$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 73 No. 10 | OCTOBER 2021
THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORY & BAGGING /PACKAGING ISSUE INTERVIEW:
DALE WARNER Warner & Warner, Inc.
Through the years, Warner & Warner, Inc. President and CEO Dale Warner has learned the packaging business from the loading dock to the front office.
HOW TO CREATE A Valid Carbon Market TRACK WILD BEES: WiBee Mobile App INSIDE: COMPLETE WPVGA Associate Division Directory TYPE AND QUALITY OF Carbohydrates Matter Most
2018 Vector 380, 411 Hours, Cummins Eng., Allison Trans., 380/90R46 Tires, Adjustable Axle, 4 Wheel Steer, New Leader G5000 Spreader, 14' 304 SS Box, 16 Section Control, Viper 4, Smartrax, VRA, #U00342 . . . . . . . . .$329,000
2012 Case IH 4530, 4,649 Hrs., 8.7L Eng., Allison, VF750/45R26.5 Front 1050/50R32 Rear Tires, 810 Flex Air Box, 70' Booms, 2 Bin w/Granular Bins, Elec., #U01010 . . . . .$55,000
2010 AGCO 6203, 4,400 Hrs., 1000/50R22 Michelin Tires, CAT Eng., Terra Shift Trans., New Leader L4000G4 Multiplier Spreader, 14' 409 SS Hopper, Raven Viper Pro, Smartrax Steering, #U00618. $52,500
2009 Case IH 4520, 4,105 Hrs., Cummins Eng., 750/45R25.5 Frt. 1050/50R32 Rear Tires, 810 Flex Air, 70' Booms, 500 Gal. Wet Kit, Foam Marker, Press. Washer, Raven Viper Pro Controller, #U01029 . . . $49,500
2018 Case IH 5550, 2,204 Hrs., 8.7L Case Eng., 415 HP, 380/105R50 Firestones 10-40%, A/C, Heater, Radio, Nl4500 304SS Box w/5’ Insert, Raven Viper 4, Smartrax Auto Steer, #U00866 . . . . . . . . $259,000
2017 Case IH 5550, 2,298 Hrs., 8.7L Case Eng. 415 HP , 380/105R50 Firestones 70%, A/C, Heater, Radio, Nl4500 304SS Box w/5’ Insert, Raven Viper 4, Smartrax Auto Steer, #U00865 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $205,000
2015 AGCO 1100B, 2,576 Hrs., 380/90R46 Tires, 337 Peak HP, New Leader Multiplier Box, 409 Stainless Steel, SRT Elec. Roll Tarp, Raven Viper Pro, Smartrax Steering, #U00709 . . . . . . .$89,500
2006 Case IH 3210, 6,879 Hrs., 380/90R46 Tires, 5.9 Cummins Eng., 10.5’ New Leader G4 Box, Dual Spinner, Roll Tarp, Raven Viper Pro, P200 Antenna, #U01157 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,500
2019 John Deere R4023, 1,346 Hrs., 6.8L Eng., 380/80R38 Tires, 660 Gal. Poly Tank, 90' Booms, Exactapply, GS3, Autosteer, #U01136 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $179,500
2014 AGCO 1100, 3,273 Hrs., Sisu Eng., 380/90R46 & 650/65R38 Tires, 1,100 Gal. SS Tank, 90' Boom, Foam Marker, Raven Viper Pro, Smartrax, AccuBoom, AutoBoom, #U00766 . . . . $109,500
2011 Case IH 4420, 4,836 Hrs., 380/90R46 Tires, 60'/100' Boom, Aim Command, AccuBoom, Viper Pro Controller, #U00586 . . .$72,500
2009 Case IH 4420, 5,354 Hrs., 8.3L Engine, 380/90R46 Tires, 1,200 Gal. SS Tank, 60/100' Booms, AIM Command, Raven Viper Pro, AccuBoom, #U01011 . . . . .$55,000
2004 Case IH 4260, 8.3L Eng., 4,541 Hrs., 380/90R46 Tires, 1,200 Gal. SS Tank, 90’ Booms, 20” Sp., Foam Marker, Rinse Tank, Aim Command, Raven 460, #U01099 . . . . . . $42,500
1998 Tyler Patriot WT, 4,594 Hrs., Used Tyler MT16 Fert. Tender, 6.8L Engine, 320/90R42 Tires, 750 16 Ton, Side Disch. Auger, Roll Poly Tank, 75' Booms, Rinse Tank, Tarp, #U00990 . . . . . . . . . . . $3,950 Foam Marker, Topcon X20 Monitor/ Lightbar, #UU01102 . . . . . . $15,000
2019 Doyle 8 Ton Fertilizer Spreader, 304 SS Box, 19Lx16.1 Tires, Hyd. Dual Spinners, Hyd. Drive ISO Control, Roll Tarp, SS End Caps, Looks Like New, #U00138 $16,900
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On the Cover: Dale Warner, president and chief executive officer of Warner & Warner, Inc., Plover, Wisconsin, says his first job at the company was warehouse and inventory management. “I learned the packaging business from loading dock to the front office, which, in my opinion, is a great way to develop a valuable skill set,” he remarks.
8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW:
Warner & Warner, Inc., and business partner The Paper People of Elcho, Wisconsin, are offering 100 percent recyclable and compostable fiber-based packaging with viscous scrim windows for potatoes and other produce. This issue’s interviewee, Dale Warner (pictured), president and chief executive officer of Warner & Warner, Inc., stresses that the mesh scrim of the bags is made from wood fiber and even the ink of the paper packaging is water based.
DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 65 BADGER BEAT.................... 52 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6
20 WiBEE APP SEEKS TO BOLSTER WILD BEES
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32
24 MARKETPLACE
Spudly & the Spudmobile travel to National Hot Rod Association racing event
AUXILIARY NEWS
Scott Walker stops for a bite at the Wisconsin State Fair baked potato booth
FEATURE ARTICLES: 16 TYPE AND QUALITY of carbohydrates matter more than current variable measures
NEW PRODUCTS................ 36 NOW NEWS....................... 63 NPC NEWS......................... 56 PEOPLE.............................. 48 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6 POTATOES USA NEWS........ 51
38 COMPLETE 2021 WPVGA Associate Division Directory: must-have annual resource
SEED PIECE........................ 61
58 CAN CARBON MARKETS be a new, valuable source of revenue for potato growers?
WPIB FOCUS...................... 34
4
BC�T October
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WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Bill Guenthner Vice President: Alex Okray Secretary: Wes Meddaugh Treasurer: Mike Carter Directors: John Bustamante, Wendy Dykstra, Randy Fleishauer, Charlie Mattek & J.D. Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Andy Diercks Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Cliff Gagas, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Chris Brooks Vice President: Julie Cartwright
t: 780-963-6708
Secretary: Sally Suprise Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Paul Salm, Matt Selenske, Andy Verhasselt & Justin Yach Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: J.D. Schroeder Vice President: Roy Gallenberg Secretary/Treasurer: Charlie Husnick Directors: Matt Mattek & Jeff Suchon Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Devin Zarda Vice President: Datonn Hanke Secretary/Treasurer: Heidi Schleicher Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Marie Reid & Becky Wysocki
Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To advance the interests of WPVGA members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement. 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. Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
solanum-int.com About Solanum International We specialize in European yellow fleshed and specialty potato varieties, as well as red skinned, russet, and white fleshed varieties. Our vigorous seed potatoes are grown in Alberta, Canada. Ask about our specialty varieties!
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WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor: Joe Kertzman Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Jane Guillen Spudmobile Education & Outreach Administrator: Doug Foemmel
WPVGA Office (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/WPVGA
Subscription rates: $2/copy, $22/year; $40/2 years. Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years. Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com. The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands. BC�T October
5
MARK YOUR
Calendar OCTOBER 12-13
WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOC. 2021 INNOVATION EXPO Hyatt Regency and KI Center Green Bay, WI
21
2ND ANNUAL WPVGA ASSOC. DIV. SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT Wausau Skeet and Trap Club, 1 p.m. Wausau/Brokaw, WI
21
UW-MADISON CALS HONORARY RECOGNITION BANQUET Union South, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Madison, WI
25-26
RESEARCH MEETING West Madison Research Station, 1 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. Tuesday Verona, WI
29-30 CANCELED: CANCELED: PMA FRESH SUMMIT 2021 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA
JANUARY 2022 3-4
POTATOES USA WINTER MEETING Anaheim, CA
5-6
2022 POTATO EXPO Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA
FEBRUARY 8-10
2022 GROWER ED CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn Convention Center Stevens Point, WI
16-17
INTERNATIONAL CROP EXPO Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND
23-Mar. 4 2022 POTATO INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE (PILI) California and Washington, D.C.
MARCH 7-10
POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING Denver, CO
29-31
60th ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association grounds Oshkosh, WI
MAY 9-11
UNITED FRESH CONVENTION & EXPO 2022 Boston, MA
30-6/2
11th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS & EUROPATAT 2022 Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland
6
BC�T October
Planting Ideas A smile crossed my face
when the above image came to me via email. How could I not smile? It’s a family affair, they’re getting some exercise during a beautiful summer day and promoting homegrown Wisconsin potatoes (and the Brewers!) all at the same time. Bob Guenthner of Guenthner Potato Company, a Wisconsin certified seed potato grower, sent the photo of his team participating in the 40th annual Antigo Tater Trot, August 14. That’s Bob (left) in the top row above, along with his brother, Joe Guenthner, from Idaho. Pictured in the middle row are, from left to right, Bob’s daughter, Jackie Majewski, who works on the seed farm, Leanne (Baginski) Giese and Molly Giese. Leanne is Joe’s sister-in-law. In the bottom row are Bob’s grandchildren, from left to right, Max McGivern, and K.K. and Chase Majewski, the latter sporting the Brewers shirt. A second email that made me smile, from Kenton Mehlberg of T.I.P., Inc. and AgGrow Solutions, was short and sweet. Regarding a press release we ran in the “New Products” section of the August 2021 Badger Common’Tater, Kenton wrote, “The New Products writeup was great. I have gotten several phone calls on it already. Another job well done! Thank you, KM.” Thank you, Kenton, and I’m glad readers are responding. I was also privileged to get a phone call from Jerry Bushman of Bushmans’, Inc. He had read the article “Potato, Man’s Best Friend for 8,000 Years!” in the August issue and said he had something for me. When I stopped by Bushmans’, Jerry handed me a framed print of the 1859 painting, The Angelus, that was pictured in the article. He wanted me to have it with the caveat that I, in turn, pass it along to someone else one day. I will, indeed! Jerry also told me something interesting about the painting, by French artist Jean-François Millet, that depicts a scene of two peasants who, after digging and bagging potatoes, hear the far sound of bells from the village and pray. Jerry said the peasants are Dutch, and they likely prayed like that at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. Thank you, Jerry, and all readers. I appreciate the correspondence. So please do 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 DALE WARNER,
president/CEO, Warner & Warner, Inc. By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
The Warner family has invested 50 years and multiple
generations delivering packaging across the nation. Beginning as a regional supplier to the agriculture industry in Central Wisconsin, Warner & Warner, Inc. has grown to serve all major markets across the United States.
NAME: Dale Warner TITLE: President/CEO (Chief Executive Officer) COMPANY: Warner & Warner, Inc. LOCATION: Plover, WI HOMETOWN: Stevens Point, WI TIME IN PRESENT POSITION: 8 years PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Jay-Mar, Inc. SCHOOLING: Stevens Point Area Senior High School, University of WisconsinStevens Point and Mid-State Technical College ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Stevens Point Area YMCA Board of Directors past president, Stevens Point Area YMCA Heritage Club FAMILY: Wife, Heather, of 25 years; and children, Daley, Marlee and Gage HOBBIES: Coaching Portage County Ice Hawks youth hockey, ice fishing, time at the lake, boating and traveling
8
BC�T October
The core business provides packaging to the food industry, so Warner & Warner’s priority is always food safety, but the family-run business is also committed to using the least amount of packaging possible to minimize impact on the environment. Dale Warner, president and chief executive officer of Warner & Warner, Inc., of Plover, Wisconsin, says his father, Jay, and brother, Jay Jr., incorporated Warner & Warner in August 1989. “After college, my dad, Jay, went to work for Bemis Bag Company, based out of Massachusetts,” Dale says. “He started working the plant floor, then customer service and eventually sales.” “He traveled to various agricultural centers around the United States selling paper produce and dairy bags,” Dale relates. “What he learned about paper packaging in those early years
Above: Dale Warner says, in 32 years, Warner & Warner, Inc. has grown from a regional produce packaging supply company to one that services hundreds of customers in over 35 states with multiple distributions centers.
became the foundation for Warner & Warner, Inc.,” he explains. Who currently owns Warner and Warner? Warner & Warner, Inc. is co-owned by me, my brother, Jay, and Kurt Heiman. I joined the company in 1994, and Kurt came aboard in 2003. In 32 years, we have grown from a regional produce packaging supply company to one that services hundreds of customers in over 35 states with multiple
distributions centers. Wasn’t there a connection with Jay-Mar, Inc.? Yes, Jay-Mar was started around 1970 by Jay Sr. and Marilyn Warner. Jay-Mar’s focus at that time was on bags and boxes.
Jay-Mar, Inc. are wholly separate entities.
Later the company’s focus turned towards being a total ag supplier to include seeds, feeds and fertilizers.
What is your own background, Dale, and how did you eventually become president of Warner & Warner, Inc.? At a young age, I would sweep floors at Jay-Mar. When old enough, I worked in the Jay-Mar warehouse, as well as drove delivery trucks.
