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SEPTEMBER 2-6
Potato Bowl USA
Grand Forks, North Dakota Potatobowl.org
SEPTEMBER 9-11
Husker Harvest Days
Grand Island, Nebraska huskerharvestdays.com
SEPTEMBER 9-11
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After my stellar 6-1 record of land grant college football game picks last year, I half-heartedly joked that maybe I should retire from my Pigskin and Potatoes prognosticating while I’m ahead.
In fact, I think I had just about convinced myself to hang it up so I could go out a winner … but then I won the company March Madness pool and I got a little greedy and, well, probably full of myself.
Regardless, I think I’m ready for another round for the 2025 college football season.
I could write about other things more pressing in the potato industry but holy cow, things are in such an uproar now in most all of agriculture so I’m waiting for the dust to settle before I head back into that realm. There aren’t many in ag who haven’t been touched in some way with all the changes, tariffs, issues and other goings on that have created a bit a pall over agriculture.
So rather than go heavy, I want to tackle (get it?) something a little less weighty.
Just like last year, I’m focusing on land grant universities from major potato growing states playing each other. Here goes, starting in the East and heading to the West.
The University of Maine Bears sadly don’t have any games scheduled against any land grant schools from major potato growing areas so we’ll have to pass on them this year. Since we have to bypass Maine, let’s move down the Northeast to Penn State, which admittedly isn’t in a hugepotato growing state (roughly 7,000 acres are grown each year), but the Nittany Lions have a couple of big games against other land grant universities where potatoes are a fairly big crop. And since football is a pretty big deal at Penn State, I couldn’t resist.
Penn State at Michigan State (Nov. 15). Winner: Penn State Nebraska at Penn State (Nov. 22). Winner: Penn State
Farther down the East Coast is the University of Florida, which has one game against another land grant university in a
potato-producing state: Texas A&M. This might be one of the tougher ones for me to pick because I don’t follow either team as much as I do most of the other schools, but what the heck. Florida at Texas A&M (Oct. 11). Winner: Texas A&M
Now on to some more familiar territory and teams (at least for me).
Michigan State University – Aside from the Penn State game, the Spartans play two other land grant universities, both on the road. Ouch. The Spartans only won one road game last year. Double ouch.
Michigan State at Nebraska (Oct. 4). Winner: Nebraska
Michigan State at Minnesota (Nov. 1). Winner: Minnesota
University of Wisconsin – The Badgers are the sole reason I didn’t go 7-0 last year as they lost at home to Minnesota. I’m still a little bitter. I’ve seen the Badgers play in Camp Randall Stadium and soon realized what a tough place for opponents to play so I was surprised when they lost at home. But then, Wisconsin also lost at home to Penn State last year in the Badgers homecoming game. But it’s time for me to move on.
Wisconsin at Minnesota (Nov. 29). Winner: Minnesota
University of Minnesota – Aside from the Michigan State and Wisconsin games, the Golden Gophers play one other land grant university where potatoes are kind of a big deal: Nebraska. Even though they’re both members of the Big Ten, the two teams didn’t play last year and I think the game this year will be a dandy. But it’s tough to go against the Cornhuskers at home.
Minnesota at Nebraska (Oct. 17). Winner: Nebraska
North Dakota State University – The defending NCAA FCS football champions don’t have any other large potato producing state land grant universities on their schedule this season, but then, the Bison didn’t have any scheduled last season either. That is until the FCS championship in Texas
when they played then No. 1 Montana State University. The Bison edged the Bobcats 35-32 for the championship. It wouldn’t surprise me if the two teams meet again in the playoffs this season.
Colorado State University – The Rams had a bit of breakout season last year, finishing 8-5, which is three wins better than the 2023 season. The Rams lost to Oregon State, one of the Pac 2’s teams last year, in double overtime in Corvallis. This year, the other Pac 2 team plays in Fort Collins in what promises to be a good football game. I think the nod in this one goes to the home team.
Washington State at Colorado State (Sept. 27).
Winner: Colorado State
University of Idaho – Idaho is the land grant university in the No. 1 potato producing state in the U.S. and the Vandals have been on a roll as of late, qualifying for the FCS playoffs in each of the last three seasons. Idaho made it to the second round of the playoffs last year, losing to fellow land grant university Montana State. The Bobcats also beat the Vandals during the regular season. The two teams don’t play each other in the regular season this year, however. And with the head coach leaving for the same position at New Mexico there is a new coach at the helm this season so the Vandals will have to work hard to repeat the success they’ve enjoyed recently. There are two other land grant universities on the schedule this year, including Division I Washington State University, just across the border from Moscow and conference foe the University of California Davis, a team the Vandals lost by two points to last season.
Idaho at Washington State (Aug. 30). Winner: Washington State UC Davis at Idaho (Nov. 8). Winner: Idaho
Washington State University – In addition the Colorado State game, the Cougars, interestingly enough (this is the Pac 2, after all), play Oregon State, the other Pac 2 member, in a home and away series, with both games in the same month
(November), no less. You just don’t see that at the Division I level but until the conference expands next season, this is what the Beavers and Cougars have to look forward to. I’m taking the easy way out and going with the home team in these two games.
Washington State at Oregon State (Nov. 1). Winner: Oregon State
Oregon State at Washington State (Nov. 29). Winner: Washington State
Bonus Games
I can’t pass up making a prediction for the Potato Bowl USA, held annually at the Alerus Center, the home field of the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Last year the Fighting Hawks manhandled the Idaho State Bengals in the Potato Bowl. This year Portland State University will travel to Grand Forks to play in the Potato Bowl, which is sponsored by Northland Potatoes.
Portland State at North Dakota (Sept. 6). Winner: North Dakota
Okay, one more and this one is a big stretch for me, the Spud Bowl in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This annual game takes place at NCAA Division III University of WisconsinStevens Point. The Pointers lost last year’s game to UWStout and host the always tough Albion College, which has a two-game winning streak against the Pointers going into this year’s Spud Bowl. The Pointers and Britons were on opposite ends of winning last season with the Pointers finishing 1-9 and the Brits 7-3.
Albion College at UW-Stevens Point (Sept. 6). Winner: Albion College
There you have it. Am I as confident as I was last year in my potato and pigskin prognostications? Not really. But I will keep track of my predictions and give a scorecard after the football season is over.
Stay tuned.
Spartan Stadium on the campus of Michigan State University in Lansing.
NEW PRODUCTS
Step N Guard
Necessity is the mother of invention. That’s how the patented Step N Guard was created. A long road trip that resulted in damage to the tow vehicle and trailer, despite using a brand-name mudflap at the time, caused an Idaho entrepreneur to work on a better mudflap.
But Step N Guard is more than just a mudflap. It is a modular step and mudflap system, making it the only product of its kind in the industry. It mounts solid to a pickup under the bumper instead of behind the bumper. It doesn’t interfere with most back-up sensors. It comes with stainless steel anti-sail plates that hold the flap down and in place under high speeds. The mounting bar becomes a step, giving the truck owner quick and easy access to the back of their truck bed.
FEATURES OF THE DUAL-PURPOSE SYSTEM INCLUDE:
• Unparalleled Protection: The heavy-duty materials and robust design provide superior defense against road debris, gravel and mud, protecting not only the truck owners’ paint
and undersides – which helps maintain resale value – but their towables as well.
• Integrated, Rock-Solid Step: Unlike flimsy add-ons, the integrated step is engineered for durability and safety, providing a secure point of entry for lifted trucks or easy bed access. It’s built to withstand daily use and abuse.
• Rapid Installation: This is a huge win for owners. The modular system typically installs in about 45 minutes with minimal to no drilling required (depending on the application).
Farmers Seek Efficiency As New Header Technology Hits The Market
Farmers know better than anyone the pressures of working with razor-thin margins. Rising input costs, fluctuating commodity prices and increasing demands on time and labor are real challenges that make every decision critical. To help address these issues, Bish Enterprises is introducing its innovative Dual-Bed Pickup Header, a new solution designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs during harvest.
The Bish Dual-Bed Header is the only product on the U.S. market featuring two independent pickup beds. It allows farmers to harvest two windrows at once, reducing time in the field, fuel consumption and equipment wear. This breakthrough technology helps farmers maximize productivity while minimizing costs, all while maintaining the quality of their crops.
The header is compatible with a variety of crops, including grass seed, legumes, pulses, oilseeds and cereals, making it versatile for farmers managing mixed rotations or larger acreages. For no-till or conservation tillage systems, it also reduces
• Accessories Available: Most truck owners spend time working on-site near their vehicle. The system offers lights that mount directly to the system, providing a work light or strobe to help alert oncoming traffic. Also available is a heat shield for those with larger exhaust systems. And more accessories are on the way.
• Aftermarket Exhaust Tip: This is available for Chevrolet/ GMC pickups so that they can also utilize this system.
For more information, visit https://stepnguard.com/.
unnecessary soil compaction while maximizing harvest efficiency.
Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Farmers report that harvesting two windrows per pass is yielding smoother operations and significant savings in time and fuel.
In testing done on a field size of 800 acres, farmers using the Dual-Bed Pickup Header saved between 790 and 1,053 gallons of fuel compared to a traditional single-bed header. When fuel and maintenance costs were factored in, total operational savings ranged from $33,580 to $42,140.
For more information, visit bishenterprise.com/ pickup-heads.
