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 our high tensile steel main frame, treated with our 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!
more at www.westerntrailer.com or call 888.344.2539
New Innliven™ Elite and Omavo™ Elite fungicides bring powerful disease control to your potato field. With control of major potato diseases like early blight and white mold, you have more options than ever for effective disease management.
Envita®, the season-long nitrogen-fixing biological from Azotic Technologies Limited, has been revealed as the third most common biostimulant used by North American farmers.
The report, compiled by Stratus Ag Research from 2023 data, also shows that nearly 25 per cent of farmers across North America routinely deploy biostimulants. More than half expressed a positive attitude towards biostimulants, with a further quarter saying that although ‘unconvinced’, they would consider using them.
And while a fifth said they wanted to see more evidence of their effectiveness, just two per cent of respondents said they would ‘never’ use biostimulants.
Persuading some of those doubters is one of the reasons behind a new formulation of Azotic®’s pioneer product, which is based on the Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd) bacterium. Azotic hopes to appeal to new users by emphasising the new formulation’s easy-mixing, easy-use qualities – aspects that are common to many conventional agchem products, yet not always found in biological formulations.
Envita… ‘irons out’ the stress factors associated with depressed yield and unfavorable tuber size distribution.
Scott Bishop, Azotic Technologies’ manager for the Mid-West, says the Stratus findings chime with feedback received by the Azotic team – that many growers are receptive to the concept of biologicals and want to ‘give them a go’.
“It’s why Envita has found favor across more than two million acres of cropland. There’s a lot of interest in finding out how to use them, how they fit into conventional programs.
“But therein lies one of the concerns, not just about Envita but all biologicals,” he points out. “Can you use them in the same way that you use other crop protection products?”
That challenge – to develop a more user-friendly Envita formulation – is not without its difficulties. Microbe-based products require special treatment during manufacture, to ensure microbial populations remain high and viable in use. They can also prove less resilient during transportation and storage.
“It’s testament to the skill and scientific expertise of the Azotic formulation team that they’ve been successful in producing a high-performing wettable granule,” says Bishop.
“Envita WG contains the same unique strain of Gd, but in a more user-friendly formulation.”
“A WG formulation allows us to make the packaging smaller, more compact. Not only does that reduce the storage footprint but handling too.
“What’s more, the new formulation increases product stability, bringing with it prolonged, multi-season shelf life,” he adds.
“Growers still have the choice between in-furrow or foliar application, and Envita WG retains the same, wide tank-mix compatibility, ensuring multiple opportunities for application during the growing season.”
Several years of use in the US potato crop have demonstrated how Envita, with its ability to give the growing plant an ‘always-on’ nitrogen source after colonization of the plant cells by Gd, ‘irons out’ the stress factors associated with depressed yield and unfavorable tuber size distribution.
“Potato plants tend to enter a stress phase when they can’t satisfy nitrogen requirements,” Bishop explains. “Yes, soil nitrogen levels may appear adequate, but even just a brief drop in soil moisture – often the case between irrigation events – can be enough to interrupt nitrogen uptake.”
When this happens repeatedly, the plant keeps setting, with poor tuber sizes the result. Treatment with Envita, however, allows a potato crop to take these short-term deficits in their stride.
A Marshall, MI, trial focused on Manistee and Russet Norkotah, saw Envita-treated potatoes return at least 54 sacks more Grade A tubers, with an average of 84 sacks more. Overall total yield for Russet Norkotah was nearly 119 cwt/acre over the grower standard practice treatment.
“It’s an opportunity that’s available to organic growers too: Envita received OMRI certification in January 2024,” Bishop concludes.
Azotic offers a Performance Guarantee Program as a riskfree way to trying Gd. Call 1-877-ENVITA1, or email info@ envitasupport.com.
The Idaho Potato Commission is proud to sponsor the
Join the Idaho Potato Commission slopeside in Sun Valley, Idaho, for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals. This high-profile global event is a great way to remind the world that the best potatoes come from Idaho. So come snap a selfie with Spuddy Buddy, marvel at the Big Idaho® Potato Truck or indulge in one of the delicious Idaho® potato dishes being served throughout the event.
It’s all happening March 21–27. We hope to see you there.
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
MARCH 2-4
Commodity
Colorado
https://commodityclassic.com/
MARCH
Southern Exposure Orlando World Center Marriott Orlando, Florida
www.seproducecouncil.com
MARCH 10-12
Potatoes USA Spring Meeting Denver, Colorado https://potatoesusa.com/
MARCH 12
Logan Farm Equipment/Tri Steel Mfg. Open Hous
4977 Eastside Drive, Rexburg, Idaho tristeelmfg.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
MARCH 20-22
North America Farm & Power Show Four Seasons Centre Owatonna, Minnesota www.tradexpos.com
MARCH 30-APRIL 1 SNAXPO
Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida www.snaxpo.com
APRIL 1-3
63rd WPS Farm Show
Experimental Aircraft Association Grounds Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Wisconsinpublicservice.com/partners/ agriculture/farm-show/
3 AND 5
12th Annual Ag World Golf Classic
June 3 – Canyon Lake Golf Course, Kennewick, Washington
June 5 – The Links at Moses Pointe, Moses Lake, Washington https://agworldgolf.com
JUNE 24-27
National Potato Council Summer Meeting
Coeur d’Alene Resort
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
JULY 27-31
Potato Association Of America Annual Meeting
Madison, Wisconsin Potatoassociation.org
We know ag nancing like you know how to direct tra c. For over a century we’ve served customers who can do just about anything. You deserve a financial partner who works as hard as you do.
Lane Lindstrom, Editor
n one of my first columns when I became editor of Potato Grower Magazine a couple of years ago I shared my new favorite quote.
This comes from Dwight D. Eisenhower, who said, “Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the cornfield.”
That is seemingly more accurate today than it was even a couple of years ago and definitely more so than five decades ago when Eisenhower was alive. Think about the slow pace of the Farm Bill. Or the battles regarding pesticides, etc., with the EPA and/or state agencies. And the list goes on and on.
So while that quote is still one of my favorites, as I’ve attended several potato conferences and meetings these past couple of months, there are some comments that I’ve heard and noted.
A catchier headline for my column this month might have been “Show Stoppers.”
But while the following quotes caught my attention, are fun and notable, most out there probably won’t think of them as show stopping-worthy.
My “show season tour” started last November with the Montana Seed Seminar and ended with the American Sugarbeet Growers Association annual meeting in early February. Stops along the way included the National Potato Expo, Idaho Potato Conference and Washington Oregon Potato Conference. I sat through and listened to hours of presentations, panels and meetings.
Even though I have literally hours of information (notes, videos, etc.), here are a handful of comments that kind of boil to the top.
• “Cemeteries are full of irreplaceable people.” Comment made to me by an
association CEO when I asked how his organization was going to find someone to replace the association’s longtime director of administration.
• This one is a visual: “Is that you bro?” From a t-shirt at the H&N Electric booth at the Washington Oregon Potato Conference.
• “You might want to answer that.”
Russ Groves, University of WisconsinMadison, when someone’s cell phone kept ringing (and ringing) during his presentation at the Washington Oregon Potato Conference.
• “Don’t plant your potatoes east to west.” Rhett Spear, University of Idaho at Aberdeen, repeating advice he (and other researchers) has shared before. He made the comment during a question and answer period after his presentation on nutrients at the Idaho Potato Conference.
• “There are going to be challenges for the U.S. market but there are opportunities, too.” Kim Breshears, Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer, made at the organization’s winter board meeting held just prior to the Potato Expo. There had been some discussion held during the Potatoes USA meeting about the increasing production of frozen potato products from China and India and how that will (not might) impact U.S. potato exports.
• “Government intervention becomes a bigger and bigger issue for all of us in agriculture.” Stephen Nicholson, EVP, Global Sector Strategist, Grains & Oilseeds, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness. His comments were made during the Potato Business Summit held prior to the Potato Expo.
• “‘Extreme weather’ is click bait,” said Daryl Ritchison, Director of the
North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network and North Dakota State Climatologist, at the Potato Expo.
• “I cringe whenever I hear ‘extreme weather,’” said Daryl Ritchison, Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network and North Dakota State Climatologist, at the Potato Expo.
• One more from Ritchison. “Everything runs off the backbone of actual live weather data.”
• “The bigger they are the harder they fall,” University of Idaho potato researcher Nora Olsen, quoting fellow University of Idaho researcher Mike Thornton, in talking about potato size and being careful during the potato harvest to minimize bruising. She made that comment at both the Idaho Potato Conference and the Washington Oregon Potato Conference.
• “Waterhemp is hard to grow.” University of Idaho weed scientist Albert Adjesiwor, in explaining his efforts to grow weeds for research purposes. He pointed out waterhemp grows too well in fields and other places but is much harder to grow in a greenhouse setting.
• “Treat ‘em like eggs, not rocks.” That from North Dakota State University potato researcher Gary Secor when talking about planting potatoes. His comments came at the Washington Oregon Potato Conference.
• “Generally, researchers are poor farmers.” That tongue-in-cheek comment came from Alan Schreiber, Agricultural Development Group in Eltopia, WA, at the Washington Oregon Potato Conference.
Take Control of your ROI with BRANDT® EnzUp® Zn
BRANDT EnzUp Zn isn’t just another Zn input – it’s designed for stronger early-season crop development. With its enzyme delivery system, BRANDT EnzUp Zn boosts microbial activity, improving nutrient absorption and plant growth. The result? Healthier crops and higher yields. Take Control with BRANDT EnzUp Zn and turn your investment into profits.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. announces the launch of N-FINITY, an innovative nitrogen management solution that combines three modes of action that aims to increase the efficiency and availability of nitrogen for improved plant health and crop yields.