Currently Jay-Mar is owned by our brother, David Warner. Today, Warner & Warner, Inc. and
This was an important part of my development, as I learned a lot from my brother, Dave, on how
Above: Packaging options offered by Warner & Warner, Inc. to produce pack facilities for potatoes and vegetables include corrugated bins, display boxes, FIBC’s (flexible intermediate bulk containers), paper, mesh, polyethylene, a combination poly/mesh, and 100 percent recyclable/compostable/biodegradable paper roll stock and pre-made pouches.
to effectively manage products in and out of inventory, as well as all other facets that come from assisting in the management of a warehouse. After a number of years working at Jay-Mar, I was invited by Jay Sr. and Jr. to join Warner & Warner, Inc. It was a difficult decision to move away from Jay-Mar, but at the same time, I was intrigued by the idea of working for a company that was a new startup. continued on pg. 10
BC�T October
9
Interview. . .
continued from pg. 9
My first job at W&W was warehouse and inventory management. I learned the packaging business from loading dock to the front office, which, in my opinion, is a great way to develop a valuable skill set. I have performed every position that I ask my team to perform and believe this allows me to be relatable to all our valuable employees.
Working in the warehouse environment allowed me to communicate with employees, customers, truck drivers and manufacturing partners. From the warehouse, it was a natural transition to the front office using those skills. Does it remain a family-owned business, and if so, what family members work there, and what
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Above: Jay Warner (left) and Kurt Heiman (not shown) of Warner & Warner, Inc. teamed up with Neil Bretl (right), president of The Paper People, to develop 100 percent recyclable and compostable fiberbased packaging for potatoes and other vegetables.
is Kurt’s position? It remains a familyowned business. Kurt joined us in 2002, initially as a sales associate. Over the years, he has grown to become an invaluable part of our team and earned a position as one of two vice presidents, a sales leader, corporate officer and shareholder. Family members include myself, Jay, my nephew, Nick Warner, and my son, Gage. Specifically for area potato and vegetable growers via pack facilities, what types of bags and packages do you offer? Options include polyethylene, paper, mesh, a combination poly/mesh, corrugated bins, display boxes, FIBC’s (flexible intermediate bulk containers) and 100 percent recyclable/compostable/ biodegradable paper roll stock and pre-made pouches. continued on pg. 12
10 BC�T October
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Interview. . .
continued from pg. 10
Do you also offer equipment, supplies and services to area growers? Yes, we work hand in hand with equipment manufacturers to provide the best solutions for individual pack facility needs.
Who are your typical customers in the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry? The services and products we offer are directly linked to produce packaging facilities. We work hand in hand with shippers to
manage packaging profiles. In many instances, we will inventory large volumes of packaging so we can offer a “just in time” delivery mechanism to support their pack operations. We take the burden of inventory and inventory management away from the pack facilities. This is beneficial for both parties, as it helps control packaging volumes and ensure no one gets caught with Above and Left: Mark Resch and Neil Bretl from The Paper People worked closely with Hudson Sharp to develop a line of equipment specifically for the produce packaging industry. The state-of-the-art equipment produces high-quality paper packaging, including new 100 percent recyclable fiber-based bags with viscous scrim windows for potatoes and other vegetables.
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outdated packaging that may no longer be usable. Do you also manufacture? Currently, W&W does not manufacture. We do have an ownership position in The Paper People and are intricately involved in the management of the company Jay invited me to The Paper People plant, in Elcho, for a tour. Jay and Kurt are partners with The Paper People, is that correct? Yes, Jay Warner and Kurt Heiman are partners with the team at The Paper People. W&W is the exclusive North American distributor of produce packaging for The Paper People. Neil Bretl, president of The Paper People, mentioned that a major retailer approached him wanting 100 percent recyclable potato packaging. Tell me about the bags that the company manufactures. We are working with many of the largest retail chains in cooperation
to develop 100 percent recyclable and compostable fiber-based packaging.
Above: Jay Warner inspects a state-of-theart machine that produces recyclable fiberbased produce bags at The Paper People plant in Elcho, Wisconsin.
There were several other options that didn’t fully address the total package requirements, such as working on existing equipment or 100 percent recyclable with no plastics or micro plastics.
This is where we have a distinct advantage. The mesh scrim is made from wood fiber and is also part of the fully recyclable package that is now in production. continued on pg. 14
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BC�T October 13
Interview. . .
continued from pg. 13
Above: In partnership with Warner & Warner, Inc., The Paper People plant is producing 100 percent recyclable fiber-based bags with viscous scrim windows for potatoes and other produce. Even the ink of the packaging is water based.
Were there also retailers asking Warner & Warner for 100 percent recycle bags? The retailers communicated their needs through the shippers that we work with and were the conduit to our new packaging ideas. Are the bags that you/The Paper People manufacture specifically for potatoes and vegetables? No, The
Paper People works extensively in many packaging applications outside of produce. However, produce was the first category to be selected because of its high volume and consumable single-use structure. Is this the way the industry is going, Dale, to 100 percent recyclable packaging? This is the start of interest and demand in a fully recyclable
package. With the new laws that are now being regulated, it has created a more real demand than in the past. States like Maine and others are charging for non-recyclable packaging, which will greatly change the landscape in which we now work. Are there many certified manufacturers of 100 percent recyclable potato and vegetable packaging? Currently, there are very few. It is reasonable to think that many more will come in line, but we are one of the first. Our paper has been certified through Western Michigan University, a very well-respected certification body. The Paper People is now working on TUV (a certification body authorized by European bioplastics) for home compostable certification. Did you/The Paper People have to develop machinery to create the packaging? Yes, Mark Resch and Neil Bretl from The Paper People worked closely with Hudson Sharp to develop a line of equipment specifically for the produce packaging industry. The equipment is state-of-the-art and produces high-quality paper packaging.
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14 BC�T October
What type of volume are we talking about in packaging that Warner & Warner will distribute and that The Paper People could potentially manufacture? Currently, we are
capable of an estimated 40-50 million paper consumables annually. This can be increased with additional equipment as we expand going forward. What do you foresee as coming down the pike in produce packaging? The hot topic is definitely recyclable paper consumables. We are also working on heat-sealable paper balers, which would eliminate the need to glue or sew.
“I have performed every position that I ask my team to perform and believe this allows me to be relatable to all our valuable employees.” – Dale Warner
What are you most proud of, Dale, regarding Warner & Warner and your role and contributions therein? I am proud of the relationships I have developed over 25 years in this industry. It has been a true pleasure getting to know customers as well as manufacturing partners. I’ve always maintained that it is important to treat and respect our manufacturing partners in the same manner with which we approach our customers. This belief has led to a tremendous number of high-quality relationships on both sides of the aisle across the country.
Customizing equipment to fit your needs for over 20 years!
These relationships tend to benefit all parties at the table. I’m proud of our company’s sound business practices, high quality of customer service and on-time delivery. I’m proud of how we conduct ourselves when things don’t go as planned. We work hard to quickly resolve negatives and turn them into positives. Lastly, I am proud of the success W&W has enjoyed—steady growth every year since our inception, which is a key indicator of a healthy business model. What do you hope for the future of Warner & Warner, Inc.? To continue growing and maturing in a responsible manner, which will allow the next generation to move our business forward.
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Type and Quality of Carbohydrates Matter Most Experts propose a nuanced approach to define high-quality carbohydrate foods Provided by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) via a peer-reviewed article in EurekAlert! sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) For decades, people have often associated higher intakes of carbohydrate-containing foods with less healthy lifestyles. Yet, evidence suggests this perspective view is overly simplistic, and it is instead the type and quality of carbohydrate foods that matter most for supporting health.
researchers, who collectively make up the Quality Carbohydrate Coalition-Scientific Advisory Council (QCC-SAC), outline the opportunity for a stronger, more evidencebased approach to defining quality carbohydrate foods to support overall health and provide clearer dietary guidance.
While some measures of carbohydrate quality exist, such methods often use highly variable, and thus unreliable, indicators.
“To better guide food choices and nutrition literacy, the dialogue around high-quality carbohydrate foods must be advanced to consider the evolving science,” explains Adam Drewnowski, Ph.D., University of Washington, a QCC-SAC member.
In a newly published perspective in Nutrients, a group of nutrition
Above: Based on evidence, carbohydrate guidance must move away from individual and unique biological interactions with foods, and towards recommendations based on intrinsic qualities of a food (i.e., nutrient- and food-based indicators).
“As a first step, we conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature to examine the evidence behind existing measures of carbohydrate food quality and ways in which to build upon this work,” Drewnowski informs. The QCC-SAC is a team of six worldrenowned experts in carbohydrate research, nutrient profiling, cultural competency and epidemiology. The group was assembled by the Quality Carbohydrate Coalition, which was spearheaded and is funded by Potatoes USA. ROLE OF CARBOHYDRATES The Coalition’s ambition is to assess and advance evidence to explore the role of carbohydrate foods in health. Collectively, the QCC-SAC members agree that, based on the evidence, carbohydrate guidance must move away from individual and unique biological interactions with foods, and towards recommendations based on intrinsic qualities of a food (i.e., nutrient- and food-based indicators). This includes shifting away from the decades-old focus on glycemic index
16 BC�T October
(GI) when discussing high- versus lowquality carbohydrate foods. It is the QCC-SAC consensus that the GI is a flawed (and misused) approach to defining carbohydrate foods quality. “GI is frequently used as a metric for carbohydrate food quality, but it is an outdated and flawed indicator with too much variability,” says Julie Miller Jones, Ph.D., licensed nutritionist, clinical nurse specialist, St. Catherine University (emeritus), a member of the QCC-SAC. “In fact, GI was created as a research tool for use in the laboratory and was never intended to be used by the general population,” she explains. “Instead, we require a measure that reflects both a carbohydrate food’s contributions to fiber, nutrient and phytochemical intake, as well as its role in a healthy diet,” Jones continues.
Above: Research demonstrates that the Glycemic Index varies considerably based on different contexts, such as eating situations (e.g., mixed meals) and individual characteristics (e.g., biological and behavioral factors like age, weight, physical activity and gut microbiome).
ACCURATE MEASURE NEEDED “An omnibus measure of carbohydrate food quality indicators that is accurate and applicable to real-life eating patterns is needed,” she concludes.
Specifically, research demonstrates that GI varies considerably based on different contexts, such as eating situations (e.g., mixed meals) and individual characteristics (e.g., continued on pg. 18
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Type and Quality of Carbohydrates Matter Most… continued from pg. 17
biological and behavioral factors like age, weight, physical activity and gut microbiome). “A new review analyzing GI values found the variability with rice can fluctuate so significantly that it can be considered both a low GI and high GI food,” shares QCC-SAC member Siddhartha Angadi, Ph.D., University of Virginia. “Further, even the GI of bread can vary up to five-fold between individuals,” Angadi says. “These large inter-individual variations make the utilization of GI as a marker of carbohydrate food quality problematic.” Despite its historic use to guide carbohydrate choices among consumers with type 2 diabetes, GI is not a consistent predicator of health. A 2019 series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses rated the evidence regarding the long-term effects of GI on health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal and breast cancer, as “low or very low.” “These findings support the need for a new, holistic approach to replace the overreliance on GI as a single evaluator of carbohydrate quality,” states Yanni Papanikolaou, MPH (Master of Public Health), Nutritional Strategies, Inc., a QCC-SAC member.
An omnibus measure of carbohydrate food quality indicators that is accurate and applicable to real-life eating patterns is needed.
VALIDATED APPROACH The QCC-SAC will develop a series of papers for peer-reviewed publication that will introduce a new, validated approach for measuring carbohydrate foods quality. The series will demonstrate how the approach can be integrated into dietary guidance tools to help people of all ages, ethnicities and cultural preferences improve their food choices. The approach will involve developing a composite measure that harmonizes multiple, intrinsic carbohydrate foods quality indicators from the scientific literature into an easy-to-use tool. “Compared to existing metrics, this tool will be unique, evidence-
based and practical,” notes QCC-SAC member Judith Rodriguez, Ph.D., registered dietician, University of North Florida. “It will reflect how people actually eat and will recognize cultural patterns and traditions, a novel approach that is often underrepresented in similar dietary guidance tools,” Rodriguez outlines. The QCC-SAC plans to release more details on its harmonized composite approach to assess carbohydrate foods quality in the coming year. In a forthcoming manuscript, the QCC-SAC will introduce a new, validated algorithm for measuring carbohydrate food quality that builds on existing scientific work to-date.
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WiBee Mobile App Seeks to Bolster Wisconsin’s Wild Bees Citizen science project involves collecting data on the abundance and activity of bees in the state By Jocelyn Cao, University of Wisconsin-Madison student majoring in biology and life sciences communication On a warm summer day in Wisconsin, bees across the state are hard at work collecting pollen and nectar for their livelihoods. Hopping from flower to flower in crop fields, prairie parcels and woodlands, some of these beneficial insects are under surprisingly close scrutiny. Around the state, growers, gardeners, researchers and others, with cell phones in hand, are using a mobile app to track the bees they observe and their flower visitations. The app, called WiBee: The Wisconsin Wild Bee App, is the key tool for a new citizen science project to 20 BC�T October
observe and collect high-quality data on the abundance, diversity and activity of wild bees in the state. It was launched last year by a research team led by Claudio Gratton, a professor in the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Entomology, with funding from the Ira and Ineva Reilly Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Endowment and Gwenyn Hill Farm. “The project started with apple growers reaching out to the Gratton lab asking whether they need honeybees on their property, or if they could rely on wild bees instead,” explains Colleen Satyshur, outreach
Above: A wild bee feeds on the nectar of an apple blossom as pollen grains adhere to its body. Photo courtesy of Colleen Satyshur
specialist for the WiBee project. “It costs money to rent honeybee hives and there’s coordination involved, so the growers wanted to figure out if they had enough wild bees around to pollinate their apples,” Satyshur says. More than one-third of the planet’s food crops depend on pollination, and bees are the most efficient pollinators in many cases. ESSENTIAL TO CROPS In Wisconsin, bees are essential to many of the state’s fruit and vegetable crops such as cranberries, cherries, melons and squash. In Wisconsin, like elsewhere, many growers rely on European honeybees for pollination services. Yet the state has over 400 species of native, wild bees that may be able to help do the job.
