Suit Up for Storage: Protect p otato quality and your return on inves tment
YaraLiva calcium nitrate pro ducts are the b es t in-season fer tilizer pro ducts for your p otato es With completely soluble calcium and p otato-preferred nitrate nitrogen, YaraLiva pro ducts guarantee these critical nutrients are quickly and efficiently available to help p otato es thrive YaraLiva’s s oluble calcium protects p ot atoes from abiotic s tress like heat, drought, salinity and so dicity, biotic s tress such as pink rot and other bacterial and fungal infections, and physiological disorder s like hollow hear t, internal brown sp ot and br uise Nitrate nitrogen is fas t-acting and predict able to ensure there are no late-season flare-ups of unwanted nitrogen that can o ccur with urea and other ammonium forms. Across multiple trials, Yara’s TopPotato program feat uring YaraLiva has pro duced an average ret urn on inves tment of $139/acre over the grower s t andard, up to an 11% increas e in nitrogen us e efficienc y, and a 24% reduction in greenhous e gas emissions p er acre
For
Published 13 times a year by Harris Publishing Inc.
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
U.S. and Possessions
$24.00 per year, International $120.00 per year. To subscribe call (800) 638-0135
Copyright 2024 Harris Publishing Inc.
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Back issues available at $5 per copy. Limited quantities. Publisher not responsible for content of materials submitted.
PRESIDENT Jason Harris
VICE PRESIDENT Chuck Harris
VICE PRESIDENT Ryan Harris TREASURER Clayton Ward
Canadian Publisher’s reement No. 40606038, Customer No. 7004671.
Mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho, and at additional mailing offices.
Also Publishers of SugarProducer
PUBLISHER
Jason Harris
EDITOR
Lane Lindstrom lane@potatogrower.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Rob Erickson rob.erickson@potatogrower.com
PRODUCTION
Sandon Wixom
GRAPHIC ARTISTS
Laci Thompson
CIRCULATION
Chuck Harris
IT DEPARTMENT
Chuck Harris
ACCOUNTING
Clayton Ward
CALENDAR
JULY 12-20
Maine Potato Blossom Festival
Fort Fairfield, Maine Mainepotatoblossomfestival.com
JULY 14
Potato Grower Magazine Golf Tournament
Idaho Falls Country Club
Idaho Falls, Idaho www.potatogrower.com/golf
JULY 15-17
Potato Sustainability Alliance Summer Symposium
The Culinary Institute of Canada Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada https://potatosustainability.org/
JULY 27-31
Potato Association Of America Annual Meeting Madison, Wisconsin potatoassociation.org
AUGUST 3-6
Soil & Water Conservation Society Annual Conference
FOUNDED BY Darryl Harris
CORPORATE OFFICES:
HARRIS PUBLISHING INC. 190 E 1st Street Idaho Falls, ID 83401 208-523-1500 www.potatogrower.com
NATIONAL POTATO COUNCIL (202) 682-9456 www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
POTATOES USA (303) 369-7783 www.potatoesusa.com
UNITED POTATO GROWERS OF AMERICA (801) 266-5050 www.unitedpotatousa.com
ALLIANCE FOR POTATO RESEARCH & EDUCATION www.apre.org
POTATO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (734) 239-8022 www.potatoassociation.org
Printed in Idaho Falls, ID by Falls Printing rob.erickson@fallsprinting.com
INTERNATIONAL POTATO CENTER www.cipotato.org
Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, California www.swcs.org/events
AUGUST 13-14
Idaho Irrigation Equipment Association Summer Meeting
Twin Falls, Idaho idahoirrigationequipmentassociation.org
AUGUST 20
Michigan Potato Industry Commission Box Bin Trial Tour
Montcalm Research Center www.mipotatoindustry.com/
AUGUST 20-21
Midwest Ag Industries Exposition (MAGIE)
McLean County Fairgrounds
Bloomington, Illinois www.ifca.com/MAGIE
AUGUST 26-28
Farm Progress Show
Decatur, Illinois www.farmprogressshow.com
AUGUST 27-29
Idaho Grower Shippers Association Annual Convention
Sun Valley Resort Sun Valley, Idaho www.idahoshippers.org
SEPTEMBER 9-11
Husker Harvest Days
Grand Island, Nebraska huskerharvestdays.com
NOVEMBER 12-13
Montana Seed Potato Seminar
Holiday Inn Missoula, Montana www.mtseedpotatoseminar.com/
NOVEMBER 18-20
Alberta Potato Conference & Tradeshow
Red Deer Resort & Casino
Red Deer, Alberta www.albertapotatoes.ca/
NOVEMBER 19-21
Montana Agritourism Conference
Montana State University Bozeman, Montana www.montanaagritourism.com/events-2- 1
DECEMBER 8-11
I rrigation Show
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana irrigation.org
JANUARY 6-8, 2026
National Potato Expo
Gaylord Texan
Dallas, Texas www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
JANUARY 21-22, 2026
Idaho Potato Conference
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho idahopotatoconference.com
WORLD’S FIRST PRECISION SERIES OF CENTER PIVOT SYSTEMS
Uniform coupler spacing on the E3™ center pivot provides consistent application rates, allowing you to optimize water usage and maximize crop yield. Pair it with ReinCloud® 3 and RC3™ for simplified data collection and remote access, giving you real-time insights and control of your irrigation system from anywhere.
ELECTROGATOR® 3 (E3™)
The E3 provides customized options to aid labor savings and environmental efficiencies.
\ Maintenance-Free Bearing is a patented, durable, non-metallic bearing that saves time and cost
\ Precision spans provide uniformity across the entire system, regardless of span and end boom lengths
\ Uniform coupler spacing provides the optimum sprinkler design regardless of span combination
\ Exclusive and unique single-leg tower design reduces crop loss as the system moves through the field
\ ReinLock™ Trussing System is a patented anti-racking technology built into every span to increase rigidity and withstand adverse environmental conditions
\ Patented V-Ring Seal strengthens every pipe connection with a steel-to-steel connection
\ Precision end booms are an industry exclusive with the inverted truss design, allowing for more flexibility in coverage length
* The E3 is coming soon.
REINCLOUD® 3
With ReinCloud, the grower puts the ag-based data to work for them.
\ Simplifies the collection of essential irrigation and crop data
\ Growers oversee numerous machines from any smart device
\ User friendly with customizable control
\ Save time and resources by not having to physically check the irrigation system
\ Integrates with Reinke’s RC3 remote management hardware
RC3™
The remote management device RC3, aids growers in managing irrigation systems remotely.
\ Provides solutions for connecting all electric pivots through RC3 telemetry
\ Easily monitor and control irrigation systems from anywhere
\ Compatible with most pivot brands
\ The MCP-ULTIMATE has an industry-leading 3-year warranty
\ It is designed to give complete remote control of machines equipped with Reinke’s RPM Advanced Plus™ or Touch Screen panels
EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF SMART IRRIGATION
NEW PRODUCTS
Trimble, PTx Trimble Expand Innovative Technology To Maintain Precision And Continuous Operations In The Agriculture Industry
Trimble and PTx Trimble announced the availability of Trimble IonoGuard for the precision agriculture industry. IonoGuard is a next-generation technology engineered to enhance RTK GNSS signal tracking and hardware positioning performance.
IonoGuard helps ensure more reliable and accurate positioning by reducing the risk of signal loss and maintaining signal integrity during challenging ionospheric conditions.
Every 11 years, solar activity peaks, causing ionospheric disturbances such as scintillation and signal noise that can result in unreliable positioning. Solar Cycle 25, which began in 2024 and is expected to last through 2026, could pose significant challenges with the potential for global disruptions. While solar cycle disturbances are a phenomena noticed by few in most occurrences, high-precision RTK GNSS users in equatorial regions are regularly impacted by solar activity year-round, inflicting costly interruptions on agricultural operations.
Customer Testing And Validation
“There was no question when asked if we wanted
to test IonoGuard,” said Michael Munro, general manager, Sales and Marketing of Vantage Australia. “Knowing we can better weather the next major solar storm with less risk for signal loss and improved signal availability and precision during such a disturbance provides peace of mind knowing we can still get the work done.”
