1501

Badger Common’Tater The

January 2015

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO-VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

Grower Education Program Packed with Hot Topics

Volume 67 Number 1 $18.00 per year $1.50 per copy

Potatoes Win with WIC

WPVGA Names Houlihan New Executive Director

Interview with: Eugene Mancl

Plus: 2014 US Seed Acreage Up 4% • Food Safety Training • Preserving Our Heritage

Industry Show Issue

N V S

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4 January 2015 On the Cover: A crew from Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland, Wisconsin is shown planting potatoes with a pair of Challenger tracked tractors pulling 8-row Miedema planters. Photo by WPIB President Heidi Alsum-Randall.

Features

6

Common’Tater Interview with: Eugene Mancl

by Tamas Houlihan, Managing Editor................................................................................................................. 6 The Badger Beat: Water Quality May be the Next “Hot Potato”.................................................... 11 Grower Education Program Packed with Hot Topics.......................................................................... 16 WPVGA Grower Education Conference and Industry Show Registration Form......................... 19 Wisconsin’s K-B Agri Tech Wins AE50 Award...................................................................................... 20 WPVGA Names Houlihan Executive Director...................................................................................... 21 Preserving Our Heritage: Funds Needed for Building To House Antique Ag Equipment at Heritage Park in Plover...........................................................................................22 Astrotuber™ Technology: Efficient in Every Way .....................................................................................23 Apprenticeship: A Proven Solution to Address Wisconsin's Skills Gap................................................ 25

Departments What’s Cookin’ by Gerri Okray............................................ 26 Auxiliary News by Paula Houlihan......................................... 27 Potato Board News.............................................................. 30

21

People........................................................................................ 32 New Products....................................................................... 35 Seed Piece.................................................................................. 38 WPIB Focus............................................................................ 39 NPC News............................................................................... 40 Marketplace............................................................................ 42 . . . And Now For The News............................................. 43 The Tater Bin by Justin Isherwood........................................... 52

36 M

30 WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Larry Alsum Vice President: Andy Wallendal Secretary: Mark Finnessy Treasurer: Josh Mattek Directors: Steve Diercks, Ron Krueger, Jeremie Pavelski, Eric Schroeder, Gary Wysocki Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-R andall Vice President: Cliff Gagas Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Don Isherwood, John T. Schroeder, Tom Wild and Dennis Zeloski

ark

Your Calendar............................................................ 54

WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Eugene Mancl Vice President: Chris Brooks Secretary: Steve Bohm Treasurer: Wayne Solinsky Directors: Paul Cieslewicz, Butch Fencil, Z ach Mykisen, Sally Surprise Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Ron Krueger Vice President: Dan Hafner Secretary/Treasurer: Charlie Mattek Directors: Bill Guenthner, Eric Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Jacquie Wille Vice President: Paula Houlihan

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: “To assist WPVGA members to be successful through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action, and involvement.”

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

Secretary/Treasurer: Sheila Rine Directors: Ali Carter, Gabrielle Okray Eck, Patty Hafner, Lynn Isherwood WPVGA Staff Executive Director /Managing Editor / Communications Director: Tamas Houlihan Director of Promotions and Consumer Education: Dana R ady Financial Officer: K aren R asmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Danielle Sorano (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail Address: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com

The Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409.

Subscription rates: $1.50/copy, $18.00/year; $30/2 years. Foreign; $30/year; $50/2 years.

Telephone: (715) 623-7683. Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409.

ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 623-7683, or write: Advertising Manager, The Badger Common’Tater, P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409.

The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands.

6 January 2015

Common’Tater Interview

with:

Eugene Mancl

by Tamas Houlihan, Managing Editor

Name: Eugene Mancl Title: Vice President Business Name: Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. Location: Wisconsin Rapids, WI Hometown: Wausau, WI Current Residence: Wisconsin Rapids, WI Years in Present Position: 20 Previous Employment: Pfizer Specialty Minerals Schooling: North Central Technical College, AA Electronics Technology; Fox Valley Technical College, AA Electrical Power.

Activities/Organizations: President of WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors; Advisory Panel, Harley Davidson Motor Company; Several area organizations.

Awards/Honors: State of Wisconsin Family Owned Small Business of the Year Family: Wife-Katie, Daughter-Macy, Exchange Daughter from Spain-Adrianna Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, long range shooting, riding motorcycle, Wisconsin Badger sports, and hanging out with my girls.

I

n 1973, Ron and Bonnie Mancl moved to Wisconsin Rapids to start Ron’s Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc. At that time, Ron was alone running the service, bidding projects and building a customer base.

Bonnie took care of the office and kept the books. Today, Ron’s Refrigeration employs over 30 people and provides engineering, service and installation to customers throughout the state of Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan’s UP.

leadership, the Associate Division has increased its support of the potato and vegetable industry by tripling the amount of money raised and later donated.

For the past 20 years, Ron’s son, Eugene Mancl, has served as the company’s Vice President. Eugene is a partner with his brother, Tim and his sister, Tammy Salewski.

In 2014, the Associate Division donated over $20,000 to potato-related causes.

Among the recipients were the following: Hancock Research Station, Rhinelander Ag Research Station, Langlade County Research Station, Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, and

For the past two years, Eugene has served as President of the WPVGA Associate Division. Under Eugene’s

“According to our mission, the WPVGA Associate Division works in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers,” Mancl said. “We are a nonprofit organization and we have been fortunate in our fundraising efforts over the course of the last two years, and we’re happy to donate that money back to worthy causes.”

The Associate Division has greatly increased its participation in all aspects of the industry over the past three years to become more of a partner than a participant in our industry.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 7

puts a nice finishing touch to another season before everyone starts to turn their focus toward planting in the spring.

What changes has the Associate Division made to the Annual Industry Show and Banquet in recent years?

Ron’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. received the Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award for 2013. Pictured are (L-R): Tim Mancl, Bonnie Mancl, Eugene Mancl, Tammy Mancl-Salewski and Ron Mancl.

the UW-Lelah Starks State Farm.

In addition to those organizations, the Associate Division also supported two special projects: the Spudmobile and the Feed My Starving Children Mobile Packing Event. They also pooled funds with the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary to support scholarships for eight students with ties to the potato and vegetable industry.

“We feel the increased involvement and investment by the Associate Division is doing a tremendous amount of good for our industry as a whole,” Mancl said.

“We are extremely pleased and proud to be able to provide support to all these worthy causes.”

In the following interview, Eugene shares his views on a number of issues related to the Associate Division and the upcoming Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Industry Show.

How long have you been exhibiting at the WPVGA Industry Show, and what do you feel you gain by attending?

We have been a part of the Industry Show for well over 20 years. The Industry Show is an excellent opportunity for growers to get away from the farm and office for a couple of days and for us to spend some time with customers.

We get a chance to visit with industry members and to see the new products and technology being introduced during the show. The banquet always

Over the last few years we’ve changed the entertainment to allow for a more sociable atmosphere. In response to requests from our members we’ve changed the length of breaks and moved the refreshment tables to more common areas. This year the board spent a great amount of time to find a way to add more exhibitor booths in an attempt to reduce or eliminate our industry show waiting list. Working with the Holiday Inn we were able to add an additional 20 booths for this year’s show. We increased our budgets for this year’s show to allow us to provide a very hearty meal for lunch each day along with some delicious selections for the banquet meal.

How do you see the Associate Division working to support the WPVGA, and has that changed in recent years?

The Associate Division has greatly increased its participation in all aspects of the industry over the past three years to become more of a partner than a continued on pg. 8

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8 January 2015 Common’Tater Interview . . . continued from pg. 7

Mancl presides over the 2014 Putt-Tato Open golf tournament which saw a record number of participants and raised a record amount of funds.

participant in our industry. We totally reinvented our annual Golf Outing to allow for corporate and vendor sponsors which nearly tripled our annual income.

WPVGA Associate Division President Eugene Mancl (right) presents the Business Person of the Year Award to Bill Zakrzewski in February of 2014. The Associate Division also provided a scholarship to Zakrzewski’s daughter, Hannah. Bill passed away in September of 2014.

As a direct result, we’ve increased the number of scholarships we’ve awarded along with giving the highest number of research grants this past year. We

provided WPVGA potato chips to the Tomahawk Venison feed the last two years. We are very proud to have been able to provide our largest donation ever toward the Spudmobile that covered the cost of the prep work and exterior graphic wrap for the project. We also gave a sizeable donation to the Auxiliary in support of the Feed My Starving Children event. The Associate Division has also given a number of special consideration donations to members or families in need.

What are the different types of products and services available for potato and vegetable growers at Ron’s Refrigeration?

We have always been considered a One Call solution because we provide design, engineering, installation and service for refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, storage ventilation, ozone generators and chemical applications. We have a very talented staff in all areas and offer 24 hour emergency service.

What do you plan to feature in your booth at this year’s Industry Show?

We have a whole new display booth for this year’s show and will be showing some of the new features on our IVI control panel along with our line of continued on pg. 10

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For more information, call or visit your friendly Reinke dealer, call toll-free at 866-365-7381 or visit Reinke.com.

10 January 2015 Common’Tater Interview . . . continued from pg. 8

Guardian Ozone Generators.

Do you have any new products coming out that will be of benefit to potato growers in 2015?

Industrial Ventilation has a number of new items for storage we’ll be introducing at the show this year.

Working with Aceto Agriculture, we launched two new products this year for use in storage for crop protection.

FreshPack 50EC product can now be thermally applied to potatoes in-storage to burn buds, stop sprouting and extend potato dormancy. FreshPack 50EC has been used successfully to burn buds/ peepers and sprouts on the packing line and now can be thermally applied to potatoes in-storage. The product label was recently amended to allow for in-storage application and to provide

The banquet always puts a nice finishing touch to another season before everyone starts to turn their focus toward planting in the spring. growers, packers, and processors with a new tool for potato sprout control instorage.

Sprout Nip Activator is an advanced adjuvant that is applied with Sprout Nip and Amplify to enhance sprout control and profits from storage. Activator is specially formulated to improve the coverage and performance of sprout inhibitor treatments on stored potatoes.

Using Activator with Sprout Nip or Amplify keeps the aerosol particles small and dry for optimum distribution through the potato pile. Activator helps deliver Sprout Nip or Amplify more evenly throughout the potato pile, resulting in more consistent and effective sprout control. Potato growers can harness the most advanced sprout control technology available with Sprout Nip Activator.

Hancock Agricultural Research Station University of Wisconsin-Madison Centennial (1916-2016)

The Hancock Agricultural Research Station would like to thank the following companies for their support and collaboration during the 2014 field and storage season: -Agray -AmvAc -BASF -coloma Farms -crop Production Services -case IH/Service motor co., Inc. -Davco LLc -Dupont -Engage Agro -Flyte Family Farms -Harris moran -Heartland Farms

-Jacks Fresh Produce & Greenhouse -Jay-mar, Inc. -Jung Seed Genetics -mccain Foods Limited -midwest Food Processors Assoc.

-monsanto -mortenson’s Bros. Farms -Nelson’s vegetable Storage Systems, Inc. -Nelson’s Ag Supply LLc. -NuFarm Americas, Inc. -Paul miller Farms

-RPE, Inc. -Sowinski Farms -Syngenta -Tweetgarot -United Stated Potato Board -Waushara cty master Gardeners -Wisconsin Potato & vegetable Growers Assoc.

-WPvGA Associate Division -Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Assoc., Inc

Thanks for your Support!

Visit us http://hancock.ars.wisc.edu/ Like us @ www.facebook.com/HancockAgResearchStation

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

The Badger Beat

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 11

Water Quality May be the Next “Hot Potato” Anders S. Huseth2 and Russell L. Groves1 University of Wisconsin, Department of Entomology 2 North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology Email: groves@entomology.wisc.edu 1

Passed in 1972, the Clean Water Act (CWA) is the primary federal law in the United States governing surface water pollution. The principal objective of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act, is to restore and maintain

the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point and nonpoint pollution sources, providing assistance to publicly owned treatment works for the improvement of wastewater treatment, and maintaining the

integrity of wetlands (http://www.epa. gov/agriculture/lcwa.html). Pollutants regulated under the CWA include "priority" pollutants, including various toxic pollutants; "conventional" pollutants, such as biochemical oxygen continued on pg. 12

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12 January 2015 The Badger Beat . . . continued from pg. 11

demand, total suspended solids, fecal coliform, oil and grease, pH and nonconventional pollutants.