The extent to which they can help, however, is unknown. It’s the goal of the WiBee project to collect the data needed to monitor trends in wild bee communities, share recommendations on pollination management and eventually help bolster native bee populations. “For growers, the app provides a tool for them to track pollination and start to make evidence-based decisions depending on what they are seeing on their own properties,” Satyshur says. “And when the full data analysis comes out,” she adds, “we will have more specific recommendations as well.” The WiBee app collects bee visitation data through user surveys. Each survey takes five minutes to conduct and involves users watching bees as they visit flowers in a 3x3-foot area. Since bee behavior is highly influenced by time of day, weather or even just a single cloud passing over, large quantities of data, including repeat surveys at the same locations, are needed to be able to develop pollination management recommendations. BEE FLUCTUATION “Bees fluctuate a lot between years, within a season and among farms, so it is hard to get a simple view of what bee communities look like on farms with only casual observations,” Gratton explains. “This is like trying to predict if the tide is going in or out by looking at the waves on the shore for one minute. You need long-term, consistent data to see trends,” he adds. “This is one of the things that WiBee will help with as more and more observations are made.” Preliminary results from the project show that a given farm or orchard
“Bees fluctuate a lot between years, within a season and among farms, so it is hard to get a simple view of what bee communities look like on farms with only casual observations.” – Professor Claudio Gratton, UW-Madison Department of Entomology
is likely to have more wild bee visits if it is in a landscape with more woodlands, wetlands or urban development nearby. When it comes to apple orchards, they found a lot of variation, including some promising numbers. “Our data show that some orchards appear to have sufficient pollination from wild bees, according to the
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established threshold,” Satyshur says. In 2020, 116 app users conducted 891 surveys in total, and things are on track to at least double this amount in 2021. The most well-represented crop plants so far include apple, cranberry and cucurbits. Wildflower and ornamental flower data have continued on pg. 22
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BC�T October 21
WiBee Mobile App Seeks to Bolster Wisconsin’s Wild Bees… continued from pg. 21
been coming in from Wisconsin master gardener volunteers and other users. Satyshur notes that the project still needs more data of all kinds from around the state, but particularly for berry crops and tomatoes, and she encourages interested individuals to download and try the app. Five ways you can help Wisconsin’s wild bees: 1. Download the WiBee app to learn about Wisconsin’s wild bees and help collect data. 2. Assess the “bee friendliness” of your property at https:// pollinators.wisc.edu/habitat/. 3. Keep a part of your yard “messy,” leaving dead wood or brush around to provide habitat for cavity-nesting bees. 4. Skip the wood mulch in spots. Some bees nest in the ground and can’t do that under a layer of wood mulch.
growing interest in the WiBee app, as she believes it may encourage people to consider implementing pollinator-friendly practices such as reducing pesticides and planting pollinator gardens, actions that can help support important agricultural and ecological goals.
5. Minimize pesticide use in your yard.
Another positive outcome of the app is that it encourages people to “stop and smell the flowers” as they observe the bees.
It’s exciting for Satyshur to see the
“There are so many different kinds of
22 BC�T October
Left: The WiBee app was launched last year by a research team led by Professor Claudio Gratton, University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison Department of Entomology. Right: Bee behavior is highly influenced by time of day, weather or even just a single cloud passing over.
bees out there,” Satyshur says. “Once you look at them, it’s really neat. There’s so much to see in them.” For more information about the WiBee app, visit https://pollinators. wisc.edu/wibee/.
According to Colleen Satyshur (shown), outreach specialist for the WiBee project, apple growers reached out to the Claudio Gratton lab, UW-Madison Department of Entomology, asking whether they need honeybees on their property, or if they could rely on wild bees instead.
Around the state, growers, gardeners, researchers and others, with cell phones in hand, are using a mobile app to track the bees they observe and their flower visitations. Photo courtesy of Colleen Satyshur
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Stainless Steel
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Marketplace
By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education
There’s a New Spud in Town Comedian and social media icon Charlie Berens touts Wisconsin potatoes As a potato grower, has someone ever told you they were “the new spud in town?”
If so, what was your reaction? Was it along the lines of, “We have plenty of spuds, not sure we need a new one?”
Above: Charlie Berens lounges on the bean bag potato chairs with butter pillows inside the Spudmobile, August 25, while it was parked for filming at Okray Family Farms, in Plover, Wisconsin.
Such was the initial response of Andy Diercks, Coloma Farms, when he came face to face with a supposed “new spud in the field” while working on an irrigation pivot, August 25. As if the new spud’s legitimacy wasn’t already in question, he spouted off ridiculous potato jokes that resulted in him being the only one laughing. That’s when the long-time potato grower asked how this guy had come to this particular potato field and why.
Charlie Berens (left) jokes with Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms during the video shoot, August 25, at a field owned by Okray Family Farms, in Plover, Wisconsin. 24 BC�T October
Come to find out, it had all started in the Wisconsin Spudmobile when Doug Foemmel had interacted with the new spud more times than he cared to admit. And his way of getting some peace and quiet was helping this new spud win a contest to be
a real potato grower! The rest isn’t exactly history. But it is a funny tale of how a new spud in the field mashed up potato operations during just about every phase of the process.
The WPVGA Promotions Committee worked Berens into the current fiscal year’s budget in hopes of bringing a higher level of awareness to Wisconsin potatoes.
Left: Charlie Berens (left) has separation anxiety from potatoes on the grading line and takes his time saying goodbye to each spud while WPVGA Promotions Director Dana Rady, who is playing a potato grader, looks on in disbelief.
With Berens’ following, he has a history of mentioning products in his comical videos that have left sales of them soaring.
Right: Terri Soderberg (center in red shirt) of RPE, Inc., in Bancroft, rushes to the grading line after being called for an emergency during filming, as Charlie Berens (left) has halted the grading line while refusing to send any potatoes away.
THINK POWER THINK POWER
SPUD REVEAL The new spud is none other than Wisconsin-based comedian and social media icon, Charlie Berens.
continued on pg. 26
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swiderskiequipment.com BC�T October 9/9/21 4:41 PM 25
Marketplace…
continued from pg. 25
Above: Charlie Berens (right) fully supports buying Wisconsin potatoes, as is stated on Andy Diercks’ shirt! Right: Kurt Higgins (left) and Brian Lee (center), both of Okray Family Farms, get instructions from Charlie Berens (right) regarding their scene in the video.
of his “Manitowoc Minute” episodes.
Case in point is Jolly Good soda. Having no partnership with the brand, he mentioned using Jolly Good soda to make the popular Wisconsin “old fashioned” cocktails while filming one
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accounting error. Once Jolly Good learned of Berens’ video, company reps saw no reason not to begin a partnership. The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association is another example of an organization that has worked with Berens and experienced awareness of locally grown cranberries and visits to its website increase substantially. The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association video was filmed on August 25 and posted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 9, on all of Berens’ social media outlets such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. 1,000’s OF VIEWS Within hours, the YouTube channel alone had thousands of views. Four days later, the views skyrocketed to more than 171,000 with almost 400 viewer comments. The video on Berens’ Facebook page showcased 19,000 reactions from viewers and over 800 comments.
Of course, it helps that the main person Berens is really poking fun of in his videos is himself, as he typically plays the ignorant character who thinks he has everything together when it’s quite the opposite.
and introduces various farmers and employees to consumers. The video is a success because of you!
It’s a simple video loaded with humor that educates about Wisconsin potatoes and the health benefits they naturally provide, while also delivering insights into the field-tofork process.
The industry members who appeared in the video are (names are listed in the order of their appearance): • Andy Diercks, Coloma Farms, Coloma, Wisconsin • Doug Foemmel, WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator • WPVGA Promotions Committee
Special participation by industry members shows how vast the Wisconsin potato industry truly is
See the video on WPVGA’s consumer site by visiting https:// eatwisconsinpotatoes.com/about/.
Above: A post-filming image features those who made the video possible. Pictured, from left to right, are WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady, Terri Soderberg of RPE, Inc., Charlie Berens, and Brian Lee and Mark Finnessy of Okray Family Farms. Missing from the image is Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms.
Chairman Brian Lee, Okray Family Farms, Plover •K urt Higgins, Okray Family Farms • T erri Soderberg, RPE, Inc., Bancroft •D ana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions • Mark Finnessy, Okray Family Farms continued on pg. 28
BC�T October 27
Marketplace…
continued from pg. 27
Spudmobile Travels to National Hot Rod Association Event The weekend of August 20-22, 2021, is certainly one for which the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Promotions Committee can be proud.
Association (NHRA) races, which were a continuation of WPVGA’s promotional partnership with Menards and Alsum Farms & Produce.
It’s the weekend the Spudmobile traveled to Brainerd, Minnesota, to promote Wisconsin potatoes during the National Hot Rod
With the Spudmobile set up on Thursday, the race gates were open for visitors on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday
Left: WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel represents the Wisconsin potato industry while also cracking a few jokes with attendees of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) races in Brainerd, Minnesota. Right: WPVGA Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena grills potato samples at the NHRA event in Brainerd, Minnesota, August 20-22.
and Sunday. And the exposure for Wisconsin potatoes was great! While the Spudmobile itself remained closed to visitors due to COVID, having the vehicle parked on the
Left: Spudly is talented, playing football with kids at the NHRA races! Right: This spud’s for you! Spudly shows off his Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes jersey next to some unsuspecting attendees of the NHRA race event. 28 BC�T October
premises spoke volumes considering its exterior wrap. A group of industry volunteers and workers also set up a table outside the vehicle, handed out materials and giveaways and even grilled potatoes as samples for attendees. SMELL OF THE GRILL The smell of the grill alone lured people in to check the Spudmobile out, which provided a great opportunity to communicate the importance of not only the Wisconsin potato industry to the economy, but also having potatoes on family dinner tables. Spudly also made an appearance each day, which was a great way to attract families in the direction of the Spudmobile.
Spudly makes his way to the stands for a few pictures with fans at the NHRA races, in Brainerd.
WPVGA’s involvement in the event originated during discussions with Menards and Alsum Farms & Produce earlier this year, resulting in a Wisconsin potato promotion in stores
across the Midwest, in May. Menards has long been a proponent of car racing and connecting with clientele through the world of sports.
It was the perfect connection to Wisconsin potatoes and the “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” continued on pg. 30
BC�T October 29
Marketplace…
continued from pg. 29
messaging, not to mention the convenience of the race location being in Wisconsin’s “buy local” market, and as a new crop was being harvested! While this event and promotional partnership was a first for Wisconsin potatoes and the WPVGA Promotions Committee, it certainly paved the way for a continued partnership in a new channel for not only Wisconsin potatoes, but also other locally grown produce! Right: The WPVGA crew, along with Spudly, at the NHRA races are, from left to right, Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel, Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena and Badger Common’Tater Managing Editor Joe Kertzman.
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Antigo Tater Trot Held as Hybrid Event
Erin Meister, business office manager at Reabe Spraying Service, and her kids participate in the Antigo Tater Trot 10k virtual race. Pictured left to right are William, Erin, Annalise and Emmaline.
Any athlete or person who has opted to make more healthy decisions will say that living a healthy lifestyle and meeting goals are more than a oneweek or month commitment. They involve a lifestyle change where consistency is key! 2021 marked a first for the Antigo Tater Trot, as organizers modified the event to accommodate different groups of people with varying goals and desires. They provided a hybrid event that offered both an in-person and virtual component. Participants could choose to race in person, on August 14, or participate in the virtual event between August 8 and 14. Not only did this modification assist where challenges with COVID remain, but it also made the event available to a larger group of people. If someone preferred to participate at their own pace, they could join the virtual event. It’s a model that could be more of a frequent one for many events going forward.
The 2021 Antigo Tater Trot hybrid event was an asset to many, including industry member and Reabe Spraying Service Business Office Manager Erin Meister. She and her kids participated in the 10k virtual race, held between August 8 and 14. Pictured here holding bags of Wisconsin potatoes are her kids, left to right, Emmaline, Annalise and William.
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BC�T October 31
Auxiliary News By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA
Baked Potato Booth Attracts Visitors Wisconsin State Fair attendees still love their spuds!
You scream, I scream, we all scream for … baked potatoes? We do at the Wisconsin State Fair, of course! We may be in the middle of October, but my mind is still reminiscing about the State Fair, so I’d like to take you back to August with me. This year, the State Fair was held August 5-15. We fought through a few days of storms and dreary weather, but all in all, it was a great year as we were able to see a plethora of smiling faces excited to get their yearly baked potatoes. This was my fourth year working in the baked potato booth, and it never ceases to amaze me how many people gladly stand in line with their
families to take advantage of our “three potatoes for $15” deal. They wait all year to come visit us, and it’s usually the first stop they make. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing how happy our baked potatoes truly make others, all while raising money for our various programs throughout the year. Of course, none of it would be possible without our wonderful volunteers who travel to Milwaukee and help us. We have a photo of each group that served in the booth this year, and the Wisconsin Potato
Group 1: Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) State Fair baked potato booth volunteers, Linda Vollmar, chairwoman 32 BC�T October
Look who stopped by the baked potato booth at the 2021 State Fair—former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. He’s posing not only with a loaded baked potato in hand, but also with fearless leader of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary, Jody Baginski.
