Badger Common’Tater
January 2016
THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
WPVGA Show Issue INTERVIEW: Larry Alsum, Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc.
Volume 68 Number 1 $18.00/year $1.50/copy
ADVERSE POSSESSION LEGISLATION Troubling Impacts for Growers BADGER BEAT 2015 Review, 2016 Goals Auxiliary 40th Anniversary Part 2: 1985-1995
Larry Alsum Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc.
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Badger Common'Tater
On the Front Cover: As spokesperson for Alsum Farms & Produce, Larry Alsum often poses in the company’s fields for photos showing farming activities during the growing seasons.
8 Badger cOMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: LARRY ALSUM, ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE, INC. Larry Alsum scouts potato field blossoms.
Departments: ALI’S KITCHEN.................. 76 AUXILIARY NEWS.............. 60 GROUNDED ........................ 6
30
22
34
40TH ANNIVERSARY
BADGER BEAT
ADVERSE POSSESSION
WPGA 2nd Decade Featured
2015 Review, 2016 Goals Four UW Scientists
Troubling Legislation
Feature Articles:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR..... 6 MARKETPLACE.................. 61 NEW PRODUCTS............... 49 NOW NEWS...................... 44 NPC NEWS........................ 56
38 LATE SCIENTIST with Local Roots Inspires Potato Research
PEOPLE ........................... 48
40 67TH YEAR! 2016 WPVGA Grower Education Conference & Industry Show
POTATO BOARD NEWS.... 57
58 EYES ON ASSOCIATES Upcoming Activities
Seed Piece........................ 63
72 A STROTUBERS™ Cost-saving Phytotrons Help Improve Yields
WPIB FOCUS ................... 56
4
BC�T January
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Plover (715) 341-3445 • 800-236-24 36 Antigo (715) 627-4321 WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Andy Wallendal Vice President: Mark Finnessy Secretary: Eric Schroeder Treasurer: Josh Mattek Directors: Larry Alsum, Steve Diercks, Ron Krueger, Jeremie Pavelski, Gary Wysocki Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Richard Okray Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Cliff Gagas, John T. Schroeder, Tom Wild and Dennis Zeloski WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Chris Brooks Vice President: Wayne Solinsky
Secretary: Steve Bohm Treasurer: Zach Mykisen Directors: Butch Fencil, Cathy Schommer, Sally Suprise, Joel Zalewski Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Ron Krueger Vice President: Eric Schroeder Secretary/Treasurer: Dan Kakes Directors: Bill Guenthner, Charlie Mattek
WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor: Ruth Faivre Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Danielle Sorano Coordinator of Community Relations: Jim Zdroik
Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Paula Houlihan Vice President: Lynn Isherwood Secretary/Treasurer: Gabrielle Okray Eck Directors: Kathy Bartsch, Deniell Bula, Patty Hafner & Sheila Rine
WPVGA Office (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail Address: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com Like Us On Facebook: www.facebook.com/WPVGA
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.”
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. Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 347-3755, or email: Ruth Faivre: rfaivre@wisconsinpotatoes.com. The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands.
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Mark Your
Calendar JANUARY 2016 12-14 POTATO EXPO 2016 & NPC ANNUAL MEETING Mirage Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV 14-15 NPC ANNUAL MEETING Mirage Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV 19-21 48TH ANNUAL IDAHO POTATO Conference & 37th Ag Expo Idaho State University Pocatello, ID 26 MINT BOARD MEETING Gumz Farms, Endeavor, WI 27 AG DAY AT THE CAPITOL Monona Terrace Madison, WI, 29-31 85th WISCONSIN FARMERS CONVENTION UNION The Plaza Hotel & Suites Eau Claire, WI 26-28 WASHINGTON-OREGON POTATO CONFERENCE Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, WA
FEBRUARY 2016 2-4 3 4 17-25 18-19 22-25 28-3/2
WPVGA & UW EXTENSION GROWER EDUCATION CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI (715) 623-7683 WPVGA ASSOCIATE DIV ANNUAL MEETING Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI (715) 623-7683 WPVGA ANNUAL MEETING Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI (715) 623-7683 POTATO INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Grand Forks, ND INTERNATIONAL CROP EXPO Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND POTATO D.C. FLY-IN Mayflower Renaissance Washington, D.C. 2016 NGA SHOW Mirage Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
Grounded Image. That is probably not the first word that comes to your mind when thinking about farmers/growers. However, in an age when agriculture has come under fire from several public and private sectors, image is a word that becomes vitally important. In the past, farmers were the backbone of the Midwest and as the old saying goes, “If the farmers have a good year, so does the local economy.” Farmers were admired for what they brought to the table. That was then and this is now. Today, farmers like many business sectors have become more marketing savvy. I am not talking in terms of crops but rather in regards to marketing yourselves. Larry Alsum, Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc., our feature interview this month, is a great example of a grower who not only embraced the concept of ‘branding’ his company but also recognized the importance of promoting himself and his family along with his products. By sharing a little of yourself and affording the public a glimpse into the ‘human factor’ behind the products, you can start to help overcome the public relations nightmare that now faces the agricultural world. By giving serious thought as to how you present yourself wherever you go and whatever you do, you begin the journey to regaining public respect. Only then, will the public once again begin to realize that the farmer is not their enemy but rather their neighbor, friend, family member and community supporter. It is time to win back America. Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe.
March 2016 7-9 19-22
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Managing Editor rfaivre@wisconsinpotatoes.com
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Interview
Larry Alsum Branding Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. By Ruth Faivre, Managing Editor
Most grower operations become successful by thoroughly understanding the crops they grow and their requirements as well as agriculture in general. They also establish sound fiscal and business operation practices; hiring, grooming and retaining good employees, knowing when and where to sell their crops
and last, but not least, establish an image/ identity or ‘brand’ for their company so that it stands out from the crowd. Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. is a perfect example of all these factors falling into place like clockwork but like many companies, its current entity rose out of crisis. continued on pg. 10
Name: Larry Alsum
BBA - Accounting
Title: Owner, President & CEO
ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Board Member, National Potato Council (NPC), Serving on Executive, Trade Affairs and Finance Committees, January 2011-Present; Board Member, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), February 2010-Present; US Potato Board (USPB), 2002-2008, Served on Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Board for 2007-2008; Member, Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA); Member, National Onion Association(NOA); Member, Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association and Member (WMCA); Served on School Boards for Randolph Christian School and Central Wisconsin Christian School; Member of
Company: Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. CROPS GROWN/ACREAGE: 2,200 acres potatoes – russets, reds, whites, goldens; Rotate land with other growers that grow seed corn, field corn, snap beans, soybeans, etc. LOCATION: Friesland, WI HOMETOWN: Randolph, WI CURRENT RESIDENCE: Friesland, WI YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: May 1981-Present PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: CPA with Houghton, Taplick & Co, CPA’s SCHOOLING: UW-Whitewater; 8
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TOP: Nowhere is Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc.’s branding efforts more recognizable than when a group of employees gather together at events like the one shown above outside Lambeau field, with employees in matching Green Bay Packer apparel also embroidered with Alsum Farms & Produce logos, standing under the Alsum Farms & Produce logo branded tent.
The Gideons International, President of the Portage Camp; Member of First Reformed Church in Friesland; Sunday School Teacher and have served several times on the Church Consistory AWARDS/HONORS: 2014 WICPA Business & Industry Award; 2015 SBA Family Owned Small Business Award; NPC Environmental Stewardship Award; Columbia County Small Business Award FAMILY: Wife – Paula; Sons – Tim, Chad & Noah, Daughters – Heidi & Wendy; Grandchildren: Alexia, Grant, Morgan, Khammi, Madison, Regan, Riley and Aubrey HOBBIES: Travel, Biking, Boating and Triathlons
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Interview. . . continued from pg. 8
In 1981, the original owner, Glen Alsum, of what was then Alsum Produce Inc., a potato and vegetable repacking operation selling to local grocers from a 4,000 square foot warehouse, died tragically in a plane crash. His widow, Linda Alsum, realized she would need help to continue the operation so she approached Glen’s cousin, Larry Alsum, and leave the public accounting sector to assume the reins of Alsum Produce Inc. While Larry had grown up on a family-owned dairy farm, he pursued a different career path upon graduation from college, becoming a CPA for Houghton, Taplick & Co, CPA’s in Madison. Thankfully, Larry recognized the offer as a wonderful opportunity to structure an even bigger business than Alsum Produce Inc. currently was and agreed to come on board as a partner and General Manager.
Subsequently, Larry’s six years of auditing, accounting and tax experience helped shape this one company family business with 10 employees into three companies with over 250 employees and over 345,000 square feet of production, warehouse, maintenance, transportation and office facilities. In 2010, Larry changed the name of Alsum Produce Inc. to Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. to reflect better the company’s long-term growth plans and commitment to locally grown produce. The company continued its growth by expanding their fruit and vegetable offerings; developing innovative, new potato products, adopting
sustainable growing practices and developing a ‘brand identity’ for their company while also helping to build awareness of Wisconsin potatoes. Two generations later with Larry still at the helm as owner, President & CEO and company spokesperson, Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. and its subsidiary companies farm over 2,200 acres of potatoes in the lower Wisconsin River Valley; grow russets, reds, whites, golds, purples and fingerlings and distribute Wisconsin potatoes and onions nationally. Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. also distributes a full line of 300 fruits and vegetables in the Midwest along with locally grown produce. continued on pg. 12
Top Left: When you are looking for someone who should serve as the ‘face’ of your company, you should choose a natural spokesperson: someone who is comfortable talking to crowds, in front of cameras or the press. Larry Alsum, President & CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc fits this role perfectly for his company. Above Right: Larry Alsum knows that every time he gets in front of the camera, he must imbue sincerity, credibility and believability so that viewers will relate to him as a person and appealing messenger. Bottom: The packaging and merchandising bins show how unified every aspect is of the Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. brand. 10 BC�T January
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Interview. . . continued from pg. 10
Sister company, Alsum Transport and its fleet of over 30 tractors and 70 refrigerated trailers deliver highest quality produce to retail and foodservice customers, locally and across the nation. However, the focus of this interview with Larry is not about the sales or agriculture components of this phenomenal growth. Rather, it focuses on a less understood factor but one that Larry’s company has fully embraced, which is developing a ‘brand identity’, that will resonate with their company’s customers, ultimately making them want to do more business with Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. Larry is not just the President & CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc., but also the company spokesperson,
serving as the ‘face’ of the company in its outwards marketing efforts, particularly on promotional and packaging materials. Coming from an accounting background, you most certainly understood quite well, the principles of sound business practices, particularly in financial segments, but how much did you know about the building of a brand image and the advertising, marketing and public relations that it requires to establish a well-recognized brand when you first took over Alsum Produce, Inc.? I probably did not understand how important it was in the very beginning, but as we grew the packing side of our operation and expanded the farming operation, it became apparent that we needed to connect with our customers and
ultimately, the consumer, and create an identity or as you refer to it as “our brand.” At what point did you decide you needed to craft a solid, unified identity through marketing, advertising and public relations for Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. and why did you consider this important to your bottom line? As we grew the business, we decided that we wanted to work as direct with our customers as possible. We had a lot of great customers but we did not always understand why they bought from Alsum versus our competitors. As we observed the consolidation in the produce industry, we knew that we had to invest in market research to understand our customers and the industry better. continued on pg. 14 Top Left: Public relations is an important segment of a company’s marketing and Larry Alsum and his daughters, National Sales & Marketing Manager Heidi Alsum-Randall (center) and Controller Wendy Alsum-Dykstra (not shown) often participate in national potato association events such as this Washington, D.C Potato Leadership Institute hosted by NPC and USPB. Above Right: Participating in local events like this Pardeeville, WI Triathlon using matching Powered by Potatoes shirts, also raises a company’s visibility within the communities you serve.
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Bottom: A well-coordinated booth display like Alsum’s, shown here at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in Atlanta, GA, is a vital element for any company that participates in events and an important visual that communicates who you are.
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Interview. . . continued from pg. 12
Did you handle your branding efforts yourself, hire outside experts or fashion your own, in-house team to develop a marketing/branding campaign as well as determine your target markets? We worked with a marketing agency to develop our brand by interviewing customers and gathering qualitative research that established Alsum Farms & Produce’s brand identity, which includes our logo, tagline, merchandising materials and key messages.
Top: Another view of the strong image portrayed by the Alsum Farms & Produce booth. This was their first day at the PMA Fresh Summit in Atlanta, GA, a great opportunity to showcase Wisconsin potatoes. Below: A strong believer in the advantages of using social media to spread their message, Alsum’s marketing team places images like this one on their Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/AlsumFarmsandProduce, to help promote potatoes’ nutritional value, thereby helping establish the overall value of eating potatoes, a nicely subliminal way to market product.
Today, we work with outside marketing partners and also manage the majority of our marketing, communications and public relations in-house. While developing your branding, did you speak with your target market customers to discover their perceptions of the value of your product, your competitor’s products and what factors drove them to they buy from you or your competitors? If so, how did you use this knowledge in designing your marketing/branding plans?