The basis of the CWA is principally a set of amendments to the previously existing Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (http://www. epw.senate.gov/water.pdf), which itself was a significant expansion of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948. Supplementary and significant amendments were further enacted in the Clean Water Act of 1977 and again with the Water Quality Act of 1987.

Interestingly, the CWA does not directly address groundwater contamination. In this instance, groundwater protection provisions are primarily included in the Safe Drinking Water Act (http://www. gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-88/pdf/ STATUTE-88-Pg1660-2.pdf), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Superfund act.

The neonicotinoid class of insecticides is among the most broadly adopted, conventional management tools for insect pests of annual and perennial cropping systems. Benefits of the neonicotinoid class of compounds

include flexibility of application, diversity of active ingredients, and activity on several orders of plant feeding insects. Though agriculturists and regulatory agencies have accepted neonicotinoid insecticides, nearly two decades of widespread, repetitive uses of this chemical class has resulted in resistance management issues, potential impacts on native and domestic pollinators, as well as unanticipated environmental impacts. The leaching potential of the neonicotinoids into groundwater, as well as persistence in the plant canopy, is related to the delivery method of the compound to the crop. In potato production, soil application (e.g., seed treatment or in-furrow) has been adopted as the principal form of insecticide delivery which provides the longest interval of pest control, while also reducing nontarget impacts and limiting exposure to workers when compared to foliar application methods.

The now widespread and extensive use of these systemic neonicotinoid insecticides, coupled with the recent detection of thiamethoxam

in groundwater, is of concern to our industry. In a recent study, we examined different soil-applied insecticide delivery methods on the resulting neonicotinoid leachate concentrations captured below cultivated potato which was maintained under commercial production practices (Huseth and Groves, 2014, PLoS ONE 9(5): doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097081).

In addition, we also reported on the pattern of neonicotinoid insecticide detections in annual groundwater quality monitoring surveys conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection-Environmental Quality Section (Fig. 1).

Neonicotinoid insecticides were detected at 23 different well monitoring well locations by WI-DATCP-EQ surveys between the years 2008 and 2012. These annual surveys, administered by WI-DATCP-EQ, occur at sensitive geologic or hydrogeologic locations that are at high risk of nonpoint source agrochemical leaching.

Specifically, twoFate agriculturally intensive Environmental of Neonicotinoids in Potato production regions of the state, the

Figure 1. Positive thiamethoxam residue detections in groundwater 2008–2012. Points in the map (left panel) correspond Figure 1. Positive thiamethoxam residue detections in groundwater 2008–2012. Points in the map (A) correspond to positive detection to positive detection locations.

Darkindicates grey shaded region indicates the Central Sands region. locations.

Dark grey shaded region the Central Sands potato production region. Light greypotato delimits production the Lower Wisconsin RiverLight potato production region. Positive detections were obtained from established agrochemical monitoring wells were collected by the Wisconsin Department of grey delimits the Lower Wisconsin River potato production region.

Positive detections obtained from established Agriculture, Trade andwells Consumer Protectionby (DATCP)-Environmental Quality division of in collaboration withTrade the Wisconsin DATCP BureauProtection of Laboratory agrochemical monitoring collected the Wisconsin Department Agriculture, and Consumer Services. Boxplots (B) indicate average concentration detected from 2008–2012. Points show individual measured concentrations.

(DATCP)-Environmental Quality division in collaboration with the Wisconsin DATCP Bureau of Laboratory Services. Boxplots doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097081.g001 (right panel) indicate average concentration detected from 2008–2012. Points show individual measured concentrations. production regions of the state, the Central Sands and Lower Wisconsin River valley, are classified as high-risk areas for groundwater contamination and are frequently monitored for

specialty crop production system are also particularly vulnerable to groundwater contamination with water-soluble agricultural products [34–36]. Regulatory exceedences of nitrates and herbicide

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 13

Central Sands and Lower Wisconsin River valley, are classified as high-risk areas for groundwater contamination and are frequently monitored for the presence of common agrochemicals.

These regions have well-drained, sandy soils and easily accessible groundwater for irrigation that has driven agricultural intensification focused on vegetable production. Commercial potato is a key component in the agricultural production sequence, but is also rotated with many other specialty crops such as: carrots, onions, peas, pepper, processing cucumber, sweet corn, and snap beans. Unfortunately, the unique soil and water characteristics supporting a profitable specialty crop production system are also particularly vulnerable to groundwater contamination with water-soluble agricultural products.

These detections occur at very low levels and do not even approach Preventative Action Limits (PALs) established by the WI DATCP and the US EPA, which are designed to prevent levels reaching or exceeding Enforcement Standards. have been commonplace for several years, but recent detections of neonicotinoid contaminants have created new groundwater quality concerns. Beginning in the spring of 2008, two wells had detections of 1.25 and 1.47 µg L-1 thiamethoxam in Grant and Sauk Counties, WI. Subsequent sampling later that season identified six additional locations for a total of 17 positive thiamethoxam detections

Regulatory exceedences of nitrates and herbicide products (e.g. triazines, triazinones, and chloroacetamide)

that year. Since these early detections, the WI-DATCP has repeatedly detected thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and clothianadin residues at 23 different monitoring well locations over a fiveyear period. Although the sampling effort was not uniformly distributed within the state, detections often correspond to areas where intensive irrigated agricultural production occurs. As an continued on pg. 14

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Environmental Fate of Neonicotinoids in Potato

indication of specialty crop production intensity, we used county-level potato abundance to better describe trends in historical neonicotinoid detections.

Observed frequency and magnitude of neonicotinoid detections did not, however, consistently correspond to potato abundance. Moreover, these detections occur at very low levels and do not even approach Preventative Action Limits (PALs) established by the WI DATCP and the US EPA, which are designed to prevent levels reaching or exceeding Enforcement Standards.

Although the contribution of potato production to the observed detections was not clear, regulatory agencies have continued to pursue this interaction by increasing their frequency of sampling Figure 5. Crop area grown in Central Wisconsin River Water Management Cropping trends inwhere the Central Wisconsin River Water Figure 2.

Crop area grown inthe the Central Wisconsin River Water Unit.

Management potato occurs at a high density, Management Unit from 2006–2012. Crop groups are often planted with a soil-applied neonicotinoid insecticide for insect pest management. Crop Unit. Cropping trends in the Central Wisconsin River Water Management Unit totals within the water management unit were tabulated from annual USDA-NASS Cropland Data Layers [26]. specifically the Central Sands and doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0097081.g005 from 2006-2012.

Crop groups are often planted with a soil-applied neonicotinoid Wisconsin River Valley. Groundwater insecticide for insect pest management. Crop totals within the water management [8],[10],[41–44]. Recent studies have documented the negative groundwater. Unfortunately, littlesampling crop-specific pesticide informastrategies have provided a unit were tabulated from annual USDA-NASS influence of neonicotinoids on pollinator populationCropland health (both Data tionLayers. exists for individual neonicotinoids at the watershed scale useful timeline of non-point source native and managed) which, in turn, created substantial concern [26]. Although measurement of specific contributions of crops to pollution in this subsurface water about the long-term sustainability of these pesticides in agriculture measured insecticide contamination is currently events not available, [7],[11],[43],[45–49]. Exposures to pollinators reportedly occur study demonstrates a research approach to better understand the origin of resources.

Identifying through chronic, sub-lethal contact with low concentrations of leaching from different application methods. Improved undernon-point source in the neonicotinoid residues in pollen, nectar, waxes, and guttation standing of crops and insecticide delivery that results in greaterpollutants risk drops of common crop plants [50–53]. Gill et al. [43] and statetargets is complicated by the diversity of of insecticide leaching will inform to reduce aquifer “Wolf River” Brand ing LCertified Seed 21 ) Whitehorn et al.

[54] found that low Specializing concentrations (#10 m contamination and recirculation of soil-applied insecticides.

Areaneonicotinoid registrations, application of imidacloprid significantly reduced colony-level health in wide application of neonicotinoid insecticides through irrigation methods and formulations.

In this bumblebee (Bombus terrestris L.). Imidacloprid residues measured water applications may have considerable unanticipated or Russets• Canela Fleshed- undocumented Redsby those authors are consistent with insecticideYellow concentrations environmental impacts for non-target organisms system, neonicotinoids are used on found in nectar and•pollen of flowering crops, further supporting chronic insecticides.

• Silverton W6234-4 • Yukon Gold through • Dark Redlow-dose exposure a tolarge proportion of crops grown the direct crop-pollinator toxicological pathway hypothesis • Goldrush • Dakota Trailblazer • Molli Norland with irrigation.

Importantly, trends [47],[52],[54],[55]. Though they have received much less Conclusions • Freedom • Alegria attention, many closed pollination crops also provide resources Whitesin production show increased maize To gain a better understanding of the seasonal cycle of for water)[56],[57]. These crops also rely • pollinators Bannock (e.g.,•pollen, Superior production over the past six years in neonicotinoids moving from the potato system, this study used on neonicotinoids and may have currently undescribed risks for an experimental approach to document the leachingWisconsin potential of River Water non-target organisms through indirect contaminant pathways in the Central common neonicotinoid application methods. Results presented the agroecosystem [51],[58].

Management (Fig. 2). As a result of Foundation Certified Seed here benefit both potato producers and regulators Unit by identifying Possible exposure related to a high& frequency of irrigation could and neonicotinoid trends in leachate losses for thesecommon commonly used, water-soluble seed treatment drive the exposure of non-target arthropods to low concentrations Promising Experimental Varieties insecticides. Lysimeter experiments loss of thiaof neonicotinoid insecticides in irrigation water. Although such on documented maize, accelerating production methoxam following the application of vine desiccants at the Calldirectly, for more impacts have yet to be documented newdetails. comprehensive may partially explain the increased reviews of neonicotinoid environmental impacts demonstrat“Call Us Now For Yourhave Spring Orders” conclusion of the potato production season. Leachate losses did vary among the different deliveryfrequency methods over indicating of time neonicotinoid detection in ed numerous unanticipated impacts occurring at the ecosystem some variability in the patterns of pesticide leachate throughout scale [9],[58]. In the Wisconsin agroecosystem, neonicotinoids are groundwater. Unfortunately, little cropthe season. Quantification of crops commonly using neonicotinoid used on a large proportion of crops grown with irrigation pesticide information exists soil applications in the Central specific Wisconsin Water Management [28],[29]. Trends in production show increased maize production Unit highlights the need to research potential neonicotinoids from soilover the past six years in the Central Wisconsin River Water for leaching individual at the applied neonicotinoids in other commodities. Documentation of Management Unit (Fig. 5). As a result of common neonicotinoid watershed scale.

Although measurement several neonicotinoids in irrigation water suggests a new candidate seed treatment on maize, accelerating production may partially of specific of crops to explain the increased frequency of neonicotinoid detection in pathway for non-target environmental impacts of contributions insecticides.

Call Dennis or Adam measured insecticide contamination is | currently not5 |available, this study PLOS ONE | www.plosone.org Work: (715) 275-3430 9 May 2014 Volume 9 | Issue e97081 demonstrated that multiple crop types FAX: (715) 275-5051 grown in these regions may contribute Web site: www. certifiedseedpotatoes.com to the observed contaminants in the dennis@certifiedseedpotatoes.com study.