BioSafe Systems Expands
Product Portfolio With Introduction Of BioPhyter, An Endophytic Biostimulant
BioSafe Systems has announced BioPhyter, the newest addition to the horticulture and agriculture portfolios. BioPhyter is a groundbreaking biostimulant, made from plants, for plants, that reimagines the role of Beauveria bassiana (Bb) in crop production.
Unlike traditional approaches, BioPhyter utilizes a plant-derived strain of Bb to colonize the plant systemically, from root to leaf. This systemic endophytic relationship supports crop vitality by improving key physiological functions within the plant.
BioPhyter’s systemic activity strengthens the vascular system, maximizing nutrient distribution, photosynthesis and structural integrity. As a result, plants are better equipped to withstand both abiotic and biotic stressors, promoting healthier, more resilient growth.
In addition to boosting plant performance, BioPhyter supports integrated pest management strategies through natural antiherbivory effects without negatively impacting beneficial insects.
With BioPhyter, BioSafe Systems continues its mission to provide innovative, sustainable solutions that drive success in modern agriculture.
For more information, visit BioSafeSystems.com.
Lindsay’s TowerWatch Increases Productivity By Monitoring Tower Issues
Lindsay Corporation announced the addition of TowerWatch to
the company’s suite of innovative SmartPivot Solutions.
Available on Zimmatic pivots and aftermarket for most existing pivots in North America, TowerWatch is a premier tower alignment monitor designed to save growers valuable time and resources by pinpointing tower faults faster. Growers using TowerWatch may reduce their troubleshooting time by 75 percent through alerts from FieldNET Premier.
Available as a feature on all new Zimmatic pivots and as an add-on for pivots of any brand already in the field, TowerWatch saves more than time – the technology also allows growers to save on water and energy costs. When a tower fault occurs, growers using Lindsay’s SmartPivot Solutions can expect to:
• Get an instant notification from their FieldNET app.
• Immediately identify the location of the fault.
• Remotely control water application with award-winning FieldNET to lower the risk of crop stress.
• Arrive at the rig ht tower quicker to inspect the issue, reducing time spent walking the system.
• Make fewer trips to the field, saving growers time and money.
For more information, visit Lindsay. com/towerwatch.
John Deere Launches New F8 And F9 Series SelfPropelled Forage
John Deere announced the launch of its new F8 and F9 Series selfpropelled forage harvesters (SPFHs), designed and built from the ground up with customer input to elevate forage performance, fuel efficiency, operator comfort and, ultimately, farm productivity.
The new machines offer increased horsepower options and improved automation with a higher level of comprehensive technology offerings compared with previous models to transform how farmers and custom operators harvest, process and manage forage.
Greater Power Offers Greater Efficiency
The new F9 Series is available in two engine options — John Deere 18X and Liebherr V12 24L — with five horsepower options ranging from
700PS to 1020PS; while the F8 Series comes with the JD14X engine, bringing six horsepower options, ranging from 425PS to 645PS, offering farmers the option to choose the power they need to meet their production goals. These engine options deliver serious power with improved efficiency, helping farmers do more with less. The JD18X engine features no DEF requirements, and John Deere’s HarvestMotion Plus technology allows for increased torque at lower rpms, driving up to 15 percent in fuel savings and up to a 10 percent gain in power.
Technology That Works Smarter
The new John Deere forage harvester brings a new level of automated harvesting intelligence. Ground speed automation helps maintain ideal load and helps prevent operator stress by adjusting ground speed in real time based on crop conditions. Operator input can be reduced by using ProTouch Harvest, allowing operators to initiate multiple harvest-ready settings with one push of a button, while Active Fill Control ensures consistent truck fills even under the toughest harvesting conditions.
AROUND THE VINE
PotatoPro Launches Interactive Mapping Features On International Day Of Potato
Food Innovation Online Corp., the company behind the leading potato industry portal PotatoPro.com, has announced the launch of its “PotatoPro Puts You on the Map” initiative.
This campaign kicks off with a series of innovative interactive mapping features, unveiled in celebration of the International Day of Potato, observed worldwide using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfPotato.
The new mapping tools allow PotatoPro users to explore global potato industry statistics such as production volumes by country, making complex data accessible, visual, and easy to understand. These features are designed to create transparency and support industry professionals, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the world’s third most important food crop.
Importantly, the information is not limited to national-level data. For several key potato-producing countries including the United States, Canada, China, India, and Australia, much of the information is also available at the state or provincial level, offering a deeper, more localized view of the industry.
Over the next months, PotatoPro will expand this mapping initiative with additional data layers, including:
• Potato imports and exports by country
• Production, import, and export of frozen potato products
• Import and export of dehydrated potato products
• Prices at farm gate and in retail
• Companies active in the potato industry, categorized by product type
For more information and to explore the new features, visit www.potatopro.com.
Newly Modernized Aroostook Farm, Home Of World-Class Potato Breeding Program, Reopens
Maine Gov. Janet Mills and leaders of the University of Maine and Maine Potato Board celebrated the completion of a $3 million renovation of the flagship’s Aroostook Farm with a ceremonial ribbon cutting in July in Presque Isle.
For more than a century, the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station’s (MAFES) 425acre Aroostook Farm has been the heart of UMaine’s agricultural research to benefit the state’s potato industry, including breeding innovations like the Caribou Russet — now the top seed potato variety planted in Maine.
Thanks to the success of this high-yield spud, which UMaine researchers intentionally bred to be disease-
resistant and tolerant of weather-related stress, Maine is one of only three states where potato production expanded between 2000 and 2022. The industry now has a $1.3 billion annual economic impact in the state, supporting more than 6,500 jobs, according to a recent UMaine report.
Developing a new potato variety like the Caribou Russet typically takes 10-12 years, requiring evaluation of multiple potential varieties in the pipeline at a time.
Changing climate and markets are necessitating speeding up that process, something that can be achieved by measuring and assessing yield and other characteristics of more potential varieties simultaneously. The advanced technology improvements to Aroostook Farm will now make that possible.
In a renovated potato storage building now converted into a lab, new DNA phenotyping and imaging equipment, optical sorters, sensors and even machines that detect sugar levels will give UMaine researchers the ability to breed the most desirable potatoes. In the farm’s fields, new drones will enable them to more efficiently monitor and manage nearly 6,000 test plots, allowing for a better understanding of how changing conditions, including weather and pests, affect each variety under development.
The modernization was funded using $3 million of $35 million provided to the University of Maine System (UMS) through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan (MJRP) — proposed by Gov. Mills and approved by the 130th Maine Legislature to spur the state’s economic recovery and longterm growth by strategically investing federal pandemic relief funds.
“With tools like drones that will fly over the farm’s nearly 6,000 test plots, the Aroostook Farm will help agriculture students better determine which potato varieties are most resistant to weather, pests and disease, and develop successful new varieties, like the Caribou Russet, to keep Maine-grown potatoes in high demand,” said Gov. Mills. “When we created the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to build an economy of the future, this is exactly the type of payoff we were envisioning. I congratulate the University of Maine and our entire agriculture community on the transformation of the Aroostook Farm in Presque Isle into an advanced research institution.”
The Maine Potato Board and Farm Credit East, ACA, also contributed to the capital project.
“The Maine Potato Board appreciates the University of Maine making this project a priority, and their decades of leadership, research and responsiveness to our growers and producers,” said Maine Potato Board Executive Director Jeannie Tapley. “The investments made here will help develop the next Caribou Russet more quickly and the next generation of researchers necessary for our industry to adapt and continue producing the highest-quality potatoes in the world right here in Maine.”
Simplot Initiates Acquisition Of Clarebout Group
The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, and Clarebout Potatoes, a leading potato processing company headquartered in Belgium, have announced Simplot’s intention to acquire the operating business of Clarebout.
The acquisition brings together two market leaders in the processing and distribution of frozen potato products and related services. The parties anticipate closing the transaction in 2025 following the receipt of all regulatory approvals.
The announcement comes after discussions surrounding the companies’ shared desire to form a strong food foundation capable of meeting the world’s evolving economic, agricultural and environmental demands. By joining, the two companies have succeeded in creating a frozen potato processing group with complementary assets to serve customers around the world with localized supply from 23 production locations.
The agreement between the two parties provides for the maintenance, and even expansion, of Clarebout Potatoes’ assets — staff and production sites — on the European continent.
Clarebout has five production sites in Europe and directly employs more than 3,000 people. Its customers are located worldwide and are primarily from the retail and catering sectors, as well as the food industry.
For more information, visit www.simplot.com.
BETTER STORAGE STARTS HERE
“The Industry Leader In Vent
Floor Systems”
• Better distribution of air flow
• Reduces moisture loss by up to 50%
• Low maintenance
• Quick cleanup
• Greater storage yield
• Easy storage loading and unloading for onions and potatoes
CURRENTLY BEING USED BY:
Frank Tiegs-Pasco, WA
Cleaver Storages-Hermiston, OR
Lamb Weston-American Falls
Madison Farms-Echo, OR Munn Farms-Prosser, WA
Hartley Farms-Prosser, WA
Lamb Weston-Patterson, WA
Agri NW-Plymouth, WA
Warden Hutterians-Warden, WA
Weyns Farms-Othello, WA
PEI Launches Land Buy-Back Program For Potato Producers
Following a commitment in the 2025 Speech from the Throne, Prince Edward Island is offering a new program to purchase designated potato wart index fields from producers and agricultural operations.
