EMPOWER FARMERS with real-time information on soil moisture and temperature

Empowering Farmers with Real-Time Data

Information on soil moisture and temperature dictates planting schedules and crop development

Submitted by and reprinted with permission from the Sand County Foundation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Sand County Foundation a grant to empower farmers with real-time data about their soil and conservation practices. This project provides 30 participating growers from Wisconsin and Minnesota with on-farm data of how farm management influences soil trafficability and temperature, nutrient runoff potential and other factors. The project, titled “Show Me the Data! Empowering Conservation Champions with Innovative Real-Time Soil Metrics,” was awarded $997,383 from the EPA.

The three-year, on-farm initiative involves remote sensing and soil sensors and is one of 12 projects the EPA selected to receive “Farmer to Farmer” grant funding totaling nearly $11 million. The resulting data will aid farmers

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in making in-season management decisions based on real-time soil moisture and temperature data. Soil moisture and temperature are key drivers of agricultural production systems. These factors dictate planting schedules, crop development and the timing of field operations. “Farmers are seeking real-time data to guide in-season decision making,” says Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation’s vice president of Agricultural Conservation and Research.

MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

She noted that often farmers are forced to rely on anecdotal

Above: Minnesota potato and vegetable farmer, Jocelyn Schlichting (left), poses with the Farmers Edge field crew and Sand County Foundation’s Dr. Heidi Peterson (right) following the installation of the project’s first field sensor in July 2021.

observations of how their management decisions are affecting a field’s soil moisture and temperature. “To meet this need, we teamed up with Farmers Edge and the University of Minnesota to develop this demonstration,” Dr. Peterson explains. “Sensor technology installed by Farmers Edge allows our participants to compare field data and understand how farm management influences soil properties critical to climate resiliency and nutrient transport,” she notes.

Soil probes were installed across Minnesota and Wisconsin on 15 sets of paired fields. Each pair has soils with similar texture and land position. Sites with varying management principles were chosen to quantify procedural influence on infiltration, water holding capacity, soil trafficability, leaching potential, aggregate stability and other soil properties critical to improving resiliency and reducing nutrient transport. In addition to annual soil health and routine sample collection, a Farmers Edge technology subscription to infield, soil temperature and moisture probe data was employed at each location to provide real-time data for the collaborating farmers.

CLIMATE PREDICTIONS

Under current climate prediction models, soils in the Midwest are expected to be exposed to extended, intermittent flash-drought conditions, as well as periods of more intense rainfall and flooding. In addition to the farm management obstacles magnified by these changes, water quality problems can be exacerbated by increased frequency of such high-intensity events.

“EPA is proud to support the leadership of farmers and their innovative approaches to improve water quality while working to fuel and feed the world.”

– Michael S. Regan

EPA Administrator

The EPA’s “Farmer to Farmer” grants support the leadership of farmers in improving water quality, habitat and habitat resilience, and in peer-topeer information exchange to benefit community and ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico Watershed.

Farmers manage millions of acres of privately held working lands within the Gulf of Mexico Watershed.

Conservation management can minimize pollution, specifically the excess nitrogen and phosphorus that can enter waterbodies through runoff or soil erosion.

“EPA is proud to support the leadership of farmers and their innovative approaches to improve water quality while working to fuel and feed the world,” says EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA is committed to meaningful partnerships with farmers to advance sustainable agriculture practices while creating healthy, clean and safe environments for all,” Regan adds.

KEY PARTNERS

In addition to the farmer collaborators, Farmers Edge and the University of Minnesota, other key partners in the project include the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Benton Soil & Water Conservation District. Further project partner involvement comes from the Mower Soil and Water Conservation District, Soil Solutions Consulting LLC, Watershed Protection Committee of Racine County and Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil & Healthy Water. The Farmer to Farmer grant funding is available to develop innovative practices within farming communities, measure the results of

The solar-powered probes have sensors that record soil moisture and temperature at six depths down to 40 inches, and then transmit data that is accessible in real time to the farmers. Two probes were placed in each of the 30 fields across Wisconsin and Minnesota.