Group 2: WPGA State Fair baked potato booth volunteers, Tara Jameson, chairwoman
Group 3: WPGA State Fair volunteers, Heidi Schleicher and Becky Wysocki, co-chairwomen
Group 4 WPGA volunteers, Kathy Baginski, chairwoman
Growers Auxiliary wouldn’t be able to do any of this without each and every one of them. If serving up delicious baked potatoes sounds like a blast to you, then join us at the 2022 Wisconsin State Fair! If you’re interested in joining us next year, please reach out to the WPVGA office so we can get in touch with you. Unit next month, I wish you all a safe and happy harvest! Sincerely,
Datonn
Group 5 volunteers, Peggy Quinn, chairwoman
Group 6 volunteers, Deb Mattmiller, chairwoman
continued on pg. 34 BC�T October 33
Auxiliary News…
continued from pg. 33
Group 9: WPGA State Fair baked potato booth volunteers, Linda Thurber, chairwoman
Group 7 volunteers, Kathy Bartsch, chairwoman
Group 8: State Fair baked potato booth volunteers, Datonn Hanke, chairwoman
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
2,542,758.02
Assessment
$101,400.66
$102,092.25
$203,492.91
Month
Jul-21
Aug-21
Sep-21
Oct-21
Nov-21
Dec-21
Jan-22
Feb-22
Mar-22
Apr-22
May-22
Jun-22
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,292,191.75
981,540.84
2,273,732.59
Assessment
$103,342.07
$78,594.28
$181,936.35
34 BC�T October
POTATO EXPO JANUARY 5-6, 2022
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Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) bagger designed and built based on customer feedback The Hayssen ISB is a vertical form fill seal (VFFS) bagger designed and built based on customer feedback and BW Flexible Systems’ deep experience designing, building and servicing industry-leading flexible packaging machinery. In the Hayssen ISB, best-in-class sanitary design meets advanced interactivity and technology to give you a better bag and throughput. Hygienic design and performance are at the core of the Hayssen ISB’s frame and operation. The entire machine is high-pressure washdown capable. The frame is an open-channel design with sloped surfaces and was built to have no more than one squareinch of surface-to-surface contact between its components. Special attention has also been paid to intuitive machine operation. Changeovers on the Hayssen ISB are tool-less, except for the sealing jaws. The Hayssen ISB uses BW Flexible Systems' TruFORM forming set, a lightweight forming set that is easy to remove and install for product changeovers. The Hayssen ISB excels in packaging environments that demand sanitary
operation, including fresh produce, frozen/IQF (Individual Quick Freeze), and cheese and dairy. Technical Data • 250, 330, 410 flat bag widths (10”, 13”, 16”) • 300, 400, 500, 600 intermittent bag lengths • Standard side-mount, swing-out cabinet with 12” wide screen HMI (Human-Machine Interface) in front face • Center-driven powered film unwinding • Easy pass-through film threading • Swing-out electrical box with low and high voltage access doors • Visibility throughout
• FTA Changeover Safety/Accessibility - Standard 90-degree swing-out • IP66 high pressure washdown capable • NEMA 4x enclosure rating Product Detail • Modular design • Improved wire routing— no zip-tied wire bundles • All surfaces are sloped • High-pressure washdown capable • IP66 & NEMA 4X enclosure ratings • High-end polymer doors • Tool-less changeovers (except for the jaws) • Pass-through film threading Through the five companies under the BW Packaging Systems umbrella, customers can find more than just a single machine. They can leverage the combined primary packaging, labeling and end-of-line packaging systems capabilities. For more information, contact BW Packaging Systems, 8020 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63012, 314-8628000, or contact Harm Geurs, harm. geurs@bwpackagingsystems.com.
36 BC�T October
Tasteful Selections Debuts 100% Recyclable Packaging
Bite-size potato category and sustainability leader introduces new PaperLock™ technology Tasteful Selections®, leading the bite-size potato category in innovation and sustainability, is pleased to announce the limited launch of its new 100 percent plasticfree, recyclable and compostable packaging. “This new paper packaging with PaperLock™ technology is a major step forward in sustainable packaging. It offers superior light protection and natural absorption characteristics that protect our potatoes and help keep plastic out of the waste stream,” says Tim Huffcutt, vice president, sales and marketing operations for Tasteful Selections.
“This means our customers and consumers can be confident that, when they buy our potatoes, not only will the product last longer but they will also be helping to give back to the environment,” Huffcutt notes. The new packaging was a long time coming for the Tasteful Selections line. “We were waiting to release the new line of packaging until we had the best product for our customers,” Huffcutt says. With the recent innovation in paper packaging, the fiber strength and “stretchable” advancements have improved package integrity and made the item competitive with plastics.
“When all is said and done, this new packaging technology gives more power to consumers to take sustainability into their own hands,” Huffcutt says. 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, Inc. Category leader RPE, Inc. 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, bite-size potatoes. BC�T October 37
2021 WPVGA Associate Division Directory ACCOUNTING
OMERNIK & ASSOCIATES INC MICHAEL G OMERNIK PLOVER, WI (715) 341-9036 mike@accounting-offices.com www.accounting-offices.com
AERIAL SPRAYING
AGRICAIR FLYING SERVICE INC JIM PERRIN BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-4470 agricair@uniontel.net agricairflyingservice.com REABE SPRAYING SERVICE CURT MEISTER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-9393 office@reabesprayingservice.com reabesprayingservice.com
AG CONSULTANTS
AG WORLD SUPPORT SYSTEMS LLC MELANIE FINCH MOSES LAKE, WA (509) 765-0698 mfinch@aginspections.com www.aginspections.com AGRI-PEST CONSULTING INC TIM GROSS MILTON, WI (608) 208-5049 agripest89@gmail.com AGSOURCE (VAS AGSOURCE) NICOLE WALKER MADISON, WI (715) 758-2178 nicole.walker@vas.com www.vas.com/agronomic-consulting ALLIED COOPERATIVE KARMEN BERNACCHI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3698 info@allied.coop www.allied.coop CLA (CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN LLP) JIM HALVORSEN MARSHFIELD, WI (715) 221-3037 jim.halvorsen@claconnect.com www.claconnect.com DEVERON CORP AARON BREIMER CHATHAM ON CANADA (519) 401-0264 aaron.breimer@deveronuas.com www.deveronuas.com 38 BC�T October
FOCUS ON ENERGY LAURA LANE CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (715) 720-2179 laura.lane@focusonenergy.com www.focusonenergy.com MOERKERKE CONSULTING BOB MOERKERKE CORNELIUS, OR (715) 360-7975 bob.moerkerke@gmail.com NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com ROCK RIVER LABORATORY INC DUSTIN SAWYER WATERTOWN, WI (920) 261-0446 office@rockriverlab.com www.rockriverlab.com SYNAGRO LLC MATTHEW MIELKE WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1866 mmielke@synagro.com www.synagro.com
ANALYTICAL LABORATORY
A & L GREAT LAKES LABORATORIES INC DAVID HENRY FORT WAYNE, IN (260) 483-4759 dhenry@algreatlakes.com www.algreatlakes.com
BAG COMPANIES
GLACIER VALLEY ENTERPRISES SHANNON JOHNSON BARABOO, WI (608) 356-2244 shannongve@gmail.com www.glacierv.com THORPACK LLC MARTY KOLPACK RICHARD THORPE BRYANT, WI (715) 627-7333 mkolpack@thorpack.com www.thorpack.com VOLM COMPANIES INC MARSHA POZZA ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 marsha.pozza@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com
WARNER & WARNER INC JAY WARNER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-8563 info@warnerpackaging.com www.warnerpackaging.com
CHAIN
BROEKEMA BELTWAY USA INC JEFF EILERS PINE CITY, MN (320) 629-3900 jeff.eilers@broekema.us www.broekemabeltway.com
CHEMICALS
AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP RALPH FREDERICK DULUTH, MN (218) 340-1609 ralphf@amvac-chemical.com www.amvac-chemical.com SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION KEN CLEVELAND NORTH FREEDOM, WI (608) 642-3717 ken.cleveland@syngenta.com www.syngenta-us.com/home.aspx
CHEMICALS/FERTILIZERS
1,4 GROUP JOHN BERGMAN FARGO, ND (701) 261-0289 jbergman@pinnip.com www.14group.com
AGBIOME LIZ GASTON RESEARCH TRIANGLE PK, NC (855) 946-9537 lgaston@agbiome.com www.agbiome.com ALLEN SUPPLY CO INC JASON ALLEN STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 341-7635 jason.allen@allensc.com ALLIED COOPERATIVE KARMEN BERNACCHI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3698 info@allied.coop www.allied.coop BASF JUSTIN TUSS APPLETON, WI (920) 570-2686 justin.tuss@basf.com
BAYER CROP SCIENCE KYLEEN BREMER WAUPACA, WI (715) 467-7695 kyleen.bremer@bayer.com www.bayer.com CHS LARSEN COOPERATIVE JAYME BURKHART NEW LONDON, WI (800) 924-6677 jayme.burkhart@chsinc.com www.chslarsencooperative.com CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE ROBERT HAUS JOHNSTON, IA (515) 535-6290 robert.j.haus@corteva.com www.corteva.com
NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS JIM BEACH BELOIT, WI (970) 518-2685 jim.beach@nutrien.com ORO AGRI INC KEVIN BOEHM DANE, WI kevin.boehm@oroagri.rovensa.com www.oroagriusa.com ROTAM NORTH AMERICA JORDAN ADAMS WAKE FOREST, NC (336) 346-8802 jordanadams@rotam.com www.rotamnorthamerica.com
T H AGRI-CHEMICALS INC ROBERT ZIMPEL PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6343 thag@thagrichemicals.com www.thagrichemicals.com TELEOS AG SOLUTIONS MELODY CRISP HAMLET, NC (619) 592-0858 mcrisp@teleosagsolutions.com www.teleosag.com
continued on pg. 40
FMC CORP JOE LEEDY LODI, WI (765) 337-7568 joseph.leedy@fmc.com www.ag.fmc.com GOWAN USA LLC BECKY HECK MINNETRISTA, MN bheck@gowanco.com www.gowanco.com ICL SPECIALTY FERTILIZERS JOLENE MILLER SUMMERVILLE, SC (800) 492-8255 usinfo@icl-group.com www.icl-sf.com INSIGHT FS BRAD BIRZER ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4844 bbirzer@insightfs.com www.insightfs.com JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com NACHURS BRIAN KENT MARION, OH (800) 622-4877 bkent@nachurs.com www.nachurs.com NATURES SOURCE TOM BALLINGER ONALASKA, WI (507) 273-4095 tballinger@ns-pf.com www.naturessourceplantfood.com NICHINO AMERICA INC ALEX TRUSZKOWSKI GERMANTOWN, TN (252) 862-5083 atruszkowski@nichino.net www.nichino.net BC�T October 39
2021 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 39
TIMAC AGRO USA BEN WAINWRIGHT CLINTONVILLE, WI bwainwright@timacusa.com www.us.timacagro.com TRIEST AG GROUP INC LAUREN ROBERSON GREENVILLE, NC (844) 878-5178 lroberson@tricalgroup.com www.triestag.com VALENT USA LLC BRAD GUNNINK SUN PRAIRIE, WI (608) 213-7309 brad.gunnink@valent.com www.valent.com VIVE CROP PROTECTION BLAINE BISHOP COLUMBIA, MO (573) 355-7699 bbishop@vivecrop.com www.vivecrop.com WILBUR-ELLIS COMPANY, LLC KURT DEPORTER ALMOND, WI (715) 366-2500 kdeporte@wilburellis.com www.wilburellis.com WINFIELD UNITED JOE NAGEL STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 347-0411 janagel@landolakes.com
COMMUNICATION
AIR COMMUNICATIONS OF CENTRAL WIS INC CINDY ZIEGLER WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-3050 cindy.z@aircommcentral.com www.aircommcentral.com UNITED POTATO GROWERS COOP OF WI, INC DANA RADY ANTIGO, WI (715) 623-7683 drady0409@gmail.com
CONSTRUCTION
ALTMANN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC TAMMY MEYERS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-2550 altmann@altmannconstruction.com www.altmannconstruction.com KARTECHNER BROTHERS LLC NICK KARTECHNER WAUPUN, WI (920) 324-2874 nick@kartechnerbrothers.com www.kartechnerbrothers.com KELLER INC EMILY KOLLMANN KAUKAUNA, WI 40 BC�T October
(920) 766-5795 ekollmann@kellerbuilds.com www.kellerbuilds.com MIDLAND GARAGE DOOR MFG CO DOUG LARSON WEST FARGO, ND (701) 282-8136 dougl@midlandgaragedoor.com www.midlandgaragedoor.com M.P.B. BUILDERS INC DOYLE POKORNY RIPON, WI (920) 748-2601 doyle@mpbbuilders.com www.mpbbuilders.com RHINEHART METAL BUILDINGS INC CHAD RHINEHART ADAMS, WI (608) 339-9109 chadr@rhinehartmetalbuildings.com www.rhinehartmetalbuildingsinc.com
DOCK EQUIPMENT
CENTRAL DOOR SOLUTIONS CHRIS BROOKS PLOVER, WI (715) 342-4153 cbrooks@centraldoorsolutions.com www.centraldoorsolutions.com
ELECTRICAL
ADAMS-COLUMBIA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE JEREMY HUHNSTOCK FRIENDSHIP, WI (608) 339-5428 jhuhnstock@acecwi.com www.acecwi.com MOTORS AND CONTROLS OF WI LLC KEVIN KONOPACKY PLOVER, WI (715) 344-0010 sales@macowi.com www.macowi.com RON’S REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING LLC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 emancl@coolsys.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com
ESTATE PLANNING
LINCOLN FINANCIAL AGRIBUSINESS SERVICES ART LITTLEFIELD NAPERVILLE, IL (630) 408-0110 art.littlefield@lfg.com www.lincolnagservices.com
EXIT / SUCCESSION PLANNING
LINCOLN FINANCIAL AGRIBUSINESS SERVICES ART LITTLEFIELD NAPERVILLE, IL (630) 408-0110 art.littlefield@lfg.com www.lincolnagservices.com
VISTA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES LLC SCOTT SCHEER, MSFS, CLU, CHFC APPLETON, WI (920) 731-4572 scott@vistafinancialstrategies.com www.vistafinancialstrategies.com
FARM EQUIPMENT
