1710 Badger Common'Tater

$18/year | $1.50/copy | Volume 69 No. 10 | OCTOBER 2017

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORY ISSUE INTERVIEW:

Sally Suprise Associate Division President

POTATO GROWERS Plant Eco-Friendly Prairies CUT ENERGY COSTS & Improve Bottom Line PHOSPHOROUS ACIDS: Potato Disease Control BIO-GRO HELPS FARMERS Maximize Yield & Quality

A commercial sales executive for Ansay & Associates, Sally Suprise proudly insures operations like Gagas Farms.

Farms

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On the Cover: Ansay & Associates Commercial Insurance

Sales Executive Sally Suprise holds russet Silverton potatoes recently dug by Cliff Gagas at Gagas Farms, Inc., in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Seeing how passionate farmers like Gagas are, Suprise says she wants to bring value to what they have built through their hard work and dedication.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: WPVGA Associate Division President Sally Suprise, here in a potato field at Gagas Farms, is a commercial insurance sales executive for Ansay & Associates, where salespeople are encouraged to focus on a niche or specialty that is a passion or special interest. “I had a passion for the farming and agriculture industry,” she says, “and this became my specialty.”

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN................... 69 AUXILIARY NEWS.............. 54 BADGER BEAT................... 56

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51

NOW NEWS

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Sen. Patrick Testin is “On the Job” at Coloma Farms, sorting & digging potatoes

Spudmobile and Mad Dog and Merrill appear at the Great Lakes Naval Station

61 HELPING GROWERS ACHIEVE HIGHER YIELDS Products meant to complement growers’ existing fertilizer

EYES ON ASSOCIATES....... 53 MARK YOUR CALENDAR..... 6 NEW PRODUCTS............... 67 NPC NEWS........................ 59 PEOPLE ............................ 34

FEATURE ARTICLES:

PLANTING IDEAS................ 6

14 PLANTING PRAIRIES: Potato growers take an eco-friendly approach to farming

POTATOES USA NEWS...... 65

26 HEARTLAND FARMS uses Focus on Energy incentives to deeply cut energy costs 40 YOUR BUSINESS GUIDE: See WPVGA’s complete Associate Division Directory 4

BC�T October

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WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Eric Schroeder Vice President: Josh Mattek Secretary: Gary Wysocki Treasurer: Wes Meddaugh Directors: Steve Diercks, Mark Finnessy, Rod Gumz, Ron Krueger & Andy Wallendal Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Richard Okray Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Andy Diercks, Cliff Gagas, John T. Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Sally Suprise Vice President: Casey Kedrowski Secretary: Cathy Schommer

Treasurer: Nick Laudenbach Directors: Paul Cieslewicz, Kenton Mehlberg, Zach Mykisen & Joel Zalewski Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Bill Guenthner Vice President: Charlie Mattek Secretary/Treasurer: J.D. Schroeder Directors: Jeff Fassbender, Dan Kakes

WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor: Joe Kertzman Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Danielle Sorano Coordinator of Community Relations: Jim Zdroik Spudmobile Assistant: Doug Foemmel

Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Kathy Bartsch Vice President: Devin Zarda Secretary/Treasurer: Deniell Bula Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Paula Houlihan & Marie Reid

WPVGA Office (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com Like Us On Facebook: www.facebook.com/WPVGA

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 subscription rates: $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) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com.

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

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5

MARK YOUR

Calendar OCTOBER 17-18 WGA INNOVATION EXPO Hyatt Regency & KI Center Green Bay, WI 20-21 PMA (PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION) FRESH SUMMIT New Orleans, LA 28 INAUGURAL ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE TATER TROT 5K TO BENEFIT FFA Alsum Farms & Produce Friesland, WI 30-31 RESEARCH MEETING West Madison Ag Research Station Madison, WI

NOVEMBER 14 REMOTE SENSING CONFERENCE Union South, UW-Madison Register: potatobreeding.cals.wisc.edu/ remote-sensing Madison, WI

DECEMBER 11-13 FARM JOURNAL AGTECH EXPO JW Marriott Indianapolis IN 11-14 NEW YORK PRODUCE SHOW Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York City, NY

JANUARY 2018 10 POTATO BUSINESS SUMMIT Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Orlando, FL 10-12 POTATO EXPO Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Orlando, FL

FEBRUARY

Planting Ideas It’s becoming my favorite part of the job,

getting into the field, spending time with growers and associates and learning as much as a person can about agriculture by being on the ground, watching, listening and maybe even doing what needs to be done. One can’t truly learn how to farm without becoming a farmer, but in-person, hands-on experience is invaluable, and the people make it worth the while.

When WPVGA Associate Division President Sally Suprise (above) of Ansay & Associates agreed to be interviewed for this issue, I asked her if she had images, not only of her and her family, the office and company logo, but also of her in the field. She had pictures, but not on the farm, visiting customers whose businesses she insures through Ansay & Associates.

We decided to meet at the farm of one of her customers—the Gagas Farm—and take some pictures. There I had the chance to talk to Cliff and Carole Gagas, their son, Curtis, and Cliff’s father, Don. They gave me a tour, showed me machinery both old and new, potato packaging and sent me home with a 20-pound bag of baby reds. Sally, of course, was there, too, and just spending time with her was a good way to know her better. You can get to know her better, as well, through the Interview in this issue.

I’ve also had the opportunity to visit Heartland Farms a couple times, once getting the grand tour of the new Farm Operations Technology & Training Center, as well as the “mission control” video and computer room. Read the feature in this issue about how Heartland Farms is using Focus on Energy incentives to save money and become more energy efficient.

I met Bruce Andersen of Bio-Gro, Inc. at the 2017 Potato Expo in San Francisco, and he told me a bit about his business and background in the potato and vegetable growing industry. It wasn’t until I contacted him recently, though, and asked him some questions that resulted in a full-blown feature article that I fully understood what his company has to offer. See for yourself by reading about Bio-Grow, Inc., inside.

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There’s no substitute for getting out there, shaking hands, meeting people and listening and learning. And that’s become my favorite part of the job.

26-Mar. 1

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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.

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Interview

Sally Suprise, Ansay & Associates, LLC

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

NAME: Sally Suprise TITLE: Commercial insurance sales executive, specializing in farm and agriculture

Having grown up in rural Pardeeville, Wisconsin,

Sally Suprise lived next door to her grandparents who were farmers. That was 50 years ago, and at that time, she says, farming was a “bit scaled back compared to how it is now.”

COMPANY: Ansay & Associates, LLC LOCATION: Appleton, WI HOMETOWN: Pardeeville, WI YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 6 years PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Insurance industry for 20 years SCHOOLING: Licensing in property and casualty insurance, certified workers’ compensation advisor and currently working on certification from the Insurance Risk Management Institute.

ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: WPVGA (Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association) Associate Division Board president, having been on the Board for three years; Fox Valley Safety Council Board liaison; member of the Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Association and a volunteer for Beaming Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center FAMILY: Husband, Darnell, four kids— Desiree, Ben, Rachel and Katherine—and two grandchildren HOBBIES: Horseback riding, fishing, working in the yard and family time 8

BC�T October

“In my teen years, I worked at a produce farm called Topham Farm picking tomatoes,” Sally relates. “My parents also grew pickles and we picked them daily by hand, taking them each day to the plant to be sorted by size.”

“After my own kids were born, we moved to Plainfield, and that is where I learned what real farming is about,” she explains. “Being a family of six, we had a very large garden and I learned to can vegetables and make jams and jellies.”

Sally and her husband raised beef cattle, pigs and chickens, and the kids got involved in the Waushara County 4-H program and began showing steers and pigs. They had horses on the hobby farm, as well.

INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT “As the kids got older, they also worked within the industry in some areas,” she says. “My oldest, Desiree, had a passion for gardening and she worked at the Hancock Agricultural

Research Center for several years until college.”

“My son, Ben, worked for Seneca Foods running a bean picker in the summer, and my youngest, Katherine, worked her summers at Pest Pros and loved it. They are all grown now and have families of their own,” Sally continues.

“Desiree works for Waushara County Social Services, Ben is a boat mechanic in Madison, my daughter, Rachel, is a social worker in Outagamie County and Katherine is serving her eighth year in the U.S. Air Force, currently stationed in the Middle East. Please keep our military in your daily prayers!” she pleads.

Sally started her insurance career Above: Sally Suprise, president of the WPVGA Associate Division, says her employer, Ansay & Associates, LLC, encourages commercial sales executives to focus on a “niche” or specialty that is of interest to them. Sally has a passion for farming and the agriculture industry, and this became her specialty.

in the 1990’s, working for American Family Insurance as part of the Sharon LaPorte Agency in Plainfield, and then took on various insurance roles over the years.

“When I moved to the Appleton area, I started a new venture with Ansay & Associates Insurance & Benefit Solutions,” Suprise relates.

“Ansay & Associates is a familyowned, independent insurance agency, founded in 1946 in Port Washington, and is one of the largest and fastest growing independent agencies in the state,” she remarks.

What do you, personally, like best about working with potato and vegetable growers and associates, and why? At Ansay, we are encouraged to focus on a “niche” or specialty that is a passion or special interest. I had a passion for the farming and agriculture industry, and this became my specialty.

I have seen how dedicated and passionate our Wisconsin farmers are about what they do. They are passionate about family and friends and everyday life, and I want to bring value to what they have built through years of hard work and dedication.

How does Ansay & Associates fit

into the ag industry? What services do you provide farmers? We have specialty programs for not only farmers, but also implement dealers, overhead door operations and other agriculture-related businesses.

Above: As an insurance sales executive, Sally Suprise (right) says she has seen how dedicated and passionate Wisconsin farmers are about what they do and wants to bring value to what they’ve built through years of hard work and dedication.

Sally is shown here checking on the soybean crop with her clients Carole and Cliff Gagas of Gagas Farms, Inc.

I understand you started the agriculture program at Ansay & Associates—that the company didn’t have one before. Why did

you foresee a need to start the agriculture program, and how is it going? I felt a need within the continued on pg. 10

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Interview. . . continued from pg. 9

farming industry to provide and educate on risk management, as well as workers’ compensation.

There are so many work-related injuries and even deaths due to the large equipment being used, weather-related situations and the safety hazards in general on a farm.

Did you have internal support, and if so, from whom? Ansay & Associates has a unique risk management program that implements a complete library of resources dedicated to safety in the workplace, which is extremely important in the industry.

I’m able to use these resources with my clients to improve safety for them and reduce exposures and premium costs.

In addition, I see Ansay & Associates bringing great value to our farmers and WPVGA Associate Division members by the products we offer.

We have a select team working together with employee benefits consultants to bring the best service and products to our customers.

As a sales executive, I’ve assisted with implementing employee handbooks and safety handbooks for my

customers and their employees.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance is a growing concern, and my goal is to educate and bring resources to assist in being assured your operation is up to speed and compliant in the event of an OSHA audit.

We have worked with a third party, and by request have gone onsite to local farms and provided complete mock OSHA inspections.

You are president of the WPVGA Associate Division. Congrats. Why is being involved in the Associate Division important to you? Being involved in the Associate Division

Above: Sally Suprise (left) calls being involved in the WPVGA Associate Division, currently as president, a “wonderful experience.” She and Kenton Mehlberg (center) from T.I.P. serve corn donated by Flyte Family Farms at the 2017 Hancock Agricultural Research Station Field Day. Bottom: A family-owned, independent insurance agency founded in 1946, Ansay & Associates is a regular sponsor of the WPVGA Associate Division Putt-Tato Open golf outing, which raises money for educational scholarships, research and agriculture-related causes. As president of the Associate Division, Sally Suprise has the distinct pleasure of announcing raffle prizes after dinner at the event.

has been a wonderful experience.

I was a member of the Promotions Committee during the initial stages of the Spudmobile and was fortunate enough to see its transformation from start to finish.

It truly gives me a sense of pride when students and people in general walk through the Spudmobile and are educated on what our Wisconsin farmers do and work for every day.

“From Field to Fork” is an incredible process, and to be able to promote this is a great feeling.

I also had the opportunity to speak to a class at one of the middle schools in Oshkosh, where the WPVGA donated a salad bar. It was gratifying to educate students on eating Healthy Grown. continued on pg. 12

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Interview. . . continued from pg. 10

What do you hope to accomplish as president of the Associate Division, and what do you hope the Associate Division itself accomplishes in your tenure? Being involved in this organization and others, I hope to do my best to promote our

Wisconsin farmers and what the WPVGA is all about. We have so much to be proud of.

I was fortunate enough to attend the high-capacity well bill hearing in Madison in support of our growers

and those who spoke on our behalf.