“The solar storm experienced in May 2024 put IonoGuard to the test and, based on feedback from our beta testers like Vantage Australia, demonstrated the value of this technology to enable uninterrupted work in the midst of significant solar activity,” said Andrew Sunderman, vice president, Product & Customer Experience at PTx Trimble. “When a solar storm hits, work might be stopped due to signal loss, resulting in downtime, increased labor costs and potentially wasted inputs during planting and spraying. We’re extremely proud to offer a solution that truly minimizes this risk by decreasing downtime, reducing costs for the farmer and keeping the agriculture industry up and running all day, every day.”
Availability
Trimble IonoGuard is available on the PTx Trimble NAV-900 guidance controller via the latest PTx Trimble Precision-IQ firmware release and Trimble base stations that support the ProPoint GNSS positioning engine, sold and distributed by PTx Trimble. When combined, users can achieve maximum RTK performance.
For more information, visit https:// ptxtrimble.com.
Alliance Grows Agri Star II Range To Meet Increasing Demand
Having recently surpassed a million sold, Alliance Tire is building on the success of its Agri Star II farm radial, expanding the lineup to bring its innovative features and value to even more agricultural applications.
With 84 SKUs already available, Alliance is developing additional sizes tailored for row crop tractors, harvesters, carts, and seeders — responding directly to customer demand for the Agri Star II in sizes for more specialized applications.
Key sizes in the pipeline include:
• 270/95R54
• 380/90R46
• 380/90R50
• 380/105R50
Unprecedented 1-Year Assurance Pledge
Alliance stands by the Agri Star II with a first-of-its-kind promise. If within a year of purchase a customer isn’t satisfied with their Agri Star II tires for any non-warrantied reason — even if it’s that they don’t like how the tires look — they can return them to the dealer where they were purchased for a full credit toward the purchase of same-sized replacement tires.
In addition to the 1-Year Assurance Pledge, the Agri Star II is backed by the most robust warranty in the industry. The Agri Star II is supported by a 10-year material and workmanship warranty with the highest prorated payouts in the industry, and a 5-year stubble and field hazard warranty — including 100 percent replacement for stubbledamaged tires for a full year.
NEW PRODUCTS
Key Features And Benefits Of The Agri Star II:
• nStratified Layer Technology (SLT): Delivers traction and roadability, even after prolonged wear
• Enhanced Footprint: Provides superior traction, better fuel economy and reduced soil compaction
• Robust Polyester Casing: Offers high performance and long life
• Strong Rectangular Bead: Ensures a tight hold on the wheel and longer casing life
• Stubble Guard Compound: Resists wear, cuts and punctures
• D Speed Rating: Allows for travel at speeds up to 40 mph
The continued expansion of the Agri Star II lineup reflects Alliance’s commitment to delivering precisely what today’s growers demand most: reliable performance, long service life, and real ROI in the field.
For more information, visit www.Yokohama-oht.com.
CNH Expands Connectivity Solutions With SpaceX’s Starlink
CNH announces that it has signed an agreement with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to bring industry-leading satellite connectivity to farmers. This collaboration will provide customers of CNH brands, Case IH, New Holland and STEYR with robust and affordable high-speed connectivity – further unlocking the benefits of a fully connected fleet – even in the most remote rural locations around the world.
How Starlink Supercharges The Delivery Of CNH’s Precision Tech
Starlink’s advanced satellite network offers reliable, low-latency internet. This enables our intelligent machines to communicate and coordinate efficiently, enhancing productivity and yield. It seamlessly integrates with our FieldOps digital platform, giving our customers visibility of their machines and providing data from anywhere, anytime. It also gives our customers greater data streaming capabilities by keeping their farm management devices consistently connected, regardless of location.
Prescription spraying is another powerful use case where Starlink’s fast and reliable transmission technology will benefit farming operations. The lack of connectivity in a market such as Brazil, for example, can make farm logistics challenging. CNH’s FieldXplorer platform uses AI to transform drone images into a field map that distinguishes between weeds and crop. With Starlink we can now export that data near instantaneously to create a prescription spraying map for the machine. This enables farmers to apply crop protection products sooner, controlling weeds earlier, which ultimately helps improve crop yields.
This collaboration underscores CNH’s ongoing commitment to equipping farmers with reliable, tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of agriculture, while amplifying the capabilities of precision technology from wherever they are.
For more information, visit cnh.com.
2025 Can-Am Defender Lineup Offers Plenty Of Options
If you’re looking to purchase a side-by-side for your farming operation and you’d like some options, you might want to consider the 2025 Can-Am Defender lineup, which offers up 21 different models.
Those 21 different models go from a base Defender to premium non-cab units to premium cab sideby-sides. Prices range from $12,899 to more than $36,000 with three engine options:
• 650cc/52 hp/42 lb-ft of torque
• 976cc/65 hp/59 lb-ft of torque
• 976cc/82 hp/69 lb-ft of torque
For 2025, the Defender lineup receives a range of upgrades from factory-tinted windows that reduce solar heat and block UV rays and door locks on all cab models, to the new Stealth Black Lone Star edition that sports new 15-inch wheels, black seats with premium honeycomb-stitching and Lone Star badging. And for 2025, an electronic adjustable speed limiter is included across the entire Defender lineup.
There are models with doors and no doors, windshields or no windshields, power steering (CanAm’s name for it is Dynamic Power Steering or DPS), seating for two or four people, four-wheel models or six-wheel models and the list goes on and on. There is a Defender for most every kind of farm job there is.
Other feature highlights include:
• Industry-leading cargo box of 4.5x6 ft long - with 1,000 lb (454 kg) cargo box capacity, an easy flat-bed
conversion and a hydraulic power tilt bed. This multi-function cargo box can be customized any way you want. And you can unload it at the push of a button.
• Integrated pass-through storage.
• Exclusive full-width under bed storage for cargo, gear, tools and more. That’s in addition to removable side panels, a dump mechanism and 100 percent more loading space. Enjoy gimmick-free practicality that’s ready to haul with strength and space to spare.
New Features For 2025
• Electronic adjustable speed limiter: Designed specifically for crop spraying, seeding and rough terrain. Can be adjusted from 5 mph to 20 mph at 1 mph speed increments.
• Door locks: Available on Deluxe Defenders with doors and a cab. Allows the operator to lock all doors to protect any valuables inside the cab. It is also available as an accessory for previous model year Defenders.
• Factory tinted windows: Many window tints are a film that is applied to a windshield, which can get scratched or peel at the edges. Not with Can-Am. The window tint is baked into the glass so there is no film. This window tinting reduces solar heat gain by up to 39 percent while blocking UV rays.
For more information, visit https://can-am.brp.com/ us/en/.
New Holland Launches IntelliSense Sprayer Automation
Launches IntelliSense Sprayer Automation, the Most Versatile and Productive Sense and Act Technology on the Market folder
New Holland has introduced IntelliSense Sprayer Automation, the most comprehensive application automation solution on the market and a factory offering for new Model Year 2026 Guardian series front boom sprayers: the SP310F, SP370F and SP410F.
The system can be used on a wide spectrum of crops — from corn, soybeans and cotton to pulse crops and small grains like wheat and canola — with an unprecedented list of full-season application functions, including herbicide, fungicide, plant growth regulator, nitrogen and harvest
aid. This technology is accessible with no annual subscription requirements or per-acre fees.
Unique Positioning Creates An Eagle Eye Vantage
Unlike other smart apply technology familiar to North American applicators and farmers, which employ multiple boom-mounted cameras, IntelliSense Sprayer Automation uses a single cab-mounted, factory-fit SenseApply Camera unit.
The SenseApply camera unit is a forward-looking, multi-spectral vision system that enables IntelliSense
Sprayer Automation to continuously scan upcoming field conditions (50 feet out in front of the sprayer) across the full width of the boom from a high vantage point atop the cab. The result: an expanded vision of the field that generates quicker and longer leading assessments, allowing the operator to drive and apply accurately at a faster speed than any other sense and act technology on the market today.
