July 2022 Badger Common'Tater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 74 No. 07 | JULY 2022

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

CROP PROTECTION ISSUE WORLD POTATO CONGRESS Descends on Dublin, Ireland TWELVE KEY EVENTS IN 100 Years of Ag Aviation FIGHTING WEEDS: A Changing World POTATOES PROMOTE Good Metabolic Health

INTERVIEW:

KIRAN SHETTY

Technical Development Lead, Syngenta

Syngenta’s Kiran Shetty has worked with potato researchers, extension services and organizations on storage issues, marketability of potatoes and consumer packaging.

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On the Cover: Crop protection for Kiran Shetty doesn’t begin and end with the growing season. Shown on the cover in a potato storage, Shetty is the technical development lead for Syngenta and says, “We offer an integrated approach that combines seed, soil, and postharvest treatments. Disease can spread in storage. All these steps are targeted toward getting inoculant as low as possible, because I don’t think we can completely eliminate the pathogens in our system.”

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BADGER COMMON’TATER

INTERVIEW:

Kiran Shetty, technical development lead for Syngenta, says potato is not only an important crop in the state of Wisconsin, but also the fourth or fifth largest food crop in the world, and utilized in many ways. It’s one of the best crops that turns natural resources into food. “So, quality seed production, innovative solutions to manage crop health, digital applications, all this is in play in Wisconsin,” he notes.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 62 AUXILIARY NEWS............... 44 BADGER BEAT.................... 52

18 DUBLIN HOSTS WORLD POTATO CONGRESS Theme of event is “The Changing World of Potato”

40 PEOPLE

Plant scientist Glenda Gillaspy has been named the next dean of UW-Madison CALS

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FEATURE ARTICLES: 28 AGRICULTURAL AVIATION aids farmers in producing safe, affordable food supply

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46 FIGHTING WEEDS: Palmer amaranth grows in hot, dry conditions of today’s world

POTATOES USA NEWS ....... 59

56 DO POTATOES OR ALMONDS promote greater metabolic health in test subjects?

WPIB FOCUS...................... 55

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BC�T July

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Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: To work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources.

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BC�T July

Planting Ideas Good, healthy conversations

often lead to ideas and action. When Curtis Meister of Reabe Spraying Service in Plover, Wisconsin, mentioned that agricultural aviation had celebrated its 100th year in 2021, neither of us knew that it would lead to a feature article in this issue. Coincidentally, Reabe Spraying Service also celebrated an anniversary in 2021—its 75th. The conversation occurred during dinner after the last day of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s (WPVGA’s) Member Development Program, which concluded in March of this year.

Curtis was a participant in the Member Development Program, and he and I sat together, enjoying a nice visit during a short graduation ceremony and dinner. The next week, Curtis sent me an email link with a timeline of ag aviation over the past 100 years. I ended up contacting the National Agricultural Aviation Association, which hosted the website in the email link, and that, in turn, lead to the fascinating story herein. The picture above shows a Weatherly 620B ag plane in action, complete with a Pratt & Whitney R-985 450-horsepower radial engine. Now, that’s neat!

Another couple of conversations resulted in this issue’s main Interview with Kiran Shetty, technical development lead for Syngenta. I had met Ken Cleveland, an agricultural chemical retail representative for Syngenta, at a WPVGA Spud Seed Classic golf outing years ago, and we became fast friends. Not wanting to show favoritism, I never did profile Syngenta in the magazine until after another meeting at the 2022 Potato Expo in Anaheim, California.

Dana Anthony, an account executive for G&S Business Communications, which represents Syngenta, invited me to lunch during Potato Expo, and then I visited the Syngenta booth later at the show. I wanted a reason to feature Syngenta in addition to its solid reputation for the crop protection products and services the company offers, so I emailed Ken a couple months after the show when preparing for this July Crop Protection issue. He suggested contacting Shetty, and boy was he spot-on. Kiran is one of the most fascinating individuals, with a neat background, who I've ever interviewed. I think you’ll agree after reading the Interview herein.

Enjoy!

Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/ subscribe.

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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Interview KIRAN SHETTY,

technical development lead, Syngenta

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater All photos by Martin Brown, Patrick Priest, and Syngenta

NAME: Kiran Shetty TITLE: Technical development lead COMPANY: Syngenta LOCATION: Greensboro, North Carolina HOMETOWN: Durham, New Hampshire YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 11 PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Technical product development in seed care for Syngenta North America (14 years) SCHOOLING: University of Idaho, Ph.D. in plant sciences, specializing in plant pathology, and post-harvest packaging, delivery, and distribution of potatoes ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: The Potato Association of America and American Society of Horticultural Science AWARDS/HONORS: United Nations Development Program Fellowship for Graduate Studies, and Syngenta Ambassador and Grower Service Awards in Technical Services to the Agriculture Industry

The seed was planted as a young boy, and not only did Kiran

Shetty, technical development lead for Syngenta, recognize it, he embraced it.

Growing up on his grandfather’s farm in India, there was no electrical power or running water.

“As a kid, I created little irrigation systems, breaking small pipes and building channels to water my plants,” Shetty is quoted as saying in a Syngenta Thrive magazine article written by Chris Harrell.

“Knowing I’d helped the plants produce fruit gave me a sense of accomplishment,” Shetty adds. “The fruit, as well as the brownie points it earned me at home, were nice, too.”

FAMILY: Lives in New Hampshire with his wife and one daughter

From those humble beginnings, Shetty spread his wings, attending the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, India, and eventually earning a master’s degree in plant sciences from the University of Idaho.

HOBBIES: World travel to learn and understand the diversity in agriculture, and owns a tropical hobby farm where he and his crew experiment in plant propagation, rain harvesting and soil conservation

As noted in the Thrive article, Shetty’s father sold crop protection equipment and taught his son how the machines worked, triggering an understanding that technology could

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BC�T July

improve agriculture.

The demand for potatoes that the fast-food industry spurred caught the young Shetty’s attention, and his teachers encouraged him to look at educational opportunities outside of India.

How did growing up on your grandfather’s farm in southwest India shape who you are today?

My grandpa’s farm was in a remote area and power wasn’t available at that time, and no running water, but people were creative. Even though there was no running water, there Above: Kiran Shetty, technical development lead for Syngenta, was seemingly born to work with potatoes, something he’s done for more than 30 years, with his dad involved in the crop protection business and having grown up on his grandfather’s farm in India.

was gravity, and we were able to rig up something and send produce to market. All of that existed back then.

ag schools through colleges and universities, it prepared me for this profession and career.

It was the mid-1960’s and living was somewhat different at that time, not difficult, but rooted in agriculture.

Agriculture is still one of the main occupations in India, with about 80 percent of working people indirectly or directly connected to agriculture.

Growing up there in days when the seeds were sown, no pun intended, the intrigue of generating a lot of volume from one single seed fascinated me. It started a process.

After attending the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, you earned a Ph.D. in plant sciences from the University of Idaho. Was it difficult for you to leave India to start a new life in the United States?

Agriculture has been a mainstay in my life, past, present, and looking into the future. Ag continues to adapt and evolve, and I had the luxury of comparing what we had then to what it is now, and what it can be in the future. I chose the right profession.

Luckily for me, as I grew up, my dad was involved in the crop protection business. By this time, we’d moved into a more urban area where the business was located. Helping him in crop protection was my link to agribusiness activities.

The biggest challenge for me was family separation. Culturally, we grew up in different conditions, thousands of miles away, but I couldn’t have picked a better place to embark on my career than in Idaho and the United States. The tradeoff was good.

Then, as I progressed in school and

I get back to India every now and

Above: A Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and CPB eggs are shown on potato plants, complete with feeding damage to the leaves. Kiran Shetty says Syngenta offers excellent products for controlling colonizing insects, such as Minecto Pro®, CruiserMaxx Potato/Platinum, Endigo ZCX, and Besiege, to name a few, that can knock down a population quickly.

then. I do have my own farm, sort of a hobby farm, where we grow tropical crops—fruits and vegetables.

That keeps me busy and engaged.

I make frequent trips to get things going and tend to the crops. Mango is one of the main crops grown in that region, a heavy rainfall area. continued on pg. 10

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

The monsoons are starting to come in, which is ideal for tree crops.

care now as it involves more than just treatment.

How did you end up at Syngenta and in what capacity? I’m a researcher by training. Then, as now, Idaho provided opportunities to innovate and find solutions for growers. There were opportunities for research.

I was a researcher in the R&D (research and development) division, eventually transitioning into development and marketing, and held several other roles up to my current position as development lead in technical services, mainly working with the potato industry.

The Syngenta legacy company is rooted in agriculture. To me, it was an obvious fit. I was hired as a technical product lead, in 1997, in the seed treatment business. We call it seed

We work with our R&D teams to take products that are being marketed and introduce them to

growers, seed producers, and other customers in the potato world. We are a link between pure R&D and the marketing group.

I love it. It gives me the opportunity to connect with the industry daily, and when you do that, every day is different. It can be good, sometimes difficult, but we continue to learn, and if you’re listening, it’s the best position to be in. That’s why I enjoy it.

Through the Syngenta pipeline, my team and I brought in several products that are in common use today throughout the world.

Above: Kiran Shetty explains that managing potato diseases continues to be challenging and a very integral part of crop protection.

“If you’re staying put,” he notes, “you are going backwards.”

Left: A healthy crop treated with Quadris in furrow followed by Elatus, both Syngenta products, is shown at left, as compared to the same crop at right treated with Quadris in furrow followed by Proline.

10 BC�T July

What contributions to the potato industry are you most proud of?

I’ve worked in potatoes for more than 30 years now. On this journey, I have been fortuitous to work not just in potatoes, but also with other crops, particularly in seed care, and most importantly with people of diverse backgrounds and expertise.

In research capacities, I’ve worked with several organizations and individuals in extension services, as well as with potato researchers in Idaho on storage issues, marketability of potatoes and consumer packaging.

“It is one of best crops that turns natural resources into food, so if talking food security and conservation in the same breath, you have a candidate, and it is the potato.”

– K iran Shetty technical development lead, Syngenta

When you pick up a shrink-wrapped potato or vegetables at the grocery store, that goes back to my early days of research, a contribution of my Ph.D. work now being used in the marketplace.

My research program also developed transport parameters in shipping of fresh potatoes. With Syngenta, I led the development of liquid seed treatments, which was a first. It had never been done before. I think of that as a major contribution to this day.

Subsequently, we developed a nematicide seed treatment, which is clearly a tribute to Syngenta providing us with resources to come up with this product. It’s making a difference in the world.

Was learning to manage disease in potatoes a priority, and if so, why?

Like everything else in agriculture, disease control or suppression is a dynamic area.

The environment is unpredictable, pathogens change, regulations we deal with are not stationary or static, and consumers remain watchful on what is applied to produce.

So, managing potato diseases continues to be challenging and a very integral part of crop protection.

If you’re staying put, you are going backwards. continued on pg. 12

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Interview. . .

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What are the biggest challenges as far as crop protection that potato and vegetable growers, specifically in Wisconsin and the Midwest, face today? The potato business is very diversified. What matters to a seed grower may or may not be applicable to the fresh or process market, and the need to produce quality potatoes will always remain.

So, quality seed production, innovative solutions to manage crop health, digital applications, all this, while keeping the end user in mind, is in play in Wisconsin.

We need to make this happen in a very sustainable, practical way while protecting the environment and natural resources. It will be exciting to see the shift in Wisconsin over the next few years.