My goal as president is to do the best I can and hope that it is a positive influence on others.

Ansay & Associates has been very supportive of my role with the WPVGA and in the ag industry the past four years, both in my involvement and with monetary contributions and sponsorships. They understand my passion and support it 100 percent, and I am very grateful to work for a supportive company.

How do you think you can best help growers as an Ansay & Associates representative? I think I can best help growers by getting an opportunity to sit down and talk with them about their individual operations and see if there is a need that I can provide assistance and value for them.

It would be great getting to know each of the growers and their farm Left: As a full-time commercial insurance sales executive and president of the WPVGA Associate Division, Sally Suprise values her time away to do things she enjoys, such as horseback riding with her husband, Darnell, at Wildcat Mountain near Ontario, Wisconsin.

Right: Sally Suprise (second from right) presents a check on behalf of Ansay & Associates, LLC to Beaming, Inc., a non-profit charitable organization based in Neenah, Wisconsin, for its therapeutic horse riding program.

12 BC�T October

operations, and that also applies to my fellow Associate Division members.

What do you wish the potato and vegetable growing industry or associates did a better job of? I believe the WPVGA and the agricultural industry do an outstanding job in all their efforts, and I am very proud to be a part of such a great industry.

Why do you think it’s important for Associate Division members to work together? I would like to see the Associate Division members work together and with each other when it comes to doing business. We are a part of the industry to support each other, and we all want to see the WPVGA continue to grow and be successful.

Thank you all for the opportunity to serve on the WPVGA Associate Division Board, and I look forward to what the future holds for us!

Above: Sally Suprise and coworker Chad Messner greet visitors to the Ansay & Associates booth at the WPVGA Industry Show. One of the largest and fastest-growing independent insurance agencies in the state, Ansay & Associates has specialty programs for not only farmers, but also implement dealers, overhead door operations and other agriculture-related businesses.

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Potato Growers Plant Prairies Practitioners of Wisconsin’s Healthy Grown program take an eco-friendly approach to farming

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater About 15 years ago, Wisconsin’s Healthy Grown program developed a new component, the ecosystem element. The goal was to attract local potato and vegetable growers with a desire to make their farms environmentally friendly.

“Ted Anchor was the advisor for the

new program and suggested we turn unused corners and areas on our farm into natural prairies,” explains Dianne Somers of Plover River Farms Alliance in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

“We agreed.”

“To plant the prairie, I drove a pickup truck, and from the back bed, Ted

scattered the seeds with a leaf blower. Then we packed the seeds down with tractor wheels,” Somers says. “Amazingly, it turned out great.

That was the start.”

Since then, other growers in and outside of the Healthy Grown program have started prairies. By slowly adding more unused acres, Plover River Farms now has a total of 60 acres devoted to prairies.

The Healthy Grown program was developed in the mid-1990’s via a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), the World Wildlife Fund, the University of Wisconsin and other conservation Above: The majority of wildflowers are excellent pollinators for bees and butterflies, and the plant varieties in a prairie bloom at different times, providing constant food for insects throughout the summer.

Bottom: Dianne Somers of Plover River Farms says their prairies provide natural havens for wildlife, birds, butterflies, bees and many other species.

She and husband, Nick, even spotted a rare bird, a dickcissel.

14 BC�T October

groups such as the International Crane Foundation and the Defenders of Wildlife.

The program involves a wholefarm approach using the best environmental practices possible, from reduced pesticide use to promotion of ecological standards on the farm.

Current potato and vegetable growers enrolled in the Healthy Grown program include Alsum Farms, Gary Bula Farms, Coloma Farms, Gumz Muck Farms, Isherwood Family Farms, Okray Family Farms, Plover River Farms and Wysocki Produce Farm.

THE LAND ETHIC Jeb Barzen is an ecologist developing a non-profit organization called Private Lands Conservation (PLC). The goal of PLC is to provide landowners the tools they need to implement the “land ethic.”

This means figuring out the economics, the ecology and the culture of managing the remnant ecosystems that are still privately owned.

Above: Jeb Barzen of Private Lands Conservation sent this photo of a controlled burn on Healthy Grown land. Among other things, controlled burns rejuvenate the plants, wake up the prior year’s fallen seeds for growth and help restore grasslands. Photo courtesy of Tom Lynn

PLC participates in the Healthy Grown project to help growers restore and maintain prairies, savanna and wetland ecosystems. Jeb has been

involved with Healthy Grown since the mid-’90s, practically from its inception. continued on pg. 16

BC�T October 15

Potato Growers Plant Prairies. . . continued from pg. 15

“I work with growers to develop an ecosystem restoration plan, which is updated annually,” he says.

“For one grower, I might conduct a prescribed burn on remnant forest to help restore a savanna ecosystem, while for another, I’ll link their interest in a pollinator planting with NRCS [Natural Resources Conservation Service] programs that will help pay for those activities,” he notes.

Andy Wallendal of Wallendal Supply Inc., a large second-generation vegetable farm in Grand Marsh, says his farm decided to restore some prairie area from an ecosystem perspective.

“Our tilled fields are mostly a monoculture environment, and we wanted other parts of the farm populated with native ecosystems,” he says.

local community and other off-farm stakeholders,” he says. “The local bee population was always present, so its impact is yet to be determined.”

ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION “Our increased education of ecology from the University of Wisconsin and others, along with discussions with a restoration ecologist, made this dream possible,” Wallendal relates.

Most wildflowers in prairies are excellent pollinators for bees and butterflies, and the plant varieties bloom at different times of the summer, so not only does the prairie have four or five looks a year, but it provides constant food for the insects.

“Prairie restoration demonstrates an on-farm respect for ecology, as well as providing a great talking point with

“Prairies provide natural havens for wildlife, birds, butterflies, bees and many other species,” Somers

stresses. “We have even spotted a rare bird, a dickcissel. We want to live and farm in a thriving land.”

To start a prairie, growers begin with as weed-free a field as possible, but in the first year or two, they might find weeds or unwanted invasive plants growing among the wildflowers.

“We spot spray those or pull them by hand,” Somers says. “By the third year, the plants should be established, and the wildflowers crowd out the weeds.”

“Once a prairie is established, it takes care of itself except for the spring burns,” she adds, “which rejuvenate the plants and wake up the prior year’s fallen seeds for growth.”

BURN CREW Plover River Farms needs a crew of about six-to-eight people, along with a certified burn captain, for a Above: This prairie on land owned by Wallendal Supply Inc., a large second-generation vegetable farm in Grand Marsh, shows a diversity of flowering plants. Prairies can have 150-200 species of plant occur in 10 acres. Photo courtesy of Ted Anchor Below: Beauty extends from the prairie wildflowers to the granddaughters of Nick and Dianne Somers of Plover River Farms, Leanna (left) and Amelia Foote (right). continued on pg. 18

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Potato Growers Plant Prairies. . . continued from pg. 16

controlled burn, which Somers says they do every few years, rotating fields between years.

In short, ecological restoration involves returning the living parts of an ecosystem that have been lost.

“Prairie chickens need grasslands, for example, but in Wisconsin, we have enough rain that grasslands have converted to shrubs and forests when fire is removed from the landscape,” Barzen explains.

“With declining grasslands, prairie chickens disappear. That is why we do prescribed burns—to maintain grasslands,” he notes.

Public perception is improved when farms demonstrate that they believe in whole farm management, and a beautiful prairie, savanna or wetland vibrantly exemplifies this belief.

“But ecosystem restoration does more than make the public happy,” Barzen stresses. “It provides many ecosystem services such as biological diversity, pollinators, ground water 18 BC�T October

recharge, water filtration, long-term carbon storage, erosion control and possibly alternative incomes for the farm.”

Barzen says most farms work with at least 10-20 acres, and many restore larger parcels. The potential exists, he notes, to use filter strips and ditches to manage field runoff, groundwater recharge and channelized outflow.

WHOLE-FARM MANAGEMENT “The fundamental part of whole-farm management is to find out how to maximize production of all resources that arise from the same land,” he remarks.

“I work with the University of Wisconsin faculty to find synergies between native ecosystem management and agricultural management,” he explains. “We have only scratched the surface in this integrative work and there’s more to come.”

According to Barzen, most prairies can have 150-200 species of plant occur in 10 acres. “It is the tenacity

with which prairies survive droughts and floods that we can learn from,” he says.

“I think farmers and people in agriculture are the world’s best environmentalists,” Somers exclaims.

“We care about the earth and love to see our native wildflowers grow.”

“We love the beauty prairies provide as we travel through the farm, and we plant the most expensive, beautiful wildflowers in an area passed by many bikers so they can enjoy them, too,” she says.

“Seeing the thriving wildflowers filled with the buzzing of bees and the colorful butterflies zooming around is just another reason we farm, live in the country and do what we do,” Somers concludes.

Above: Public perception is improved when farms demonstrate that they believe in whole farm management, and a beautiful prairie, such as this one planted on Healthy Grown land, exemplifies this belief. Photo courtesy of Roger Schmidt

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Now News

Potato Growers Meet USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue Area farmers meet Perdue during his tour to gain opinions on 2018 U.S. Farm Bill

By Barbara Lyon, The Dunn County News To gather opinions on the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill and how to increase rural prosperity, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sec. Sonny Perdue embarked on a five-state RV (recreational vehicle) journey he calls the “Back to Our Roots” listening tour.

On Friday, August 4, that tour swung

by Jim Holte’s cash grain and beef cattle farm in Elk Mound, Wisconsin.

Waiting for the secretary’s RV to arrive at his southern Dunn County farm, Holte, who is the Wisconsin Farm Bureau president, said that foremost on his mind was how dairy, trade and immigration will be dealt with in the new Farm Bill.

“I think it’s fitting to talk about these issues on a farm,” Holte said. “It tells me something about the secretary that he wants to meet the people who are impacted directly by these programs and policies.”

The event was attended by area Farm Bureau members and other producers and growers, specifically Dennis West of Nuto Farm Supply, Inc., and his sons, Taylor and Adam, growers of Burbank russet “Kitchen Kleen Potatoes” in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and Steve Diercks and his wife, Pat, of Coloma Farms.

Emerging from the RV with Perdue were Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wausau).

Introducing Perdue before a bratand-burger lunch, Holte noted, “As a former governor of Georgia, Sonny has a close relationship with the staff of Farm Bureau, as well as with 20 BC�T October

the 4-H and FFA organizations. He is truly a member of the agriculture community.”

STATE’S DIVERSE AG PRODUCTS Holte listed a few of the diverse agricultural products in which Wisconsin ranks first in the nation, including cheese, cranberries, ginseng, milk, mink pelts and, of course, dairy.

He reminded Perdue, “We made international news when [Wisconsin] dairy farmers were left without processors [after a decision by the Canadian dairy industry on ultrafiltered milk]. It was a scary time of uncertainty for our state’s dairy farmers, and it weighed heavily on them.”

“This shows the importance of trade and the relationship we have with other countries. So dairy and trade, specifically NAFTA [North American

Free Trade Agreement], are very big concerns for all of us in Wisconsin, as well as immigration, in the 2018 Farm Bill,” Holte added.

Before getting into the lunch line, Perdue told the invited guests, “What you say is important. I don’t want you to think that we’re here to talk; we’re here to listen.”

Though the 45-minute listening session was closed to non-invited members of the public and the media, Perdue did field questions from reporters after the session was done.

Above: Potato growers traveled to Jim Holte’s cash grain and beef cattle farm, in Elk Mound, Wisconsin, to meet USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue during his tour to gain opinions on the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. From left to right are Taylor West, Dennis West, Perdue and Adam West. Dennis and his sons are from Nuto Farm Supply, Inc., home of Burbank russet “Kitchen Kleen Potatoes.”

“We’re coming back to our roots because the people in that barn today are the roots of American society, the great farmers and producers,” he said. “That’s the heartbeat of how this country started—great innovators, great risk takers, great American spirit in there.”

The regulations surrounding agriculture, he added, have proved burdensome as well. “Senator Johnson and Congressman Duffy know that we’ve been in an extreme, frustrating, over-regulatory environment for the past eight years.

We want to unwind that,” Perdue affirmed.

Perdue added, “Every time we break up a Cabinet meeting or small trade meeting, they say, ‘We’re not going to hurt the farmers.’ We’re speaking up loudly, unashamedly advocating for American agriculture because it’s a huge contribution to our trade surplus.”

About the issues that were discussed, Perdue said, “We need more trade.

The good news is we’re so blessed as a nation. We can produce more than we can consume. That means we need to sell it all over the world and that’s what we’re doing.”