CANOPY GARDENS ANDREW AUGUSTYN ANTIGO, WI (715) 623-7373 canopygardens@yahoo.com www.canopygardens.co CROP IMS LLC BARRY BEWLEY EFFINGHAM, IL (217) 342-5063 bbewley@cropims.com www.cropims.net LEMKEN USA JAY HALBERT LANGFORD, SD (507) 951-2494 j.halbert@lemken.com www.lemken.com PICKETT EQUIPMENT BRADY OLSON BURLEY, ID (208) 678-0855 bolson@pickettequipment.com www.pickettequipment.com QUINLAN’S EQUIPMENT INC TOM QUINLAN ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4331 info@quinlansequipment.com www.quinlansequipment.com RIB FALLS REPAIR ROY THRONE ATHENS, WI (815) 257-0001 roy@ribfallsrepair.com www.ribfallsrepair.com RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC HEATHER RIPP MARION, WI (920) 358-3801 marketing@rands.com www.rands.com SERVICE MOTOR COMPANY KRISTEN WONDRA STEVENS POINT, WI (920) 592-4111 kristen.wondra@servicemotor.com www.servicemotor.com SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT MELISSA HEISE MOSINEE, WI (715) 693-3015 mheise@sei247.com www.swiderskiequipment.com
FERTILIZERS
BIO GRO INC BRUCE ANDERSEN CEDAR GROVE, WI (608) 354-1123 bruce@biogro.com www.biogro.com CALCIUM PRODUCTS JEFF THOMPSON AMES, IA (800) 255-8196 jeff.thompson@calciumproducts.com www.calciumproducts.com NEW CHESTER DAIRY/MILK SOURCE LLC AVI STERN FREEDOM, WI (920) 759-4673 astern@milksource.net www.milksource.com
(715) 579-8536 paul.salm@bmo.com www.bmoharris.com CLA (CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN LLP) JIM HALVORSEN MARSHFIELD, WI (715) 221-3037 jim.halvorsen@claconnect.com www.claconnect.com COMPEER FINANCIAL CATHY SCHOMMER PRAIRIE DU SAC, WI (844) 426-6733 cathy.schommer@compeer.com www.compeer.com
COVANTAGE CREDIT UNION JULIE BOHR WAUSAU, WI (715) 627-4336 julie.bohr@covantagecu.org www.covantagecu.org EDWARD JONES - BOB EBBEN SHARON ZEMAN sharon.zeman@edwardjones.com WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-4100 bob.ebben@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com continued on pg. 42
T I P INC KENTON MEHLBERG CUSTER, WI (715) 592-4650 kenton@tipinc.net www.tipinc.net YARA NORTH AMERICA MISSY SCHUG MCMILLAN, MI missy.schug@yara.com www.yara.com
FERTILIZERS - CONVENTIONAL AND ORGANIC FARM FIXATION LLC MARK KLISH MOSINEE, WI (715) 347-0545 mark@farmfixation.com www.midwesternbioag.com
FINANCIAL
ABBYBANK NATALYN JANNENE ABBOTSFORD, WI (715) 223-2345 njannene@abbybank.com www.abbybank.com AGCOUNTRY FARM CREDIT SERVICES MARK GROHOLSKI STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-1000 mark.groholski@agcountry.com www.agcountry.com BAKER TILLY DANIEL P EHR APPLETON, WI (920) 739-3392 daniel.ehr@bakertilly.com www.bakertilly.com BANK OF AMERICA CHAD JANOWICZ CANADIAN LAKES, MI (517) 896-3870 chad.janowicz@bofa.com www.bankofamerica.com BMO HARRIS BANK PAUL SALM ALTOONA, WI BC�T October 41
2021 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 41
FIRST STATE BANK RICHARD WILCOX STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 342-9071 rwilcox@bankfirststate.com www.bankfirststate.com INCREDIBLE BANK ROB WYMAN WESTON, WI (715) 843-1704 rwyman@incrediblebank.com www.incrediblebank.com INVESTORS COMMUNITY BANK CRAIG C ROGAN STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 254-3450 crogan@icbk.com www.InvestorsCommunityBank.com M3 INSURANCE JEN PINO-GALLAGHER MADISON, WI (800) 272-2443 jen.pinogallagher@m3ins.com www.m3ins.com METLIFE AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS TROY FISCHER ROCKFORD, IL (815) 234-2600 tfischer@metlife.com www.metlife.com/ag NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE BRIAN BLINK ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-2865 brian.blink@nm.com www.brianblink.nm.com PESHTIGO NATIONAL BANK MIKE JAJE PESHTIGO, WI (715) 938-2655 mjaje@peshtigobank.com THE PORTAGE COUNTY BANK JEFF ZWIEFELHOFER STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 341-8808 jeff@portagecountybank.com www.portagecountybank.com
FOOD SAFETY CONSULTANT
CAROL A BURZA BANCROFT, WI (715) 498-1849 carol.burza@yahoo.com
FUEL
CONDON OIL COMPANY MARK BELAU RIPON, WI (800) 452-1212 mbelau@condoncompanies.com www.condoncompanies.com
GRAPHICS
CC GRAPHICS DARCI LAUDENBACH WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI 42 BC�T October
(715) 459-5252 ccgraphics4u@gmail.com facebook.com/ccgraphics4u
INSULATION
FENCIL URETHANE SYSTEMS INC NICK LAUDENBACH WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-4200 nick@fencilurethane.com www.fencilurethane.com
INSURANCE
AGCOUNTRY FARM CREDIT SERVICES MARK GROHOLSKI STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-1000 mark.groholski@agcountry.com www.agcountry.com AGRIBUSINESS INSURANCE SOLUTIONS RYAN CHAMBERS SEYMOUR, WI (920) 833-6871 rchambers@thzins.com www.thzinsurance.com/agribusiness C & D PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES SALLY SUPRISE WAUPACA, WI (715) 498-4800 sesuprise@ruralins.com C & D PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES LLC DAVE LOKEN WAUPACA, WI (715) 258-8830 canddwaupaca@ruralins.com COMPASS INSURANCE SERVICES JUSTIN YACH STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 303-3679 justin.yach@compassinsurance.net www.compassinsurance.net COMPEER FINANCIAL CATHY SCHOMMER PRAIRIE DU SAC, WI (608) 370-6792 cathy.schommer@compeer.com www.compeer.com M3 INSURANCE SOLUTIONS INC JEN PINO-GALLAGHER MADISON, WI (608) 288-2842 jen.pinogallagher@m3ins.com www.m3ins.com MCCORMICK-KLESSIG INSURANCE JEFF LUND ANTIGO, WI (815) 627-4302 jefflund@mccormickklessig.com www.mccormickklessig.com MT MORRIS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY DANIEL FENSKE COLOMA, WI (715) 228-5541 melissa@mtmorrisins.com www.mtmorrisins.com
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE BRIAN BLINK ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-2865 brian.blink@nm.com www.brianblink.nm.com OKRAY INSURANCE AGENCY LLC KYLE OKRAY PLOVER, WI (715) 335-4549 kyle@okrayins.com www.okrayins.com PROGRESSIVE AG SYSTEMS MIKE LUBAHN MADISON, WI (877) 219-9550 mlubahn@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE CO BILL KRIESE MADISON, WI (608) 828-5535 dbayer@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY-ADAMS JAMES WEHINGER ADAMS, WI (715) 254-9500 jwehinger@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com SECURA INSURANCE DAVE SCHLICHTING NEENAH, WI (920) 830-4394 dave_schlichting@secura.net www.secura.net VINE VEST NORTH INC CHAD GLAZE WAUSAU, WI (715) 675-1829 chad@vinevestnorth.com www.vinevestnorth.com VISTA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES LLC SCOTT SCHEER, MSFS, CLU, CHFC APPLETON, WI (920) 731-4572 scott@vistafinancialstrategies.com www.vistafinancialstrategies.com ZINDA INSURANCE GROUP-RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE JENNIFER ZINDA-MANCL STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 341-5808 jzinda@ruralins.com
IRRIGATION
HORTAU INC CODY JONES SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (805) 545-5994 cjones@hortau.com www.hortau.com
NORTH CENTRAL IRRIGATION INC SCOTT POLZIN PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6368 scott@valleynci.com www.valleynci.com OASIS IRRIGATION INC KATHY KNUTSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-8300 kathyknutson.oasisirr@gmail.com REINKE MANUFACTURING CO, INC VERN HINNENKAMP DESHLER, NE (402) 365-7251 vernhinnenkamp@reinke.com www.reinke.com ROBERTS IRRIGATION CO INC RICH ANDERSON PLOVER, WI (715) 344-4747 randerson@robertsirrigation.com www.robertsirrigationwi.com SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES, INC MIKE THUROW AURORA, IL
(800) 248-8873 mthurow@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com
loflyng@ruderware.com www.ruderware.com
LEGAL SERVICE
CONDON OIL COMPANY MARK BELAU RIPON, WI (800) 452-1212 mbelau@condoncompanies.com www.condoncompanies.com
BOARDMAN CLARK LLP JEFFREY STORCH BARABOO, WI (608) 356-3977 jstorch@boardmanclark.com www.boardmanclark.com
REDLINE SOLUTIONS ADRIAN DOWN SANTA CLARA, CA (888) 801-2039 adown@redlinesolutions.com www.redlineforproduce.com
ANDERSON O'BRIEN BERTZ SKRENES & GOLLA LISA HANSEN STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-0890 lhansen@andlaw.com www.andlaw.com
DEWITT LLP JORDAN LAMB MADISON, WI (608) 252-9358 jkl@dewittllp.com www.dewittllp.com RUDER WARE LISA O'FLYNG WAUSAU, WI (715) 845-4336
LUBRICANTS
MOBILE & VEHICLE MOUNT DEVICES
OVERHEAD DOORS
CENTRAL DOOR SOLUTIONS CHRIS BROOKS PLOVER, WI (715) 342-4153 cbrooks@centraldoorsolutions.com www.centraldoorsolutions.com
continued on pg. 44
BC�T October 43
2021 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 43
PACKAGING EQUIPMENT
BW FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS - SYMACH STEVE SHELLENBAUM MINNEAPOLIS, MN (612) 782-1242 steve.shellenbaum@bwpackagingsystems.com www.bwpackagingsystems.com GLACIER VALLEY ENTERPRISES SHANNON JOHNSON BARABOO, WI (608) 356-2244 shannongve@gmail.com www.glacierv.com OEM FABRICATORS INC THOMAS AABY WOODVILLE, WI (715) 698-7323 toma@oemfab.com www.oemfab.com THORPACK LLC MARTY KOLPACK RICHARD THORPE BRYANT, WI (715) 627-7333 mkolpack@thorpack.com www.thorpack.com VOLM COMPANIES INC MARSHA POZZA ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 marsha.pozza@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com WARNER & WARNER INC JAY WARNER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-8563 jay.warner@warnerpackaging.com www.warnerpackaging.com
PACKING SHED
POTATO PLANT INC BRIAN KROGWOLD AMHERST, WI (715) 824-3240 ppspud@wi-net.com
POTATO EQUIPMENT
ALLAN EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING LTD DAVID HUESTIS YORK PEI, CANADA (902) 672-2510 dlh@allanequipment.com www.allanequipment.com BIG IRON EQUIPMENT INC ZACH MYKISEN STACY GROSHEK PLOVER, WI (715) 344-3401 bie@bigironequipment.com www.bigironequipment.com BILL'S TIRE AND SERVICE INC BILL SCHILTZ COLBY, WI (715) 223-4762 billstire@me.com www.billstireservice.com 44 BC�T October
GENERAL METAL FABRICATION LTD GERALD BAUMAN WINKLER MB, CANADA, (204) 325-9374 gerald@generalmetal.ca www.generalmetal.ca MAYO-HARRISTON JARED SCHULTZ EAST GRAND FORKS, MN (218) 773-1234 jared@mayomfg.com www.harriston-mayo.com MODERN PRODUCE EQUIPMENT TOM WIERSEMA FREMONT, MI (231) 425-7226 tom@modernproduceequipment.com www.modernproduceequipment.com NOFFSINGER MANUFACTURING CO GREG CAPPAERT GREELEY, CO (800) 525-8922 gcappaert@noffsingermfg.com www.noffsingermfg.com SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 paul@sandcountyequipment.com www.sandcountyequipment.com TIP INC KENTON MEHLBERG CUSTER, WI (715) 592-4650 kenton@tipinc.net www.tipinc.net TOMRA SORTING SOLUTIONS AMBER AMADOR WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (916) 388-3900 amber.amador@tomra.com www.tomra.com/food TRI-STEEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC SCOTT HOMSTAD GRAND FORKS, ND (701) 772-5591 scotth@tristeelmfg.com www.tristeelmfg.com VOLM COMPANIES, INC MARSHA POZZA ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 marsha.pozza@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com
PRINTING
SPECTRA PRINT CORPORATION HEIDI OKRAY STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-5175 hokray@spectraprint.com www.spectraprint.com
PROCESSORS
CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEAN CO INC JOSHUA JOHNSON MENOMONIE, WI (715) 664-8342 jjohnson@cvbean.com www.cvbean.com MCCAIN FOODS USA KERRY LARSON WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 342-8106 kerry.larson@mccain.com www.mccain.com PEPSICO-FRITO LAY JOSHUA PARSONS RHINELANDER, WI (715) 365-1640 joshua.parsons@pepsico.com THE LITTLE POTATO COMPANY DANIEL SNYDER DEFOREST, WI (608) 842-2713 daniel.snyder@littlepotatoes.com www.LittlePotatoes.com
PTI SOLUTIONS
REDLINE SOLUTIONS ADRIAN DOWN SANTA CLARA, CA (888) 801-2039 adown@redlinesolutions.com www.redlineforproduce.com
READY MIX CONCRETE SUPPLIER
COUNTY MATERIALS CORPORATION KEVIN TESCH MARATHON, WI (715) 870-4634 kevin.tesch@countymaterials.com www.countymaterials.com
REFRIGERATION
NELSON'S VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com RON’S REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING LLC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 emancl@coolsys.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com
RETIREMENT PLANNING
VISTA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES LLC SCOTT SCHEER, MSFS, CLU, CHFC APPLETON, WI (920) 731-4572 scott@vistafinancialstrategies.com www.vistafinancialstrategies.com
RUST PROOFING
MIKE CAVES RUST STOP MYRON A CAVES PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 572-9510 mcrockingc@hotmail.com www.profleetcare.com
SALES/BROKERS
RPE INC RUSSELL WYSOCKI BANCROFT, WI (800) 678-2789 jenny.bula@rpespud.com www.RPEproduce.com
BUSHMANS’ INC MIKE GATZ ROSHOLT, WI (800) 826-0200 michaelg@bushmansinc.com www.bushmansinc.com
HANSE SEED CORP JOHN THOMAS DUSING FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (954) 655-9114 hanseseed@gmail.com www.hanseseed.com
ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE HEIDI ALSUM-RANDALL FRIESLAND, WI (920) 348-5127 heidi.randall@alsum.com www.alsum.com
GREEN BAY PACKAGING INC BEN JOHNSON WAUSAU, WI (715) 845-4201 benjohnson@gbp.com www.gbp.com
MINNESOTA CERTIFIED SEED POTATO GROWERS ASSN PERRY PASCHKE EAST GRAND FORKS, MN (218) 686-1734 jdagen@wiktel.com
SEED
WISCONSIN SEED POTATO CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ALEX CROCKFORD ANTIGO, WI (715) 623-4039 abcrockford@wisc.edu
SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY
JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com
LANGLADE POTATO DISTRIBUTING INC JIM KAPUSTA ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4873 jimk@langladepotato.com
SUNRAIN VARIETIES LLC BRIT WHITE IDAHO FALLS, ID (208) 552-3096 bwhite@sunrainvarieties.com www.sunrainseed.com
PLANT GROW HARVEST SERVICES DBA PGH SERVICES JIM CORNEILLIE WILLIAMS, MN (701) 335-9255 jc@pgh.farm