The PEI Index Field Buy-Back Program will add to existing investments and initiatives to further strengthen the potato industry by establishing a fund to purchase agriculture land designated as index fields. Property that is purchased will be preserved, contributing to the goal of protecting seven percent of PEI’s land.
“Supporting our producers through this challenging experience has been a main priority for our government, and this buy-back program not only supports affected producers, but also strengthens our entire industry moving forward,”
Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture Bloyce Thompson said. “Purchasing index fields has been something that we have explored at great lengths in the past, and with broadened risk mitigation measures in the new National Potato Wart Response Plan, we saw an opportunity to benefit our entire industry at a time when trade is of the utmost importance.”
Since 2021, the Government of PEI has invested over $40 million into the PEI potato industry through initiatives such as the Potato Wart Contingency Fund, trade relief, as well as through regulatory and disinfection services.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has designated 37 sites as index fields across PEI. Eligible property owners interested in selling can visit: PEI Index Field Buy-Back Program.
Here’s How America Does Fries
Virginia is for fry lovers, according to a new study.
The poll of 5,000 U.S. adults found the average person of the “Old Dominion” selfreported eating at least 21 pounds of spuds, closely followed by three other heavyhitting states: Alabama, Georgia and Maryland — all with the average person eating about 20 pounds per year.
On average, a single American can eat at least 17 pounds of a small serving (69 grams) of fries per year. Expanded to the entire nation, that means America eats a minimum of 5,610,000,000 pounds of the stuff — equivalent to the weight of 155,833 school buses.
Ahead of National French Fry Day on July 11 and commissioned by McCain Foods (https://www.mccain.com), the study conducted by Talker Research revealed variances for one of America’s favorite foods.
While all states can agree that the “best” fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside (72 percent), there are more debates about what type of fry and what seasonings and sauces are best.
Twenty-eight states agreed straight-and-seasoned fries were top-tier, most popular in North Dakota (55 percent), Mississippi (54 percent), Alabama (49 percent), Wyoming (49 percent), Louisiana (48 percent) and Utah (48 percent).
However, the rest of the nation had varied views on which fry is best.
Classic shoestring fries were most popular in Hawaii (45 percent), New Hampshire (45 percent), Michigan (44 percent), Maine (42 percent) and Texas (42 percent).
Curly fries reigned supreme in Alaska (46 percent), Kansas (46 percent), Connecticut (45 percent) and Oklahoma (45 percent).
Crinkle-cut fries earned top scores in states like Nebraska (51 percent), Kentucky (46 percent) and Pennsylvania (43 percent). Crinkle-cut was also the most popular style of fry in Illinois (41 percent).
And waffle fries only got love in one state: Colorado (44 percent).
And no matter what specific type they prefer, two coastal powerhouses were also most likely to experience happiness or joy while eating fries: California (59 percent) and New York (58 percent).
Some Americans even have “hometown heroes,” or classic fry dishes that hail from their own backyards. New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are proud to be the home of “disco fries,” while “boardwalk fries” are a Delaware staple.
Those in Illinois enjoy “horseshoe” or “ponyshoe sandwiches” and Californians proudly boast their namesake: the “California burrito.”
-Talker Research/McCain Food
“We’re A Typical
TWIN GROWERS PROVIDE QUALITY POTATOES FOR SWISS CONSUMERS
By Lane Lindstrom
If you were to imagine what a Swiss farm might look and be like, what would you visualize?
Neat and tidy fields nestled in and around the wooded landscape? Fields laid out with precision on rolling hills among magnificent scenery, which includes a backdrop of the Swiss Alps in certain parts (actually many parts) of Switzerland? Quaint villages and towns, many of which are hundreds of years old and still home to generations of farmers who still work the land? Cows with bells hanging around their neck (yes, it’s a real thing) in the idyllic countryside? And maybe, for good measure, old castle ruins standing guard on a nearby hillside or mountainside?
Niklaus Ramseyer (shown here) and his twin brother Matthias are third generation growers near Schupfen, Switzerland, having taken over for their father Fritz, whose father started farming in the area in 1950. Courtesy photo.
Typical Swiss Farm”
Our visit to the farm owned by 31-year-old twins Niklaus and Matthias Ramseyer in the hamlet of Winterswil near Schupfen, Switzerland, we saw all of that and more.
In many ways, farming for the Ramseyers in Switzerland is much like farming in the United States. In other ways, however, it is fairly different and unique to Swiss farmers.
As we toured the farm with Niklaus – both at the homestead and in the fields – he pointed out that in Switzerland, all farms are family farms, not corporate owned or conglomerates.
“We’re a typical Swiss farm,” Ramseyer said.
The brothers’ farm is surrounded by woods, as is nearly every other farm in the country. They raise a variety of crops, all of which are grown side-by-side in long, narrow fields, with the exception of the seed potatoes they grow, which are a handful of kilometers away from their main farm.
NOT A HOBBY FARM TO THEM
When compared to most American farms, the Ramseyer
farm is more the size of what is considered here a hobby farm. The brothers farm 45 hectares (111.2 acres), which includes 10 hectares (24.7 acres) of potatoes they produce with another potato grower. Ten hectares may not seem like much, but in Switzerland, that makes the Ramseyers “big” potato farmers.
Ramseyer explained that Swiss potato farmers on average grow 3-4 hectares (7.4-9.9 acres) of potatoes each year, pointing out that some grow more and some less. In all, Swiss growers raise 11,000 hectares (27,181.6 acres) of potatoes each year. Of that 11,000 hectares, 1,300 hectares (3,212.4 acres) are seed potatoes. Then, in another slight twist to potato growing in Switzerland, 600 hectares (1,482 acres) are spring potatoes.
The Ramseyers too grow a small amount of spring potatoes; they had started harvesting them prior to our visit but rain forced them to hold off finishing that harvest until things dried out some.
Of the balance of the potato hectares in Switzerland, about half of the crop goes to processing and the other half as table stock.
A previous harvest in Switzerland is in full swing with this Grimme SE 140 single-row harvester. Swiss potato grower Niklaus Ramseyer said about 80 percent of Swiss potato growers use a single-row harvester. Courtesy photo.
Those ratios reflect where the Ramseyer’s potatoes go as well. Only a small percentage of their crop is seed potatoes. Potatoes destined for processing go right to the plant after the harvest. “We box the table stock potatoes and deliver them to a warehouse,” Ramseyer said. “They keep them there, wash them and package them and then trade them.”
A couple of days prior to our visit to their farm, Niklaus had made two deliveries to the Inoverde/Fenaco Cooperative (the largest potato packer in Switzerland) in Bätterkinden, about 45 minutes by tractor from their farm. We were able to tour, along with Ramseyer, the Inoverde facility in Bätterkinden, which was packing potatoes and carrots the day of our visit. After potatoes are delivered to the packing facility, they are stored in large coolers until it’s time for them to be washed, packaged and shipped out.
NO SWISS POTATO EXPORTS
No Swiss-grown potatoes are exported out of the country, Ramseyer pointed out. “Swiss people want Swiss potatoes,” he said. “The Swiss people are very supportive of Swiss farmers. Swiss people want Swiss-grown food. One of the most important things is they want food grown in Switzerland.”
And that means Swiss potato growers can command a good price for their potatoes, something Ramseyer mentioned a couple of times during our visit. He said, “That’s why we can have good prices [for potatoes]. Another reason for the good prices is the high import tariffs we have on potatoes.”
He added, “We don’t have enough potatoes in Switzerland,” meaning growers there can’t meet the demand for potatoes. “We have to import some from Egypt in the winter months.”
Additionally, he explained, growers in Switzerland produce about 50 percent of the food Swiss consumers eat.
“We may not have the largest potato fields in the world and we may be very small in global terms, but thanks to
our protected market and the good cooperation between producers, retailers and industrial companies, we have very good added value. That’s why I enjoy being a potato producer in Switzerland.”
IMPROBABLE BUT POSSIBLE
Still, earning a living off a little more than 100 acres seems improbable in the U.S., yet Ramseyer says it works in Switzerland, thanks, in part to getting good prices year in and year out on their potatoes.
But there are a couple of other things that help as well. One is that they share farm machinery with other area growers, cutting down on the cost of ownership. Ramseyer did say his farm owns its own tractors. Sharing farm machinery allows them to change out the machinery every 5-10 years.
Another factor in play is, believe it or not, government regulation on farms in Switzerland. Ramseyer explained, “If a farm in Switzerland complies with government regulations, known as ecological performance requirements, it receives subsidies. One requirement, for example, is to adhere to crop rotation or to use the specified amount of fertilizer for each crop. Compliance with government regulations usually makes agronomic sense, which is why we receive subsidies. As a result, 99 percent of all farms in Switzerland participate in this program.”
That means potatoes are on a 4-5 year rotation, mixed in with other crops the Ramseyers grow, which includes sugarbeets, cereals (grown for seed) and canola, which is used for oil production. They also grow grass/alfalfa and corn for their 60 head of cattle. If you were to put potatoes before the sugarbeets, the list above is their basic crop rotation, which, he said doesn’t always follow that same pattern as they have to be flexible, depending on government recommendations.