New to the Loveland Products shelf, N-FINITY leverages advanced biological technology to optimize nitrogen availability, assisting crops’ ability to receive the essential nutrients required for optimal growth and yield.
N-FINITY’s proprietary science is designed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in comparison to current marketplace offerings by:
Enhancing the soil’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Recruiting nitrogen-fixing bacteria into the root zone. Facilitating the liberation of nitrogen from soil organic pools.
N-FINITY has the potential to more efficiently manage plant available nitrogen and support farming practices by enhancing the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers traditionally used to boost annual crop productivity.
N-FINITY will be available for purchase through Nutrien Ag Solutions retail locations in spring of 2025. For more information, visit lovelandproducts. com/n-finity.
Idaho Steel has announced the evolution of its flagship product, the Nex-Gem 4. Designed with innovation and quality at its core, the Nex-Gem 4 builds on the
trusted features of its predecessor while introducing new capabilities that enhance efficiency, safety and production capacity.
The Nex-Gem machine is a high-performance rotary former designed to shape various food products with precision and consistency. Known for its reliability and versatility, the Nex-Gem series enables food manufacturers to produce uniform products efficiently, meeting the high standards of the global food industry. From shaping potato-based products to forming innovative food items, the Nex-Gem machine offers flexibility and scalability for manufacturers looking to streamline production.
The Nex-Gem 4 offers an intuitive ISP Total Control System with a modern HMI experience, on-the-fly weight adjustment, and a proven quick-change product shape system. Additionally, the newly improved features include a simplified straight feed, compact body design, upgraded door seals, and increased capacity options, ensuring customers can achieve uniform product weights with ease.
Key benefits of the Nex-Gem 4 include:
Increased Production Capacity: Standard 10-row barrel with an optional XL 5-inch shape barrel featuring 8 rows.
Enhanced Safety and Cleanliness: Fully enclosed unibody design and Wash-In-Place (WIP) system.
Advanced Monitoring: Tracking with trend analysis. Internal RGBW lighting with an advanced warning system.
For more information, visit idahosteel.com.
John Deere announced the release of JDLink Boost, a satellite connectivity solution to ensure customers continue seamless work in fields with little to no cellular coverage.
The new JDLink Boost option supports the partnership, announced a year ago, between John Deere and Starlink by SpaceX network, providing farmers who face rural connectivity challenges with the opportunity to fully leverage precision agriculture technologies.
Unlocked Technologies Enable Solutions
JDLink Boost will especially benefit farmers when they are operating in fields where cellular coverage is limited or unreliable. A secure and faster connection in the field provides farmers real-time access to their machine and agronomic data. Improved connectivity allows for timely decision-making regarding irrigation, fertilization, pest control and harvesting. Precision ag technologies that benefit from improved connectivity include:
In-Field Data Sharing: Data sharing in real time can optimize resource use, leading to more efficient application processes and reduced waste.
AutoPath: Automating the creation of paths based on field boundaries can reduce setup time for more efficient field work.
Remote Monitoring & Alerts: Identifying issues of inefficiencies as they occur helps ensure equipment is running at optimal levels.
Connected Support: Customers and dealers can better collaborate for faster response times to any issues with solutions like Expert Alerts, Service ADVISOR Remote, and Remote Display Access.
See & Spray: Real-time transmission of agronomic and machine data from sensors and cameras mounted on the sprayer, enabling immediate analysis and response.
Harvest Automation: Integration of various sensors and automated systems that control combines, ensuring crops are harvested efficiently without missing any areas.
For more information, visit deere.com.
The Kawasaki RIDGE side-by-side lineup raised the bar in 2024, offering a design with automotive-inspired finishes paired with the flexibility to transport both passengers and cargo across challenging landscapes. First launched with the three-passenger RIDGE, the 2025 lineup now features the all-new RIDGE® CREW HVAC, which includes rear seating to accommodate up to six people. These new models expand their versatility, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks or fun outings with family and friends. The RIDGE CREW provides top-notch comfort and performance for any outdoor adventure.
The RIDGE CREW is built to handle tasks with ease, featuring a fully enclosed cab with HVAC, spacious seating, and thoughtful amenities like contoured bench seats, generous legroom, multiple cup holders, and USB ports. The new insulated roof and UV/IR-treated windshield enhances comfort by reducing heat and glare. Whether navigating a rugged job site or a scenic trail, the long-travel suspension absorbs bumps effortlessly, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride while you focus on getting the job done.
At the heart of the RIDGE CREW is Kawasaki’s 999cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line 4-cylinder engine, delivering instant, smooth and linear power. Paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), the powertrain offers intuitive throttle response, providing seamless control whether accelerating or cruising. This setup makes transporting passengers and cargo a breeze, combining performance with ease of use.
Built tough, the RIDGE CREW boasts a 1,000 lb. cargo capacity and can tow up to 2,500 lbs., backed by its high-torque, high-power engine. Whether
you’re tackling demanding work tasks, exploring trails with friends, or anything in between, the RIDGE CREW delivers outstanding performance with plenty of room to spare, making every trip comfortable and capable.
Kawasaki RIDGE CREW Key Features
• Kawasaki-Built 999cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke In-Line 4-Cylinder Engine
• Roomy Interior for up to Six Passengers
• Chassis Designed for Comfort
• Full Cab with HVAC
• Long-Travel Double Wishbone Suspension and High Ground Clearance
• 27-inch Tires with 14-inch Aluminum Wheels
• All-LED Exterior Lighting including Accent Lights
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Power Mode Selection
• On the Fly Electrically Selectable 4WD and Rear Differential Lock
• 1,000-lb. Capacity Tilting Cargo Bed with Detachable Tailgate
• 7-inch Full-color TFT Instrumentation
• Adjustable driver seat
• Automotive-Inspired Fit & Finish Exterior and Interior
• Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS*
• Kawasaki STRONG Three-Year Limited Warranty
Kawasaki RIDGE CREW HVAC
Color: Candy Persimmon Red
MSRP: $30,999
Availability: February 2025
Kawasaki RIDGE CREW HVAC Camo
Color: TRUETIMBER STRATA
MSRP: $31,799
Availability: February 2025
*RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so. For more information, visit www. kawasaki.com/en-us/.
Post Holdings, Inc., a consumer packaged goods holding company, announced today it has agreed to acquire Potato Products of Idaho, L.L.C. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
PPI is a manufacturer and packager of refrigerated and frozen potato products. The acquisition includes a manufacturing facility in Rigby, Idaho. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first calendar quarter of 2025, Post’s second quarter of fiscal year 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Post Holdings is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms.
For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.
Madeleine Smith has joined North Dakota State University as an Extension pesticide specialist.
Joining Oct. 2, Smith has been working on the NDSU campus in Fargo, North Dakota.
She has served NDSU as an Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Pembina County for almost five years.
She has enjoyed working with farmers and ranchers and helped administer the private pesticide recertification training for applicators.
Since Smith started, the NDSU Pesticide Certification Program has already conducted three commercial recertification trainings, as well as Extension agent and support staff in-service training.
Madeleine Smith has joined North Dakota State University as an Extension pesticide specialist.
Photo courtesy of NDSU
“I hope that through the certification and training program we can help applicators stay connected to regulations, safety information, emerging application technologies and new research on pest management,” says Smith.
Smith is excited to build on the program that Andrew Thostenson developed and managed for nearly 30 years.
She is looking forward to fulfilling the needs of pesticide applicators as agriculture continues to evolve in North Dakota. Smith worked for three years on viral diseases of sugarbeet at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in
Amarillo before moving to the University of Minnesota Northwest Research and Outreach Center where she worked as an Extension specialist in small grains and canola pathology.
Smith is from Nottinghamshire, England. She completed her bachelor’s degree in plant science, master’s in plant breeding and biotechnology and Ph.D. in plant and environmental science specializing in plant pathology in the United Kingdom.
Ecorobotix, the Swiss agricultural technology leader known for its innovative AI-powered ultra-high-precision sprayer, is accelerating its growth in the U.S. high value specialty crop market.
With new offices in Washington state, an expanding dealer network, and the addition of talented professionals to its team, Ecorobotix is poised to strengthen precision farming across the country.
The company’s flagship technology, the ARA ultrahigh-precision sprayer combines advanced Plant-byPlant AI Software with high-definition field imaging to scan, analyze, and treat specific plants in real time — ensuring reduced chemical use and lower farming costs and providing a lighter environmental impact.
To further its commitment to the U.S. market, Ecorobotix has welcomed new U.S.-based employees, one of whom is Chrissy Wozniak, the company’s new U.S. Marketing & Communications manager. She brings a wealth of experience in agriculture communications and a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
Wozniak is equipped with a proven track record in developing innovative marketing strategies and building strong industry relationships, making her uniquely positioned to support Ecorobotix’s ongoing expansion.
Marcus Lung, Ecorobotix’s U.S. managing director, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s growth.
“I’m incredibly pleased with the rapid expansion of Ecorobotix in the United States,” said Lung. “Our new offices in Washington state and the growth of our dealer network are exciting milestones for the company.
We’re also thrilled to be able to add experienced professionals to our team who are passionate about
agriculture, like Chrissy.”