As far as viruses and vectors, these are front and center in potato production. Viruses are well entrenched in the potato production system. They evolve, adapt, and

12 BC�T July

change in short time periods.

Just the PVY strains and challenges they pose keep us on our toes.

Fortunately, the state of Wisconsin, USDA and universities have made it a priority to monitor the situation.

Certainly, the way they’re evolving, viruses as living organisms have the propensity to go through cycles. In hours, they can change, in the snap of a finger.

We’re going through a pandemic. We have a virus in our midst. Just watch

Above & Below: Syngenta potato research in Ephrata, Washington, includes a white mold trial.

the 6 o’clock news—it is a big part of our lives today. Potatoes are no different, and PVY appears to be one of most challenging viruses we deal with today. Wisconsin is not immune.

How do you control the spread of vectors transmitting viruses from one living plant to another? The list is long, and this is multi-faceted. continued on pg. 14

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 12

Plant breeding and biotechnology combine as one of the best solutions to combat viruses. The search for resistance in the genetic pool will continue to remain our best source, and therefore plant breeding can provide the answers.

Crop protection must include a good understanding of vectors’ behavior—when and where they occur, the habitat they thrive in, and the supporting crops and weeds that favor their existence and multiplications.

You can use a “quarantine” by removing infected plants that are sources of virus. You can also control natural vectors, primarily insects, and to some degree, nematodes.

There has been tremendous advancement in vector control and some of the new targeted modes of Above & Left: When it comes to silver scurf in potato, Syngenta has products that will address reduction of inoculant load, addressing it from seed and extending into soil with Elatus®. For seed treatment, the company offers Cruiser Maxx Vibrance®, which controls seedborne diseases like silver scurf or Rhizoctonia. Once treated with Cruiser Maxx Vibrance, Elatus is applied because the pathogen is still living in the soil.

14 BC�T July

action of insecticides provide us the tools to keep the populations low or to a manageable level.

Weed control and volunteer control are also integral in the strategy to reduce virus transmission in a cropping season.

Don’t bring in bad or poor seed, eliminate reservoirs and vectors, and improve sanitation methods— these are the primary ways to eliminate the transmission of viruses.

What are you most excited about as far as advancements in crop protection, and specifically with Syngenta? Syngenta’s pipeline is one of strongest I’ve ever known in my professional career. I think we are ready to meet the challenges ahead, and we have the best people in the business working with growers on the front line.

Kiran Shetty evaluates potato crop quality in the field.

What proven or new products does Syngenta offer in the fight against vectors, viruses, and diseases of potato? Against PVY, there is a new That’s why I’m excited to be a part of set of products, or what we call 22-07 Badger Common'Tater 2:05 PM this company and what we do.(7.25x4.75).v1.pdf modes1 of2022-06-09 action, that control vectors,

which are mainly aphids.

As we develop product, they become the solutions. About 20 years ago, Syngenta legacy companies and others in the continued on pg. 16

BC�T July 15

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 15

business of insecticide development introduced neonicotinoids, a unique group of chemistries that can be applied early in the season when potatoes are planted in soil.

When aphids are active, they can transmit viruses early and spread. The potato leaf roll virus was somewhat existent in pockets across the U.S. I was in Idaho testing neonicotinoids. If you look now, PLRV is almost gone.

Switching gears, silver scurf is a different beast, a fungus, and you have to look at where and how it spreads. We have products today at Syngenta that will address reduction of inoculant load, addressing it from seed and extending into soil with a product named Elatus®.

For seed treatment, we offer Cruiser Maxx Vibrance®, which controls seedborne diseases like silver scurf or Rhizoctonia. Once you finish with Cruiser Maxx Vibrance, then you apply Elatus, because the pathogen is still living in the soil.

Applying another treatment with the fungicide Amistar Top® and finishing with a chemical called Stadium® will give complete control. You can’t piecemeal control. You must follow steps A, B, C and D. We offer an integrated approach that combines seed, soil, and post-harvest treatments. Disease can spread in storage. All these steps are targeted toward getting inoculant as low as possible, because I don’t think we can completely eliminate the pathogens in our system.

What about in-furrow or broadcast spray applications and treatments?

Systemic insecticides applied at the soil level or in-furrow, including a whole family of available neonicotinoid pesticides, are extremely effective, very soluble and can move in the plant quickly and redistribute.

16 BC�T July

Insect behaviors are unpredictable.

If they are colonizing, the idea is to apply in-furrow treatments to get them quickly. You don’t what them forming another colony and another.

Check them at the gate.

Above: Syngenta’s Kiran Shetty has worked with several organizations and individuals in extension services, as well as with potato researchers in Idaho on storage issues, marketability of potatoes and consumer packaging.

As far as broadcast spray applications, assuming seed and soil treatment did not work, then you get into timing of sprays on an appropriate basis.

and reducing defects of potato, so crops aren’t rejected by the buyers?

You’ve got to start with seed. If we don’t start well, it will be tough to finish well.

Scout the field to stay ahead of colonizing insects. Syngenta offers excellent products such as Minecto Pro®, which is a combination of two active ingredients. This is really the big hammer. You can knock down a population quickly, and it also helps control Colorado potato beetle.

Besiege® and Endigo ZCX® insecticides are new products that can be introduced to an existing program in Wisconsin for reducing aphid populations.

Do you have any recommendations for our potato and vegetable growers in Wisconsin and the Midwest as far as ensuring quality

Wisconsin’s Antigo seed potato growers produce some of the best seed in the country and the state’s seed certification program is one of the best in the United States. So, my advice is to use their guidelines and certifications. We have good products and beautiful Wisconsin sands to do the rest.

Quality and due diligence—you cannot shortcut them.

Are there any trends as far as challenges in crop protection, specifically in potato, that you’re seeing across the country? One of the biggest challenges we as

chemical manufacturers face today are restrictions on import tolerances, which is really a trending thing.

Leading companies face trade restrictions from importing countries, handicapping growers and preventing them from using new products.

Unless these products are approved by importing countries, it takes time, and that’s one thing we don’t have as we face resistance from insects, and pathogens and vectors.

This is a trend we’re seeing in front of our eyes. We are consciously bringing the best chemistries and products to the industry, but they are constrained, and we have to make sure they are approved down the channels.

What about a disease management direction or trends? More and more, manufacturers are introducing low-use-rate products, targeted specifically for what they do. That’s

a trend in disease management. We will have to integrate and use them only when called for and in the right manner.

If they specify a dose, we need to figure that out in tank mixes and applications, using specific delivery systems at the right schedules and mixtures. So, companies that bring new products out must do their homework.

The best potato disease management is preventative rather than taking a wait-and-see approach, and in most cases, the sign of a pathogen is already in the field, so growers need to step back earlier and plan a preventative program. A lot of new products you see are for doing just that.

Is breeding potatoes with genetic resistance to disease the answer to growers’ challenges? The source of genetic diversity we have in the

potato crop is from when they grew wild. Only breeders know how best to bring these traits to market.

I’m not a breeder; I work with them.

At Syngenta, we hire experts who have that knowledge.

Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add, Kiran? Do not cut corners when it comes to disease or insect control. We have to save money, I understand, but what if we flip that logic to say we have to make money instead? Rely on expertise.

Potato is not only an important crop in the state of Wisconsin, by also the fourth or fifth largest food crop in world and utilized in many ways.

It is one of best crops that turns natural resources into food, so if talking food security and conservation in the same breath, you have a candidate, and it is the potato.

BC�T July 17

11th World Potato Congress in Dublin, Ireland, Addresses “The Changing World of the Potato” Richard “Dick” Okray receives World Potato Congress Industry Award for international work in potatoes Ever since Sir Walter Raleigh introduced potatoes to Ireland, in 1589, the “Emerald Isle” has been synonymous with spuds. And though it took nearly four decades for the potato to spread to the rest of Europe, Spanish Conquistadors had

discovered the flavors of the potato, in Peru, as early as 1536.

Combined with the deadly Great Famine of 1845-1849, caused by potato blight, Ireland has a long history in potatoes that’s inextricably

entwined with the United States, Europe and all the world.

Thus made the setting of the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC) in Dublin, Ireland, seem more than a fitting venue, but one that was both appropriate and timely, particularly following the last successful event in Cuzco, Peru, in May 2018.

Taking place in the regal setting of the Royal Dublin Society, May 30-June 2, 2022, most of the opening and closing ceremonies, and plenary and business sessions were in a respected Above: A light shone brightly on “The Emerald Isle” of Ireland as it hosted the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC), May 30-June 2, 2022, in Dublin. Ireland and potatoes are synonymous considering their history and tradition together. Suffice it to say The Emerald Isle’s relationship with the spud is truly unique.

18 BC�T July

research library that remains stocked to this day, floor to ceiling, with old reference books.

According to Liam Glennon, chairperson of the local organizing committee, 900 delegates from 61 countries were in attendance, and for the first time, the WPC and Europatat Potato Congress were held concurrently.

It was a chance for delegates to meet global potato contacts and explore new business opportunities in the fresh, processed and seed potato sectors.

With the theme of “The Changing World of the Potato,” the role of the potato in combatting global hunger and its credentials as a sustainable and nutritious staple were emphasized.

WELCOME ADDRESS Glennon kicked off proceedings on Monday, May 30, with a welcome address, followed by remarks from

Above: Local host for the 11th World Potato Congress in Dublin, Michael Hoey of the Irish Potato Federation says it was a dream to bring the world together for the event because potatoes are part of the Irish DNA. They are in their blood. Hoey also took time to welcome his Ukrainian colleagues who were present to let them know that the world is feeling their pain.

Right: In the first plenary session on Monday, May 30, Dr. Qu Dongyu, director

general of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations, Italy, addressed the WPC theme, “The Potato in a Changing World.” He covered everything from potato research to global food security, population growth, trade protections and restrictions, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the impact of the worldwide pandemic. Dr. Dongyu won a World Potato Congress Award, in Idaho, in 2006. continued on pg. 20

SNOWDEN • PIKE • ATLANTIC • LAMOKA MEGACHIP • HODAG • MANISTEE SILVERTON • LADY LIBERTY

BC�T July 19

11th World Potato Congress . . . continued from pg. 19

Romain Cools, president and chief executive officer of the 11th World Potato Congress.

Further addresses were made by Michael Hoey, president of the Irish Potato Federation; Charlie McConalogue, Ireland’s minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Janusz Wojciechowski, European commissioner for agriculture; and Robert Kearns of the Canada Ireland Foundation, Canada.

Hoey also took a sober moment to

welcome his Ukrainian colleagues who were present to let them know that the world is feeling their pain in their fight against the Russian invasion.

Plenary, business, and poster sessions, as well as a corresponding trade show in the Exhibition Hall, kept attendees busy and informed over three days of the WPC. A welcome reception Monday night was followed by a Congress BBQ in the Clayton Ballsbridge Hotel on Tuesday night, and a social evening on Wednesday at the Guinness Storehouse, in Dublin.

All provided networking opportunities, refreshments, and good food to eat.

A highlight of the World Potato Congress is its Industry Awards ceremony, held the second evening of the event, in this case on May 31.

“If I Can” rang loud and clear when Chris Koch, a potato farmer from Alberta, Canada, who was born without arms and legs, gave his keynote speech on overcoming all obstacles and leading a productive and happy life. Although he mostly travels the country, independently without an aide or escort, giving talks, Koch can drive nearly any John Deere implement and considers himself a lifelong farmer.

20 BC�T July

INDUSTRY AWARDS As chair of the WPC Industry Awards Committee, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan presented plaques to deserving individuals who have made a lasting impact on the world potato industry.