“In Washington, you don’t unwind things easily. There’s a process to go through, peeling back like an onion and getting to where farmers can farm again,” he added.

“They know that; they know we do it better than anybody in the world. And I want to make sure that they don’t ever forget it at the trade negotiation tables,” Perdue concluded.

LABOR SHORTAGE He acknowledged the difficulties Wisconsin farmers face when it comes to finding workers. “There’s a need for farm labor and a farm labor program for immigrant guest workers where we can make sure our cows get milked and our crops get harvested, and do that on an ongoing basis,” Perdue said.

Asked how actively involved he and his department will be in the upcoming NAFTA talks, Perdue said, “We’re going to be in the right ear of our U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. He’s going to look to us for consultation when it comes to ag. He has a whole portfolio of trade, but when it comes to ag, he knows the USDA are experts.”

Despite the difficulties farmers face, Perdue said there is much to be thankful for in America. “I know there are a lot of challenges out there, a lot of challenges on the farm,” he allowed. “[But] between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, we live in the best neighborhood on the planet.”

To provide further reassurance,

continued on pg. 22

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Now News. . . continued from pg. 21

Sen. Patrick Testin “On the Job” at Coloma Farms Part of his working visits to businesses, Testin volunteers at potato operation

Bright and early on the morning of Aug. 21, Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) could be found sorting potatoes at Coloma Farms in Coloma, Wisconsin.

Part of his monthly “On the Job” visits to area businesses, at each of which he works a day and learns

the “in’s and out’s” of the operations, Testin did everything from sorting and grading to digging and harvesting potatoes.

“I’m the chairman of the Workforce Development Committee in the Senate,” Testin says. “One of the things that strikes me is that,

in any given month, there are between 90,000 and 100,000 job openings in the state. That shows me that, even though they might not all be dream jobs, a job is better than no job.”

“I work at businesses to highlight the great employers we have in the 24th District, and to show people what job opportunities are out there,” Sen. Testin remarks. “It gives me a better perspective of business issues when bills come up. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Testin has spent days “On the Job” in industries ranging from mining and construction, to a minnow/fish hatchery, a company specializing in cognitive learning and disabilities, a supper club, cranberry bog and now a potato farm.

IN THE FIELD “Agriculture is so big in my district Left: Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) sorts potatoes at Coloma Farms as part of his “On the Job” monthly visits to area businesses, where he works for a day, learns about their products, services, successes and struggles, and at the same time promotes the companies.

22 BC�T October

that I wanted to get out in the field and learn the processes,” he says.

“I always pitch in when I visit a business, and it gets me out of Madison for a day.”

“I stress the dignity of working,” Sen. Testin adds. “I come from humble beginnings and had my first job when I was 15 years old. I’ve bussed tables, and worked in factories and on loading docks to pay the bills.”

With the Central Sands being in the heart of Wisconsin’s 24th Senate District that Testin represents, the senator mentions such businesses as Heartland Farms and Del Monte, as well as fertilizer plants, implement dealers and feed stores as being integral to the Central Wisconsin economy.

“Central Wisconsin helps feed the world,” he says. “We don’t give our growers and farm workers enough credit, and retailers and wholesalers

help pave the way. I came in at 7 a.m. today, and the crew was already out there working.”

Above: Riding along in a potato digger/harvester at Coloma Farms and chatting with the operator was all part of being “On the Job” for Sen. Patrick Testin, which isn’t a bad way to spend a day.

continued on pg. 24

continued on pg. 26

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Now News. . . continued from pg. 23

Past Presidents Gather for Golf in Deerbrook The current and past WPVGA presidents and significant others hit the course Choosing his home turf, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) President Eric Schroeder opted for Bass Lake Golf Course in Deerbrook, Wisconsin, to host of the Past Presidents Golf Tournament.

The annual tournament is held for the current and past presidents of the WPVGA, their spouses and significant others. It turned out to be a nice summer day, July 25, for the event, and a good opportunity for potato and vegetable growers invested in the industry to catch Above: Past and current presidents of the WPVGA who participated in the golf tournament on July 25 include, from left to right, John Wolter, Larry Alsum, Andy Diercks, Eric Schroeder (current president), Mark Finnessy and Ron Krueger.

Bottom Left: Past WPVGA President Ron Krueger gets ready to drive one off the tee at the Bass Lake Golf Course in Deerbrook, Wisconsin.

Bottom Right: With a score of 64, the winning team of the Past Presidents Golf Tournament scramble includes, from left to right, current WPVGA President Eric Schroeder, Crystal Olson and Past President Andy Diercks.

24 BC�T October

up and have some fun.

In addition to Schroeder, participants included Larry Alsum, Andy Diercks, Crystal Olson, Mark Finnessy, WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan, Ron Krueger, and John and Debbie Wolter.

Played as a three-person “scramble,” taking first place with a score of 64 was the team made up of Schroeder, Olson and Diercks, and a day that had started with a WPVGA Board meeting ended with dinner at the course and promises to play on again next year.

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Heartland Farms Uses Incentives for Energy Efficiency Focus on Energy incentivizes growers to become efficient & improve a farm’s bottom line

By Casey Langan, senior PR and media relations specialist, Focus on Energy At Heartland Farms, water and fertilizer are not the only inputs used efficiently.

Lighting and equipment upgrades made possible with incentives from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program

have lowered the farm’s annual energy costs by almost $89,000.

“Cutting energy costs improves our bottom line,” explains Jeremie Pavelski, Heartland Farms president.

“We are always looking for ways to

be cost effective and efficient. These savings improve our competitiveness as a local employer and as a supplier of the national chip potato market.”

Heartland Farms is a fifth-generation family business that grows potatoes, sweet corn, canning peas and green beans on about 24,000 irrigated acres spread across five counties in Central Wisconsin.

Its roots trace back to 1873, when Jeremie Pavelski’s great-great grandfather, August Pavelski, started with 80 acres near Amherst Junction in Portage County. The farm incorporated as A.M. Pavelski & Sons Inc. in 1974.

Heartland Farms Inc. was formed in 1990 when Richard Pavelski and Dave Knights partnered. In the years since, Knights has helped steward Heartland Above: The Heartland Farms 37,000-square-foot Farm Operations Technology & Training Center, beautifully illuminated here, is powered by 150 photovoltaic solar panels on its roof. “It’s just the right thing to do,” says Heartland’s Alicia Pavelski, a former electrical engineer. “Plus, I really wanted to do it. We track everything. We’re data junkies.”

Photo courtesy of Phil Weston Left: A plenum space that facilitates air circulation in a Heartland Farms storage facility is pictured before (left) and after (right) installation of energyefficient LED lightbulbs.

26 BC�T October

Farms through a more than tenfold increase in acreage.

to equip the storage facilities with energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Heartland Farms employs about 90 full-time employees and another 80 on a seasonal basis. They also contract with area farmers to grow potatoes for them. August’s original 80 acres are still farmed today.

The incandescent and high-pressure sodium lights previously used were less than ideal. They were slow to fully illuminate, causing a safety

PHILOSOPHY OF SUSTAINABILITY “Focus on Energy’s programs are a great fit for our farm’s philosophy on sustainability. We’re always looking to increase yields while lowering inputs to supply a growing world with a consistent food supply,” Pavelski says.

Focus on Energy, funded by participating Wisconsin utilities, works with eligible residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

As one of the nation’s premier suppliers of chipping potatoes, Heartland Farms has storage facilities with the capacity for more than a half-billion pounds of potatoes. Focus on Energy provided a $35,442 incentive Above: A new Heartland Farms facility features LED high-bay lighting. The incandescent and high-pressure sodium lights previously used were slow to fully illuminate, causing a safety hazard for workers entering a darkened plant or storage bin.

The most popular varieties of these world-class hybrids are going fast.

hazard for workers entering a darkened storage bin. The far corners of the bin were never fully lit, which provided less than ideal monitoring conditions. continued on pg. 28

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Heartland Farms. . . continued from pg. 27

Installing LEDs improved safety and monitoring conditions, and saved more than six million kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power 69 Wisconsin homes for a year.

Focus on Energy provided a similar incentive for 148 LED fixtures and 130 variable frequency drives (for pumps and conveyors) at Heartland’s potato rinse plant. The lifecycle savings of that project totaled more than 10 million kilowatt hours.

As part of Focus on Energy’s charge to provide technical energy expertise and cash incentives to participating utilities’ electric and/or natural gas customers, energy advisor Jessica

Anderson worked closely with Heartland Farms to ensure the projects qualified for incentives.

Anderson also worked with officials at North Central Irrigation and Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative when variable frequency drives were installed on Heartland’s irrigation and processing equipment.

VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES The variable frequency drives adjust well pump speed based on system pressure requirements that change due to ground elevation and the use of a swing arm.

This technology is estimated to save nearly 1.5 million kilowatt-hours.

It also allows for the use of variablerate irrigation where each individual nozzle can be turned on or off, independently, to accommodate the soil’s capacity to hold moisture directly beneath it.

The 13 fields with the most variable soil conditions were the first ones chosen for variable-rate irrigation.

Heartland Farms is home to more than 100 center pivot irrigation systems. Proper irrigation is vital for maintaining yield and quality of a crop highly sensitive to stress from Mother Nature.

“Their commitment to energy efficiency and overall sustainability in all areas of their operation serves Above: Focus on Energy’s Jessica Anderson (light-gray sweatshirt) worked closely with Alicia and Jeremie Pavelski (shown together in the field) of Heartland Farms to ensure projects such as variable frequency drives and variable-rate irrigation qualified for incentives.

Left: LED bulbs and fixtures, such as shown here in the Heartland Farms training room, improved safety and monitoring conditions, and saved more than six million kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power 69 Wisconsin homes for a year.

Photo courtesy of Phil Weston

28 BC�T October

as a great reflection on Wisconsin agriculture,” Anderson says.

Heartland Farms was a 2016 recipient of Focus on Energy’s Excellence in Energy Efficiency Awards that honored 14 businesses and organizations for outstanding energy efficiency dedication and performance.

to other farms and small businesses.”

To learn how Focus on Energy can help your farm’s bottom line, visit www.focusonenergy.agribusiness.

About Focus on Energy Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities' statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities and participating municipal and electric cooperative utilities.

“Working with Focus on Energy has been a great experience with beneficial results in energy conservation and pursuing our |O goals,” affirms. “We would CPavelski definitely recommend their programs DEPARTMENT:

Desktop Artist

Project Manager

APPROVAL:

OUTPUT SIZE:

Left: Jeremie Pavelski, president of Heartland Farms, was the 2011 Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Young Grower of the Year. “Cutting energy costs improves our bottom line,” Pavelski, who has a degree in computer networking, explains. “We are always looking for ways to be cost effective and efficient.

RIght: Heartland Farms President Jeremie Pavelski says, “Focus on Energy’s programs are a great fit for our farm’s philosophy on sustainability. We’re always looking to increase yields while lowering inputs to supply a growing world with a consistent food supply.”

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective manage rising energy costs, promote in-state energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Client: Compeer Art Creative Account Proofreader Copywriter Production Director Director Manager Service Media Type: Focus on Energy information, resources andBadger Common Tatereconomic development, protect our environment 4C financial incentives help to implement Color: projects that and control Wisconsin’s growing demand for Trim: otherwise would not be completed. Live: 7.25x2.5 electricity and natural gas. For more information, Bleed: No bleed Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses call 800-762-7077 or visit www.focusonenergy.com.

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BC�T October 29

Seed Piece State Farm Pulls out all the Stops for Field Day Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm caters to guests and shows off Rhinelander facilities

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

With much to be proud of, researchers and staff of the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm pulled out all the stops, August 4, at the annual Rhinelander Field Day, showing off new state-of-the art equipment, potato varieties, test plots, agricultural studies and more.

Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program Director Alex Crockford welcomed a sizeable crowd and provided a recap and outlook for the seed program. Crockford wasted no time, telling field day guests that the state seed farm has been providing clean foundation seed potatoes since 1942.

“We have a farm here and a lab in Madison that keeps our tissue culture,” Crockford remarked. “All generations of seed potatoes start as tissue culture. In the last five years, we’ve increased our activity, services and sales. No other program tests as much seed as us.”

“Five years ago,” Crockford continued, “we had 35 seed potato varieties in the program, and today we have 65 varieties. We installed a high-cap well this year, new pipe and purchased a four-row windrower.”

30 BC�T October

In 2016 and ’17, a considerable amount of time and resources went into developing a new walk-in cooler facility on the farm. Two 16-by-24foot thermally-insulated coolers increased the state farm’s mini-tuber storage capacity from 128 cubic feet to 896 cubic feet.