Ecorobotix’s expansion reflects its commitment to fostering advancements in farming practices worldwide. The company’s advanced technologies not only support farmers in producing healthy food but also contribute to preserving soil health and reducing agriculture’s ecological footprint. For more information, visit ecorobotix.com.
Canadian growers harvested a fourth consecutive record potato crop in 2024, as production rose 0.3 percent year over year in 2024 to 127.0 million hundredweight, due to an increase in harvested area.
New Brunswick (+14.3 percent to 17.0 million hundredweight) and Quebec (+17.5 percent to 13.7 million hundredweight) recorded the largest increases in production, as these provinces recovered from wet growing conditions in 2023. Alberta produced 23.7 percent of Canadian potatoes in 2024, maintaining its position as the largest potato producer in Canada, followed by Manitoba (21.6 percent) and Prince Edward Island (20.4 percent).
Seeded area was down 0.3 percent from 2023 to 391,438 acres nationally in 2024. Alberta (minus 4.5 percent) and Manitoba (minus 3.0 percent) recorded the largest decreases in seeded area due to
lower demand for processing potatoes in these provinces. The decreases in seeded area were partially offset by increases in Quebec (+4.6 percent), Ontario (+4.1 percent) and Prince Edward Island (+0.9 percent).
Favourable weather conditions throughout most parts of Canada during the 2024 harvest season allowed Canadian producers to harvest the vast majority (98.0 percent) of the total seeded area. Despite the decrease in seeded area, harvested area was up 0.5 percent to 383,666 acres in 2024, following improved growing conditions in Eastern Canada.
Nationally, the average yield decreased to 330.9 hundredweight per acre in 2024, down 0.2 percent from the previous year. Alberta (minus 1.8 percent) continued to report having the highest average yield, at 412.0 hundredweight per acre in 2024, followed by Manitoba (minus 2.7 percent to 362.1 hundredweight per acre) and British Columbia (minus 10.7 percent to 329.5 hundredweight per acre). New Brunswick (+9.3 percent) and Quebec (+10.3 percent) were the only provinces
to experience increased yields in 2024.
Ag World has announced that registrations and sponsorships are now open for the 2025 Ag World Golf Classic.
The company thanks its generous sponsors and participants who have supported the event over the years.
This year’s event schedule is:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Canyon Lake Golf Course, Kennewick, WA Thursday, June 5, 2025 – The Links at Moses Pointe, Moses Lake, WA Food and beverages will be provided at both events.
Ag World will continue to honor Warren Henninger’s legacy by forwarding the proceeds of these events to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest.
For more information, visit https:// agworldgolf.com/.
By Lane Lindstrom
OTHER OBSERVATIONS IN THE YELLOW CATEGORY INCLUDE:
• Average 10-year annual growth rate in yellow supplies: 7.1 percent/year.
• Growth rate vs. last year: 6.5 percent (13,667.9 projected vs. 12,837.4).
• Demand is stable, pricing remains stable, albeit at slightly lower levels than recent years.
- 10/5lb. bale price in $16 range
- Tote A in $20 range
• No single geographic region dominates the yellow market.
- Idaho is the top supplier of yellow potatoes with the other top four growing areas being the Red River Valley, California’s Kern County, San Luis Valley in Colorado and Florida.
- If Canada were a U.S. state it would be No. 1 in terms of yellow potato supply compared to any U.S. growing area and as is, 17 percent of U.S. yellow potato consumption comes from Canada.
• Market supply volumes still strong, but Klompien asks, “Have we reached the top rung of the ladder?”
At the beginning of each year we hear lots of “states of” addresses, i.e., State of the Union, State of the State, State of the City, etc. So why not a “State of the Potato Industry?”
Although that’s not what United Potato Growers of America President and CEO Mark Klompien calls his remarks at the annual Potato Business Summit, held in conjunction with the Potato Expo, that could very well be what it’s considered.
At the beginning of 2025, Klompien once again provided a deep dive into the fresh potato market with its ups and downs for the past several months along with what the next handful of months might hold.
“Almost all that increase is focused in the Red River Valley. And the reason you see some of these variations from year to year is the fact that the Red River Valley is much more susceptible to Mother Nature than some of the other growing areas.”
– Mark Klompien, United Potato Growers of America President & CEO
While the processing side represents a significant chunk of the potato market these days, Klompien’s focus was on the fresh side of the market and, more specifically, three main varieties: yellows, reds and Russets.
He provided insight on 10-year trends/history of each of those varieties, beginning with one of the stars of the potato industry, yellow-skinned potatoes.
“The yellow potato segment has experienced some great growth and that continues this year,” Klompien said. “That’s a good success story for what we’re seeing in that category.”
While the growth in yellow potatoes has been impressive, Klompien pointed out, “We are seeing a tiny bit of a flashing – no pun intended – yellow
OTHER INSIGHTS INTO THE RED POTATO MARKET INCLUDE:
• Average 10-year annual growth rate in red supplies: minus 3.0 percent/year
• Major 2024-25 crop shifts from last year:
- Increases in Red River Valley (40 percent) as well as Kern County, CA, and Texas
- Decreases in central Minnesota and Wisconsin
- If Canada were a U.S. state it would be No. 2 in terms of supply of red potatoes to the U.S.
• Pricing – Red potato prices are enjoying an increase over last year, on par with the 5 year average.
- Current pricing for tote size A in the $21-23 range.
light here. We expect a decrease in total shipments this year.”
He continued, “There are some indicators that would tell us we need to be a little bit cautious here. Going forward with our yellow supply we need to make sure we’re keeping that in balance because that’s always the goal: balance that supply and demand equation. That’s where everything works well and growers get fair returns.”
Klompien noted that the red potato market is experiencing a “slight rebound.” He said, “Almost all that increase is focused in the Red River Valley. And the reason you see some of these variations from year to year is the fact that the Red River Valley is much more susceptible to Mother Nature than some of the other growing areas.”
Yellow potatoes now outsell red potatoes in the United States with Klompien pointing out the flip was made a couple of years ago.
“The Russet potato category is the largest category by far,” Klompien said. However, he added, “If you put a trend line on that (figure 6), it would be in the decidedly downward direction.”
He once again shared a pie chart showing the Russet potato market share in the U.S. Not surprisingly, Idaho leads U.S. Russet potato production with 48 percent of the market.
Klompien also pointed out that any 202425 figures shown are projections, as the shipping season was far from over, especially at the time of his presentation. As an example of how numbers can change, in Klompien’s 2024 State of the Potato Industry
presentation at the Potato Business Summit, United Potato Growers had projected U.S. Russet shipments to finish at about 71,538,600 cwt., but they actually ended with 67,728,600 cwt. A great many variables, he said, can affect shipping numbers throughout the supply season.
As part of his 2024-25 fresh potato market presentation, Klompien spent several minutes discussing the Grower Return Index (GRI) and, along with that, the increased cost of potato production (see Figure 8).
Referring to the projected 2024 figure on the bar chart, he said, “We do believe it came down a little bit but again, it’s just a little tapering off.” He also mentioned that, as the
chart shows, these numbers are for Idaho potato production in the state’s eastern and southern regions on field run potatoes, cautioning that these numbers are just a reference point.
Eastern Idaho, Southern Region, field-run, February
$8.00
$7.00
$6.00
$5.00
$4.00
$3.00
$2.00
$1.00
$0.00
In assessing what United Potato Growers of America expects this growing season, Klompien made the following points:
• There will be weaker alternative crop (wheat, barley, alfalfa, corn, soybeans, malt barley) pricing and a slightly weaker Idaho GRI.
• The cost of potato production increases experienced in the past couple of years should moderate, maybe even be slightly lower.
• External market factors will have a bearing on the potato industry, particularly ag labor uncertainties and international market access.
He commented, “Mexico has been a terrific opportunity and thank goodness we’ve had that; not that things would have been drastically worse but certainly it helped the situation, especially last year and again this year having access to the Mexican market. We need to make sure we keep that market open.” Finally, he pointed out (once again) the relationship between potato volume and price. He said if there is a return to volumes shipped in prior years, the market tends to value the crop the same as it did in those years.
By Scott Bame
As we near the 2025 growing season, the market for potatoes is mixed. While processing demand is up just slightly, the overall potato market remains flat and growers should expect continued pressure on margins.
Farm income was down in 2024 for the second year in a row () with profitability also declining for the third straight year. Some growers have financial reserves to carry them through a short-term period of decline, but as these conditions stretch out over the long-term, savings are running dry. Financial institutions are also responding to the market with tighter credit thresholds (), which means it’s going to be more difficult to access capital than it has been in recent history.
Even with prices stabilizing and decreased input costs, the economic outlook will require potato growers to be extremely diligent with their finances and develop strategies to help protect themselves against a downturn. Here are three steps to minimize the impact of a downturn on your financial position:
The first place to look at being more strategic with your financial plan is assessing how you are using your capital. Cash-flowing your operation with diversified sources of capital has a number of benefits, including added financial flexibility, which is incredibly useful when times are tough.
The bank is an obvious place to go when you need money, but the good news is, potato growers have a lot of options when it comes to sourcing capital, including cash, prepay, bank lines of credit (LOCs) and financing offers.
The most successful growers understand that
there are unique advantages to using various sources of capital, and you get the biggest benefit when you align your method of payment with specific expenses. For example, you could pay for your fertilizer costs in cash this spring. You’ll avoid any interest expense, but have you weighed the opportunity cost of spending that cash versus using it somewhere else that could benefit your operation? This is an area to think about using a strategic financing offer from a retailer to pay for fertilizer and save your cash to use on something that will generate a greater return.