Awards were presented to Dr. John J. Burke, Richard W. “Dick” Okray, Paul C. Struik and Antoon Wallays for their long and distinctive work in the international potato industry.

Okray was employed, from 1982-

Above: On full display at the WPC trade show/exhibition hall were Keogh’s Irish potato chips, or “hand cooked crisps.” Ross Keogh of Keoghs Farm, Ireland, presented a business session titled, “The Future is Bright,” in which he noted, “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.”

2020, at Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wisconsin, growing 7,750 acres of quality row crops in Central Wisconsin, specializing in fresh channel potatoes.

The farm was started by his family over 110 years ago. His most recent title was president, and he worked in sales for the family organization.

Following his retirement, in 2020, he remains a co-owner of the family farm, which won a national environmental stewardship award for its outstanding achievement for pesticide risk reduction.

The international potato industry has benefited greatly from the leadership of Okray. He served on the Executive Committee of the U.S. Potato Board (now known as Potatoes USA) and has served as a potato industry ambassador from the United States, attending multiple World Potato Congress events in China, Scotland, New Zealand, and Peru.

He and his wife, Carol, were instrumental in helping raise funds to build multiple wells in impoverished villages near Cameroon, Africa.

They established a WellersWalk

event in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with participants filling and carrying large water jugs to a central location, raising awareness of the trek many villagers in Africa make daily just to gather enough water for their families’ needs.

organizations and boards, including the Wisconsin Migrant Labor Council; Central Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.; United Potato Growers of Wisconsin; and the United Potato Growers of America.

IMPROVING LIVES Funds raised from the annual event were used to construct wells in areas around rural Cameroon, greatly improving the lives of thousands of villagers.

Dick is also widely respected and admired for his philanthropic efforts, serving on the Board of Directors of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, the Edward J. Okray charitable Foundation and recently the Farming for the Future Foundation.

Active in his community and industry, Dick has served on numerous

Dr. Burke is one of Ireland’s foremost experts in potato agronomy. In the

Left: Dick Okray of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, receives the Industry Award at the 11th World Potato Congress held in Dublin, Ireland.

Right: Pictured at the WPC awards ceremony are, left to right, Romain Cools (WPC president), Mark Finnessy (of Okray Family Farms, accepting the Industry Award for Dick Okray), Antoon Wallays, Paul C. Struik, John Burke and Tamas Houlihan (WPC awards chairman).

1990s, John returned to study to undertake a Ph.D. entitled “The effect of seed source, physiological age and desiccation date on yield and chip continued on pg. 22

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11th World Potato Congress . . . continued from pg. 21

color in a range of potato cultivars.”

John retired from Teagasc (Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority), in 2007, having worked also on cereal disease control.

In retirement, he returned to his favorite crop to volunteer with Vita, an Irish non-government organization working primarily in Ethiopia and Eritrea on potato development projects.

He worked tirelessly to maximize the impact of potato, always with a focus on developing farmers’ capabilities and knowledge.

PREVENTING BACTERIAL WILT He spearheaded local seed production on virgin community land in Chencha, Ethiopia, to prevent the spread of bacterial wilt, and pioneered the production of seed potatoes in mountainous regions in Eritrea to prevent viral degeneration.

Struik has been a professor of crop physiology at Wageningen University since 1986. He was the youngest-ever

appointed professor in Wageningen at that time, and potato has been the focus crop over his career.

He has conducted research on physiology; seed production; QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus)-based modeling of crop growth and quality; seed system and chain management of agricultural produce in Africa; and sustainable intensification.

Paul has been editor in chief of Potato Research, the journal of the

Above: Resting their tired feet at the WPC are, from left to right, Mark Finnessy, vice president of Okray Family Farms, Plover, Wisconsin; Potatoes USA Chief Executive Officer Blair Richardson; and Dick and Carol Okray, with Dick being retired from Okray Family Farms and the recipient of this year’s World Potato Congress Industry Award.

European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), since 1990, and a member of the EAPR Board in various roles over the same period.

Nine hundred delegates from 61 countries attended the 11th World Potato Congress in Dublin, Ireland.

22 BC�T July

continued on pg. 24

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11th World Potato Congress . . . continued from pg. 22

He is co-author of more than 500 scientific papers in international journals, including the “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” and a “NATURE PLANTS” paper, and six papers in “Trends in Plant Science.”

After his studies as a civil engineer, Wallays, together with his business companion and agronomist Luc Raes, created the Belgian potato processing factory Agristo in Hulste/Harelbeke.

Both Antoon and Luc were sons of farmers, and their spouses were active in the administration department of the company, making it a real family business.

University of Wisconsin-Madison’s own Amanda Gevens, professor and chair in the Department of Plant Pathology, gave a presentation on “Emerging Plant Pathogens of Potato” at the WPC.

BELGIAN POTATO TRADE Since the beginning of his career, Wallays he has been active in the Belgian potato trade and processing

association, Belgapom.

As chairman of the environment group, his role in the development of the Belgian potato industry was one of the most progressive regarding new water purification and re-use technology.

He was responsible for the creation Left: As is tradition during each WPC closing ceremony, the official flag is handed off from the present year’s host country to the upcoming winner of the congressional honors. Liam Glennon (right, holding flag), president of the Irish Potato Federation and chairperson of the WPC Organizing Committee, hands the flag to Dr. Nigel Crump (left), general manager for the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority. The 12th World Potato Congress will take place in Adelaide, Australia, June 23-26, 2024.

One of several technical tours offered to WPC attendees took them to the Meade Potato Farm, a family-run grower, packer, and shipper, in County Meath, Ireland, that’s been in business since 1982 and employs over 340 people.

24 BC�T July

of the Flemish guideline for best available technologies, which became a reference document for the European Union potato and vegetable processing industry.

As president of Belgapom (20062012), he played a crucial role in the development of the Belgian industry federation and the professionalization of the European Potato Processors Association, of which he was a longtime active board member.

Each of the WPC Industry Awards

winners was allowed a few words after receiving their plaques.

Congratulations to each of them for the well-deserved, prestigious awards and their accomplishments in the international potato industry.

WPC technical tours took place Thursday, June 2, and included choices of potato farms, castles, distilleries, scenic and coastline routes, museums and field days.

Additional leisure excursions were continued on pg. 26

Left: Paula and Tamas Houlihan took in the plenary sessions on Tuesday, May 31, before Tamas, executive director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, presented the WPC Industry Awards. Tamas is chairman of the WPC Industry Awards Committee.

Right: Alicia and Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Inc., Hancock, Wisconsin, pose with daughter, Charlotte, at the 11th World Potato Congress, in Dublin. The room where the plenary and business sessions were held, on the historic Royal Dublin Society grounds, was once a respected and well-stocked (still to this day) research library.

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11th World Potato Congress . . . continued from pg. 25

offered to WPC attendees, families, and guests.

DECLARATION OF DUBLIN On the last day of the World Potato Congress, Cools outlined the “WPC Declaration of Dublin,” calling for the global potato value chain to invest in potato solutions to advance the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

In this agenda, the UN has included 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), which are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.

Cools pointed out statistics illustrating world population growth of 9.7 billion by 2050, and a need for 70 percent more food produced in an increasingly sustainable way.

Climate change is an extra challenge to increase productivity to reduce rural poverty. To obtain these objectives worldwide, millions of smallholder families are needed to

assure food security, climb out of poverty, and engage in an active value chain, leading to jobs and wealth creation.

Cools reasoned that local food Above: What is a visit to Dublin without a proper Irish jig? Dancers and musicians entertained WPC guests at the Guinness Storehouse during a social evening, June 1, 2022.

Left and Below: Though red Rooster potatoes seem to be the pride of Ireland, the Meade Potato Farm brings over 35,000 metric tons of various premium spuds to market each year, on average.

26 BC�T July

production, and potatoes more specifically, must be intensified to assure food security and reduce dependency from international trade.

In a lot of areas in the world, the potato crop could be part of the solution, as has been illustrated during the COVID pandemic and the impact of the conflict in Ukraine.

As is tradition during each WPC closing ceremony, the official flag is handed off from the present year’s host country to the upcoming winner of the congressional honors.

Glennon, president of the Irish Potato Federation and chairperson of the WPC Organizing Committee, handed the flag to Dr. Nigel Crump, general manager for the Australian Seed Potato Industry Certification Authority.

The 12th World Potato Congress will take place in Adelaide, Australia, June 23-26, 2024.

The Meade Potato Farm offers the only food-grade potato starch to be produced and sold in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The gluten-free potato starch is made on the farm from surplus potatoes.

BC�T July 27

Twelve Key Events in Ag Aviation’s First Century

Agricultural aviation aids farmers in producing a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food Article provided by the National Agricultural Aviation Association August 3, 2021, marked the 100th anniversary of an experiment in Ohio when lead arsenate dust was spread over catalpa trees to kill sphinx moth larvae.

Under the direction of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Lt. John A. Macready, a U.S. Army pilot, made the first application by aircraft in a modified Curtiss JN-6 Super Jenny.

The government then utilized aerial application in the southern states.

In 1922, Curtiss biplanes were used to dust cotton fields near Tallulah, Louisiana, to control boll weevils.

In 1923, Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc., the forerunner of Delta Airlines, did the first commercial dusting of crops with its own specially built aircraft.

Agricultural aviation is an important part of the overall aviation and agriculture industries. The industry consists of small businesses and pilots that use aircraft to aid farmers in producing a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and bioenergy.

Aerial applicators protect forestry and play an important role in protecting the public by combating mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, encephalitis, and other diseases.

As part of its year-long celebration of “A Century of Agricultural Aviation, 1921-2021,” the National Agricultural Aviation Association provides Above: This is a view of the first aerial application and crop-dusting flight flown

by Army test pilot Lt. John A. Macready, on August 3, 1921. The application was made upwind of a grove of catalpa trees infested by sphinx moth larvae. The arrow is pointed at the catalpa grove.

28 BC�T July

“12 Key Events in Ag Aviation’s First Century:” August 3, 1921. An experimental application of insecticide dust, conducted jointly by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Federal Aviation Experiment Station near Dayton, becomes the first recorded use of aerial application.

1922–1925. Taking note of the success of the Ohio aerial application experiment, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers recognize the potential for the new practice in the ongoing fight against boll weevils in the South’s cotton crop.

Their research results in aerial application to cotton becoming the first widespread commercial use of agricultural aviation. In 1925, Huff-Daland Dusters, Inc. becomes America’s first known dedicated aerial application business.

1946–1947. The Army’s primary training aircraft in the 1930s and early ’40s—Stearman biplanes—are sold by the thousands as war surplus.

Above: Huff Daland Dusters was the world’s first commercial aerial crop dusting company and the precursor to Delta Air Lines.

Aerial applicators jump at the opportunity to acquire the sturdy, pilot-friendly equipment, and the Stearman remains an agricultural

1947. In California, a Stearman fitted with two 450-watt headlamps makes the first nighttime aerial application.

aviation staple into the 1960s.

continued on pg. 30

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Twelve Key Events in Ag Aviation’s First Century . . . continued from pg. 29

Today, headlamps have been replaced with sophisticated night vision equipment, enabling aerial application at night when winds are calm, and bees are not present in fields and orchards.

design prodigy Leland Snow develops the S-1 ag aircraft. Snow continued to perfect the design throughout the 1950s and went on to found two successful ag aircraft design and manufacturing companies.

1950. The Texas A&M Aircraft Research Center develops the Ag-1 ag plane prototype, the first aircraft created solely for agricultural use.