At the far edge of the bare field you can see a couple of rows of unharvested spring potatoes. Rain halted the harvest and the Ramseyers were waiting for things to dry out a bit before resuming. The area receives 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rain each year so growers don’t have to irrigate their potatoes.
More specifically, when it comes to fertilizer application, Ramseyer said, “The government tells us how much fertilizer we can apply on each crop. For example, in potatoes we can apply between 100-160 kg/ha, depending on variety.”
QUALITY RIGHT FROM FIELD
Ramseyer said still another reason they are able to get good prices for their potatoes is quality right out of the field. He explained there are 4-5 people on the harvester during the potato harvest to help pick out stones and bad potatoes. “We do the finish quality work in the field. That’s why our potato prices are so good, compared to Germany or compared to France. We finish the quality in the field, which is only done in Switzerland.”
As for the potato varieties, the more popular ones are Innovator, Agria (which Ramseyer said is the most important variety in Switzerland), Jule and Twinner. The Agria variety is known for making golden fries.
The spring potatoes allow growers to supply packers and processors with a fresh crop earlier than the traditional fallharvested crop. The spring crop is planted in late February/early March and then harvested in late May/early June. After the spring potatoes are planted, the Ramseyers cover the rows to keep the soil and plants warm. “They grow very fast,” he said. The rows are covered beginning in March and then taken off in the middle of April. And what about winter snows? How does that play into the spring potato crop? After all, the area can get upwards of 100 inches of snow at its 2,065-foot elevation.
“Yes, it snows here every winter and the amount varies greatly,” Ramseyer said. “When we plant spring potatoes, the snow is naturally gone. But it rarely happens that it snows again in March and April.”
THREE POTATO HARVESTS
With the spring potato crop, the Ramseyers are looking at three harvests: spring, their seed potatoes (they grow about 2 hectares/5 acres of certified seed) in August and the main crop in the fall. They harvest about one hectare (2.47 acres) of potatoes a day. Ramseyer said about 80 percent of the potato harvesters in Switzerland harvest one row at a time but that two-row harvesters are becoming more common in the country.
Despite growing potatoes in an incredibly idyllic setting, Swiss growers have their issues, just like growers elsewhere in the world. Late blight was an issue last growing season, Ramseyer said. “Our biggest challenge is late blight. In addition, climate change is leading to the regular emergence of new pests. At the same time, more and more pesticides are being banned in Switzerland (and Europe). This causes us great concern for the future.”
Even with those challenges, Ramseyer loves what he does. “I like to work in nature and with nature,” he said. “For me I want farming to be around in the future.”
Working in nature meant Niklaus Ramseyer had to leave a job he enjoyed, working as managing director of the Swiss Potato Growers’ Association in Bern. It was an important position as the union negotiates the price for every potato variety so that growers all over Switzerland get the same price for their crop.
Even while he held that job for seven years, he continued working on the farm, but said it was time to farm full time. “Because after seven years in the office, I wanted to spend more time on the farm,” he said.
He hasn’t completely left that side of the Swiss potato industry. He has served as president of the Swiss Growers’ Union since February of this year.
“Ag has a good future in Switzerland.”
Ramseyer worked in the Swiss potato growers union office for seven years before returning to the farm. He did work on the farm during his managing director days but now can focus on farming full time.
Niklaus
When it comes to planting, the Ramseyers use an all-in-one planter that tills, plants and hills the potato seed in one pass. Courtesy photo.
This is a typical view of the Swiss countryside with neatly arranged farms sitting among forested hillsides.
Winning Team On A Roll At Potato Grower Golf Tournament
The winning team at the 35th annual Potato Grower Magazine Golf Scramble is on a roll. After winning the 2024 golf scramble with a score of 56, the team of Ragen Darrington, Jonny Webster, Andrew Roberts and Kendal Rolfe won this year’s Potato Grower event with a score of 57.
A full field of golfers from all facets of the potato industry enjoyed a warm but fun day of golf at the Idaho Falls Country Club. Several teams were vying for prizes and money with the first place team edging out second place by three strokes. Eric Arnold, Denver Arnold, Tyson Arnold and Kolter Jeppesen were the runners up this year with a score of 60. This team placed fourth in last year’s scramble.
Interestingly enough, the second and third place teams each shot 60 while four through seven all ended with a score of 61, necessitating the country club to utilize the scorecard playoff system to determine those finishes.
2025 GOLF TOURNAMENT WINNERS
1st – Score of 57
Ragen Darrington
Jonny Webster
Andrew Roberts
Kendal Rolfe
2nd – Score of 60
Eric Arnold
Denver Arnold
Tyson Arnold
Kolter Jeppesen
3rd – Score of 60
Kevin Loucks
Marcos Amaro
Tracy Moore
Tanner Moore
4th – Score of 61
Matthew Leslie
Chase Wray
Newman Giles
Chad Leslie
5th – Score of 61
Jonathan Adamson
Damon Ellis
Austin Moss
Luke Radford
6th – Score of 61
Tyler Watt
Jeff Watt
Larry Watt
Merna Watt
7th – Score 61
Klay Keller
John Finn
Johnathon Rivera
Brayden Jensen
A big thanks goes out to all those who participated as well as the staff at the Idaho Falls Country Club. And we couldn’t do it without the crew at Potato Grower Magazine.
We also express our appreciation for our golf tournament sponsors, which included:
The Idaho Potato Commission
Idaho Package Company
Noffsinger Mfg.
Titan Steel
Gowan Company
The Bank of Commerce
Tessenderlo/Kerley
Titan Machinery
Vive Crop Protection
Stotz Equipment
Amvac
Packaging Corporation of America
Lockwood Mfg.
Rabo AgriFinance
Syngenta
Trinity Trailer
Spudnik Equipment
Volm Companies
Idaho Grower Shippers Association
Peak Ag
BASF Corp.
Verbruggan Palletizing
Archibald Insurance Center
Nutrien Ag Solutions
United Potato Growers of America
Tri-Steel Mfg.
SNF Holding Company
Ag World Support Systems
Bayer Crop
Agri-Store Company
Zions Bank
Teleos Ag Solutions
Key Bank
FMC Corporation
Industrial Ventilation
Idaho Ag Credit
LUNCH SPONSOR – AgWest Farm Credit
DRINK SPONSOR – Teton West
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST SPONSOR – Circle Z
Ag & Irrigation
RANGE BALL SPONSOR – Simplot
LONG DRIVE CONTEST – Vive Crop Protection
DOOR PRIZE SPONSOR – Nichino America
TEE PRIZE SPONSOR – Yara North America
A Destination Rich And Taste
In History
By Maudie Heard
Everyone knows that Idaho is famous for its potatoes. Potatoes are at the core of its history, dating back to the 1800s when the first Idaho potato crop was grown. Since then, the agriculture in east Idaho, especially, has grown into one of the most important roles in Idaho’s economy.
Potatoes keep our state thriving, so it’s only right that they be highlighted. In the midst of Blackfoot sits a little gray building that highlights Idaho’s long history of agriculture.
The Idaho Potato Museum opened inside of this little gray building in 1988 to showcase the history of potatoes in the area, but before that, the museum was a railroad station for many years.
In 1912, the railroad station was built by the Oregon Short Line Railroad and a year later was completed. Over the years, countless passengers and tons of freight passed through this railroad stop until it shut down, and later the building was donated to the City of Blackfoot in 1985.
The idea of opening a potato museum in the area came after a group of people had put together the Idaho Potato Expo that took place in the building. “It was so popular, garnering over 2,000 visitors, that they said, ‘Let’s run with it,’” said operations manager Anna Summers. “The museum evolved from there.”
Inside the museum are a gift shop and a collection of exhibits showcasing various potato artifacts, many of which were donated from members of the community. The museum houses the world’s biggest potato crisp, which was made by the Pringle company in 1991, and an original potato planter from the
Certainly one of the highlights of the Idaho Potato Museum is the world’s biggest potato chip.
late 1800s, along with an educational exhibit that walks you through the origins of the potato crop in South America. During the summer months, this attraction is a hot spot for tourists. The museum sees up to 45,000 visitors who come from all over the world to see the historical exhibits and to eat potato-rich foods. “We get all kinds of tour buses coming over from Asia, from Norway and from Austria,” said Summers. “We see tourists from all over the world.”
THE POTATO STATION CAFÉ
At the other end of the museum is the Potato Station Café, located inside of the railroad’s former baggage claim area. The
Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, ID, celebrates all things potatoes.
There are also several interactive games in the potato museum, including a potato peeling game, shown in the forefront of the photo.
menu items at the cafe are all made with the same core ingredient: the potato.
On the menu are a variety of potato dishes, from waffle fries to french fries to baked potatoes to tater dollars, and a variety of baked goods.
The baked potatoes, or bakers, as Idahoans call them, are cooked to the perfect fluffiness at the café. “We’re very specific about the potatoes we order. We don’t just go and get, like, the potatoes you can get in the store,” Summers explains. “We get them from a local company here, and we scrub them really well, wrap them, and then we bake them at a high temperature for 69 minutes. They just turn out really, really nice. Then we fluff it with a fork by hand.”
Another popular item on the menu is the tater dollars. “Tater dollars are a whole baked potato that’s cut and baked the day before,” Summers said. “Then we cut it into little rounds, almost like a silver dollar, and then they’re refried.”
There is plenty of potato memorabilia showing not only the history of potatoes in Idaho but just about anything you can think of that has to do with potatoes.