those practice, and identify how the practices will be incorporated into farming operations. Under this grant program, proposal winners will carry out project activities using one or more of the following methods: surveys, studies, research, investigation, experimentation, education, training and/or demonstrations. The Gulf of Mexico Division is a nonregulatory program of EPA founded to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico in ways consistent with the economic well-being of the region. To carry out its mission, the Gulf of Mexico Division continues to maintain and expand partnerships with state

and federal agencies, federally recognized tribes, local governments and authorities, academia, regional businesses and industry, agricultural and environmental organizations, and individual citizens and communities. For more information, visit https:// www.epa.gov/gulfofmexico.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the U.S. EPA under assistance agreement 02D01421 to Sand County Foundation. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.

University of Minnesota Graduate Student Madeline Vogel (left) and Sand County Foundation Agricultural Conservation Specialist Parker Witt (right) collect soil infiltration data following corn harvest on a field owned by Minnesota potato and vegetable grower, Jocelyn Schlichting.

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Now News

RPE and Tasteful Selections Conjoin as Tasteful Partners

WFC remains a family-owned, privately held organization focused on its three core businesses

Baby potato category leader Tasteful Selections® and RPE, its exclusive sales and marketing partner since Tasteful Selections planted its first potato in 2010, recently announced formation of a new entity, Tasteful Partners.

As part of the arrangement, Tasteful Partners is acquiring RPE and closed on the sale in early November. The deal creates synergies as well as alignment and integration opportunities across Tasteful Selections and RPE, says Tasteful Selections Chief Executive Officer Bob Bender.

The new Tasteful Partners entity is a wholly owned CSS Farms subsidiary. “This action will further align our agribusinesses,” Bender explains, “while better leveraging RPE as a strategic asset to help Tasteful Selections continue growing.” RPE was established in 1971 and is in its 50th year. RPE sells 1.2 billion pounds of potatoes per year, the equivalent of 125 truckloads per day. The Tasteful Selections-RPE partnership has been in place since Tasteful Selections began growing and packing potatoes in 2010. RPE, prior to formation of Tasteful Partners, was a wholly owned subsidiary of Wysocki Family of Companies (WFC). WFC remains a family-owned, privately-held organization focused on its three core businesses—Eagle River Seed Farm, Wysocki Produce Farm and Paragon Potato Farms—all of which are unaffected by the transaction.

Above: Tasteful Selections Chief Executive Officer Bob Bender (left) and Chief Operating Officer Nathan Bender (right) say the formation of Tasteful Partners and acquisition of RPE will further align the agribusinesses and better leverage RPE as a strategic asset to help Tasteful Selections continue growing.

SELLING SPUDS

RPE will continue marketing and selling potatoes on behalf of Paragon Potato Farms and its pool grower partners. The creation of Tasteful Partners consolidates RPE expertise, proprietary data, category insight, intellectual property and sales strategy assets with the Tasteful Selections planting, growing, harvesting and packing processes. Consolidating Tasteful Selections and RPE in the new Tasteful Partners entity, Bender says, allows Tasteful Selections to better serve its customers as a vertically integrated operation from seed to field, field to packing and then the customer sale. “Tasteful Selections already

RPE Chief Executive Officer Russell Wysocki says the collaborative spirit that sustained the company during more than a decade of rapid Tasteful Selections expansion provides a solid foundation for continued growth, noting five facility expansions of the Arvin, California-based facility since 2014. Consolidating Tasteful Selections and RPE in the new Tasteful Partners entity allows Tasteful Selections to better serve its customers as a vertically integrated operation from seed to field, field to packing and then the customer sale.

understands and appreciates the value RPE provides,” Bender states. “We want to continue on the impressive growth trajectory we’re on while building upon RPE’s wellestablished reputation as an industryleading produce innovation and solutions provider.” The familiarity and trust built over 12 years working together will be beneficial during what RPE Chief Executive Officer Russell Wysocki anticipates will be a seamless transition. “The collaborative spirit that sustained us during more than a decade of rapid Tasteful Selections expansion provides a solid foundation for continued growth,” Wysocki remarks, noting five facility expansions of the Arvin, Californiabased facility since 2014. In the new organizational structure, Wysocki remains the RPE chief executive officer. He and the RPE management team will report to a newly formed Tasteful Partners Board of Directors.