Aside from cash, having both low-cost financing solutions from a retailer combined with a bank LOC as part of your capital management strategy has multiple benefits. You incur a bit of interest expense, but having capital accessible from both sources will increase borrowing power and also create more financial flexibility in how you leverage cash, which is a critically important commodity to have when markets are down.
With cash reserves shrinking and lenders taking
Prudent fiscal planning is always important on the farm but during a down market, it’s especially important. But there are things growers can do to withstand market downturns.
a more conservative approach in 2025, it’s important to have a diverse and strategic plan for managing your capital. Doing so will ensure you are getting the advantages of all these sources of capital, and stretching every dollar as far as possible to meet your goals.
Second, it’s important to review your expenses in relation to your profitability goals and to pay attention to the details when it comes to your contract status, interest rates and the specific terms of financing offers. Growers have been tightening their belts for the past few seasons, but with income and profitability down for a sustained period, more growers might find themselves using debt to finance their operations this year, which makes it all the more important to focus on your overall financial position.
The year 2025 may be a good year to think about adding more certainty in your farm budget and securing contracts early so you can focus on cost savings expense management to improve your profitability ratio. Most growers operate with a processor contract, which is
beneficial to solidify a marketing plan and provide clarity on the breakeven point. With those details locked in early, growers can spend more time evaluating their budgets and looking at cost-controlling measures to create a bit of cushion on that breakeven point.
Even if it feels like you’re swimming against an economic tide, stay optimistic by focusing on things you can control, like your finances and all the decisions you’ve yet to make for 2025’s crop.
You will still plant potatoes this spring. Your crop will still grow, regardless of what the market does. Go into the season with realistic expectations that market conditions may not be favorable and plan accordingly. Profitability and success are still possible in a down market and there’s no reason to believe you can’t reach your goals this year.
(Bame is a territory manager with Nutrien Financial. He provides financing expertise to growers across the Northwest and Mountain West to increase their buying power and maximize every opportunity for success. Learn more at NutrienFinancial.com.)
Corteva Agriscience www.corteva.us
Utrisha N is an alternative sustainable nitrogen source that fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and converts it to ammonium for the plant. The naturally-derived biological – Methylobacterium symbioticum SB23 – can be used alongside conventional fertilizers and can reduce dependency on nitrogen uptake from the soil. Utrisha N will improve plant vitality, facilitate plant growth and optimize yield potential.
Applied foliarly, the live bacteria in Utrisha N enter the plant through stomata, then colonize and ultimately make above-ground plant tissue their habitat. Utrisha N stays within the plant as the plant grows, but it won’t overproduce nitrogen. Bacteria continuously convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonium which plants can use immediately. As the plant grows, so does the bacteria. Nitrogen is supplied throughout the crop cycle in an effective and controlled way.
Helena Agri-Enterprises (509) 544-0417 helenaagri.com
Nucleus fertilizers from Helena are precisionformulated and offer maximum efficiency, low-rate technology and increased nutrient availability to help improve yield potential. Nucleus fertilizers are available in different formulations to fit your unique needs, including 100 percent orthophosphate products that are immediately available to the crop. Nucleus Ortho-Phos is an 8-24-0 orthophosphate featuring Helena’s exclusive Nutris Formulation Technology. As part of a complete fertility program, Nucleus Ortho-Phos strengthens uptake and enhances root development for faster, more uniform emergence and improved plant vigor. Its 100 percent water-soluble formulation has a neutral pH, and it is non-corrosive and seed safe. With excellent compatibility, Nucleus Ortho-Phos is ideal for mixing with micronutrients to provide the full nutrition crops need to succeed.
Innvictis https://innvictis.com/
Revv-uP is a new spore form microbial product containing PGPR – Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria – that is uniquely derived to improve the uptake and utilization of Phosphorus by your crop. Revv-uP is formulated to be blended with liquid fertilizer or tank mixed with pesticides. Revv-uP can be applied in furrow with starter fertilizer, broadcast with pesticides or applied at sidedress with liquid fertilizers.
Locus Agricultural Solutions (888) 331-5008
www.locusag.com
Locus Agricultural Solution’s (Locus AG’s) Pantego product line showcases the industry’s only free-living yeast soil amendment. This phosphate solubilizing yeast not only increases the availability of phosphate, but also supports extensive root growth, which is important for root vegetables such as potatoes and sugarbeets. The agronomic benefit is twofold: increased nutrient availability and a larger root system to transport nutrients and water to the plant tissue. Through extensive research at contract research organizations (CROs) across the country, Locus AG products are proven to increase yield and ROI in 11 crops.
(800) 525-2803
CropVitality.com
Crop Vitality’s liquid fertilizers have your potato crop covered from seed to storage. Seed-safe K-Row 23 delivers plant-available sources of
potassium and sulfur while CaTs acts as your calcium and sulfur source. By placing K-Row 23 in the seed zone, growing seed pieces can draw on an available source of potassium and sulfur. As the crop develops, it will need other vital nutrients like calcium. Calcium is an important part of cell wall strength in crops, especially tubers like potatoes. Studies have shown that increased cell wall strength reduces the incidence of storage issues like buck skinning, hollow heart, black spot and pink rot. Not only does CaTs provide critical nutrients, but it is also AAPFCO certified as a nitrogen stabilizer, so you can rest assured your N is safe too.
UPL North America (610) 491-2800
www.upl-ltd.com
Zeba is an innovation that helps plants produce more by holding water and nutrients in the root zone and releasing them to plants throughout the growing season. Zeba is a natural, starch-based water absorbent. It absorbs up to 400 times its weight in water, forming hydrogels around the roots in the rhizosphere.
Zeba’s activity in the soil reduces irrigation inconsistencies, increases water and nutrient availability, improves overall soil conditioning properties, supports soil microbes, and ultimately results in reduced plant stress.
Koch Agronomic Services (316) 828-5500
www.kochagronomicservices.com
WOLF TRAX DDP micronutrients are specially formulated to simplify nutrient management, boost crop performance and maximize farmers’ fertilizer investment. Uniquely designed to evenly coat every granule in a dry fertilizer blend through the patented EvenCoat Technology, WOLF TRAX delivers highly available nutrition through better distribution in the field when compared to traditional granular micronutrients, resulting in more granules per square foot compared to other nutrient sources. Growers can have confidence that their crops are receiving the right amount of micronutrients close to growing roots during the critical growth stages to improve micronutrient use efficiency, address deficiencies and promote crop performance.
Rovensa Next (559) 442-4996
www.rovensanext-na.com
NANOCAL is a highly effective micronized calcium carbonate-based supplement designed to enhance crop quality and strength, offering readily available calcium during critical periods of high demand, such as fruit and tuber development. Its unique formulation with micronized particles ensures superior absorption and effectiveness, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium. It can be applied to soil or foliage and is suitable for use through various irrigation systems.
ORO-RZ is an advanced soil adjuvant designed to improve performance of soilapplied pesticides and nutrients. Utilizing patented OROWET technology, it improves soil wetting and penetration, and uniform distribution.
Omex USA
(559) 661-6138
www.omexusa.com
SLYCE Ca8% is derived from calcium nitrate and humic acid. These primary components act to greatly increase soil-available fertility, especially when applied after granular fertilizers, by reacting with those materials to release their components for a faster and more efficient effect. SLYCE increases the organic matter of soil and improves soil structure; accordingly, it promotes the buffering power and nutrient capacity of soil.
SLYCE Ca8% also helps regulate pH of soil. The humus in it helps stabilize nitrogen storage and free up phosphorus and micronutrients to make them more easily available to plants. It makes more beneficial fungi and increases soil fertility and permeability.
CHS Agronomy
www.chsagronomy.com
Levesol Zn is a zinc solution chelated with orthoortho EDDHA chelate. Levesol Zn is designed to significantly enhance the nutrient availability when applied with liquid starter fertilizers, leveling up infurrow applications.
It increases the length of time zinc is available to the plant while simultaneously boosting the availability of zinc, phosphorus and other micronutrients already present in the soil. The enhanced nutrient availability increases speed of emergence, overall plant health and, ultimately, yield.
Levesol Zn can be blended with most primary, secondary or micronutrients as well as crop protection products. It acts as a compatibility aid, improving the longevity of compatibility with a wider range of starter fertilizer options.
Levesol works to unlock nutrients in the soil, allowing
nutrients to become more available, and mobilizing within the plant for season-long activity. Levesol is powered by CHS’s patented ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate, designed to significantly enhance nutrient availability when applied with liquid starter fertilizers, taking in-furrow applications to a whole new level.
The concentration of Levesol’s patented orthoortho EDDHA chelate is so strong and pure that it also makes other micronutrients in the soil soluble for update. It boosts availability of phosphorus, zinc and other key micronutrients in the plant. Enhanced nutrient availability increases early growth, overall plant health and, ultimately, yield. Levesol can be blended with most primary, secondary or micronutrients as well as crop protection products.
San Agrow (800) 876-2767
www.san-agrow.com
Soil TRIGGRR and Foliar TRIGGRR are liquid plant growth regulators containing natural plant extracts. They provide plants with the energy boost they need by increasing photosynthesis, which leads to enhanced nutrient and water uptake and a stronger root system. Soil TRIGGRR and Foliar TRIGGRR work in combination with Westbridge’s Organic BioLink Nutritional Program to promote good root development, improve seedling vigor, and control tuber size and uniformity. The program enhances starter and pre-plant fertilizer efficiency and increases tuber specific gravity. Enhanced fertilizer efficiency may lengthen the growing season and increase starch deposition.