The bakery even goes as far as to bake their cupcakes from potatoes. And while it might sound like an oddity to some, the cupcakes are a yummy and popular treat, according to café manager Kat Smythe. As manager of the café, Smythe pours her heart into what she does. “I like to make things that make people smile.”
The Idaho Potato Museum is located at 130 NW Main St. in Blackfoot. For more information, visit www. idahopotatomuseum.com.
STORAGE EQUIPMENT & CHEMICALS
Industrial Ventilation, Inc. (IVI)
(800) 444-7152
www.ivi-air.com
Sentinel & Centurion Control Panels
When it comes to ventilation and climate control, IVI has put the needs of growers at the forefront of their products and services for more than 50 years. IVI pioneered the storage control panel and its newest panel, the Sentinel, providing reliable control within .01 degrees F of target setpoint. The Sentinel’s streamlined features are compatible with IVI’s Centurion panel and software. The Sentinel includes eight sensors, making it an efficient, affordable option. IVI’s Imperium panel offers 12 or more sensors plus expanded capabilities. IVI panels are made in the USA, and allow growers to easily and precisely manage storage climates by controlling fans, VFDs,
evaporative coolers, humidification, heaters, refrigeration equipment and Thermadoors.
Operate on-site with touchscreen or remotely
Disinfecting Services, LLC
(208) 356-5332
www.disinfectingservices.net
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Disinfecting Services is a company specializing in post-harvest applications on stored potatoes and cleaning and disinfecting potato storages to keep them up to GAP standards. Disinfecting Services also offers plenum pipe straightening, cleaning and disinfecting, humidification system flushes, AC coil washing, piler applicator cleaning, and thermal fogging.
Disinfecting Services has its
with our app or internet. IVI also offers an extensive line of treatments to protect and address the threat of disease. Our service is
backed by the experience and expertise to best address the optimal outcome of your stored potatoes.
own line of post-harvest chemical products, including:
• Harvest 6.0, one of the strongest disinfectants labeled for potatoes;
• Bio Ultra, a high-foaming detergent designed to penetrate into heavily contaminated surfaces and break down contaminants from storage walls;
• Growers’ Shield, a soil treatment when combined with Harvest 6.0 that moves deeper into the surface to disinfect floors; and
• Cell Guard, a product used to improve airflow by cleaning and maintaining open-air passages in humidification systems, increasing the life of the media.
STORAGE EQUIPMENT & CHEMICALS
Teton West of Idaho (208) 351-1035 (Brad Hill) | (208) 709-0161 (Bob Conger) www.tetonwestofidaho.com | www.tetonwestconstruction.com
Teton West Construction Solutions
Teton West of Idaho has been eastern Idaho’s most reliable steel building supplier and builder for more than 45 years. Specializing in pre-engineered, structural steel and archwall steel structures, Teton West works with the best names in the business. Over the years, the company’s reputation of hard work partnered with old-fashioned integrity has allowed it to expand its range of service to neighboring states such as Utah, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and even as far as Nebraska. Teton West’s success stems from the belief that exceptionalism is both a mindset and a way of living. Whenever you’re ready to start building, the team at Teton West has the know-how to help you design and develop your vision, provide accurate price estimates and schedules, and deliver tailor-made construction solutions.
GroupAg
(208) 356-7800 www.groupag.com
GroupAg Services
GroupAg is a comprehensive post-harvest solutions provider, specializing in potato storage ventilation and postharvest chemical applications. Our proprietary application methods are among the most effective in the industry. With industry-leading products and technical expertise, GroupAg helps maintain optimal storage conditions while enhancing crop value through the storage and shipping process. Our engineering team designs and installs advanced storage ventilation systems using top-tier components and technology. We also service and maintain existing systems. GroupAg represents and distributes the following:
• 1,4 Group
• Decco
• BioSafe Systems
• BTU Ventilation
• Forte Humidifiers
• Johnson Thermal System
• A-TEC Indirex
• Caldwell/Chief
STORAGE EQUIPMENT & CHEMICALS
1,4GROUP, Inc.
(208) 877-9766
www.14group.com
1,4SIGHT
1,4SIGHT is a highly effective dormancy enhancer designed to maintain the quality of stored potatoes by controlling dormancy and preventing sprouting. Once applied, it triggers internal processes within the tubers, increasing levels of inhibitory proteins and altering metabolic activity to delay sprouting. These proteins naturally degrade over time, so re-treatment may be needed to maintain effect. 1,4SIGHT penetrates the potato skin and is rapidly absorbed, helping reduce shrink and loss from sprouting and respiration. The result is longer storage life, less food waste and potatoes that stay fresh for processing and retail markets. With reliable sprout control, 1,4SIGHT offers storage managers a solution for long-term success. For best results, apply soon after door closure and before natural sprouting begins.
Gellert Company
888-GELLERT www.gellert.com
Gellert Post-Harvest Solutions
When it comes to post-harvest storage, Gellert has the expertise and equipment to help growers minimize storage challenges and maximize product quality. With Gellert’s proprietary equipment, growers can rest assured their storage environment has the most efficient and effective ventilation, humidification and refrigeration for their potato crop.
Gellert has been through a lot with the agriculture industry since 1964 and is prepared to continue bringing new technology, stateof-the-art products and enhanced storage design solutions to help the industry thrive.
Agri-Star Control Panel
Gellert storage equipment runs smoothly with the proprietary Agri-Star panel. With the userfriendly interface, the Gellert App and multiple design options, Agri-Star panel has become a favorite in post-harvest storage. The panel can also be adapted
for industry-specific needs such as burners for onion growers and irrigation systems for greenhouses or nurseries. The reporting capabilities and graphs give growers the data they need to make storage trend decisions and keep their environment working at optimum performance.
STORAGE EQUIPMENT & CHEMICALS
Idaho Hydro Tech (800) 656-2281
www.humigation.com
Humigator
IHT has improved its humidifying air scrubbers with newly integrated humidity sensors and humidity control. With three patents, IHT continues to improve its air scrubbing technology. These new Humigators are more efficient, both in terms of scrubbing performance and because they have a built-in humidistat. You can run them continuously while moving crops to trap airborne mold or set them to automatically turn off when extra humidity is not needed. Just plug in to 3-phase power, connect water hoses and direct air flow both in and out using standard pipe.
The Humigator comes in two sizes, Model 30 and Model 50. Silver scurf, black dot, and Fusarium are molds, and all molds spread through the air. Humigation significantly reduces the airborne spread of silver scurf and other diseases and humidifies 100 percent RH while using less water.
Potato Storage Boxes
IHT now offers a new line of potato storage boxes. Designed by IHT and made in the USA by United Forest Products, the premier wood products provider in the U.S., these boxes
are world class in design and durability. Because they are built in the U.S., shipping cost is minimal. UFPI manufactures in many U.S. locations, so they can be made close to you and delivered quickly. With two sizes in each of two styles, you can pick what best fits your storage needs. Store up to 1.6 tons in the 4-foot by 4-foot by 6-foot model 135 or model 140 boxes, and store up to 2 tons in the 4-foot by 5-foot by 6-foot model 145 or 150 boxes.
BUYERS’ GUIDE
STORAGE EQUIPMENT & CHEMICALS
BTU Ventilation (888) 884-8070
www.btuventilation.com
BTU Ventilation Systems
BTU Ventilation offers the engineering expertise to design storage facilities, along with incorporating BTU ventilation systems to meet specific needs for different operations. BTU offers growers the state-of-theart systems with features that will maximize a crop’s quality from postharvest storage to market delivery. BTU systems can be implemented as upgrades to existing storages or as part of a new storage construction. In either case, BTU provides engineering management to assure that a grower’s investment provides the best return season after season.
Techmark (517) 322-0250 www.techmark-inc.com
Storage Ventilation and Controls
Techmark is an international agricultural engineering company specializing in storage and production systems. Techmark applies technologies that create positive returns for growers and industry. Techmark engineers apply innovative technologies with advanced engineering concepts to design efficient and effective ventilation systems. Their experience from working across many locations and environments has given them the knowledge to recognize different needs across different regions and understand how design can be utilized to maximize performance.
Agri-Stor
Companies
Twin Falls, Idaho (208) 733-7000
Warden, Wash. (509) 349-7000
www.agri-stor.com
Monte Vista, Colo. (719) 850-7783
Blackfoot, Idaho (208) 785-7000
Post-Harvest Crop Protection
Agri-Stor provides crop protection from the field, through storage, and all the way to the fresh market or processor. Agri-Stor carries a full line of organic products as well. From disinfectants to sprout control, Agri-Stor has the quality products and the application expertise to handle a wide variety of crop protection solutions. In addition to crop protection, Agri-Stor provides all ventilation, refrigeration and humidification for potato storages, including climate controls.
SmartBlock
SmartBlock is a post-harvest sprout inhibitor that effectively achieves extended sprout control in stored potatoes, made from a naturally occurring molecule commonly found in foods such as yogurt and mushrooms. SmartBlock has been FDA-approved as a direct food additive and has no effect on finish, color, sugar levels, taste, texture or cooking quality.
Agri-Stor will apply SmartBlock directly into potato storages using commercial thermal application equipment. Its patented technology works effectively alone, or combined with other sprout inhibitor products, to burn off peeping or fully sprouted tubers and restore dormancy. Depending on storage temperature, one SmartBlock application can have ongoing sprout control for up to three months.
