Sciences into a single new product formulated for fertigation application. Applied in proportion to fertigated nitrogen, Lyra improves plant nutrient availability in conjunction with plant nutrient demand, resulting in optimized plant health and yield.

Know Your Disease Answers (from page 15)

On both stems in Photo A, the lesions on the left are symptoms of Rhizoctonia canker caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The lesions on the right are symptoms of black dot caused by Colletotrichum coccodes. Both diseases can cause lesions on stems, but look different. Rhizoctonia lesions tend to appear earlier in the season, and black dot lesions appear later.

The symptoms in both Photos B and C are symptoms of black dot. The amethyst color on stems and stolons is characteristic of black dot, as is the “pigtail” stolon adhering to the tuber in Photo C. The application of strobilurin fungicides prior to or at row closure has been the most effective way to reduce Colletotrichum infection in the foliage. However, the link between foliar symptoms and underground stem or tuber symptoms has not been demonstrated by research.

Calendar Mar. 8-11

Potatoes USA Annual Meeting

Online Chelsea Gray, chelsea@potatoesusa.com

June 8

Ag World Golf Classic Canyon Lakes Golf Course Kennewick, Wash. www.agworldgolf.com

June 10

Ag World Golf Classic The Links at Moses Pointe Moses Lake, Wash. www.agworldgolf.com

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calcium When you need it Where you need it

More on the importance of calcium in potato crops: Calcium improves cell structure and disease resistance in potatoes. The benefits of in-season calcium applications are often seen in storage when it comes to reducing yield loss due to shrinkage.

CaTs® efficiently delivers liquid calcium nutrition to your soil and supports your potatoes through growth, harvest and storage.

PotatoCountry.com ©2021 Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. All rights reserved. CaTs® is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.

21

Pandemic Economics

Ripple Effects of COVID-19 on Idaho's Ag Economy

By Bill Schaefer

I

t’s been one year since first reports of a coronavirus discovered in Wuhan, China, began to circulate in the United States and the world. By the middle of March, the U.S. economy and European economies were simultaneously crashing as the COVID-19 pandemic became the greatest global health crisis since the Spanish flu in 1918-1920.

While the U.S. economy continues to slowly recover from the impact of COVID-19, a recent report indicates that U.S. agriculture enjoyed record net farm incomes during 2020.

According to data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) on Dec. 11, 2020, net farm income in 2020, adjusted for inflation, was projected to increase $35 billion.

This represents the fourth consecutive year that net farm income has increased.

The report states that “net farm income in 2020 inflation-adjusted terms would be at its highest level since 2013, 32 percent above its 2000-2019 average of $90.6 billion.”

Garth Taylor, a University of Idaho associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, says that despite the ramifications of COVID and reports of dumping spuds and milk, Idaho set all-time record highs in net farm income. And he predicts that it will be up almost 40 percent over last year.

Taylor attributes some of Idaho agriculture’s export success this year to the dollar’s decrease in the foreign exchange rate and to increased exports of national commodities such as corn and wheat.

“The dollar’s been weakening, which makes our exports more price attractive,” he says. “And despite all of the news to the contrary, this year we (U.S.) had record high exports of corn to China, and corn drives so much more markets than prices under a lot of different commodities,

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including Idaho hay. Idaho hay is keyed to corn prices and so we are looking at a very bright future for agriculture in the state.”

According to Taylor, agriculture continues to be the primary driver of Idaho’s economy.

“Idaho’s agriculture has been growing faster than the state’s economy,” he says.

“We’ve always been growing faster in gross domestic production (GDP). Farm GDP far outpaces the growth of Idaho’s economy GDP. Idaho’s agriculture and farming is on a completely different trajectory growth path.”

With the increased farm income, Taylor says that Idaho farmers and ranchers should be sheltering their increased revenue from the Internal Revenue Service with land or equipment purchases.

“You’ve heard the old story ‘what time is it when a farmer has to pay income taxes? It’s time to get a new accountant,’” Taylor says.

“Where are they going to shelter this,” he asks rhetorically. “Well, they’re going to incur some additional expenses and try to update their equipment line and try to buy land and other expenses.”

Equipment Sales

Mike Lindsay, a John Deere field sales rep for Stotz Equipment in American Falls, Idaho, says sales for new tractors are up and the waiting period for a new John Deere tractor is up to a year out.