Sectagon for nutsedge suppression
Sectagon for sodium-sensitive crops
Sectagon for germinating weed seeds
Sectagon for soil preparation
Sectagon for metam potassium
Sectagon for metam sodium
Sectagon for Verticillium suppression
Sectagon for Phytophthora suppression
Sectagon for root-knot nematode suppression
Sectagon for high pH soils
Sectagon for calcium carbonate soils
Sectagon for nematode suppression
Sectagon for weeds
Sectagon for onions
Sectagon for carrots
Sectagon for potatoes
Sectagon for tomatoes
Sectagon for strawberries
proven protection from the start, ask for Sectagon
(800) 525-2803
AROUND THE VINE
Dr. Mike Graham Appointed As
New Head Of R&D For Bayer’s Crop Science Division
Bayer announced that Dr. Mike Graham will become the new head of Research & Development (R&D) for Bayer’s Crop Science division and serve as member of the leadership team. He will succeed Dr. Robert Reiter who has decided to retire after 27 years with the company and 34 years in the industry.
In his current role, Graham is leading the company’s Plant Breeding organization and has profound expertise in R&D and agriculture. The change became effective April 15.
Reiter joined the company in 1998. He helped revolutionize breeding through the use of genotypic selection and led the development of an industryleading genotyping platform. Over the years, Bob Reiter has held various senior roles in R&D helping to further shape Bayer’s industry-leading seed and trait capabilities.
After serving as head of Global Supply Chain, he became head of R&D for the Crop Science division in 2018. Under his leadership, Bayer successfully advanced upcoming blockbuster products like the new herbicide Icafolin and the Preceon Smart Corn System which has the potential to revolutionize corn production going forward.
Reiter will actively support his successor in taking over his new responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition. Graham joined the company in 1996. From his early days as a plant breeder, he has steadily advanced his career, taking on roles with increasing responsibility. Throughout this period, he has been deeply involved in the design and development of next-generation seed, traits and customer-focused solutions. Most recently, Graham has led Bayer’s global Plant Breeding organization, driving the advancement of the industryleading breeding pipeline by reimagining breeding and technical methodologies as well as spearheading the digital evolution. He will be based in St. Louis, MO. The successor to Graham as plant breeding lead will be announced at a later point in time.
For more information, visit www.bayer.com.
Kumm Joins BioSafe Systems
Brad Kumm has joined BioSafe Systems as the newest agricultural technical sales representative, overseeing the Great Plains and Northwest regions.
A Nebraska native, Kumm brings a wealth of expertise in crop protection, seed distribution and biologics to support BioSafe Systems’ mission of providing growers with sustainable solutions to meet today’s agricultural challenges.
With a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from the University of Nebraska— Lincoln and additional studies at Oxford University, Kumm’s education is complemented by an impressive career history. Prior to joining BioSafe Systems, Kumm gained extensive experience as an agronomist and sales manager.
Since beginning his role in December 2024, Kumm has been instrumental in strengthening relationships with growers, distributors, and industry stakeholders. He has attended more than 14 industry and trade events to connect with customers and share the benefits of BioSafe Systems.
Kumm will manage operations in NE, KS, CO, WY, MT, ND and SD.
You can reach Kumm at BKumm@ BioSafeSystems.com or (402) 360-2390.
GroupAg Welcomes Jared Hansen To The Team
GroupAg is pleased to welcome Jared Hansen as its newest customer relationship representative, serving the Southern Idaho region.
Hansen joined the team in May and brings with him extensive experience in post-harvest storage management, having worked with multiple farms across Idaho and Washington. His deep industry knowledge and hands-on expertise in the agriculture sector make him a valuable asset to
BULK BEDS/BOXES/
ROCK/CLOD/AIR ELIMINATORS
2023 Lockwood Vacs Mobile
2012 Harriston 3240 CH fingers peg belt blower sizing fingers 480 V 3ph
2004 Harriston 240 CH Ellis table peg belt blower 230 V 3ph
Kerian 60”W x 10’ L, 4 adjustable lanes 1” to 4.5”, rib rolls
COLLECTORS & STINGERS/PUPS
2020 Harriston 4556 Collector 48” BC Table, 2/36” belt Stingers
2001 Mayo 250 Side shift Belt Table 36”w/ 2 Stingers
2015 Double L 832 Stinger 36” BC w/ fingers
2014 Spudnik 2200 Belt Stinger 30”x10’ 3ph
1993 Spudnik 2200 Belt Stingers 30 x10’LH & RH 3ph
DIRT ELIMINATOR
2014 Spudnik 990 Multi Sep Dirt Elim 72” 480 volt 3ph
2011 Spudnik 96” 990 BC Elev. Reverse roll table sizing table
split picking cross out conv.
2004 Spudnik 995 DES 72” split picking 230 volt 3ph.
2005 Milestone MSDSE84 belt Elev. Reconditioned
2006 Spudnik 995 72”Finger rollers
CONVEYORS -TELESCOPIC
2006 Spudnik 1255 36’’/42’’/85’ 3ph
2001 Spudnik 1255 30’’/36’’/85’ 3ph
1994 Double L 820 30” x 70’ 3ph
1996 STI 30” x 70’ 480 volt 3ph
SEED CUTTERS
2014 Better Built 72” model 400 3ph
1985 Milestone MSC48 48” Cutter
1988 Better Built 36” model 2300
PLANTER FILLER
AROUND THE VINE
the company’s growing organization.
As the company continues to expand its reach, officials are excited to better serve Twin Falls, ID, and surrounding communities through Hansen’s leadership and commitment to customer success. For all your post-harvest storage management and chemical application needs, contact Hansen at (208) 432-2734.
John Deere Acquires Sentera To Integrate Aerial Field Scouting
John Deere announced the acquisition of Sentera, a leading provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. This acquisition will advance the capabilities of John Deere’s existing technology offerings, providing farmers and ag service providers with a more comprehensive set of tools to generate and use data to make decisions that improve farm profitability, efficiency and sustainability.
Sentera’s industry-leading cameras are compatible with most major drone platforms and enable farmers and crop scouts to quickly and efficiently capture high-resolution data at scale. Their capabilities and FieldAgent software tools help farmers and agronomists assess plant-level health, identify stressors, and take action. In addition, SMARTSCRIPT Weeds, a customized herbicide prescription, can be delivered to sprayers with individual nozzle control.
Drones equipped with Sentera technology fly over fields at high speeds and generate high-resolution images. These images are processed with Sentera’s FieldAgent application to identify the exact location of specific weeds and generate a weed map. This map becomes a targeted prescription for how much
product a farmer needs to load into their sprayer, helping minimize waste. Once the prescription is generated, it can be wirelessly sent to compatible equipment through the John Deere Operations Center.
Weed maps are just one example of actionable data that is enabled with Sentera scouting technology. The same process can be used in a field to assess crop stand uniformity, disease pressure and pests. Integrating Sentera also supports John Deere’s approach to meeting farmers where they are on the technology adoption journey. It offers new precision capabilities to a broad range of customers while also complementing more advanced precision ag technologies, including See & Spray.
Sentera will continue to supply cameras directly to drone manufacturers for integration into their products, as well as sell to farmers, agronomists, ag retailers and other users. The John Deere Operations Center will continue to be open for other drone imagery providers for integration as well, ensuring customers and their trusted advisors continue to have choices on the solutions that work best for their operation.
For more information, visit www.deere. com.
Titan Machinery Completes Acquisition Of Farmers Im plement & Irrigation
Titan Machinery Inc., a leading network of fullservice agricultural and construction equipment stores, announced that it has completed the acquisition of the dealership assets of Farmers Implement & Irrigation, a two-store New Holland dealership in Brookings and Watertown, South Dakota.
The transaction closed on May 15, 2025. For the full calendar year 2024, Farmers Implement & Irrigation generated revenue of approximately $20 million. Bryan Knutson, Titan Machinery chief executive officer, commented, “This acquisition aligns with our strategic growth initiatives and allows us to expand our New Holland presence in the productive eastern South Dakota region. We are honored to build upon the strong foundation that David Gullickson and his family established over his remarkable 53-year career. Their commitment to customer service aligns perfectly with our customer care strategy and has created a loyal customer base that we look forward to serving.”
For more information, visit www. titanmachinery.com.