When applied at key times during the growing cycle, Soil TRIGGRR and Foliar TRIGGRR, along with
Organic BioLink Nutritional
AgroLiquid (800) 678-9029
www.agroliquid.com
Plant-available phosphorus is important for more and larger tubers. Pro-Germinator, through proprietary manufacturing technology, contains both ortho-phosphate and carbonprotected polymer phosphate to provide both readily available and controlled-release phosphorus with minimal danger of tie-up in the soil. This controlled release of nutrients provides needed nutrients at planting, hook stage, tuber initiation, and on through flowering and bulking. Pro-Germinator is used primarily for the application of phosphorus but also includes nitrogen, potassium and micronutrients for maximum performance.
Potatoes use more potassium than any other nutrient. Potassium is required for nutrient movement in the potato plant. It is essential for the makeup of over 40 different enzymes and is involved in more than 60 different enzyme systems in plants. Potassium is also important in the formation of sugars and starches in plants. In potatoes, potassium influences tuber size, specific gravity, blackspot bruise susceptibility, aftercooking darkening, sugar content, fry color and storage quality. Kalibrate is a highly efficient carbon-chelated liquid potassium that, when applied at planting or side-dress, is taken up from the soil along the length of young, fibrous roots. Potassium is transported in all directions among plant organs in response to metabolic demand. Kalibrate also contains 6 percent sulfur, another essential nutrient for potatoes.
Certis Biologicals
(800) 250-5024
www.certisbio.com/
NemaClean 10% WP is a biological nematicide that protects potato crops from key nematodes like root-knot, burrowing, lesion, false root-knot and sting nematodes. Containing spores of the fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum strain PL11, NemaClean works by parasitizing harmful nematodes, reducing crop damage. With a 0-day pre-harvest interval (PHI), it offers application flexibility up to and on the day of harvest. Designed for use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems, NemaClean supports sustainable farming by protecting crops while preserving soil health.
Gowan USA’s dedicated sales representatives and development teams regularly work with potato growers and researchers to ensure that each product performs optimally in the field.
Fungicides: Badge SC & X2, Gavel, Reason, Zing! Herbicides: Eptam, Sonalan HFP, Trflan HFP, Vida Insecticides: Imidan, Onager OPTEK, Aza-Direct
LifeGard® WG contains a bacterium that activates
the natural immune defenses within the plant, helping fight against a wide variety of bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. It provides powerful protection against key diseases in potatoes like white mold and early blight. NOP Approved and OMRI
Listed, LifeGard is residue exempt, features a 4-hour REI and can be applied up to and on the day of harvest.
Gowan USA (800) 883-1844
www.gowanco.com
Since 1962, beginning as a crop consultancy, Gowan Company has been rooted in agriculture, providing trusted expertise and innovative solutions for growers. This family-owned, American business works to understand growers’ challenges and is committed to delivering products and services that maximize yield and quality. Gowan provides solutions for the unique needs of potato producers.
AMVAC (805) 205-0359 https://www.amvac.com/potatoes
VAPAM HL and K-PAM HL
VAPAM HL and K-PAM HL soil fumigants from AMVAC Chemical Corporation provide a solid foundation at pre-plant by providing essential control, or suppression, of pests, pathogens and competitive weeds that prevent maximum economic potato yields. The difference between the two is in how they are produced: VAPAM HL is produced with sodium and K-PAM HL is produced with potassium. The use of either VAPAM HL or K-PAM HL soil fumigants reduces populations of plant parasitic nematodes; the amount, incidence and severity of disease pressure; and competition
from weeds. This leads to healthier plants, less competition for water and nutrients and generally stronger growth responses from young potatoes. At harvest, growers may see increased yields and improved marketability — two factors that are critical to every potato grower.
VAPAM HL and K-PAM HL soil fumigants are part of a broad, effective AMVAC product line for potatoes that can play an important role in helping growers effectively reduce pest pressures and best manage other costly challenges while setting the stage for a healthier bottom line. From pre-plant to postharvest, the AMVAC potato portfolio includes a variety of products to help ensure success all season long.
Summit Agro USA (984) 260-0407 www.summitagro-usa.com
Regev is the first hybrid product that combines the disease control activity of botanical and conventional chemistries. Specifically, Regev uniquely brings together Tea Tree Extract (FRAC BM01) and difenoconazole (FRAC 3). This combination provides potato growers remarkable fungal and bacterial disease control from nine powerful mechanisms of activity with only one MRL. With its trifecta of preventative, anti-sporulant and creative protection, Regev hybrid fungicide delivers proven efficacy on several common potato diseases including early blight and brown spot. Plus, it has the ability to enhance plant growth and yield, providing significant value to potato growers.
Vive Crop Protection (416) 260-8889 www.vivecrop.com
AZteroid FC 3.3 Fungicide: Delivering early-season disease protection, an at-plant application of AZteroid FC 3.3 maximizes yield
potential and farming efficiency to get your potatoes off to a strong start. Simplifying your at-plant crop protection application, AZteroid FC 3.3 can be easily mixed and applied
with liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, and other crop inputs, saving you time and resources. Containing azoxystrobin, AZteroid FC 3.3 delivers targeted control of black dot, black scurf, silver scurf and Rhizoctonia diseases, to get your crop out of the ground healthier and stronger, maximizing yieldpotential early in the season.
AZterknot Fungicide: For potato growers looking to improve standability, maximize vigor, and maintain greener plants, AZterknot provides excellent control of major tuber-robbing diseases while boosting plant performance under stressful conditions. Featuring the trusted protection of azoxystrobin and the plant growth benefits of Reynoutria sachalinensis extract, AZterknot provides broad-spectrum protection against key potato diseases such as early blight, late blight and white mold. A Precision Chemistry solution, AZterknot can be seamlessly applied with liquid fertilizers, micronutrients, and other crop inputs of an easy and efficient crop protection application. With AZterknot, growers can protect their investment while achieving healthier, higheryielding potato crops.
Innvictis
https://innvictis.com/
Innliven Elite
Innliven Elite is a dual mode of action fungicide that provides optimal disease control through translaminar and systemic uptake. The combination of pyraclostrobin and difenoconazole provides preventative and curative activity and controls a wide range of crop diseases, including strobilurin resistant frogeye leaf spot. Innliven Elite also improves stress tolerance and promotes plant growth. Innliven Elite is a unique combination fungicide exclusive to Innvictis.
is the preferred option for superior control of early and late blight. Its multi-site action reduces the risk of disease resistance, a benefit difficult to find in other fungicide options. In fact, MANZATE PROSTICK has effectively been used for decades without a reported incidence of resistance. Its advanced formulation is built to provide better coverage and adherence to the leaf surface. MANZATE is also available in a liquid formulation.
ORANIL Fungicide (FRAC M5) makes a great rotational partner with MANZATE PRO-STICK or PENNCOZEB 75DF when fighting potato diseases such as early and late blight. Introduce ORANIL into a potato disease management program as a preventative treatment to help disease control.
PENNCOZEB 75DF Fungicide (FRAC M3) is a foundational choice by many potato growers for excellent control of early and late blight. PENNCOZEB 75DF also possesses multi-site activity against disease pathogens, reducing the risk of building disease resistance. PENNCOZEB 75DF is a great option for any potato disease management program.
Rovensa Next www.rovensanext-na.com
PREV-AM is a three-in-one insecticide, fungicide and miticide. It is a contact pesticide that can
be applied throughout the season without danger of resistance buildup, and is perfect for controlling pre-harvest insect and disease infestations. With a short REI and PHI, PREV-AM is a versatile alternative to conventional pesticides and is ideal for IPM and sustainable farming practices.
As a fungicide, the PREV-AM spray solution breaks down the protective membranes of the superficial fungal mycelia (hyphae) and spores, allowing the active ingredient to penetrate and destroy the living tissues underneath. This exposes the organism to the drying effect of the atmosphere and causes collapse within two to 24 hours. Plant tissue damaged by the fungus may also dry out and prevent further spread of infection, but healthy tissue is not affected at the recommended application rate.
Syngenta (800) 334-9481 www.syngenta-us.com/
Orondis Gold fungicide delivers superior control of Oomycete diseases such as pink rot and Pythium in potato crops. Available for use by soil application at planting, Orondis Gold provides preventative, residual and systemic activity to help protect potato crops from the moment they are in the ground. A combination of the active ingredients oxathiapiprolin and mefenoxam, Orondis Gold also promotes root health for better water and nutrient use efficiency.
Miravis Prime fungicide is available to potato growers in the processor and export markets for excellent control against early blight, white
mold and other difficult-to-control diseases. A combination of the active ingredient fludioxonil (FRAC group 12) and ADEPIDYN technology –a broad spectrum SDHI molecule within FRAC group 7 – Miravis Prime sets a new standard versus previous products in its class for spectrum and performance.
Bayer Crop Science (877) 976-8286
www.cropscience.bayer.us
Luna Pro is a premium premix fungicide that provides both foliar and soilborne disease control in potatoes. This addition to the Bayer potato portfolio utilizes prothioconazole (FRAC group 3), a DMI foliar fungicide, and fluopyram (FRAC group 7), an SDHI fungicide. DMIs work by hindering the growth of certain fungi on a cellular level, which helps to improve overall plant health and increase yield potential. Luna Pro is the first DMI-containing foliar fungicide offered by Bayer for potatoes. The combination of two proven active ingredients offers a strong defense against early blight, white mold and other key potato diseases.