Because of his groundbreaking work, Snow is considered by many to be the father of the modern ag airplane.

1951. Twenty-three-year-old aircraft

1955. Over a wildfire in the Mendocino National Forest in

California, a Stearman ag plane becomes the first fixed-wing aircraft to be used in firefighting.

1966. With the growth of suburbs bringing the non-ag public closer to farming operations, and with increasing public uneasiness over pesticide use, the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) was founded to promote the professionalism of the aerial application industry.

Today, NAAA represents the industry among legislators and policymakers, and provides advanced safety and technical training for operators.

Mid-1970s. The introduction of the turbine engine in agricultural aircraft represents a game-changing breakthrough in aerial application efficiency.

Above: A 600-gallon Air Tractor AT-602 sprays a potato field.

Left: The Grumman Ag-Cat was the first aircraft specifically designed by a major aircraft company for agricultural aviation.

Here, a pair of Ag-Cats are “buddy-flying,” or tandem spraying, cotton.

30 BC�T July

“Aerial applicators protect forestry and play an important role in protecting the public by combating mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus, encephalitis, and other diseases.”

– National Agricultural Aviation Association

process, allowing pilots to focus on safe, environmentally sustainable operation of the aircraft.

Above: An agriculture pilot soars over a soybean field.

Compared to piston-power, the added muscle of the turbine engine increases air speeds by 20 miles per hour or more and makes it possible to boost a plane’s hopper capacity by up to 75 percent.

1993. The Global Positioning System, or GPS, becomes commercially available in ag aviation. The technology instantly enables pilots to improve accuracy and make highly targeted applications, ushering in the age of true precision agriculture.

2005–2022. Engineers and researchers continue to push the envelope regarding the incorporation of precision application, digital infrared imaging and data analytics into ag aviation.

These technologies make it possible for applicators to effectively spray exact prescribed doses and reduce the total amount of pesticides used.

Industry experts believe rapid advances in digital technologies in the cockpit will soon enable onboard systems to virtually take over the inflight management of the application

2015–2022. Because of its growing use by farmers as an economical, fast, and effective way to seed cover crops, aerial application emerges as an important component in strategies to address climate change with carbon sequestration.

The NAAA will bring its 100th

anniversary of agricultural aviation outreach activities to a close in Oshkosh, the last week of July, at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s “AirVenture 2022.”

The association also published a centennial book, Agriculture’s Air Force: 100 Years of Aerial Application, that is for sale by visiting http://news.agaviation.org/naaa/ issues/2022-05-26/14.html.

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BC�T July 31

Cameron Pokorny

Alexis Kwak

Tyler Kennedy

Eyes on Associates

Merit-Based Scholarships Awarded

Top students honored whose immediate families are WPVGA members The extraordinary efforts of area students have paid off in a big way through scholarships toward higher education.

It’s not just the students who benefit. Having survived a pandemic, supply chain issues and a depleted workforce, agriculture companies value educated, driven employees now more than ever.

Each year, the WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary team up to raise funds through golf outings, membership dues, a silent auction, cookbook sales, baked potato and French fry booths, donations and more to be able to present dedicated and deserving students with scholarships.

Merit-based scholarships are earned by high-achieving students to defray costs of tuition and school fees.

The Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the top candidate and funded not only through a silent auction the Associate Division holds during the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, but also from donations and 32 BC�T July

a special contribution made by the Auxiliary.

Established in 2016, the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship honors its namesake, who was a founding member of the Auxiliary and an integral part of the Wisconsin potato industry.

To remain objective, the names of the students are taken off their applications when the board members review and evaluate them, thus the awarding is done solely on the merits of the applicants and information they provide.

This year, the Auxiliary and Associate Division teamed to award eight deserving students whose families are members of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) with $9,055 in scholarships.

Winner of the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship, CAMERON POKORNY is the son of Doyle Pokorny, a project manager for M.P.B. Builders, Inc., Ripon, Wisconsin, and Kim Pokorny, chief administrative officer of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau.

Academically at the top of his Waupun Area High School graduating

class with an above-high-marks cumulative grade point average (4.227 on a 4.0 scale), Cameron has already amassed a vast resumé.

It includes president of the Waupun FFA, a state FFA Degree, president of the National Honor Society, mentor to at-risk youth and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) instructor for grade school students.

“My career goal is to use my extensive skill set to develop automated systems that will make farming more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and less taxing on laborers,” Cameron states.

He is enrolled at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Platteville for the fall semester 2022 pursuing an automation engineering degree with an agriculture focus.

ALEXIS KWAK is the daughter of Thomas and Tricia Kwak, who work at Chippewa Valley Bean Company, in Menomonie.

Majoring in political science, international studies-global security, and Chinese at UW-Madison, Alexis says, “These majors give me the

Kara Sowinski

socio-economic perspective needed to be successful within the global trade and security industry.”

“Furthermore,” she notes, “I plan to pursue my Master of Professional Studies at Penn State through the Homeland Security Program, Agriculture Biosecurity and Food Defense Option.”

“This program will provide me with the knowledge necessary to pursue a concentration in agricultural trade security, as well as give me the background needed to properly react to epidemics within agriculture,” Alexis remarks.

Her long list of accomplishments includes a Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Honors Society Induction in the fall of 2021, and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Dean’s List for three semesters in 2019-’20.

Alexis was an Association of Women in Agriculture: Breakfast on the Farm Education co-chair, in 2021, and a Badger Dairy Club: World Dairy Expo Business chair in 2020. She’s a member of the United Nations FAO Committee on World Food Security.

A graduate of Amherst High School with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.67, TYLER KENNEDY is the son of T.J. Kennedy, vice president of operations at Heartland Farms Inc., and his wife, Cindy Kennedy, of Sentry Insurance.

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Planning to attend Iowa State University in fall 2022, he is a member of the National Honor Society and has won the “Academic All-Conference Award,” several FFA chapter degree awards, and lettered in varsity football and baseball.

Farms Inc., Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Kara, who finished at the top of her class at Three lakes High School, will be attending St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, in fall 2022. Her anticipated major is chemistry or biochemistry.

“In five years, I hope to be an assistant farm manager working at a potato farm,” Tyler says. “After college, I would also be interested in getting into local government, such as on a town board or school board to give back to the community.”

With a 4.0 GPA, Kara is a class officer and was team captain for varsity track and soccer, as well as student council president and a National Honor Society member.

KARA SOWINSKI is the daughter of Paul and Tunie Sowinski of Sowinski

N V S

continued on pg. 34

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Eyes on Associates . . . continued from pg. 33

for as long as I can remember,” she says. “I know that my educational training and future career will be of great value to not only my family and our community, but to many other family farms in the United States.”

An agribusiness student at Northcentral Technical College (NTC), with a cumulative GPA of 3.787, CHLOE ERTL is a marketing assistant at Swiderski Equipment on days when she doesn’t have school.

“I manage to balance my life, work, independent coursework and attending classes all at the same time, while being involved,” she says. “I am an officer for Professional Agriculture Students Club at NTC, managing fundraising, communications, and social media for the club.”

Chloe also competed and placed at state and nationals for employment interview skills and agriculture business/farm management. She

Gabrielle Huitema

plans to run for office on the state level for the Professional Agriculture Students Club organization.

The son of Derrick Smit, Alsum Farms & Produce food safety and quality manager, and Candace Smit, Columbia County Planning & Zoning, KOBE SMIT earned a 3.546 cumulative GPA as a freshman at UW-Platteville, where he is an agribusiness major with a soil

Julia Wild

and crop science minor.

A member of the National Honor Society, Kobe was an FFA State Farmer finalist, a Star Greenhand, Chapter Star Farmer, and received the Agricultural Processing Award and Turf Grass Management Award.

“I have spent the last five summers working for Alsum Farms & Produce [Friesland, Wisconsin],” he notes.

“Over these summers, I have been

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able to see how a potato company works while working in many different areas of the business.”

“From planting test plots in the spring to harvesting in the fall, I also worked in the packing shed and was able to merchandise with the final product in the stores last summer,” explains Kobe, who hopes one day he’ll be able to produce a high quantity of the best-quality potatoes that he can.

GABRIELLE HUITEMA is the daughter of Dan and Miranda Huitema, with Miranda working for Alsum Farms & Produce, and Dan employed by Matt Boelter Milk Hauling.

agriculture and science.”

“One of my favorite activities was riding in the buddy seat alongside Dad as he prepped the field for another planting season,” she adds.

“During these moments, Dad began his teaching of the basics of farming, explaining the need to respect nature to ensure that future generations had productive, healthy land.”

As a teenager, Julia learned to collect crop growth data. “This is when

Dad told me how UW-Madison was involved in research in our fields,” she says. “The professors were able to use their knowledge to reduce phosphorus use on our farm. After learning this, I was absolutely inspired.”

We hope that Julia and all the scholarship winners remain inspired to advance agriculture into the 21st century and beyond. Congratulations to all of the exceptional students.

A graduate of Markesan High School with a cumulative GPA of 3.63, Gabrielle will be attending UW-River Falls in fall 2022 as a pre-veterinary medicine major with a Spanish minor.

A National Honor Society member, she held president, vice president, secretary, and reporter positions in FFA and was three-time president of the Prairie View Rockets 4H Club.

With the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian, Gabrielle says, “Without veterinarians, livestock would be at a major risk of falling to disease and other injuries. There would be no way to fight fastspreading viruses and diseases, which could potentially disrupt the entire food chain.”

The daughter of Dan and Connie Wild, JULIA WILD grew up on Wild Seed Farms, a certified seed potato operation in Antigo. Connie is a member of the Auxiliary.

A UW-Madison student majoring in microbiology, Julia has a 3.415 cumulative GPA, was a 2019-’20 National Honor Society Member, and on the Dean’s List in the spring semester of 2020-’21 and fall semester of 2021-’22.

“Growing up on a potato farm, science has always intrigued me,” Julia says. “As the daughter of a fourth-generation potato farmer, many of my earliest memories revolve around BC�T July 35

Now News Yara Opens New Potato Incubator Farm

Goal is to achieve potato crop productivity with reduced carbon footprint

Yara has recently established a new Incubator Farm in the Columbia Basin of Washington, aimed at exploring how a complete potato crop nutrition program that drives productivity and grower profitability can simultaneously lead to a reduced carbon footprint.

The 260-acre trials will analyze the role of crop nutrition and practices such as 4R nutrient management in supporting the industry’s need

to continue to produce high yielding, quality crops, while also implementing solutions to decarbonize the value chain.

also being tasked with reducing the environmental footprint,” says Trey Cutts, market development director for Yara North America.

“The global food chain continues to be under pressure to produce food for a growing world population, while

“These two missions don’t have to be mutually exclusive, but they take investment in research and exploration to find solutions that both improve farmer profitability and have a nature-positive impact,” Cutts remarks.

“The Incubator Farm network in North America is designed for this challenge, and we are excited to establish a farm that focuses on such a globally important crop such as the potato,” he notes.

The farm will enable collaborative research efforts to address sustainability and crop nutrition goals through the latest innovations in digital tools and future-focused technologies in the industry.

Above: Yara’s new Incubator Farm in the Columbia Basin of Washington will explore how a complete potato crop nutrition program can simultaneously lead to a reduced carbon footprint.

36 BC�T July

Yara’s partners and other industry stakeholders will be invited to leverage the farm’s research and findings with the opportunity to see firsthand the benefits of the crop nutrition solutions implemented.