Tractor sales may be up nationally, but sales representatives for potato equipment manufacturers in Idaho and Utah say their equipment sales range from average to slightly above average in 2021.

The National Potato Council’s (NPC) Potato Expo, the Idaho Potato Conference and the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo, scheduled for January 2021, moved to virtual platforms, which might have contributed to a reduction of orders.

“Sales are above average, but we’re not going hog wild,” says Kelly Duffin, a sales

rep for Double L based in Heyburn, Idaho.

Duffin says the potato industry has yet to recover from last year’s economic crash, and that impacts equipment purchases.

“First of all, the fresh market is not good, demand is low, prices are low for fresh potatoes. There’s no restaurants open.

COVID is still the problem,” he says. “We need the restaurants to open back up for the demand, or the products just back up.”

While purchases are above average, Duffin says another issue facing manufacturers is the price of steel, which has increased several times since November.

The lack of ag shows has also impacted his ability to meet with customers at what is an annual tradition.

“When you don’t have those opportunities, yeah, it’s a little frustrating,” he says. “You spend a lot more time on the phone talking to people instead of face to face.”

In an effort to get together with their customers, Duffin says that Double L Attendees at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference are always treated to free French fries.

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PotatoCountry.com

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Ag Economy and two other equipment manufacturers, Lockwood and Milestone, were exploring the possibility of holding open houses for small groups that fall within the Idaho mandate limiting gatherings.

Shane Mitchell, marketing director for Milestone Equipment based in Blackfoot, Idaho, says sales were better last year than this year.

“I would say it’s looking like an average year,” he says. “We’re selling enough to keep us busy, but it’s not as busy as we were last year.”

Milestone produces a variety of potato equipment but specializes in seed potato cutters and cut-seed treaters along with pilers and conveyors.

“This year, it seems like we’re still selling stuff. There’s still interest out there, but all the growers do seem to be a bit more careful in their decisions right now,” Mitchell says.

He says Milestone didn’t participate in the virtual conferences because management didn’t believe they were worth the time or money.

Allen Petersen, owner of All-Star Manufacturing and Design, displays at up to five farm shows a year.

Heavy equipment is always on the floor of the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo at Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.

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“Our thought was if somebody wants to talk to us, if somebody wants to see what we’re about, we have a website,” Mitchell says. “The virtual thing just didn’t feel like it was going to be productive.”

Allen Peterson, owner of Better Built Equipment based in Orem, Utah, says equipment orders are down for 2021.

Better Built produces seed cutters and cutseed treaters for the potato industry.

“Typically, our busiest times of the year are after harvest and before planting,” Peterson says. “Last year when COVID happened, it basically shut us down during our busy time of the year, and it wasn’t because we weren’t able to go to work; it was because people weren’t calling and ordering stuff. This year is kind of fairly similar. We do have some sales, but the numbers are definitely down.”

Peterson says he participated in the virtual Potato Expo, but he didn’t have a single encounter during the time he was online. Virtual shows just don’t create the traffic that he has seen at past shows.

“The Potato Expo is always one of the good shows for us,” Peterson says. “That’s

one of the ones we go to and we do pick up quite a few sales from that one.”

At this point, with orders down and all shows going virtual, it’s not looking good for future sales this spring. Peterson is hoping to pick up some orders this spring, but he is looking forward to the day when the Expo and conferences return to reality.

“Nothing beats that personal contact,” he says. “Even parts sales are down and I think one of the reasons is when those guys are attending those conferences, when they’re having their break and walking the trade show, it also sparks ‘oh, hey, if I’m not looking at buying new equipment, I’m looking at servicing my equipment so I need to make sure I order these parts.’ I think right now just because of the way things are going, it’s quieter than it normally is this time of year.”

There may yet be a rush to shelter net farm income from the IRS in equipment and land purchases this year. We’re in the midst of tax season, and farmers and ranchers are starting to hear from their accountants.

Educational sessions, always a big draw at potato shows, took to Zoom in 2021.

Stay on target

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Check out our full range of products at micro-trak.com.