Yes, we interviewed our customers to gain insights and utilized the feedback to develop our brand position, brand strategy, point of differentiation, value proposition as well as develop our brand elements, which included our logo, color palette and overall look and feel of our collateral and packaging materials. It is important to have a consistent look and feel across all marketing communications materials to build brand awareness in the marketplace. A company logo is always more effective when it includes not just the company name but also an emblem of some kind and a tagline. Whatever you use, a rule of thumb is that your logo should look good on a baseball cap. Your logo/emblem is very distinctive. How hard was it to develop your logo, emblem and tagline and would you recommend having a professional graphic artist involved? Having a distinct logo that reflects one's organization is important to the overall brand. I would recommend having an outside agency help in guiding the branding process; continued on pg. 16
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Interview. . . continued from pg. 15
particularly with developing a logo and tagline, that reflects your company’s values. Recently, Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. Fast & Fresh! 12 oz. MicrowaveReady Potatoes with Olive oil and Seasoning product line was named a finalist in the PMA Impact Award Excellence in Packaging. How important do you consider entering such competitions to your overall branding efforts and would you encourage others to compete in such contests and why? Introducing new and innovative
potato products to the market place is always exciting. We value the opportunity to help elevate the fresh market potato category and submit entries in industry contests to raise awareness of ready-to-serve healthy potato offering to meet the growing trends for fresh foods fast. You have a very active Facebook page. How important do you think social media is towards your marketing efforts and would you recommend that growers participate as well as what drawbacks do you encounter in social media
Left: Alsum Farms & Produce partners with winning teams and recognized brands to implement creative, interactive contests that help elevate sales at retail and build brand recognition. Right: The Alsum Facebook page also posts a continuous array of delicious potato-based recipes, a great way to drive traffic to social media avenues.
Social media is a part of our marketing mix. Like anything, continuously monitoring and engaging fans is a must to provide relevant news and helpful information that fans might find of interest. continued on pg. 18
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Interview. . . continued from pg. 16
We find our fans like to see posts of planting and harvesting at our farm and captive potato recipe ideas for easy meal solutions.
that was our brand. However, the customer research revealed that the Alsum name was much more recognized than our Windmill brand.
If you have personnel on staff to help monitor and engage fans, I would recommend growers to have a page and be on social media to be a part of the conversation. It is best to start with one or two social media platforms and build from there.
It is difficult for a company our size to market both our name and our brand so the decision was made to refocus and make our name and brand the same.
How have your branding efforts affected how your customers, employees and the communities you serve, view you and your company? The response from customers has been positive. The discovery research that was conducted by our marketing firm revealed that the Alsum name was recognized as a leader and trustworthy supplier in the produce industry. We had originally developed the “Windmill” brand and we thought
The response from our customers and the consumers has been excellent. There is a strong desire by the consumer to know who grows the food they eat and we have integrated this strategy into our brand. Part of your branding emphasizes your involvement in the Healthy Grown program and sustainable farming efforts. How do you feel this involvement has benefited your company and would you recommend it to other operations like yours? continued on pg. 20
Top: The Alsum Facebook page keeps readers up to date on seasonal activities in the fields while educating the public on how potatoes are planted and harvested, adding to the interest of the posts on their page. Middle: Larry Alsum’s photo appears on nearly every product to connect consumers to the farmer who is growing their food and build trust and confidence in our food supply. Bottom: Larry Alsum enjoys educating industry and community leaders about Wisconsin Potatoes by giving tours of the packing shed. 18 BC�T January
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Interview. . . continued from pg. 18
We highlight the Healthy Grown Program and our commitment to sustainable farming in our marketing messages to customers. We also utilize the Healthy Grown promotional and merchandising materials to help educate Wisconsin consumers and elevate sales at retail. I would recommend to other growers to be a part of Healthy Grown Program. What role do you believe an agribusiness should play in community and industry events and how important do you perceive that role in fostering relations within those groups? It is important to be a voice for the Wisconsin potato growers. I enjoy educating industry and community leaders about Wisconsin Potatoes by giving tours of the packing shed and serving on 20 BC�T January
Above: Three generations of the Alsum families serve as outgoing, natural spokespersons: Larry Alsum and his daughters, National Sales & Marketing Manager Heidi Alsum-Randall (center) and Controller Wendy Alsum-Dykstra along with four granddaughters Morgan Randall, Madison Randall, Reagan Dykstra and Riley Dykstra. Additionally, the newest granddaughter Aubrey Randall was born on November 30, 2015.
leadership boards representing our industry. As a company, we also donate to local schools, churches and charities for fund raising projects and participate in local parades and community events. What advice would you give to growers who are just now starting to think in terms of how to brand their companies? Keep an open mind. Engage trusted, outside experts to help guide you through the branding process and have in-house staff in place that can help nurture and evolve the brand.
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Badger Beat ANNUAL REVIEW By Leading Scientists
2015 Insect Pest Management Review and Look Ahead to 2016 By Russell L. Groves, University of Wisconsin, Department of Entomology groves@entomology.wisc.edu
Perhaps the most notable insect pest issue during the 2015 crop season was the lack of some specific pests.
One insect pest in particular, the European corn borer, (Ostrinia nubilalis), was at an all-time low this year in the state. Recall that the later immature stages (late 4th or 5th instar larvae) of this pest overwinter inside stalk residue of corn principally, as well as weed hosts and even vegetable stems. In the subsequent spring, the larvae pupate during May and then typically emerge as adult moths in early June. To get an idea of the infestation potential for this pest species in the coming year, the Department of Agriculture in Wisconsin has conducted fall, stalk-surveys in corn now for 74 years! This last season, larval populations decreased to an all-time low, according to these annual fall surveys with an average of 0.02 borers per plant (Fig. 1). Amazingly, numbers 22 BC�T January
of this pest have declined drastically since the registration of transgenic corn amended with the Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin. Another pest that slowly creeps into prominence is the brown marmorated stink bug (Halymorpha halys, BMSB) (Fig. 2). This is an exotic, invasive insect pest native to eastern portions of Asia, and specifically China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The BMSB was first confirmed in
the United States in 2001, with reproducing populations of reported in many eastern states and a few western states including California and Oregon. BMSB has more recently been detected in Midwestern states including Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where it was first detected in 2010. Since its arrival, the insect has been detected in a few counties mostly along the Michigan Lake shore (Brown, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Racine and Waukesha counties) as well as in south-central locations (Dane and Jefferson counties). According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), specimens were collected from 35 more sites in 2015, mostly in Dane, Brown and Milwaukee counties. DATCP also states that the number of new cases in 2015 far surpasses the total of 18 confirmed reports in the previous five years combined (2010-2014).
Left: Figure 1. Mean estimates of the number of larval European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, larvae per plant obtained in statewide surveys, 2014. (Source, Plant Industry Bureau Annual Report 2014, http://datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Plants/pdf/PIBAnnualReport2014.pdf). Right: Figure 2. Adult brown marmorated stink bug, Halymorpha halys.
Based on the number of records originating from the Madison area, BMSB is presumed to be established in Dane County and reproducing populations seem to be well established in these localized areas. Unfortunately, BMSB feeds on a wide range of vegetable, field crop, ornamental and even forest plant species. Many commercially important vegetable and field crops can be at risk, including asparagus, dry beans, green beans, peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, field corn and soybeans. The 2016 cropping year brings more uncertainty for pesticide registrations more so than the pests they control. On November 12, 2015, EPA issued a cancellation order for all previously registered sulfoxaflor products (Closer® and Transform®). This cancellation order is in response to the September 10, 2015, order of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals finding that EPA improperly approved the registrations of these pesticides, and the court’s order became effective on November 12. The neonicotinoid class of insecticides is currently in re-registration review and as a result
of some uncertainties regarding the potential environmental fate and effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly as they relate to pollinators. Mounting evidence suggests that neonicotinoid residues can accumulate in pollen and nectar of treated plants and may represent a potential exposure to pollinators.
kill incidents, have been reported, highlighting the potential direct and/or indirect effects of the neonicotinoid pesticides. Therefore, among other refinements to ecological risk assessment during the registration review, the EPA will now consider new, potential chronic effects of the neonicotinoids to honeybees and other pollinators.
Adverse effects data, as well as bee-
continued on pg. 24
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Badger Beat. . . continued from pg. 23
2015 Wisconsin Potatoes A Year in Review and Projection
By Amanda J. Gevens, Extension Vegetable Pathologist, Associate Professor, UW-Madison, Dept. of Plant Pathology
In general, Wisconsin weather in
2015 offered ideal growing conditions for potatoes. However, the very same conditions also favored some foliar and tuber disease. Most notably, these were late blight, blackleg/ soft rot, and post-harvest blemish diseases silver scurf and black dot. By the first of June, most of Wisconsin’s early planted potato crop had accumulated threshold Disease Severity Values (DSVs) or late blight risk values, which indicate likelihood of late blight infection if the pathogen is present. The first detection of late blight in Adams County occurred on June 23rd. All plantings of potato across Wisconsin had reached threshold DSVs by July 8th. Late blight management required frequent fungicide applications. Currently, we have many fungicide tools available for late blight control, however, selection of specific materials to make an ideal preventive program throughout a long production season is challenging. Syngenta is launching a new late blight fungicide, Orondis, which is a new mode of action fungicide known as oxathiopiprolin (Group U15). This fungicide will provide an additional and highly effective tool for use in an integrated management program. My program will continue to support our industry with Blitecasting, the statewide late blight monitoring program, as well as further epidemiological research and extension programming to
address late blight awareness and management in commercial and non-commercial, conventional and organic, tomato and potato systems. Blackleg, caused most commonly by Pectobacterium atrosepticum, typically makes sporadic annual appearances in WI potato production. However, there was heightened concern with the nature of the bacterial species in 2015 due to detection of another blackleg pathogen genus, Dickeya, in the U.S. Depending upon the species, Dickeya can cause more severe and rapid breakdown of potato plants. The species of greatest concern at this time, is currently being termed Dickeya solani, which was detected in the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, France, Israel, Poland, the UK, Denmark, and Sweden during 2005 to current. This bacterium is believed to be more aggressive than both P. atrosepticum and D. dianthicola. Detection of these pathogen species can be challenging as soft rotted potato tissues are often invaded by multiple bacterial species, making the answer to “who dunnit,” not so straight forward. There are efforts in the U.S. to address the detection, risk, and management of this bacterium in coordination with the National Potato Council. UW-Plant Pathology’s Dr. Amy Charkowski is engaged in aspects of research of this pathogen group. Silver scurf and/or black dot were evident in potatoes at time of harvest
in a number of production fields, especially on red, yellow and purple specialty varieties. The two diseases are sometimes present together and are not easy to differentiate by visual symptoms alone. In cases where reds were left in fields post vine kill for an extended period of time (>2 weeks), symptoms of these blemish pathogens were severe. We continue to learn more about chemical and cultural control measures for these diseases throughout the potato life cycle. Currently, we are developing collections of pathogen isolates, and are running several field and storage studies with various treatments, so that we may better understand the disease and fungicide resistance in multiple commercial locations in Wisconsin. In addition to the previously mentioned disease work, the UWPotato and Vegetable Pathology program continues to develop fungicide programs for potato early blight, common scab, pink rot and Rhizoctonia/Black scurf. As appropriate, we will focus on programs in the production field, as well as in the post-harvest phase of potatoes. We are also working to improve and aggregate online agricultural weather data and disease/pest management tools for the potato and vegetable industries of Wisconsin. continued on pg. 26
24 BC�T January
Badger Beat. . . continued from pg. 24
Are There Better Ways To Assess Plant Nitrogen Status In-Season? By Matt Ruark, Department of Soil Science
The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is a measure of plant greenness and is being studied extensively in corn production systems to guide mid- to late-season N applications.
This requires to things: (1) a crop sensor (handheld or tractormounted) and (2) a reference strip in the field where N was definitely not limiting. The handheld NDVI sensors are easy to use. The operator walks through the field holding the sensor at a consistent height. The NDVI
measures reflectance across the whole crop canopy and the user obtains a value immediately. Having a reference strip that is non-N limiting is essential to know if more N may be required. The NDVI measurement, however, is not well studied in potato production systems. In 2015, at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station, NDVI values were compared against the more popular in-season N assessment method of petiole nitrate-N concentrations. At 45 and 60 days after emergence, both NDVI and petiole nitrate-N was
assessed in a nitrogen fertilizer rate trial on Snowden. As shown in Figure 1, there was a wide range in values of petiole nitrate-N concentrations at both 45 and 60 days after emergence. However, there was not much difference in the NDVI values across these different petiole nitrate-N concentrations, except for when petiole nitrate-N was below 0.1% at 60 days after emergence. Thus, NDVI did not appear to be a sensitive measure across these N rates on Goldrush. This is somewhat expected, as NDVI is a measure of plant greenness and the nitrate-N concentrations in the petiole will decline more rapidly than the overall greenness of the plant if N should become limiting. The NDVI helped with identifying N rates that clearly had run out of N, but was not helpful in identifying plots where additional N may increase yields in the 10-30 cwt/ac range.
Figure 1. The relationship between petiole nitrate-N concentrations and NDVI values for Goldrush in 2015. The samples were collected across a range of nitrogen fertilizer rates. 26 BC�T January
The NDVI may not be able to help with subtle adjustments to N later in the growing season. Of course, more work will be conducted to evaluate its benefit across multiple growing seasons. continued on pg. 28
Badger Beat. . . continued from pg. 26
Weed management synopsis and outlook By Jed Colquhoun, Colquhoun Professor, Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin
Likely the most significant happenings in
Several restrictions have been proposed in the diquat reregistration process, including limitations to the rate and number of applications, but by far the proposed application timing restrictions are most concerning for potato growers.