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World Potato Congress Develop Together For a Better Future Yanqing 28-30 July

Beijing 2015 www.2015bjwpc.com

The website has been officially launched, please log in www.2015bjwpc.com

Visit our booth #545 at Potato Expo 2015

16 January 2015

Grower Education Program Packed with Hot Topics General Session — Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Time

Expo 1 and 2 (Moderator T. Houlihan)

7:30 - 8:20

Registration

8:20 - 8:30

Welcome and opening remarks - Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Antigo, WI

8:30 - 9:00

High capacity well application review & cumulative impacts - Eric Ebersberger, Section Chief, Division of Water, Water Use Section, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI

9:00 - 9:30

Fumigation delivery and fumigation alternatives - Neil Gudmestad, University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University Morning Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session

9:30 - 10:30 10:30 - 11:00

The value of the neonicotinoid insecticide class - Paul Mitchell, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Wisconsin - Madison

11:00-11:30

Insecticide Resistance Managenent Fundamentals - Russ Groves, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin - Madison

11:30-12:00

Pollinator Health - Christelle Guedot, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin - Madison

12:00 - 1:15

Lunch: Legislative Update - (1) Ron Kuehn, DeWitt Ross & Stevens, (2) Other

Breakout Sessions

Expo 1 Nutrient Management (Mod. M. Ruark)

Expo 2 Water Resource Conservation & Solutions (Panel Discussion)

1:30 - 1:50

Keith Kelling - Phosphorus fertilizer management in potato production: A review

1:50 - 2:10

Matt Ruark - Environmental concerns of P management in potato production

2:10 - 2:30

Mack Naber - On-farm comparisons of nitrogen fertilizers and water quality implications

Troy Fishler - Developing specific storage guidelines for new varieties Paul Bethke - Genetic and cultural mgmt solutions to improve potato storage quality Russ Groves - Influence of viral stresses on potato storage quality

Afternoon Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session

2:30 - 3:30 Breakout Sessions

Facilitated Panel Discussion on Water Conservation and Potential Solutions - Grower (L. Wysocki) - Village of Plover (D. Mahoney) - DNR (R. Smail)

Sands/Spruce Storage Management (Mod. Troy Fishler)

Expo 1 Environmental Quality (Mod. R. Groves)

Expo 2 Water Resource Mgmt (Mod. K. Schroeder)

Sands/Spruce Variety Development (Mod. J. Endelman)

3:30 - 3:50

Deana Knutson & Jeff Wyman - Healthy Grown Potato, an ideal promotional program of environmental quality

AJ Bussan - Approaches to more efficient irrigation

Lance Snodgrass - Wisconsin Fresh Market Variety Trial

3:50 - 4:10

Rick Graham - Groundwater quality assessments in Wisconsin

Lamar LaPorte & John Panuska - Technologies for measuring soil moisture and scheduling irrigation

Ruth Genger - Heirloom and Specialty Potato Variety Trials

4:10 - 4:30

Ben Bradford - Status of neonicotinoid detections

Steve Diercks - Balancing predictions and measurements of water use

Felix Navarro - Strategies for Variety Development: Evaluation of Elite Potato Clones from the US and Beyond

4:30 - 6:00

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and WPVGA Associate Division Reception

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 17

2015 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Conference February 3, 4, and 5, 2015 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point WI Time

General Session — Wednesday, February 4, 2015 Expo 1 and 2 (Mod. J. Wyman)

8:00 - 8:30

US Potato Board Industry Update - John Toaspern, Chief Marketing Officer USPB and Mike Carter, CEO Bushmans’ Inc. and USPB Executive Committee member

8:30 - 9:00

Wisconsin Nutrient Management Updates: Implementation of 590 Standards - Pat Murphy, Wisconsin Resource Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wisconsin

9:00 - 9:30

Consumer acceptance and strategies for developing markets for Innate technologies - Joe Guenthner, Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho Morning Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session

9:30 - 10:30 10:30 - 11:00

Well siting challenges and permit applications in the Central Sands - Charlie Andrews, Groundwater Hydrologist, S.S. Papadopulos & Associates, Inc.

11:00 - 11:30

Update on the Little Plover River Project - Ken Bradbury, Wisconsin Geology and Natural History Survey

11:30- 12:00

Ground penetrating radar - the influence on Central Sands hydrology - David A. Hart, GIS Specialist, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute

12:00 - 1:15

Lunch - (1) John Keeling, NPC, and (2) Industry Awards

Breakout Sessions

Expo 1 Disease Management (Mod. J. Crane)

Expo 2 Durable Disease Resistance (Mod. K. Schroeder)

1:30 - 1:50

Amanda Gevens - Late Blight management update

Dennis Halterman - Improved genetic resistance solutions for potato

1:50 - 2:10

Neil Gudmestad - Biorational technologies for the control of early dying.

Aurelie Rakotondrafara - Long-term resistance potential for PVY mgmt

2:10 - 2:30

Amy Charkowski - Emerging necrotic viruses in potato

Ana Christina Fulladolsa-Palma - New surveillance tools for PVY detection

2:30 - 3:30

Sands/Spruce Wisconsin Muck Meeting (Mod. K. Williams) Beth Gugino - Managing bacterial diseases of dry-bulb onion

George Bird - Nematode complex in muck crops and control

Afternoon Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session

Breakout Sessions

Expo 1 Novel Technologies In Agric.

(Mod. K. Schroeder)

Expo 2 Product Tracability and Food Safety (Mod. D. Rady)

3:30-3:50

Shelley Jansky - Research applications of unmanned aerial vehicles

3:50 - 4:10

John Couture - Applications of spectroscopy in agriculture

4:10 - 4:30

Brian Luck - Emerging data collection technologies and data sharing

Dana Rady - Discussion about Food Safety and why it’s important to get involved

Sands/Spruce Wisconsin Muck Meeting (Mod. K. Williams) Julia Crane - Management of blemish diseases in red potatoes grown in muck soils Paul Bethke - Potato development and skin set in fresh market red varieties

Todd Baggett & Carol Golsch - PTI Amanda Gevens - Adaptive fungicide and FSMA; What’s next? management programs on onions

5:15 - 6:00

Social Hour

6:00 - 10:00

WPVGA Associate Division Banquet continued on pg. 18

18 January 2015 2015 Grower Conference . . . continued from pg. 17

2015 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Conference February 3, 4, and 5, 2015 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point WI Time

General Session — Thursday, February 5, 2015 Expo 1 and 2 (Mod. W. Stevenson)

8:00 - 8:30

Jeff Endelman, UW Horticulture - New strategies and varieties in the UW breeding program

8:30 - 9:00

Matt Ruark, UW Soil Science - Timing of nitrogen inputs to potato

9:00 - 9:30

Ann MacGuidwin, UW Plant Pathology - Precision management of nematodes and potato early dying

9:30 - 10:00

Amy Charkowski, UW Plant Pathology - Early generation seed and NFT production curves for improved seed quality

10:00 - 10:15

Morning Break

10:15 - 10:45

Russ Groves, UW Entomology - Landscape management of potato pests and pathogens

10:45 - 11:15

Jed Colquhoun, UW Horticulture - Implications of off-target herbicides near potato production

11:15 - 11:45

Amanda Gevens, UW Plant Pathology - Building fungicide programs to manage resistance in early blight pathogen populations

11:45 - 12:15

Mike Drilias, UW Horticulture - Management strategies for new round white chipping varieties

12:15

Adjourn - and Thanks for your Attendance and Participation

1:00

WPVGA Annual Meeting

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 19

20 January 2015

Wisconsin's K-B Agri Tech Wins AE50 Award

The Pattern Master from K-B Agri Tech LLC prevents wind shear from destroying a developing spray pattern. The results are more usable product on target, less spray drift, and a better job of spraying. The product won an AE50 Award for engineering excellence.

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) recently announced that K-B Agri Tech LLC of Plainfield, Wisconsin has won an AE50 award.

Pattern Master in front of any nozzle tip will enhance the spray job because it controls ambient wind as well as the wind created by the sprayer ground speed.

K-B Agri Tech LLC developed the Pattern Master, deemed one of the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the food and agriculture industries. The Pattern Master will be featured in the January/February 2015 special AE50 issue of ASABE’s magazine Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World.

Developed by Kurt Kamin and Bob Beggs in Plainfield, Wisconsin, the Pattern Master offers growers a winwin in terms of economics and environmental stewardship.

The Pattern Master is a simple, commonsense approach to reducing spray drift.

Made of laser-cut aluminum and a polyethylene brush and designed so that the brush hangs below the boom, the Pattern Master prevents wind shear from destroying a developing spray pattern. The results are more usable product on target, less spray drift, and a better job of spraying. Installing the

“Ecologically, it’s friendlier for everybody because you hit your target,” said Kamin. “Economically, it’s going to be extremely friendly because it makes you more efficient.”

Kamin said to stay tuned for updates and research results.

Companies from around the world submit entries to the annual AE50 competition and up to 50 of the best products are chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The judges select products that will best advance engineering for the food and

agriculture industries.

The AE50 awards program is sponsored

by Resource magazine to emphasize the role of new products and systems in bringing advanced technology to the marketplace. These engineering developments help farmers, food processors and equipment manufacturers cut costs, enhance quality and increase profits.

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems.

For more information about the Pattern Master, contact Kurt Kamin (715-498-0005) or Bob Beggs (715-451-4004) of K-B Agri Tech. Email: kurt_kamin@yahoo.com; or bobbeggs@ rocketmail.com. Visit the website at: www.k-bagritechllc.com.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 21

WPVGA Names Houlihan Executive Director The Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) announced on December 4, 2014 that Tamas Houlihan has been named Executive Director of the WPVGA. Houlihan has been serving as Interim Executive Director since August of 2014.

WPVGA President Larry Alsum of Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland, said he is pleased to have Houlihan assume the Association’s leadership role.

“I’m very excited about the future of the WPVGA under the leadership of Tamas Houlihan,” Alsum said. “His knowledge of the industry and communication skills make him an excellent choice to give the Association leadership and direction in the years to come. His experience working with growers and our allied industries make him an asset to the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry.”

For the past 27 years, Houlihan has served as the Managing Editor of The Badger Common’Tater magazine, the official voice of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry. During that time, he also held the title of Communications Director. Houlihan was in his third stint as Interim Executive Director, having filled the role in 2000 and 2008.

“I am honored to accept the responsibility of leading the WPVGA as Executive Director,” Houlihan said.

“I am proud to serve the agricultural community and look forward to

continuing to work on its behalf. I am fortunate to have an outstanding, experienced staff in place to help our industry accomplish its goals.”

At the WPVGA, Houlihan will lead a potato and vegetable trade association with over 500 members and an annual budget of $1.5 million. He is expected to develop and maintain an aggressive grower relations program and build consensus in the areas of research, marketing, education and governmental relations. He takes over a staff of one part-time and four full-time employees “The Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry is vibrant and progressive,” Houlihan stated. “We rank second in the nation in the production of vegetables for processing and third in potato production. The WPVGA has a long-standing research partnership with the University of Wisconsin and an active membership base of grower volunteers and industry supporters.

“At the same time we face many challenges,” Houlihan continued. “The voice of agriculture is getting smaller and smaller. Farmers today represent less than two percent of the population.

I look forward to working with all of our members to advance the interests of Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers.”

A 1985 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Houlihan has a Bachelor’s Degree with a doublemajor in Communication and German.

Tamas Houlihan He received the Chancellor’s Leadership Award and the Albertson Medallion at UWSP. He worked as the Sports Editor and News Editor at the Rhinelander Daily News before joining the WPVGA in 1987.

At the WPVGA, Houlihan received a Distinguished Service Award in 1997; the President’s Award in 2001; the AgriCommunicator Award in 2008; and the Wisconsin Seed Potato Industry Leadership Award in 2011.

The WPVGA has announced an immediate search for the next Managing Editor of The Badger Common’Tater magazine. Houlihan will continue to oversee the production of the association’s monthly magazine.

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22 January 2015

Preserving Our Heritage: Funds Needed for Building To House Antique Ag Equipment at Heritage Park in Plover The Portage County Historical Society is reaching out to Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable operations as well as allied industries to help with a fundraiser designed to construct a building where antique agricultural equipment will be displayed.