MICHIGAN SEED POTATO ASSN JEFF AXFORD GAYLORD, MI (989) 732-4433 jwamspa@gmail.com
AGROMETRICS MADHU JAMALLAMUDI ALLEN, TX (870) 200-9080 madhu@agrometrics.com www.agrometrics.com
SOIL AMENDMENTS
JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com
SEED CERTIFICATION AGENCIES
continued on pg. 46
NEW
BC�T October 45
2021 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 45
SPRAYER PARTS
JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com
SPRAYERS TANKS, PARTS & SERVICES
CONTREE SPRAYER AND EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC DAVID VONBEHREN BEAVER DAM, WI (920) 356-0121 davev@contree.com www.contree.com
SPRAYERS/FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT
HEARTLAND AG SYSTEMS GUY MATHIAS DEFOREST, WI (800) 523-2350 guy.mathias@heartlandag.com www.heartlandag.com
SPROUT INHIBITING
NELSON'S VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com
RON’S REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING LLC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 emancl@coolsys.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com
STEEL ENTRY DOORS
CENTRAL DOOR SOLUTIONS CHRIS BROOKS PLOVER, WI (715) 342-4153 cbrooks@centraldoorsolutions.com www.centraldoorsolutions.com
STORAGE
1,4 GROUP JOHN BERGMAN FARGO, ND (701) 261-0289 jbergman@pinnip.com www.14group.com HANSEN-RICE INC BRADY MCGOWAN NAMPA, ID (208) 442-4285 bmcgowan@hansen-rice.com www.hansen-rice.com LINEAGE LOGISTICS KELLY KITOWSKI STEVENS POINT, WI
(715) 544-4565 KKitowski@lineagelogistics.com www.servicecold.biz TECHMARK INC PATRICK MORRIS LANSING, MI (517) 322-0250 pmorris@techmark-inc.com www.techmark-inc.com
STORAGE CONTROL SYSTEMS
NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com
STORAGE SPROUT CONTROL
1,4 GROUP JOHN BERGMAN FARGO, ND (701) 261-0289 jbergman@pinnip.com www.14group.com
STORAGE VENTILATION SYSTEMS
RON’S REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING LLC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 emancl@coolsys.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com
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TREE/SHRUB PLANTING & CONSERVATION SERVICES
CENTRAL WI WINDSHED PARTNERS SHANNON ROHDE HANCOCK, WI (715) 249-5424 cwwp@uniontel.net https://www.co.portage.wi.us/department/ planning-zoning/central-wisconsin-windshedpartnership-group
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VANTAGE NORTH CENTRAL SEAN TIMM PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-4474 candi@valleynci.com www.vantage-northcentral.com
MID-STATE TRUCK SERVICE INC JAY WEIDMAN PLOVER, WI (715) 344-2931 p.trucksales@midstatetruck.com www.midstatetruck.com SAXON FLEET SERVICES JOE FITZENBERGER OAKDALE, MN (651) 312-1870 jfitzenberger@saxonfleetservices.com www.saxonfleetservices.com
WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
K & S FUEL INJECTION & SERVICE CENTER JASON MAKI WESTON, WI (715) 359-1000 jmaki@ksfuel.com www.ksfuel.com
REDLINE SOLUTIONS ADRIAN DOWN SANTA CLARA, CA (888) 801-2039 adown@redlinesolutions.com www.redlineforproduce.com
KRIETE TRUCK CENTER SAM STEVENSON STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 997-9002 sam.stevenson@kgtruck.com www.krietegroup.com
GZA GEOENVIRONMENTAL INC JAMES DROUGHT MILWAUKEE, WI (414) 831-2540 james.drought@gza.com www.gza.com
MARK TOYOTA of PLOVER BRENDAN OLINYK PLOVER, WI (715) 342-5040 brendan@markmotors.com www.marktoyota.com
VISTA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES LLC SCOTT SCHEER, MSFS, CLU, CHFC APPLETON, WI (920) 731-4572 scott@vistafinancialstrategies.com www.vistafinancialstrategies.com
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BC�T October 47
People John Baginski Passes Away
Lifelong potato grower worked alongside his father and family John J. Baginski, age 80, of Antigo died Monday, August 9, 2021, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital.
his family traditions, which included holiday gatherings, travel and friendly competition.
He was born December 16, 1940, in Antigo, to the late Ted and Kathryn (Teal) Baginski.
KIND HEART He had a genuinely kind heart and always had a friendly wave for everyone. John was always willing to do things for others.
On October 21, 1961, John was united in marriage to Kathie Spreng at St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Church. John was a graduate of Antigo High School class of 1959. He loved the sport of baseball and played throughout his school years and continued in county league. John was a lifelong potato grower, beginning his career as a boy working alongside his father and family on the Ted Baginski and Sons Potato Farm. He was active in his community as a member of Saints Mary & Hyacinth’s Catholic Church where he ushered, as well as a member of Benevolent Order of Elks Lodge #662 of Antigo. He was a man of great faith in God and in his country—he knelt daily for the cross and stood for the flag. The family that he and Kathie raised was his greatest joy. He loved “his girls” and was so proud of each of them and their families. As a devoted family man, John thoroughly enjoyed
Survivors, in addition to his wife, Kathie, include four daughters: Janice (Ron) Hoerman of Antigo, Jodie (Paul) Fermanich of Deerbrook, Lynda (Jay) Baginski-Ozanne of Goodyear, Arizona, and Gina (Chris) Hastreiter of Verona; two brothers: Ted, Jr. (Sue) of Deerbrook and Florian (Monica) of Antigo. Additional survivors include a brother-in-law, Dan (Connie) Spreng of Bonita Springs, Florida; eight grandchildren: Chad Hoerman, Garred (Audrey) Hoerman, Ellie (Michael) Krahling, Justin (Lauren) Fermanich, Cali Hastreiter, Jack Hastreiter, Wil Hastreiter and Gracie Hastreiter; three great-grandchildren: Amelia and Leo Fermanich, and Owen Krahling; and a great-granddaughter welcomed in September. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his motherin-law and father-in-law, Marge and
John J. Baginski December 16, 1940 – August 9, 2021
Ernie Spreng, and a son-in-law, Jay Ozanne. A memorial mass was held on Friday, August 13, at Saints Mary & Hyacinth’s Catholic Church. Father Joel Sember officiated. Entombment was in the Queen of Peace Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Antigo Elks Club or All Saints Catholic School. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home assisted the family.
Wisconsin Farm Burea names Heroes of Hope
Antigo’s own Justin Schroepfer recognized in organization’s inaugural campaign Justin Schroepfer of Langlade County has been named Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Hero of Hope in the organization’s inaugural Heroes of Hope campaign. Heroes of Hope, a subset of the #FarmNeighborsCare campaign, is 48 BC�T October
focused on shedding light on rural heroes who have helped others through a tough time. Heroes of Hope aims to identify people who have helped bring hope to farmers or businesses, either in large or small ways. Members of
the agriculture community were encouraged to nominate individuals who have made an impact on the way they conduct business, both ordinarily and extraordinarily. In the past year, Schroepfer and his family stepped up in big ways to help
their rural neighbors. When a good friend of the family endured medical issues, Schroepfer and his family not only continued to maintain his farm and his wife, Sara’s, salon business, but also stepped in to ensure their friend’s landscaping business could continue serving customers. As their friend recovered, they would schedule and deliver loads of landscaping materials to minimize the stress of continuing to run a business. COMMUNITY SERVICE Additionally, when Schroepfer was notified of another community member who was in the hospital, he also stepped up to assist with the family’s trucking business by offering to drive semi. As stated in his nomination, “This time of year, Justin is usually found planting a farm field that isn’t even
his and eventually makes his way to planting his own fields. Our community is lucky to have this very generous family as a part of it.” Also being recognized as finalists this year are Melvin (M.J.) Zenner of Taylor County, Duane “Dewey” Kunz of Eau Claire County, Kellie Zahn of Shawano County and Al Shannon of Dunn County. As this year’s Hero of Hope, Schroepfer received $500 in cash, a Yeti Cooler, a $50 gift card for Kwik Trip, $50 to Blain’s Farm & Fleet and a variety of Farm Bureau gear. The four remaining finalists each received $150 cash, $25 to Kwik Trip and a $25 gift card for Blain’s Farm & Fleet. All Heroes of Hope finalists are being recognized in an issue of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route magazine.
“Hero of Hope” Justin Schroepfer (right) poses with his family.
was sponsored by Rural Mutual Insurance Company, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, M.P.B. Builders, Inc., the Doyle and Kim Pokorny Family, Waupun Area FFA and Kwik Trip. Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization representing farms of all sizes, commodities and management styles.
The 2021 Heroes of Hope campaign
continued on pg. 50
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BC�T October 49
People. . .
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Dwayne Guenthner Passes On
Local potato grower began farming with his father and continued with son Dwayne Alwin Guenthner, age 85, of Bryant died Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital with his family at his side. Dwayne was born May 23, 1936, in Antigo to the late George and Bernadine (Emmer) Guenthner. He attended Longfellow Graded and Spring Brook Graded schools and graduated from Antigo High School in 1954. Following high school, Dwayne served in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, in Washington, as a military police officer for four years, where he was also a member of the Air Force baseball team. He continued to serve in the reserves for another four years. Upon honorable discharge from his service, Dwayne was united in marriage to Mary Strasser on July 16, 1960, at First Baptist Church. Dwayne was a local potato grower, beginning his farming along with his father and continuing until present with his son and Tom Schmidt operating Guenthner Farms, Inc. He thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors, farming, playing golf, fishing, hunting, and in his younger years, playing baseball. Dwayne
played for Deerbrook in the county league from 1956-’65, winning the championship five times. GOOD, CLEAN COMPETITION He loved playing games and cards with his children and grandchildren, and especially loved to watch the grandchildren play sports. He really liked good, clean competition. Dwayne was a member of Antigo Elks Lodge #662 for 46 years. He was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church where he ushered and served as a deacon and on various committees. He also served on the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. In addition to his wife, Mary, Dwayne is survived by his children, William “Bill” (Jolene) Guenthner of Antigo and Judy (Bruce) Jadin of Freedom; grandchildren, Madelynn Jadin and Riley Guenthner; a brother, Gerald “Jerry” (Bobbie Jo) Guenthner, of Eagle River; brother-in-law, Richard (Bonnie) Strasser, of Antigo; sistersin-law, Joanne (Charles) Merkel of Sykesville, Maryland, Lois Jones of Antigo and Mary Strasser of Antigo; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dwayne was preceded in death by his sisters, Judy (Al) Adams, Ermie
Dwayne Alwin Guenthner May 23, 1936 – August 21, 2021
(Aaron) Jahnke and Bonnie (Chuck) Kellam; brother-in-law, Thomas Strasser; and mother- and father-inlaw, Sarah and Wendell Maxted. Funeral services were held on August 25 at First Baptist Church, Antigo. Pastor Fletcher Larson officiated. Interment was in Elmwood Cemetery with military honors at the graveside. Memorials in Dwayne’s name can be directed towards First Baptist Church and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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. 50 BC�T October
Potatoes USA News U.S. Fries Bonanza in Malaysia Adds More Potatoes to Menus The U.S. Fries Bonanza promotion, which took place throughout the month of June, involved 13 restaurant and café chains in Malaysia that prominently featured loaded, flavored or value-added U.S. French fries on their menus. The tagline of the promotion, “Your Favorite U.S. Fries Anytime, Anywhere,” supported the idea of ordering these menu items for either dine-in or home delivery. Throughout the global pandemic, the importance of home delivery had skyrocketed, which is why this promotion included banner advertisements on the GRAB home delivery platform in addition to instore point of sale materials and on social media. The tie-in promotion effectively increased sales of U.S. potatoes at the restaurants and cafés that participated, including Chili’s, Carl’s Jr. and Jinjja Chicken, among others.
The total average sales increase of the U.S. potato menu items for all 13 chains was 55 percent. This successful promotion even caught the eye of restaurant chains that didn’t participate. One of these chains, Manhattan Fish Market, saw how well the U.S. potato menu items performed and decided to switch from using European Union fries to 100 percent U.S. fries at its 27 outlets.
Providing foodservice operators with this kind of promotional support is a great way to get more people eating more U.S. potatoes in more ways, while helping restaurants in international markets recover from decreased sales due to the pandemic. For more information about the international foodservice program, please contact Tiffany@PotatoesUSA. com.