VALUABLE INSIGHTS “Yara’s new Potato Incubator Farm will bring together findings from large-scale trials and innovationfocused small plots,” says Erika Wagner, potato crop manager, Yara North America, “giving us, our partners and the industry valuable insights into the role of crop nutrition in potato production sustainability.”

“We envision the farm being a center to drive collaborative research and foster innovation, while working towards Yara’s global ambition of

Growing a Nature Positive Food Future,” she details.

Field-scale trials at the farm will include half pivots of Yara’s TopPotato crop nutrition solution and half pivots of a grower standard fertility program.

There will also be multiple points of data collection throughout the season to evaluate crop performance related to emergence and early vigor, tuber set, resilience to stress, yield, storage, and processing quality.

On smaller-scale plots nearby, Yara will also trial future-focused treatments evaluating nutrient use efficiency, water use efficiency, and soil health initiatives as part of a global strategy to advance

regenerative soil health insights.

Yara North America has three additional Incubator Farms in Modesto, California; Auburn, Alabama; and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The farms are instrumental in advancing Yara’s ambition of “growing a nature positive food future” by building solutions to decrease carbon footprint, improve water and nitrogen use efficiency, regenerate soil sources and more.

To follow the progress of the new farm, check out Yara US on Facebook and www.yara.us/crop-nutrition/ incubator-farms/ where more information will be coming soon.

Fairchild Equipment Named Dealer of Distinction Hyster Company recognizes dealership for materials handling excellence Fairchild Equipment is pleased to announce that it has received its seventh Dealer of Distinction award from Hyster Company for accomplishments in 2021.

The 2021 Dealer of Distinction award goes to 29 top-performing Hyster® dealers, recognizing their strong commitment to materials handling excellence and customer satisfaction.

“I’m proud of our team for again achieving this recognition,” Chad Fairchild, CEO of Fairchild Equipment, exclaims. “Our vision is to provide industry leading services to our customers, and this award is a symbol of that accomplishment.”

“Hyster dealerships and their associates have a thorough understanding of the customer’s application and business needs,” says Bob Sattler, vice president of dealer business development for Hyster Company.

“These dealers are dedicated to helping their customers increase

practice and performance criteria, updated annually to account for changing customer and industry demands. productivity while managing costs in pursuit of excellence,” Sattler adds. “We’re delighted to honor their outstanding achievement as Dealers of Distinction and extremely fortunate to have them represent the Hyster brand.”

Dealer of Distinction recipients are evaluated on a variety of business

About Fairchild Equipment Fairchild Equipment, founded in 1985 by Gary Fairchild, is a premier materials handling dealership that offers comprehensive solutions and services, including sales, service, parts, rental, fleet management, training, and engineered storage systems. continued on pg. 38

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Now News . . .

continued from pg. 37

Its dedicated employees proudly serve customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, northern Illinois, North Dakota and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with positive, personalized and innovative solutions to meet their needs.

For more information, visit: www. fairchildequipment.com.

About Hyster Company Hyster Company is a leading worldwide lift truck designer and

manufacturer. Hyster Company offers 130 lift truck models configured for gasoline, LPG, diesel and electric power, with one of the widest capacity ranges in the industry—from 2,000 to 105,000 pounds.

Supported by one of the industry’s largest and most experienced dealer networks, Hyster Company offers tough, durable lift trucks along with robotics and telematic solutions that deliver high productivity, low total

cost of ownership, easy serviceability and advanced ergonomic features, accompanied by outstanding parts, service and training support.

Hyster Company is a division of Hyster-Yale Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. HysterYale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ more than 8,100 people worldwide.

Biome Makers Launches Website

Space welcomes farmers, agronomists, retailers, and ag manufacturers Biome Makers launches a website to inspire members of the agricultural community to dig deeper into soil biology.

As thought leaders in the industry and a team with proven expertise in AgTech, Biome Makers set a goal to have a website where people can visit and learn about soil biology in an easy and simple way.

“We wanted to cultivate a space that welcomes farmers, agronomists, retailers, and ag manufacturers to develop a deeper understanding of soil biology,” states Adrian Ferrero, co-founder and CEO at Biome Makers.

“The ultimate goal is to share our mission to optimize farming practices and improve soil health and sustainability around the globe,” Ferrero notes.

RESTORE SOIL HEALTH Biome Makers’ objective in producing this new website is to create an avenue for the industry to get the latest news on BeCrop® technology

38 BC�T July

The new website is meant to inspire members of the agricultural community to dig deeper into soil biology.

and how it can be utilized to recover and restore soil health.

Through the Resources section of the website, growers, retailers, and manufacturers can find articles, webinars, and case studies to help them learn about some of the best techniques to regenerate farmland and bring transparency to the agricultural ecosystem.

This new website also highlights

Biome Makers’ non-profit initiatives that include Fields4ever (f4e) and BeCrop Advisors (BCA).

Biome Makers has aligned its brand to emphasize the company’s mission and vision for the future of agriculture, continuously innovating and striving to become a trusted partner for the industry.

To learn more about Biome Makers, visit www.biomemakers.com.

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People

Glenda Gillaspy Named CALS Dean

Plant scientist is a professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech University Plant scientist Glenda Gillaspy has been named the next dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison.

She has been a professor of biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech University since 1998 and head of the department since 2015.

After graduating from Auburn University, Gillaspy earned a doctorate in biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University and then joined the University of California, Berkeley as a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow.

Her research program focuses on a signaling pathway in plants critical for their response to nutrients.

“We are thrilled to welcome Glenda to this important role,” says UWMadison Provost John Karl Scholz.

“Her leadership, scholarship and

Glenda Gillaspy, the new dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison, gives a public presentation at the university’s Biotech Auditorium in Madison, Friday, April 29, 2022. On May 19, Gillaspy was named dean of CALS effective August 4. She is currently a professor and department head of the Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech. Photo courtesy of Michael P. King, UW-Madison CALS

dedication to students will ensure that the college continues to excel.”

As head of the Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech, Gillaspy

Run with Confidence All Year Long

VIBRANT COMMUNITY “I am excited to join the vibrant community of students, staff and faculty within the college and the University of WisconsinMadison,” says Gillaspy. “The unique composition of departments and programs in the college, along with a history and reputation of excellence, make CALS unique.”

Contact us for all of your application needs!

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led changes to the graduate program that doubled the number of students while enhancing their professional opportunities. She developed a mentoring program to attract and retain new faculty, bolstering the research and teaching resources of the department.

“These qualities position the college to take a preeminent role in solving complex problems facing our society with respect to food, health and sustainability,” she notes, “and to provide critical educational programs and experiential learning for our students.”

The university’s guiding philosophy of public service also makes UWMadison feel like a perfect fit to Gillaspy, whose own outreach program using custom-made plants has reached thousands of high school students and their teachers.

“The Wisconsin Idea embodies an elegantly communicated sense of outreach and engagement that I have pursued in my own career,” she says.

“I am looking forward to interacting with our diverse stakeholders and alumni,” Gillaspy continues. “The connection and importance of CALS to the people of Wisconsin makes leading the college a very attractive opportunity.”

Thanks to the strength of past CALS leadership, Gillaspy says she plans to foster the college’s established excellence in research, education, and outreach, and to take advantage of those strengths to expand its impact on students.

In 2021, Dean Kate VandenBosch announced she would step down from her position at the end of the academic year. She has led the college since 2012, overseeing the launch of the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center and the Dairy Innovation Hub. VandenBosch also led the comprehensive campaign for the college, raising more than $166 million in private gifts.

EASING TRANSITION “I am excited to welcome Dr. Gillaspy to campus as our incoming dean and look forward to working with her during the transition,” says VandenBosch. “It has been my great privilege to serve this college, our beautiful state, its agriculture and natural resources, and food and biotech industries.”

“Glenda brings an enthusiasm for our mission and programs that will serve her well as she becomes better acquainted with Wisconsin,” VandenBosch adds. “Thank you to all who will make those introductions for her.”

“Let me express my deep appreciation for Kate VandenBosch’s leadership and service to UWMadison,” says Scholz. “We are pleased that she’s agreed to stay on in the UW community over the next year while taking on some special projects in her home department of agronomy and beyond.”

Troy Runge, professor and chair in biological systems engineering, led a 16-member committee to identify VandenBosch’s successor.

Gillaspy will assume her new role on August 4. The CALS dean is the chief academic and executive officer of the college, which includes 255 faculty members and more than 850 staff.

CALS enrolls about 2,800 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students and has a budget of more than $200 million, approximately half of which comes from extramural support. continued on pg. 42

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TriCal Group Announces New COO

Global soil fumigation leader appoints Megan DeVelvis as chief operating officer The TriCal Group is the world’s leading soil fumigation family of companies, consisting of more than 20 domestic and 10 international affiliates. The group recently announced the appointment of Megan DeVelvis to chief operating officer.

DeVelvis will report directly to Dean Storkan, current president and son of one of the original company cofounders. DeVelvis brings a diverse set of agricultural and business experiences to her new role, most recently serving as vice president for Teleos Ag Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of TriCal Soil Solutions, part of the TriCal Group.

“We are thrilled to elevate Megan

42 BC�T July

into this newly created COO role,” Storkan says. “Megan’s breadth of agricultural knowledge combined with her fresh perspective makes her the ideal person to take us into the future.”

As vice president of Teleos Ag Solutions, DeVelvis lead global supply and distribution of Dow’s TELONE™ (1,3-D), managing a complex web of regulatory, logistical, and supplychain issues.

Prior to joining Teleos Ag Solutions in May 2021, DeVelvis was part of Corteva Agriscience and the Dow Chemical Company.

During her tenure at Dow/Corteva, DeVelvis held several roles, including

Megan DeVelvis is the newly appointed chief operating officer for the TriCal Group.

product management positions for seeds and biotech traits, as a commercial excellence leader, and in

post-merger integration for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

and challenging ourselves to take the TriCal Group to the next level.”

In her new COO role, DeVelvis will be responsible for setting global strategy for the TriCal Group, working closely with the presidents of each affiliate to maximize alignment, efficiencies, and sound foundational business practices to carry the group into the future.

The TriCal Group started in 1961 with TriCal, Inc., founded by Dick Storkan, a chemical engineer, Jerry Hanes, plant pathologist, and Bob McCaslin, an entomologist.

GLOBAL VIEW “My goal is to take a global, 10,000foot view to help identify synergies and opportunities across our family of companies,” says DeVelvis. “I look forward to building on the foundation that has been established

Their mission was to carry out commercial fumigation by specialized methods to help growers battle “worn out” soil.

Today, the TriCal Group is still a privately held, family-owned and operated group of companies with more than 1,000 employees operating in 30-plus countries.

The vision of the TriCal Group is to promote the most beneficial soil environment for growers to produce healthy, bountiful crops that feed the world. The TriCal Group’s diverse suite of offerings range from soil fumigation to crop health and nutrition, irrigation, fertigation, and plant grafting.

“The common thread for the TriCal Group has always been based in innovation,” says DeVelvis.

“Innovation, stewardship, and strong relationships are in our DNA, and I am excited to see how the TriCal Group continues to evolve over the next 50 years.”

Mark Cartwright Unexpectedly Passes Away

His wife, Julie, is a sales agronomist and president of the Associate Division Board Mark R. Cartwright, age 54, of Pine River, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, following an automobile accident. He was born on February 6, 1968, in New London, the son of Robert and Rosemary (Kempf) Cartwright.

On May 4, 1991, Mark married Julie Rosenberg at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Together they raised two daughters, Amanda and Kaylie, and were happily married for 31 years.