(800)328-9613 Micro-Trak.com Trakmail@Micro-Trak.com PotatoCountry.com

25

In the News

WSU Adds to Potato Research Group

Washington State University (WSU) has hired Jake Blauer as the new post-harvest potato physiologist. Blauer is a former graduate student of WSU potato physiologist Rick Knowles, whose retirement in 2020 opened the door for Blauer’s hire.

“I’m delighted to be rejoining the potato research team,” Blauer says.

“These are amazing people, and I’m excited to be able to contribute to this great industry.”

Blauer plans to keep the foundation of Knowles’ research program moving forward and also utilize his background in variety development to expand genetics research. Topics of interest include low-temperature sweetening, tuber size issues and minimizing the potato industry’s environmental footprint.

Blauer grew up in southern Idaho on a farm that included potatoes in the rotation. After studying plant science and chemistry as an undergraduate, Blauer went to work in the potato processing industry before earning a doctoral degree in molecular plant science at WSU. He then returned to the industry to work on trait development in potatoes and, later, in alfalfa. When the physiologist position at WSU opened, Blauer saw it as a great opportunity to return to potatoes.

Colleague Mark Pavek, a WSU potato specialist, says Blauer is a good fit for the position.

“He has experience in both the private and public sectors, which will enable him to look at research projects from both angles, something the industry will appreciate. And because of his experience, he already knows many of the potato industry representatives, growers and researchers,” Pavek says.

Retired USDA Potato Breeder Passes Away The potato industry has lost a longtime potato breeder.

Charles “Chuck” Brown passed away in Prosser, Washington, on Jan. 20.

Brown worked for the USDA at the Prosser Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center from 1984 until retiring in 2017. He is credited with making significant contributions to the field of potato genetics and breeding during his career including studying and breeding resistance to a number of viruses.

Brown was an active member and former president of the Potato Association of America (PAA). He received awards for his leadership and contributions to the Agricultural Research Service and the 2014 Honorary Life Member award from PAA. Prior to his career with USDA, Brown earned his doctorate degree in plant genetics at UC Davis and worked at the International Potato Center in Peru for seven years.

The NUTRI-CAL Difference Unlocking The Key To Calcium INCREASES OVERALL POTATO YIELD

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March / April 2021

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CHEMPORT, INC. 800-247-2480

Grant Funds Potato Virus Study

Potato researchers have received a $5.8 million grant to fund a new USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative project. The four-year project aims to develop sustainable system-based management strategies for two vector-borne tuber necrotic viruses in potato.

Alex Karasev with the University of Idaho is taking the lead on the project, which has four objectives.

In the short term, the researchers want to train seed potato certification agencies on high throughput detection of potato viruses and to partner with the agencies to develop quality control methods for laboratory assays.

Next, the project aims to improve virus-vector management through the development of epidemiological models and through researchbased recommendations for potato production.

The long-term objective is to develop molecular marker diagnostics for resistance genes against Potato virus Y (PVY) and potato mop top virus and to clone at least one PVY resistance gene. Lastly, the project should identify economic or incentive barriers to effective management and to use this information to aid in industry adoption of improved management strategies.

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans Call for More Veggies

The USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services have released the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend the increased consumption of vegetables for all age groups. The recommendations support the importance of including nutrient-rich vegetables such as potatoes in all diets.

Potatoes are a good source of potassium, providing 15 percent of the daily value per serving in addition to being an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 30 percent of the daily value per serving.

Taco Bell Brings Back Potatoes

Taco Bell has brought potatoes back to its menu. The restaurant chain had dropped Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco from its offerings last August in a move to simplify operations. The change resulted in backlash on social media.

The potato items are returning to the menu March 11, and Taco Bell is planning to debut more potato items in the future.

T R UST Y O UR C AL C I UM & P H OS AT HO O K I NG W I T H MI C RON I Z E D MI NER AL -D E R I VE D FE R T I LI Z E R S AP P R O VED FO R O R GAN I C U S E THE EUROPEAN SECRET TO A HEALTHY YIELD

4 8 0 - 3 6 1 - 1 3 0 0 | W W W. F E R T I C E L L U S A . C O M PotatoCountry.com

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New Products

Corteva Receives Registration for Insecticide

Corteva Agriscience has received U.S. EPA and state approvals for Delegate WG insecticide in potatoes and sugar beets. Labeled insects include Colorado potato beetle, potato psyllid, worms, thrips and leafminer.