In late March of this year, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) confirmed that linuron herbicide, sold as Lorox and Linex 4L, cannot be used on sand or loamy sand soils or soils with less than 1% organic matter.
The EPA draft risk assessment indicated that diquat use might need to be limited to fall and winter months, effectively eliminating use as a potato vine desiccant in our production region.
potato weed management during the 2015 growing season occurred in regulatory offices and not in the field, and the potential impact of these actions will be felt well beyond the 2016 growing season.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) further clarified that these restrictions are to protect groundwater. On other soils where use is allowed, linuron is a valuable tool for control of problematic weeds such as common ragweed and Eastern black nightshade and to reduce the risk of selecting weeds resistant to the few modes of action available in potatoes. Additionally, linuron has been a crucial tool for carrot weed management. In response, we initiated several research projects to investigate the potential to expand options for control of these and other weeds in potatoes and rotational vegetables. The initial results have been promising as we have been able to maintain weed control as well as crop yield and quality, but covering the spectrum of weeds encountered across Wisconsin remains a challenge. These studies will continue in the 2016 growing season. News on the regulatory front continued with notice in September that restrictions to the use of the herbicide diquat are proposed as part of the national reregistration evaluation. Every 15 years the EPA is required to reevaluate pesticide registrations. Diquat has been a mainstay for potato vine desiccation for many years, speeding up vine kill and enhancing skin set and stolon separation. Additionally, diquat may reduce plant disease risk by eliminating green plant tissue in the field and limiting pathogen entry into tubers through solid skin set. 28 BC�T January
The potato industry and research community entered many public comments reflecting the potential impact of such a restriction, so stay tuned! In the meantime, we have been investigating several alternative vine desiccation systems that will speed up vine kill and enhance skin set. Our work has targeted early season potato vine desiccation as the most challenging scenario, when vines remain healthy and actively growing. We will continue this work in research and commercial settings in the 2016 season. Finally, weed resistance continues to be a major threat to Wisconsin specialty crop production. We now have glyphosate resistant weeds in the state, including horseweed, giant ragweed, Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp. Palmer amaranth is a relative newcomer to potato production areas in Wisconsin but is an extremely aggressive weed that produces many thousands of seeds. These weeds are challenging to manage in any setting, so be sure to integrate and diversify weed management options to protect the few tools we have left in specialty crops. Additionally, scout fields for escaped weeds, paying particular attention to those that are normally controlled by the herbicide in question. In light of regulatory and resistance risks, we will continue work in 2016 to expand weed management options in potatoes and rotational crops. Top: Palmer amaranth in a Dane County field. Note the elongated seed heads that contain many thousands of seeds per plant. Photo courtesy Vince Davis.
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Auxiliary Moves Full Spud Ahead Second Decade (1985 – 1995) By Paula Houlihan, Auxiliary President The enthusiasm and dedication of the women who made up the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) did not wane in the second decade of this organization. If anything, it exploded.
do to support our industry and its family farms to match the changing times.
With the momentum created by the women before them, WPGA expanded into new areas of promotion and education.
The world overall was changing. In 1987, the world population hit 5 billion people. Home computers and the beginning of the worldwide internet made the world a smaller place. Global information was now at everyone's fingertips.
While the organization saw the outgoing of its earlier officers and members, it gladly welcomed in more women who brought with them new vision for what this organization could
More women were entering the workforce and time became an important commodity. Convenience was key and fast food went hand in hand with this new way of thinking.
30 BC�T January
With the increasing popularity of the microwave oven, this era also brought a new way of cooking to the family kitchen. Nutrition took second place to quick and easy. As a result, fast food, prepackaged snacks and processed foods become new staples in the American diet. Potatoes had come to be considered by the public as boring fare and inconvenient to cook, not to mention fattening. Farmers were experiencing growing opposition to agriculture in general due to what the public perceived as pesticide contamination from the use of agricultural chemicals potentially affecting our air and groundwater. Top: Early on, the Auxiliary created a mascot, Penelope Potato, to help educate youngsters about the merits of potatoes, like this group of Boy Scouts.
Left: Gerri Okray was a strong supporter of the Auxiliary’s cookbooks and the author of Badger Common’Tater’s What’s Cookin’ column. This photo is from a 1991 Cooperative Partners magazine article that discussed Gerri Okray’s position as the first woman to serve on the National Potato Growers Board in 1989. Right: Sonya Stevens (L) and Ruby Gebhardt (R) are shown in the scrubbing room where the potatoes are prepared for baking.
Now more than ever, education and promotion were greatly needed to correct the misunderstandings and misinformation that was permeating the media and the public view of the potato, our agricultural heritage and the Wisconsin potato industry as a whole. WPVGA, its associate organizations and the Auxiliary worked together to address these issues. PROMOTIONAL/EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS WPGA expanded its reach and efforts to educate the public through a variety of promotional programs and activities, including the development of its first Educational Program, “Team Up to Unmask Potato Secrets.” It was a family focused curriculum package intended for use by Family and Consumer Education classes and Home Economics teachers of middle-school students. The program emphasized team building skills and lesson plans which taught the history of the potato, nutritional facts and potato information, recipes, dietary knowledge, environmental
information and food safety facts. The newly released All American Potato Cookbook achieved nationwide attention in this decade through newspaper and magazine coverage, including an article in which Gerri Okray was touted as the “Spokeswoman for Spuds.” To meet the increasing demand from fair goers for baked potatoes and changes in state building code and fair requirements, WPGA updated their baked potato booth in the newly remodeled Ag Products Building at the state fair grounds. A ribbon cutting ceremony highlighted the grand opening of the new booth.
Gerri Okray, while on the Auxiliary Board, was elected the first woman member of the National Potato Board. She also represented the Auxiliary and the Wisconsin Potato Industry as a member of the Women in Agriculture Delegation, which visited Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Personal connection was one of many effective strategies used by the Auxiliary to give a “face” to the potato industry in an effort to educate people about Wisconsin potatoes and promote its growers. Dozens of dedicated women made personal appearances at trade shows and community events, gave continued on pg. 32
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BC�T January 31
Auxiliary Moves Full Spud Ahead. . . continued from pg. 31
interviews to newspaper, magazine, radio and television reporters and served as outstanding ambassadors for the Wisconsin potato industry. Over the years, WPGA and their mascot Penelope Potato attended many events and visited organizations, conventions and shows too numerous to mention, all in an effort to educate the public on the nutritional value of Wisconsin potatoes, promote our wonderful industry as an important economic
asset to our state and herald our growers as good stewards of the environment. REMEMBERING OUTSTANDING MEMBERS The Auxiliary acknowledged outstanding members of their second decade who were awarded the honor of “Auxiliary Member of the Year”:
1986 - Anita Polzin 1987 - Debbie Wolter 1988 - Avis Wysocki and Dianne Somers 1989 - Gerri Okray and Sadie Bushman 1990 - Barbara Bushman 1991 - Kathy Baginski
1983 - Pat Diercks
1992 - Ellen Wysocki
1984 - Arlene Malek
1993 - Caroline Wild
1985 - Harriet Wysocki
1994 - Chris Anthony 1995 - Jane Zdroik The Auxiliary takes pride in accomplishing so much in the promotion of the potato industry during this deacade. The early emphasis on public education remains a key focus to this day. Top Left: Arlene Malek (L) and Anita Polzin (R) promote Wisconsin potatoes at the 10th annual Agri-Business Breakfast by sharing the nutritional value and importance of potatoes in the everyday diet with visitors to their booth. Right: WPGA’s mascot Penelope Potato visits Schofield Elementary School Bottom: The 1985 Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors. First Row L-R: Treasurer Ruth Danczyk, President Anita Polzin, Vice President Debbie Wolter, Secretary Elaine Kizewski. Second Row L-R: Pat Jilek, Arlene Malek, Kathie Baginski, Barb Pavelski and Frances Gallenberg.
32 BC�T January
Early projects such as the State Fair baked potato booth continue to be an important part of the Auxiliary's annual calendar of events, brought forth through the dedicated efforts of their volunteer members. Today’s Auxiliary remains an energetic, dedicated and creative organization, whose primary goals are to support, promote our industry and encourage the purchase and consumption of Wisconsin potatoes. They work with and are honored partners of WPVGA, its Associate Division and Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association.
continued on pg. 26 Top Left: The Team Up to Unmask Potato Secrets program was part of a curriculum to educate middle schoolers about Wisconsin potatoes. Top Right: In the Auxiliary’s second decade, many members brought the Wisconsin potato message to other nations such as Gerri Okray who attended a Women in Agriculture tour to Spain Morocco and Portugal. Bottom: During the Auxiliary’s second decade, a new State Fair Baked Potatoes booth was created and was very well received by patrons, young and old.
COMPANIES
BC�T January 33
ADVERSE POSSESSION LEGISLATION By Ronald Kuehn, DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C.
The principle of “adverse possession” of real estate is one that exists
in all 50 states and has a history that extends back to the Roman Empire. The concept is used in Wisconsin as a convenient device to resolve land ownership disputes that inevitably result from misplacement of fences and misunderstanding of property lines.
acres of land across Wisconsin. There are thousands of adverse possession situations that extend beyond the 20 years, which would all be grandfathered, even if these bills pass.
In essence, the principle of adverse possession is based in the ancient concept that “possession is 9/10 of the law.” Without adverse possession, the open and adverse use of another person’s real estate, even for decades, would be subject to challenge forever by the “real title” owner, even though there had been no complaint by that owner over an extended period of decades.
However, hundreds, if not thousands, more situations have not “matured” for 20 years and therefore would be terminated by the passage of this legislation.
Wisconsin’s adverse possession laws between private property owners typically require open and adverse use of private property for 20 years and require the same in most instances for open and adverse use of public property (provided that a fence is maintained).
The result will be that eventually a survey or title search will take place that will reveal the adverse use, and after the passage of these bills, the building that is in the wrong place or the fence line that is incorrectly located will have to be removed or the “real owner” will have to be compensated.
There is legislation currently pending in the Wisconsin Legislature that would significantly reduce or entirely eliminate the principle of adverse possession as it relates to private property owner disputes with other private property owners. What they would replace it with is the concern (more litigation, battles of competing surveys, etc.). Agriculture is opposed to these proposed legislative changes 34 BC�T January
(see ‘A’). We believe that adverse possession is a principle that works well in resolving these disputes. Adverse possession cannot be achieved without, in most cases, two decades of open adverse use of a property, which would seem sufficient for a person who was the “real owner” to complain and terminate the adverse possession by the encroaching party. Agriculture owns about 14 ½ million
A. Summary of Senate Bill 344 and Assembly Bill 465 – Adverse Possession of One Private Property Owner v. a Neighboring Private Property Owner 1. Summary: To their credit, these bills “grandfather” what we call
“mature” adverse possession claims. These are claims that have existed for 20 years or more in regards to private v. private ownership of property. The bills would however, end all “immature” claims, for example, claims of 19.5 years, would be terminated at the moment of passage of this legislation and signing it into law. 2. Issues for agriculture: For the less than 20-year old claims, inevitably there will be sheds, buildings, fence lines, etc. that invade a neighbor’s land which may currently be acceptable to both parties but which will have to be dealt with in the future, when they are discovered. These uses will not be protected by adverse possession, as it has existed since Wisconsin statehood. The legislation only protects a “principal building” (whatever that
for these situations.
is) that is openly and adversely across a neighbor’s property line. 3. Situations most affected: Adverse possession issues for agriculture are, in most instances, going to be fence lines, but in some instances, there will be issues of sheds, buildings and even residences affected by this legislation. The legislation poses very serious risks
4. Estimated effect on Wisconsin agriculture: The big question is, what do we replace adverse possession with, if it is taken away? If your shed, fence line, etc., encroaches on your neighbor’s land and you have a cooperative neighbor at such time as that continued on pg. 36
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Adverse Possession. . . continued from pg. 35
immature adverse possession claim is discovered, then perhaps there is no negative result. However, if your neighbor is uncooperative, after passage of this legislation, that neighbor can “hold you up” for the value of the real estate that is taken or at the very least require it to be moved. If your adverse possession situation happens to involve a building, then you have a very big and expensive problem. 5. SOLUTION: The only solution to the above is the defeat of these bills in the Legislature. B. Summary of Senate Bill 314 and Assembly Bill 459 – Adverse Possession of Public Property v. Private Property 1. Summary: These bills address all adverse claims by or against
public property (town, county, municipality, State of Wisconsin). The bills protect adverse possession claims that have “matured,” in most cases extended for a period of 20 years. For all “immature” adverse possession claims, the claim of adverse possession, now and into the future, is lost by private property owners but retained by encroaching public property owners. That is patently unfair. Fortunately (see below), this issue appears to be headed toward an acceptable resolution. 2. Situations most affected: These public lands bills will mostly affect farmers who abut on county forestland, state forestland, public right-of-way or some other municipal park or similarly owned public land.