With the changes, staff hope to accomplish improved storage conditions, reduced sprouting and improved transition from stored crop to field readiness. Roughly one-third

Top: The sign welcoming visitors to the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm, established in 1941, mentions the mission of providing Wisconsin’s seed potato industry with the highest-quality basic seed stocks in the nation.

Right: J.D. Schroeder (left) of Schroeder Bros. Farms and Dr. Russ Groves (right) examine tissue culture at the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm. All generations of seed potatoes at the farm start as tissue culture.

of all field production on the farm originates from the tubers.

NEW WELL AND PIPE In 2017 the state farm drilled a highcapacity well and buried 3,000 feet of underground pipe to connect it to existing J-pipes that service three large irrigation pivots. Three-phase power service is also now installed.

Crockford introduced Yi Wang, who, in the spring of this year, left the University of Idaho to join the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture as an assistant professor. Her research focus is on potato and vegetable sustainable production, particularly through new irrigation technologies.

He also welcomed Abigail Kutzke, an agronomy outreach specialist new to the state farm’s seed program, as well as special guests who traveled from the country of Myanmar.

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is bordered by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand in Southeast Asia, and could be a Wisconsin seed potato export customer for the country’s chip stock market.

Myanmar guests included potato growers from the city of Heho and two senior agronomists from Aventine Ltd., an exporter of chip stock from Myanmar to Thailand

and Indonesia. The guests were chaperoned by Peter Joyce, a consultant for Potatoes USA.

Left: An old, repurposed Felix Zeloski Farms flatbed truck hauled field day attendees out to the potato and vegetable plots to hear presentations from UW researchers on a cool, cloudy, windy day.

With the introduction of the guests, it was time for all field day attendees to find a seat in one of three wagons for a trip to the fields and insightful presentations by UW researchers on their trials and test plots.

Right: Myanmar guests (front and center) included potato growers from the city of Heho and two senior agronomists from Aventine Ltd., an exporter of chip stock from Myanmar to Thailand and Indonesia. The guests were chaperoned by Peter Joyce (seated, far left), a consultant for Potatoes USA.

Dr. Amanda Gevens of the UW Department of Plant Pathology shared updates on late blight in tomatoes and commercial potatoes and fungicides that could limit or curb the spread of the disease.

FUNGICIDES FOR CONTROL Gevens evaluated in-furrow and seed-applied fungicides for control of Rhizoctonia, silver scurf, black dot, Pythium, Dickeya and pink rot. Her team’s trials contain experimental continued on pg. 32

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Seed Piece. . . continued from pg. 31

fungicides that are still in the pipeline for registration, as well as recently registered products and established grower standard programs.

Joyce was given a chance to speak on seed opportunities in Myanmar and Southeast Asia, specifically covering Thailand, which imports chip stock,

mostly of the Atlantic variety, and the citizens there eating more potato chips than ever in the country’s history, but not having any sizable land to grow potatoes.

Dr. Russ Groves from the UW Department of Entomology talked about insects that affect potato and vegetable crops, and support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in managing PVY virus.

Groves touched on potato leafhopper and the colonizing aphid species, as well as Colorado potato beetle and how the use of neonicotinoids and paraffinic oils has resulted in low insect activity for four years running.

From the UW Department of Horticulture, Dr. Jeff Endelman explained his involvement with the SpudPro committee and its mission to advance Wisconsin potato breeding lines and varieties by providing foundation seed as a platform for industry review, adoption and commercialization.

Endelman showed guests seated in the wagons examples of Nicolet, Current Page: Photo opportunities after the field tours and before a barbecue lunch included pictures of the entire staff of the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm along with growers; of the seed growers by themselves; and of the staff separately.

32 BC�T October

Tundra and Hodag chipping potatoes, as well as new varieties of yellow, red and russet potatoes.

Left: Dr. Russ Groves from the UW Department of Entomology talked about insects that affect potato and vegetable crops, touching on potato leafhopper and Colorado potato beetle.

A full-blown barbecue lunch followed, including refreshments, photo opportunities, closing remarks, conversation and opportunities to tour facilities and learn more about

Right: Potatoes USA consultant Peter Joyce was given a chance to speak on seed potato opportunities in Myanmar and Southeast Asia, specifically covering Thailand, which imports chip stock, mostly of the Atlantic variety, and the citizens there eating more potato chips than ever in the country’s history.

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People

CALS Announces 2017 Honorary Recognition Awardees WPVGA Hall of Fame member Louis Wysocki touted as entrepreneurial leader

On October 19, the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) will present its Honorary Recognition Awards to Allan Herrman and Louis Wysocki, its Distinguished Service Award to Robert Kauffman and its Distinguished Alumni Award to Mary Beth Kirkham.

These are the highest honors bestowed by the college. The Honorary Recognition Award, established in 1909, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, their communities and the university.

state government before landing at Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) in 1985.

For the next 28 years, he worked to provide electricity and innovation to Wisconsin farmers. He recently retired from his position as manager of wholesale services at WPS, where he led a team that supplied more than $200 million in annual sales of electricity to cooperatives and municipal utilities.

Throughout his career, Herrman has held a variety of positions, but his focus has always remained on agriculture and education.

The Distinguished Service Award, first presented in 1994, recognizes meritorious service by CALS faculty and staff members. The Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors lifetime achievement and service, has been given since 2009.

He served on the WALSAA Board of Directors for three terms, including two terms as WALSAA president. He is currently leading the Dean Henry Residence Fund committee, and is co-chair of the WALSAA events committee.

The awards will be presented at the CALS Honorary Recognition Banquet on Thursday, October 19 at Union South, located at 1308 W. Dayton Street in Madison. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.cals.wisc.edu/ honorary/.

In September, Herrman received the WALSAA Daluge Red Jacket Award, which honors those who have made a significant contribution to WALSAA and the future of the organization.

Allan Herrman is truly a fixture in the CALS and WALSAA (Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association) community. He stood out as a leader early on, serving as a Farm and Industry Short Course dorm housefellow and Ag Council president.

After graduating from UW-Madison in 1977 with a degree in dairy science, he worked in ag-related branches of 34 BC�T October

Louis Wysocki has established himself as a titan in the potato and vegetable industry. He grew up on a family dairy farm in Portage County and was introduced to potatoes when he and his brothers started selling them on the fresh market as a new business venture.

That entrepreneurial spirit has served him well. Today, the family farm is a multi-corporation business.

His greatest achievement has been to develop the next generation as managers and, with many family

Louis Wysocki

members, create a cohesive family business for which he is recognized and sought out nationally.

The 30,000-acre farm boasts a nationwide sales and brokerage office, packaging company and specialty baby potato farm. They also market potatoes for more than 50 farms nationwide, giving access to small family farms and utilizing a pool system to stabilize pricing across suppliers.

Wysocki is also a leader, having served as president of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and the National Potato Council. He is a member of the WPVGA Hall of Fame.

He also served on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board for many years, including six terms as chairman. At his first board meeting, he proposed an idea that eventually led to the creation of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Robert Kauffman’s professional career has been stamped with a credo from a book he received while an undergraduate at Iowa State University: Stand tall, smile tall, think tall and live tall.

After graduating from Iowa State, where he played trumpet in the Cyclone marching band, Kauffman

Allan Herrman

Robert Kauffman

Mary Beth Kirkham

served in the Air Force. He moved to Madison, where he earned master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from UW. Shortly after, he embarked on a career that has left a profound impact on everyone he has met along the way.

decades. She earned her Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in botany with a minor in soil science from UWMadison, making her the first female graduate student in soil science.

and authored or co-authored more than 300 scientific articles.

“Dr. K,” as he is affectionately known, developed groundbreaking teaching methods that are still used at CALS and elsewhere. He created the Academic Quadrathlon, a national competition that tests the knowledge and skills of animal science students.

To date, more than 15,000 students from 50 universities have participated.

Once, a former student dropped by his office years after graduation and asked Kauffman if he still remembered her. Yes, he said, and pulled a scrapbook from a shelf.

Inside were biographies of every student enrolled in her class that semester—10 years earlier.

It’s these relationships he forged with countless students during his tenure that will be perhaps his most indelible legacy. He is renowned as a forward-thinking and influential figure in the meat science industry.

Mary Beth Kirkham has gained a reputation as being a leading figure in the field of soil science and agronomy over a career spanning nearly five

She then embarked on a prodigious professional path. After her Ph.D. studies, she was a postdoctoral fellow at what is now the Nelson Institute, then took a position with the Environmental Protection Agency in 1973.

Her academic career took her to the University of Massachusetts and Oklahoma State University before landing her at Kansas State University in the Department of Agronomy, where she works today.

Both her written output and editorial prowess are impressive. She has written three books, edited four more

Kirkham is known as an expert in soil-plant-water relationships and was one of the first researchers to examine the link between soils and climate change.

She is a tireless advocate of graduate education as well. Her educational family tree boasts dozens of Master of Science and Ph.D. students, many of whom have achieved prestige in their own rights.

Kirkham truly exemplifies the spirit of education and is a long-standing supporter of the Department of Soil Science, CALS and UW-Madison. continued on pg. 36

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BC�T October 35

People. . . continued from pg. 35

Betty Ann Sowinski Sadly Passes Away Betty Ann Sowinski, age 75, of Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, died on August 29, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 4, 1942 in Rhinelander to Frank and Ida (Simmons) Robinson.

Betty attended schools in Rhinelander, graduating from Rhinelander High School in 1960. She married Sonny Sowinski on June 17, 1961 in Sugar Camp. God blessed them with 56 years marriage and a wonderful family.

Betty worked hard during her lifetime. After high school, she was employed by the Fairmont Dairy in Rhinelander, then after her marriage to Sonny, they worked on the family farms in Charleston, Missouri for a good part of each year.

She and Sonny, along with Al and Shirley Sowinski, were the original owners and founders of Sowinski Farms in Rhinelander. Her favorite “job” was taking care of her family.

in Sugar Camp. She also devoted a good share of her free time coaching the girls of Sugar Camp in sports, especially softball. She coached her daughters and their daughters and loved to attend all her grandchildren’s games.

Betty is survived by her husband, Sonny Sowinski; her daughters, Theresa (Gary) Hamilton, Sue Oestreich and Eve (Jay) Wagler; her sons, Greg (Mary Jo) Sowinski and John (Brenda) Sowinski; 14 grandchildren, Amy, Jim and Kayla Sowinski, Lacey Kimpel, Allen and Eric Hamilton, Josh, Molly and Jacob Wagler, Emily and Macy Sowinski, Christie and Marisa Oestreich and Ashley (Josh) Jaeger; her 4 greatgrandchildren, Logan, Gavin, Ayla and Clara Jaeger; her sisters, Helen (Dale) Gerdes and Nancy (Thomas) Ives; nieces and nephews; her inlaws, Jeannette Robinson, Nancy Robinson, Donna Robinson, Mary Robinson, Mary Ann Roberts, Al and Shirley Sowinski and Butch and Diane Sowinski, and many friends.

The loves of Betty’s life were God and family. She was a longtime member Badger Common'Tater AD (7x3).v1.outlines.pdf 1 2017-08-28 Betty was preceded in death by11:30 herAM of the St.09-17 Kunegunda Catholic1-3page Church

36 BC�T October

parents; her brothers, Fred (Ruth), Karl (Shirley), Richard, Bud (Sue), Roger, Lavern and Eugene Robinson; her brother-in-law, Donald Roberts; in-laws, Fred and Dorothy Cirilli; niece, Cathy Robinson Birch; and nephews, Vincent Sowinski, Jim Robinson, Denny Robinson and Lee Robinson.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Friday, September 1, at St. Kunegunda Catholic Church with Father Bala Reddy Allam officiating.

Interment followed in the St. Kunegunda Catholic Cemetery.

You may leave your private condolences for the Sowinski family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Sowinski family. continued on pg. 38

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People. . . continued from pg. 36

Warren Beebout Loses Battle with Cancer Warren Ray Beebout, age 65, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, passed away August 26 at his home, with his loving family at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was a faithful member of the Columbia United Methodist Church in Iowa and joined the Buena Vista United Methodist Church after his marriage.

He was a loving husband and father, and the very best “Papa Beebs.”

His family was blessed to learn many valuable lessons from their dad over the years, among them being:

Warren was born November 1, 1951 in Chariton, Iowa, the son of Evelyn (Shepard) Beebout of Iowa and the late Kenneth Beebout. He grew up on the family farm in Columbia, Iowa.