Correction: Missing Author
In the June issue of Potato Grower Magazine, we inadvertently left off the name of the author of the story titled “Kang Xia Named MSU AgBioResearch Associate Director” [June, 2025, page 16]. The author is Jack Falinski. We apologize for the oversight.
Some seasons test a farmer’s patience more than others. A promising start can be undone by an untimely cold snap. A well-watered field can turn into a swamp after unexpected downpours. Even a warm, long season might end with overripe potatoes that don’t store well.
Savvy farmers know the stakes: every weather shift impacts yield, quality and profitability.
That’s why they rely on more than intuition. Crop monitoring software for farming turns raw satellite and weather data into useful forecasts, helping growers fine-tune irrigation, adjust planting times and protect their fields before problems take root.
UNPREDICTABLE GROWING SEASONS
The duration of the growing season has always played a crucial role in potato farming, but what happens when established rules are broken? In some years, an early spring causes potatoes to sprout prematurely, only to be hit by a late frost. An extended season, on the other hand, seems like an advantage — until pests and diseases thrive in the extra warmth. Besides, larger tubers might be overmature and of low quality for the market.
To conquer these uncertainties, farmers need reliable data and remote agriculture monitoring solutions:
• Historical weather survey helps anticipate seasonal shifts and adjust the timing of field activities;
• Predictive models analyze soils, temperature patterns and crop health to forecast planting and harvesting windows;
• Real-time weather monitoring with ground and satellite sensors provides up-to-the-minute updates or quick reactions to sudden changes.
When the weather refuses to settle into a pattern, planning based on crop monitoring technology becomes a farmer’s most reliable solution.
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES
Potatoes, like most other vegetable crops, grow well in moderate warmth. Unfortunately, nature doesn’t always cooperate. Over 86 degrees F, plants redirect energy from developing tubers to preserving stems and leaves — not a good thing for crop production. On top of that, plants may experience water stress because of accelerated moisture loss.
On the other hand, sudden frosts — especially between 32 degrees F and 25 degrees F — can be just as devastating. They freeze plant cells and cause irreversible damage, especially to the upper leaves. Without protection, young plants may not survive.
Farmers use both traditional techniques and modern crop monitoring software to manage temperature risks:
• Mulch, acting as a temperature regulator, traps soil moisture and keeps root zones cool in the heat. During cold snaps, it insulates the soil, preventing rapid temperature drops.
• Shade nets help diffuse harsh sunlight, lowering plant stress and reducing water evaporation. They also create a more stable growing environment, shielding crops from extreme weather swings.
• AI-powered predictive weather tools, often inherent in agriculture monitoring systems like EOSDA Crop Monitoring, help farmers anticipate temperature extremes well in advance. So it becomes possible to plan watering, apply protective coverings and otherwise prepare for frost or heat.
With technologies, temperature can be treated as a changing environment rather than a constant obstacle to overcome. This attitude promotes potato farming resilience and production.
WATER STRESS DURING FORMATION OF SIDE SHOOTS
Potato plants started from tubers have a unique way of growing: they form above- and below-ground side shoots simultaneously. This stage is crucial for early vegetative growth and requires plenty of water, but heat waves, droughts or rainfalls can make it hard to maintain consistent moisture. Dry spells slow down shoot formation, while excessive rain can oversaturate the soil, reducing the oxygen supply to roots.
Farmers willing to stay ahead of these risks use farm monitoring solutions. For example, a two-week rainfall forecast allows them to anticipate dry spells and apply mulching, shading, irrigation, etc. Fine-tuning irrigation based on temperature and precipitation forecasts prevents water waste and helps supply new shoots with sufficient moisture.
Technology provides other deep insights about what’s beneath the ground. Satellite-driven soil moisture tracking detects changes in hydration levels across the field and generates maps that allow farmers to immediately see areas that need extra attention. This information allows farmers to support side shoots’ robust development even if the weather is not on their side. The more even the early growth, the
ADJUSTING IRRIGATION AS THE PLANTS GROW
Potato plants’ water needs increase as they grow. What starts as a modest 0.5-inch (13 mm) water need rises by the same amount weekly as more leaves mean more transpiration. However, irrigation is about balance. Soil moisture below 65 percent slows growth and weakens weed control. Overwatering, on the other hand, can waterlog root hairs and strip away nitrogen, limiting tuber development. Instead of guessing how much to water, farmers can track moisture variations across fields using NDMI maps. These crop health monitoring insights, combined with weather forecasts, help make watering when needed, not just by routine. Farmers can adjust watering schedules according to weather forecasts: for example, less water before the rainfall and more before a dry spell. Irrigation at an appropriate time and quantity will allow the plants to grow enough healthy side shoots without excessive water consumption.
MANAGING WEATHER RISKS WITH TECHNOLOGY
Skill, intuition and hard work are three pillars of farming. But today, there’s one more added — having the right information at the right time. The biggest advantage remote farm monitoring offers is knowing weather challenges coming and being ready for them instead of just reacting faster. A well-timed irrigation shift, a preventive frost measure, a precise planting date — these decisions define potato farming success. Farmers who combine their expertise with satellite data, AI-driven analytics, and precision agriculture tools aren’t just avoiding losses but growing more abundant crops despite the odds.
For more information, visit https:// eos.com/products/crop-monitoring/.
(Cherlinka is a doctor of biosciences specializing in pedology (soil science) with 30 years of experience in the field. With a degree in agrochemistry, agronomy and soil science, Dr. Cherlinka has been advising the private sector on these issues for many years.)
TRUCKS, TRAILERS & BEDS
Logan Farm Equipment (800) 279-2689
www.loganpotato.com
Logan Load Pro
Logan’s Load Pro truck bed is designed and constructed for years of excellent performance. Its 100-inchwide body provides the largest capacity from 20 to 30 feet in length. With construction of standard carbon steel and complete stainless steel, the Load Pro is capable of meeting all your needs.
Main components such as the side door, non-door and main frame rails are one piece, providing strength and longevity. Important structural members are bolted into place, allowing twisting and torsion to happen without cracking.
The beds are feature-rich and have unique advantages such as large 3-inch carry-up rollers, heavy side
support ribs spaced close together, upper rear hydraulic doors, turnbuckle ratchet take-ups and more. All Logan equipment is sandblasted, primed and painted with a highgloss polyurethane paint that is very durable and provides years of attractive quality.
Safe-T-Pull Inc.
(701) 284-6100
www.strongtruckbox.com
Strong Box Live Bottoms
With more than 50 years of proven performance, the Strong Box Semi Trailer is the trusted name in live bottom hauling. Designed for versatility, strength and efficiency, it’s the ideal solution for farmers and haulers who demand reliability in every load.
Whether you’re moving sugarbeets, grain, lime, silage or compost, the Strong Box delivers unmatched durability and ease of use in even the toughest conditions. At the heart of the Strong Box is its heavy-duty, live bottom chain-drive system.
The positive chain drive ensures smooth, consistent unloading without slippage, even under full loads. With minimal moving parts, it’s engineered for low maintenance and long service
life. The obstruction-free interior, combined with aerodynamic sidewalls, allows for fast and efficient unloading while protecting your cargo.
Customization is key – choose from a range of lengths, axle configurations, and unloading options to fit your exact needs. The Strong Box is built with
high-quality materials and precision craftsmanship, giving you peace of mind season after season.
Operators appreciate the ease of control, including options like auto-unload linkage, full-opening rear doors, and manual override capabilities for maximum flexibility at any site.
TRUCKS, TRAILERS & BEDS
Safe-T-Pull Inc.
(701) 284-6100
www.cropshuttle.com
Crop Shuttle
The Crop Shuttle is the largest, fastest and most versatile crop cart on the market. It is fully customizable, providing you up to an 800-bag capacity and discharge speeds of up to 400 bags per minute. The Crop Shuttle is extremely versatile, allowing operators to use it in multiple crops such as sugarbeets, potatoes, carrots, onions, red beets, cucumbers and even corn silage.