Velum Rise fungicide/nematicide can be used for the suppression of Rhizoctonia, black dot, nematodes and other soilborne diseases. With two active ingredients, penflufen and fluopyram, Velum Rise offers early-season protection to help establish potato crops and enhance yield potential. These two active ingredients in Velum Rise help protect the tubers from damaging effects such as lesions, leaving
fresh market growers with cleaner and healthier potatoes. Field trials have demonstrated consistent increases in total and marketable yield with Velum Rise applied in-furrow compared to untreated controls. Additional trial data has determined that Velum Rise can suppress both plant and tuber symptoms of Rhizoctonia and black dot, resulting in effective management of multiple phases of disease.
(973) 245-6000 agriculture.basf.us
Provysol fungicide is the first and only isopropanol azole for potatoes that provides effective and longer-lasting early blight, brown spot and black dot control due to its unique molecular structure and steady translocation, helping growers to control diseases now and for years to come. Potato growers can confidently utilize Provysol fungicide as a foundational element of their spray program and as part of a long-term strategy to maintain the yield, quality and marketability of their crops.
BioSafe Systems (888) 441-1975 www.biosafesystems.com
OxiDate 5.0, known as “the disease disruptor,” destroys bacterial and fungal pathogens such as bacterial leaf spot, early blight, late blight, powdery mildew, potato brown rot and white mold on contact, helping prevent infection and immediately stopping spread of disease.
OxiDate 5.0 is a cost-effective tank mix partner that bolsters resistance management by destroying tolerant and resistant diseases. It oxidizes bacterial and fungal pathogens along with their spores on contact, and reduces spray tank PH to help improve the activity of most tank-mix partners.
The 3600 Series Pulvi-Mulcher from Brillion features wider working widths, increased trash clearance and reduced downtime in the field. The series is available in 21’, 25’, 30’ and 36’ working widths. The 30’ model weighs 80% more than the popular WL360 for more clod crushing power. The 36’ unit is the widest PulviMulcher offered by Brillion. All 3600 Series models feature 8” roller axles with heavy-duty bearings that improve reliability and reduce maintenance interruptions in the field. The design includes three rows of two-piece edge bent s-tines on overall 6” spacing. 25” of under frame clearance improves trash flow through the machine. A leveling harrow in front of the rear roller helps level ridges left by the shanks.
Black dot is a very common disease of potato, is found in all potato growing regions in the U.S. and worldwide and is caused by the fungal pathogen
Colletotrichum coccodes.
Black dot is most well-known as a blemish disease and is a major economic concern for potato producers and fresh pack processors. However, it infects potato stems, roots, stolons and tubers and can decrease yields of infected plants.
Colletotrichum coccodes, along with other pathogens such as Verticillium dahliae, are thought to be involved in the early dying complex and premature senescence of potato plants. These pathogens invade plant stems, causing wilting and early vine death of infected potato plants, resulting in lower yields.
Tubers infected with C. coccodes have dark, sooty lesions comprised of many pinprick-sized microsclerotia and silvery fungal hyphae. These lesions are not only a blemish issue for the fresh pack market but can also significantly decrease the quality of stored potatoes due to water loss from the infected and broken tuber skin. Light skinned table stock potato cultivars are especially prone to visible C. coccodes infection as their light skin provides visual contrast to the dark lesions caused by infection with this fungus.
Colletotrichum coccodes overwinters in the soil in the form of microsclerotia and can remain dormant in the soil for over eight years after the last potato crop. Microsclerotia of C. coccodes have been shown to be the most important source of inoculum for the development of this disease between growing seasons. Although microsclerotia provide the largest source of inoculum between growing seasons, conidia of C. coccodes dispersed from infected plant tissues via wind or water splashing are an important source of pathogen
spreading within the growing season. Infected Seed Tubers Also A Problem Potato plants and progeny tubers can also be infected with C. coccodes if grown from infected seed tubers and can increase soil borne inoculum levels if not properly managed. Black dot can also be spread to new potato production areas via the introduction of infected seed tubers.
One of the primary means of controlling black dot is with crop rotations that remove potato production from a given area for several years to decrease soil borne inoculum levels. However, research has shown that C. coccodes is able to grow saprophytically on dead and decaying plant tissue and is also capable of infecting and growing on some rotation crops as well as weeds. Late maturing potato cultivars have also been shown to be more susceptible to black dot infection. Research carried out at the University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center showed that potato crops which were harvested after 110 days from full crop emergence had significantly higher levels of black dot in storage than
those which were harvested under 110 days.
Black dot has been a challenging disease to manage due to the difficulty in detecting the pathogen. Visually, C. coccodes is hard to detect and rate in the field as well as on infected tubers. The small pinprick-sized
Figure 2. Disease severity of black dot in potato stems at two different dates in 2021. Levels of C. coccodes in the stems were quantified by DNA extraction and quantification using real-time PCR.
Figure 3. Disease severity of black dot on potato tubers in 2021 and 2022. Levels of C. coccodes in the tuber peel were quantified by DNA extraction and quantification using real-time PCR.
microsclerotia present on infected stems and tubers are often confused with other pathogen symptoms and are difficult to visually identify, especially on foliar tissue. These complications have prevented researchers from defining with precision the details of this pathogen’s complex life cycle. There is sufficient information about the effects of C. coccodes infection on plants in the field as well as infected tubers, but the stages in plant development where infection occurs have not been well defined. Also, C. coccodes has been shown to significantly decrease tuber yields due to stem infection, yet the host susceptibility and time frame in which potato stems are infected are unclear. Beginning To Unravel Some Mysteries
Using modern molecular techniques at the University of Idaho Aberdeen
Research and Extension Center we are starting to unravel some of these mysteries and starting to pin down important infection timings of C. coccodes during the growing season. Using real-time PCR we are able to quantify the levels of C. coccodes in asymptomatic stems and tubers as well as in soils. Using these techniques to quantify black dot over the past five years, we have been investigating which fungicides provide effective control of black dot and the most effective fungicide timings.
As a soilborne disease, it has traditionally been recommended that fungicides for the control of black dot be applied in-furrow at planting and then from row closure to control foliar infection and subsequent tuber infection. Studies carried out at Aberdeen R&E Center over several years looked at various combinations
of applications starting in-furrow at planting, followed by foliar applications at 6- to 8-inch plant height, at row closure and 14 days after row closure. Results showed that treatment programs that had either an in-furrow or application at 6-8 inches had 50 percent less disease incidence in stems than the non-treated control, whereas treatments that started at row closure were not significantly different to the non-treated control (Fig. 1).
When the levels of C. coccodes DNA in stems and tubers were quantified using real-time PCR, all treatments with an in-furrow or foliar application at 6-8 inches had over 100 times less DNA per gram of potato tissue than the non-treated controls.
However, treatments starting at row closure had the same levels of pathogen DNA as the non-treated control (Figs. 2 and 3).
Anecdotal evidence has suggested that the strobilurin fungicides (e.g. Quadris, Headline, Flint) are more effective against black dot than the SDHI fungicides (e.g. Endura, Luna Tranquility, Velum). However, results from these studies showed that both kinds of fungicide were equally effective at controlling black dot. What was more important was the application timing with early season treatments being more effective than late season treatments. Studies have shown that most of the black dot infection of potato plants occurs early in the season when the plants are not fully grown and then the disease remains latent until late in the season when the plants have stopped growing and are in the tuber bulking phase. This could explain why treatments early in the season are more effective than late in the season.
Preventing infection of growing stems early in the season leads to less infection later and subsequently less inoculum to infect developing tubers in the soil.
(Wharton is an associate professor in the University of Idaho’s Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology and is based at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. He can be reached at pwharton@uidaho.edu.)
HORTICULTURALISTS AND ENTOMOLOGISTS TEAM UP TO INVESTIGATE INSECT-TRANSMITTED PLANT DISEASE
Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are working on a new research project to fight plant diseases transmitted by psyllid insects — particularly the zebra chip disease, which has impacted potato production for decades.
Funded by a $682,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, this three-year project will investigate the mechanisms through which the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum affects plant and insect immune systems, leading to agricultural losses.
The findings by researchers in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences could help significantly reduce pesticide dependency and enhance sustainable agricultural practices.
“The economic impact of diseases like zebra chip in potatoes has been enormous for Texas and other potatoproducing states, especially in the Pacific Northwest,” said
The potato psyllid is a small, easy-to-miss insect vector that transmits zebra chip disease by feeding on plants.
principal investigator Julien Levy, Ph.D., AgriLife Research scientist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences. “The only management system in place right now is applying pesticides to limit the spread of the disease by insects. Our research project aims to identify long-term solutions that help
With zebra chip disease, bacteria establish an infection that disrupts plants’ nutrient transport systems — whether it be tomatoes or, most notably, potatoes. Frying infected potatoes to make chips produces dark stripes, which give the disease its name. In the past, if even a single potato in a batch was found to have zebra chip, the entire lot had to be thrown out.
“This disease has resulted in massive economic losses,” said Cecilia Tamborindeguy, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Entomology.
“Although pesticide use has kept the disease somewhat under control, it’s not a sustainable solution, especially with rising production costs and other environmental concerns.”
In response, Levy and Tamborindeguy will be conducting a parallel study of plant and insect immune systems, as the bacteria must bypass both to spread infections. In particular, they’ll be investigating proteins the bacteria use to weaken the plant hosts’ defenses, as well as how those proteins could be blocked.