Anton Anday is coordinating the Pierce Building Fundraising Project at Heritage Park in Plover. Anday is one of the principal guardians of this unique park where one can experience a frontier church, a turn of the century store, a country school, a classic farm house, and a depot of the Central Wisconsin railroad.

A fire destroyed two-thirds of the original building and the plan is to build a barnlike structure that would serve as an agricultural museum and would house a growing collection of agricultural items.

“This project has received approval at the state level as well as the Village of

The estimated cost of this project is $250,000.

All donations, monetary or in-kind, will be gratefully accepted.

Make checks payable to: PCHS – Pierce Building; and send to: Pierce BLD Fundraiser, C/O Portage County Historical Society, P.O. Box 672, Stevens Point, WI 54481. Feel free to call Anton at 715-630-5383 for more information.

All donations are tax deductible.

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chisels ● rod-weeders ● choppers ● cultivators ● rod-weeders ● chisels ● fertilizer applicators

A 1910 John Deere plow is on display at Heritage Park in Plover.

●

chisels ● choppers ● cultivators ● fertilizer applicators ● planters ● rippers

●

Anday said the project has received support from several local businesses, including Lowes and Feltz Lumber.

“We are now seeking corporate donors, support from individuals and interested organizations.

We have established several funding levels, including plaque recognition for donations in excess of $300. We are also considering offering naming rights for significant donations.”

chisels ● rod-weeders ● choppers ● cultivators ● rod-weeders ● chisels ● fertilizer applicators

chisels ● choppers ● cultivators ● fertilizer applicators ● planters ● rippers

●

Plover,” Anday said. “But, we have just two years to complete the project before we have to start the re-approval process.”

●

This International Harvester SingleRow Potato Planter was used in the early 1900s. It is one of many pieces of antique farm equipment on display at Heritage Park in Plover.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 23

Astrotuber Technology: Efficient in Every Way ™

A tray of AstroTubers™ ready for planting. AstroTubers™ are planted in the field for the production of first generation high quality, low pathogen seed potatoes.

The following unique features of the CETS Astrotuber™ production technology result in a very efficient system: 1. Use of a CETS phytotron allows for Astrotuber™ production during the entire year, thereby increasing the number of Astrotubers™ that are produced in a year as compared to greenhouse systems that are subject to hot and cold temperatures that have a negative impact on yields of minitubers. Another significant environmental factor that has an obvious impact on the rate of plant productivity is the daily and seasonal variable light (sun) levels in a greenhouse compared to the constant high light level in a CETS phytotron.

2.

The environment of the CETS phytotron significantly reduces the potential for foliar disease development during production of the Astrotubers™ compared to the environment of a greenhouse. Thus, use of the CETS phytotron eliminates the use of chemicals for the control of foliar diseases normally required in a greenhouse minituber production system.

3.

Use of stem cuttings from tissue culture plantlets for production of the Astrotubers™ results in significant cost savings compared to systems that use tissue culture plantlets for production of minitubers.

4. Use of the CETS proprietary nutrient solution not only optimizes the production of Astrotubers™, but,

significantly reduces the cost of the chemicals used in the nutrient solution compared to the cost of commercially available fertilizers that may or may not support optimum growth, development, and tuberization.

5.

An LED plant lighting system is continued on pg. 24

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24 January 2015 Astrotuber™ Technology . . . continued from pg. 23

effective growth and development.

The periderm forms a protective layer of cells covering the surface of the tuber.

This outer tuber layer has perforations called lenticels that allow for exchange of gases and water as well as being an opening for pathogens to invade the tuber. Tubers grown in water or a wet tuber development environment, as is the case in NFT and aeroponic minituber production systems, develop enlarged lenticels that can become “highways” for pathogens to enter the tubers. This characteristic of the tuber is of critical concern regarding field plantings because soil borne pathogens can readily infect the planted tubers having enlarged lenticels and result in death of the plant.

This growth chamber features LED lighting which produces a significant energy savings in the production of minitubers. more efficient than any other lighting systems that are being used for growing plants. The LED lighting system installed in the CETS phytotrons results from extensive design discussions with organizations that fabricate LED lighting systems.

These LED lighting units are expressly designed for growing potato plants during all stages of development from planting to maturity, including tuber initiation and development.

The LED lighting units are the most efficient converters of electricity to photons of any lighting system, plus they have a longer life than any other light system. Use of LED lighting

units results in significant reduction of electrical costs with increased Astrotubers™ yields.

Astrotubers™ are Superior The fundamental features of Astrotubers™ emanating from the CETS technology result in a superior tuber. The Astrotubers™ are grown in a proprietary rooting matrix that essentially duplicates the natural field environment and is a vastly superior tuber development environment due to the rooting matrix porosity and presence of oxygen. The developing tuber is a highly metabolic organ that requires availability of high levels of oxygen for

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Since Astrotubers™ develop in what can be termed a normal underground environment, they develop a normal periderm layer with normal lenticel characteristics. Thus, Astrotubers™ can be planted in the field without any fungicide treatment. Astrotubers™ have been planted in the field for over 10 years without being treated with fungicides and no negative effects have been noted on stand development.

Another important characteristic of the Astrotubers™ is that they are grown and harvested in a way that is similar to normal field conditions. At harvest time, the plant is in a senescent state. This results in physiological maturity of the Astrotubers™ as part of the senescence process. This contrasts with minituber tuber harvesting in NFT or aeroponic systems where the plants are cultured in a way to prolong the growing process so that the plants do not go into the senescent stage. This results in an “immature” minituber with potential storage and sprouting problems not encountered with Astrotubers™.

Botanically, potato is a determinate plant and the NFT and aeoponic systems culture the plant so that it becomes an abnormal indeterminate plant.

The Astrotubers™ production system capitalizes on the natural botanical characteristic of potato resulting in a superior tuber.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 25

Apprenticeship: A Proven Soluiton to Address Wisconsin's Skills Gap The Wisconsin Registered Apprenticeship program creates a pipeline of skilled workers to ensure Wisconsin companies have the talent they need to compete in the 21st century economy.

Apprenticeship combines work-based learning under the direction of a qualified individual (journeyperson) with theoretical instruction, usually through the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). Up to 85 percent of an apprenticeship consists of on-the-job training, with the balance covered in theoretical instruction.

An apprenticeship starts with a contract between the sponsoring employer, the state and apprentice that includes training and performance specifications.

Participating employers have the opportunity to tailor their training to fit specific needs: in their facility, on their equipment, in their environment, meeting their standards and goals.

Apprenticeship also represents a career ladder for an employer's workers to develop skills and competencies.

Participating employees benefit as well. An apprentice earns a progressively increasing wage during

the apprenticeship. Once an apprentice completes all requirements, he or she achieves journeyperson status and receives a nationally recognized credential, showing the employee could perform the same job with virtually any employer. Completion of WTCS related apprentice instruction also fulfills up to 39 of 60 credits toward WTCS' Technical Studies-Journey worker Associate of Applied Science Degree.

The Department of Workforce Development's (DWD) Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS) is the state's registration agency for the program. BAS regularly convenes Industry stakeholders to review and maintain the written standards that govern the scope and structure of an apprenticeship program.

Wisconsin was the first state in the country to start an Apprenticeship program. The program celebrated its centennial in 2011 and to this day remains an effective solution to find, recruit, train and retain highly skilled workers.

As Wisconsin's workforce ages and Baby Boomers retire, they take with them a lifetime of skills and expertise,

leaving potential gaps in the labor force and a demand for younger skilled workers. Apprenticeship is a proven means to address the skills gap and provide greater opportunities for workers today and in the future.

There are over 200 different registered occupations covering a variety of industries in Wisconsin, including a Dairy Grazer program to promote growth in the farming industry.

There are 13 Apprenticeship Training Representatives (ATR's) located across Wisconsin who educate employers about the advantages of Registered Apprenticeship and work directly with sponsoring employers.

To learn more about Apprenticeship or to contact your closest ATR, please visit http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ apprenticeship/default.htm.

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26 January 2015

What’s Cookin’

by Gerri Okray

Are you looking for some comfort food to combat the frigid temperatures?

Look no further! These great recipes, courtesy of the United States Potato Board (USPB), are also featured in the Wisconsin Spudmobile. They are sure to warm you up in minutes!

Mashie-Topped Meatloaf Cupcakes

Lightened-up Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Yield: 6 Prep Time: 25 minutes Ready Time: 55 minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Yield: 10 Prep Time: 10 minutes Ready Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients: Meatloaf: 1¼ lbs. extra-lean ground beef (4% fat or less) 1 cup finely-chopped green bell pepper ¾ cup finely-chopped onion ½ c up fat-free liquid egg substitute or egg whites ½ cup quick-cooking oats ¼ cup ketchup 2 tsp. garlic powder ½ t sp. each salt and black pepper

Ingredients: 6m edium white potatoes, diced 8o unces (or 2 ½ cups) frozen cauliflower 1h ead broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces 1 l eek, washed and chopped thinly 2 tsp. olive oil, divided ½ tsp. crushed red pepper 1½ tsp. chopped garlic, divided 2 c ups low-sodium vegetable broth 2 cups 2% milk ¾ tsp. kosher salt

Mashies: 20 oz. (about 3 medium) white potatoes, peeled and cubed 2½ tbsp. light sour cream

1½ t bsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. onion powder ¼ tsp. salt 18 / tsp. paprika Optional seasoning: black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with foil baking cups or spray it with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients. Thoroughly mix.

Evenly distribute meatloaf mixture among the muffin cups, and smooth out the tops with the back of a spoon. Bake until firm and cooked through with lightly-browned edges, 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes, and once returned to a boil, reduce heat to medium. Cook until very tender, 15-20 minutes.

Drain and transfer potatoes to a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients for mashies except paprika. Thoroughly mash and mix.

Evenly top mini meatloaves with mashies, and sprinkle with paprika.

Makes six servings; two cupcakes per serving. Eat up!

Tip! Use a piping bag to distribute the mashies. You can even create your own makeshift piping bag! Just transfer mashies to a plastic bag, and squeeze them down toward a bottom corner. Snip off that corner with scissors, creating a small hole for piping. Ta-da!

5 ounces reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, for topping 5 slices center-cut bacon, microwaved and crumbled for topping Chives, chopped for topping

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Fill large pot with potatoes and salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes. When potatoes have finished cooking, drain water and set potatoes aside in bowl of colander.

While potatoes are cooking, line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. To prepare broccoli, remove bottom part of stem, and slice into bite-sized florets leaving an inch of the stem intact. Place broccoli on prepared baking sheet, lightly drizzle with 1 tsp. olive oil and sprinkle with pinch of salt and ½ tsp. garlic.

Roast in oven for 20 minutes until crispy.

Heat 1 tsp. olive oil over medium heat. Sauté leeks, crushed red pepper, and garlic until leeks soften, about 1-2 minutes. Add cauliflower and vegetable stock, increase heat to medium-high and cook until cauliflower is soft. Remove pot from heat, and add potatoes, milk, and ½ tsp. salt.

Using an immersion blender, (or transfer soup to regular blender), puree soup until smooth and creamy.

To serve, ladle one cup of soup into a bowl and top with cheese, bacon, chives and roaster broccoli. Enjoy! Makes 10 servings.

Note: Boil or microwave broccoli for the topping if you don’t want tot fire up your oven for roasted broccoli.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 27

Auxiliary News

by Paula Houlihan, Vice President, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary

Happy New Year! Please consider joining the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary. If you are already a member, please renew. Thank you!

2015 Auxiliary Membership Registration Effective January 1 — December 31

Auxiliary membership is open to all women whose farm or business is a member of the WPVGA or Associate Division Dues are $10.00 per year; payable by January 21 Please make checks payable to: Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Farm/Company Name:______________________________________________________________________________________ Home Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone Number:______________________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone Number:________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Mission of the Auxiliary is to promote and advance the Potato Industry through education and personal outreach Please check all that apply: I would like to serve a one-year term on a committee – Committees meet as needed, about 6 times a year.