Safe-T-Pull has designed the Crop Shuttle so there is no PTO needed to power the hydraulics. The Crop Shuttle’s patented design has minimal moving parts and changing angles meaning less buildup of debris while using less hydraulic power. The hopper rises into the air while unloading, creating the incline
Western Trailers (208) 344-2539
www.westerntrailer.com
Spud Express
When you invest in a Western Spud Express you can rest assured your new trailer has been built to stand up to the rigors the potato industry can dish out. The backbone of the Express is Western’s high-tensile steel main frame, treated with its Level 4 paint system. Year after year, the Spud Express delivers quickly and gently the biggest payloads, along with the highest resale value of any potato trailer on the market.
needed without a separate conveyor slowing down your discharge and damaging the crop.
The Crop Shuttle is fully customizable to meet your needs and features multiple cleaning bed options that allow operators to remove tare and leave more dirt in the field.
Trinity Trailer Mfg. (800) 235-6577
www.trinitytrailer.com
Eagle Bridge
For 50 years, Trinity has built the original belt trailer, the Eagle Bridge. Not only is the Eagle Bridge flexible, versatile and durable, but it is also customizable. With thousands of different configurations to choose from, you get the trailer you need to haul your products safely and efficiently. Not only are these belt trailers tough and designed for you, they are also lightweight without sacrificing strength. Want to design your next trailer? Looking to have the right parts on hand for harvest? Need to schedule service? Contact Trinity for all your trailer needs.
(208) 722-5116 www.parmacompany.com
Side Delivery Dump Box
Parma introduced its new 32-foot Side Delivery Dump Box. Set on a pulltype trailer chassis, it has a capacity of just less than 54 cubic yards. The simple and quick side-dumping hydraulic lift makes this box versatile for any product movement. This trailer has a single-point-style spring ride axle with a capacity of 70,000 GTWR and is equipped with air brakes for over-theroad safety. Rear caution and taillights are included. This heavy-duty trailer is another efficient tool joining the long line of farm equipment from Parma Company.
Grover’s All Wheels (800) 625-7077 www.groversallwheels.com
Full Size Trucks
Grover’s All Wheels has been serving the heavy-duty truck needs of its customers nationwide since 1978.
NEXT-GEN Durability Delivered
TRUCKS, TRAILERS & BEDS
BUYERS’ GUIDE
Grover’s specializes in heavy-duty truck sales, service and parts, as well as in configuring trucks with Allison automatic transmissions. Grover’s carries a large selection of trucks, as well as equipment required to get trucks ready to work for you. Rigorous inspection and reconditioning ensures customers the highest standard of quality. Grover’s custom builds trucks onsite to meet the specific demands of growers’ work and has many trucks available for seasonal lease.
Spudnik Equipment Co. (208) 785-0480
www.spudnik.com
Crop Cart
SRM-Double L (800) 658-5085
www.doublelglobal.com
Self-Loading Truck Beds
Self-loading truck beds, potato planters, harvesters, windrowers, pilers, conveyors, scoops and eliminators are SRM-Double L equipment that are your partners for maximum productivity in and out of the field.
We know that when you have work to do, you need equipment that works
Spudnik Equipment is a leading manufacturer of potato and sugarbeet equipment based in Blackfoot, ID. The company has been in business since 1958 and has established a reputation for providing high-quality and reliable equipment to farmers around the world.
Spudnik’s Crop Cart is an innovative solution for harvesting and transloading potatoes and sugarbeets. With this versatile piece of equipment, there’s no need to stop your harvester
as hard and is as reliable as you. Manufacturing durable, long-lasting and hard-working equip-
ment is what we take pride in, right here in the USA. Double L is American-owned and made.
from pulling up crops. Simply keep the Crop Cart tied to the harvester and quickly and easily transload your product into the bulk bed. This streamlines the process and helps you get your product out faster, increasing your productivity and efficiency. Spudnik Equipment is committed to providing farmers with the tools
they need to maximize their potato and sugarbeet yields while minimizing labor and costs. With a focus on innovation and quality, Spudnik has earned its reputation as a leading manufacturer of potato and sugarbeet equipment.
DIGGIN’ IN
Olsen, Rhett Spear, Rabecka Hendricks and Gustavo Teixeira
Dormancy Research Trial Results
Natural dormancy length is a term used to describe time after harvest or time in storage before sprout development is initiated in the absence of a sprout inhibitor. The length of dormancy is cultivar-dependent and is impacted by environmental conditions both in-season and post-harvest.
Endodormancy refers to the time immediately following harvest when potatoes typically will not sprout even under favorable conditions. Once endodormancy has ended, the tuber is subject to ecodormancy where a potato
may or may not sprout depending upon environmental conditions, such as colder temperatures keeping tubers from sprouting.
Collectively, we call both phases “dormancy” and it refers to the period when a potato does not have a visible sprout. Interestingly, there is a complex sequence of events that occurs to produce a visible sprout involving a lot of plant hormones and other biochemical reactions for cell division and elongation to take place.
Russet Burbank, known for long-
Approximate Dormancy Length (Days)
term storage due to inherently long dormancy, has slowly been displaced by new varieties released from breeding programs around the country. Fortunately, breeding programs have integrated a multitude of desirable characteristics, including long dormancy, into new cultivars, so we now have access to many different cultivars to use in the potato industry.
To assess storability characteristics, a research program at the University of Idaho Potato Storage Research Facility has evaluated cultivars over the past 25 years. In these studies, varieties responded well to chlorpropham (CIPC) applications to limit sprout development.
To assess the relative dormancy lengths of various cultivars, sprout development was observed each month at three storage temperatures (Table 1). The data collates a three-year average dormancy length in the absence of CIPC treatments. Our definition of dormancy break is when 80 percent of potatoes in a sample have initiated sprout elongation. Typically, peeping of the buds occurs 2 to 4 weeks prior to this defined loss of dormancy. Peeping means there is sprout activity occurring and sprout inhibition needs to occur before this time. Cultivars with short dormancy lengths, such as Mountain Gem Russet, may need earlier applications of CIPC and/or sprout inhibitors to assure adequate sprout control and lessen the risk for internal sprouts (Figure 1).
Potatoes stored at lower temperatures tend to have a longer dormancy period compared to potatoes at warmer temperatures. Adjust the length of dormancy if potatoes have had extensive time at warmer temperatures in storage (such as high field heat, longer curing periods, slow ramping rate, lack of cooling air) before reaching holding temperatures, since any period of time at warmer temperatures will accelerate the time to dormancy break.
** 15 year average NA = Not Available
Approximate dormancy length (days after harvest) at three storage temperatures. Dormancy length is defined as 80 percent of potatoes in a sample have initiated sprout elongation. Typically, peeping occurs 2 to 4 weeks prior to this defined loss of dormancy.
Growing season will also impact dormancy length of a given variety. The approximate dormancy length of Russet Burbank in these trials over 15 years showed a seasonal effect ranged from 30 to 45 days or approximately plus or minus 10 to 20 days from the average. It is difficult to predict how the growing
season will influence dormancy length, but temperature, crop age and maturity are considered to play a role in the response.
Knowing the dormancy length of a cultivar will provide management options to strategically use the inherent dormancy and to develop properly timed sprout inhibition plans for successful storage. Integrate the impact of growing season and early storage temperatures on dormancy length to minimize surprises of premature sprouting.
Additional information regarding recommended production practices and storage management for some of these varieties can be found at the University of Idaho potato website: www.uidaho.edu/cals/ potatoes.
(Olsen, professor and extension specialist – potato, can be reached at norao@ uidaho.edu.Teixeira, assistant professor & extension specialist – potato postharvest physiologist, can be reached at gteixeira@ uidaho.edu. Spear, assistant professor and potato variety development specialist, can be reached at rhetts@uidaho.edu. Hendricks, associate scientist, Kimberly Research and Extension Center, can be reached at rhendricks@uidaho. edu.)
External example of a Russet Norkotah tuber with an internal sprout. If the potato were cut open, you would see a sprout growing into the tissue. Short dormancy cultivars and warm early storage conditions can decrease the time after harvest to sprout initiation. This may mean an earlier application of a sprout inhibitor is necessary to reduce the potential for internal sprouts. Rapid settling of a pile can also add to the possibility of developing internal sprouts.
DIGGIN’ IN
Whole Farm Water Management & SmartPivot Solutions
Farming is rewarding work. In a few months, you’ll harvest your potatoes and see the fruits of your labor. In the meantime, multiple factors will determine the level of success at harvest time. The high-cash crop in your fields needs to be monitored 24/7 to ensure you’re giving those plants the best opportunity to develop a consistent product.