After attending schools in Columbia and Knoxville, Iowa, Warren attended Iowa State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business.

Immediately after graduation, in 1973, Warren was hired by Del Monte Foods. Warren loved his job, admired his growers and enjoyed his 42 years of employment as a field supervisor.

Even after his retirement, in March of 2016, he still wanted to play in the dirt and went to work for one of his growers for a few months, which he enjoyed immensely.

His marriage to Janice Fletcher took place on February 27, 1982 at the Buena Vista United Methodist Church. His wife, Janice, survives.

 ALWAYS make a list  Shut off the lights  Make your bed  Check your oil  Work hard and always come home with a smile There were many, many more lessons for which they are so thankful.

Survivors include his wife, Janice; his three children, Jami Jo (Brian) Strnad, Nikki Lyn (Mike) Marvin and Geoff Beebout; his grandchildren, Lakoda, Cheyenna, Sawyer, Zakary and Bradlee; his mother, Evelyn Beebout; mother-in-law, Marcia Fletcher; his two brothers, Wayne (Joyce) Beebout and Charles (Mary) Beebout; two sisters, Mary Beebout and Cheryl Beebout Booth; one sister-in-law, Karen (Tom) Jones, along with many nieces and nephews and his napping

partner and best four-legged friend, Driver.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth, a sister, Nancy Beebout Phillips, brother-in-law, Maurice Booth and his father-in-law, Maurice ‘Muggs’ Fletcher.

Funeral services were held September 3 at the Pisarski Community Home in Plover. Pastor Jim Verkest officiated. Burial followed in Liberty Corners Cemetery in Plover.

The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www. pisarskifuneralhome.com.

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.

38 BC�T October

Janice Sue Chilewski Passes On Janice Sue Chilewski, age 70, of Coloma, passed away August 28 at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau after a brief illness, surrounded by her family.

Jan was born on October 26, 1946, in Wisconsin Rapids, daughter of the late Harry and Marion Swen.

She grew up on her family farm with her brother, Jerry, and sister, Judy.

She graduated from Tri-County High School in 1965.

On April 30, 1966, she married Dick Chilewski at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Almond. They worked together on their family farm at Triple C Acres. Jan was an extremely hard worker and enjoyed growing strawberries and cucumbers they sold off the farm, cutting seed potatoes, driving potato truck and working in the fields as needed.

Jan enjoyed tending her flower and vegetable gardens, and canning the fruits and vegetables they harvested.

Dick and Jan spent many enjoyable times snowmobiling, hunting and fishing.

She loved to cook, and at the beginning of potato harvest would always make her potato donuts that everyone loved. As was the family tradition, every year during deer hunting season she would prepare deer heart. One of her greatest joys was spending time up north at their cabin in Minocqua.

Jan will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She showed kindness to everyone and was always willing to do anything for anyone. She had strength, compassion and spunk.

Jan is survived by her husband, Dick Chilewski; son, Chad (Jeannine) Chilewski; brother, Jerry (Darleene) Swen; brother-in-law, Hod (Nancy) Chilewski and sister-in-law, Wendy (Mark) Stevens. Jan is further survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in

death by her parents, Harry and Marion Swen; her sister, Judy Tafelski; brother-in-law, Wayne Tafelski and nephew, Brad Tafelski.

The family would like to thank all the compassionate staff at Aspirus Hospital for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial was established by the family. Send your condolences or share a memory of Jan with her family and friends. The Stahl Funeral Home of Plainfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Please take a moment to view the online guestbook at www.stahlfuneralhome.com.

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BC�T October 39

2017 WPVGA Associate Division Directory ACCOUNTING OMERNIK & ASSOCIATES INC MICHAEL G OMERNIK PLOVER, WI (715) 341-9036 mike@accounting-offices.com www.accountingoffices.com

AERIAL SPRAYING AGRICAIR FLYING SERVICE INC JIM PERRIN TIM ROURKE BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-4470 agricair@uniontel.net agricairflyingservice.com REABE SPRAYING SERVICE INC JR REABE WAUPUN, WI (920) 324-3519 rssinc@att.net www.reabesprayingservice.com

FOCUS ON ENERGY LAURA DACHEL CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (888) 947-7828 AgSGapps@focusonenergy.com www.focusonenergy.com/agribusiness JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com MOERKERKE CONSULTING BOB MOERKERKE RHINELANDER, WI (715) 360-7975 bob.moerkerke@gmail.com

AG CONSULTANTS

NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS INC HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com

AGRI-PEST CONSULTING INC TIM GROSS MILTON, WI (608) 208-5049 agripest89@gmail.com

PILLAR BUTTE SEED ROBERT GIESBRECHT ABERDEEN, ID (208) 221-0500 pillarbutte@gmail.com

AGSOURCE LABORATORIES STEVE PETERSON BONDUEL, WI (715) 758-2178 speterson@agsource.com www.agsource.com

PRECISION WATER WORKS LAMAR LAPORTE PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 421-9229 lamar@pwwinc.net www.pwwinc.net

ALLIED COOPERATIVE KARMEN BERNACCHI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3394 kbernacchi@allied.coop www.allied.coop

ROCK RIVER LABORATORY BUFFY UGLOW WATERTOWN, WI (920) 261-0446 buffy_uglow@rockriverlab.com rockriverlab.com

CROP CARE OF LANGLADE COUNTY ANDY MERRY ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4630 merry@granitewave.com

SCHENCK SC MARK DIEDERICH GREEN BAY, WI (920) 436-7800 mark.diederich@schencksc.com www.schencksc.com

CROP IMS LLC BARRY BEWLEY EFFINGHAM, IL (217) 342-5063 bbewley@cropims.com www.cropims.com FARM FIXATION MARK KLISH MOSINEE, WI (715) 347-0545 mark@farmfixation.com www.midwesternbioag.com 40 BC�T October

AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE FINANCING METLIFE AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS TROY FISCHER BYRON, IL (815) 234-2600 tfischer@metlife.com www.metlife.com/ag

ALLIANCE PARTNER MILK SOURCE LLC GREGG WOLF

KAUKAUNA, WI (920) 766-5335 gwolf@milksource.net www.milksource.com

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY A & L GREAT LAKES LABORATORIES INC DAVID HENRY FORT WAYNE, IN (260) 483-4759 dhenry@algreatlakes.com www.algreatlakes.com

AUTOMOTIVE SALES & SERVICE MARK TOYOTA OF PLOVER TIM DURIGAN PLOVER, WI (715) 342-5040 tim@markmotors.com www.marktoyota.com

BAG COMPANIES GLACIER VALLEY ENT LLC BRIAN KRUSKO BARABOO, WI (608) 356-2244 sales@glacierv.com www.glacierv.com THORPACK LLC MARTY KOLPACK BRYANT, WI (715) 627-7333 mkolpack@thorpack.com www.thorpack.com VOLM COMPANIES INC MARSHA VERWIEBE ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 mverwiebe@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com WARNER & WARNER INC JAY WARNER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-8563 jay.warner@warnerpackaging.com www.warnerpackaging.com

CERTIFICATION CONSULTANTS A TO Z MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SIMON JALALI ALPHARETTA, GA (678) 243-0005 simonj@atozmc.com www.atozmc.com

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN JEFF PETERSON STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-4984 jeff.peterson@claconnect.com www.claconnect.com

CHAIN SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 sandcounty@uniontel.com www.sandcountyequipment.com

CHEMICAL/FERTILIZER APPLICATION SUPPLIES SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 sandcounty@uniontel.com www.sandcountyequipment.com

CHEMICALS AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP RALPH FREDERICK DULUTH, MN (218) 340-1609 ralphf@amvac-chemical.com www.amvac-chemical.com SYNGENTA KATIE THELEN BARABOO, WI (336) 706-6648 katie.thelen@syngenta.com syngenta.com VALENT USA CORPORATION BRUCE MARTY EAU CLAIRE, WI (715) 450-1362 bruce.marty@valent.com

CHEMICALS/FERTILIZERS AGROLIQUID DANIEL PETERSON WEST BEND, WI (262) 339-6843 dan.peterson@agroliquid.com agroliquid.com

awebster@certisusa.com www.certisusa.com CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES JIM BEACH JANESVILLE, WI (970) 518-2685 jim.beach@cpsagu.com DOW AGROSCIENCES ALYSSA GEHRING SUN PRAIRIE, WI (608) 347-6085 agehring@dow.com www.dowagro.com DUPONT CROP PROTECTION STACIE NELSON WESTON, WI (920) 213-8482 stacie.a.nelson@dupont.com dupont.com FMC CORP AG SOLUTIONS ALLEN KLUG COTTAGE GROVE, WI (608) 695-7620 allen.klug@fmc.com www.fmccrop.com GOWAN USA KEVIN BOEHM CAMP DOUGLAS, WI (608) 697-5949 kboehm@gowanco.com www.gowanco.com GYPSOIL BRAND GYPSUM ANNIE PETRUSEK CHICAGO, IL (866) 497-7645 events@gypsoil.com www.gypsoil.com

ICL SPECIALTY FERTILIZER RYAN ROWINSKI MOUNT CLEMENS, MI (614) 726-7967 ryan.rowinski@icl-group.com www.icl-sf.com INSIGHT FS JOEL ZALEWSKI ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4844 jzalewski@insightfs.com www.insightfs.com JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com JET HARVEST SOLUTIONS BILL STONEMAN MCFARLAND, WI (608) 268-7040 billstoneman@jetharvest.com www.jetharvest.com MIDWESTERN BIO AG CAITLIN ROBERTS MADISON, WI (608) 841-1659 caitlin.roberts@midwesternbioag.com www.midwesternbioag.com MILLER CHEMICAL & FERTILIZER LLC PETE KAPUSTKA FT DODGE, IA (717) 353-1980 petekapustka@millerchemical.com www.millerchemical.com continued on pg. 42

ALLEN SUPPLY CO INC JASON ALLEN STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 341-7635 jason.allen@allensc.com ALLIED COOPERATIVE KARMEN BERNACCHI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3394 kbernacchi@allied.coop www.allied.coop ARYSTA LIFE SCIENCE PETER WHITE HUTCHINSON, MN (320) 221-9916 peter.white@arysta.com www.arystalifescience.com BAYER CHAD RHINEHART REEDSBURG, WI (608) 345-2986 chad.rhinehart@bayer.com www.cropscience.bayer.us CERTIS USA ANNE WEBSTER PAW PAW, MI (269) 207-7712

BC�T October 41

2017 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 41 NACHURS BRIAN KENT ALBANY, WI (608) 347-2799 kentb@nachurs.com www.nachurs.com NUFARM AMERICAS INC J W CHAMPION ALSIP, IL (708) 377-1450 jw.champion@us.nufarm.com www.nufarm.com/US/Home PINNACLE AG JOE KAPRAL STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 280-1732 joe.kapral@pinnacleag.com www.pinnacleag.com T H AGRI-CHEMICALS INC ROBERT ZIMPEL PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6343 thag@thagrichemicals.com TIP INC STEVE TATRO CUSTER, WI (715) 592-4650 tip@tipinc.net www.tipinc.net TRIEST AG GROUP INC CHRIS FURMAN GREENVILLE, NC (252) 758-4263 cfurman@triestag.com www.triestag.com UNITED PHOSPHOROUS INC DALE SCHIFF COLLINSVILLE, IL (618) 581-4666 dale.schiff@uniphos.com VINE CROP PROTECTION DARREN ANDERSON ONTARIO, CANADA (416) 260-8889 danderson@vivecrop.com www.vivecrop.com WILBUR-ELLIS COMPANY KURT DEPORTER ALMOND, WI (715) 366-2500 kdeporter@wilburellis.com www.wilburellis.com WINFIELD UNITED JOE NAGEL STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-0313 janagel@landolakes.com

COLD STORAGE SERVICE COLD STORAGE LLC LES DOBBE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-4565 ldobbe@servicecold.biz www.servicecold.biz 42 BC�T October

COMMUNICATION AIR COMMUNICATIONS OF CENTRAL WISCONSIN INC ANGIE FEUTZ WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-3050 angie.feutz@aircommcentral.com www.aircommcentral.com HORTAU INC BRAD HANSEN WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (805) 545-5994 bhansen@hortau.com www.hortau.com

CONCRETE READY MIX & BLOCK PIPE COUNTY MATERIALS CORPORATION KEVIN TESCH MARATHON, WI (715) 443-6261 kevin.tesch@countymaterials.com www.countymaterials.com