Tolsma USA (208) 401-9217 www.tolsmagrisnich.com
Storage Solutions
Tolsma USA specializes in advanced storage and climate control solutions for the agricultural industry, with a strong focus on potato and onion storage using both box and bulk variations. As part of the Tolsma-Grisnich group, the company brings decades of Dutch engineering expertise to the North American market. Tolsma USA’s product lineup includes energy-efficient refrigeration systems like
the Quadro Compact Cooler (QCC), state-of-the-art Vision Control climate computers, and customized ventilation and condensation management technologies. Their systems are designed to maintain optimal storage conditions year-round, helping growers reduce energy costs while preserving crop quality and shelf life. Through the Grisnich side of the group, Tolsma USA also offers advanced handling and processing solutions. This includes equipment for receiving, cleaning, grading, conveying, and packing — designed to maximize efficiency and minimize crop damage. By integrating storage, climate control, and internal logistics, the company delivers complete post-harvest solutions tailored to each operation. Known for innovation, reliability, and tailored support, Tolsma USA integrates smart automation and data-driven controls to improve post-harvest management. Whether serving small-scale farms or large agricultural operations, Tolsma USA delivers scalable, precision-engineered solutions that meet the highest industry standards. Their commitment to efficiency and sustainability makes them a trusted partner in modern crop storage technology.
NATIONAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR PLAN BETTER | BUILD BETTER | MAINTAIN
Steel Vision Construction, Inc. (208) 745-1105
www.steelvisionconstruction.com
Behlen Curvet Potato Storage
Steel Vision Construction and Behlen Building Systems have partnered for over 20 years to provide potato and onion storage buildings for growers in Idaho and surrounding states. Steel Vision utilizes the Behlen “Curvet” storage system in widths of 51, 60 and 68 feet.
Steel Vision and Behlen both live by the motto, “Good Iron, Great Experience,” and the Curvet is a testament of that commitment. It a great economical solution for your storage needs.
Mark Rice, Owner | (208) 863-7242 | mrice@mcgowanrice.com
BUYERS’ GUIDE
STORAGE EQUIPMENT & CHEMICALS
IPL Schoeller (509) 952-3896
www.macroplastics.com
MacroBins
When it comes to reliable storage and handling, IPL Schoeller sets the standard. For more than 30 years, our plastic bulk MacroBin have supported the agricultural, food processing, retail and industrial markets with unmatched durability and smart design. Made from FDA-approved materials, our MacroBins are the all-in-one solution for harvest, transport, and storage.
Designed for performance, MacroBins feature lightweight construction, rounded corners, and nonporous, splinter-resistant surfaces that are easy to clean and 100 percent recyclable. Their intelligent design improves pack-outs, streamlines stacking, and enhances safety in every step of the supply chain.
Available in a variety of footprints, vented or solid walls, collapsible formats, and handheld totes — IPL Schoeller bins are built to fit your operation.
The Logan Scooper in 30- and 36-inch sizes offers new upgrades with innovative designs to make the Logan Scooper one of the finest in the potato industry. The tractor made of heavy plate lined in stainless steel, includes features like electric speed control, slip clutch, pushbutton tow/no tow gearboxes, a removable nose plate and axle/fender lift for an excellent package. The continuous telescoping conveyor has no drops, is light but strong with its truss-like framework, utilizes a
The
and an excellent
dual hydraulic lift, electric speed control and an option for stainless steel.
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 and 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 post-harvest, the AMVAC potato portfolio includes a variety of products to help ensure success all season long.
Strengthen soil quality by feeding it the power of the sea.
Our cold-processed seafood hydrolysate liquid fertilizer builds soil health by feeding beneficial soil fungi and bacteria.
DIGGIN’ IN Potato Virus Initiative Zeroes In On PMTV, Potato Virus Y
The Potato Virus Initiative is a USDA-NIFA-SCRIfunded grant that focuses on developing solutions and virus management strategies for potato mop top virus (PMTV) and potato virus Y (PVY).
Specifically, PMTV is a virus that can cause necrotic symptoms, such as arcs, rings or lesions, in the tuber, which can impact quality, use and marketing. Part of the strategy of the Potato Virus Initiative is to research the plasmodiophorid organism Spongospora subterranea that causes powdery scab (Photo 1) and vectors PMTV (Photo 2). The complex association between powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea) and PMTV creates a scientific and agronomic puzzle that makes managing the two diseases difficult.
One piece in assembling the powdery scab puzzle was published in the American Journal of Potato Research: “Unraveling a genome of Spongospora subterranea from North America.” The impact of this research by co-project investigator Dr. Julie Pasche, graduate student Augustina Arjarquah (Photo 3) and others at North Dakota State University is substantial in advancing our understanding of this pathogen and ultimately reducing losses due to powdery scab and PMTV.
To put into an agronomic perspective how powerful their research on characterizing the full genome of S. subterranea is, we have summarized a few of the findings and the impact on the potato industry.
SPONGOSPORA SUBTERRANEA IS NOT AN EASY PATHOGEN TO STUDY
S. subterranea is an obligate biotrophic pathogen; essentially, it will not grow in a petri dish like many other potato pathogens. This makes genetic analyses extremely difficult because any molecular sequencing also includes host data and data from any organisms associated with the host or pathogen. Separating S. subterranea from the host and contaminants after sequencing is much more
U OF I | Julie Pasche, North Dakota University; Alex Karasev, University of Idaho; and Nora Olsen, University of Idaho
difficult than the separation that occurs pre-sequencing when a pathogen can be grown in the lab. Constantly advancing data science has facilitated more accurate development of this genome by providing a means to isolate the DNA sequences of S. subterranea.
WHAT IMPORTANT GENES WERE FOUND
S. subterranea is a very unique organism, evolutionarily quite distant from other potato pathogens. As such, predicting gene functions and their association with causing a disease is challenging. Towards that goal, we utilized information from fungal plant pathogens. Based on the comparison with fungi, we predicted
Powdery scab lesions erupting through the skin of a potato tuber.
Photo by Nora Olsen
six genes that could potentially produce pathogenicityrelated (disease-causing) proteins. Preliminary analyses indicate that these genes have diverse functions including degrading plant cell walls to gain access into the host and evading the host immune system.
HOW THE STUDY HELPS MANAGE POWDERY SCAB
In human disease research, we have started to hear more about “precision public health.” While we are a long way from that in the management of powdery scab, the development of a high-quality complete genome sequence, the first in North America, is an important step towards providing growers with some management options. It provides researchers with the opportunity to look more closely into pathogen ecology and transmission from host to host. As we continue to learn more about this elusive pathogen, this genome will move researchers towards making connections between the genotype (genetic makeup) and phenotypes (observable characteristics), including host resistance, favorable environmental conditions and the ability to transmit PMTV. Genotype will be able to be used as a proxy for phenotypes important in making management decisions, including host resistance.
HOW THE STUDY WILL HELP WITH DIAGNOSTICS
This high-quality genome is also the first step to better understanding the variability in pathogen populations throughout potato-growing regions in the U.S. and around the world. This is only the second S. subterranea genome described in the world, and the first in North America. Researchers can use this understanding of pathogen populations to refine diagnostics. Currently, we are using the best information we have to target pathogen sequences for diagnostics. As we gain further understanding of pathogen diversity in different potato production areas, diagnostics can be optimized to ensure all pathogen strains are effectively detected, and potentially, diagnostic assays could be developed to discern among strains that may differ in response to host resistance or other management strategies.
USING THIS INFORMATION FOR POTATO BREEDING:
Because we cannot study S. subterranea using lab cultures, access to a high-quality pathogen genome is an even more critical tool in our fight against powdery scab. Similar to diagnostics, breeding for resistance relies heavily on our understanding of the diversity of virulence genes in the pathogen. Breeders use these pathogen virulence genes to identify resistance genes in the host, verify that the resistance genes will be successful across the range of pathogen populations and help to anticipate the emergence of pathogen strains that can overcome genes deployed into resistant cultivars.
In addition to aiding in traditional breeding in the short term, increased understanding of pathogen genomics will aid in targeted breeding and genome editing in the future.
MAKING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN POWDERY SCAB AND PMTV
The potato industry still has a lot to learn about the relationship between S. subterranea and PMTV. One area worth investigating is the effect that variability in the powdery scab vector has on its ability to transmit PMTV to a susceptible host. Similar to finding diversity in pathogen virulence genes to exploit in the quest for resistant cultivars, finding genes involved in acquiring or transmitting PMTV may aid in virus management.
SUPPORT IN MANAGING POWDERY SCAB
Access to the S. subterranea genome will be valuable for scientists working on applied field studies to those researching very basic host-pathogen interactions for a myriad of reasons. Further examination of the genomic attributes may lead us to environmental factors that can be exploited in disease management and the identification of virulence genes will aid in breeding.
To learn more about this research and other highlights from the Potato Virus Initiative, please visit uidaho.edu/potatovirus or follow on social media outlets. The full paper can be found in the American Journal of Potato Research (https://doi. org/10.1007/s12230-025-09988-4).
Multiple arcs inside the tuber are classic symptoms of potato mop top virus (PMTV). Photo by Julie Pasche
A More Intelligent Way To Package Potatoes
Admittedly, there are some areas of farming that have been slow to accept and take advantage of what artificial intelligence (AI) has to offer.