Water is the resource that can make or break your crop. Putting down too little can stress the plants, especially during their bulking phase. Excess water can lead to waterlogging and the risk of increased disease. It’s critical that water, and other nutrients, be applied at the right time and right amount to achieve tuber quality and shape. Traveling from field to field to check on conditions takes time. Some growers will put hundreds of miles on their trucks each week, just driving out to get their boots on the ground. Many of them are checking on their pivots, making sure the equipment is getting those plants the right amount of water.
Your most valuable resource is time. If you could save 30 percent of your day by monitoring and controlling irrigation remotely – how much would that help your operation? What if you could use your phone or computer to check on conditions in your field – and get real-time weather data and irrigation recommendations delivered directly to you? You can, with 100 percent centralized control managing your irrigation systems from a single platform.
Lindsay’s SmartPivot Solutions were engineered to work together to make precision irrigation easier for you –delivering higher yields and conserving valuable resources in your fields and around the world.
ZIMMATIC CENTER PIVOTS
To manage the water across your entire operation, start with the most durable pivots on the market. Trusted by generations of farmers, Zimmatic center pivots are proven to perform in even the harshest conditions.
The winner of the 2025 AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, FieldNET Advisor offers a single, easy-to-use subscription that packages multiple solutions together.
FIELDNET ADVISOR
Next, FieldNET Advisor provides you with customized recommendations based on hyperlocal weather, soil moisture, crop information and more. The whole farm water management solution will simplify irrigation decisions for you with:
• Easy enrollment for the whole operation and customized recommendations to grower management preferences.
• Satellite imagery estimating crop water usage with up-to-date data that automatically tracks how conditions change through the growing season.
• Data on the whole farm at a glance, including crop canopy development, crop water use, weather and irrigation recommendations.
• Advisor also allows you to more easily review data and execute irrigation decisions on a mobile device.
FIELDNET
With Lindsay’s integrated remote irrigation manager FieldNET, you can monitor and control your pivots –anytime, anywhere.
• Save up to 30 percent in your time and labor by eliminating the need for on-site pivot visits.
• Reduce water usage by up to 60 percent by optimizing analytics and irrigation applications.
• Conserve energy and save up to 60 percent on power consumption when you only run your systems when you need to.
• Increase crop production by up to 55 percent with FieldNET’s proactive water management minimizing crop stress and maximizing performance.
METOS Weather Stations
By adding METOS weather stations, you get accurate, field-level information so you know you’re making a more informed decision about the water you put down. You have access to crucial environmental conditions like temperature, rainfall, evaporation, soil moisture and heavy wind. By incorporating the METOS data with FieldNET and FieldNET Advisor, growers can achieve water savings by better timing their water applications to maximize crop yield potential. By combining these innovations, growers can take advantage of Lindsay’s whole farm water management technology to support healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices while reducing risk
MAKE EVERY DROP COUNT
Idaho Power’s Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Program offers incentives for replacing worn or damaged equipment. It’s an opportunity to receive a cash incentive and lower your energy use. Learn more at idahopower.com/irrigation.
DIGGIN’ IN
and operational downtime, significantly expanding the traditional capabilities of pivot irrigation.
HAVING A POSITIVE IMPACT
One of the growers utilizing Lindsay’s precision irrigation technology is Rafael Luna at Gross Farms Ventures. The farm grows potatoes, wheat and corn in Wilder, Idaho.
Gross Farms works closely with its Zimmatic dealer, Agri-Lines Irrigation, which operates multiple locations across Idaho and Nevada, ensuring top-tier irrigation solutions and support.
“Lindsay’s solutions save me valuable time every single day and give me the confidence that my crops are getting exactly what they need when they need it,” Luna said. “It’s not just about convenience – it’s about growing healthier, more productive fields.”
His Lindsay dealer, Robb Rae, general manager at Agri-Lines, talks to all his growers about the precision irrigation they get from SmartPivot Solutions.
“In today’s agricultural market, growers have so much to get accomplished on a daily basis,” said
Rae. “Utilizing FieldNET allows growers more time to focus on their crops and have peace of mind our technology is watching their irrigation for them.”
For more information, visit Lindsay. com.
Zimmatic pivot ready to water a field of potatoes.
(l to r) Robb Rae, general manager at Agri-Lines, inspects potatoes under a Zimmatic pivot with Rafael Luna of Gross Farms.
Preparing For Storage Season Yes, it’s that time
Is it that time ALREADY?
While you are working hard to manage nutrients, water and quality in the field … it is already time to start thinking about what happens when the potatoes are ready to harvest. Is your storage ready for the incoming crop? What should the process be to ensure your quality crop goes into a quality environment?
It’s possible to condense all of the necessary harvest time reminders down to three main concerns:
1. Ventilation system evaluation
2. Piler spray bar applications
3. Storage disinfecting If you are willing to consider these items well before harvest dates, you will have some breathing room for necessary upgrades, repairs and/or maintenance.
Ventilation System
Your storage ventilation system has many moving parts that require maintenance. Before pulling the harvester into the field, it is important to ensure that the storage ventilation system, structure and components are functioning. Checking that the equipment is ready before harvest day ensures that there are no delays in providing cool, fresh air to the newly harvested potatoes – which is critical to maintaining quality in storage.
All system equipment should be checked for smooth operation including control panels, fan blades, motors, ClimaCell media, ClimaCell
pumps, humidifiers, refrigeration systems, fresh air doors, louvers and duct systems. System checks and maintenance take time, yes, but they are critical to successful storage.
Along with system checks, it is important to pay close attention to structural maintenance. Make sure the stairs and railings are safe and in good condition. Check drains for proper function. Inspect door hinges and latches for smooth operation. Address any insulation damage or potential leaks that may compromise the storage’s ability to hold your crop consistently. Storages in good working condition will give the best results when the time comes to sell your commodity.
Spray Bar Applications
Spray bar applications to your crop going into storage are an effective tool to manage disease during the storage season. These applications are typically used to target specific disease pathogens.
Checking all components of the storage’s ventilation system, including the fans, exhaust, refrigeration system, etc., should include not only are that they in good working order but also that there is no damage to any of the components.
DIGGIN’ IN
STORAGE PREP| John Klimes
An effective tool against disease in storage is chemical application as the potatoes are being loaded into a storage. Any concerns or questions should be directed to an ag consultant who can give direction of for your specific needs.
The spray bar must be placed appropriately and in good working condition. Many growers express concern over adding too much moisture to the pile when potatoes are being loaded into storage, as they fear excess moisture can cause disease. However, a proper spray bar application of crop protection products actually reduces risk of disease when coverage is optimized. The volume of liquid applied through a wellmaintained and properly located spray bar system is minimal. It is important to ensure pumps are in good working condition
and to check for any leaks.
If there is concern about these applications and about storage diseases, it is best to consult a professional who can help with recommended disease-fighting products. These professionals can also assist with proper application equipment and operation.
Storage Disinfecting
The last item for discussion is cleaning and disinfecting the
Disinfecting an entire storage, which includes every nook and cranny, can go a long way in preventing any disease issues for all the weeks and months your potatoes will be in storage.
entire system at least two weeks prior to harvest. Ducts, floors, walls and plenums should be clear of plant residue and debris. Old potatoes and plant material can provide a disease bridge from one year to the next.
Once the storage is clean, a professional disinfecting protocol is recommended. Use quality disinfectant products to disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with potatoes. Most disinfectants require a specific amount of time that surfaces must remain moist for the product to work adequately and ensure good coverage. Each product will have specific instructions for use and following the label instructions will provide the best results.
You don’t want pathogens to get a head start – cleaning and disinfecting storages between crops is the best insurance against disease carryover.
Summary
There must be time dedicated to preparing a potato storage for the season. You may find it difficult to juggle this while everyone on the farm is busy managing the fields. You are focused on things such as rotation, fungal control and insect control. Keep in mind that while potatoes grow
in the field for five to six months, they can end up being stored for as long as ten months. It’s important to dedicate a similar level of energy to managing the potatoes “in-storage” as was given to the “in-field” crops. You want your healthy spuds coming out of the field going into storage to remain healthy during that long storage season. Potato storages need dedicated time
and management to ensure a successful outcome for your hard-earned investment.