“We are very thankful and fortunate to have such wonderful team members across our family of companies,” Wysocki adds. “They are valuable contributors and integral to our continued success.”

About Tasteful Selections®

Tasteful Selections was incorporated in 2009 by multi-generational potato farmers who recognized an opportunity to expand the potato category to meet the busy consumer’s preference for simpler, convenient meals. Planting and harvesting more than 300 days a year, Tasteful Selections® owns the entire planting, growing, harvesting and packaging process and today is the brand leader of the baby potato category.

About RPE

Established in 1971, RPE is a fresh potato marketing business in its 50th year of providing category growth with best-in-class products and strategies through exceptional service and value for its growers and customers.

continued on pg. 46

Fertilizer Research Council Funds UW Projects

Findings benefit potato industry and will be shared to help make application decisions

The Wisconsin Fertilizer Research Council is providing over $100,000 for University of Wisconsin (UW) research projects. Researchers will use the funding to study soil management and fertility, plant nutrition, surface and groundwater quality, and other activities that promote the correct use of fertilizer. Projects directly benefit farmers, and the results are shared to help make decisions about fertilizer application. New research projects and their funding amount for this year include: • Carrie Laboski, UW-Madison

Department of Soil Science: Longterm PK (phosphorus potassium) trial to evaluate sustainable crop production in Wisconsin, 20212023, ($47,052) • Matt Ruark, UW-Madison

Department of Soil Science: o Nitrogen availability of fallapplied manure in a sustainably intensive silage system ($26,765) o Growth and nutrient uptake patterns of russet varieties

of potato ($13,460) • Yi Wang, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture: Evaluating groundwater nitrogen crediting and reutilization for potato production in Central Wisconsin ($25,800) More information about each project is available at https://frc. soils.wisc.edu/projects/2020-2024projects/2020-projects/. The Wisconsin Fertilizer Research Council receives funding from the tonnage fees on fertilizer sales. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) collects tonnage fees at a rate of $0.62 for every ton of fertilizer sold. Of that fee, state law requires that $0.17/ton go towards the Fertilizer Research Council fund. The remainder of the tonnage fee provides funding for UW-Madison’s nutrient and pest management program, the agricultural chemical clean-up fund and other programs. There are currently no tonnage fees being paid into the agricultural chemical clean-up fund due

Above: Research projects by Yi Wang (third from left in first image), UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, and Matt Ruark (right), UW-Madison Department of Soil Science, will benefit the potato industry and help make decisions about fertilizer application.

to the fee holiday. The council includes seven voting members, including three who represent the fertilizer industry, three who are crop producers and one who is a water quality expert, as appointed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secretary. Non-voting members include the DATCP secretary, DNR secretary and the Dean for the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The council has existed since 1979 and was created under Wisconsin Statute § 94.64. You can learn more about the council at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/About_ Us/FertilizerResearchCouncil.aspx and https://frc.soils.wisc.edu/.

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Ag World Golf Classic Benefits Ronald McDonald House

Lamb Weston, Simplot, McCain Foods and Washington potato growers help host event

Agriculture producers, processors and industry businesses gathered to raise over $118,107 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Inland Northwest, a recordbreaking year for the Ag World Golf Classic hosted by Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain, Potato Growers of Washington and Ag World Support Systems. The charity golf tournament took place, on June 8, at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, Washington, and June 10 at The Links, Moses Pointe, in Moses Lake, Washington. This first year in both Kennewick and Moses Lake was a great success. Through the generosity of 93 sponsors/donors and 251 golfers, it was another incredible year of giving to the Ronald McDonald House.

It was Ag World Support Systems Founder Warren Henninger’s vision to expand to two locations, as the golf course was maxing out year over year. He had hoped that all who wanted to participate would be able to join. “It was an incredible two days as we continued to honor Dad’s [Warren’s] legacy and carry on the tradition of giving to the House,” says Melanie Finch, chief marketing officer of Ag World Support Systems.