So, for farmers abutting on those public properties, this bill is meaningful. As noted above, all immature claims of adverse possession are terminated. 3. Agriculture Moves from Opposed to Neutral: The political will is very strong to change adverse possession as it applies to private v. public lands issues. The Wisconsin Counties Association, the Towns Association and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities are all working hard to secure passage. Agriculture has succeeded in securing an amendment to these bills that “levels the playing field” between private property and public property interests. That amendment would terminate both immature public and private adverse claims (as noted above, the bill in its original form retained immature public claims and terminated private claims against public property). This resolution of the issue has caused all of agriculture to move to a “neutral” position and not oppose passage of these two bills. It should be noted that if one of these bills were to fail to pass, then we would likely see public boundary surveys proliferate across the state. Municipalities have asserted that they have a “public duty” to identify adverse claims before they mature. The amendment to the bill and resulting bill passage will significantly reduce the likelihood of new surveys to identify immature adverse claims and the resulting demand to private property neighbors to vacate public lands. Passage of the bills may result in municipalities to allow, “sleeping dogs to lie,” maybe for a very long time.
36 BC�T January
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LATE SCIENTIST WITH LOCAL ROOTS INSPIRES POTATO RESEARCH
Forsythe, who started the company in Meridian with his father, Darol Forsythe, in 1990. “He had a passion for science, a passion for teaching and a passion for people.”
By Holly Beech, hbeech@mymeridianpress.com
Zalewski grew up on a potato farm in Wisconsin and where his brother, Ron Zalewski, is still located.
Every year in June when the potato plants bloomed, Jacqueline Zalewski would receive a bouquet of the blossoms from her husband, Jim.
He continued to work with potatoes all his life, but instead of growing them, he researched them. After earning a doctorate in plant pathology, he moved out West to teach and continue his research. He joined 1,4GROUP in 2009.
Even after Jim died of pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2014, Jackie came home one day to find a potato blossom bouquet waiting for her on the front porch — a request Jim had made of his fellow researcher at work. Now, Jim’s memory will live on not only in sweet moments like that one, but at the research center in Meridian where he helped advance 38 BC�T January
agricultural research. The company where Jim worked, called 1,4GROUP, creates products to stop harvested potatoes from sprouting, allowing farmers to store their potato harvest throughout the year without losing it to rot. The company revamped its research center this year with state of the art potato storage research bins. The center was named after Jim Zalewski at an October 7 ceremony. “Jim came in with a wealth of understanding of potatoes,” said 1,4GROUP general manager John
“I’m so proud of him, because he loved the work that was going on here,” Jackie said at the ceremony. “Even though he left the farm, he stuck with the potatoes.” The ceremony fell on Jim’s birthday, which is also the day he was diagnosed with cancer three years ago. He would have been 70 years old this year.
RESEARCH The research bins at 1,4GROUP can hold up to 15 tons of potatoes. The new upgrades to the bins allow Addie Waxman, the company’s senior scientist who worked under Zalewski, to monitor closely the conditions of the potatoes in the bins. “I believe we are, as a research facility, we’re the most modern research storage areas in the country right now,” she said. Alerts on her phone and watch tell Waxman when the temperature in the bins is too high or low, or when there is too much carbon dioxide, which might mean the potatoes are stressed and rotting. “I get so much information from the bins that I didn’t get before,” she said. “People forget the potatoes are alive, they’re not little brown rocks. They respire and they heal themselves after they’ve been wounded, and so they’re very much a living system.” 1,4GROUP sells a product called 1,4DMN, a bio-pesticide that is found in the peel of a potato. The chemical basically tells the potato to sleep, halting it from sprouting. “If you didn’t do anything, you would lose half your crop,” John Forsythe said. “It all sprouts, and it’s just of no commercial use.” Forsythe said 1,4GROUP registered 1,4DMN in the United States in the 1990s and the company is exploring new ground in this type of research.
1,4GROUP, based in Meridian, Idaho, recently modernized its research center to advance potato storage techniques. The company, founded in 1990, brought to market a bio-pesticide that is found in the potato peel and keeps the potato from sprouting while in storage.
“We’ve got two new products that are in the mill right now that we’re working on — completely novel that’s never been tried before,” he said. “We’re starting to experiment with them.”
said. “He saw something in me and mentored me, and now I’m getting a Ph.D.”
A FAMILY
“Jim loved young people and he wanted to support agriculture through young people,” Waxman said. “We go to the local high schools, to the Future Farmers of America club that they have, and we bring in kids. We have had about eight kids pass through the doors since Jim worked here, in our internship program, and they have gone on to jobs at Syngenta and Walmart, getting their degrees in agriculture.”
1,4GROUP employs about 17 people at its warehouse, research center and distribution facility at 2269 E. Commercial St. in Meridian. The company works with farmers around the world. “It’s a small group, and we’re definitely a family,” Waxman said. Waxman said Zalewski hired her after she had been out of the workforce for 11 years to raise her kids and had spent 18 months unsuccessfully looking for work. “I applied here, and Jim gave me a chance. I’m so grateful for that,” she
Zalewski also invested in local students.
Jackie said she feels fortunate to still be part of the 1,4GROUP family, and she is proud that her husband’s legacy will live on through their research.
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2016 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Education Conference & 67th Industry Show February 02-04 Holiday Inn Convention Center
Register today to attend the 2016 UW Extension & Wisconsin Potato
Registration-Form-Individual-2016fillable.pdf) and return it with payment to WPVGA, PO Box 327, Antigo, WI 54409.
Growers attending the conference will have the opportunity to get a head start on the season with expert market outlooks, research reports, information on new technologies and agribusiness advice.
If more than one person from the same company is attending, please use the Group Registration Form (http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/ admin/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ Registration-Form-Group-2016fillable.pdf). If you have questions, please contact the WPVGA Office at (715) 623-7683.
& Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and Grower Education Conference and 67th Industry Show on February 2-4, 2016 at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
The conference will feature an excellent slate of speakers and presentations and it is a great place for growers to get the advice, tips and insights that will give them the edge they need in today’s tough business climate. The conference’s annual Industry Banquet is the premier social event in the Wisconsin potato industry with great food and beverages, camaraderie and good times! In addition to the annual industry awards, there will be drawings for
cash prizes as well as a Grand Prize drawing for a 40-inch LCD television (must be present to win). This year, Piano Fondue, a dynamic and interactive dueling piano group, will be performing at the banquet following the awards ceremony. CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS To register, for the conference, please complete Individual Registration Form (www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/ admin/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/
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RESERVE ROOM NOW A block of rooms is reserved for conference and show attendees at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center. The room rate is $97 single or double. Please use this link to reserve your room and take advantage of this rate. For those of you who prefer to make reservations over the phone, please call 715-344-0200, press (3) and refer to block code PVG. The room block availability and special pricing will expire January 31, 2016. Make plans now to attend this valuable event. Please note that Conference registration rates will increase after January 15, 2016 so register today! CONFERENCE PROGRAM DETAILS:
CONFERENCE PROGRAM DETAILS
2016 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Conference Tuesday, February 2, 2016 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point WI
General Session Expo 1 and 2 (Moderator Tamas Houlihan)
Time 7:30-8:20 am
Registration
8:20-8:30 am
Welcome and opening remarks - Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Antigo, WI
8:30-9:00 am
Outcomes of the Little Plover River Modeling Project: Potential for Expansion into the Central Sands - Ken Bradbury, Director and State Geologist, Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey, Madison, WI.
9:00-9:30 am
Using the Little Plover River Model to Test Water Management Scenarios and Impacts - James Drought, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., Waukesha, WI.
9:30-10:30 am
Morning Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session
10:30-11:00 am
Evolution of Wisconsin's High Capacity Well Review Process and Challenges Moving Forward - Larry Lynch, Hydrogeologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI
11:00-11:30 am
To be determined (TBD)
11:30 am-12:00 pm
Update on the National Acrylamide Project - Paul Bethke- University of Wisconsin - Horticulture.
12:00-1:15 pm
Lunch: Legislative Update - (1) Ron Kuehn, DeWitt Ross & Stevens, (2) Feeding America Update
Breakout Sessions
Expo 1 Water Quality (Moderator Troy Fishler)
Expo 2 Water Resource Conservation (Moderator Jeff Wyman)
Sands/Spruce Nutrient Management (Moderator Matt Ruark)
1:30-1:50 pm
TBD - Phosphorus management and TMDLs - interactions of municipalities and agriculture
Robert Smail - Establishment of irrigation standards
Brendon Rockey - Healthy soils through cover cropping
1:50-2:10 pm
Joe Baeten - Nutrient management and agricultural runoff
Mallika Nocco - ET and consumptive water use in different crops
Matt Ruark - Approaches to mitigate nitrogen leaching in sandy soils
2:10-2:30 pm
AJ Bussan - Managing nutrients in mixed dairy and vegetable production systems
Bill Bland - Soil water tension and content for initiating irrigation
TBD - Influence of nitrogen rate and application timing on potato productivity
2:30-3:30 pm
Afternoon Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session
Breakout Sessions
Expo 1 Genetic Pest Management (Moderator Russ Groves)
3:30-3:50 pm
Michael Crossley Genetics of Colorado potato beetle resistance among locations.
AJ Bussan - Deficit irrigation of potatoes and processing vegetables
Lance Snodgrass / Felix Navarro Wisconsin Fresh Market Varieties, locations and performance
3:50-4:10 pm
Justin Clements Knocking out resistance mechanisms in Colorado potato beetle
John Panuska - Precision irrigation technologies and irrigation scheduling
TBD
4:10-4:30 pm
Russ Groves - Foliar applications of genetic pest control options
Mack Naber - Measuring depth to groundwater - sources of variation in the Central Sands
Jeff Endelman / Mike Copas Proposed changes to the SPUDPRO program and variety licensing and distribution
4:30-6:00 pm
Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and WPVGA Associate Division Reception
Expo 2 Water Resource Management (Moderator Ken Schroeder)
Sands/Spruce Variety Improvement (Moderator Jeff Endelman)
BC�T January 41
2016 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Conference Wednesday, February 3, 2016 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point WI General Session Expo 1 and 2 (Moderator Jeff Wyman)
Time 8:00-8:30 am
US Potato Board Industry Update - Blair Richardson, Chief Executive Officer USPB and Sarah Reece, Global Retail Marketing Manager
8:30-9:00 am
The Late Blight Pathogen, a National AFRI funded Perspective - William Fry, University Professor, Cornell University
9:00-9:30 am
Dickeya dianthicola, an Emerging Pathogen in Seed Potato Production - Amy Charkowski, Professor, University of Wisconsin.
9:30-10:30 am
Morning Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session
10:30-11:00 am
Wisconsin Law on Late Blight Management, Implementation of State Mandates - Brian Kuhn, Director, Plant Industry Bureau, Wisconsin DATCP.
11:00-11:30 am
Effective Use of Fungicide Tools for Late Blight Control In Potatoes - Jeff Miller, President, Miller Research, Rupert, ID.
11:30 am-12:00 pm
Update on NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard: Implementation, Management and Training Judy Derricks, State Resource Conservationist, NRCS, Madison, WI.
12:00-1:15 pm
Lunch - (1) John Keeling, NPC, and (2) Industry Appreciation Awards
Breakout Sessions
EXPO 1 Late Blight Management (Moderator Amanda Gevens)
EXPO 2 Market Development (Moderator Dana Rady)
SANDS/SPRUCE Wisconsin Muck Meeting (Moderator Ken Williams)
1:30-1:50 pm
Amanda Gevens - Late Blight management Sources of Inoculum
Deana Knuteson -Selling Healthy Grown Potatoes Locally / Results of the Buy Local / Buy Wisconsin
Jeff Endelman, Potato varietal selections and performance on muck soils
1:50-2:10 pm
Jeff Miller - Phosphorus acid treatment for potato late blight control in the field and in storage
Paul Mitchell - Implications of GMO Potato - Oversupply, Buyer Restrictions and Concessions in Acreage
Russ Groves - Potential biological insecticides for control of onion insect pests
2:10-2:30 pm
William Fry - Refining late blight management with the Decision Support Systems
Dana Rady - TBD
Jed Colquhoun, Weed management in muck grown potato
2:30-3:30 pm
Afternoon Break - Visit Exhibit Hall/Poster Session
Breakout Sessions
EXPO 1 Disease Resistance (Moderator Ken Schroeder)
EXPO 2 RMA's New Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program
3:30-3:50 pm
Shelley Jansky - Improved disease resistance using Marker Assisted Selection
3:50-4:10 pm
Felix Navarro / John Couture - Disease surveillance using remote sensing platforms
4:10-4:30 pm
Alex Crockford - Economic Impacts and Impediments to the Development of a National Seed Law
5:15-6:00 pm
Social Hour
6:00-10:00 pm
WPVGA Associate Division Banquet
42 BC�T January
(1) Margaret Krome - Policy Program Director, Michael Fields Inst., (2) Harriet Behar, Senior Organic Specialist, MOSES and (3) Roxann Brixen, Operations Unit Manager, Great American Insurance. Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) insurance basics, eligibility and paper-work requirements, premiums, subsidies and incentives for diversified operations
SANDS/SPRUCE Wisconsin Muck Meeting (Moderator Ken Williams) Julia Crane - Factors influencing surface disorders in muck grown potato including black dot and silver scurf
Ann MacGuidwin - Nematode management
Amanda Gevens - Stemphylium pathogen in dry bulb onions
2016 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Conference Thursday, February 4, 2016 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point WI General Session
Time
Expo 1 and 2 (Moderator Walt Stevenson)
8:00-8:30 am
Jeff Endelman, UW Horticulture - Potato breeding and varietal improvement
8:30-9:00 am
Matt Ruark, UW Soil Science - In-season assessment of nitrogen status and need in selected varieties
9:00-9:30 am
Ann MacGuidwin, UW Plant Pathology - Nematology and plant protection
9:30-10:00 am
Amy Charkowski, UW Plant Pathology - Soft rot and common scab resistance in potato
10:00-10:15 am
Morning Break
10:15-10:45 am
Russ Groves, UW Entomology - Optimizing pest thresholds for insect control.