For more information, visit https:// agri-stor.com/.
(Klimes is a product quality specialist with Agri-Stor Companies.)
Strengthen soil quality by feeding it the power of the sea.
Our cold-processed seafood hydrolysate liquid fertilizer builds soil health by feeding beneficial soil fungi and bacteria.
NATIONAL POTATO COUNCIL
Kam Quarles, CEO
Navigating Tariff Turbulence And Identifying Access Opportunities
SEARCHING FOR POSITIVES AND POSSIBILITIES
The international trade landscape –particularly concerning the frequently shifting tariff environment – is undergoing significant volatility and uncertainty, creating a challenging atmosphere for the U.S. potato industry and the entire agriculture community.
In a recent “Eye on Potatoes” podcast, I sat down with international trade expert and NPC consultant Matt Lantz just hours after President Trump announced a 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of non-retaliating countries while raising duties on China to 125 percent. In light of the evolving situation, NPC continues to emphasize the need for a measured approach amidst the political turmoil.
Impact On Key Markets: USMCA Stability A Relief
When tariff increases were initially floated, a major point of concern was the potential impact on trade with Canada and Mexico, two of the largest export markets for U.S. potatoes. Disruptions here could quickly lead to product backing up and negatively affecting
grower returns.
Fortunately, recent clarifications indicate that goods compliant under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will maintain their current benefits, meaning U.S. potatoes should retain zero-duty access to these vital markets. This stability is seen as reducing the likelihood of retaliatory tariffs from these key partners.
Broader Trade: Threats And Opportunities
While USMCA appears stable, the broader tariff situation presents both risks and potential openings. Retaliation from other nations remains a significant concern for U.S. growers. Furthermore, tariffs are not just about exports; they can impact growers through increased
costs for essential inputs.
Much of the fertilizer, crop protection tools and components for sophisticated farm equipment are imported and could be affected. Even materials like steel and aluminum used for potato storage could see price increases, adding pressure on growers’ bottom lines.
However, the current focus on trade could also create leverage for positive change. NPC sees potential opportunities to address long-standing market access issues.
Japan, for instance, has shown interest in trade talks in response to President Trump’s tariff threats, which could advance the priority goal of fresh potato market access. There is also hope for reducing or eliminating tariffs in markets like Vietnam (currently 12 percent on
fries for the U.S. vs. 0 percent for competitors under TPPrelated agreements) and the Philippines (10 percent). NPC will continue to work with the new Trump administration to find opportunities to level the playing field with our foreign trade competitors.
The Vital Role Of Trade For Potatoes
NPC has also been working with both the White House and Congress to communicate the fundamental importance of international trade for the health of the U.S. potato industry. Agriculture, particularly potatoes, has been a major beneficiary of trade agreements historically. Exports have grown significantly, contributing nearly $5 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supporting over 34,000 jobs, according to a Michigan State study commissioned by NPC. Additionally, expanded access to markets like Mexico has been crucial, especially in years with large crops, helping to stabilize prices.
Navigating this complex and shifting environment requires careful analysis, not knee-jerk reactions to headlines. NPC continues to follow this issue very carefully, looking at the facts and potential impacts specific to potatoes. The Council aims to protect the industry from negative consequences
while actively seeking opportunities to advance grower interests in international markets. This industry thrives on vibrant international markets, and we are doing everything in our power to keep them vibrant for our growers and industry partners.
As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed through reliable sources like the National Potato Council will be essential for growers. Be sure to subscribe to the Eye on Potatoes podcast -- where we post bi-weekly updates on issues impacting the growing community – on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Agriculture, particularly potatoes, has been a major beneficiary of trade agreements historically.
COLORADO
POTATO ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
Tara Artho, Executive Director
Fresh Eyes On Fresh Market Potatoes
I moved from Texas to the San Luis Valley in October of 2024. I did have a short list of things I expected to be different. Being able to look out my window and see mountains, not be able to climb a flight of stairs due to the lack of oxygen at 7,664 feet and, of course, no longer having to battle triple digit heat most of the year.
Having grown up on a farm and in a small community I thought I had a pretty good handle on what I could anticipate. After all, I had years of experience in agriculture in the grain and feed sectors.
But little did I know how much I had to learn. Did I know the National Sand Dunes were right in the back yard? Yes. Did I realize WHY they were there? No. The soil here is so fine it sticks to everything, and when the wind blows you can count on sharing copious amounts of topsoil with your neighbors. On that same note many of the fields are so rocky they have to pile up the large stones on the corners. Here is my PSA:
should anyone be in need of decorative rocks please feel free to visit the SLV and you can have as many as your heart desires. While you are here you can go visit the UFO watch tower, allegedly home for numerous UFO sightings (just Google the story of Snippy the Horse).
Is the location a sign alien life forms may crave a diet rich in potatoes? I mean, who would blame them? Or, you could swing by the Colorado Gator Farm and see where Morris made his home for the last several years. You may know Morris better as the gator that bit off Carl Weathers’ hand in Happy Gilmore. Sadly, he just died this last May, but if you are a fan stay tuned on when you can go see his taxidermized body. At almost 11 feet long and weighing in at 640 pounds, it is sure to be a remarkable site.
I was lucky enough to get to move here at the tail end of harvest. Two days into being a Colorado resident and new member of the potato industry. I was proud to be able to see
dead potato plants for the first time. As you can imagine the plants themselves were largely underwhelming. But the size and technology of the equipment was amazing. It felt more like watching our Chairman Tyler Mitchell play a real-life video game. He had a joy stick, microphones, video cameras and perfect timing when it came to loading truck after truck flawlessly.
Don’t get me wrong, I have spent my fair share of time in a tractor during harvest, but I was used to grain, not tubers. A few weeks later I visited a warehouse and learned that a flume network isn’t just for Harry Potter fans. I knew potatoes could bruise, but I never thought about floating them into and around a warehouse.
Seeing a potato lazy river for the first time made me start to think about this specialty crop differently from the commodities I was used to. Some of the equipment in the warehouses reminded me of citrus packing sheds, like how many cameras were involved to make sure only the finest made the cut, not to mention that they were sorted perfectly by size and shape. It had me thinking about how many hands used to be involved in this process, and how much time it must have taken to get the necessary work done.
Four months in and I am standing in a large flat storage facility with potatoes piled 20-25 feet high. Looking back on the storage silos I was used to, I asked if engulfment was a hazard the industry had to manage. Turns out potatoes move a lot slower than grain, so that was good news. Another major difference that was pointed out to me is that potatoes are still alive. This fact my fully mature and college-educated brain knew, but how had I never considered what that meant from a storage standpoint? This visit was starting to sound more and more like a scary movie. It’s chilly, dark, damp … and IT’S STILL ALIVE! Keeping the potatoes dormant had never crossed my mind.
After all, I have lots of firsthand experience buying a bag of potatoes, making one casserole and then
returning to my cupboard only to find half a bag of nearly unrecognizable sponge creatures complete with “eyes” and arms. Of course, you would need to keep those delicious pillows of goodness sleeping for as long as possible! The lessons continue. Please
our next chapter of Fresh Eyes on Fresh Market Potatoes in the
UNITED
POTATO GROWERS OF AMERICA
Buzz Shahan
Capitalism And Potatoes Be careful what you ask for
American agriculture is in a tough spot. From rising input costs to lower commodity prices, to confusing export policies, to unending legal challenges brought against companies that produce pest and weed control inputs, it is becoming increasingly difficult to turn a profit. Farm bankruptcies were up 55 percent last year.
The United States of America is a capitalist society. Capitalism is defined as an economic system wherein capital (money) freely migrates from areas of lower productivity to areas of higher productivity.
Potato producers know the enormous investment required to plant, grow, harvest, store and package and sell a crop of potatoes. Few crops require more. Few also enjoy greater upside potential. This can be both a curse and a blessing; a blessing when supplies are balanced and profits fair, and a curse when those profits entice newcomers into the business and can result in oversupplied markets and falling prices.