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“We are grateful for the ag industry’s generosity and the great spirit about the day that made these two events successful!” Finch adds. Not only did the Golf Classic generously raise funds, but it also continues to be a special way of honoring Warren, the founder of the Ag World Golf Classic and Ag World Support Systems, who passed away last year.

A BIG SHADOW

“Dad cast a big shadow and impacted many people during his life. We are blessed to carry on his legacy through the Ag World Golf Classic. Dad is definitely smiling down from heaven,” says Bryan Henninger, Warren’s oldest son and president of Ag World Support Systems. Many wonderful memories were shared of Warren as golfers had a chance to remember him together with the Ag World team and the Henninger family. The Ag World Golf Classic was born out of a vision Warren had to support families whose children are experiencing a medical crisis and need a place to stay while their child receives care.

The Ag World Golf Classic has donated more than $638,000 over the past eight years to the RMHC. This tournament is part of Ag World Support Systems’ campaign to make a difference in the community by supporting the Ronald McDonald House’s mission to strengthen local

The tournament format included a shotgun start with an 18-hole scramble, which includes food, drinks and giveaways along the course, as well as a food truck, all generously provided by hole hosts JMC Enterprises, Cherry Creek Radio, Summit Funding, Vive Crop Protection, Ronald McDonald House, Liphatech Inc., AgroScout, CentiMark, Columbia Laboratories and Assured Partners.

To help encourage golfers to give, the Ag World Golf Classic had an online auction again this year. It was a great success with prizes ranging from a night at the Couer d’Alene Resort to StorOx 2.0 potato sprout inhibitor for growers. Online auction donations were provided by The Couer d’Alene Resort, The Coeur d’Alene Casino, The Davenport Hotel, M&M Consulting, Assured Partners, Bud Clary Ford/ Honda of Moses Lake and Agri-Stor Northwest.

WHAT A BLESSING

Bob McLean, development director of the RMHC in Spokane, Washington, says, “What a blessing the Henninger family and the AG World Golf Classic have been and continue to be to the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of the Inland Northwest.” “We couldn’t do what we do for the families we serve without the generosity of great companies and individuals like Ag World and families like the Henningers that believe so strongly in our mission,” McLean continues. “We cannot thank them enough for their continued support of the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of the Inland NW,” he concludes. The excitement of the tournament’s success still lingers in the minds of those who worked tirelessly to see this event happen. Judy Henninger, Warren’s wife, Ag World ambassador and chaplain, and co-founder of the Ag World Golf Classic, says, “God blessed the tournament again this year with amazing weather, attendance and generous participation.” “We are thankful for our hosts, sponsors, donors, many golfers and supporters who made this event such a huge success,” Henninger adds. “Ag World is honored to support this worthy cause!” Next year’s events are set for June 14, 2022, at Canyon Lakes Golf Course, in Kennewick, and June 16, 2022, at the Links at Moses Pointe, in Moses Lake. Mark your calendars and join us at one or both locations. For more information, visit AgWorldGolf.com.

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Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

Gabe Sommers Racing Touts Wisconsin Potatoes

Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes logo was prominent at the Oktoberfest race

Speed, excitement, strategy and perseverance. All were present and more at a West Salem, Wisconsin, racetrack in early October. But what struck me most was the strategy. I’ve never experienced the rush of sitting in or driving a race car. I didn’t grow up immersed in the world of racing. And consequently, I’ve never thought about the tactics of what it takes to win a race.

Turning corners at just the right spot and speed. Taking advantage of the straight areas of the track to gain momentum, only to approach the next corner and do it all over again, lap after lap. Which driver can make these adjustments to result in the best time, especially when several other drivers are doing the same thing at the same time? Which driver can do this in the safest way possible while cramped in a small and hot space while also keeping mechanics in mind if something goes awry? I learned a lot more about racing strategy from the Gabe Sommers Racing (GSR) Team while watching Gabe qualify for the Oktoberfest Race on the weekend of October 8-10 at the La Crosse International Speedway, in West Salem. Promotions Committee desired to sponsor with GSR, but the team was gracious to provide Wisconsin potato promotions at many other races leading up to Oktoberfest by putting a Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes logo on the car, for example. While many people, both regular and new fans, have gravitated to attending races, especially after being required to stay home amid the

Above: How nice the “Thank You Farmers” statement is and incredibly cool to get the Gabe Sommers Racing car in front of it for the picture! It is a true tribute to those who provide our food daily. Photo courtesy of Brett Sommers

pandemic, the crowd at Oktoberfest was quite exciting. The number of people who walked by the Spudmobile was endless. The vehicle was parked in a perfect visible location as you couldn’t help but notice it on your way to and from the racetrack.