Delegate WG contains the active ingredient spinetoram, a member of IRAC Group 5 (spinosyns). No other class of products affects the insect nervous system with the same mode of action.

Delegate is similar in mode of action to Blackhawk insect control, another Corteva Agriscience product and also a member of IRAC Group 5.

However, Delegate provides sharper control of insects. Field trials with Delegate have been conducted on pests such as Colorado potato beetle and potato psyllid. The performance of Delegate based on speed of kill and length of residual is improved compared to Blackhawk, according to a Corteva field scientist. Delegate controls pests through contact and ingestion activity, and it has translaminar movement to help with internal feeders and pests out of the direct line of spray.

Visit www.corteva.com.

Drexel Debuts Herbicide

Drexel Chemical Company has added Me-Too-Lachlor MTZ to its product lineup. Me-Too-Lachlor MTZ is a pre-mix of metolachlor and metribuzin that provides two modes of action for controlling grasses and key broadleaf weeds such as barnyard grass, crabgrass, foxtail, kochia, lambsquarter, nightshade, pigweed, purslane, Russian thistle, yellow nutsedge and waterhemp in potatoes.

Visit www.drexchem.com.

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HarvestMaster Rolls Out New Potato Yield Monitor

The Casma Potato Yield Monitor from HarvestMaster is now available for purchase, marking the company’s return to the commercial yield monitoring business. The company built the yield monitor to increase farm profitability, provide a visual map of crop performance and allow data to be viewed in realtime. The hardware can be mounted to any existing potato harvester.

Casma allows farmers to visualize crop performance through generated heat maps that provide a visual representation of variations in potato yield across the field and allow for better planting and soil care planning. Data is available in the tractor cab and online.

Visit www.harvestmaster.com.

Company Offers Economy Soil Moisture Meter

Spectrum Technologies Inc. has released the FieldScout TDR 250 Economy Soil Moisture Meter as the latest addition to the TDR product line. The new model offers the same measurement accuracy at a more affordable investment, according to the company.

The TDR 250 is a tool to help irrigated row crop and vegetable growers capture soil moisture spot measurements for effective irrigation scheduling. The meter measures soil moisture (volumetric water content) in less than a second, with settings for standard, hi-clay or sand texture soils. With a rugged T-handle frame and LCD display, the user-friendly TDR is built to capture accurate spot measurements across the field. All of Spectrum’s TDR meters offer interchangeable soil probes at varying lengths, so users can choose the best option for their crops’ root zones.

Visit www.specmeters.com.

Bayer Introduces New Fungicide

Bayer Crop Science recently brought Minuet Fungicide to market.

Minuet is a soil-applied biological designed for a full-season spray program. In the soil, it forms a symbiosis with the plant and triggers activation of root and plant growth as well as the plant defense response to support healthy plants and increased crop quality and yield potential.

When applied to the root zone, Minuet colonizes the roots and helps enhance root growth, increase nutrient uptake by solubilizing nutrients bound in the soil, protect the plant, and prime the plant against biotic and abiotic stress.

It’s approved for use in crops including potatoes, carrots and sugar beets. It has a pre-harvest interval of zero days and a re-entry interval of four hours.

Visit www.cropscience.bayer.us.

Potatoes USA

Potatoes at Retail: A Total Store Study

By Kayla Dome, Global Marketing Manager of Retail, Potatoes USA To understand shopping habits for all potato categories at retail, Potatoes USA partnered with Kantar Insights Consulting to conduct a total store potato study. This study identified detailed opportunities for all potatoes throughout the store.

The year 2020 was full of change and transition for everyone, including the potato industry. Sales in grocery stores for potatoes reached nearly $14 billion and increased by 16 percent compared to the previous year. Eighty-six percent of households purchased potatoes from one or all of the potato categories available across the whole store, and the average basket size reached $79 when potatoes were in it.

Consumers continued to stock up on potatoes because they are a household staple, they had a recipe or they had to replace another item.

The research showed that not only is the perimeter of the grocery store important for increasing sales, but so is the center of the store.

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Perimeter and Center Store

In 2019, the majority of consumers were shopping the perimeter of the store with only limited trips into the center aisles for essentials. In 2020, retailers saw a return to the center store categories and potatoes were included in this trend.