CONSTRUCTION ALTMANN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC TAMMY MEYERS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-2550 altmann@altmannconstruction.com www.altmannconstruction.com EXTRUTECH PLASTICS INC GREGORY SHEEHY MANITOWOC, WI (888) 818-0118 gsheehy@epibp.com www.epiplastics.com HANSEN-RICE INC TAMI MCINTYRE NAMPA, ID (208) 465-0200 tmcintyre@hansen-rice.com www.hansen-rice.com KELLER INC COLLEEN DAUL KAUKAUNA, WI (920) 766-5795 cdaul@kellerbuilds.com www.kellerbuilds.com MCCARTHY CONSTRUCTION LLC JIM MCCARTHY WAUPACA, WI (920) 841-2265 jmconstructinc@gmail.com MIDLAND GARAGE DOOR CHAD DESMITH WEST FARGO, ND (701) 282-8136 chadd@midlandgaragedoor.com www.midlandgaragedoor.com MPB BUILDERS INC DOYLE POKORNY RIPON, WI (920) 748-2601 doyle@mpbbuilders.com www.mpbbuilders.com

OAK RIDGE FOAM & COATING SYSTEMS JED STELLMACHER GREEN LAKE, WI (920) 294-6800 jeds@oakridgepoly.com www.oakridgepoly.com RHINEHART METAL BUILDINGS INC CHAD RHINEHART FRIENDSHIP, WI (608) 339-9109 rhinehartmb@gmail.com www.rhinehartmetalbuildingsinc.com SPIEGL CONSTRUCTION LLC TIM SPIEGL ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4718 spiegl@spieglconstruction.com www.spieglconstruction.com URBAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY BRIAN KARLEN WAUSAU, WI (715) 675-9425 sales@urbanconstructionco.com www.urbanconstructionco.com WICK BUILDINGS BRAD BALDSCHUN GREEN BAY, WI (608) 514-5902 brad.baldschun@wickbuildings.com www.wickbuildings.com

CONSULTANTS MIDWESTERN BIO AG CAITLIN ROBERTS MADISON, WI (608) 841-1659 caitlin.roberts@midwesternbioag.com www.midwesternbioag.com

CONTROLLED RELEASE FERTILIZER ICL SPECIALTY FERTILIZER RYAN ROWINSKI MOUNT CLEMENS, MI (614) 726-7967 ryan.rowinski@icl-group.com www.icl-sf.com

COVER CROPS FARM FIXATION LLC MARK KLISH MOSINEE, WI (715) 347-0545 mark@farmfixation.com www.midwesternbioag.com

CROP AND AG INSURANCE VINE VEST NORTH INC CHAD GLAZE WAUSAU, WI (715) 675-1829 chad@vinevestnorth.com www.vinevestnorth.com

CROP PROTECTION ALLIED COOPERATIVE KARMEN BERNACCHI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3394 kbernacchi@allied.coop www.allied.coop

CUSTOM APPLICATION ALLIED COOPERATIVE KARMEN BERNACCHI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3394 kbernacchi@allied.coop www.allied.coop

DOCK EQUIPMENT CENTRAL DOOR SOLUTIONS CHRIS BROOKS PLOVER, WI (715) 342-4153 cbrooks@centraldoorsolutions.com www.centraldoorsolutions.com

DRY BLENDED FERTILIZERS MIDWESTERN BIO AG CAITLIN ROBERTS MADISON, WI (608) 841-1659 caitlin.roberts@midwesternbioag.com www.midwesternbioag.com

ELECTRIC MOTOR SALES AND REPAIR

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSULTANT FOCUS ON ENERGY LAURA DACHEL CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (888) 947-7828 AgSGapps@focusonenergy.com www.focusonenergy.com/agribusiness

ENGINES/DIESEL K & S FUEL INJECTION INC JASON MAKI WESTON, WI (715) 359-1000 jmaki@ksfuel.com www.ksfuel.com

ESTATE & LEGACY PLANNING US BANCORP INVESTMENTS PERRY WORZELLA STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 342-2232 perry.worzella@usbank.com

FARM EQUIPMENT

L & S ELECTRIC INC CHRIS KIETRYS SCHOFIELD, WI (715) 359-3155 ckietrys@lselectric.com www.lselectric.com

CROP IMS LLC BARRY BEWLEY EFFINGHAM, IL (217) 342-5063 bbewley@cropims.com www.cropims.com

ELECTRICAL

LANDOLL CORPORATION KEVIN WENDLAND BRILLION, WI (920) 901-5469 kevin.wendland@landoll.com www.landoll.com

ADAMS-COLUMBIA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE PATRICK GATTERMAN FRIENDSHIP, WI (800) 831-8629 pgatterman@acecwi.com www.acecwi.com GRAYBAR ELECTRIC ALEX PIWOSCHUK STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 345-2878 alex.piwoschuk@graybar.com www.graybar.com

LINCO PRECISION LLC DAN PUENT EL PASO, IL (309) 527-6455 dpuent@lincoprecision.com www.lincoprecision.com

MILESTONE EQUIPMENT SHANE MITCHELL BLACKFOOT, ID (208) 785-4285 info@milestone-equipment.com www.milestone-equipment.com QUINLANS EQUIPMENT INC TOM QUINLAN ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4331 info@quinlansequipment.com www.quinlansequipment.com RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC NICOLE GLISCZINSKI HORTONVILLE, WI (920) 757-6101 marketing@rands.com www.rands.com SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 sandcounty@uniontel.net www.sandcountyequipment.com SERVICE MOTOR COMPANY JERRY MCCAIN STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 592-4111 smcsp@servicemotor.com www.servicemotor.com SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT INC MELISSA HEISE MOSINEE, WI (715) 693-3015 melissaheise@swiderskiequipment.com www.swiderskiequipment.com

continued on pg. 44

NORTH WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY ROB PECK STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 630-6451 rob@northwindre.com www.northwindre.com RONS REFRIGERATION & AC INC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 eugene.mancl@ronsrefrigeration.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com WAUSAU ELECTRIC LLC JOE KOSTYN WAUSAU, WI (715) 842-2260 sales@wausauelectric.com www.wausauelectric.com WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORP DALE BOWE WAUSAU, WI (715) 573-7384 dabowe@wisconsinpublicservice.com www.wisconsinpublicservice.com BC�T October 43

2017 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 43 rich.wilcox@bmo.com TRIEST AG GROUP INC CHRIS FURMAN GREENVILLE, NC (252) 758-4263 cfurman@triestag.com www.triestag.com

CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN JEFF PETERSON STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-4984 jeff.peterson@claconnect.com www.claconnect.com

WINDRIDGE IMPLEMENTS BRIAN NORDSCHOW DECORAH, IA (563) 382-3614 bnordschow@windridgeimplements.com www.windridgeimplements.com

COMPEER FINANCIAL CATHY SCHOMMER BARABOO, WI (608) 356-8376 cathy.schommer@compeer.com Compeer.com

FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT

COVANTAGE CREDIT UNION DAN HANSON ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4336 dhanson@covantagecu.org www.covantagecu.org

CONTREE SPRAYER AND EQUIPMENT DAVID VONBEHREN BEAVER DAM, WI (920) 356-0121 davev@contree.com www.contree.com

FERTILIZERS BIO-GRO INC BRUCE ANDERSEN CEDAR GROVE, WI (608) 354-1123 bruce@biogro.com www.biogro.com CALCIUM PRODUCTS BECKY HECK BARNEVELD, WI (715) 450-1291 becky.heck@calciumproducts.com www.calciumproducts.com FARM FIXATION LLC MARK KLISH MOSINEE, WI (715) 347-0545 mark@farmfixation.com www.midwesternbioag.com YARA NORTH AMERICA INC WES JOHNSON COLLIERVILLE, TN (901) 854-9292 wes.johnson@yara.com www.yara.us

FERTILIZERS/ADJUVENT POSSIBILITIES UNLIMITED ELLIE WOMELDORF PLOVER, WI (715) 281-1743 ellie_womeldorf@yahoo.com possibilitiesunlimited4u.com

FINANCIAL ABBYBANK NATALYN JANNENE ABBOTSFORD, WI (715) 316-6230 natalynj@abbybank.com www.abbybank.com BMO HARRIS BANK RICH WILCOX STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 342-3218 44 BC�T October

EDWARD JONES – BOB EBBEN BOB EBBEN WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-4100 bob.ebben@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com INVESTORS COMMUNITY BANK LAURA WIEGERT MANITOWOC, WI (920) 645-6112 lwiegert@investorscommunitybank.com www.investorscommunitybank.com THE PORTAGE COUNTY BANK DOUG ESKRITT ALMOND, WI (715) 366-4311 doug@portagecountybank.com UNITED FCS MIKE MAGUIRE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-1000 mike.maguire@unitedfcs.com www.unitedfcs.com US BANCORP INVESTMENTS PERRY WORZELLA STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 342-2232 perry.worzella@usbank.com

FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION CERES CERTIFICATIONS KARL KOLB CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (715) 723-5143 karl@highsierragroup.com www.ceresci.com

FORKLIFT EQUIPMENT FAIRCHILD EQUIPMENT ANDREA JORGENSEN GREEN BAY, WI (920) 494-8726 info@fairchildequipment.com www.fairchildequipment.com

FUEL INJECTION K&S FUEL INJECTION INC

JASON MAKI WESTON, WI (715) 359-1000 jmaki@ksfuel.com www.ksfuel.com

HEAVY TRUCKS & EQUIPMENT V&H INC BOB POHL MARSHFIELD, WI (800) 826-2308 a.boson@vhtrucks.com www.vhtrucks.com

HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS MID-STATES EQUIPMENT INC JOHN GUMMERSON MEDFORD, WI (715) 748-5565 mse@tds.net www.midstateshydraulics.com

INSULATION FENCIL URETHANE SYSTEMS INC NICK LAUDENBACH WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-4200 nick@fencilurethane.com www.fencilurethane.com OAK RIDGE FOAM & COATING SYSTEMS JED STELLMACHER GREEN LAKE, WI (920) 294-6800 jeds@oakridgepoly.com www.oakridgepoly.com

INSURANCE ANSAY & ASSOCIATES LLC SALLY SUPRISE APPLETON, WI (920) 560-7015 sally.suprise@ansay.com www.ansay.com COMPASS INSURANCE SERVICES MIKHAIL SALIENKO STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-1586 mikhail.salienko@compassinsurance.net www.compassinsurance.net COMPEER FINANCIAL CATHY SCHOMMER BARABOO, WI (608) 356-8376 cathy.schommer@compeer.com Compeer.com HUB INTERNATIONAL MIDWEST LTD LEIF ERICKSON LARS SCHULTZ WAUNAKEE, WI (608) 849-6873 leif.erickson@hubinternational.com www.murphyinsurance.com M3 INSURANCE SOLUTIONS INC JEN PINO-GALLAGHER MADISON, WI (608) 288-2842 jen.pinogallagher@m3ins.com www.m3ins.com

MCCORMICK-KLESSIG INSURANCE MICHAEL THEISEN ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4302 miket@mccormickklessig.com www.mccormickklessig.com MT MORRIS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY DANIEL FENSKE COLOMA, WI (715) 228-5541 melissa@mtmorrisins.com www.mtmorrisins.com OKRAY INSURANCE SERVICES KYLE OKRAY BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-4549 montana@okrayins.com PROGRESSIVE AG RAY GRABANSKI FARGO, ND (701) 277-9210 rlg@progressiveag.com www.progressiveag.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE JENNI ZINDA-MANCL PLOVER, WI (715) 341-5808 jzinda@ruralins.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY DAVID BAYER MADISON, WI (508) 828-5535 dbayer@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com

(715) 437-0238 corey@theassuregroup.com theassuregroup.com

Fall Potash,

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE CO BILL KRIESE MADISON, WI (608) 220-6147 bkriese@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com

INVENTORY VISIBILITY & TRACEABILITY SOFTWARE REDLINE SOLUTIONS ADRIAN DOWN SANTA CLARA, CA (408) 562-1700 adown@redlinesolutions.com www.redlinesolutions.com

ADD NEW Concentrated

TITAN XC ©

For More Information Contact CPS Plainfield at (715) 366-4181

IRRIGATION HORTAU INC BRAD HANSEN WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (805) 545-5994 bhansen@hortau.com www.hortau.com NORTH CENTRAL IRRIGATION INC SCOTT POLZIN PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6368 scott@valleynci.com www.valleynci.com

Release more nutrition.

Expect more results.

continued on pg. 46

Check state registration to make sure product is registered in your state.

RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY JAMES WEHINGER ADAMS, WI (608) 339-6844 jwehinger@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com SECURA INSURANCE ALISSON FRIGO APPLETON, WI (920) 830-4372 af@secura.net www.secura.net UNITED FCS MIKE MAGUIRE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-1000 mike.maguire@unitedfcs.com www.unitedfcs.com US BANCORP INVESTMENTS PERRY WORZELLA STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 342-2232 perry.worzella@usbank.com VINE VEST NORTH INC CHAD GLAZE WAUSAU, WI (715) 675-1829 chad@vinevestnorth.com www.vinevestnorth.com

INSURANCE (CROP) THE ASSURE GROUP COREY ERTL APPLETON, WI

Jim Hoffa 715-366-4181 715-340-4757

Todd Schill 715-335-4900 715-498-2020

Crop Protection Products Variable Rate Fertilizer Application Soil Fumigation • Liquid Fertilizer Bulk & Bagged Fertilizer Seed: Dyna-Gro, Dekalb, Syngenta, Mycogen BC�T October 45

2017 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 45 OASIS IRRIGATION INC JERRY KNUTSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-8300 flynspud@uniontel.net PRECISION WATER WORKS LAMAR LAPORTE PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 421-9229 lamar@pwwinc.net www.pwwinc.net REINKE VERN HINNENKAMP DESHLER, NE (402) 365-7251 irrigation@reinke.com ROBERTS IRRIGATION CO INC CASEY KEDROWSKI PLOVER, WI (715) 344-4747 kedrowski94@hotmail.com www.robertsirrigationwi.com SAMS WELL DRILLING ELLYN REDECKER RANDOLPH, WI (920) 326-5193 ellynr@samswelldrilling.com www.samswelldrilling.com SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES BRIDGET GRAF AURORA, IL (800) 248-8873 bgraf@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com TIP INC STEVE TATRO CUSTER, WI (715) 592-4650 tip@tipinc.net www.tipinc.net TRIEST AG GROUP INC CHRIS FURMAN GREENVILLE, NC (252) 758-4263 cfurman@triestag.com www.triestag.com

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC NICOLE GLISCZINSKI HORTONVILLE, WI (920) 757-6101 marketing@rands.com www.rands.com

LEGAL SERVICE ANDERSON O BRIEN BERTZ SKRENES & GOLLA DEANNA MOSSAK STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-0890 dmossak@andlaw.com www.andlaw.com BOARDMAN & CLARK LLC JEFFREY STORCH BARABOO, WI 46 BC�T October

(608) 356-3977 jstorch@boardmanclark.com www.boardmanclark.com DEWITT ROSS & STEVENS SC JORDAN LAMB RON KUEHN MADISON, WI (608) 252-9358 jkl@dewittross.com www.dewittross.com RUDER WARE LISA O’FLYNG WAUSAU, WI (715) 845-4336 loflyng@ruderware.com www.ruderware.com

LIQUID FERTILIZERS MIDWESTERN BIO AG CAITLIN ROBERTS MADISON, WI (608) 841-1659 caitlin.roberts@midwesternbioag.com www.midwesternbioag.com

LOADING DOCK EQUIPMENT K & K MATERIAL HANDLING CRAIG KACZOROWSKI GREEN BAY, WI (920) 336-3499 ckacz@knkmaterialhandling.com www.knkmaterialhandling.com

MANUFACTURER BASF JUSTIN TUSS APPLETON, WI (920) 570-2686 justin.tuss@basf.com

MARKETING POTATOES USA ALEXANDRA GRIMM DENVER, CO (303) 369-7783 alex@potatoesusa.com potatoesusa.com

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT K & K MATERIAL HANDLING CRAIG KACZOROWSKI GREEN BAY, WI (920) 336-3499 ckacz@knkmaterialhandling.com www.knkmaterialhandling.com

MESH BAGS (PAPER & PLASTIC) GLACIER VALLEY ENT LLC BRIAN KRUSKO BARABOO, WI (608) 356-2244 sales@glacierv.com www.galcierv.com

NEMATODE CONTROL GREEN MANURE GAYLAND WARD SEED CO INC CARSON WARD HEREFORD, TX (806) 258-7394 carson@gaylandwardseed.com www.gaylandwardseed.com

ORGANIC FARM FIXATION LLC MARK KLISH MOSINEE, WI (715) 347-0545 mark@farmfixation.com www.midwesternbioag.com

OVERHEAD DOORS CENTRAL DOOR SOLUTIONS CHRIS BROOKS PLOVER, WI (715) 342-4153 cbrooks@centraldoorsolutions.com www.centraldoorsolutions.com

OVERHEAD DOORS & MATERIAL HANDLING CENTRAL WI WINDSHED PARTNERS GROUP SHANNON ROHDE HANCOCK, WI (715) 249-5424 cwwp@uniontel.net http://www.portage.wi.us/department/planningzoning/central-wisconsin-windshed-partnershipgroup

OZONE GENERATORS RONS REFRIGERATION & AC INC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 eugene.mancl@ronsrefrigeration.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com

PACKAGING EQUIPMENT HARRISTON-MAYO MIKE DELISLE EAST GRAND FORKS, MN (218) 773-1234 mikedelisle@mayomfg.com www.harriston-mayo.com MIKSANEK ENTERPRISES NICK PULOS GRAND LEDGE, MI (517) 627-9346 nick@miksanekenterprises.com www.miksanekenterprises.com THIELE TECHNOLOGIES STEVE SHELLENBAUM MINNEAPOLIS, MN (612) 782-1200 steve.shellenbaum@thieletech.com www.thieletech.com THORPACK LLC MARTY KOLPACK BRYANT, WI (715) 627-7333 mkolpack@thorpack.com www.thorpack.com TRI STEEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC SCOTT HOMSTAD GRAND FORKS, ND (701) 772-5591 scotth@tristeelmfg.com www.tristeelmfg.com

VOLM COMPANIES INC MARSHA VERWIEBE ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 mverwiebe@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com WARNER & WARNER INC JAY WARNER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-8563 jay.warner@warnerpackaging.com www.warnerpackaging.com

PACKAGING SUPPLIES GREEN BAY PACKAGING JOHN LAABS WAUSAU, WI (715) 845-4201 jlaabs@gbp.com www.gbp.com

buffy_uglow@rockriverlab.com rockriverlab.com

PLASTIC MACHINING & FABRICATION BADGER PLASTIC & SUPPLY INC GARRET DAWLEY PLOVER, WI (715) 345-0009 gdawley@badgerplastics.com badgerplastics.com

POST FRAME BUILDINGS WICK BUILDINGS BRAD BALDSCHUN GREEN BAY, WI (608) 514-5902 brad.baldschun@wickbuildings.com www.wickbuildings.com

POST HARVEST SANITATION

PACKER/GROWER RPE INC RUSSELL WYSOCKI BANCROFT, WI (800) 678-2789 jenny.bula@rpespud.com RPEproduce.com

PETIOLE ANALYSIS ROCK RIVER LABORATORY BUFFY UGLOW WATERTOWN, WI (920) 261-0446

JET HARVEST SOLUTIONS BILL STONEMAN MCFARLAND, WI (608) 268-7040 billstoneman@jetharvest.com www.jetharvest.com

POST HARVEST TREATMENTSPRESERVATION JET HARVEST SOLUTIONS BILL STONEMAN MCFARLAND, WI (608) 268-7040 billstoneman@jetharvest.com www.jetharvest.com

POTATO & VEGETABLE INSPECTIONS AG WORLD SUPPORT SYSTEMS LLC WARREN HENNINGER MOSES LAKE, WA (509) 765-0698 whenninger@aginspections.com www.aginspections.com

POTATO AERATION ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS (ADS) JUSTIN THOMPSON CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (715) 210-9088 justin.thompson@ads-pipe.com www.ads-pipe.com

POTATO COOPERATIVE UNITED POTATO GROWERS COOP OF WISCONSIN INC DANA RADY ANTIGO, WI (715) 610-6350 drady0409@gmail.com

POTATO EQUIPMENT BIG IRON EQUIPMENT INC ZACH MYKISEN STACY GROSHEK PLOVER, WI (715) 344-3401 stacyg@bigironequipment.com www.bigironequipment.com continued on pg. 48

Baginski Farms Inc. Yellows:

Reds:

Whites:

Russets:

Jelly Malou Soraya

Red Norland Dark Red Norland

Superior

Gold Rush Silverton Burbank Norkotah #8

We handle our own line of clean and dependable late model trucks for all of your delivery needs.

WISCONSIN N3502 Hwy H • Antigo, WI 54409 CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES Office: 715-627-7753 • Fax: 715-623-5412 • mike@baginskifarms.com BC�T October 47

2017 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 47 GENERAL METAL FABRICATION LTD GERALD BAUMAN WINKLER, MANITOBA, CANADA (204) 325-9374 gerald@generalmetal.ca www.generalmetal.ca

MELISSA HEISE MOSINEE, WI (715) 693-3015 melissaheise@swiderskiequipment.com www.swiderskiequipment.com

HARRISTON-MAYO MIKE DELISLE EAST GRAND FORKS, MN (218) 773-1234 mikedelisle@mayomfg.com www.harriston-mayo.com

SPECTRA PRINT CORPORATION HEIDI OKRAY STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-5175 hokray@spectraprint.com www.spectraprint.com

MILESTONE INTERNATIONAL SHANE MITCHELL BLACKFOOT, ID (208) 785-4285 info@milestone-equipment.com www.milestone-equipment.com NOFFSINGER MANUFACTURING RYAN WERNSMAN GREELEY, CO (800) 525-8922 rwernsman@noffsingermfg.com www.noffsingermfg.com OEM FABRICATORS INC THOMAS AABY WOODVILLE, WI (715) 698-7323 toma@oemfab.com oemfab.com SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 sandcounty@uniontel.net www.sandcountyequipment.com TIP INC STEVE TATRO CUSTER, WI (715) 592-4650 tip@tipinc.net www.tipinc.net TOMRA SORTING SOLUTIONS KATHLEEN CHANCE WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (916) 388-3900 kathleen.chance@tomra.com www.tomra.com TRI STEEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC SCOTT HOMSTAD GRAND FORKS, ND (701) 772-5591 scotth@tristeelmfg.com www.tristeelmfg.com

POTATO PACKING SHED POTATO PLANT INC JON KROGWOLD AMHERST, WI (715) 824-3240 ppspud@wi-net.com

PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT INC 48 BC�T October

PRINTING

PROCESSORS BRITE BELT INTERNATIONAL RICK HIBBS ANKENY, IA (515) 491-0455 rick@britebelt.com britebelt.com CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEAN CO INC CINDY BROWN MENOMONIE, WI (715) 664-8342 cbrown@cvbean.com www.cvbean.com MCCAIN FOODS USA KERRY LARSON WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 342-8106 kerry.larson@mccain.com www.mccain.com THE LITTLE POTATO COMPANY SANFORD GLEDDIE EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA (780) 414-6075 sanford@littlepotatoes.com www.littlepotatoes.com

REFRIGERATION NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com RONS REFRIGERATION & AC INC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 eugene.mancl@ronsrefrigeration.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com

ROOF RESTORATION-SPRAY COATING SCHWEITZER SPRAY COATINGS LUKE SCHWEITZER SLINGER, WI (262) 305-4249 info@sspraycoatings.com www.sspraycoatings.com

RUST PROOFING MIKE CAVES RUST STOP MYRON CAVES PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 572-9510 mcrockingc@hotmail.com www.profleetcare.com

SALES FEEDING AMERICA MOLLY JAKUBEK BROOKFIELD, WI (312) 659-2396 mjakubek@feedingamerica.org www.feedingamerica.org

SALES/BROKERS ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE LARRY ALSUM FRIESLAND, WI (920) 348-5127 larry.alsum@alsum.com www.alsum.com BUSHMANS’ INC MIKE GATZ MIKE CARTER ROSHOLT, WI (715) 677-4533 michealg@bushmansinc.com www.bushmansinc.com LANGLADE POTATO DISTRIBUTING JIM KAPUSTA ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4873 jimk@langladepotato.com MIKE BENBEN INC MIKE BENBEN JR STURTEVANT, WI (262) 886-3363 dan@mikebenben.com RPE INC RUSSELL WYSOCKI BANCROFT, WI (800) 678-2789 jenny.bula@rpespud.com RPEproduce.com SUNRAIN VARIETIES LLC JIM CORNEILLIE IDAHO FALLS, ID (208) 552-3096 jcorneillie@sunrainvarieties.com sunrainseed.com