Julie is known by many in the industry as a sales agronomist for Jay-Mar, Inc. and for serving as the current president of the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors.

Mark was working for Torke Coffee as a repair technician. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Waupaca.

He loved being outside hunting, fishing, and cutting trees. Mark was considered a poultry expert and was

known to have helped on many 4H projects. He lived his life to the fullest and was looking forward to watching his grandchildren grow up so he could take them on fishing trips.

Mark is survived by his wife, Julie; two daughters, Amanda (Jacob) Padley of Sobieski, Wisconsin, and Kaylie (Branden) Pierce, Stevens Point; and two grandsons, Bennett Padley and Hayden Pierce (due August 1).

He is further survived by his parents, Bob and Rose Cartwright, Pine River; a brother, James (Karin) Cartwright, Fremont; his father-in-law, Gerald Rosenberg; a sister-in-law, Jill Rosenberg, Madison; a niece, Kaitlyn (Jordan) Sweet; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Vera Cartwright and Werner and Clarice Kempf; his mother-in-law, Rhetis Ann Rosenberg; and his niece, Rachel Cartwright.

Mark R. Cartwright February 6, 1968 – June 8, 2022

Funeral services were held on June 12, 2022, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Rev. Brian Roehrborn officiated. Burial was in Brushville Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark, please visit https://sympathy.legacy.com/enus/funeral-flowers/gallery/.

BC�T July 43

Auxiliary News

By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA

Hello, everyone. I’d like to

take you back a couple months to talk to you about our busy May. May is super exciting for us because it’s typically the month we hold Harvest Parties for our Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program.

The Wisconsin Potato Growers

Auxiliary (WPGA) Board randomly selects a few schools that participate in the program, and we coordinate a Spudmobile visit for each of them and an afternoon of fun playing potato-focused games.

This year’s selected schools are Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh, Wild Rose Elementary, Loyal Elementary,

and Lakeland Star Academy.

I’ll walk you through what we do at our Harvest Parties. We start in the Spudmobile hosting as many classrooms as we can fit in a full day of sessions. This is a great way to get in front of the students and show them exactly where the potatoes they eat come from, and they get to play the fun games in the Spudmobile to learn all about it.

Then, we break off with the class that participated in the Kids Dig program and throw them a Harvest Party! We play games like hot potato and have potato gunny sack and potato-on-aspoon races.

Then we finish the party by giving the Above: Children from the Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, were treated to a Spudmobile visit and Harvest Party as part of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program.

Left: WPGA Board Secretary/Treasurer Heidi Schleicher points out different varieties of potatoes to elementary school students visiting the Spudmobile during a Harvest Party.

44 BC�T July

students a backpack full of Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes goodies and a cookie made with potato chips (talk about delicious, by the way).

If a Harvest Party sounds like something you’d like to be involved in next year, shoot us an email at wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com.

Left: Marie Reid (standing directly behind elementary students), who is on the WPGA Board of Directors, helps students with the “Field to Fork” game during a Spudmobile visit.

We always have so much fun with the students teaching them how delicious and nutritious Wisconsin potatoes are, and of course ask them to pass that information on to their parents!

That’s all for this month.

Right: Wild Rose Elementary School students form two lines and toss potatoes back and forth during a Harvest Party.

Until next time,

Datonn

Vice president, WPGA

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BC�T July 45

Fighting Weeds

in a Changing World Palmer amaranth grows in hot, dry conditions like those the United States might face in the future Submitted by sciencesocieties.org By many accounts, the world is warming. And fast. By 2050, the planet will reportedly have warmed by about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit compared to before the Industrial Revolution.

That warming brings substantial changes. Storms might be stronger.

People will likely run their air conditioners more. It will even change when and where our crops grow, and how well they perform.

“Globally, temperature and moisture stresses drastically affect crop productivity leading to substantial yield losses,” says Sarah Kezar, graduate research assistant for Texas 46 BC�T July

A&M University.

“Under the changing climate, minimizing agricultural losses caused by these stresses has become a major challenge and created a global concern to assure food security,” she notes.

For as long as humans have farmed crops, they’ve also fought weeds.

These pesky plants fight for water, light, and nutrients with the crops used for food.

By their very nature, weeds are typically more robust than domesticated crops. How will the permanent race between weeds and crops change in a warming world?

Above: Texas A&M University graduate research assistant, Sarah Kezar, evaluates and observes Palmer amaranth in the field. The weed can grow very tall—over 6 feet—and produce up to a million seeds from one plant. Kezar’s research shows that Palmer amaranth is still efficient under stress conditions, informing future research on how to combat it. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M Agrilife

“The response of crops to anticipated changes in temperature and available water has been well documented, but little has been studied with weed species,” Kezar says.

HOW WEEDS WILL ADAPT To complement research on the changing growing conditions for

“When we think about climate change impacts on the future of agriculture, we need to keep weed responses in the conversation.”

Palmer amaranth hails from the desert Southwest. But it has recently spread far and wide, reaching 28 states, including Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

crops, Kezar and her team have been focusing on how weeds will adapt as well. They’ve discovered that pernicious weeds may grow stronger compared to most crops.

That’s not good news. But the knowledge of weeds’ strengths can help scientists plan for better ways to combat them as our world continues to change.

– Sarah Kezar, graduate research assistant, Texas A&M University Kezar presented her research at the 2021 annual meeting, held in Salt Lake City, of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

Kezar explained how Palmer amaranth grows in hotter and drier conditions like those that the United States could face in the future.

Palmer amaranth is a giant weed, growing over 6 feet tall if left unchecked. The weed can produce as

many as a million seeds from a single plant.

It originally hails from the desert Southwest. But it has recently spread far and wide, reaching 28 states, including Wisconsin. Palmer amaranth’s range is likely to expand as the warm conditions it prefers spread northward.

To assess how Palmer amaranth will fare in the future, Kezar set up an continued on pg. 48

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

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WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

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WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

BC�T July 47

Fighting Weeds in a Changing World. . . continued from pg. 47

experiment under highly controlled conditions. She tested growth at four different temperatures, which ranged up to daily high temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kezar also varied how much water the weed received to simulate wetter and drier conditions.

STILL ABLE TO GROW “Palmer amaranth growth was affected by elevated temperature and moisture stress conditions in terms of magnitude, but this weed was still able to grow,” Kezar says.

“The fact that Palmer amaranth maintained adequate growth under high temperature and moisture stress shows that it can still remain highly competitive by exhausting soil water and nutrients available to crops, and thus impacting yield,” she stresses.

Palmer amaranth has an advantage growing under these conditions.

The weed has a highly efficient metabolism, like corn and sorghum.

These types of plants are better at capturing energy from the sun (photosynthesis) under hot weather.

Most crops don’t have this ability.

The scientists observed evidence of the weed’s special abilities in their experiments. “We did see that Palmer amaranth actually had an increase in photosynthetic capabilities,” Kezar says.

Research like this can help farmers

Above: Sarah Kezar evaluates and observes Palmer amaranth in the lab. Palmer amaranth is a weed that is invading crops, stealing their nutrients and sunlight. Kezar recently presented her research about the weed at the annual meeting, held in Salt Lake City, of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. Photo courtesy of Sam Craft, Texas A&M Agrilife

and scientists plan for the future. By knowing which weeds will outperform crops, they can better prepare systems in place to keep them at bay.

“Developing improved management practices is important for effective control of this species in the face of climate change,” Kezar reasons.

“When we think about climate change impacts on the future of agriculture, we need to keep weed responses in the conversation.”

Above: A comparison of Palmer amaranth leaves subjected to no temperature and moisture stress (left) to increasing temperature and moisture stress (left to right) is shown here. Sarah Kezar’s graduate research found that the weed is especially tolerant to various weather conditions, helping it compete against food crops. Photo courtesy of Sarah Kezar 48 BC�T July

This research was supported by The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Fellowship and Cotton Incorporate.

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Sand County Equipment Offers TRAC PRO Scooper

Potato handling machine combines heavy plate and tubing, ample power, and new innovations

The Logan family of potato field handling equipment has redesigned its TRAC PRO Scooper, now available from Sand County Equipment of Bancroft, Wisconsin.

The new design, which scoops potatoes electrically off the floor and into a bin piler, provides a combination of heavy plate and tubing, ample power, and recent innovations for an excellent value and functionality.

Available in 30- or 36-inch models, each incorporates a tractor axle and fender lift, push button tow/ no tow wheel drive boxes, an auxiliary control panel, VFD (Variable Frequency Drive), and an attractive, durable polyurethane paint finish.

Features include belted chain or solid belt in tractor; reversible electric nose belt drive; a front tow hitch and optional tractor trailer; removable heavy duty nose blade; 5-horsepower (HP) electric drive with 7.5-HP option; in-line gearbox; optional 5- or 7.5-HP VFD; and adjustable slip clutch.

The 10-horsepower hydraulic system has stack pumps for wheel drives and 50 BC�T July

optional 10-horsepower VFD, as well as aggressive 31-inch (tall) by 15.5inch (wide) tires.

“The TRAC PRO Scooper is made with farmers in mind, and combines speed, power and torque,” says Paul Cieslewicz of Sand County Equipment. “It reaches 7 ½ horsepower torque on the nose with belt speeds that surpass the competition.”

EASY ACCESS “All central valves are easy to access and maintain,” he adds, “and the hydraulic tractor axle and easy-access fenders are a breeze to move up and out of the way, each with just a pin. The operator does not need wrenches.”

“It’s the only scooper that uses eradicator rollers in stock from the manufacturer, which clean out themselves for ease of use,” Cieslewicz remarks.

The robust design of 3/8-inch heavy plate in the tractor provides strength and durability, and the sidewalls are lined with stainless steel.

“It’s the heaviest tractor frame on the market, made from 3/8-inch solid steel with an option for 1/2-inchplate framing,” Cieslewicz notes.

“This 30-inch scooper will outrun a 36-inch bin piler all day long.”

The tow/no tow wheel gear boxes with push button release and engage are simple to operate, while the hydraulic tractor axle lift with corresponding fender and nose lifts enables maneuvering over uneven entrances and cellar floors.

The trusswork tubing bridge frame incorporates telescoping, continuous, no-drop conveyor belts, dual hydraulic lift, 5-horsepower motor, in-line gearbox and optional 5-horsepower VFD. The TRAC PRO Scooper is designed with simplicity, durability, wearability, and productivity in mind.

For more information, contact Sand County Equipment, POB 228, Bancroft, WI 54921, 715-335-6652, email cheryl@ sandcountyequipment.com, or visit www.sandcountyequipment.com.

Tasteful Selections Releases Micro-Ready Trays

American Chophouse and Garlic Parmesan micro-ready potatoes are just in time for summer Grilling is a highlight of the summer season. From brats, burgers, and steak to fish, chicken, or pork chops, America is grilling! And Tasteful Selections® is ready to help consumers enjoy fresh potatoes all summer long.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be offering new micro-ready trays for the grilling season,” says Tim Huffcutt, vice president of sales and marketing operations for RPE, Inc., partner of Tasteful Selections. “Our culinary development team developed quality, high-flavor seasonings that will elevate our bite-size potato flavor.”

Each product features 16 ounces of fresh Sunburst Blend™ bite-size potatoes and a custom-blended seasoning packet in a convenient microwaveable tray.

Consumers can prepare the tasty side dishes in the microwaveable trays or start cooking the potatoes in the microwave and then finish them on the grill, as described on the back of the pack.