The fresh potato has typically been a key driver in total store sales for retailers.

Baskets are typically larger when fresh potatoes are in them and this did not change in 2020. What did change is how those fresh potato consumers ventured to other areas of the store. The types of items in the basket with fresh potatoes shifted from milk, bread and eggs to other pantry stocking items. For example, fresh potato consumers used to purchase mainly fresh potatoes, but now they are consistently buying frozen potatoes as well.

Frozen potatoes ended up seeing the highest increase in repeat purchasing compared to any other potato category.

The best news for this category is that consumers did not only come to the freezer section to stock up in March, they came back for repeat purchases through the end of the year. Consumers cited the following factors for continuing to purchase: the benefits for children, the

great taste of frozen potatoes and the fact that they felt good feeding frozen potatoes to their families.

Dehydrated potatoes also saw a lift.

They are being purchased as part of a full meal, showing the convenience factor is a large contributor to the purchase decision. However, the biggest change in the dehydrated consumer came from their basket size. The dehydrated potato consumer spent the most dollars per shopping trip compared to every other potato category.

In Store

Ninety-four percent of consumers are compelled to purchase potatoes after seeing information, packaging and resources such as recipes in store. This punctuates the importance of having the right signage in store to increase sales of all potato categories. Previously, in-store displays in various locations were the most important factor in reaching higher retail sales. Now, the information on these displays is incredibly important to the retail consumer when making a purchase decision. Retailers should focus on highlighting the convenience of particular potato items, and the nutrition information should be visible on these

displays. Nutrition information converted about 15 percent more shoppers into buying more potatoes.

In addition to nutrition information on signage and highlighting potato convenience, retailers should focus on providing consumers with inspiration.

Research showed that retailers with interesting and fun potato sections showcasing innovative products were more likely to see higher potato sales.

As we move forward, consumers expect retailers to create a strong in-store experience.

Online

Online sales for potatoes have significantly increased as consumers became more comfortable ordering perishables in 2020. More potatoes were being picked up curbside and delivered than in 2019, which means consumers were using retailer websites more consistently to purchase potatoes. About half of consumers visited retail websites

Research shows that not only is the perimeter of the grocery store important for increasing potato sales, but so is the center.

to plan their shopping trips. They used the retail website to get detailed product information, healthier options for items they typically buy and recipe information for potatoes. It is important for retailers to focus on strong landing pages for potatoes to continue seeing growth in sales in this space.

Overall, 2020 was a year of growth for potatoes at retail. With the tools

Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association “Quality as High as our Mountains” 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

discovered in this total store study, retailers can continue to reach consumers where they are looking for potatoes and better equip them with information so that consumers continue to buy more potatoes at retail.

A report summarizing this study can be downloaded at www.potatoesusa.com.

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 Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association P. O. Box 267 Monte Vista, CO 81144 ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com Lyla@ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com (719) 274-5996

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PotatoCountry.com

31

Market Report

Yield Trend Issues

T

he relentless uptrend in U.S. potato yields continues. The average potato yield for the 13 states currently reporting potato production has increased an average of 4.3 cwt per acre each year since 1949. Several forces continue to drive the trend, including improved cultural practices, seed and variety improvements and geographic shifts in production. While the trend appears to be gradual, it has and will continue to have a major impact on potato market dynamics.

Yield improvements reduce per-unit production costs, particularly when reported in constant-dollar terms. Yields have been increasing faster than demand for potatoes, resulting in overproduction and forcing the industry to cut back on acreage to keep supplies in balance with demand. That trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

Increasing Yield

Excess nitrogen production (from bomb-making) during World War II kicked off the first wave of the post-war agricultural revolution. The availability of cheap nitrogen fertilizer was a great boon for potato crops. The average yield for the 13 states exceeded 100 cwt per acre for the first time in 1943, as nitrogen producers were looking for alternative uses for surplus bomb-making material.

The initial yield surge was fantastic. By

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1949, the yield had reached 163 cwt per acre, driven primarily by the widespread use of nitrogen fertilizer.

Since that time, there has been steady improvement in nutrient supplies, quality and the understanding of crop nutrient needs. Irrigation availability, technology and management also have contributed to the upward trend in yields. In addition, pest management has improved, with fumigation as well as pre-plant applications of herbicides and a broad spectrum of insecticides and fungicides.