PETITE POTATOES

When visitors did stop by the Spudmobile, they received more than anticipated. WPVGA Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena was grilling seasoned samples of petite potatoes to tempt visitors’ tastebuds.

Passersby were also given the opportunity to take a bag of fresh petite potatoes home with them to make on their own! Finally, they could walk away with giveaways, recipe tear pads and the opportunity to win a gift bag by entering their names each day. But there’s more! The Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes logo was very apparent on Gabe’s car the whole weekend, and WPVGA sponsored

continued on pg. 52

Above: Part of the crew who helped promote Wisconsin potatoes at the Spudmobile during the Oktoberfest race are, left to right, Jane Rosicky, Julie Lampert, WPVGA Promotions Director Dana Rady and WPVGA Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena.

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the Wi-Fi connection for the 12,000 people who camped on-site for the weekend.

On Sunday, WPVGA provided 500 Wisconsin potato brownies that a 4-H group handed out during their pancake breakfast on the grounds. When all was said and done, consumers had a hard time avoiding the “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” message that also encompassed the health benefits potatoes naturally provide and the importance of buying local.

Online guests received the same message during three consecutive social media contests that lived on WPVGA’s social media platforms, as well as those of Gabe Sommers Racing.

WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel greets visitors to the Spudmobile during the Oktoberfest race at the La Crosse International Speedway.

Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena prepares grilled samples of petite potatoes to hand out during the Oktoberfest race, the weekend of October 8-10, at the La Crosse International Speedway, in West Salem, Wisconsin.

Winners received gift cards to Kwik Trip and a Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes T-shirt. The last giveaway also included an engraved cutting board with the Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes logo. It was a great way to incorporate the “Fuel your performance with Wisconsin potatoes” concept into an entire weekend, and especially in a location where people had a hard time avoiding it.

continued on pg. 54

Top Right: A wide view shows the pit at the La Crosse International Speedway in West Salem. Photo courtesy of Brett Sommers Bottom Right: The Sommers family takes a moment to pause and appreciate being together during the Oktoberfest race. Pictured left to right are Gabe’s brother and spotter, Max, his mom, Sheri, Gabe Sommers and his dad, Scott. Photo courtesy of Brett Sommers

There’s Nothing Like Spuds on the Grill

It was another day of food, grilling and fun in Plainfield, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, October 6, as the grilling duo of Mad Dog and Merrill prepared mouth-watering potato dishes alongside several representatives from Wisconsin potato growing organizations. With an overcast sky and semi-cool temperatures, the weather was ideal for not only filming a Mad Dog and Merrill episode devoted to Wisconsin potatoes, but also for making creative and comforting recipes with America’s favorite vegetable. Alongside Mad Dog and Merrill were

Potatoes on the grill would soon be made into delectable dishes for the Mad Dog and Merrill episode shoot.

WPVGA Promotions Committee Chairman Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms in Plover, Sue Thomas of Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland, Tamra Bula-Garz of Gary Bula Farms in Grand Marsh, Kevin Schleicher of RPE, Inc. in Bancroft and Trina Sankey of Worzella and Sons in Plover. Lee and Thomas kicked off the appetizer round with seasoned red and gold potato chunks, grilled to perfection and ideal for game day. This recipe was quick and easy as the team piled the potato pieces into a zip lock bag and doused them with oil, Parmesan cheese and spices. A little shake of the bag and they

Above: Representatives from Wisconsin potato growing organizations helped the grilling duo, Mad Dog and Merrill, prepare potato dishes. Pictured left to right are WPVGA Promotions Committee Chairman Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms, Kevin Schleicher of RPE, Inc., Trina Sankey of Worzella and Sons, Tamra Bula-Garz of Gary Bula Farms and Sue Thomas of Alsum Farms and Produce.