“The idea behind the project is to identify those proteins from the bacteria that are blocking the defense, and then we may be able to support the plant’s defense against the bacteria,” Levy said.
While Levy leads investigations into the interactions between the bacteria and the plant, Tamborindeguy will be looking into the interactions between the bacteria and the psyllid responsible for spreading it.
“We have shown that the presence of the pathogen is also bad for the insect,” she said. “The bacteria are able to disrupt defenses at different stages in the life cycle and in different hosts. If we can improve both the insect and plant’s defense against the pathogen, it would provide an additional layer of protection.”
The project builds on more than a decade of foundational research by Texas A&M AgriLife scientists. Both Tamborindeguy and Levy have studied psyllid-transmitted pathogens for years, contributing significant knowledge about the bacteria’s biology and their
impact on agriculture.
The researchers hope their findings will pave the way for solutions to control the bacteria and protect their hosts, potentially breeding plants with enhanced resistance or developing biocontrol agents.
“This work not only benefits potato growers but also has implications for other crops facing similar threats,” Levy said. “By understanding the diversity of pathogens and their interactions, we’re creating tools that could protect future generations of crops.”
While the focus of this project is on solanaceous crops, like potatoes, tomatoes and peppers, the findings may extend to citrus greening, another bacterial disease spread by a psyllid insect that has caused significant agricultural damage.
“We’re building on years of work and continuously learning,” Tamborindeguy said. “This project is a step toward reducing our reliance on pesticides and improving the sustainability of agricultural systems.”
Kayla Vogel, Senior Global Consumer Marketing Manager
Potatoes are a staple food for two-thirds of the world’s population. They’re nutritious, versatile and relevant to a wide variety of cultural cuisines around the world. To help the potato industry gain insights into international consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward U.S. potatoes, YAMADA Consulting & Spire recently surveyed consumers in Asia, Latin America and the Gulf Cooperation Council — opportunity regions for selling more U.S. potato products.
The results provide guidance for targeting these consumers with nutrition and cooking information relevant to their preferences and lifestyles.
Asia and Latin America consumers ranked taste as the most important attribute across all potato products. For Gulf consumers, the most important attributes were “nutritional value” for fresh potatoes, “dietary preference” for frozen potatoes, “familiarity” for dehydrated mashed potatoes, and “versatility” for potato chips.
When it comes to potato nutrition, most consumers in Asia (74 percent) and Latin America (78 percent) view potatoes primarily as a source of carbohydrates, while most Gulf
consumers (96 percent) view them as a source of high-quality protein. Across all regions, the top three perceptions of potatoes’ functional health benefits are that they are natural and unprocessed, free of additives, and fuel for the brain, showing the opportunity to expand their understanding of the performance benefits of potatoes.
The top reasons given for choosing potatoes were that they are versatile and prepared quickly and easily. In Asia and the Gulf region, respondents also said potatoes stay fresh for a long
time, while Latin America respondents said they’re “easy to take with me on the go.”
With a large majority of respondents keen to search for new potato recipes across all surveyed regions, information about their cooking habits provides a blueprint for the types of recipes these consumers may find most useful.
Cooking at home was more popular than dining out across the board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and
“The top reasons given for choosing potatoes were that they are versatile and prepared quickly and easily. In Asia and the Gulf region, respondents also said potatoes stay fresh for a long time, while Latin America respondents said they’re “easy to take with me on the go.”
snacks across all regions, indicating opportunities to help consumers better understand the possibilities for potatoes in their home-cooked meals. However, Gulf respondents were significantly more likely to dine out for all meals than consumers in other regions. Japanese respondents were significantly more likely to eat at home and less likely to dine out than their counterparts in other regions or other Asian countries.
When deciding what to cook, taste was the top consideration for consumers in Asia and the Gulf. However, Latin American consumers were more concerned with “suitability for everyone.” Across all regions, two key factors were already having the ingredients and being able to quickly prepare the dish.
In Asia (76 percent) and Latin America (85 percent), the top cooking method was gas, electric or induction stovetop by a wide margin. In the Gulf, the top three were the microwave (90 percent), pressure cooker (88 percent) and stovetop (86 percent). Across all regions, the top three most common cooking methods for potatoes were pan frying, boiling and deep frying.
Across all regions, fresh potatoes were the most frequently consumed, followed by potato chips, frozen potatoes and dehydrated mashed potatoes, except in the Gulf region, where dehydrated mashed potatoes were consumed equally as much as frozen potatoes.
Overwhelmingly, consumers in most countries eat potatoes as a side dish for dinner, except for in the Gulf, where potatoes are eaten evenly as a main dish across all meals, including snacks.
As for where consumers are buying their potatoes from, the United States was the most-purchased country of origin for potatoes in Asia (23 percent) and Latin America (33 percent), while India was the top country of origin in the
Gulf (40 percent).
The International Consumer Research Attitudes, Perceptions, and Purchasing Habits Report was prepared on behalf of Potatoes USA by YAMADA Consulting
& Spire. Respondents included consumers ages 20-65 who consume potato products at least two to three times per month, are the primary decision-makers for grocery choices, and earn the median household income or higher in their region. (However, no income criteria were set for consumers in Latin America.) The survey report includes a sample of 300 respondents per market.
Please reach out to media@potatoesusa.com for more detailed insights into each target market in this survey.
Jenn Dillinger, Administrative Manager
Since I began working for the Potato Certification Association of Nebraska, first in the laboratory and then moving on to my current role as administrative manager, I noticed that people began asking me a lot of questions. The questions were not necessarily about the certification process, although certainly there are a fair number of certification questions that come my way. Most of the questions I am asked are simply about potatoes. And the questions are as varied as the people who ask them. I think the questions can be broken down into three basic categories. First, there are the questions about growing potatoes. I have fond memories of my grandmother instructing me in the art of cutting potatoes and planting them in hills in the garden behind her house, so sometimes I am surprised when people admit how little they know about growing potatoes.
It feels like knowledge that all grandparents should have passed down somehow. However, since that isn’t the case, I get to field all sorts of questions about how to plant and when to plant. I have been asked about containers and indoor growing and hydroponics. I’ve been asked about planting potatoes from seed catalogs and the local nurseries and the weirdly sprouting potatoes forgotten in the back of the produce drawer (please don’t). There are also plenty of questions about yield, strange appearance or what pesticides to use. There are pictures with questions like, “Should I plant this?” or “What’s wrong with this?” And of course, “When can I dig them up and eat them?”
The next category has to do with eating
potatoes. First we have the questions that I’m not the best at answering, and that would be how best to actually cook them. While I can suggest which potatoes might roast or mash better, that’s about all the cooking advice you want to take from me (basically I will just tell you to add butter and garlic to everything, so if that’s your idea of a decent meal, I guess take my advice). The questions I’m more comfortable with often start with, “What
potato would be best for ...” and then fill in the blank. I get to suggest the type of potato that might work best for certain applications ... and explain why. The right potato goes a long way toward making sure your dish succeeds, after all. (Just ask my mom about the time she ruined Thanksgiving when she bought potatoes that refused to cook, no matter how long she boiled them. Worst mashed potatoes ever ... not even butter and garlic helped.)
Finally, there are the questions that are just offensive. Okay, they’re not offensive, but they definitely make me jump to correct misunderstandings. Topping this list are questions like, “Potatoes aren’t actually very healthy are they?” and “Are potatoes even a vegetable?” and possibly worst of all, “They grow potatoes in Nebraska? Isn’t that just an Idaho thing?” All of the questions that come my way just go to show that the potato tends to be on people’s minds. Whether they are growing it or eating it, they like the potato, and they aren’t shy about it. In a recent study commissioned by Potatoes USA, 53 percent of the consumers questioned named the potato as the most foundational vegetable in their culture. This is a food that matters to people, so of course there are questions. Curiosity swirls around the topics that matter most to us.
This time of year, most of us who work in the potato industry are full of questions of our own. My mind is preoccupied with details about winter test emergence and lab test results and treatment options and what we could do to tweak the process next year. There are dozens of variables to weigh and sort through and it could probably drive me crazy. And those are just the questions in my mind. Growers are dealing with even more questions right now as they finalize one season’s crop and look to the next. The questions are absolutely unending. When I find myself bogged down in
the “work” of potatoes, it’s nice to think about the questions of the people who plant them in their gardens and put them on their tables week after week. It’s a reminder of why we do all of this.
Because people love potatoes. No question about it.
Zeke Jennings, Marketing and Communications Manager
The Michigan potato industry had a landmark year in 2024, marked by economic achievements, strategic planning and a renewed focus on research to address pressing challenges. From record-breaking outreach efforts to forward-looking
summits, Michigan’s potato sector made strides toward ensuring longterm sustainability and growth.
In February, the Michigan potato
industry unveiled its “No Small Potatoes” economic report, a comprehensive analysis of the sector’s economic contributions compiled by agriculture economists at Michigan State University. The report highlighted the industry’s annual $2.53 billion role in the state’s economy, as well as supporting nearly 22,000 in-state jobs.
To maximize the report’s impact, a robust media campaign led by Evocati LLC has an impressive reach of 14.3 million within just a few weeks. This extensive outreach generated an advertising value equivalent of $132,181, underscoring the media and public’s growing interest in Michigan’s ag industry. By showcasing the economic significance of potatoes, the campaign elevated the industry’s visibility and set the stage for deeper engagement with policymakers, consumers and stakeholders. This effort will only grow in the years to come thanks to this comprehensive report.