Explore the two new seasoning blends: • American Blend: A bold blend of sea salt, coarse ground pepper and chophouse-style spices that pairs well with grilled steak, pork chops, burgers, roasts, and other vegetables • Garlic Parmesan: A classic savory combination of warm garlic and

creamy parmesan that pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, seafood, and other vegetables Tasteful Selections’ new micro-ready trays will be in stores for a limited time, so act now to make the most of your summer grilling season.

About Tasteful Selections Tasteful Selections®, LLC is a vertically integrated family-owned collection of farms

pioneering and leading the bite-size potato category. To ensure high standards of quality, flavor and freshness, Tasteful Selections owns and operates the entire process of planting, growing, harvesting, and packaging. Field to fork fresh in every bite.

About RPE Category leader RPE is a grower/shipper of year-round potatoes and onions, providing category innovation and retail solutions as the exclusive sales and marketing partner of Tasteful Selections and its best quality, bitesize potatoes.

Senior Agronomist/Field Department Manager Wanted Mortenson Bros. Farms, Inc. is a progressive agribusiness located in central Wisconsin specializing in the production of potato and vegetable crops. All of our crops are grown under center-pivot irrigation across more than 14,000 acres and growing.

Position Description:

This position will report directly to the owner, and will direct and manage the Agronomy and Irrigation departments.

spreading, ground spraying, aerial spraying, fertigation, and in-furrow;

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Direct irrigation staff on watering needs, maintenance, and fertilizer application;

• Supervise Agronomy and Irrigation Depts.

• Budget and coordinate fumigation;

• Crop planning and strategic management of field rotations;

• Assist in other operational areas as needed during planting and harvest seasons;

• Budget, procure, and handle fertilizer and chemicals;

• Manage multiple professional and general labor staff, provide guidance and mentoring to entry-level agronomists, and work alongside ownership and the Operations Manager.

• Plan and coordinate fertilizer and chemical applications including seed cutting, dry

Qualifications: • Agronomy degree or equivalent experience in production agriculture.

• Specific experience with potatoes and other vegetable crops such as carrots, beets, sweet

corn, green beans, and peas.

• Experience in upper management with demonstrated ability to work independently and within an executive management team.

Compensation & Benefits:

Mortenson Bros. Farms offers a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. Benefits include group health insurance, dental/vision, SIMPLE IRA, vacation/holiday pay, and a company truck.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY please email info@mortensonbros.com or call (715) 335-4912 BC�T July 51

Badger Beat The Rise of Metabolic Resistance

Above: Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth thrives within a field crop.

Effectiveness of pesticides is threatened by the evolution of resistant pathogens, weeds, and insects

By Russell L. Groves, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Entomology

Durable crop protection is an essential component of current

sustainability and future food security.

However, the effectiveness of pesticides is threatened by the evolution of resistant pathogens, weeds, and insect pests.

Contemporary pesticides are mostly synthetic compounds and regarded as novel modes of action, yet target species are often able to evolve resistance soon after the release and introduction of a new compound.

Therefore, pesticide (insecticide) resistance provides an interesting case to study how rapid evolution is occurring under strong selective pressures, and importantly how insects are adapting to novel pesticides over very short periods of time.

Ever‐increasing cases of resistance, combined with regulatory threats to some current chemicals and a slowing pipeline of new products, are leading to a shrinking toolkit for the control of many key pests.

Therefore, it is vital to understand the 52 BC�T July

processes involved in the evolution of resistance, and the implications for resistance risk and management to prolong the useful life of existing compounds.

We learned there are several new herbicide-resistant amaranth biotypes that have become prevalent over the past two to three years.

Specifically, Illinois has reported populations of water hemp resistant to metolachlor and other Group 15 herbicides, in addition to reports in Arkansas of metolachlor and 2,4-D resistance in Palmer amaranth.

We have learned that the resistance mechanism in these populations is what we term as metabolism-based resistance (MBR), and in these specific instances, the plant has developed an enhanced ability to degrade the herbicide.

The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee defines and places the mechanisms by which insects can develop resistance to insecticides in four broad categories: Behavioral-based resistance (BBR) - Resistant insects may detect or recognize a danger and simply avoid the toxin.

Insects might simply stop feeding if they come across certain insecticides, or leave the area where spraying occurred. For instance, they could move to the underside of a sprayed leaf, deeper in the crop canopy or fly away from the target area.

Penetration-based resistance (PBR) - Resistant insects may absorb the toxin through their cuticles more slowly than susceptible insects.

Penetration resistance occurs when insects’ outer cuticles develop barriers that can slow absorption of the chemicals into their bodies.

Target-Site based resistance (TSBR) - The specific target site where the insecticide acts in the insect may

be genetically modified to prevent the insecticide binding or interacting, thereby reducing or eliminating the pesticidal effect of the insecticide.

This has been a common and historical type of resistance described among insect populations.

Metabolism-based resistance (MBR) - Resistant insects may detoxify or destroy the toxin faster than susceptible insects, or quickly rid their bodies of the toxic molecules.

been correlated with insecticide resistance.

A relatively recent experiment designed to evaluate the combination of genes expressed in insects from a field population exposed to imidacloprid and chlorothalonil alone revealed that both the insecticide and fungicide induced similar MBR mechanisms within individuals from the same population (2).

Many contemporary studies have revealed an increasing prevalence of MBR among insect populations around the globe.

With special reference to the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), a recent investigation classified possible mechanisms of insecticide resistance within select populations, including the detoxification and removal of insecticides from their bodies via phase 1 (detoxification through breakdown) and phase 2 (removal through excretion) using MBR enzymes (1).

This study identified a multitude of candidate genes that correlate with insecticide resistance.

The findings here suggest that a combination of detoxification and excretion enzymes (MBR) plays a significant role in insecticide resistance.

It is also important to note that behavioral resistance and mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (the target of the class 4A neonicotinoid insecticides) have also

GENE STUDY An ongoing study has investigated the similarities and differences in constitutively overexpressed genes among geographically distinct populations of CPB (3).

This result suggests that observed

continued on pg. 54

Metabolic resistance is the most common mechanism and often presents the greatest challenge.

Insects use their internal enzyme systems to break down insecticides.

Resistant strains may possess higher levels or more efficient forms of these enzymes.

In addition to being more efficient, these enzyme systems might also have a broad spectrum of activity (i.e., they can degrade many different insecticides).

resistance levels can be partially explained by the development of cross-functional MBR detoxification pathways driven by chronic exposure to both insecticides and fungicides.

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Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 53

Geographic location is often related to patterns of pesticide management strategies and chemical inputs that are required for crop protection, and consequently may play a significant role in insecticide resistance development.

My team hypothesized that the

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activation of enzymatic MBR detoxification mechanisms might be associated with geographic locations.

So, we predicted that the overexpression of these classified detoxification genes would be related to conventionally managed fields in the Midwest and East Coast where intensive insecticide and fungicide use co-occur, when compared with the Pacific Northwest.

From our analysis, we noted that the population from Wisconsin (Hancock) overexpressed all but four of the 38 MBR transcripts examined when compared with the susceptible laboratory population.

The conventional population from Hancock was most closely associated with the Maine populations, whereas the western population (Oregon) examined shared similarities with an organic potato farm in Dane County, Wisconsin.

The MBR detoxification of synthetic chemicals by insects is mainly associated with cytochrome P450s and with large multigene families such as esterases, oxidases, and transferases.

ENZYME SYSTEMS Among these detoxifying enzyme systems, cytochrome P450s are involved in the metabolism of pyrethroids; GST’s detoxify organochlorine compounds; and esterases and oxidases act primarily on carbamates.

The putative insect genes involved in MBR to various insecticides, including their expression in response to insecticide usage, are becoming increasingly more commonplace.

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54 BC�T July

The concern with MBR is that an alteration in insecticide metabolism providing resistance to one insecticide group might give it crossresistance to multiple insecticide groups.

This phenomenon has become well documented with herbicides, where

The schematic illustrates enhanced metabolism within the cell leading to an inactive (non-toxic) metabolite.

widespread MBR has resulted in the loss of most herbicide tools for several weeds and led to the widespread adoption of harvest weed seed control and other alternative management strategies.

We have moved into an era where MBR will increase in importance. The potential for MBR to provide crossresistance to multiple insecticide groups is a threat to our current production system.

It is critical to develop insecticide resistance management (IRM) programs that rely on multiple, effective insecticide MoA groups and provide full-season insect control.

However, insecticides alone cannot win this battle, and IRMbased production systems must be evaluated to determine what alternative strategies can be used to supplement insecticides and associated resistance.

References 1. Crossley MS, Chen YH, Groves RL and Schoville SD, Landscape genomics of Colorado potato beetle provide evidence of polygenic adaptation to insecticides. Mol Ecol 26: 6284– 6300 (2017).

2. Clements J, Schoville S, Clements A, Amezian D, Davis T, Sanchez-Sedillo B et al., Agricultural fungicides inadvertently influence the fitness of Colorado potato beetles, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and their susceptibility to insecticides. Sci Rep 8:1–0 (2018).

3. Clements J, Lamour K, Frost K, Dwyer J, Huseth A and Groves RL (2021), Targeted RNA sequencing reveals differential patterns of transcript expression in geographically discrete, insecticide resistant populations of Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

Pest Manag Sci, 77: 3436-3444. https://doi. org/10.1002/ps.6393

NPC News

State Managers Take Priorities to Capitol Hill Topics include 2023 Farm Bill priorities and federal feeding programs In May, managers from state potato organizations joined the National Potato Council (NPC) in our nation’s capital to meet with key Biden Administration officials, members of Congress, and committee staff members to advocate for potato priorities.

During an in-person meeting at NPC’s office, the group met with Jenny Moffitt, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, and Dr. Mark Davidson, USDA Deputy Administrator, Plant Protection and Quarantine.

The NPC and state managers were there to express the potato industry’s gratitude for the Administration’s support in gaining fresh potato access to the full Mexican market and discuss the ongoing cooperation needed to keep the border open.

The state managers then walked to Capitol Hill to meet with key committee staff members to discuss 2023 Farm Bill priorities and ensure that potatoes retain their rightful place in federal feeding programs.

Managers from state potato organizations joined the National Potato Council (NPC) to meet with key Biden Administration officials and advocate for potato priorities. They are, from left to right, Gary Roth (OR), Tamas Houlihan (WI), Mark Klompien (United of America), Chris Voigt (WA), Jim Ehrlich (CO), Matt Harris (WA), Kelly Turner (MI), Kam Quarles (NPC), Mark Szymanski (NPC), and Donavon Johnson (Northern Plains Potato Growers Association).

• U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee majority and minority staff

• U.S. House Appropriations Committee Agriculture Subcommittee staff

• U.S. House Agriculture Committee majority and minority staff

• U.S. House Ways and Means Trade staff

The group met with:

WPIB Focus

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Month

Jul-20

Aug-20

Sep-20

Oct-20

Nov-20

Dec-20

Jan-21

Feb-21

Mar-21

Apr-21

May-21

Jun-21

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,267,472.18

1,275,285.84

1,290,414.89

2,235,567.48

2,498,333.04

1,787,069.62

2,103,473.68

1,593,614.79

2,236,633.70

2,193,682.11

2,145,988.94

20,627,536.27

Assessment

$101,400.66

$102,092.25

$103,233.20

$178,773.99

$199,895.60

$143,001.23

$168,209.03

$127,430.28

$179,000.53

$175,561.74

$171,673.03

$1,650,271.54

Aug-21

Sep-21

Oct-21

Nov-21

Dec-21

Jan-22

Feb-22

Mar-22

Apr-22

May-22

Month

Jul-21

Jun-22

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,292,191.75

981,540.84

933,052.68

3,515,638.42

2,529,632.08

2,033,264.21

1,948,049.95

1,869,405.13

1,867,240.42

2,256,490.25

2,457,802.63

21,684,308.36

Assessment

$103,342.07

$78,594.28

$74,682.23

$281,175.63

$200,944.23

$162,677.29

$157,293.40

$149,552.31

$149,347.94

$180,586.95

$196,621.03

$1,734,817.36 BC�T July 55

Do Potatoes or Almonds

Promote Greater Metabolic Health?