10:45-11:15 am
Jed Colquhoun, UW Horticulture - Weed management and resistance
11:15-11:45 am
Amanda Gevens, UW Plant Pathology - Integrated disease management systems for potato
11:45 am-12:15 pm
Felix Navarro, UW ARS - Potato variety and advanced germplasm selection
12:15 pm
Adjourn - and Thanks for your Attendance and Participation
1:00 pm
WPVGA Annual Meeting
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Now News Gowan Company, L.L.C. to Acquire Global DNA Business from Dow AgroSciences LLC Company Expands its Herbicide Portfolio to Include Dinitroanilines Gowan Company, an Associate Member of Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the entire global dinitroaniline (DNA) herbicide portfolio from Dow AgroSciences LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW). The acquisition includes global product registrations, trademarks, including Treflan®, Edge®, Team®, Bonalan® and Sonalan®, intellectual property and labels for herbicides based on the molecules trifluralin, benfluralin and ethalfluralin. A formulation and packaging facility in Sturgeon County, Alberta, Canada, is also part of the transaction, which
is expected to close by year-end 2015. Agreement and financial terms were not disclosed. DNA herbicides were one of the first families of selective soil herbicides and have been a part of weed management programs for over a half century. The global DNA business to be acquired by Gowan has a broad regulatory presence with active registrations in 22 countries including the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and parts of Europe. These products provide proven control of annual grasses and small seeded broadleaf weeds in a wide range of crops including cotton, beans, canola, cereals, crucifers, cucurbits and vegetables.
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Juli Jessen, Gowan Group CEO, remarked, “We are enthusiastic to be able to acquire these proven products in this critical era for herbicide resistance management. The products are particularly significant for us in Canada and Europe where our growing sales force is centered on extending the utility of herbicide programs.” “And, we are grateful for the opportunity to defend and evolve the DNAs for niches that have long been our sweet spot, such as vegetables and turf,” Jessen continued. “This move is part of Gowan’s continued efforts to deliver solid chemistry to help solve our customers’ needs.” “These products have been essential to modern weed control, and our sale of the DNA business doesn’t diminish this history as we look to the future and invest in innovative and differentiated products,” said Ramiro De La Cruz, Vice President, Crop Protection, Dow AgroSciences. Gowan and Dow are committed to working together to ensure a seamless transition of this business for all stakeholders. About Dow AgroSciences
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Dow AgroSciences discovers, develops and brings to market crop protection and plant biotechnology solutions for the growing world. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Dow AgroSciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company and had annual global sales of $7.3 billion in 2014. Learn more at www.dowagro.com. Follow Dow AgroSciences on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.
2016 Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit The sixth annual Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit date is set for March 4-5 at the Madison Marriot West in Middleton, WI. Registration for the premier women’s event is now open and available online. Register by the February 3 early bird deadline to save $25 on the conference fee. The final registration deadline is February 26. To register and for more information, visit www. wiagwomenssummit.com.
The event’s opening session will include a multi-generation panel of women in agriculture discussing important topics to women and the agriculture community, moderated by news reporter, Amy Pflugshaupt. Closing keynote speaker Jerry Apps will engage attendees through his story telling and share tips on how to capture personal farm family stories.
The Summit will kick off with the announcement of the 2016 AgVocate of the Year. The award will recognize a Wisconsin Ag woman who has gone above and beyond to tell the story of Wisconsin agriculture with those around her.
Fifteen additional breakout sessions will address farm-focused business topics including: succession planning and trusts; consumer conversations; agriculture legislation; farm safety; Ag efficiencies; insurance education for young adults and those planning ahead for assisted care; and online safety.
Sponsoring the award is Wisconsin agriculture broadcaster Pam Jahnke, the Fabulous Farm Babe.
Lighter topics include eating and feeding busy farmers and family on the go; straw bale and container
New grading line! Accurate sizing to meet your needs!
gardening; hosting a farm tour; DIY farmhouse projects; and tips on planning and maintaining a beautiful landscape. The Wisconsin Ag Women’s Summit is an event planned by Badgerland Financial, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and the University of Wisconsin – Extension. A full agenda, registration details and hotel information for the Summit are available at www.wiagwomenssummit.com.
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Now News. . . continued from pg. 45
Deere to Acquire Monosem Europe’s Precision Planter Market Leader Deere & Company said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Monosem, the European market leader in precision planters. The purchase includes the company's four facilities in France and two in the United States. "Through this action, we continue to build on our leadership position in precision agriculture," said
John May, President, Agricultural Solutions and Chief Information Officer. "Monosem is admired for its innovation and success in precision planter technology that helps farmers increase production. Acquiring this market leader positions John Deere to serve more customers worldwide.” Deere does not plan to change the
independent nature of Monosem. May said the business will retain its own brand and trademark and will leverage its own operational strengths. Monosem remained a family-owned enterprise through three generations since it was founded in 1948. The acquisition of Monosem, May added, helps accelerate John Deere's market reach in precision planting equipment and adds engineering expertise to develop further planting technology. "We remain focused on helping our customers increase their productivity," he said.
Seats Available on WPVGA Board There will be two new seats available on the WPVGA Board of Directors beginning in February of 2016. Board members serve a three-year term and are limited to two consecutive
three-year terms.
Inc., Deerbrook, District 1, are both completing their first terms, and are eligible for re-election.
In February of 2016, board members Larry Alsum of Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland and Jeremie If you are interested in serving on the Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Inc., WPVGA Board or have suggestions Hancock, both in District 3, will have for nominations, please contact the completed six years on the board; 1/6th WPVGA Page office or any current WPVGA therefore, they are not eligible for board member. Elections for these re-election. Board Vice President four board seats will take place at Badger Mark Finnessy of Okray Family Farms, theCommon’Tater WPVGA Annual Meeting set for Plover, District 2, and Treasurer February 4, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Josh Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, in Stevens Point.
Seats Available on Associate Division Board December 2015 January 2016
L-9004: 189.2 ACRES ON COUNTY ROAD M SOUTH OF WHITE LAKE, being almost all under cultivation. Previously used for potato cash cropping. There are three (3) separate tower irrigation pivots with gps and wells so that all of the land can be irrigated. Land was used for the season and has been plowed. $650,000.00 For more information, contact
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46 BC�T January
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are eligible for re-election: Treasurer Two new seats are available on per Ruth the WPVGA Associate Division Zach Mykisen of Big Iron Equipment, Board beginning in February. Board Plover and Sally Suprise of Ansay & members serve a two-year term and Associates, Neenah. are limited to two consecutive twoIf you are interested in serving on year terms. the Associate Division Board or have In February of 2016, current board suggestions for nominations, please President Chris Brooks of Central contact the WPVGA office or any Door Solutions, Plover, and Butch current WPVGA Associate Division Fencil of Fencil Urethane Systems, board member. Wisconsin Rapids will each have completed four years on the board; therefore, they are not eligible for re-election.
Two other current board members are completing their first terms, and
Elections for these four board seats will take place at the Associate Division Annual Meeting set for February 3, 2016 at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point.
There will be a position available on the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors in February of 2016. Board members serve a five-year term and are limited to one five-year term. Current WSPIA Board President Ron Krueger of Eagle River Seed Farm will
have completed his term of service on the board and is not eligible for re-election. Krueger served an extra year on the WSPIA board, as he was appointed to complete the term vacated by Dan Hafner. If you are interested in serving on
the WSPIA Board or have suggestions for nominations, please contact the WPVGA office or any current WSPIA board member. Elections for this board seat will take place at the WSPIA Annual Meeting set for February 10, 2016 in Antigo at a location to be determined.
Industry Award Nominations Sought WPVGA is currently accepting nominations for the annual industry awards, which will be presented at the annual Industry Show Banquet on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point. The WPVGA will present awards
in the following categories: Hall of Fame, Young Grower of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Researcher of the Year, Agri-Communicator and Industry Appreciation. The Associate Division will present an award to the Business Person of the Year.
If you would like to nominate someone for any of these awards, please contact a WPVGA board member, WPVGA Associate Division board member, or the WPVGA office. t
t
Position Available on WSPIA Board
Committed to Excellence
COLORADO LAB & GREENHOUSE
CODY, NEBRASKA SEED FARM
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State-of-the-Art Facility in Colorado City Isolated from Other Potato Production Innovative Nutrient Film Technology “Ready to Grow” Minitubers
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YOUR INTEGRATED SEED SOLUTION MINITUBERS CONTACT Elizabeth.Sanders@CSSfarms.com | 719-676-2791 EARLY GENERATION SEED CONTACT Laurie.Widdowson@CSSfarms.com | 308-236-4064 BC�T January 47
People
(L to R): Reinke President Chris Roth; Paul Roberts, John Herman and Casey Kedrowski of Roberts Irrigation Company and Reinke North Central Territory Manager, Rich Miller
Roberts Irrigation Garners Recognition Top Ten Reinke Dealership in North America Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc. recognized Roberts Irrigation Company, Inc., Plover, WI, as one of the top ten highest selling dealerships throughout the United States and Canada, in acknowledgment of the company’s marketing year success.
Roberts Irrigation was honored during Reinke’s recent annual convention held in November in Dallas, Texas where Reinke dealerships from across the United States and Canada gather each year to attend the company’s sales convention.
Roberts Irrigation was also designated the ‘Highest Selling Dealership’ in the North Central Territory, a ‘Top Five’ parts dealer, a ‘Top Five’ sprinkler retro dealer and received a ‘Gold Reinke Pride’ award.
The convention awards ceremony recognizes select Reinke dealerships for their hard work and dedication to sales and marketing throughout the past year.
“We congratulate Roberts Irrigation on this well-deserved recognition,” said Reinke Director of Marketing Tom Palmertree. “We appreciate their ongoing commitment to Reinke and to their agricultural community.” 48 BC�T January
The Reinke Pride awards are determined as part of an incentive program that distinguishes superior achievement levels according to an evaluation based on a dealership’s exterior and interior housekeeping and maintenance, indoor and outdoor
displays, safety, retail environment, merchandising, professionalism, promotions and event participation and market share. ABOUT REINKE Headquartered in Deshler, Neb., Reinke Manufacturing Company, Inc. is one of the world’s most recognized manufacturers of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Since 1954, Reinke has developed products designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies. Reinke is a continued leader in industry advancements as the first to incorporate GPS, satellite-based communications and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management. For more information on Reinke, or to locate a dealership, visit www.reinke.com or call 402-365-7251.
New Products All-New Ford F-650/F-750 at Scaffidi Trucks Ford, America’s truck leader, sets a new standard in medium-duty commercial work trucks with the all-new Ford F-650/F-750 – the toughest, great value and work-ready Ford medium-duty trucks ever. The new F-650/F-750 joins America’s broadest commercial vehicle lineup, delivering an impressive combination of commercial-grade quality, capability and convenience that now includes segment-exclusive Ford gasoline and diesel engines, outstanding performance at an affordable price, and comfortable and modern interiors.
Vehicle Sales & Marketing. “The same Ford engineers who developed the best-selling F-Series have designed this all-new medium-duty lineup that can meet the demands of our toughest customers with trucks that are costeffective, ready for work, and, most importantly, can help keep them going on the job.” The Ford F-650/F-750 anchors Ford’s Commercial Truck lineup – America’s best-selling line of commercial trucks for 29 years – giving vocational customers an unmatched one-stop shop to meet their needs, from a Class 1 Ford Transit Connect cargo van to
F750 in stock in Stevens Point.
a Class 7 Ford F-750 tractor rig. Every truck and van in the Ford Commercial Truck lineup will be all new or significantly refreshed in the next 18 months. The Ford F-650/F-750, which will be 2016 model year trucks, will be available spring 2015. Offered in three cab styles – Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab, and three models – straight frame, dock height and an all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy towing, the new F-650/F-750 features a bold look continued on pg. 50
Built Ford Tough: Fully designed by Ford Truck engineers, robottested over taxing durability courses, 500,000+ miles of harsh dynamometer engine testing at extreme power levels and temperatures, and built in the USA. Great Value: Ford 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine and Ford TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission enhanced for medium-duty use with great power, performance and fuel economy, backed by unsurpassed warranty and national network of more than 3,000 Ford service centers Work-Ready: All-new, upfit friendly chassis developed in cooperation with leading industry body makers, clean chassis capable of accommodating vocational bodies with little to no modification, and all-new dedicated tractor model for heavy trailering “Every day, we’re thinking of new ways to better serve our hard-working customers,” said John Ruppert, general manager, Ford Commercial BC�T January 49
New Products. . . continued from pg. 49
inside and out. It also offers a powerful and efficient second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel, medium-duty six-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission and a host of unique features not found on any other medium-duty truck. The 2016 F-650/F-750’s new exterior styling commands attention on the
road with Built Ford Tough looks that also help deliver improved functionality. The all-new mesh grille framed by hallmark Ford nostrils helps improve airflow for optimal cooling performance. Also new are sharp fenders, aerodynamic headlamps and F-650/F-750 badges embossed in
New 2016 Ford F-150 Truck SuperCrew Cab at Scaffidi Motors Scaffidi's newest lineup of the newest Ford Tucks on the market spotlight the 2016 Ford F-150 King Ranch and 2016 F-350 Lariat. Scaffidi Ford, winner of the Ford Presidents Award is located off HWY 51 and Hwy 66 in Stevens Point, WI. The 2016 Ford F-150 is the first of its kind to have the body and bed made from high strength, military grade aluminum alloys. The Steel Frame is the strongest it has ever been on an F-150.
all new Segment-first Pro Trailer Backup Assist, SYNC 3 voice-activated technology. The 2016 Ford F-150 is first in class with a 360-degree camera with splitview display, remote tailgate release and inflatable rear-seat outboard safety belts. Best in class, gas EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 26 MPG, max towing capacity of 12,200lbs. and a max payload capacity of 3,270-lbs. The 2016 Ford F-350 has a max towing capacity of 26,500lbs, max payload of 7,050-lbs.