Yes___ No____

Please indicate which committee(s) you would be interested in:

____State Fair ____School Nutrition/Recipe development/Cookbooks

____Kids Dig Wis Potatoes ____Promotions:

____Feed My Starving Children Spudmobile, Family Features Ads, Placemats ____Membership I would like to work at the State Fair for 3 days in July/August: Yes___ No___ Currently do___ Group_______________ – Would you like to join an existing group? Yes____ No____

If yes, do you have a preference for a certain group? Group: _______________________________ or Any_____

Volunteers receive a per diem for each day worked, 2 nights’ lodging, and travel support I would like to volunteer to help at an Auxiliary-sponsored event: Yes____ Please check all that you would be interested in:

____Spud bowl (September in Stevens Point, WI)

____Wisconsin Public Service show (late March in Oshkosh, WI)

____Kids Dig Harvest Party (May throughout the state of Wisconsin)

____Spudmobile appearances

____Penelope Potato appearances

____Feed My Starving Children packing event I would like to serve a three-year term as a member of the Board of Directors: Yes____ No____ Currently on the Board____

No____

28 January 2015

• MULLET •

• MOHAWK •

• MUSTACHE •

• FRO •

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 29

• DREADLOCKS •

• LEIA •

No matter how they grow, sprouts aren’t cool.

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30 January 2015

Potato Board News Smart Potato Campaign Turns to International Potato Cuisines

AMERICA DEPENDS ON FARMERS. SO WHO DO FARMERS DEPEND ON?

Trend Development Menu Items

Two years ago, the United States Potato Board (USPB) launched an umbrella marketing campaign called “SMAPO,” otherwise known as the Smart Potato Campaign, in Japan to highlight and VALLEY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. promote the use of U.S. frozen and Pretty simple. Farmers depend on what’s dependable. That’s Valley , the #1 brand in pivots. Our machines dehydrated potatoes in new foodservice have been in field the longest, with engineering that just won’t quit. As ever-increasing demands are put menus.

As part of letthe on your shoulders, Valleyongoing lighten the load—and increase yields—with rock-solid reliability. promotion, a Trend Development Seminar, with the overarching theme of “World Potato Dishes,” was hosted.

Nearly 100 representatives from quick service restaurants (QSRs), family dining DEALER IMPRINT restaurants (FDRs), importer/distributor valleyirrigation.com 2014, at the Hotel organizations, retailers, wholesalers, companies, manufacturers, as well as November 19, InterContinental in Tokyo, Japan. caterers, hotel restaurant institutions the U.S. Embassy in Japan Agricultural (HRIs), Japanese press and media Trade Office (ATO), attended this event This World Potato Dishes Trend 4 COLUMN x 5” (SAU50) ®

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THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 31

Development Seminar was a Japanese tribute to the many different types of cuisines utilizing potatoes around the world. Mashed potatoes as a comfort food in the United States, gnocchi potato noodles from Italy, shepherd’s pies from the United Kingdom and aligot—a dish made from melted cheese and mashed potatoes from France, are but a few recognized examples. A trend toward slight luxuries continues to be popular in Japan as a result of changes in demographics, economic trends and lifestyles. This has led to the concept of brunches and other light meal occasions at Japanese dining tables, which bring new opportunities for U.S. potatoes.

Exploring these opportunities, 10 new menu items and four new meal concepts were presented at the Trend Development Seminar. Emphasis was placed on being true to the flavors of foreign cuisines, while also being mindful toward Japanese sensibilities of how foods first need to be pleasing to the eye, to truly be savored and enjoyed.

patterned after a trendy new U.S. breakfast dish from California. To inspire new potato “Party Menu” concepts, “Spudachos,” a Mexican-American inspired recipe replaced tortilla chips with U.S. tater tots.

Enthusiasm for U.S. potatoes showed after the seminar. Ninety-six percent of the participants said the seminar was informative with positive comments including: “U.S. potatoes can be turned into value-added menu items due to their versatility in different dishes and familiarity to Japanese in general.”

“Sliders match Japanese eating preferences due to their ‘bite-size.’ It is interesting to use potatoes instead of bread buns.”

“The presentation about world trend potato dishes was excellent! This information, especially ‘the next booms,’ can be applied to my business.”

Overall, participants gained new ideas and said they can create potato menu items which will become popular in their foodservice businesses.

Ventilation

New Boom Sliders Working to create a “New Boom” meal concept in Japan, three potato sliders using U.S. waffle cut fries were introduced: Garlic Grilled Chicken Sliders (Thailand), Deep-fried Prawn Sliders with Sour Sparkling Lime Sauce (Thailand), and Cream Cheese and Avocado Sliders (Mexico). The menu line-up also featured new to Japan menu concepts of Chicken and Potato Pot Pie (United States) and Popover Sandwiches (United States).

Other “Ethnic Taste” potato concepts featured Okoy—mixed vegetable and seafood patties (Philippines), and Potato and Vegetable Curry Samosa (India). Suman Patatas, or potato cakes with coconut milk (Philippines), were also created for the idea of enjoying potatoes with sauces and flavored dips from around the world. The global dips included: Ajillo dipping sauce (Spain), Indian-Curry Mango dipping sauce (India) and Adovo sauce (Philippines).

The “Breakfast Menu” concept featured U.S. mashed potatoes topped with a coddled quail egg and dash of spinach

• Ventilation • Humidification • Climate Control • Refrigeration 47418 US Highway 10 • Perham MN 56573 BTU Ventilation 218-346-3357 Toll Free: 888-884-8070 www.btucorp.com

32 January 2015

People Washington to Host Potato Industry Leadership Institute Washington will serve as the host state for the 2015 NPC/USPB Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI), to be held February 19-26, 2015. The PILI will start in Washington state and then participants will travel to Washington, D.C. Two individuals have been selected to represent the state of Wisconsin at this year’s PILI: Josh Knights of Heartland Farms, Inc., Hancock and Dana Rady of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), Antigo. Both were originally slated to participate in last year’s PILI, but plans changed, and they were both re-selected this year.

Josh Knights works in Marketing and Transportation at Heartland Farms. Born and raised in Plainfield, he is a 2006 graduate of Plainfield Tri-County High School. He then attended St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing and Sports Management. He worked as a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker in Woodbury, Minnesota in 2011 before joining Heartland Farms, where he has worked for the past three and one-half years.

“I’m looking forward to meeting other people involved in the potato industry,” said Knights. “It’s always good to hear other people’s thoughts and opinions and to learn more about the industry.”

Josh’s brother, Brad, was a Wisconsin representative at the 2013 Potato Industry Leadership Institute. Josh says he’s excited to participate in the 2015 PILI.

The son of Heartland Farms’ co-owner Dave Knights, Josh currently serves the WPVGA as a member of the Water Task Force. He likes all sports and enjoys

Josh Knights

Our Fertility Program Can Give You Higher Yields & Better Quality Potatoes 2014 Central Sands Potato Fertility Plot Results Using ADM Nutritional Program ** Costs were less than $20/A Russet Burbanks

Saleable Cwt/A

≥ 10 oz.

8-10 oz.

Check

516

21%

17%

ADM Program #1

570

39%

15%

ADM Program #2

554

42%

22%

Dug 9/23 • Program applied at 1st sidedress • Grown for McCain Foods by Lonnie Firkus

Saleable Cwt/A

≥ 3”

2 1/2-3”

Check

480

31%

39%

ADM Program #3

512

35%

37%

Frito-Lay Chip Potatoes

Dug 9/18• Program applied by irrigation after 2nd sidedress • Grown for Frito-Lay by Paramount Farms, Inc.

ADM Agronomy Stevens Point

Contact Julie or Phil for more details.

Julie Cartwright 715-491-5097 julie.cartwright@adm.com Phil Bender 920-295-9158 philip.bender@adm.com

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 33

playing golf. He and his wife, Leah, live in Stevens Point.

Dana Rady is the Director of Promotion, Communication and Consumer Education for the WPVGA. Born and raised in Tomah, Wisconsin, Rady graduated from Luther High School in Onalaska. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2007 from UWOshkosh with majors in Radio/TV/Film and Spanish, and minors in Journalism and Political Science. After college, she taught English and Spanish to adults in Texas before returning to Wisconsin where she worked as a General Assignment Reporter and Weekend Anchor for WJFW TV12 in Rhinelander.

Rady later worked for the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association before joining the WPVGA in September of 2012. She works closely with the WPVGA Promotions Committee as well as the Vegetable and Chip committees.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to learn more about an industry that plays

Russets

such a vital role in our lives,” she said.

“I am looking forward to meeting and networking with everyone who will participate in the upcoming tour and staying in contact with them to benefit the potato and vegetable industry in the future.”

Dana and her husband, Eric, live in Monico with their 23-month-old son, Griffin. She enjoys exercising, painting, watching and playing sports, fishing, watching movies and reading.

The Leadership Institute is an educational and networking program that takes participants to a growing region to conduct in-depth discussions with upper management on key industry issues, then concludes in Washington D.C. for an overview of public policy issues and lobbying training. Institute graduates are among the industry’s greatest assets. Participants develop a broad understanding of the industry and a common bond that is envisioned to be a wellspring of leadership for the

Russet Norkotah Goldrush Russet Burbank Russet Norkotah CO8

Whites Superior MegaChip

Dana Rady industry. Many important and complex decisions lie ahead for the industry. By creating this leadership base today, the industry is investing wisely in its future. continued on pg. 34

Reds

Red Norland Dark Red Norland

Antigo,WI

715-627-7753

mike@baginskifarms.com • www.baginskifarms.com

34 January 2015 People. . .

continued from pg. 33

The PILI is a joint effort of the National Potato Council, United States Potato Board and state potato organizations. The 2015 Institute will begin in Washington where participants will receive an overview of the U.S. potato industry, including domestic and international marketing. The Institute attendees

will then participate in tours of local production and processing, in addition to exposure on how to get involved in grassroots legislative efforts at the sate level. Participants will then head to Washington, D.C., where the focus will move to national legislative and regulatory priorities for the U.S. potato

industry and skills training. Training sessions will include presentation skills, leadership development, media training and lobbying skills.

The Institute receives a major sponsorship from Syngenta, who has long been committed to leadership development in agriculture.

James L. Spychalla Passes Away James L. Spychalla, age 87, of Antigo died peacefully at his home December 1, 2014.

He died where he was born, at the family homestead where he lived his entire life.

He was born on January 24, 1927 to the late James A. and Bernice (Koslowski) Spychalla in the Town of Antigo.

Mr. Spychalla attended St. Hyacinth’s Catholic School and was a member of the Catholic Church. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1944 and later served in the US Army from 1950-1952.

On July 21, 1956 he was united in marriage to Gertrude Ann Nixon at St. James Catholic Church in White Lake.

Mr. Spychalla was a third generation Polish potato grower. His career

spanned from the use of horses and hand harvesting to the present. He was old school, a serious man who valued hard work in life. He particularly enjoyed the creative dimensions of farming, building various pieces of specialized potato machinery. Starting in the 50’s he constructed some of the industry’s first self-propelled harvesting machines. His son James and wife Baerbel continue to operate the family farm, James Spychalla James L. Spychalla Farms, Inc. He was an avid cross country skier and runner for over 40 years, participating in hundreds of races.

Jim could be described as more of a solitary creature, content to do things on his own. Interacting with others was really not his strong suit,

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hence farming was a good match for him throughout life.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Sally (Craig) Nelson of Hopkins, MN, and Gail (Mark) Wegner of Watertown, WI; four sons, James (Baerbel) of Antigo, Leo (Rebecca) of Dousman, Peter (Laura) of Normal, IL, and Mark (Sara) of Madison; 17 grandchildren, Zechariah (Laura), Adeline, Colin, Aaron, Claire, Mary, Russell, Emily, Jamie, Kelly, Anna, Pia, Lydia, Andrew, Ellie, Evan, and Nathan; a great-grandchild, Clayton; a sister, Delores Gronert of Grand Junction, CO; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Spychalla of Appleton.

In addition to his parents, a brother Leonard Spychalla preceded him in death.