Building on the momentum from February, the “Rooted in Progress” summit held in June 2024 brought together industry leaders, researchers and stakeholders to chart the future of Michigan’s potato sector and what’s needed to sustain it for generations to come. This pivotal event focused on identifying research priorities for the next decade, ensuring the industry remains competitive and sustainable
in the face of evolving challenges.
Potato breeding, disease and insect pressure, and sustainability all are longstanding priorities of Michigan’s potato sector. However, “Rooted in Progress” helped stakeholders identify some areas where additional focus is needed. Some areas that stood out:
• Protecting and developing the seed potato sector
• Water monitory and cutting-edge irrigation practices
• Potato physiology.
While these topics represent areas of additional focus, the summit’s
organizers emphasized that ongoing research efforts addressing existing challenges will remain a priority. By identifying gaps in researcher expertise, infrastructure, and equipment, the summit set the foundation for targeted investments that will advance the industry’s research capabilities. Additionally, discussions highlighted potential hurdles to successful research, ensuring that new or existing areas from previous initiatives are addressed proactively.
The achievements of 2024 reflect the Michigan potato industry’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. The “No Small Potatoes” report demonstrated the sector’s economic vitality, while the “Rooted in Progress” summit showcased a forwardthinking approach to research and development. Together, these milestones highlight the industry’s dedication to addressing current challenges while preparing for future opportunities.
As Michigan Potatoes continues to build on these successes, the focus will remain on fostering partnerships, enhancing sustainability, and delivering value to growers and consumers alike. With a clear vision and a united community, the Michigan potato industry is wellpositioned to thrive in the years ahead -- proving once again that it is, indeed, “no small potatoes.”
With all the successes of 2024, the calendar year proved to be significantly brutal in terms of people we lost who impacted not only the Michigan potato industry, but well beyond. Michigan potato industry members who died in 2024 included Mark Andersen, Jeff Axford, Paul Coffman, Larry Sackett, Mike Salisbury, Ed Schlabach, Richard Skogman, Erwin Styma and Larry Young.
Many of their passings were sudden or unexpected. All will be sorely missed.
2008 Newhouse P1951 6 row Pull type Rollers 36/38”
2006 Newhouse P1751 6 row 3pt Rollers 34/36”
1993 Spudnik 550 36” BC Elev. 48’ boom 3ph Remote
1998 Double L 831 36” BC Elev./49’ boom 3ph Elec VFD’s remote 1991 Double L 813 30” BC Elev./ 49’ boom 3ph
1985 Double L 811 30” BC Elev./ 49’Boom 3ph 1990 Spudnik 550 30” BC Elev./48’ boom 3ph remote
2004 Milestone 36” All belt Arcing / 48’ boom 3ph remote
2000 Wemco 36” All belt Arcing / 49’boom 3ph All HYD remote
1979 Spudnik 500 Belt Chain 30” 3ph
2013 Logan Scoop Pro model S C30- 30” Spudnik 100 24” 3ph
dnik 100 24” 3ph
dnik 1000 Scoop
Kerina 60” with cross conv. on wheels with hitch Kerian 60” with 2- Distribution Conveyors
2005 Spudnik 1600 Collector 60’’ conveyor, 3 stingers
2001 Mayo 250 Side shift Conveyor 36”x20’w/ 230” Belt Stingers 2015 Double L 832 36” BC with fingers
2005 Milestone MSDSE84 belt Elev. Finger rolls dirt & sizing, split picking Cross out conv. 2011 Spudnik 96” 990 BC Elev Reverse roll table sizing table split picking cross out conv 2004 Spudnik 995 DES 72” Q A dirt & Size roll tables, split picking 230 volt 3ph 2002 Spudnik 72” DE belt elev
2017 Milestone 96” 480 3phase 2006 Spudnik 995 72”Finger rollers, ellis table, Belt
2005 Milestone MSDSE84 belt Elev. Finger rolls dirt & sizing, split picking Cross out conv.
2011 Spudnik 96” 990 BC Elev. Reverse roll table sizing table split picking cross out conv.
2004 Spudnik 995 DES 72”
1995 Spudnik 925 72” Acorns 480 volt 3ph
Kerian 60”W x 6’ L, 3- adjustable lanes 1” to 5”, smooth rolls Kerian 60”W x 10’ L, 4 adjustable lanes 1” to 4.5”, rib rolls
Tara Artho, Executive Director
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC) partners with growers to define and monitor quality standards so that every potato that carries the Colorado Potato name is the best it can be.
We also focus on education, research and marketing. Today people are more removed than ever from the food chain and what it actually takes to get your groceries to the store and on your table. The next generation must understand where their food comes from, the nutritional benefits it provides, and its importance to the economy.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom (CoAITC) in delivering high-quality educational experiences focused on agriculture, and more specifically, on Colorado potatoes. CoAITC’s fastest growing and most
impactful program is the Literacy Project. This is an annual interactive learning initiative that provides each participating class with a free kit containing educational resources and supplies for engaging hands-on student activities.
The project features an original children’s book that tells true-life stories of heroes in Colorado agriculture. It integrates agricultural themes into pre-K-12 instruction, connecting to academic standards for language arts, science, social studies, STEM and AFNR. A new topic and book are chosen each year, with past year’s projects featuring Pueblo chiles, sheep and wool production, Colorado peaches, and a historical look at Colorado agriculture.
The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is thrilled to partner on this
project for 2026 to feature Colorado potatoes. The project will include the publication of a brand-new original children’s book telling the story of Colorado potatoes. As part of the kit, students will also receive petite medley Colorado potatoes for a delicious and nutritious tasting experience to enjoy in their classrooms.
This project will shine a spotlight on Colorado potatoes in a big way and has an ambitious goal of reaching 50,000 preK-12 students and teachers statewide. This project represents a unique opportunity to engage students in a fun and meaningful way, providing them with lasting knowledge about potatoes, nutrition and the agricultural industry.
Another project that CPAC is proud to partner with CoAITC on is the Colorado Reader, which is an eight-
page student activity magazine. CoAITC publishes four issues of the Colorado Reader each school year on different agricultural topics. A total of 65,000 copies are printed and directly mailed to 1,925 classes across the state. In the fall of 2022, we produced our first issue, “SPUD-Tacular Colorado Potatoes,” which introduced thousands of students to where and how potatoes are grown, the many ways to cook potatoes, and the nutritional value. The response to that issue was overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to announce a new issue on potatoes set to be released this spring. This publication will continue to highlight the nutritional value of potatoes, their journey from field to
table, and the hardworking farmers behind it all. Digital flip-book versions of the Colorado Reader can be read at CoAgClassroom.org/teachingresources/reader/.
Beyond the classroom materials, we’ve also focused on providing professional development opportunities for educators. Last summer, we co-hosted a successful Summer AgriCULTURE Institute with CoAITC, bringing 24 teachers together in the San Luis Valley to learn directly from local growers and experience the potato industry firsthand. This immersive experience allowed educators to gain a deeper understanding of agriculture, which they can bring back to their classrooms
This project will shine a spotlight on Colorado potatoes in a big way and has an ambitious goal of reaching 50,000 preK12 students and teachers statewide. This project represents a unique opportunity to engage students in a fun and meaningful way, providing them with lasting knowledge about potatoes, nutrition and the agricultural industry.
to inspire students for years to come. It used to be said that children were three generations removed from farming and agriculture. Today, that gap is much wider. In fact, most kids have no idea where their food comes from. As Colorado’s population grows, it’s increasingly urgent for us to teach the next generation about the importance of agriculture. The more our children know about how food gets to the table, the more empowered they will be to use natural resources responsibly to benefit the health of their communities and planet.
We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration with CoAITC and expanding our efforts to promote agricultural literacy, one potato at a time. Together, we’re not just growing potatoes – we’re growing awareness, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for the incredible world of agriculture.
For more information about Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom and their programs, please visit CoAgClassroom.org.
We can give you the harvest details with a yield monitor
- 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.
Jamey Higham, President and CEO
This past February, the Idaho Potato Commission teamed up with Food Network’s South Beach (SOBE) Wine & Food Festival, one of the country’s premier culinary events.
At SOBE’s iconic Burger Bash, hosted by the legendary Rachael Ray, we introduced the Idaho Potato Side Dish Challenge, celebrating chefs’ creativity as they crafted innovative potato-inspired dishes to complement the festival’s over-the-top burgers.
Supported by our food service team, the chefs selected their preferred Idaho potatoes to bring their visions to life.
Brian Jones of Sun Valley Potatoes and commissioner of the Idaho Potato Commission joined me on stage to present the Best Side Dish Award, honoring a dish that stood out for its exceptional presentation and taste. The moment showcased both the artistry of the chefs and the versatility of Idaho potatoes.
In addition to the event, Idaho Potatoes expanded its reach through PR and social media, sharing engaging posts that
highlighted the chefs’ creations and the brand’s role in the competition. These efforts amplified the challenge’s impact and allowed us to connect with an even broader audience.
Beyond the culinary excitement, the SOBE festival carried a meaningful purpose. All net proceeds supported the Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and provided FIU students with hands-on experience, preparing them to lead the hospitality industry.
This activation marked the start of our 2025 partnership campaigns. Later this month, from March 22–27, we’ll head to the slopes in Sun Valley for the Audi FIS World Cup Ski Finals, which will also kick off the Big Idaho Potato Truck Tour. These initiatives continue our mission to showcase Idaho Potatoes and foster meaningful connections across kitchens and communities nationwide.