That’s understandable, considering it’s still relatively new, especially in certain areas of farming.
Eagle Eye Produce is utilizing AI to facilitate sorting, sizing and quality prior to its potatoes being packaged for shipping.
One segment of the potato industry that hasn’t been so hesitant are potato packaging warehouses. We’ve been to three potato packing sheds in the past few weeks and all three are using AI to some degree or another.
And that includes Idaho Falls, Idaho-based Eagle Eye Produce.
It was impressive to see the AI equipment, which includes a camera and robotic arms, in action, sizing, sorting and handling quality control on the potatoes at Eagle Eye’s potato
Eagle Eye Produce General Manager Jonathan Rivera said the AI system in the warehouse is just part of an overall system to make sure the company ships as high quality a product as possible.
warehouse on East Lincoln Road in Idaho Falls.
“FILLING THE GAP”
“AI is filling the gap in labor and consistency in the packing shed,” Eagle Eye CEO Newman Giles said, pointing out that not has labor become an increasing challenge in potato packaging, labor costs have gone up as well. “AI has filled the gap that has been growing year after year.
The use of AI in the fresh pack market has helped packers
ABOVE: There are two robotic arms as part of the AI system at Eagle Eye Produce’s Idaho Falls packing shed. If for some reason the first robotic arm misses a targeted potato, the second arm is there to bat cleanup. RIGHT: If it looks like there is a lot going on here, there is. Basically, this is where Eagle Eye Produce’s AI system sizes, sorts and checks quality on potatoes before they are packaged and shipped.
produce a product that consumers are increasingly demanding – “better looking” potatoes. Giles explained, “We [consumers] used to buy for taste; now we buy for looks.”
AI has greatly improved the quality of potatoes going out the door not only at Eagle Eye Produce but other packers as well. As impressive as the quality of the potatoes being packed are, it’s hard to look past the laborsaving costs. “We’re down 50 percent on labor costs due to AI,” Giles said. Additionally, Giles said, “There are things with AI that are saving us money that we didn’t calculate in our ROI.”
Giles commented that Eagle Eye carefully studies the ROI on equipment the company is looking at buying and the AI system was no different. He is obviously pleased with the results. “We do an ROI before purchasing any equipment. If it’s not going to pay for itself in two years, then we most likely won’t purchase it.”
This season is the second one with the AI system at Eagle Eye Produce.
GETTING BETTER OVER TIME
Eagle Eye’s current AI optical sorting systems are an upgrade to an existing optical sorting system. The current system syncs up with the robotic sorters and give Eagle Eye’s operators tighter controls over quality guidelines. The system gets better over time as it continues to collect more data on defects. “Our lines also require less human hand sorters with the new robotic sorting systems,” Eagle Eye’s Dallin Klingler pointed out.
But, as Eagle Eye General Manager Jonathan Rivera, explained, the AI camera and robotic arms are just a part of the overall process of packing potatoes from the time they enter
the warehouse to the time they leave the facility. “We looked at the ripple effect of the packing process,” Rivera said. “That started with getting a new potato washing system so that the potatoes would be cleaner because AI can’t detect blemishes if the potato isn’t clean.”
Eagle Eye purchased the new washing system a year before the company got the AI system.
Once the AI camera scans the clean potatoes, the first robotic sorter picks out potatoes being targeted for size, defects and blemishes. Then, if somehow that first robotic sorter misses a “bad” potato, there is a second arm that catches it.
The AI-powered robots perform up to 100 picks per minute and are able to find 30 different defects.
Klingler explained, “Since installing the new systems, we have seen a 25 percent increase in throughput. We are able to move the same volume of product in fewer hours and fewer days, which has significantly improved efficiency.”
While Eagle Eye’s AI system has helped reduce labor costs, it hasn’t necessarily reduced the number of workers as Klingler explained. “With how hard it has been to find labor the last few years, adding automation has helped fill some of those gaps,” he said. “We have not had layoffs with the new technology. As people leave, we just have not filled some of those roles. At the same time, we are training employees on how to run and maintain the equipment, so it has created valuable new jobs that did not exist before.”
There is a place for artificial intelligence in the potato industry, as Eagle Eye Produce and other packing sheds have shown.
For more information on Eagle Eye Produce, visit www.eagleeyeproduce.com.
Harvest More with
a
Bank that Knows Ag.
Marisa Stein, Director of Marketing
USA
Research Shows More Consumers Perceive Potatoes As A Nutritious Food That Supports An Active Lifestyle
PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
Potato popularity remains strong thanks to increasingly positive perceptions of the spud as a high-quality carbohydrate that can fuel an active lifestyle, according to the 2025 Consumers Attitudes & Usage study conducted by the Sterling Rice Group.
This growing awareness of potatoes’ nutritional benefits presents a valuable opportunity for the potato industry to inspire and activate consumers, encouraging even greater consumption.
HEALTH PERCEPTIONS ARE UP, WHILE BARRIERS SHRINK
In addition to topping the list as America’s favorite vegetable for the ninth year in a row, perceptions of potatoes as a nutritious food that supports an active
lifestyle are on the rise. Beyond traditionally beloved traits like versatility, satiation and satisfaction, consumers increasingly recognize potatoes as a food that fuels athletic performance and provides sustained energy for everyday activities.
In fact, confidence in the performance benefits of potatoes has never been higher.
At the same time, 64 percent of consumers surveyed believe potatoes are “healthy” for you. This year also saw growing recognition of potatoes as nutrient-dense, glutenfree and providing sustained energy.
Barriers to eating more potatoes are falling. The belief that other vegetables have more nutritional benefits — now the most significant barrier to increased consumption was down compared to 2024. The following barriers also decreased:
• “I already eat enough potatoes.”
• “I prefer other vegetables.”
• “Potatoes take too long to cook.”
This shift in attitudes signals an important opportunity: marketing campaigns that focus on how potatoes fit into active, everyday life can reduce obstacles for consumption and may drive more purchases.
A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CARBS
The perception that potatoes are “high in carbs” remains the secondmost common reason consumers limit consumption, with 15 percent citing it as a significant barrier. However, 59 percent of consumers now consider potatoes a high-quality carb. Among consumers who have an overall positive perception of carbs, 71 percent see potatoes as a highquality carb. This presents a clear opportunity to continue positioning potatoes as a natural, nutrient-dense carbohydrate that helps fuel the body and the brain.
UNTAPPED NICHE: POTATOES AS PERFORMANCE FUEL
Speaking of fuel, performance nutrition remains a promising opportunity for potatoes. While 62 percent of consumers view spuds as an “energy-packed vegetable,” and 52 percent believe they’re good for athletic performance, only 10 percent of active consumers say they use them as workout fuel — compared to 36 percent using sports drinks and 35 percent for protein bars. This gap highlights a largely untapped opportunity. By positioning potatoes as a clean, energizing, real-food performance fuel for key moments (pre-, during or postworkout), we can begin to close this gap. As the Washington Post reports, “more ultra marathoners and cyclists are turning to potatoes as a mild, carbohydrate-packed fuel option,” underscoring the potential to continue gaining traction in the performance nutrition space.
GEN Z LEADS ON NUTRITIONAL CREATIVITY AND EXCITEMENT
Gen Z (ages 18-28) continues to be a standout demographic for potatoes. As efforts continue to turn this young generation into lifelong spud lovers, the data is promising:
they already name potatoes as their favorite vegetable and respond more positively than the general population to statements like, “Potatoes are good for athletic performance,” “Potatoes are healthy for you,” and “Potatoes are a high-quality carb.”
However, half of Gen Z say their food choices need to “excite” them and that they crave ideas that are bold, fun and nutritionally meaningful. Health-forward claims like “plantbased protein” and “performance fuel” resonate more with Gen Z than the general population. This underscores the importance of developing vibrant, energy-packed recipes and snack
ideas — from air fryer breakfast bowls to globally-inspired loaded mashes to meet their expectations.
The Consumer Attitudes & Usage online study is conducted annually to gather insights on U.S. consumers, evaluating their attitudes towards foods — potatoes in particular — and their dietary choices. This year’s study was fielded in February 2025 and included results from 2,001 primary food shoppers between the ages of 18 and 75, balanced to current census data on gender, income, and age.
Please contact Potatoes USA at Media@PotatoesUSA.com for more information.
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IDAHO
POTATO COMMISSION
Jamey Higham, President and CEO
Idaho Reboots A Classic
License Plate Celebrating State Heritage And Agriculture
When Idahoans talk about state heritage, we don’t have to look far. It grows in the fields, fuels our economy and feeds the nation. Idaho potatoes are not just an agricultural product; they’re part of who we are. This year, the Idaho Potato Commission was proud to bring back a classic with a fresh look: a new black and white “World Famous Potatoes” specialty license plate
Most importantly, it serves as a way to support the future of Idaho farming in a real and visible way.
— this sleek tribute to the iconic 1950s design launched on June 18, 2025.
This plate is more than a nostalgic nod; it’s a statement. For lifelong Idahoans, it marks a return to our roots. For newcomers, it offers an invitation to embrace the legacy that makes this state special. Most importantly, it serves as a way to support the future of Idaho farming in a real and visible way. Proceeds from each plate directly support the programs that keep our industry strong. This includes Idaho potato research, agricultural promotional efforts and the maintenance of highway infrastructures that connect our rural communities to markets across the region. The funding makes a meaningful difference in sustaining and advancing our potatogrowing future.