A visitation was held in the Hoffmann Hall at St. John Catholic Church. A vigil service followed with Deacon Andy Bures officiating. A private burial was held at Queen of Peace Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Spychalla’s name.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 35

New Products Sprout Nip Activator Enhances Sprout Control in Storage Take your potato sprout control program to the next level with Sprout Nip Activator! As a grower, processor, or packer you’ve worked hard to raise and store the perfect crop – protect your potatoes and your profits with the best sprout control products from Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation.

Sprout Nip Activator is an advanced adjuvant that is applied with Sprout Nip and Amplify to enhance sprout control and your profits from storage. Activator is specially formulated to improve the coverage and performance of sprout inhibitor treatments on stored potatoes. Using Activator with Sprout Nip or Amplify keeps the aerosol particles small and dry for optimum distribution through the potato pile. Activator helps deliver Sprout Nip or Amplify more evenly throughout the potato pile, resulting in more consistent and effective sprout control. Harness the most advanced sprout control technology available with Sprout Nip Activator.

For more information, please contact Eugene Mancl of Ron’s Refrigeration at 715-421-1525 or eugene.mancl@ ronsrefrigeration.com Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation supplies complete solutions for potato sprout control, including: Sprout Nip, Amplify, Shield 3EC, FreshPack 50EC, and Sprout Nip Activator.

Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers: • • • •

Progressive In Terms Of Technology Proactive Use State-of-the-Art Practices Develop Promising New Varieties These are just some of the ways Dr. Walt Stevenson, Emeritus Professor at the University of Wisconsin, describes the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers.

Visit the newly updated web page of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association to find out more about Wisconsin’s Certified Seed Potato Growers: www.potatoseed.org

715-623-4039 For a directory of Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers, scan this code with your smartphone.

36 January 2015 New Products . .

continued from pg. 35

Two Lindsay Products Recognized For Innovative Designs Two of Lindsay Corporation’s newest products have earned industry recognition for their innovative design and attention to detail incorporating technology for modern farming irrigation systems.

Zimmatic by Lindsay’s NFTrax airless wheel assembly and the Growsmart by Lindsay MULTI-CONTROL for drip and micro irrigation earned an AE50 award presented by The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) after each product was deemed one of the year’s most innovative designs in engineering for the food, agriculture, and biological systems industries.

The patent-pending NFTrax wheel assembly is an airless wheel design that will never go flat and keeps wheel ruts to a minimum – saving time, labor

and replacement costs. Compared to pneumatic and solid tires, NFTrax helps growers avoid tread damage, punctures and eliminates air pressure checks. In addition, it reduces wheel rut depth; controls water runoff and track erosion, allowing trouble-free operation throughout the season.

The NFTrax wheel assembly is an airless wheel design that will never go flat and keeps wheel ruts to a minimum.

MULTI-CONTROL and FieldNET®

by Lindsay wireless micro-irrigation management remotely controls the entire system, saving water by automating when and how much to apply, and alerting growers to issues such as pressure or flow disparities due to leaks and clogs that can result in inefficiencies.

“We start product development by talking to growers to find out what could make their farming practices

The MULTI-CONTROL wireless microirrigation management remotely controls the entire system, saving water by automating when and how much to apply, and alerting growers to issues such as pressure or flow disparities due to leaks and clogs that can result in inefficiencies.

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easier and more efficient,” said Reece Andrews, FieldNET Business Manager.

“Our engineers want to make solutions that help the grower work smarter. This award, along with our grower feedback, reinforces that we hit the mark.”

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 37

Size Grading of Bulk Potatoes Now Measures Up Accurate sizing of whole potatoes does not just need to be rough and mechanical thanks to the Modus, the new size grader from TOMRA. Mechanical Grading is Now a Thing of the Past Previously the majority of washed potato sizing was done by mechanical means, because up until now, there was no high volume optical food sorter that came close to the traditional mechanical grids, square meshes and roller sizers.

“There are limits to these mechanical food sorting processes, including that almost all mechanical sorters in use today only grade by width. To address this issue, TOMRA Sorting Food’s development team has designed the Modus which can sort washed potatoes by width and length, or a combination of both,” says Jim Frost, market unit manager whole products sorting at TOMRA Sorting Food.

The revolutionary Modus was unveiled to visitors to INTERPOM in November.

The size grader delivers high throughput; up to 45,000 kg/h. TOMRA offers the Modus as a standalone size grader or integrated with the Halo, Sentinel II or Titan for quality and size grading.

Modus, the new size grader from TOMRA.

of the Modus, producing stability and accuracy on high volume whole potatoes.

“The sorting results are very impressive.

The Modus is ultra-reliable, and very stable. Together with the long life illumination and the gentle high speed lift drop separator, which directs the potatoes

The Modus’ operation is simple and effective. After alignment by a simple shaker and conveyor a unique new TOMRA imaging module and electromagnetic diversion system is used to gently divert the potatoes of the selected sizes into three different exits.

The Modus is also supported by the new intuitive and user-friendly TOMRA user interface. “The new user interface makes settings for grading easy. Length and width ranges, or a combination of both, are set in a few simple steps using the touch screen. In addition, the screen allows customers to view live product data which can be saved for use at a later date for traceability or analysis purposes, for example,” says Frost.

Additionally the novel pulsed-LED sensor optics, proven on the Titan and Halo sorting platforms, is an important feature

into different grades, the Modus makes sure that our customers will benefit from accurate size grading,” says Frost.

Discover more about the Modus at the website: www.tomra.com/en/solutionsand-products/sorting-solutions/food/ sorting-equipment/modus.

M.P.B Builders, Inc. From Planning through Completion

654 E. OSHKOSH STREET RIPON, WISCONSIN 54971

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www.mpbbuilders.com

38 January 2015

Seed Piece

2014 US Seed Potato Acreage Up 4% United States seed certification agencies accepted 110,984 acres of potatoes for seed in 2014. That exceeds the 2013 seed area by 4,370 acres, a 4.1% increase.

The Norkotah potato seed area, including line selections, increased by 645 acres, to 10,598 acres. While that is a 6.5% increase, this year’s Norkotah seed acreage still falls 24.0% short of the 2012 crop.

Seed growers continue to shift substantial acreage between varieties. The chart at right shows a four-year history of US seed potato acreage by major variety. The “other” category includes acreage for varieties that have been listed individually in past years, but have fallen out of favor with growers.

See Brendan Olinyk, our truck pro, for all your truck and truck accessory needs.

Brendan Olinyk 1765 Park Avenue • Plover, WI 54467 brendan@markmotors.com • www.marktoyota.com

800-236-6275 Proud member of the WPVGA.

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 39

WPIB Focus Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

CWT

Assessment

CWT

Assessment

Jul-13

Aug-13

1,245,187.84

561,590.05

991,078.83 3,114,438.10 2,627,700.74

8,539,995.56

$74,679.68

$33,695.37

$59,464.80 $186,867.82 $157,665.35

$512,373.02

Jul-14

Aug-14

1,618,594.66

$97,295.75

New grading line!

Accurate sizing to meet your needs!

Sep-13

Sep-14

Oct-13

Oct-14

Nov-13

Nov-14

Dec-13

Dec-14

Jan-14

Jan-15

Feb-14

Feb-15

Mar-14

Mar-15

Apr-14

Apr-15

May-14

May-15

Jun-14 Year-to-Date

Jun-15 Year-to-Date

584,167.62 1,071,362.65 3,145,808.22 2,930,799.68

9,350,732.83

$35,049.99

$561,018.24

$64,101.70 $188,748.83 $175,821.97

David J. Fleischman Farms Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes

Specializing in B-size seed! rn Brand new, mode ty. ili fac ge ra B-size sto

State-of-the-art Storage Facilities 1- 2- 3-Year Contracts N2568 Hwy HH • Antigo, WI 54409

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YELLOWS – Yukon Gold WHITES – Superiors RUSSETS – Goldrush, Russet Norkotah REDS – Red Norland, Dark Red Norland

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

40 January 2015

NPC News House Agriculture Committee Leadership Announced In mid-December, House Agriculture Committee Chairman-Elect K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) named the committee’s subcommittee chairmen for the 114th Congress to be swornin in January. Notably, the committee will be restructured and expanded to six subcommittees rather than the five under its current structure. Nutrition will now be its own subcommittee.

The subcommittees and their respective chairmen are:

Zimmatic dealers are a lot like the pivots they sell. ®

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Zimmatic dealers stand out because they’re experts. They know pivots inside and out – the newest models and the best products. Plus, they’re proud to offer GrowSmartTM technology – cutting -edge technology that works with your fields, making irrigation even easier.

And since they’re local, they know you and your fields, so you can count on the personal attention you need.

•

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Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research: Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13)

Smart Design – allowing your dealer to customize an irrigation system for your field

•

Knowledgeable, dependable service

Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit: Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08)

Visit your local Zimmatic dealer today for information, assistance and some friendly advice. Or go to www.zimmatic.com.

Conservation and Forestry: Rep. Glenn Thompson (PA-05) General Farm Commodities and Risk Management: Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) Livestock and Foreign Agriculture: Rep. David Rouzer (NC-07) Nutrition: Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02) On the Democratic side, current Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN), a former potato grower, was once again selected by his Democratic colleagues to continue serving as Ranking Member.

The NPC looks forward to working with the House Agriculture Committee in the new Congress.

ASK YOUR DEALER ABOUT THESE MONEY-SAVING OFFERS YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM: • Huge per tower cash allowance • Low interest financing with delayed first payment due in 12 months © 2008 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic and GrowSmart are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation. Certain restrictions and limitations apply.

See your local Zimmatic dealer for complete details.

Oasis Irrigation LLC 715-335-8300

N6775 5th Avenue • Plainfield, WI 54966

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 41

42 January 2015

Marketplace

By Dana Rady WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

WPVGA Offers Food Safety Training for Third Consecutive Year Once again, Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable industry has the opportunity to stay proactive with its food safety audits as WPVGA will be offering food safety training classes for yet another year.

Attending these training sessions is beneficial for growers on multiple levels. They assist in a better understanding of the audit process as well as properly preparing for the audit, which includes the most convenient ways to keep accurate records and detailed documentation.

Furthermore, the training is structured to be applicable for several audit scheme levels. The Harmonized Standard training is perfect for growers getting their foot in the food safety arena. It’s also the recommended scheme for organizations that currently have been conducting a USDA GAP audit.

For growers needing a globallyaccepted audit, the Primus GFS training will provide the information necessary for a high score.

WPVGA recommends HACCP Certification for all growers as it greatly helps with the risk assessment at each organization and can also be beneficial in documenting food safety plans (a new requirement in the last year).

While going from no audit on file to a globally-accepted scheme is extremely difficult, it’s not impossible with commitment and diligence. However, due to the complexity of this drastic step, WPVGA strongly advises growers to get involved early (even if food safety audits aren’t currently being required of you) and take baby steps toward accomplishing your customer’s stated goals, as well as keeping your markets open.

Dates and fees for the 2015 training are as follows: Primus GFS March 2, 3 and 4, 2015 (3 day class) Fee: $25/person/day plus the cost of the certificate (1 certificate provided for each day) 9am-5pm (includes 1 hour lunch break) HACCP Certification (Required attendance on both days for certification) March 5 and 6, 2015 Fee: $25/person/day plus the cost of the certificate (1 certificate provided for both days) 9am-5pm (includes 1 hour lunch break) Harmonized Standard Session 1 March 10, 2015 No fee 9am-5pm (includes 1 hour lunch break) Harmonized Standard Session 2 (Same info presented as in session 1) March 11, 2015 No fee 9am-5pm (includes 1 hour lunch break) The above prices include lunch, breaks and booklets. All classes will be held at the Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort in Rothschild (805 Creske Ave. Phone: 715-241-6300). Attendees are responsible for their own hotel accommodations.

WPVGA has a block of rooms reserved for each class at a set fee of $70/night.

Registration and payment in full will need to be completed by the 2015 Grower Ed Conference (February 3-5). Growers will be able to pay at Grower Ed, or can simply call WPVGA to take care of it prior.