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BC�T October 51
Badger Beat Changes in How EPA Evaluates Ecological Risks from Pesticides Endangered species protection program is a critical component of pesticide registration decisions By Paul Bethke, U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture
Recent changes in how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates ecological risks from pesticides could make labels more detailed, complex and longer in the registration process. Public participation is also a key process component, so awareness of what’s changing is critical to maintaining our crop protection tools. Between 26 and 40 percent of the world’s potential crop production is lost annually because of weeds, pests and diseases (https://www.oecdilibrary.org/agriculture-and-food/ oecd-fao-agricultural-outlook-2012_ agr_outlook-2012-en). Without crop protection, these losses could easily double. Crop protectants or pesticides provide protection of food, feed, fiber and fuel crops. Regulation of these pesticides to ensure minimal risk to human health and the environment is the work of the EPA. The EPA’s ability to pursue its mission to protect human health and the environment depends upon the integrity and quality of the science on which it relies. The environmental policies, decisions, guidance and regulations that impact the lives of all Americans must be grounded at a most fundamental level in sound, high-quality science. CONSIDERING DATA The EPA considers data from many sources, including pesticide companies, other governments, 52 BC�T October
academia and published scientific literature. EPA scientists and analysts carefully review these data to determine whether to register (license) a pesticide product or use and if specific restrictions are necessary. EPA maintains a transparent, public process for assessing potential risks to human health when evaluating pesticide products. The process EPA uses for evaluating the potential for health and ecological effects of a pesticide is referred to as a risk assessment. The risk assessment is crucial to the overall decision-making process for pesticides, both new and existing. New pesticides must be evaluated before they can enter the market, and existing pesticides must be reevaluated periodically to ensure that they continue to meet the appropriate safety standard. EPA’s decision-making relies on a risk management process, which is conducted in registration for new pesticide chemicals or new uses of existing chemicals, or re-registration/ registration review in the case of a general review of an existing chemical. There are two main components to the risk assessment: Ecological Risk
The National Research Council of the National Academies provides information and guidance on evaluating ecological risks from pesticides in its publication “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.”
Assessment and Human Health Risk Assessment. BIOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS In late August, the U.S. EPA released draft biological evaluations (BEs) for three of the most commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides (https:// www.epa.gov/pesticides/epareleases-draft-biological-evaluationsthree-neonicotinoids-publiccomment). The neonicotinoids are used across a range of commodity crops, for home and ornamental uses and commercial indoor/outdoor applications. The release of draft BEs draws new attention to the process of how the EPA determines the ecological risk for any pesticide during the process of re-registration. When determining the ecological risks of all pesticides, the EPA needs to evaluate environmental fate and toxicity data, how pesticides break down and whether potential exposure to the pesticide will result in adverse effects to wildlife and habitats. As part of EPA’s ecological pesticide risk assessment process, the agency has responsibility for determining
the risk of a pesticide to non-target organisms, with special emphasis on federally listed species and designated critical habitat (https:// www.epa.gov/sites/default/ files/2014-11/documents/ecoriskoverview.pdf). Determining the risk of a pesticide to federally listed species and critical habitat is outlined under the Endangered Species Act (ESA; https:// www.epa.gov/endangered-species). The ESA has the authority to rule on actions taken or permitted by the federal government (through registration or re-registration eligibility), and specifically to ensure that these actions “will not jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in adverse modification of designated critical habitat.”
Specifically, the ESA requires federal agencies to: • determine whether their actions might harm a listed species or its designated critical habitat • ensure the action taken or permitted will not jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in adverse modification of its designated critical habitat (substantive obligations) The ESA also includes provisions that allow the public to not only provide comment on the process, but also to bring suit in court against a federal agency when they believe a listed species is not being adequately protected. Several citizen suits have been issued over the past two decades that have required EPA to refine and
re-evaluate scientific assessments and make effects determinations for numerous pesticides. These endangered species assessments, which begin with the development of nationwide draft biological evaluations—BEs, have just been initiated for the neonicotinoid insecticides and are currently underway with five additional insecticides, including chlorpyrifos, malathion, diazinon, carbaryl and methomyl. Additionally, BEs were initiated for four herbicides, including atrazine, simazine, propazine and glyphosate. In part because of the many citizen suits filed in the past over the process of “effects determination,” the EPA and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and the Interior continued on pg. 54
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BC�T October 53
Badger Beat . . .
continued from pg. 53
requested, in 2011, that the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Science (NAS) convene a committee of independent experts. The committee was tasked with examining topics pertaining to tools and approaches for assessing the BEs of proposed ESA actions on endangered and threatened species and their critical habitats. The National Academy released its report in 2013 (https://www.nap. edu/catalog/18344/assessing-risksto-endangered-and-threatenedspecies-from-pesticides), where they were asked to consider the following issues in support of BE’s. • Identifying the best available scientific data and information • Considering sub-lethal, indirect and cumulative effects • Assessing the effects of chemical mixtures and inert ingredients • Using models to assist in analyzing the effects of pesticide use • Incorporating uncertainties into the evaluations effectively • Using geospatial information and datasets in the course of these assessments A rationale for the development and release of the new report by the NRC was summarized as, “The agencies have developed their own approaches to evaluating environmental risk, and their approaches differ because their legal mandates, responsibilities, institutional cultures and expertise differ.” “Over the years,” the NRC continued, “the agencies have tried to resolve their differences but have been unsuccessful in reaching a consensus regarding their assessment approaches.” 54 BC�T October
Between 26 and 40 percent of the world’s potential crop production is lost annually because of weeds, pests (such as the Colorado Potato Beetle shown) and diseases. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a transparent, public process for assessing potential risks to human health when evaluating pesticide products.
Since the release of the NAS report, the EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service & National Marine Fisheries Service (referred to as “the services”) have been working together to develop and improve methods for assessing risks to listed species. In March 2020, EPA released the “Revised Method for National Level Listed Species Biological Evaluations of Conventional Pesticides” (https:// www.epa.gov/endangered-species/ revised-method-national-levellisted-species-biological-evaluationsconventional). The revised method updates the earlier methods originally developed in 2015, and further allows the opportunity for public inquiry and comment. In response to the implementation of the newly revised method, the EPA has been releasing results of final BEs on several active ingredients to include insecticides like carbaryl and methomyl (March 2021), as well as updated draft BEs for the herbicides
glyphosate and simazine. ADVERSE EFFECT? Assessing potential effects of a pesticide’s registration to a listed species will result in one of two determinations: (1) the pesticide’s registered use will have “no adverse effect” on the species or designated critical habitat, or (2) the pesticide’s registered use is “likely to adversely affect—LAA” the species or designated critical habitat. These methods are designed to adequately and accurately evaluate the potential risks to federally listed threatened and endangered species and their designated critical habitat from registered uses of pesticides. The EPA will continue to work collaboratively with “the services” to further develop scientific criteria to determine the potential a pesticide may have to result in a LAA determination. During this next step of the evaluation process, EPA provides the services with its detailed assessment
of potential risks and its effects determination. The services review that information and consider it in light of the status and needs of the particular species potentially affected. The services provide EPA with a “Biological Opinion”—a document providing the assessment and recommendations for steps that EPA should take, if any, to reduce or eliminate potential risk to the species. This Biological Opinion provided by the services represents their qualified view of whether the pesticide’s registered use is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species and, if so, describes alternatives. NOT A NEW MANDATE To be clear, the EPA's mandate
to evaluate the ecological risk to endangered or threatened species and their habitat posed by pesticides is not new. This authority was granted to the EPA in Section 7(a) (2) of the Endangered Species Act (1988) under the Endangered Species Protection Program. As noted previously, ongoing litigation has slowed the implementation and review of both Biological Evaluations and the development of Biological Opinions by the services. Through new guidance from the NRC’s report, the EPA has now developed a defensible and revised method for determining ecological risk. Moreover, the EPA intends the approach to be flexible to achieve
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the goals of protecting listed species while minimizing the impact on pesticide users. The ongoing program will incorporate public participation within existing processes of registration and registration review. Because several new biological evaluations and biological opinions are being developed, it is time to be aware of the process and the implications that could include extended length of revision timelines and the level of detail or complexity included on pesticide labels. For more information, visit https:// www.epa.gov/guidance or https://www.epa.gov/endangeredspecies/about-endangered-speciesprotection-program.
BC�T October 55
NPC News Thilani Jayakody Wins 2021-’22 Potato LEAF Scholarship
Outstanding third-year graduate student lands award for potato research The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is pleased to announce Thilani Jayakody, a third-year graduate student in Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, as the recipient of its 2021-’22 Academic Scholarship. The $10,000 scholarship is provided annually to one graduate student with a strong interest in research that can directly benefit the U.S. potato industry. “Potato LEAF was created to ensure the long-term health of the U.S. potato industry by investing in its future leaders,” says the organization’s chair, Shelley Olsen. “We’re thrilled to support Thilani’s educational and research goals that will advance our collective knowledge and set us on the path for a better, more productive tomorrow.” As a Ph.D. candidate and graduate research assistant, Jayakody’s work involves connecting her interests in genome editing with the applied goals of Michigan State’s breeding program. For her, these interests have been realized in the application of new breeding techniques for crop improvement, which have been propelled by the recent popularity of genome editing. “Currently, I’m working to reduce the effects of enzymatic browning through gene editing. I’m also working
56 BC�T October
to understand the accuracy of new genome editing platforms, as these off-targeting effects are a major regulatory concern in accepting genome edited food crops,” Jayakody relates. POTATO BREEDING “I’m fortunate to be part of a dynamic and innovative community where I can pursue my research interests while contributing directly to the advancement of potato breeding,” she enthuses. According to Dr. David S. Douches, professor and director of Michigan State University’s Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, who is overseeing Jayakody’s Ph.D. research project, she is an ideal candidate for the scholarship. In his letter of recommendation, Dr. Douches wrote that he sees Jayakody as “a model for a new generation of plant breeding and genetics graduates.” He continued, “Thilani easily meets the high standards I set for the graduate students in my program. She is a dedicated scientist who is mature, intelligent and hard working.”
Thilani Jayakody is the recipient of the 2021’22 Potato LEAF scholarship.
Jayakody is an active leader on campus, currently serving on the student-led Plant, Soil and Microbial Science Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. She also serves as a graduate student representative on the National Science Foundation’s Research Traineeship IMPACTS Curriculum Committee and is the recruitment chair for the Association for Crop and Soil Sciences (ACRS). Potato LEAF, a 501(c)3 organization, works to provide tools, training and support necessary to develop growers and industry members as leaders. As part of its mission to encourage and train future leaders, the organization seeks to support graduate-level researchers driving innovation within the potato industry. To learn more, visit https://pleaf.org.
Administration Announces PPE Relief Funds Relief limited to small entities, leaving out majority of ag employers On September 9, the Biden Administration announced $700 million in new funding intended to support entities that purchased personal protective equipment (PPE) and incurred vaccination costs and related expenses in combating COVID-19.
“Although we appreciate the intention of the announcement and release of these funds, unfortunately, certain limitations in the structure of the program will cause it to fall short of providing the necessary relief that the Administration and Congress intended,” he adds.
Of that total, $650 million in the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program is targeted for the agriculture industry.
Quarles notes that by limiting relief only to small entities, the program leaves out the majority of agricultural employers, particularly in the highcost specialty crop industry, which incurred substantial expenses in protecting its workforce.
“Over the past few months, the National Potato Council [NPC] and our partners in the agriculture industry have given feedback to USDA on the need to support those who incurred COVID-19 PPE and vaccination costs in the heavily impacted specialty crop sector,” says NPC Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles.
NO DISTINCTION “COVID-19 made no distinction in its threat to farmworkers and other essential employees at small, medium or large farms,” Quarles reasons. “Each of those workers required gear
and access to vaccines to keep them safe, and the entities that provided them should be eligible for support.” “This relief program draws a distinction when the virus did not,” Quarles continues. “Particularly, the ‘annual sales’ limitation makes a large number of financially-stressed employers ineligible for relief from these essential and costly actions.” “Our advice to USDA has been to support the actions that kept farmworkers safe, regardless of the size of the entity providing them,” he says. “The program does not meet that equitable goal, but we intend to continue working with Congress and the Administration to achieve it in the future,” Quarles concludes.
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For a directory of Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers or a free video, contact: P.O. Box 173, Antigo, WI 54409 715-623-4039 www.potatoseed.org
Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. P.O. Box 173 • Antigo, WI 54409 • 715-623-4039
ViewView a directory a directory ofof the the Wisconsin Certified Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers Seed Potato Growers your smartphone. on youron smartphone.
www.potatoseed.org BC�T October 57
Creating Valid and Transparent Carbon Markets Are carbon markets the future, and can they be a new source of revenue for growers? Provided by American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America
Above: Leaving last year’s crop residue on the field can increase soil carbon. Then, the next crop is planted with a no-tillage planter drill with minimal soil disturbance. This is one practice farmers can adopt to help them enter the carbon marketplace. The image shows corn seed being planted into crop residue. Photo courtesy of Rajveer Singh
to do so.
Growers may have heard the term “carbon sequestration.” Basically, it refers to keeping and returning carbon to the soil. Since carbon is an element, how and why should this be done? One main reason is that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and 58 BC�T October
increasing amounts have been determined by some to contribute to climate change. Agricultural practices can store carbon in the soil, and now carbon markets are creating incentives for farmers to consider changing some of their field management techniques
Carbon markets were the leading topic for the 2021 Sustainable Agronomy Conference, held on Tuesdays from July 20 through August 24, 2021, and available for streaming. Visit https://www.agronomy.org/ meetings/sustainable-agronomy/. Carbon storage in soil has both environmental and economic benefits. Plants pull carbon dioxide from the air and metabolize it into roots, shoots, leaves, and fruits or vegetables.