The future of Tough is engineered to be more capable than ever with
Ford’s advance technology was built to make towing easy. To help you
December
2015
THE VOICE
INDUSTRY & VEGETABLE S POTATO Number 12 OF WISCONSIN' Volume 68
iew Issue Annual Rev Inc. INTERVIEW: t, Del Monte Foods, Warren Beebou ION EMPLOYEE RETENT Industry Ag in the Challenging BADGER BEAT Choir Preaching to the
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The area behind the cab was redesigned to more easily accommodate custom work bodies, such as tow truck, dump truck and ambulance bodies.
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handle all the weight, Ford utilizes the trailer sway control. In addition, when on an incline the standard hill start assist helps by maintaining the break pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to get up hill. It also offers features like an in-bed 7-pin connector and PowerScope trailer tow mirrors. Arriving next year is the all-new 2017 Super Duty line up with an aluminum alloy body frame with more details to come. For more information on any Ford F-Series at Scaffidi Ford, Stevens Point, contact us at (715) 344-4100 or www.scaffidicars.com.
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Goodyear Rolls New Steer Tire into Fuel Max Lineup Available at Schierl Tire & Service Center Fleets now have a new premium steer tire, the Fuel Max LHS, which features a multi-layered 18/32 treaddepth, tread design, which along with other features, improves casing integrity and contributes to even wear and longer miles to removal. The outside tread shoulder compound is designed to protect the pressure distribution groove from tearing, which also promotes more even wear. The tread also has penetration protectors, which along with the steel-belt casing package, help resist stone drilling and ultimately improve retread ability. The new LHS steer tire joins the
Fuel Max LHD G505D drive tire in Goodyear's premium low-rollingresistance tire lineup. LHD G505D was designed to improve fuel economy by incorporating fuel-efficient compounds, tire construction and tread designs to lower the rolling resistance of the tires. The new features include a highlysiped center rib and lateral grooves for better all season traction and Goodyear's Tredlock technology, which contains interlocking microgrooves and a wide tread to help stabilize the tread. The G505D has 24/32 tread depth. Both tires are SmartWay verified.
For fleets, the quickest way to reduce your operating cost is to reduce your fuel consumption. That is what Goodyear Fuel Max LHD G505D/Fuel Max LHS combination is designed to do, while at the same time delivering other benefits important to long haul fleets. Goodyear says a new trailer tire to compliment the new premium steer and drive tire will be unveiled later this year.
continued on pg. 52
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valleyirrigation.com BC�T January 51
New Products. . . continued from pg. 51
New Anchor Package Helps Center Pivots Irrigate More Land Growers today must maximize cropland to get the highest possible yield. For many growers, this means irrigating land that may be difficult to reach with traditional center pivots. Valley® Irrigation is expanding its Bender product line with a new anchor package that extends the reach of irrigation machines even further. Valley Bender products allow a center pivot to bend and wrap around infield obstacles, irrigating the acres behind it. The new Bender Anchor allows growers to use Benders on longer machines, up 2,000 feet after the Bender, as well as on rough or
rolling terrain, to irrigate even more acres. Only Valley offers an anchor for its bending units because only Valley pivots have the strength to handle long Bender machines, said Valley Irrigation Vice President of Global Marketing, Matt Ondrejko. “Our studies found that growers can increase their profits by at least $300 per acre in Nebraska, just by irrigating more of the land they already have,” Ondrejko said. “The new Bender Anchor extends those irrigated acres at a low per-acre cost, improving yield and profit.”
Learn more about Valley Benders and the new Bender Anchor at www. valleyirrigation.com. About Valley Irrigation Valley Irrigation founded the center pivot irrigation industry in 1954, and our brand is the worldwide leader in sales, service, quality and innovation. With historical sales of more than 200,000 center pivots and linears, Valmont-built equipment annually irrigates approximately 25 million acres (10 million hectares) around the world. We remain dedicated to providing innovative, precision irrigation solutions now and into the future. For more information, please visit www.valleyirrigation.com.
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 whats important to you, call 1-877-219-9550 or visit our website and we can show you the variety of coverages available to address all your insurance needs.
Premiums Paid Here, Stay Here To Keep Wisconsin Strong.
52 BC�T January
NEW DESIGN-IT! 3D™ WEB APP for Designing Post-Frame Buildings DESIGN-IT! 3D™ by Wick Buildings Inc. is a free, easy to use threedimensional post-frame building design application that is available on WickBuildings.com. The application allows website visitors to start with a pre-designed building and customize it to their personal needs using many options and features. When the user is happy with their design, they can save it and share it with their friends, family and business associates via social media and email.
when someone is thinking about a new building. DESIGN-IT! 3D provides anyone with a simple to use tool to get the dream out of their head to a place where they and others can see it,” added Mr. Farquhar. In continuous operations since 1954 and with more than 72,000 buildings completed, Wick Buildings provides post-frame structures for agricultural, dairy, equine, residential storage, municipal, commercial and light industrial markets. Wick Buildings are
“DESIGN-IT! 3D provides an immersive experience that allows the user to fly around the building in three dimensions while they add features, change colors and even adjust the slope of the roof.
sold by independent builders, and built by independent builders and Wick crews who live and work in their local communities. If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Jeff Farquhar, please call Bret Buelo at 608.795.1599 or email bret.buelo@wickbuildings.com. continued on pg. 54
Ventilation
They can view each side and even step inside the building to view external features such as doors and windows from within the building,” described Jeff Farquhar, Wick Buildings’ President. “This new tool will make it easy for someone to create and visualize their very own building.” Using DESIGN-IT! 3D to create a postframe building is easy – just follow these four steps: Step 1: Go to WickBuildings.com
• Ventilation
Step 2: C lick on the DESIGN-IT! 3D graphic
• Humidification
Step 3: Start designing your own post-frame building by picking one of the designs shown
• Climate Control
Step 4: U se the Customizing Panel to make changes and add options. “Planning and design work cannot start too early the in the process
• Refrigeration 47418 US Highway 10 • Perham MN 56573 BTU Ventilation 218-346-3357 Toll Free: 888-884-8070 www.btucorp.com BC�T January 53
New Products. . . continued from pg. 53
Big Iron Equipment Can Help Cover Your Assets Whether a farmer voluntarily chooses to use cover crops to reduce erosion and maintain soil health or whether it is to comply with increasingly stringent government regulations, Big Iron Equipment plans to make covering the largest farm asset, its soil, easier for its customers. Departments of Agriculture all over the nation, including Wisconsin, are instituting programs and regulations aimed at safeguarding land and water resources. In response, many farmers now incorporate best practices to address these issues particularly since they see a benefit through increased yields and decreased input costs.
“We are excited to offer more choice in tools to our customers to help them accomplish the goals they have set out for their farms,” said Scott
Growing Quality Seed For 62 Years!
Doyle, Salesperson at Big Iron. “With the addition of the Valmar product line at our business, we now offer more choice in implement mount and pull-type granular applicators for herbicides and seeds as well as the exceptionally accurate metering available on all Valmar products.” Valmar’s patented Airflo metering system adjusts ‘on the go’ to ensure a uniform application rate regardless of ground speed. Sixty settings allow farmers to select from more settings at closer increments. This feature translates into more control over application rate providing substantial savings in fertilizer costs.
Left to right: Sid, John, Jonathan, Carl, Nick and Cliff. Derived from Meristem Culture Try our Very Uniform and High Producers Rigid Sanitation Program in Field and Storage LINE SELECTIONS Long Rotations on Isolated Fields on Russet Burbanks, Modern Air and Humidity Control in All Storages All available Seed Generation II & Generation III Umatillas and Teton Russet A beautiful, smooth crop
SCHUTTER SEED FARM 3627 Wooden Shoe Rd., Manhattan, MT 59741 Sid: (406) 539-6478 John: (406) 580-6446 Nick: (406) 539-6125 Cliff: (406) 580-6818
54 BC�T January
“Add that to the ability for half-width application on either side of the implement and farmers have real ability to control the seeds or amount of micro-nutrients being applied to their land,” continued Doyle. Salford and Valmar have a longstanding relationship of quality cooperative engineering, culminating in Salford acquiring Valmar in May of this year. Big Iron Equipment is located in Plover, Wisconsin. Contact Scott Doyle at (715) 498-7551.
John Deere Streamlines Precision Ag Capabilities Generation 4 CommandCenter Premium Activation John Deere introduces new precision Ag solutions with Generation 4 CommandCenter™ Premium Activation. The offering combines the three most commonly used applications from the GreenStar™ 3 2630 display – AutoTrac™, Documentation and Section Control – along with vehicle functionality, through the on-board 4600 CommandCenter-integrated display. Premium Activation is available on 7R and 8R Series Tractors, plus 6R Series and 9R Series Tractors. “This latest update to our precision ag solutions capitalizes on the positive feedback we’ve received on the redesign of the CommandCenter,” says Jarred Karnei, tactical marketing manager at John Deere. “The 4600 CommandCenter gives customers the ability to capture more accurate data while making it easier to manage, document and transfer that data. Ultimately, this allows them to make more informed input decisions that directly enhance the operation of machines and improve the yield, productivity and profitability of their operations.” The Generation 4 CommandCenter Premium Activation integrates a number of different applications, including Section Control, which provides customers with potential input savings by minimizing skips and overlap, and, according to an Auburn University study, can save customers an average of 20 percent or more on inputs for planting and fertilizing. Another popular application offered with the Premium Activation is AutoTrac machine guidance, which includes new software updates that
help improve production. For example, operators are now able to shift AB curves radially at any point in the curve, offering more flexibility to customers with waterways, terraces and other obstacles in the field. The Documentation feature rounds out the key functions available through the 4600 CommandCenter integrated display. With Documentation, operators can manage and track a variety of applications; including capturing and recording all field operations. Also available in the Premium Activation is Wireless Data Transfer, which uses JDLink™ Connect to enable efficient wireless information flow from the machine to the John Deere Operations Center, helping to limit data loss by eliminating the need for manually moving data on a USB flash drive.
“Customers can now quickly change items when they switch fields, and double-check field, machine and prescription attributes all from a single convenient location,” Karnei adds. “All of these new features in the 4600 CommandCenter help make operators more efficient while increasing their productivity and data management capabilities.” The Generation 4 CommandCenter Premium Activation is now available for factory and field-installed orders. For more information on the upgrades and other innovations from John Deere, see your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com/Ag.
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 • Custom made hydraulic hose assemblies • Fully equipped service truck for on-site repair
8364 Monica Road • Bancoft, WI • Fax: 715-335-665 BC�T January 55
NPC News NPC Supports FAST Act On Thursday, NPC and 87 other national, regional and state organizations sent a letter to every member of Congress in the House and Senate in support of H.R. 22, Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. NPC is pleased to announce that the measure, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), passed the House by a vote of 395-65 and the Senate
by a vote of 83-16.
on their tables.
The bill will provide $305 billion for improvements to U.S. roads and bridges. NPC believes that this will positively impact growers who rely on their produce arriving to its destination fresh and in a timely manner.
The bill includes language authored by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and supported by the potato industry requiring the Department of Transportation to collect data on the cargo handling performance of ports. This data will allow a more rigorous evaluation of the possible impact of strikes and work slowdowns on port performance.