What is the solution, then? How do potato farmers protect their investment? How do they keep envious investors at bay following a year of strong profitability? Answer: Allow those new investors to get
As always, running a successful business depends upon principles of hard work, superb management through thorough data analysis, and peak efficiency at all levels of production.
their lunch eaten by an oversupplied market that they helped create. But in the oddest of oddities, potato producers sometimes don’t need new investors to collapse their market; they, alone, somewhat regularly and often predictably, can do it themselves.
For the past 20 years, with coaching from UPGA’s extensive database and vigorous communication system, most potato-producing regions have come to understand the value of maintaining balanced, and thus sustainable, production levels such that they are not forced to sell their crops outside their geographic sweet spot. Live and let live. But sometimes not all potato-producing regions or market segments act this rationally. Some will produce potatoes without having a market home for those potatoes. Such behavior makes little sense to those producers who acknowledge the effect that balancing supply with demand has on their crop’s value. But wait. On closer examination, this just might be the protective shield that your potato-producing operation needs.
How so, you ask? Overproduction can make clear to potential investors just how risky potato production can actually be. Seen thusly, overproducers could actually be protecting your potato-producing operation. Think about it. Why not let them deplete their equity — spend their money — to protect your business rather than you having to do it?
As always, running a successful business depends upon principles of hard work, superb management through thorough data analysis, and peak efficiency at all levels of production. Asking competing regions to lessen production to help improve your market doesn’t make sense any more than it makes sense for Chevy to ask Ford to produce fewer F-150s so they can sell their Silverados at a higher price. It’s up to Chevy to run a tight ship. The same goes for Ford.
Be grateful, in some ways, that others willingly spend tens of millions of dollars of precious equity to protect your business from outside investors.
Biological Solutions are Paving the Way for Sustainable Potato Production
STORY BY : AZOTIZ®
As the agricultural landscape evolves, potato growers face increasing pressure to produce more with less—less fertilizer, less water, and less impact on the environment. Biologicals are emerging to offer potato farmers a powerful new toolkit to meet these demands while maintaining profitability.
Nitrogen is the biggest nutritional cost in crop production – but it doesn’t have to be. Earth’s atmosphere is 78% nitrogen, a nutritional source that biological nitrogen fixing (BNF) bacteria leverage to create a continual supply of nitrogen when and where it is needed within a plant. BNF products are distinct from most biologybased crop amendments on the market. Unlike the majority of biological products that work indirectly to promote crop resilience and yield via improved soil health and microbial activity, some BNF products work directly within plant cells.
Derived from a naturally occurring bacteria, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd), Azotic Technologies Limited’s Envita® creates systemic nitrogen fixation throughout the season. Once inside the plant, Gd rapidly enters plant cells through multiple pathways including leaf hairs, stomata and roots. Once inside the plant cells, the bacteria continue to colonize and multiply, forming a symbiotic relationship with the plant host. As the plant grows, Gd grows along with it, ensuring nitrogen fixation throughout the growing season and redefining sustainable, systemic nitrogen.
For potato growers, the benefits are tangible, says John Squire, PhD, who serves as lead agronomist for Azotic’s flagship product, Envita.
“Biologicals are quickly becoming indispensable tools for potato growers who want to achieve both sustainability and profitability,” he says. “The advantage of a BNF like Envita is threefold: improved crop performance, a lower environmental impact, and lower cost than conventional inputs. Envita enables non-legume crops, like potatoes, to access nitrogen independently of soil reserves or fertilizer inputs. The result is a sustainable, more reliable nitrogen supply throughout the growing season.”
The natural nitrogen fixation when and where a plant needs it removes a grower’s concerns about when and where to apply nitrogen, along with the worry that additional, high-priced nitrogen applications will leach away if the potato plant doesn’t fully utilize the nutrient.
Envita is designed to complement existing fertilizer programs, not replace them. Partnering with conventional plant nutrition helps to fill the nutritional gaps during times of higher need.
“Weather is a concern for all farmers, especially drought and heat stress, which often present simultaneously during the growing season,” Squire says. “So, creating an internal nitrogen supply helps the crop thrive, especially during critical growth stages like tuber bulking, when demand for nutrients is highest. Yield and profitability can take major hits when a plant’s nutritional demands aren’t met during such growth stages. Envita helps to ensure nitrogen is available and accessible when and where a plant needs it most – even under moisture stress.”
Nitrogen use efficiency and water use efficiency are interconnected and Gd has been proven to help with both.
Squire shares that sustainability in potato production isn’t just about meeting today’s demands—it’s about building a resilient future for farms, families, and the environment.
“The future of sustainable potato production is rooted in biology and the forwardthinking growers willing to take advantage of the solutions nature has to offer.”
To learn more about trying performance guaranteed Envita on your potato acres, visit www.azotic.com or visit with your local retailer.
Envita® and Azotic® are registered trademarks of Azotic Technologies Limited
POTATOES USA
National Foodservice Operators Get Hands-On Practice With Potatoes
At The Spud Lab
Potatoes USA hosted foodservice operators for a three-day culinary immersion in March in Denver, representing national and regional brands including Chili’s, Church’s Chicken, Buddha Bowls + Rolls and Buckhorn BBQ + Grill. The event’s goal was to get operators thinking about how to menu more potatoes.
Potatoes USA Chef RJ Harvey gives a demonstration in the Potatoes USA Spud Lab during the recent culinary immersion event in Denver.
A highlight of the experience was a visit to a fourth-generation, family-owned farm.
Participants toured the farm’s operations and got a firsthand look at potatoes being planted. One operator shared, “I loved the farm tour. It was very cool to meet the farmer and pick their brain — seeing the whole process was incredibly valuable.”
Participants also rolled up their sleeves in the Spud Lab, Potatoes USA’s state-of-the-art test kitchen, where they explored innovative ways to incorporate more potatoes into menu offerings. They learned a variety of techniques designed to elevate everyday potatoes into standout culinary creations, while emphasizing current food trends.
Discussion focused on growing items, including truffle fries, buffalo chicken fries, and loaded fries, which resonate with Gen Z diners who favor bold sauces and globally inspired, spicy flavors. The conversation also focused on emerging menu opportunities driven by consumer demand. For instance, gluten-free pizza — often made with potato flour — has experienced a 305 percent increase in menu penetration over the past four years. One operator noted after the event, “I want to
TOP: Some of the results of the recent culinary immersion sponsored by Potatoes USA.
ABOVE: Participating chefs participate in the Potatoes USA culinary immersion in the organization’s Spud Lab.
go experiment with mashed potatoes,” and “lots of good insight on fries and loaded fries.” Another said they were looking forward to using dehydrated potatoes to add moisture to baked goods.
On their final day, participants did a market immersion, which included a tour of some of Denver’s most innovative and acclaimed restaurants to gain culinary inspiration for more potato-forward dishes. These included:
• Atomic Cowboy, which offers a fresh take on classic American cuisine, including hash brown patties and Sully’s Fries (waffle fries smothered in house-made sausage or vegetarian mushroom gravy, pimento cheese sauce, bacon, and green onions).
• Los Socios Birrieria, renowned for its authentic and flavorful birria.
• Cherry Cricket, which offers unique burgers that blend classic flavors with a distinct twist.
• Mizu Izakaya, which is known for its potato korokke, a delicacy featuring a golden, crisp exterior with smooth, savory potato filling.
They learned a variety of techniques designed to elevate everyday potatoes into standout culinary creations, while emphasizing current food trends.
ABOVE: Potatoes USA
Chef RJ Harvey makes a presentation during the organization’s three-day culinary immersion event, held in March in Denver.
RIGHT: One of the highlights of the threeday culinary immersion event hosted by Potatoes USA was a visit to Strohauer Farms, a fourth-generation potato operation in northern Colorado.
Potato Grower Golf Scramble
The Potato Industry's Most "Rewarding" Day!
GROWERS PLAY FREE
All skill levels welcome
One free player per family/farm/operation
Each team must have a combined handicap exceeding 60 The two best players’ combined handicap must be 15 or more Field is limited to the first 144 paid entries All players (men & women) must adhere to the dress code of the Idaho Falls Country Club. For more information call (208) 523-5762.