Rigorous trial measures difference between caloriematched fries and almonds on key health metrics Peer-reviewed article provided by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) White potatoes, especially French fries, are often described in nutrition research literature and dietary guidance statements as having associations with obesogenic diets and as increasing chronic disease risk based on observational research findings.

However, there is limited evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) testing cause-and-effect relationships.

Now, an RCT published in the American Journal of Clinical 56 BC�T July

Nutrition demonstrates that adding a 300-calorie serving of French fries to one’s typical diet every day for a month does not result in differential weight gain or other biomarker changes associated with impaired blood sugar regulation compared to adding an isocaloric daily serving of almonds, generally considered a healthy snack option.

“In our School of Public Health at Indiana University-Bloomington and in my own work, we adhere to a slogan: ‘It’s About Knowing.’ Because

conjecture is good, but knowing is better,” says David Allison, Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator.

“The way we come to know is through rigorous, randomized controlled trials,” Allison explains.

Above: Randomized controlled trial finds that adding a 300-calorie serving of French fries to one’s typical diet every day for a month does not result in differential weight gain or other biomarker changes associated with impaired blood sugar regulation compared to adding an isocaloric daily serving of almonds. Photo courtesy of Potatoes USA

CONTROLLED TRIAL FINDINGS “Based on our RCT findings,” he says, “there is no statistically significant evidence of differential effects between consuming a typical 300-calorie serving of French fries and a 300-calorie serving of almonds daily when it comes to weight gain or markers of type 2 diabetes risk, at least in the short term.”

Changes in body composition (i.e., body fat mass), body weight, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin levels at the end of the one-month trial were comparable across the French fry and almond intervention groups and were not clinically significant.

As expected, given the difference in carbohydrate content between the French fries and almonds, acute peak blood glucose and insulin levels were higher after consuming the French fries.

However, these levels were not elevated beyond a normal range, and this difference did not have an apparent impact on any other glucoregulatory biomarkers.

“In our School of Public Health at Indiana University-Bloomington and in my own work, we adhere to a slogan: ‘It’s About Knowing.’ Because conjecture is good, but knowing is better.”

– David Allison, Ph.D. specific food item into their “normal daily diet.”

• Almonds: approximately 1/3 of a cup of almonds, roasted and salted • Standard French fries: approximately the size of a medium serving • French fries with herb/spice mix: approximately the size of a medium serving, prepared with oregano, basil, garlic, onion, and rosemary

Instructions were provided regarding storage and preparation methods of food items for all participants.

Participants were simply asked to incorporate the specific food item into their normal daily diet. They were not instructed to compensate for these added calories in any way.

Body composition (body fat mass), body weight, blood sugar, insulin, continued on pg. 58

“Our results show two food items identified previously for opposite associations with health outcomes had no differences in effects on the health outcomes we measured,” notes study co-author Daniel Smith, Ph.D. “Nutrition recommendations that focus primarily on single foods in isolation may be missing the mark,” Smith adds. “A more effective approach to dietary guidance is likely one that takes total diet, lifestyle and individual needs and risk factors into account.”

STUDY DESIGN A group of 180 adult men and women were randomized to one of three treatment groups for 30 days, with 165 completing the study.

The three arms included an additional 300 kilocalories/day from one of the three food items and participants were asked to add the BC�T July 57

Do Potatoes or Almonds Promote Greater Metabolic Health? . . . continued from pg. 57

There is limited evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) of diets that include servings of white potatoes having associations with an increase in obesity and other chronic disease risks.

and hemoglobin A1c were measured at baseline and study completion.

A subset of five participants also completed post-meal evaluations to assess short-term blood sugar response.

The study’s strengths include its randomized controlled trial design, considered the gold standard in

White potatoes are often described in nutrition research literature and dietary guidance statements as having associations with obesogenic diets and as increasing chronic disease risk based on observational research findings.

identifying causal relationships, as well as the standardization of the study foods’ preparation, presentation, and convenience.

it was a free-living study, limiting researchers’ control over the participants’ diets. However, such a study design also allows for realworld data collection.

Its limitations include the fact that

It also excluded participants with type 2 diabetes, limiting the application of the findings to individuals without the disease.

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58 BC�T July

Additionally, the study did not include an analysis of energy (calorie) intake, nor were satiety data collected, making it unclear exactly how the varied snack intakes affected calorie intake overall.

The research article, “French-fried potatoes consumption and energy balance: a randomized controlled trial,” is published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (https:// doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac045).

Authors include David Allison, Ph.D., Indiana University, and Daniel Smith, Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Funding was provided by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education.

APRE had no influence on the study design, conduct, execution, or data analysis after approving the initial proposal for funding.

Potatoes USA News Direct-To-Retailer Newsletter Launches

in learning more about their top volume-driving commodity.

Future issues will offer turnkey solutions for improving displays, assortment, and seasonal promotions of potatoes in-store and online.

Meet the Spud Sellers newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/719379b4b8d0/ potatoes-101?e=e236ef7e48), a new tool to help grocery stores maximize potato sales.

Spud Sellers provides helpful information, seasonal tips, and other useful resources for selling America’s favorite vegetable in grocery stores nationwide.

The first issue went out at the end of April to over 200 key decision makers from volume-driving grocery stores across the country.

The newsletter, Potatoes 101, included information about growing

and harvesting, types of potatoes, and potato nutrition. This email performed exceptionally well and was opened over 400 times with nearly 430 clicks throughout, showing that the readers returned to reread it and forward it to others.

FULL ENGAGEMENT With this type of engagement, retailers are clearly interested

The key is to help retailers understand how potatoes fit into every month of the year. Whether retailers are looking for information about how potatoes are grown or how to merchandise them in store, it will help directly inform those decision makers about everything they need to know to increase sales of potatoes.

If you or your retail partners would like to be on the distribution list, sign up in the Spud Sellers section on www.PotatoRetailer.com.

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Marketplace

inviting buyers and regional shipping specialists to Wisconsin for field and sales tours to consider trade options.

Combined, these initiatives are the perfect recipe for expanding sales of Wisconsin potatoes, which ultimately is most beneficial for farmers whose sole mission is to feed families.

Above and beyond the $45,000, there is $27,700 in matching funds that will come primarily in the form of time that the WPVGA staff invests in implementing the processes laid out in the grant proposal.

Wisconsin Explores Exports Through Grant Opportunity

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education Wisconsin has a unique geographic location. Although it borders another country, it isn’t located on a coast, and therefore may not be the first state that comes to mind when talking about exports.

Nonetheless, export expansion will be top of mind for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) in the next year thanks to a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

News of the $45,000 award comes after conversations between Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers, University of WisconsinMadison researchers and WPVGA staff regarding the recently opened market for U.S. potatoes in Mexico and the country’s strong interest in sustainability.

Initially, the thought was that Mexico would be a good market in which to showcase Wisconsin Healthy Grown potatoes. As discussions evolved, however, Canada entered the conversation, especially as it relates to Wisconsin certified seed potatoes, and the state’s ability to satisfy locally 60 BC�T July

grown needs in Canada given the areas’ proximity to one another.

The grant’s final draft included a request for funding to explore export expansion in both Mexico and Canada for seed, fresh and processed potatoes, though seed and fresh potatoes would be the main focal point.

Specifically, the grant money will be used to establish awareness of Wisconsin potatoes as a brand, gauge consumer trends and needs, and determine viability of transportation for exports.

Furthermore, since Wisconsin has a reputation for being known as the “green state,” grant dollars will also help explore the potential of Healthy Grown potatoes in the Canadian and Mexican markets.

EXPORT EXPANSION This export expansion exploration will have significant impacts in terms of educating growers on markets and creating sales/marketing materials fit for specific Canadian/Mexican markets; identifying key contacts and leaders in both international markets that could help foster sales; and

These processes include becoming a member of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and attending its show in April 2023, not only as an exhibitor via WPVGA staff, but alongside several growers.

Funding and processes also cover research of outlets for trade relations with Mexico, travel for Wisconsin participants to establish and develop connections with international partners, and trade missions for market partners to visit Wisconsin farms and learn more about production, shipping and marketing options.

Print and online materials (translated into other languages as needed) that showcase growers’ environmental and sustainable growing practices will help in export expansion as well as facilitating discussions and meetings with prospective buyers.

Overall, it’s a fantastic opportunity that could provide significant returns for Wisconsin growers.

Top Left: A $45,000 DATCP (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) grant will be used toward export expansion of Wisconsin certified seed, fresh and processed potatoes into Mexico and Canada.

Top Right: Considering Wisconsin’s reputation for being known as the “green state,” grant dollars will help explore the potential of Healthy Grown potatoes in the Mexican and Canadian markets.

Ali's Kitchen Tangy Olive Potato Salad Has Flavor to Spare Potatoes absorb flavors from creamy dressing when dish has sat in the fridge for a day Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary The tangy flavors of this potato salad are wonderful. The dish gets even better after it has sat in the refrigerator for a day and the potatoes have had a chance to absorb all those flavors from the creamy dressing!

This recipe fed six of us. You can easily double or triple it to feed more people. After all, this is the perfect dish to bring to a friend’s grill-out or a neighborhood potluck! continued on pg. 62

INGREDIENTS: Olive Potato Salad • 5 medium russet potatoes • 3 eggs (hard-boiled) • 3/4 cup black olives (sliced) • 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced) • 1/4 cup dill pickles (finely chopped)

Salad Dressing • 1/3 cup mayonnaise • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1 Tbsp. white sugar • 2 Tbsp. pickle juice (from the jar of dill pickles) • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard • 1 tsp. salt • 1 tsp. black pepper • 1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped

BC�T July 61

Ali's Kitchen. . .

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continued from pg. 61

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DIRECTIONS Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil.

Cook until tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 35-50 minutes.

Allow the potatoes to cool, then peel and dice.

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and dice.

In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, olives, onion, and dill pickles.

Set aside.

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, pickle juice, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill. Stir well until all is mixed together.

Pour the dressing over the eggs and potatoes and gently fold together to combine.

Nutrien Ag Solutions.................... 29 Oasis Irrigation............................. 64 Quinlan’s Equipment.................... 53 Riesterer & Schnell....................... 40 Roberts Irrigation ......................... 17 Ron’s Refrigeration....................... 54 Rural Mutual Insurance................ 34

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Sand County Equipment............... 13

Enjoy!

Schroeder Brothers Farms.............. 7 Swiderski Equipment.................... 25 Syngenta....................................... 23

SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group.

T.I.P., Inc........................................ 59 TriCal Group.................................... 2 Vantage North Central.................. 35 Vine Vest North............................ 37 Volm Companies........................... 15 WPVGA Support Our Members.... 62 WSPIA........................................... 47 Yara North America...................... 49

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PLAN YOUR POTATO CROP PROTECTION NEEDS WITH GOWAN USA SOLUTIONS HERBICIDES

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