Repairing deteriorating infrastructure will ensure that consumers will have the best possible product
WPIB FOCUS Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison Month
Jul-14
Aug-14
Sep-14
Oct-14
Nov-14
Dec-14
Jan-15
Feb-15
Mar-15
Apr-15
May-15
Jun-15
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,618,594.66
584,167.62
1,071,362.65
3,145,808.22
2,930,799.68
9,350,732.83
Assessment
$97,295.75
$35,049.99
$64,101.70
$188,748.83
$175,821.97
$561,018.24
Jul-15
Aug-15
Sep-15
Oct-15
Nov-15
Month
Dec-15
Jan-16
Feb-16
Mar-16
Apr-16
May-16
Jun-16
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,679,466.61
553,089.04
813,734.14
2,731,844.59
3,574,243.15
9,352,377.53
Assessment
$100,717.55
$33,240.32
$48,851.85
$163,910.77
$214,454.02
$561,174.51
NEW 2016 Heavy Spec. Chassis N9 / 315 HP, 3000RDS-6 Speed Allison Transmission, HMX-400-52 Suspension, 14/40,000 Lb. Axles, 236� WB, All Steel Wheels, 70 Gallon Fuel Tank
CALL FOR PRICING! 56 BC�T January
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Potato Board News USPB Retail Program Receives Progressive Grocer’s Category Captain For the second year in a row, USPB was recognized by Progressive Grocer as a Category Captain. Each year, the Progressive Grocer’s Category Captain Competition recognizes companies that have conducted outstanding category management programs throughout the year. This year, the USPB was recognized for work done as a part of the Category Optimization (CO) program, a nine-month program developed in partnership with a selected retailer, to adopt one or more of the USPB’s identified best practices and measure the sales results. During the latest CO program, the USPB worked with a retail partner from May through November 2014. Following the test period, the impact of the program within a three-
store test group was measured by Nielsen Perishables Group, who also projected what the impacts would have been if activities had been implemented chain-wide. The program included in-store signage, recipe cards, circular ads, deli and bulk potato promotions and in-store demonstrations. The CO program was a success at the test stores, driving market share gains and generating incremental sales for the potato category. Total shopper trips to the potato category increased by 0.4% and total spend per trip increased $0.06 per trip from the prior year, with trips increasing significantly for smaller potato varieties. Overall, market share gains in the
test stores resulted in $16,349 in incremental sales. If all stores for the retailer gained potato market share at the same rate as the test stores, they would deliver over $3.2 million in incremental sales. Taking a multi-faceted approach was successful in this study. It is important to work with your retailer on tactics that meet their needs and increase category sales. In this test, marketing tactics that focused on single potato types were more effective at driving market share increases; bulk potato promotions, featuring all varieties, were effective in driving sales growth; and featuring potato salads in the deli was a great way to increase sales velocity and market share, especially during the summer months.
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www.unitedfcs.com BC�T January 57
EYES ON ASSOCIATES By Associate Division President, Chris Brooks, Central Door Solutions, LLC
Season's greetings to all. January brings a start to another year of
The Associate Division is proud to be able to provide this opportunity to our organization.
I hope the holiday season treated you well and you were able to spend some well-deserved time away from the normal everyday calling, with friends and family.
Please set aside time to join us at this year’s Conference and Show.
business. It is time to put the past year behind us and forge yet another path to prosperity.
With the turning of the calendar, we head into a busy period in the Associate Division. The Annual Grower Education Conference and Industry show is coming up the first week of February. This year's event brings some great additions to the excellent breakout sessions and seminars you have come to expect. The 2016 Industry Show will be the biggest ever with even more booths than last year.
and much more: • Large flat screen TV • iPad • Autographed Aaron Rodgers official jersey We will also be giving away 1/42 Scale model Lenco Harvester toy collectibles during lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.
During the show, all attendees can register for a chance to win two $250 cash prizes, with one drawn at the annual Associate & Seed Reception and then the other at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 3rd.
Something else new and very important this year, the National Farm Medicine Center will be giving free skin cancer screenings on Tuesday, February 2, in the Bayba room of the Holiday Inn, located near the WPVGA registration booth. Please see the WPVGA registration staff for any questions.
A silent auction area will be set up in the Amber Grill hall area with a huge selection of auction items including these special selections
I strongly advise anyone that has not been recently checked to take this opportunity to do so. Skin cancer can be sneaky and unfortunately deadly.
58 BC�T January
As I mentioned last month, we will close out the week with an entertaining banquet like you have never seen before. Piano Fondue, two skilled singer/piano players will duel to your requests amid a stellar light show in one highenergy performance. What a night it will be! Save the date, golfers! The annual Associate Division Putt-Tato Open will be returning to Bull’s Eye Country Club in Wisconsin Rapids on July 13, 2016. After a terrific outing in 2015 with extremely positive feedback, it was an easy decision to return. Those interested in sponsoring the event in any capacity, please contact Julie Braun in the WPVGA Office. I would like to give a highly respected farewell to Associate Division Board member, Steven Bohm of Wisconsin Public Service, who resigned from the board upon his retirement from the Potato Industry.
Steve was an important contributor of the board in recent years and will be missed. Former board member Dale Bowie of WPS has been appointed to his board seat and will finish out the term. Dale is a highly respected and experienced member of WPVGA and we are fortunate to have him. Please remember, if you at all are interested in becoming an Associate Board member, we are currently taking nominations for the elections to be held on Wednesday, February 3, at the Annual Associate Division meeting. I close this month by reminding you that we welcome your input. If you have any ideas, questions or concerns involving the Associate Division, please contact me or a board member listed below. Your voice can only be heard if you use it. See you all in February!
Current Associate Division Board: President Chris Brooks, Central Door Solutions, LLC; Vice President Wayne Solinsky, Jay-Mar, Inc.; Secretary: Steven Bohm, WPS Agriculture Dept.; Treasurer: Zach Mykisen, Big Iron Equipment; Cathy Schommer, Badgerland Financial; Butch Fencil, Fencil Urethane Systems, Inc.; Joel Zalewski, Insight FS and Sally Suprise, Ansay & Associates.
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!! White Chip Varieties • Snowden • Pike • Atlantic • MegaChip • Lamoka • Accumulator • Beacon Chipper
WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES
Contact: Jim, John or Joe (715)
russets • Norkotah • Norkotah Line 8 • Silverton
623-6963 BC�T January 59
Auxiliary News Educating Consumers for 40 years By Lynn Isherwood
The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) has for its entire 40-year existence, worked on educating the consumer about the healthy potato. These efforts are focused toward adults as well as kids. The Wisconsin Agribusiness Foundation prints and distributes a workbook about Wisconsin Agriculture to all fourth graders in the state. “Potato pages” in this workbook feature potato history, information about how potatoes grow and sometimes, puzzles with potato nutrition answers many of which also appear in the Wisconsin State Fair Activity Book. The Auxiliary also developed the School Food Service packet, which
was distributed to all schools in Wisconsin. It focuses on how to use potatoes wisely in the school lunch programs with suggestions for setting up a Baked Potato Bar as well as basic potato cooking guidelines using conventional and convection ovens. Numerous quantity recipes are included and each year new ones are added, the last few years on a flash drive for convenience. An ongoing project is the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program in which students are encouraged to grow potato plants in their classroom focused on the 4th grade level. There are lesson work pages in geography, writing, science and other
areas included on the supporting web site as well as a video from “Into the Outdoors” featuring the growing, nutrition, harvesting and fun facts about the potatoes presented in a lively script by students of middle school age. This has been a fun project for the Auxiliary. We provide seed potatoes to whatever classrooms want to participate in the program. Some classrooms receive a gift card to help defray costs of materials such as pot, soil, grow light and shelving units. A few lucky winners are rewarded with a Harvest Party with games and prizes as well as some fun lessons, all presented by members from the Auxiliary. It is a true hands-on learning experience and lots of fun too. The other major educational project is the Auxiliary’s partnering in the SpudMobile. The Auxiliary helped decide how the SpudMobile would look and what should be included.
M.P.B Builders, Inc. From Planning through Completion Commercial • Residential • Agricultural Design and Construction of:
The SpudMobile travels around to schools and events all over the state helped in many areas by Auxiliary members. 654 E. OSHKOSH STREET RIPON, WISCONSIN 54971
Phone: 920-748-2601 1-800-782-9632 Fax: 920-748-4829
Post Frame • Stud Wall & Steel Buildings
www.mpbbuilders.com 60 BC�T January
In addition, our very new cookbook “Wisconsin Potatoes Just for Two” is still hot off the press. Just as it sounds, its recipes with scrumptious pictures make you want to cook just for two. As you can see, the Auxiliary continues to be tireless in educating about Wisconsin potatoes.
Marketplace WPVGA to Discontinue Offering VPN for Produce Traceability Initiative By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education In the spring of 2013, Walmart sent a letter requiring compliance for Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), by the end of that year and at the latest, the beginning of 2014, in order to continue supplying them. Shortly after the proper software and hardware was in place at growers’ facilities and on their computers, WPVGA embarked on offering a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, as a way to access remotely, the GTINs of shipping organizations such as Alsum Farms and Produce, as well as Bushmans’ Inc. This service was made available
through Rackspace, and has been successfully living up to its purpose for the past year in making it easy to access the GTINs, because of Walmart’s PTI requirement.
Consequently, the username and password issued to you by WPVGA, which you currently use to log into the WPVGA-provided VPN, will be useless as of January 31, 2016.
This said, however, the anticipation of other retail chains to require PTI has been slow even though many have expressed it is only a matter of time.
If you are a current user of WPVGA’s VPN through Rackspace, and you supply Alsum Farms and Produce and/or Bushmans’ Inc., you will need to reach out to them to learn of their respective systems regarding GTIN communication moving forward.
Given this uncertainty, and the ability to utilize alternative methods until another VPN is needed, WPVGA will be discontinuing the offered VPN with Rackspace, effective January 31, 2016.
Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station
Should you have additional questions, please contact me at 715-623-7683 or drady@wisconsinpotatoes.com. continued on pg. 62
University of Wisconsin– Madison, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
The Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station would like to thank the following companies for their support and collaboration during the 2015 field year: AMVAC
Benzel Soil Services
Bula Potato Farms, Inc.
Case IH/Service Motor Company
Crop Production Services—Plainfield
Eagle River Seed Farm
Insight FS
Merry Crop Care
Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems
Nortrax—Monico
Reisterer & Schnell
RPE, Inc.
Sowinski Farms
Syngenta
T & H Agri-Chemicals
UW-Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm
Dick Weber
Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
WPVGA Associate Division
Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association
BC�T January 61
Marketplace. . . continued from pg. 61
2016 Food Safety Training Fast Approaching Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable industry has the opportunity to stay proactive with their food safety audits, as WPVGA will be offering food safety training classes for yet another year. Although this is the fourth consecutive year WPVGA has offered food safety training, many grower organizations have continued sending representatives due to changes in employment and/or as a refresher course. As a means of determining grower interest moving forward, WPVGA will be sending its membership a short online survey. When you receive it, please take a few moments to complete it to help us better address your food safety needs in preparation for your annual audits. Attending these training sessions is
beneficial 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 is also the recommended scheme for organizations currently conducting a USDA GAP audit. For growers needing a globally accepted 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 is beneficial in documenting food safety plans. While going from no audit on file to a globally accepted scheme is extremely difficult, it is 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 required of you), and take baby steps to accomplishing your customer’s stated goals, as well as keeping your markets open. Dates and fees for the 2016 training will be determined upon review of survey results. IF you have questions or comments regarding food safety training, contact Dana Rady at drady@wisconsinpotatoes.com or call (715) 623-7683.
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 • Snowden Nicolet • W5955-1 Waneta • Lamoka Pinnacle
Sowinski Trucking, LLC has sanitary equipment for your transportation needs.
dispatch@sowinskifarms.com
62 BC�T January
Seed Piece 2015 Spud Seed Classic Photos by Amy Quig, Quig's Maplewood Golf Course
Tom and Pam Schmidt brought along two friends to maneuver the course.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated prizes, sponsorships, time and effort to create another great Spud Seed Classic. The 2015 Spud Seed Classic was held on June 13 at Maplewood Golf Course in Pickerel, WI and raised thousands of dollars for Wisconsin potato research. The 2015 format was a new 4-person scramble (Best Ball Position) and a shotgun start. WSPIA offered free drinks at their sponsored ‘watering hole’. There will be another fantastic Spud Seed Classic in 2016, destined to be even bigger and better than 2015 with further information to be released in the next few months.
2015 SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF DONATIONS BUSINESS
DONATION
Antigo Daily Journal
Free Newspaper Promotion
BB Jack’s
$15 Gift Card
Badger Common’Tater
(2) Free Full Page Color Ads
Big Iron Equipment
$100.00
Brickner’s of Antigo
(3) Oil Changes, Hats & Can Coolers
Co-Vantage Credit Union
$100.00
CPS Great Lakes
$150.00
Culver’s of Antigo
Dinner for Four
Donovans Trailside Inn
(2) Gift Certificates
Draeger Oil
$50.00
Draeger Propane
$50.00
Fastenal
Hats/Shirts/Car Chargers
Fifth Avenue Lounge
2 - $25 Gift Certificates
Frontier - Servco FS
$200.00
Gallenberg Farms
$220.00
Gallenberg Technologies
$100.00
Holiday Inn, Antigo
(1) Hotel Room
Jay-Mar
$50.00
Karl’s Transport
Gift Cards to Kohl’s, Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s & Gander Mountain
Kretz Truck Brokerage
$100.00
Langlade Ford
Car for Hole in One
Langlade Springs
4 Cases of Water
Lil Hummers Hide Away
$50 Gift Certicate & Bottle of Liquor
Maplewood Golf Course
2 Rounds of 9-Hole Golf
Mole Lake Casino & Lodge
Hotel Package
North Star Lanes
Gift Certificate
Northwoods Inn, Pickerel
(4 ) $5 Gift Certificates & Golf Towel
Parsons of Antigo
Car for Hole in One
John Deere Equipment and FarmSight TM
The total package begins with understanding your needs and providing world-class experience, by combining equipment, techology, and support from an industry leader in technology.
Riesterer & Schnell, Inc.