To reserve space for a class, or for questions, please contact the WPVGA office at 715-623-7683.

GALLENBERG FARMS, INC. W7932 Edison Road Bryant, WI 54418

Foundation and Certified Seed

Dark Red Norlands • Superiors • Red Endeavor (W6002-1R) Goldrush • MegaChips • Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y)

(715) 623-7018 or (715) 627-2906

Fax: (715) 627-2043 • rgallenberg@hotmail.com

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 43

…And Now For the News Bayer Looks for Best Young Sustainable Farmers Bayer CropScience is seeking young agricultural producers that are demonstrating leadership and excellence in the areas of business and environmental sustainability through the 2015 Young Farmer Sustainability Award program.

“Young men and women across the United States are solving great agricultural challenges by implementing innovative, sustainable solutions on their farms,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience North America.

“From making small-scale system tweaks to wholesale operational and marketing shifts, we hear stories every day from farmers who are working 24/7 to make their farms more sustainable by the day.

“The Young Farmer Sustainability Award recognizes and celebrates the next generation of exceptional growers who will lead this industry into the future—a

generation that is critical to meeting the demands of a growing population and protecting our planet.”

several criteria: their entrepreneurial initiative and adoption of new approaches to farming (50%), their environmental and other on-farm sustainability efforts (30%), and their economic stability and sustainability (20%). The winning entrant will receive a state-of-the-art drone with camera, an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 Ag Issues Forum and Commodity Classic, and a scholarship to a Farm Journal learning event in 2015.

Any farmer or rancher age 40 and under who receives at least half of his or her income from farming and farm-related ventures is eligible to apply for the Young Farmer Sustainability Award. To apply, he or she must submit a completed entry form (http://bayercropscience.us/YFSA2015) as well as references from external business colleagues with whom they work.

This is the fifth year Bayer CropScience has sponsored the Young Farmer Sustainability Award, and the sustainability success stories the Award has spotlighted have been impressive.

Previous winners include Bryan Boll of Crookston, Minn., in 2014; Jeremy Jack of Belzoni, Miss., in 2013; John Shepherd of Blackstone, Va., in 2012; and Ryan Kirby of Belcher, La., in 2011.

The award application deadline is January 16, 2015. A panel of industry experts will select a winner in late January, 2015 and the winner will be announced at Bayer’s tenth annual Ag Issues Forum Feb. 2425, just prior to the 2015 Commodity Classic in Phoenix, AZ. Award applicants will be judged on

CETS: The Future of Seed Potato Production is Now! CETS Controlled Environment Phytotrons • Yields zero pathogen potato nuclear stock AstroTubersTM • Thousands of AstroTubersTM from a single plant for initial field multiplication

• Phytotron operation is climate and season independent • Economical operation & production costs

• Unique software for programing optimal environmental conditions • Production of other crops can be developed by special order

AstroTubers

Don’t let the future pass you by!

Contact: CETS, LLC PH 262 246 1799 FX 262 246 1762 E-mail: j_petrick@gbms.us www.cetstech.com

44 January 2015 … Now For The News … continued from pg. 43

Rohde Provides Update on Central Wisconsin Windshed Partnership Program Project Manager Shannon Rohde of the Central Wisconsin Windshed Partnership (CWWP) program provides the following update on the CWWP: “Greetings from the Central Wisconsin Windshed Partnership office located at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station. Here is an update on the program with a summary of events and projects that took place for this past year.

“For starters we had a busy year as we planted 15.4 miles of windbreaks this past spring. Our goal every year is to plant 15.5 miles so we were very close to meeting our mark for business for the year. On top of the windbreaks we also had some other projects we completed. We had a couple of regular open field tree planting projects that we planted; a 4,000 tree planting project in Waupaca County; and one 500 tree planting project in Waushara County. We also did a custom mowing/ maintenance job for two previous windbreak customers who wanted us to continue with the maintenance of those windbreaks beyond our three year maintenance contract.

“Overall survival rate this year was the best it has ever been in the 12 years I have been project manager of the CWWP. Timely rains and the lack of hot weather and dry spells, like we have had in past years, contributed to the high survival rate. This is a major benefit to the program as there will be a lot less replanting to do in the spring, which can take a lot of time and money.

“This summer we had a student intern from UWSP work for us, which worked out very well. The College of Natural Resources was awarded a grant from the Great Lakes Higher Education program. This worked out great as the intern was paid through the college, which helped the Windshed save some

money for our budget. I am hoping this partnership will continue next year and for years to come.

“The CWWP had a booth in the conservation tent and attended the Farm Technology Days this past summer in Plover. This was a nice break from the day to day usual activities as I was able to meet and talk to many different people from all over Wisconsin. The host families (Blue Top Farms/Feltz Farms) were past customers of the CWWP so it was nice to be able to attend this event and meet some new people.

“We are now in the process of making

contacts and taking orders for 2015 windbreak planting projects. If anyone has any interest in our windbreak or tree planting services please call our office to set up an appointment. There may be cost share money available depending on customer eligibility.

There are also some other services we offer as well and they are custom mowing and tilling, prairie and food plot planting. If anyone is interested in any of the services we offer please call our office toll free 1-800-249-5424.”

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JD 9510 Maximizer combine, 4WD, AC, inst. H&S 2606 manure spreader, 540 pto, side Meyer 8720 industustrial spreader, 3rd auger, NH FP230 chopper, small 1000, rear hyd. H&S twin auger HD forage box, 540 pto, left side (2) Gehl 970 forage boxes, 540 pto, 16 ft., seat, bin ext., dbl. chaff spreader, hydro, DAM ext., 2 hor. beaters, rear single beater, ~ 540 lights, 1000 pto, 720 bu., self oiler, 2 vert. rear beat- hitch, lights, new knives, cutter bar & stone, 1 u nload, 18 ft., steel side posts & base runners, rear steel sides, wood base runner, 12 ton gear, left side fore/aft, 30.5L-32 ....................... $64,995 bu., 16.5L-16 tandem axle .......... $13,495 ers, side ext, 21.5L-16.1 tdm axle ...$21,995 yr. old Hornig processor, Metalert III$28,900 hitch, EZ Trail gear, 12.5L-15 6 bolt .... $8,995 conveyor unload, no roof, tdm axle .... $2,900

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Meyer’s 2400 box spreader, 2 rear New Idea 3732 manure spreader, NH 900 forage harvester, big 1000 pto, JD 9400 combine, 2WD, CHA, instruc- Gehl 1065 forage harvester, 2RN Kory 220 gravity box w/12” side ext., Parker 400 gravity box, ~ 400 bu., beaters, 2 hyd. lift cyl., 540 pto, ~ 400 bu., 300 bu., sgle beater, 2 hyd. lift cylinders, hyd. tongue, 12 knives, 990W hay head, tor seat, 185 HP, hydro, 166 bu., bin ext., corn head, hay head, 1000 pto, monitor, lights, rear hitch, Kory 6072 running lights, rear hitch, dbl. left side chute, 425/65R22.5 tandem axle ... $10,900 540 pto, tdm axle, 10R22.5 . $6,995 205/75R15 tandem axle ........ $4,900 30.5L-32 ......................... $34,995 16.5L-16.1 ................Sale $5,995 gear, 11L-15 6 bolt 75% ..... $2,295 Knowles gear, 16.5-16.1 8 bolt $4,995

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NH F62B forage blower, 540 pto, Gruetts 6900 forage box, 18 ft., 540 rubber on rubber rolls, 10 pods, 13 ft. 1000 pto, lights, steel on steel rolls, pto, frt. left unload, H&S 412 gear, 12 JD 4455 CHA, 4WD, 540/1000 pto, NH TM190 190 HP, CHA, MFD susp. Case IH MXM130 Pro CHA, 20F/16R, 4.80-8 ................................ $3,900 cut, 31 x13.20-15 ............... $8,495 15’3” cut, center pivot ........ $6,795 3 pt. w/top link, 3 rems, 148 HP, PS, frt. axle, 4 rems, 540 pto, full PS, NH 540 pto, 3 remotes, 4WD, 105 pto HP, CIH ton ...................................... $8,995 18.4R42 90% w/duals .... $59,995 72LB ldr, grapple & bkt ... $67,995 L760 ldr, 84” bkt .............. $46,995

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THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 45

New “Focus on Potato” Webcasts Discuss Sprouting, Nematode Controls The potato industry never rests. Now that the 2014 potato crops have been harvested, it’s time to make sure that the yields are safely stored—and to plan management strategies for next year’s crop.

To help the potato industry on both of these fronts, the Plant Management Network has published two new ‘Focus on Potato’ webcast presentations.

“Update on Potato Sprout Control,” a webcast by Dr. Nora Olsen, Extension Potato Specialist at the University of Idaho, helps U.S. potato growers and industry personnel understand various sprout control options given the new advances in technology, new sprout control formulations, and more coordinated control programs. It was

Megachip

developed to help users create or finetune their individualized, integrated sprout control programs based on variety, storage conditions, and market.

others are available through the Plant Management Network’s “Focus on Potato” resource, located at www. plantmanagementnetwork.org/fop.

“Root Lesion Nematode on Potato,”

by Professor Ann MacGuidwin at the University of Wisconsin, was developed to help consultants, growers, and other practitioners scout and manage root lesion nematodes, the most common nematode pest in most potato fields. This presentation covers scouting, management timing, the options available to maintain population densities of root lesion nematodes below damaging levels, and the root lesion nematode’s connection to early dying disease.

“Focus on Potato” is a publication of the Plant Management Network. To get the most out of the Plant Management Network’s full line of resources, please sign up for PMN’s free electronic newsletter, PMN Update.

These webcasts, as well as nearly 50

The Plant Management Network (w w w.plant management ne t work. org) is a nonprofit online publisher whose mission is to enhance the health, management, and production of agricultural and horticultural crops.

PMN achieves this mission through applied, science-based resources, like “Focus on Potato.”

Rine Ridge Farms, Inc.

Lamoka

Foundation & Certified Seed Potatoes Marcy

Pike

Specializing in NEW Chip Varieties Nicolet

Dan Rine

Ken Rine

W8132 Hwy O, Bryant, WI 54418 • Email: rinerdg@yahoo.com

715-627-4819 • Toll Free: 1-888-853-5690 • FAX: 715-627-4810

46 January 2015

Check out the Heavy Machinery on Display at the WPVGA

Bushman’s Riverside Ranch Grown in an isolated area – so isolated it’s not at the end of the world, but you can see it from there!

Specializing in Silverton Russets Top Yielder and Fantastic Quality in 2014

Members of the United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin. Keep the acres in check and receive a bigger check!

Brian Bushman For more information, please call:

Brian – 715-454-6911 • Jonathon – 715-454-6201 1-800-635-2230 (In State) • 1-800-833-0329 (Out State) • FAX 715-454-6506

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 47

Industry Show February 3-4, 2015 in Stevens Point!

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

www.ruralins.com As the leading insurer of Wisconsin farms, we recognize that agri-business requires special protection.

After all, your farm operation is your home, your business, and a considerable capital investment.

To protect your livelihood, call 1-877-219-9550 or visit our website and we can show you the variety of coverage’s available to address all your insurance needs.

Premiums Paid Here, Stay Here To Keep Wisconsin Strong.

48 January 2015 … Now For The News … continued from pg. 45

T-L Irrigation Company Celebrates 60th Anniversary Since founding T-L Irrigation Company 60 years ago in Hastings, Nebraska, LeRoy W. Thom has consistently guided the company under the philosophy that “We’re farmers,” emphasizing that T-L’s manufacturing and marketing decisions are deeply influenced by how a farmer would view T-L’s exclusive hydrostatically powered irrigation systems to produce income. T-L Irrigation Company is the only pivot irrigation system manufacturer to use hydrostatic drive rather than electric power.