ORGANIC MATTER When plants metabolize carbon dioxide into sugars and other building blocks, they become organic matter. By pulling carbon dioxide out of the air, plants reduce the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. While living, plants send out organic matter into the soil where is it stored. If a plant is grown for crop production, the way farmers manage tillage, harvest and crop residue can have a great impact on the amount of carbon stored in the soil. It may not be possible for all farmers to reduce tillage, or to grow crops that create more organic matter. But they can implement new practices that will change their impact on carbon use and storage. That’s where carbon markets come in. The concept is simple. Farmers who implement new practices can enter carbon market programs. By providing proof of their practices (that’s the hard part), they can earn carbon credits. Then, other companies, such as a manufacturer, can buy these credits to offset their carbon imprint. It’s a new source of potential revenue for farmers. AT THE FOREFRONT Jamie Ridgely was one of the presenters at the “Being Informed, Realistic, and Data-driven with Carbon Markets” session that ran on July 20. Ridgely, who works at
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“The real work we are doing is about creating sustainable change in production agriculture to more regenerative systems. The carbon market provides an additional incentive.” – Jamie Ridgely, Truterra, LLC Truterra, LLC, is at the forefront of managing carbon markets.
beneficial for the grower,” Ridgely stresses.
“The real work we are doing is about creating sustainable change in production agriculture to more regenerative systems,” says Ridgeley. “The carbon market provides an additional incentive.”
BUILDING TRUST A current hurdle to getting more farmers into the carbon markets is the lack of information they can trust. Again, crop advisers will be crucial to the success of these programs.
At the forefront of this effort will be certified crop advisers and agronomists. They will be consulting with growers on what they need to do to participate in this potential revenue source.
Although the short-term profits of entering the carbon market may be small, Ridgely says there is another message for the farmer.
“Agronomists, crop advisers and forward-thinking farmers are the key, not the hype about the markets,” says Ridgely. Advisers need to look at how farmers can transition into the new system in a realistic way that enhances their productivity. “We are looking at going from very low levels of adaptation to very high levels. And we need to make the scaling of this system sustainable and
“Managing for soil health and moving to more regenerative practices lead to better productivity, too,” he notes. In addition, the value of the carbon credits will grow over time. Not only do farmers need to implement new practices, but they are also required to collect and validate a lot more data to enter the carbon marketplace. Regrow is an agri-food tech company whose mission is to “unlock potential
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continued on pg. 60
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Creating Valid and Transparent Carbon Markets . . . continued from pg. 59
“We are looking at going from very low levels of adaptation to very high levels. And we need to make the scaling of this system sustainable and beneficial for the grower.” – Jamie Ridgely of regenerative ag by enabling appropriate value of ecosystems,” says William Salas, chief strategy officer. ENTERING CARBON MARKETS Regrow provides a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification program for farmers. “The goal is to make entering carbon markets as easy as possible and to collect scientifically verifiable data,” says Salas. “This system adds transparency and credibility to the marketplace.” “The data burdens can be quite high,” he adds. Regrow has built a platform that can speak to all the grower platforms currently in use. The company has invested time and energy into databases full of rigorous measurements of carbon stock in farm soil. Regrow has gone back to data from the 1980s and ’90s to create and verify its models.
60 BC�T October
If a plant is grown for crop production, the way farmers manage tillage, harvest and crop residue can have a great impact on the amount of carbon stored in the soil. It may not be possible for all farmers to reduce tillage, or to grow crops that create more organic matter. But they can implement new practices that will change their impact on carbon use and storage. That’s where carbon markets come in. Regrow provides a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification program for farmers and has built a platform that can speak to all the grower platforms currently in use.
“Currently, using satellite images, we can verify the actual practices being used in the field,” Salas explains.
implement the practices in his or her contracts, again, creating transparency.”
“We can determine when the farmer plants, what types of crops they are growing and other farm management practices,” he says. “We don’t need to have people go and check on each farm in person; it can all be done remotely.”
The Sustainable Agronomy Conference is hosted by the American Society of Agronomy. Registration for future webinars is still open, and the carbon market session recording is available to stream.
“This saves time and money,” Salas notes, “and ensures the market that the farmer is continuing to
For more information, visit https:// www.agronomy.org/meetings/ sustainable-agronomy.
Seed Piece Northern Sand Farms Offers Gallenberg Varieties Certified seed potato grower plants more acres to accommodate additional spuds
When Justin and Stan Bula of Northern Sand Farms in Mole Lake, Wisconsin, took over the certified seed potato operation from their father, Dave, and uncle, Ed, in 2016, little did they know the expansion they’d see five years later upon the passing of Darwin Gallenberg, of Bryant. “Before Darwin passed away in July, he called this spring and needed a skid of potatoes,” relates Justin Bula. “We had some yellows and took them down there to Bryant. Darwin asked if we’d be willing to take his operation over, as David had recently suffered from some heart issues.” “We told Darwin we’d consider it, but we didn’t have to think long,” Justin remarks. “We called and said, ‘yes.’” Before offering to grow the Gallenberg varieties, Northern Sand Farms, a fourth-generation certified
seed potato operation, typically raised about 100 acres of certified seed potatoes, but one of their major customers cut back, by two-thirds, the quantity of spuds they were purchasing from the Bulas. “We were mainly growing chip stock, but the State Farm in Rhinelander had some seed available—russets, Dark Red Norlands, Silvertons and Goldrush,” Justin says. “We had extra acreage, but no customers. Still, in 2018, we gained a couple customers, continued on pg. 62
Above: Justin (left) and Stan Bula of Northern Sand Farms, Mole Lake, Wisconsin, now offer certified seed potato varieties formerly grown by David and Darwin Gallenberg, of Bryant, the latter of whom passed away in July 2021. BC�T October 61
Seed Piece . . .
continued from pg. 61
and now we’re also growing out the stuff from David and Darwin, starting in 2021.” A CROP THIS YEAR “After David had some heart issues and before Darwin’s passing, we got a call saying they weren’t going to plant a crop this year,” Justin recalls. “I said, ‘Darwin, don’t worry about it,’ and we went down and picked up the seed potatoes to plant here.” Last year, Northern Sand Farms offered Dark Red Norland, Manistee, Oneida Gold, Red Gold, Silverton and Snowden certified seed potatoes. The farm encompasses 450 acres in all, and storage for approximately 100 acres of potatoes. Above and Right: With the additional certified seed potato varieties they picked up from David and the late Darwin Gallenberg, Stan and Justin Bula of Northern Sand Farms now offer everything from yellow, red and purple potatoes to fingerlings. 62 BC�T October
The Gallenberg varieties added to the operation include Adirondack Blue, Adirondack Red, Austrian Crescent fingerlings, German Butterball, Goldrush, Kennebec, Red Pontiac, Superior and Yukon Gold potatoes. “We are willing to expand this
operation out. We have the land,” Justin concludes. “Next year, we plan to get Red Viking, a very early red variety, from the State Farm, and Peter Wilcox, a purple fingerling.” For more information, visit www.Northernsandfarms.com.
Now News “CHS Seeds for Stewardship” Funds Fire & Rescue CHS Larsen Cooperative helps protect local firefighters and community members “CHS Seeds for Stewardship” funds are going back into the communities where CHS Larsen Cooperative does business to protect local firefighters and community members, build stronger rural communities and support ag education. Through CHS Country Operations' Seeds for Stewardship, Dale Fire & Rescue is receiving $2,800 and Clayton Fire Rescue is getting $2,176 from CHS Larsen Cooperative. Dale Fire & Rescue will be using these funds to purchase a grain bin rescue system and Clayton Fire Rescue will be purchasing rescue saws. “CHS Larsen Cooperative has a close working relationship with both these fire departments,” says David Neal, general manager, CHS Larsen Cooperative. “From time to time, we have the departments come to our locations to practice rescues and do walkthroughs with our staff, so they have a better understanding of our
Chris Tews (left) and Robert Wilkins (right) of the Dale Fire Department accept a check from Matt McHugh (center), CHS Larsen Cooperative safety leader, with the funds to be used for the purchase of a grain rescue system.
business,” Neal explains. “Having this equipment will definitely help the departments provide an increased level of service to our communities and facilities in the area.” Making the purchase of a grain
bin rescue system will provide a centrally located resource that can be quickly deployed to help save lives in the community. There are several large farming operations that grow, harvest, transport and store crops onsite in Readfield. The bulk materials present unique challenges to emergency services, and this equipment can help rescue personnel conduct their jobs safely and more efficiently than they can today. Dale Fire & Rescue also borders other farming communities that would benefit from having a portable coffer dam and grain evacuation system readily available. continued on pg. 64
Left: Ryan Jones (center) and Tony Seelow (right) of CHS Larsen Cooperative present a check to Scott Rieckmann (left), director of public safety for Clayton Fire Rescue, with the funds slated to be used for purchasing rescue saws. BC�T October 63
Now News . . .
continued from pg. 63
“Dale Fire & Rescue is looking forward to purchasing its coffer dam, which is designed to keep grain from flowing against an entrapped victim and create a space around the victim so grain can be removed,” says Robert Wilkins, deputy assistant chief, Dale Fire Department. PORTABLE SYSTEM “We will be buying a kit that contains the coffer dam, grain ejector, grates and a case,” Wilkins says. “This is a portable system, and we can quickly transport it to the surrounding departments if needed.” Clayton Fire Rescue’s purchase of a rescue saw that cuts steel and one that cuts wood will provide a quicker and safer
response to many rescue situations. Both saws will be utilized for rescue and fire situations, including but not limited to grain bin rescue, person(s) entrapped in farm machinery, vehicle accidents, accessing fires in machine sheds and barns, removal of brush during wildland fires and removal of trees and limbs from a natural disaster. The added equipment will provide needed lifesaving equipment to Clayton Fire Rescue and surrounding stations. “Thank you to the CHS Seeds of Stewardship program for the generous donation of two rescue saws,” says Scott Rieckmann, director of public safety. “The saws will greatly
enhance our response to many types of emergency calls in our response area and neighboring communities.” The CHS Country Operations' Seeds for Stewardship matching grant program supports the cooperative’s commitment to create connections that empower agriculture and rural communities. Through this program, local CHS ag retail business units are identifying organizations in local communities that need support for safety, ag leadership, farmer health and wellbeing, and community engagement. Since 2017, CHS Larsen Cooperative has donated more than $1.8 million in funds through CHS Seeds for Stewardship.
EPA Bans Use of Chlorpyrifos
Pesticide applied to crops like corn, soybeans, Brussels sprouts and broccoli On August 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will ban the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on food crops, citing a link to health problems in children. In 2020, Corteva Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of the chemical, said it would stop producing chlorpyrifos because of declining sales. The decision is a victory for environmental activists who have fought to stop the use of the chemical that is applied to crops ranging from corn and soybeans to Brussels sprouts and broccoli. “EPA is taking an overdue step to protect public health,” says EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Ending the use of chlorpyrifos on food will help to ensure children, farmworkers and all people are protected from the potentially dangerous consequences of this pesticide.” Chlorpyrifos has been used as a pesticide since 1965 on farms 64 BC�T October
In 2020, Corteva Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of chlorpyrifos, said it would stop producing it because of declining sales. Last year, California prohibited farmers from using chlorpyrifos products and manufacturers from selling them due to health concerns. File photo/AgWeb
and in non-agricultural areas such as golf courses, according to the EPA. However, applications have declined due to state restrictions, reduced production and the development of alternative products, the agency indicates. The EPA banned the use of chlorpyrifos, in 2015, under President Barack Obama after the agency decided it could not be certain whether exposure to the chemical in food and water would
be harmful. But the EPA of the President Donald Trump administration reversed the decision and said there was not enough evidence to link exposure to chlorpyrifos with children’s health issues. Last year, California prohibited farmers from using chlorpyrifos products and manufacturers from selling them due to health concerns.
Ali's Kitchen Baked Lemon and Feta Potatoes Are Flavorful
Tangy lemon, salty feta and sweet roasted garlic permeate the easy one-pan dish Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Love potatoes? Love garlic, lemon and feta? Then you’ll love these Baked Lemon and Feta Potatoes! A delicious side dish that pairs well with any entrée, the tangy lemon, salty feta and sweet roasted garlic notes of Baked Lemon and Feta Potatoes help flavor this easy onepan dish.
It may seem to be an unnecessary extra step to place the potatoes back into the oven after sprinkling them with feta, and while you certainly could skip that step, I recommend that you don’t. While the feta will not melt in the oven, the 10 minutes of heat give the cheese crumbles a warm, soft texture continued on pg. 66
INGREDIENTS: Baked Lemon and Feta Potatoes
• 1 1/2 pounds small baby potatoes • 3 cloves of garlic (peeled) • 1/2 cup olive oil • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice • 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese • a small handful of fresh oregano or basil • salt and pepper to taste BC�T October 65
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Ali's Kitchen. . .
continued from pg. 65
Advanced Farm Equipment.................19 Baginski Farms Inc...............................43 Big Iron Equipment..............................15 BTU Ventilation....................................14 Bushmans’ Inc.......................................3 Central Door Solutions........................49 Compeer Financial...............................18 CoVantage Credit Union......................10 Fencil Urethane Systems.....................51 Hammer-Lok........................................36 Hansen-Rice, Inc..................................53 Heartland Ag Systems............................2 Jay-Mar, Inc..........................................21 John Miller Farms................................11 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc.......................13 National Potato Council ......................35 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc...........................26 North Central Irrigation.......................17 Nutrien Ag Solutions...........................67 Oasis Irrigation....................................68 Paragon Potato Farms.........................16
with some crispy edges that I think you’ll really enjoy.
R&H Machine, Inc. ..............................31 Roberts Irrigation ................................47
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ron’s Refrigeration..............................12 Rotam CropSciences............................45
Place potatoes and garlic cloves into a baking dish large enough to not crowd the potatoes, thus ensuring they all cook through at the same time.
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Drizzle the potatoes with the olive oil and lemon juice. Place into the preheated oven to bake for 45 minutes, stirring once part way through the baking time.
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Remove from the oven and gently squash the softened garlic cloves over the dish.
Volm Companies..................................55
Give everything a good stir and then top with feta cheese and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. 66 BC�T October
Sand County Equipment......................23 Schroeder Brothers Farms.....................7 Solanum International...........................5
T.I.P. .....................................................30 ThorPack, LLC......................................39 Vantage North Central.........................41
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper and serve while warm.
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Enjoy!
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