Be sure to sign up and help make the 2016 Spud Seed Classic the best ever! continued on pg. 64 BC�T January 63
Seed Piece. . . continued from pg. 63
64 BC�T January
2015 SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF DONATIONS BUSINESS
DONATION
Potawatomi Northern Lights Casino, Carter
14 Bags & 5 Cups
Quinlan’s Equipment
Quad Light
Quinn’s Bar
$20 Gift Certificate
The Refuge
2 - $20 Gift Cards
Rev’s
(1) $10 Gift Certicate for Food/Drinks
Rick’s 45 Roadhouse
(2) Gift Certificates for Your Choice of Pizza
Riesterer & Schnell
Toy Tractor, 3 Grease Guns & (3) Hats
Roberts Irrigation
$150.00
Ron’s Refrigeration
$50.00
Rural Insurance
Fire Extinguisher
Sand County Equipment
$100.00
Schroeder’s Auto, Pearson
$25 Gift Certificates
Schroeder’s Gifts
Gift Basket
Swartzendruber’s Supper Club, Antigo
$30 Gift Certificate
Swartzendruber’s Supper Club, Bass Lake
$30 Gift Certificate
Swiderski Equipment, Inc., Antigo
$100.00
Syngenta
$100.00
TH Agri Chemicals
$100.00
T.I.P., Inc.
$50.00
Three Jokers Lounge
Case of Whiskey
United FCS
$100.00
Volm Companies
$150.00
WACD/WATK Radio Stations
Free Radio Ad Promotion
Warner & Warner
$100.00
WSPIA
Jacket, Shirt & Hat
More Acres, More Ground, Less Time. • Highest horsepower • Largest tank sizes • Smoothest suspension • Tightest turning radius See how Guardian™ front boom sprayers can help you achieve a new level of spraying freedom and productivity.
Top: Chuck and Marge Kostichka visit with fellow golfers Ron Zalewski, Tyler Hegewald and Karen Rasmussen. Far Left: Ron Krueger, Dale Bowe, Tamas Houlihan and Casey Kedrowski are definitely enjoying the day. Right: Marge and Chuck Kostichka also brought friends to complete their day in the sun. continued on pg. 66
715-693-3015 MOSINEE Mosinee Wausau Thorp Antigo Waupaca
Your Partners on the Job
715-675-2391 WAUSAU
715-669-5255 THORP
715-623-4668 ANTIGO
715-258-3266 WAUPACA
www.swiderskiequipment.com BC�T January 65
Seed Piece. . . continued from pg. 65
Top: Roy Gallenberg’s (far right) put together an awesome team! Left: Derek Kolpak gathered another great foursome! Bottom Left: Pat Tomany (far left) and Mike Waite (far right) drafted two friends for a sunshine filled day of golf and fun. Below: Ken Ourada, Tom Wild, Tom Sikora and John Quinlan.
66 BC�T January
Left: Steve Tatro, Kyle Hibbard, Becky Eddy and a friend are ready to hit the links. Right: Caroline Wild, Kay Quinlan, Bev Sikora and Colleen Krivoshein created a wonderful women's team. continued on pg. 68
Outstanding Flavorful Potatoes from Norika America, LLC!
Merlot
Shiny red skin, dark yellow flesh, baby potato or let grow to A size.
Molli
Shiny skin & yellow flesh A size.
BULA POTATO FARMS, WI: Molli & Alegria CASCADE FARMS, WA: Alegria CAL-OREGON SEED, OR: Merlot CHILDSTOCK FARMS, NY: Soraya CROWN FARMS, ME: Soraya EAGLE RIVER SEED, WI: Soraya, Merlot, Wega EBE FARMS, WA: Soraya, Merlot, Allora JOHN HOGGAN SEED, ID: Soraya, Gourmatessa,
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phone: 719 588 2388 email: higginsfarms@comcast.net web: www.flavorfulpotatoes.com BC�T January 67
Seed Piece. . . continued from pg. 67
Top: Bill Page, Nathan Schmidt, Dan Wickersheim and Lewis Bowman are ready to rumble! Left: Rick LeBrun golfed with three other friends for a day of fun, recreation, good food and beverages. Bottom: Jerry Greisinger (L) with Ann Fox (2nd from right) and two friends were hoping to garner high scores.
Opposite Page: Top: Andy Schroeder, Mitch Mattek, Corey Mattek and Eric Schroeder hoped to powerhouse their way to the big win. continued on pg. 70
68 BC�T January
MN Seed ad 190297__119080 VPG.qxd 9/25/15 9:37 AM Page 1
When you buy Minnesota certified seed potatoes, you’re getting a history of high performance, high quality seed. Minnesota seed is grown on a wide range of soil types, from the rich black soils of the Red River Valley to the irrigated sands of Central Minnesota to the deep peat soils of East Central and Southern Minnesota. If you want a specific variety, we can grow it.
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BC�T January 69
Marketplace. Seed Piece. . . . . continued from pg. 69 61
Top: Cliff Gagas, Kurt Kamin, Darwin Emmel and a friend are strong Spud Seed Classic golfers. Left: Ryan Bushman (far left) rounded up three friends to attend the event.
Opposite Page: Top: Keith Wolter (far left) and Marc Stalter (red shirt) and two pals are enjoying a little rest between rounds.
70 BC�T January
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.
BC�T January 71
ASTROTUBERS
TM
PRODUCED IN CETS LLC PHYTOTRONS IMPROVE YIELDS AND REDUCE COSTS By Janina Petrick, CETS LLC Managing Partner CETS LLC (Controlled Environmental Technology System) is a supplier of innovative equipment proven to be the most efficient technology for producing AstroTubersTM (nuclear material, the earliest generation in potato production).
any climate.
Their patented technology (both US and foreign patents) uses computer controlled growth phytotrons, for the production of AstroTubers every sixty days in any geographic location and in
Ten CETS phytotrons in a 30-square meter production area annually produces 100,000+ AstroTubers, using only 150 tissue plantlets in sanitary conditions that require only
This unique technology minimizes the time required for introduction of new varieties and maximizes the availability of desired quantities of seed material in the shortest time possible.
45 days to break dormancy for initial field planting. The traditional way to grow tubers is via use of greenhouses, which only produce one or two crops per year and needs thousands of expensive plantlets (versus 150) that are typically produced in the laboratory following a very strict sterol (versus sanitized) procedure requiring costly sterol conditions and use of expensive chemicals. These plantlets are not easy to grow, expensive to transport and suffer high mortality rates when planted directly in screen, glass or field conditions. A greenhouse environment is susceptible to disease and once infected, almost impossible and very costly to clean.
SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group. 72 BC�T January
Annual production per square meter is up to 400 tubers (vs >3000). In addition, it takes 180 or more days (vs 45) to break dormancy before initial field planting. In a recent field test conducted by a certified Wisconsin seed grower, yield from AstroTubers was 30% higher than the yield experienced from seed generated both hydroponically and in a greenhouse (the traditional method) for the same variety. The cost of imported seed typically represents 60% of the cost of potato production, negatively impacting net income from each harvest for those who import the seed they need. Poor quality of imported seed is a problem. When seed is imported, disease and pests that are not local often accompany this seed, taking root in a location that previously had
been free of them. Eradication is costly, time consuming and hurts productivity, certainly in the short term, but potentially long term as well. The practice of reusing potato stocks as seed, results in the reduction of up to 50 per cent of the saleable production in order to ensure seeds for the following year's crop. The requirement for 2-3 MT of seed per hectare can cause seed costs to account for up to 60 per cent of total production costs. The CETS phytotron interior and exterior walls and floor are stainless steel and consequently can be thoroughly sanitized after each harvest. More costly disinfection is not required. CETS’ recommended sanitizing procedures eliminate the possibility
of carry-over of (a rare) disease infestation from one growth period to subsequent ones. This feature plus the option of not reusing the rooting material for subsequent plantings and not recirculating the nutrient solution during the growth period, provides an optimum situation for elimination of any potential for disease infection during the production of disease-free AstroTubers. A simple structure is required to house the phytotrons. Each 60-day growing cycle requires 1680 kWh electricity ($1.00 per day) and 300 (5 Liter per day) liters of water per phytotron. After initial set-up and training, minimal follow-up is needed. CETS phytotrons are fabricated by contract in the USA. continued on pg. 74
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Astrotubters™. . . continued from pg. 73
In addition, CETS is a custom producer of AstroTubers and provides technical expertise and educated counseling to the growers to assure that the field production results in the availability of a constantly renewed supply of high quality seed potatoes that the worldwide potato production industry demands. Currently, our system is producing AstroTubers in Ukraine, Russia and the USA. In Southern Russia, ten CETS phytotrons have been producing AstroTubers since 2009 to supply seed for a 12,000-hectare potato operation, even though the owners were advised that healthy seed could not be produced in a warm climate. One CETS customer, the Latkin farm in Arzamas, Russia, was able to eliminate the need to purchase
imported seed, improving profitability by 60% in less than four years. Given the current state of the average small farm, even more improvement is reasonable to expect in Honduras. The CETS AstroTuber production facility is located on the twelfth largest potato farm in the US, in the state of Wisconsin, which ranks third in US potato production. CETS works closely with this farm, supplying AstroTubers of new cultivars faster than other available methods and provides facilities for testing quality of purchased seed material. The introduction of new cultivar seeds supplied by CETS to this farm since 2012, have allowed the farm to enjoy a 15% price premium for these cultivars.
CETS technology improves both efficiency and quality and therefore yield and price. It also reduces time to market, desirable for the introduction of new varieties. Commercial potato production operations depend on a constantly renewed supply of high quality, disease-free, seed material. Additionally, major emphasis is currently being placed on seed production systems that limit or reduce the number of tuber field multiplications of generations derived originally from tissue culture plantlets because each successive planting of tubers in the field also raises the potential for increased levels of disease infection. Such limited generation seed potato production increases the demand for nuclear stock. AstroTubers produced
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from tissue culture plantlets can meet this demand. Another advantage of producing disease-free AstroTubers from stem cuttings derived from tissue culture plantlets in controlled environment facilities is that it fosters rapid multiplication of seed material. New cultivars can be rapidly multiplied to commercial seed quantities and made available to seed growers. The objective of the CETS Controlled Environment Seed Potato Production System is to produce disease-free nuclear stock (AstroTubers), rapidly and economically in adequate numbers from a very limited number of tissue culture plantlets. Key features of the CETS AstroTubers production system are:
• Production of mini-tuber nuclear stock in 60 days after planting of stem cuttings
for potatoes; however, production of other crops can be developed by special order.
• Utilizes controlled environment chambers that require little production space
Someone well versed in growing some other particular crop may be able to employ CETS technology for that particular crop simply by changing the programmable operating characteristics of the existing technology, without the need for any additional developmental modification.
• Allows up to six growth cycles in a year, all seasons in any climate • Eliminates the need for Greenhouse/Screen-house/Lab • New potato cultivars can be rapidly increased to commercial quantities • The CETS Controlled Environment Seed Potato Production System can be used in breeding, molecular farming, organic programs, and in commercial seed potato operations. TECHNOLOGY IS ADOPTIVE TO OTHER CROPS CETS technology has been optimized
CETS technology is most readily adaptable to a crop that can be generated or multiplied from tissue culture (barley, rice, other grains and grass for example). Discover a whole new field; contact Janina Petrick, Managing Partner of CETS LLC, for further details Call 262 391 4705 or email j_petrick@gbms.us. Visit our website at www.cetstech.com
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BC�T January 75
Ali's Kitchen Column & Photos by Ali Carter, WPVGA Auxiliary Member
POTATO CURRY I absolutely and completely love the flavors of Thai food! Curry is one of my favorites and is so simple to prepare at home. One pan, a handful of easy to find ingredients, a little bit of time and you have yourself a delicious meal that reheats fabulously. So good! I’m not sure I should even admit this to you but I might have eaten this for breakfast, lunch and dinner today. Have I mentioned that Curry is a favorite of mine?
Ali's Recipe
Potato Curry INGREDIENTS: 1 Tablespoon oil (I used coconut oil) 1 Small yellow onion, thinly sliced 3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces ⅓ cup Yellow curry paste 4-5 Medium potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces 14-ounce Can coconut milk ½-1 cup Water 2 Teaspoons soy sauce Choice of sweetener (I used a smidge of Stevia, you can use 1 Tbs. of white or brown sugar) 2-3 Tablespoons of chopped cilantro 2 Green onions chopped
This recipe comes together even more easily with a bit of pre-planning. If you have chicken breast for dinner one evening, make a few extra and dice them up to save for this recipe. The same with rice. Although we do not eat rice very often in our home (we are a potato family of course, but I also believe that rice has some appealing qualities. Potato lovers, rice lovers...can't we all just get along). When I do serve rice to my family, it is simple to make extra and store in the fridge or freezer where it waits to be used in a delicious curry such as this one. As far as the type of potato used, once again this is a flexible recipe. I have used Yukon Golds, which tend to be a bit waxy and hold together well in the curry. 76 BC�T January
Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until fragrant and softened. Add the chicken and curry paste; sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add the potatoes and stir to coat with the curry paste. Add the coconut milk and ½-cup water to the pot. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken and potatoes are fully cooked, adding more water depending on the consistency you want for the sauce. Today, I ended up using a full cup of water. Stir in the soy sauce and sweetener or sugar.
Today I used a type of russet. If using a russet or similar variety watch the cook time as you will not need to simmer the curry very long, you do not want to end up with mushy potatoes. You want the potatoes to be fork tender yet hold their shape. Again, flexibility here. Use what you have on hand and simply simmer accordingly. Serve over rice and top each serving with a sprinkle of cilantro and green onion.
GET INVOLVED, STAY INFORMED, BE AWARE! Join Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and keep abreast of what is happening in your industry. Sweet and a tad bit spicy, hearty and comforting.
Find out how to become a member today. Go to: wisconsinpotatoes.com/about/members
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Enjoy!
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