Although unique to the industry, the hydrostatic design made sense. All farmers are familiar with hydraulics since it is used in every machine they operate. The simplicity of design allows farmers to enjoy exceptional reliability and low maintenance. T-L’s irrigation systems also move continuously, delivering even water distribution, which conserves water and enhances crop production. Additionally, there are the benefits of safety due to the absence of high voltage electricity, drastically reduced chances of copper theft, and the elimination of high repair costs and

in

parts replacement.

Today, T-L center pivots, linear irrigation systems and GPS corner systems are represented by more than 300 dealers

over

70

countries

worldwide.

Reflecting back on the 60 years, Mr. Thom comments that “it has been real fun developing center pivot irrigation.

I can still say ‘We’re farmers’ since most of our employees still have some farm connection, whether engineer, salesman,

or

plant

management.”

Many of our employees are second

VISIT USnsin

at the WisShcoow!

Potato

Happy New Year!

generation and their experience makes a big difference.”

T-L’s

commitment

to

continuous

improvement has resulted in consistent

Your Dealer for Lockwood, Harriston, Mayo, Milestone, Summers, Lemken, Wil-Rich and Wishek Tillage Contact Paul Cieslewicz

715-335-6652

• Full service potato and tillage equipment dealer

product quality, customer satisfaction

• Custom made hydraulic hose assemblies

Precision Mobile Drip Irrigation, GPS

• Fully equipped service truck for on-site repair

8364 Monica Road • Bancoft, WI • Fax: 715-335-6653

and numerous innovations such as navigation corner systems and webbased pivot system controls.

As the company slogan says, T-L Irrigation systems are: “Like no other.”

Position Available:

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 49

WPVGA DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Candidate should have a minimum of three years’ experience in the environmental field. Prior environmental experience with water issues is a key emphasis. Must be a strong communicator and possess good public relations skills.

Individual must be highly motivated with excellent organizational skills. Individual must possess an analytical proficiency, with strong computer skills. A working knowledge of agriculture is needed.

Duties include the following: Act as Association spokesperson for sciencebased sustainable water policy in local, county, regional, and state governmental matters affecting the industry; Coordinate watershed stakeholders and use the watershed science to create understandable, sustainable water policy; Manage water-related local government communication efforts on behalf of the Association; Work with the Association’s existing lobbyists to monitor the actions of state and national legislatures, agencies and other governmental bodies to promote and protect the interests of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry; Work with local, state and federal agencies (DNR, USGS, etc.) and Wisconsin agriculture associations (DBA, Midwest Food Processors, etc.) on water issues in cooperation with the Association lobby team; serve as Research Committee liaison and communicate with current UW researchers; must have the ability to manage and compile current agriculture water use, water level data and watershed research data into understandable summaries.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The WPVGA offers an outstanding benefits package including health insurance and 401K. Send resume and three references to: WPVGA, 700 Fifth Avenue, P.O. Box 327, Antigo, WI 54409. Email: wpvga@ wisconsinpotatoes.com.

Application deadline: January 16, 2015.

Contact John Bobek at: 920-295-9072 tremblingprairie@gmail.com

50 January 2015 … Now For The News … continued from pg. 49

USDA Pesticide Summary Confirms Residues Pose No Safety Concerns USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The PDP summary confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by EPA and do not pose a safety concern. This information can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/pdp.

The 2013 PDP Annual Summary shows that more than 99% of the products sampled through PDP had residues below the EPA tolerances.

Residues exceeding the tolerance were detected in 0.23% of the samples tested. The PDP pesticide residue results are reported to FDA and EPA through monthly reports. In instances

where a PDP finding is extraordinary and may pose a safety risk, FDA and EPA are immediately notified. EPA has determined the extremely low levels of those residues are not a food safety risk, and the presence of such residues does not pose a safety concern.

Each year, USDA and EPA work together to identify foods to be tested on a rotating basis. In 2013, surveys were conducted on a variety of foods including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, infant formula, butter, salmon, groundwater, and drinking water. AMS partners with cooperating state agencies to collect and analyze pesticide chemical residue levels on selected foods. The EPA uses data from PDP to enhance its programs for

food safety and help evaluate dietary exposure to pesticides.

Statement from EPA: “PDP is invaluable to EPA in its work to evaluate pesticide residues in food.

EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based, and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people’s health and the environment.”

Since its inception, the PDP has tested 112 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat and poultry, grains, fish, rice, specialty products, and water.

In 2013, the program expanded to include samples of infant formula, raspberries and salmon.

J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc. N5798 STAR NEVA RD, DEERBROOK, WI 54424 Telephone: (715) 623-6963 • FAX: (715) 627-7245 • Email: jwmattek@gmail.com GROWER & SHIPPER

Foundation and Certified Seed Potatoes

50

Over Years Experience in Seed Production!!

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

Contact: Jim, John or Joe (715)

Whites

Russets

• Snowden • Pike • Atlantic • MegaChip • Lamoka • Accumulator

• Norkotah • Norkotah Line 8 • Silverton

623-6963

THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 51

“My eyes don’t work yet because I’ve been underground this whole time.”

Sowinski Certified Seed Farm Manager: John Hein (715) 369-3225 Paul Sowinski (715) 401-0415 Isolated Growing Area – Foundation/Certified

5818 Fire Lane Rhinelander, WI 54501 Office: (715) 272-1192 Fax: (715) 272-1658

Varieties Grown Atlantic • Nicolet NY138 • Snowden

Sowinski Trucking, LLC has sanitary equipment for your transportation needs.

sowinski@frontier.com

52 January 2015

The Tater Bin

by Justin Isherwood

Justin Isherwood and his wife, Lynn, are potato growers from Plover, Wisconsin.

Homemade Glaciers Mongolia may well be the hottest and the coldest place on earth. Both of the above from the self-same place: fifty below in winter, a hundred and fifteen in summer (as strikes a decent person as unfair of climate to do to one place). The term sadistic comes to mind, though a lot of people think weather is sadistic.

Ulan Bator is in Mongolia, a capital city, population one million. Being of a northern latitude, winters are accepted with a degree of grace and what comforts northern cultures have convened to gain simple comforts. They practice the Russian form of steam bath, rich food, also a pedigree of rural sport requiring ice and snow. Making sport of winter is fundamental in improving its passage. The real problem is the darn hot summers, not just hot but insufferably hot, when if nature had any decency temperatures would be in the 75° range rather than the 105°.

The citizens of Ulan Bator are not the first people to realize climate can screw you coming and going, in this case cold winter, hot summer. One of the more ancient adaptations to this climatological dichotomy is the ice house that pioneer farmers practiced in Central Wisconsin as did beer barons in Milwaukee and meat packers in Green Bay; ice houses to keep them both sane and the beer cold. The trick was to stockpile winter, heap up winter in one spot, insulate it with sphagnum moss or straw and sometime until middle August you have a reservoir of cold. No electricity, no compressor, no Freon.

The city of Ulan Bator wants to refrigerate the whole city, no electricity, no Freon. Their scheme is a hand-crafted glacier.

A jury-rigged, home-built glacier. The Russian word “naled” applies to ultra-thick slabs of ice, in their case ice 25-30 feet thick. Noting how summer nomads to escape the heat of

IN THE FAMILY. IN THE BLOOD. When the second generation of Kaiser Family Farm approached Ruder Ware on leaving the farm to their sons, our experienced team of ag attorneys knew where to begin, and how much a smooth transition meant to them. We know that farms are highly specialized businesses requiring careful planning to minimize potential disagreements and “surprises.” But we also know that to some, a farm is more than just a business. It’s a treasure and a tradition.

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THE BADGER COMMON’TATER 53

Mongolian summer moved their camps near a local river where remaining sheets of ice cooled their camp site.

What the municipality of Ulan Bator is doing is pumping water onto the river surface, day after day throughout the winter. Slowly building up an artificial glacier several miles square. During summer this mass of ice will create a microclimate around the valley of Ulan Bator.

What has attracted world science to this hair-brained scheme is that it might have the potential to save the world’s permafrost regions if global warming causes enough summer heat to thaw the permafrost that catastrophically releases millions of years of accumulated carbon into the

atmosphere. All at once which is the same as thirty years.

This release in turn accelerating climate alteration at an even greater pace. The problem with global warming isn’t that it is happening, the problem is the rate of the event.

Antarctica once had trees and butterflies. The Midwest once was oceanic, none of this came or went in the space of a million years much less 50 years.

Geologists say this municipal project might work, might prove adaptable anywhere temperatures fall below -5°C for a couple of months. Pocket-sized glaciers. About that empty space in your back yard?

Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc.

(715) 623-2689 Reds: • Red Norlands • Dark Red Norlands • Red Endeavor Whites: • Atlantics • Snowdens • Superiors • Pikes • MegaChip • Lamoka Russets: • Russet Burbanks • Goldrush • Silverton • TX296 Norkotah • Russet Norkotah CO8 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

N1435 County D • Antigo, WI • (715) 623-2689

54 January 2015

Advertisers Index ADM............................................... 32 Altmann Construction...................... 49 AMVAC...................................... 28-29 Baginski Farms................................. 33 Big Iron Equipment...........................13 Bula Potato Farms.............................14 BTU Corp.........................................31 Bushmans’, Inc................................... 3 Bushman’s Riverside Ranch.............. 46 Central Door Solutions.................... 23 CETS, LLC........................................ 43 David Fleischman Farms.................. 39 Fencil Urethane Systems.................. 24 Gallenberg Farms............................. 42 Hancock Research Station................10 Jay-Mar.............................................11 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc................... 50 Mark Toyota.................................... 38 Mid-State Truck Service..................... 7 Minnesota Certified Seed..................18 MPB Builders................................... 37 NPC.................................................41 Nelson’s Veg. Stor. Systems................ 2 North Central Irrigation.................... 30 North Dakota State Seed.................. 49 Nutra-Flo/Great Lakes Agri Service.. 55 Oasis Irrigation................................ 40 R&H Machine.................................. 22 Riesterer & Schnell.......................... 34 Rine Ridge Farms............................. 45 Roberts Irrigation............................... 9 Ron’s Refrigeration........................... 21 Ruder Ware LLSC............................ 52 Rural Mutual Insurance.................... 47 Sand County Equipment.................. 48 Schroeder Bros. Farms..................... 53 Schutter Seed Farm............................ 8 Sowinski Farms................................ 51 Swiderski Equipment........................ 44 T.I.P., Inc.......................................... 56 Trembling Prairie Farms.................... 49 United FCS...................................... 36 Volm Companies............................. 25 Warner & Warner.............................. 5 Wick Buildings................................. 51 World Potato Congress.....................15 WSPIA............................................. 35

Mark Your Calendar JANUARY 2015

7-9

9-10

20-22

28

Potato Expo 2015 Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL Contact: NPC 202-682-9456; www.potato-expo.com

NPC Annual Meeting Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, FL Contact: NPC 202-682-9456; or hollee@nationalpotatocouncil.org

47th Annual Idaho Potato Conference & 36th Ag Expo Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID Contact: 208-529-8376

WSPIA Annual Meeting

Edison Club, Antigo, WI Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

Washington - Oregon Potato Conference

27-29

Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA Contact: 509-766-7123

February

3-5

WPVGA Grower Education Conference and Industry Show

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

WPVGA Associate Division Annual Meeting

4

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

5

WPVGA Annual Meeting

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI Contact: WPVGA 715-623-7683

17 Northern Plains Potato Growers Association

Annual Meeting

18-19

Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND Contact: NPPGA 218-773-3633; www.nppga.org

International Crop Conference

Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND Contact: NPPGA 218-773-3633; www.nppga.org

Potato Industry Leadership Institute

19-26

23-26

Washington (state) and Washington, DC Contact: NPC 202-682-9456 or hollee@nationalpotatocouncil.org

NPC Potato D.C. Fly-In Washington, D.C. Contact: NPC 202-682-9456 or hollee@nationalpotatocouncil.org

march

9-12

USPB Annual Meeting The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO Contact: Robin Vest at: rvest@uspotatoes.com

“Your Farming Success is Our Meat & Potatoes” FEBRUA RY 3-4, 2015 Booth # 10-11

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P.O. Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Stevens Point, WI 54481 Permit No. 480

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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