Growers also have extended crop rotations to improve yields and quality.

Now, precision agriculture is using data analytics to fine tune those factors to maximize yields and crop quality.

Seed improvement programs have played a major role in potato yield gains, both in terms of seed quality for existing varieties and the development of new, higher-yielding varieties. Prior to World War II, seed variety selection was extremely limited and seed quality was questionable. Even in the 1950s, it was not uncommon to find ring rot in certified seed. Ring rot still surfaces from time to time but seldom makes it through seed distribution channels undetected. Seed certification programs also minimize the level of seed-borne diseases affecting potato crops.

During 2020, U.S. seed potato growers had access to 786 potato cultivars (varieties and line selections). U.S. seed certification organizations certified crops for at least 506 of those varieties. Over 2,000 acres of seed were classified as “miscellaneous,” which would have included seed for many of the cultivars with no recorded certified acreage.

Several of the newer seed varieties produce much stronger yields than the varieties that they are replacing. Some of the newer processing varieties grown in the Columbia Basin can yield over 900 cwt per acre.

Geographic shifts in production are another major factor in the continuing uptrend in potato yields. The Columbia Basin produces the largest potato yields in the world. In 1949, Oregon and Washington accounted for 6.6 percent of the potato ground in the 13 current reporting states. By 2000, that had increased to 18.7 percent. In 2020, even after the major cuts in the Basin’s contracting volume, combined OregonWashington acreage totaled 200,000 acres, 21.7 percent of all potatoes planted in the 13 states. The states that experienced the largest share declines during the post-war period include Maine, Minnesota and North Dakota, all of which have below-average yields and a large portion of crops are rain-fed rather than irrigated.

Fluctuating Demand

While the uptrend in potato yields has been relentless, demand growth has been uneven. Expansion of the frozen processing industry during the 1970s and 1980s allowed growers to increase acreage even as yields were increasing.

The planted area in the 13 states peaked at 1.251 million acres in 1996. Fryers used 174.5 million cwt of potatoes from the 1996 potato crop. Between 1997 and 2019, frozen processing use fluctuated between 149.2 million cwt and 173.6 million cwt, averaging 158.6 million cwt over that time.

Several factors contributed to the usage slowdown. Raw product recovery rates increased, due both to improved technology and the introduction of coated products. In addition, a strong dollar encouraged fryers to close inefficient plants in the U.S. and to move production to Canada. Finally, a slowdown in French fry consumption during the early years of the 21st century weighed on demand.

Domestic production of frozen potato products has rebounded from a low of

149.2 million cwt for the 2010 crop. It finally surpassed the 1996 peak with the 2018 crop, reaching a high of 179.1 million cwt. Processing usage fell to 174.2 million cwt for the 2019 crop due to a combination of demand issues related to COVID-19, new processing capacity coming online in Canada, and increased competition from European product in both the domestic and export markets.

The downturn is continuing for the 2020 crop While table potato usage has fluctuated over the past 20 years, the trend has been for usage to decline. Packers in the 13 reporting states shipped 85 million cwt of potatoes from the 2019 crop, down from 112.1 million cwt shipped from the 2000 crop. Last year’s shipments were record low. Some improvement is likely for the 2020 crop, due to increased supplies, but at the cost of lower prices.

Finding a Balance

With yields going up and total demand for potatoes relatively flat, potato acreage of a necessity will have to come down.

The alternatives are to find new uses for potatoes and/or compete harder for export business. Cutting back on planting is a painful exercise. Farmers loath idling ground. While alternative crops are an option, demand for those crops has not been stellar. That has changed somewhat this year, but shifting to alternative crops tends to be a temporary fix. Permanent acreage cuts usually entail forcing less efficient operations out of business. While the land tends to go to other operators, they may use some of the extra ground to extend crop rotations rather than planting all of it to potatoes. In some cases, marginal ground is retired from potato production permanently. Both practices support the yield trend.

The impact of yield improvement on constant-dollar potato prices is undeniable despite year-to-year price swings. A look at Idaho’s weighted average shipping point prices (FWAs) since 1975 is instructive. For the 10 years from 1975 to 1984, the November-February FWA averaged $24.55 in 2020 dollars. Between

2011 and 2020, the average was only $16.05 per cwt in 2020 dollars. That is a 34.6 percent real price decline. A price decline of that magnitude, over such an extended period, is only possible because of improvements in productivity, which have lowered production costs.