Idaho was the first state in the country to feature a stylized license plate with both a graphic and a slogan. In 1928, a green and tan design stamped with the word “IDAHO POTATOES” and an embossed image of a spud put our signature crop front and center. At the time, most license plates simply displayed the state name and plate number, making Idaho’s design a bold and groundbreaking move.
The return of this plate honors that tradition. For nearly a century, the potato has been more than just a crop; it has been a cultural symbol and one of the most recognizable emblems of our state. The bold black and white design recalls a time when Idaho first stood out for its agricultural spirit, while still looking sharp on today’s roads. Whether displayed on a vintage pickup or a brand-new SUV, it sends a clear message about where we come from and what we value.
WISCONSIN
POTATO & VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION
Many members of the Wisconsin contingent “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill” include (l to r) Keith Wolter (Hyland Lakes Spuds), Chelsea Zegler (McCain Foods), Erin Meister (Reabe Spraying Service), Joe Kertzman (WPVGA), Matt Young (Wisconsin Potato Coalition), Natalie Nesburg (Potato Sustainability Alliance), Tamas Houlihan (WPVGA), Mark Finnessy (Okray Family Farms) and Eric Schroeder (Schroeder Bros. Farms).
Wisconsin Hosts Future Leaders Of Potato Industry
WPVGA GROWER MEMBERS, STAFF, PILI PARTICIPANTS STAND UP FOR POTATOES AT WASHINGTON SUMMIT
Wisconsin rolled out the red carpet for future leaders of the potato industry, welcoming them to the state, February 19-22, for the Leadership, Education & Advancement Foundation’s “Potato Industry Leadership Institute” (PILI).
Visitors enrolled in the Leadership Institute traveled from Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington for two full days of leadership training.
The PILI program provides an overview of the local and
national potato industry, including challenges and issues beyond the production sector.
2025 PILI Grower Leader Colin Szawlowski of Valley Spud, Hadley, MA, welcomed participants to Madison, Wisconsin, and began introductions.
Leadership Institute participants introduced each of their assigned classmates after having talked to and interviewed them beforehand and provided information about their assigned partner’s farms/employers, families, leadership goals and something fun about that person.
National Potato Council (NPC) Chief Operating Officer Mike Wenkel, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan and Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer Kim Breshears presented, “Understanding the Organizations of the U.S. Potato Industry.”
Joe Kertzman
DISCOVERING STRENGTHS
NPC Program Coordinator Madeleine Poulin provided business skills training for the 2025 PILI class, and Wenkel conducted an exercise on “Discovering Your Strengths.”
The 2025 Leadership Institute included visits to The Little Potato Company, the Food + Farm Exploration Center, Heartland Farms, Alsum Farms & Produce and the Wisconsin Dairy State Cheese Company.
PILI participants from Wisconsin included Erin Meister, Reabe Spraying Service, Inc.; Natalie Nesburg of the Potato Sustainability Alliance; and Matt Young, who works for the Wisconsin Potato Coalition. 2025 marked the 23rd year of PILI, and Wisconsin has 39 alumni members.
From Wisconsin, PILI participants flew to Washington, D.C., February 22, where they joined state potato growers, WPVGA staff, and industry representatives at the NPC Washington Summit, February 24-28, to “Stand Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”
Also flying to Washington, D.C., to advocate for and discuss issues vital to the success of the Wisconsin potato industry were Larry Alsum and Wendy Alsum-Dykstra from Alsum Farms & Produce; Keith Wolter of Hyland Lakes Spuds; Chelsea Zegler, McCain Foods; Mark Finnessy, Okray Family Farms; Eric Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms; and Tamas Houlihan and Joe Kertzman of the WPVGA.
NPC’s annual Washington Summit provides a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.
Attendees of the annual Washington Summit hear from top officials and policy experts and meet with congressional leaders representing potato-growing states and districts.
ADVOCATING FOR ISSUES
During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, attendees advocated for issues such as keeping potatoes in federal nutrition programs, promoting free and fair-trade agreements and protecting tax policies that support the longterm health of family-owned farming operations.
The six NPC issue papers that Washington Summit attendees discussed with Congressional leaders and staff covered “Securing a Competitive Agricultural Tax Policy,” “Agriculture Immigration Reform,” “Proactive Trade Policies,” “Reinforcing the Nutritional Value of Potatoes
Food + Farm Exploration Center Chef and Kitchen Lab Facilitator Davey Lynch conducted a seminar “Innovation Is in our Instant Pots,” during which he created a delicious Irish stew using Little Potato Company Creamer potatoes.
in Federal Policies,” “U.S. Potato industry Priorities in the Farm Bill,” and “Investing in U.S. Potato Industry Research.”
In addition, Zegler was in Washington, D.C., to represent McCain Foods after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had frozen implementation of work funded under the Inflation Reduction Act, including McCain’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program project that helps potato growers.
Zegler met with congressional leaders to explain that further implementation delays could mean losing an entire crop year of practices to assist growers with agronomic and conservation challenges.
NEW ADMINISTRATION
General Sessions on February 26 included “The New Administration — A View from Inside the Transition,” by Brian Klippenstein, a member of the USDA Transition Team.
A discussion panel on “What to Expect for Nutrition Policy in 2025” included Beth Johnson, founder and principal partner of Food Directions, LLC; Katherine Thomas, Senate Agriculture Committee senior professional staff, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry; and Jennifer Tiller, chief of staff to the Deputy Secretary and senior advisor to the Secretary for Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services, USDA.
“Agricultural Immigration Reform” was the panel discussion subject tackled by Wenkel of NPC, Diane Kurrle, senior vice president of USApple, and Jonathan Sarager, senior director of federal government affairs, Western Growers. Nathan Gonzalas, editor and publisher of “Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales” and an election analyst for “CQ Roll Call,” gave a keynote address and election analysis during lunch on February 26.
Members of Congress addressing the potato industry on Capitol Hill included Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Idaho Sen. James E. Risch; Dr. Justin Benavidez, chief economist with the House Ag Committee; Sen. Ronald Lee Wyden of Oregon; Sen. Dan Newhouse from Washington; and Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson of Pennsylvania.
On February 27, Washington Summit attendees from Wisconsin and all major potato producing states gathered at Capitol Hill to meet with dozens of congressional leaders and staff to advocate for the potato industry’s policy priorities.
Wisconsin potato growers and industry representatives rolled out the red carpet for PILI participants and traveled with them to Washington, D.C., for a week of “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”
UNITED POTATO GROWERS OF AMERICA
Buzz Shahan
Pilot Error
MAKING SENSE OF TRAGEDIES
The Boeing Company has recently come under serious scrutiny. The reasons for the intense scrutiny are a series of overseas crashes.
At first blush, everyone blamed the aircraft, first the 737-Max and recently the 787 Dreamliner. If the aircraft were at fault, Boeing was responsible for the crashes. If pilot error was at fault, it would be an entirely different story.
In the case of the 737-Max crashes, both pilots and both co-pilots were non-English-speaking as a first language. In their investigations of the 737-Max crashes, FAA officials interviewed other non-English speaking pilots trained on the 737-Max. In every case, non-English-speaking pilots were unaware of the correction that would have avoided both crashes. In interviewing English-speaking pilots trained on the 737-Max, everyone of them knew of the correction and many of them had performed the procedure.
In the case of the 787 Dreamliner, the senior pilot had switched off the fuel supply to both engines. An unimaginable error – horrific and unimaginable.
With the 737-Maxes, it is most probable that something
Over the years, we’ve learned supply management lessons at great cost. We’ve also learned supply management lessons at great profitability.
vital had been lost in translation during training. With the 787 Dreamliner, the senior pilot errored most probably out of simply hitting the wrong switches, assuming they were for something other than shutting off the fuel supply to both engines. All of these crashes appear to have been pilot error, nothing wrong with the aircraft.
Transposing these aircraft disasters into potato production, assuming that potato producers are the ones piloting their potato-production businesses, and looking at today’s Russetpotato situation, one cannot help wondering how certain Russet-potato producers arrive at their production (supply) goals. When a producer, or group of producers, overshoots the balanced supply by as much as 20 percent, there must be something seriously wrong with how production goals are set.
Before an airplane pilot settles into the cockpit and starts the plane’s engines, he must assume that the aerodynamic laws governing flight are real, and that the aircraft he is about to pilot has been built according to those laws. He must also assume that his proper management of the aircraft’s flight systems will allow him to conduct a safe flight. In the crashes cited above, components of safe flight did not come together in the pilots’ performances.
Before a potato producer places a single seed in the ground, whether he acknowledges the queen mother of all economic laws — the law of supply and demand — or not, his obedience to, or disregard of, the law of supply and demand will determine the outcome of his crop more than any other production aspect that his crop will encounter by as much as 50 times.
So what’s the problem here? Over the years, we’ve learned supply management lessons at great cost. We’ve also learned supply management lessons at great profitability.
When you run into your neighbor at a high school football game, or at the Quick Stop, or at church, or anyplace else, corner them and ask them if using solid supply management calculations isn’t a better way to run our businesses than what we’re presently doing.
United Potato Growers of America’s database has that calculation. It can be found nowhere else. Returning to a happy life with fair returns is at our fingertips.