Schleicher and Bula-Garz began the main dish round with sliced fingerlings in a cast iron pan. They then topped them with every delicious ingredient imaginable, including cheese, green onions, black olives and spices, to name a few. dessert was put back onto the grill to warm through, creating a potato boat apple crisp! Talk about a twist on taters, and what a creative way to feature how this comfort food is a perfect fit as a center-of-the-plate item in every course.

AMAZING FLAVORS

The entire pan was then placed on the grill where the cheese melted, joining all the amazing flavors together. Last, but not least, Sankey joined Mad Dog and Merrill at the grill to prepare a scrumptious dessert. They began by cutting up sweet yet tart red apples into small chunks.

They then mixed the apples with sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and other spices, and put the mixture into grilled russet potato boats. The

But it gets better. The entire episode was filmed in front of a field where crews were actually harvesting potatoes. It was the ideal way to showcase the true “field to fork” story! The episode, which first aired on October 24, will air again on a future date. To see the episode yourself, check out this link: https://youtu.be/ TwxBBe5oyrU. And if you end up trying these recipes at home, let us know what you think! 21-12 Badger Common'Tater (7.25x4.8).v2.1.outlines.pdf 1 2021-11-12 11:51 AM

Mad Dog does his best Groucho Marx impression with a fingerling potato as he prepares for the Mad Dog and Merrill episode shoot featuring Wisconsin potatoes, on October 6, in Plainfield.

Auxiliary News

By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA

Hello, again, all! In my last “Auxiliary News” column of the November 2021 issue, I mentioned all the super fun events we’re looking for volunteers to help us with. This issue, I have a brand-new event to talk about, the Harvest Fair!

The Harvest Fair is held at State Fair Park in Milwaukee the last weekend in September every year. It’s a fun, family friendly event with a fall harvest theme. There are vendors of all kinds (food, crafts, etc.), kids’ games, entertainment, rides and more. The World Beef Expo is also held at State Fair Park the same weekend. We will be selling baked potatoes with toppings like we do during the State Fair, although serving them from in a tent set up outside. The 2022 date is September 23-25. We are looking for volunteers to help us for the weekend and will need 6-8 people per shift listed below. Hotel rooms (if needed) and stipends for food and gas will be provided. Parking and entrance to this event are free. Please consider signing up to work a shift or two or get a group of friends together to fill a shift. • Friday, September 23

• one shift – 4-11 p.m. (Harvest Fair hours – 5-11 p.m.) • Saturday, September 24 • 1st shift – 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (Harvest Fair

Hours – 9 a.m.-11 p.m.) • 2nd shift – 1-6 p.m. • 3rd shift – 6-11 p.m. • Sunday, September 25 • 1st shift – 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (Harvest Fair hours – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) • 2nd shift – 1-6 p.m. All times are approximate and may change slightly. For more information on the Harvest Fair, visit the website at www.wistatefair.com/ harvestfair. Please contact Julie Braun at jbraun@wisconsinpotatoes.com or call 715-623-7683 to sign up for the shifts you are interested in. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary has added an event to its annual lineup—the Harvest Fair at State Fair Park in Milwaukee, September 23-25, 2022—where volunteers will be selling baked potatoes with toppings.

It will be a fantastic, fun fall event and we can’t wait to give it a whirl! Thank you for all you do to help us promote Wisconsin potatoes. I would also like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Until next time, Datonn

WPIB Focus

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Month Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 May-21 Jun-21 Year-to-Date

CWT 1,267,472.18 1,275,285.84 1,290,414.89 2,235,567.48 6,068,740.39

Assessment $101,400.66 $102,092.25 $103,233.20 $178,773.99 $485,500.10

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 1,292,191.75 981,540.84 933,052.68 3,515,638.42 6,722,423.69

Assessment $103,342.07 $78,594.28 $74,682.23 $281,175.63 $537,794.21

POTATO EXPO POTATO EXPO JANUARY 5-6, 2022 JANUARY 5-6, 2022