By Bruce Huffaker, Publisher North American Potato Market News

Editor’s note: To contact Mr. Huffaker, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: 2690 N. Rough Stone Way, Meridian, ID 83646; (208) 525-8397; or e-mail napmn@napmn.com.

HUFFAKER'S HIGHLIGHTS

• Potato yields will continue to trend upward for the foreseeable future.

• Demand for potatoes and potato products is not increasing as fast as yields. In many years, it is declining.

• Growers either need to find new markets for potatoes or cut back on acreage over time to keep potato supplies in balance with demand.

• Increased productivity has driven down constant dollar prices for potatoes.

PotatoCountry.com

33

Potato Growers of Washington

Leveling the Playing Field in the Columbia Basin

By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington

I

f you follow this column closely, you might recall that I have pointed out numerous times when Potato Growers of Washington (PGW) has chosen to evolve to keep up with the ever-changing environment of the potato industry. Just a few years ago, we chose to restructure our voting procedure, moving from the one-man-one-vote system used in most organizations to a new structure in which each vote is weighted based on the member’s potato production the previous year. This change has proven to be very popular and successful in addressing the divergent needs of growers both large and small.

Now it is time for another evolution.

For several years, growers in the northern part of the Columbia Basin have been complaining that they never see the yields that many growers in the south basin get on a regular basis. While this has always been the case, the situation was tolerable when there was enough profit in the contracts that offsets in yield were offset by lower costs. As processors have squeezed the profit down so low in the contracts and production

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34

Potato Country

March / April 2021

costs have gone up faster in the north basin than the south, the offsets are no longer enough to make up for the difference in yield.

All pre-harvest inputs that growers make to produce a potato crop are made on a per-acre basis. Harvest, hauling/ handling and storage of the potatoes are the only inputs that are calculated in relation to the volume of potatoes produced.

There is no argument that growers in the southern basin have always had higher growing costs due to higher land costs and longer growing seasons, requiring more crop inputs. However, that difference is getting smaller and smaller as land costs in the northern basin have risen sharply the past few years as competition from other crops, especially permanent crops, intensifies.

It seems like this should be a pretty easy problem to rectify.

However, the tradition in the Columbia Basin for the past three-plus decades is for the largest of the processors to go first in establishing the contract price and the smaller processors to match that price at average quality levels. However, with the recent expansions that have taken place, a much greater percentage of the largest processor’s volume is being sourced in the higher yielding southern basin. Having that processor use its overall average yield and quality to establish the price for all potatoes in the Basin no longer works.

In a perfect world, having one price for all potatoes would be a great deal for the growers in the south basin if the north basin growers were able to be at a reasonable profit margin. After all, processors are buying potatoes on a per-ton basis. Why do they care how many acres of land it took to grow them? In the real world, all buyers want to get the best product at the lowest possible price. Therefore, if processors price the potatoes at the lowest possible price and still get their volume in the higher yielding south basin, that price will not work in the lower yielding regions.

PGW has had the philosophy of a level playing field for more than 25 years. Our thought was having each processor pay at average the same price for the same hypothetical average lot of potatoes by variety and delivery type was the fairest way to help our processors focus their marketing efforts on factors other than raw product pricing. Now, we must not only include the level playing field for them, but we must also start to level the playing field for growers in all parts of the Basin.

Our new challenge is to find a reasonable, sustainable profit level for each part of the Basin - not only for the growers, but our customers, the processors.

This will be a very monumental task that will take time to get right. But no race was ever won without that first step being taken. We at PGW recognize this issue and are making it a focus of our attention as we go forward with contract negotiations.

Nematode Protection + “Carbamate Kick” = Improved Yields

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Furthermore, Vydate C-LV offers the well-documented “carbamate kick,” characteristic of its class of chemistry. In the field, this often shows up as “green up” of plants, improved plant vigor/growth, reduced senescence and improved yields.

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The scientific explanation.

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A calcium deficiency in plants results in dividing cells being unable to stay bound together. This causes poor quality potatoes such as reduced size, growth cracks and hollow heart.

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