SANITATION CHEMICAL SUPPLIER ANDERSON CHEMICAL COMPANY STEVE BRENNECKE LITCHFIELD, MN (320) 693-2477 steveb@accomn.com www.accomn.com

SEED CSS FARMS LAURIE WIDDOWSON KEARNEY, NE (308) 236-4064 laurie.widdowson@cssfarms.com cssfarms.com

SEED & VARIETIES SUNRAIN VARIETIES LLC JIM CORNEILLIE IDAHO FALLS, ID (208) 552-3096 jcorneillie@sunrainvarieties.com sunrainseed.com

SEED CERTIFICATION AGENCIES MICHIGAN SEED POTATO ASSN JEFF AXFORD GAYLORD, MI (989) 732-4433 jwamspa@gmail.com MINNESOTA CERTIFIED SEED POTATO GROWERS ASSN ERIC BYRE EAST GRAND FORKS, MN (218) 773-4956 eric.byre@state.mn.us WISCONSIN SEED POTATO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION INC ALEX CROCKFORD ANTIGO, WI (715) 623-4039 jspurgeon@wisc.edu

SEED PRODUCTS PILLAR BUTTE SEED ROBERT GIESBRECHT ABERDEEN, ID (208) 221-0500 pillarbutte@gmail.com

SEED SORGHUM SUDANGRASS COVER GAYLAND WARD SEED CO INC CARSON WARD HEREFORD, TX (806) 258-7394 carson@gaylandwardseed.com www.gaylandwardseed.com

SKID STEERS FAIRCHILD EQUIPMENT ANDREA JORGENSEN GREEN BAY, WI (920) 494-8726 info@fairchildequipment.com www.fairchildequipment.com

SOFTWARE AG CONNECTIONS RICK MURDOCK MURRAY, KY (270) 435-4369 rick.murdock@agconnections.com www.agconnections.com

SOIL AMENDMENTS MIDWESTERN BIO AG CAITLIN ROBERTS MADISON, WI (608) 841-1659

STORAGE

caitlin.roberts@midwesternbioag.com www.midwesternbioag.com

FRITO LAY – PEPSICO JOSHUA PARSONS RHINELANDER, WI (715) 365-1640 joshua.parsons@pepsico.com

SOLAR ENERGY NORTH WIND RENEWABLE ENERGY ROB PECK STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 630-6451 rob@northwindre.com www.northwindre.com

MPB BUILDERS INC DOYLE POKORNY RIPON, WI (920) 748-2601 doyle@mpbbuilders.com www.mpbbuilders.com

SPRAYER UNITS CONTREE SPRAYER AND EQUIPMENT DAVID VONBEHREN BEAVER DAM, WI (920) 356-0121 davev@contree.com www.contree.com

SPRAYERS/FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT AG SYSTEMS INC GUY MATHIAS DEFOREST, WI (608) 846-9064 gmathias@agsystemsonline.com www.agsystemsonline.com

SPROUT CONTROL 1,4 GROUP JOHN BERGMAN FARGO, ND (701) 261-0289 jbergman@pinnip.com

SPROUT INHIBITING NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com

OAK RIDGE FOAM & COATING SYSTEMS JED STELLMACHER GREEN LAKE, WI (920) 294-6800 jeds@oakridgepoly.com www.oakridgepoly.com RPE INC RUSSELL WYSOCKI BANCROFT, WI (800) 678-2789 jenny.bula@rpespud.com RPEproduce.com SERVICE COLD STORAGE LLC LES DOBBE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-4565 ldobbe@servicecold.biz www.servicecold.biz TECHMARK INC PATRICK MORRIS LANSING, MI (517) 322-0250 pmorris@techmark-inc.com www.techmark-inc.com

SPROUT INHIBITORS

STORAGE CONTROL SYSTEMS

RONS REFRIGERATION & AC INC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 eugene.mancl@ronsrefrigeration.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com

NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS INC HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com

STEEL ENTRY DOORS CENTRAL DOOR SOLUTIONS CHRIS BROOKS PLOVER, WI (715) 342-4153 cbrooks@centraldoorsolutions.com www.centraldoorsolutions.com

RONS REFRIGERATION & AC INC EUGENE MANCL WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-1525 eugene.mancl@ronsrefrigeration.com www.ronsrefrigeration.com continued on pg. 50

Your One Call Storage Solution

1-800-236-0005 • www.ronsrefrigeration.com

24 Hour Emergency Service

Computerized Control Systems Refrigeration • Humidification • Ozone Electrical Design & Installation Potatoes • Onions Sprout Inhibiting Sprout Nip® • Amplify® • Shield® BC�T October 49

2017 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 49

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT GZA GEOENVIRONMENTAL INC JIM DROUGHT WAUKESHA, WI (262) 754-2560 james.drought@gza.com gza.com

TRUCK DEALER BRICKNERS OF WAUSAU TOM BOGUMILL WAUSAU, WI (800) 462-8806 tom@bricknerfamily.com bricknersofwausau.net

TECHNOLOGY SYNGENTA KATIE THELEN BARABOO, WI (336) 706-6648 katie.thelen@syngenta.com syngenta.com

TECHNOLOGY/ANALYTICS AGROMETRICS MADHU JAMALLAMUDI STEVENS POINT, WI (870) 200-9080 madhu@agrometrics.com www.agrometrics.com

TIRES SCHIERL TIRE & SERVICE CENTER KIMBERLY MEYER MARSHFIELD, WI (715) 345-5060 kimberlym@teamschierl.com www.teamschierl.com

TRACTORS FAIRCHILD EQUIPMENT ANDREA JORGENSEN GREEN BAY, WI (920) 494-8726 info@fairchildequipment.com www.fairchildequipment.com

TRANSPORTATION MARK TOYOTA OF PLOVER TIM DURIGAN PLOVER, WI (715) 342-5040 tim@markmotors.com www.marktoyota.com PLAINFIELD TRUCKING INC DARLENE THURLEY PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6375 dar@plainfieldtrucking.com

September

THE VOICE

OF WISCONSI

INDUSTRY & VEGETABLE N'S POTATO Volume 69

JX TRUCK CENTER TRACY JONAS MOSINEE, WI (715) 692-2250 tjonas@jxe.com www.JXE.com MARK TOYOTA OF PLOVER TIM DURIGAN PLOVER, WI (715) 342-5040 tim@markmotors.com www.marktoyota.com MID-STATE TRUCK SERVICE INC JAY WEIDMAN PLOVER, WI (715) 344-2931 p.trucksales@midstatetruck.com www.midstatetruck.com QUINLANS EQUIPMENT INC TOM QUINLAN ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4331 info@quinlansequipment.com www.quinlansequipment.com SCAFFIDI TRUCKS ROBERT MARKLEY STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-4100 rmarkley@scaffidi.com www.scaffiditrucks.com V & H INC BOB POHL MARSHFIELD, WI (800) 826-2308 a.boson@vhtrucks.com www.vhtrucks.com

2017

Badger er Common’Tat TIONS & CROP PROJECAR KETING ISSUE STOR AGE/M

WISCONSIN KENWORTH CORY HECKENDORF MOSINEE, WI (715) 693-3900 cory.heckendorf@csmtruck.com www.csmcompanies.com

Number 9

$18.00/year $1.50/copy

Badger Common’Tater

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

WISCO NSIN HOSTS ation Associ Potato Marketing a Conference Of North Americ NS RESEA RCH STATIO Days Have Their Field RTS INDUS TRY SUPPO Outing Golf Putt-Tato Open COMPANY LITTLE POTATO Facility Opens Processing LATE BLIGHT CROP UPDATE: ercial Potatoes Confirmed on Comm

INTERVIEW:

SeisFarms, LLC Joe Sterli ng Owner,

enjoying a research view” shows visitors Ag Research Station.

A “drone’s eye Inc. the Langlade County presentation at Unmanned Systems, of Cameron Berg, Photo courtesy

50 BC�T October

TRUCK/EQUIPMENT REPAIR K&S FUEL INJECTION INC JASON MAKI WESTON, WI (715) 359-1000 jmaki@ksfuel.com www.ksfuel.com

WATER RESOURCE ENGINEERING GZA GEOENVIRONMENTAL INC JIM DROUGHT WAUKESHA, WI (262) 754-2560 james.drought@gza.com gza.com

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Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions & Consumer Education

Wisconsin Potato Industry Salutes Military As Americans, we enjoy many freedoms thanks to the number of men and women serving our country and fighting for our protection and rights. On a visit to the Great Lakes Naval Station military base in Great Lakes, Illinois, August 27, the Wisconsin potato industry had the privilege of showing support for those who serve.

On that day, the base hosted a run/ walk event—theFort2Base Race— measured in nautical miles (NM)

and allowing military personnel and civilians to participate.

The goal of this 5 or 10 NM run/ walk is to help civilians understand what occurs on a military base, while also giving them the opportunity to interact with those who serve our country.

The Spudmobile attended for the first time, treating people who walked through “Wisconsin’s Traveling Billboard” to “potato performance muffins” and helping

them understand different aspects of potato growing in the Badger State.

The grilling duo, Mad Dog and Merrill, also attended and filmed a television continued on pg. 52 Above: As Old Glory flies proudly overhead, military personnel award race participants with their medals at the finish line of the 7th annual Fort2Base Race held at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Left: MA1 Todd Sines (center in uniform) helps Mad Dog and Merrill prepare bacon-wrapped potatoes on the grill during one segment of the Midwest Grill’n television show. The episode was devoted to Wisconsin potatoes as part of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) sponsorship with the grilling duo. Filmed August 27 at the Fort2Base Race, pictured from left to right are Rod Kolash of Lashbro Productions, Mad Dog, Sines, Merrill and Fred Beyer, who played music to spice up the episode. That’s Jim Zdroik, Spudmobile driver, on the ladder.

BC�T October 51

Marketplace. . . continued from pg. 51

episode of Midwest Grill’n devoted to Wisconsin potatoes. They created a red, white and blue theme with their featured recipes and drew quite a crowd from people who followed their noses to the grills.

Mad Dog and Merrill prepared potato kabobs, potato pizza and fingerling potatoes wrapped in bacon.

And they weren’t alone when they prepared these delicious dishes. For each recipe, they received help from various military individuals on the base, who not only helped prepare potato masterpieces, but were also the first ones to try them!

Participating in the Fort2Base event was a fantastic way of showing how “Potatoes Power Performance” and are valuable assets in healthy diets and lifestyles. And with the event occurring in an area that is part of Wisconsin’s “Buy Local” market, it was a win-win all around!

Top: Participants approach the starting line as they prepare to run the 5 Nautical Mile (NM) Fort2Base Race at the Great Lakes Naval Station military base in Great Lakes, Illinois.

Middle: Dan and Mary Gumz, brother and sister-in-law of Rod and Richard Gumz of Gumz Muck Farms, participate in the 2017 Fort2Base 5 Nautical Mile (NM) Race on August 27. Photos courtesy of Fort2Base Bottom: There were plenty of goodies to be shared at the Fort2Base Race, including potato pizza that Mad Dog and Merrill prepared during the filming of Midwest Grill’n, and “potato performance muffins” offered in front of the Spudmobile at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

52 BC�T October

EYES ON ASSOCIATES

By WPVGA Associate Div. President, Sally Suprise, Ansay & Associates

Greetings to all. It has been a crazy month watching the television news and the complete devastation that hurricanes and other disasters caused in several states.

The fires in Montana and throughout the Northwest destroyed homes, livestock and thousands of acres; Hurricane Harvey left its horrific mark in Texas; Hurricane Irma hit Florida and the surrounding states hard, again leaving destruction in its wake; and Hurricane Jose followed close behind.

I spent a lot of time on the road traveling to various farming communities throughout the state, and while I did so, I listened to the news and said prayers for all those affected by these tragedies.

At the same time, I saw crops flourishing and harvesters in the fields.

We are truly blessed with the fruits of our labor. We’ve had a bit of rain and maybe some lost crops, yet we are so blessed to have the bountiful harvest that others will not experience. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

At the August WPVGA Associate Division Board meeting, we conducted a wrap-up of the Putt-Tato Open golf outing held at Lake Arrowhead Golf Course in Nekoosa, and went over final reports on the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS) Field Day, held July 20.

A huge thank you goes out to Adam Flyte of Flyte Family Farms for once again supplying the sweet corn for the HARS Field Day. The corn was

delicious, and we are so grateful for his contribution to a good cause.

There were approximately 200 attendees at the Hancock Field Day, and all had the opportunity to tour the HARS facilities, visit researchers and see their field presentations and projects.

They also enjoyed refreshments and a great meal provided by Swine and Dine. The Associate Division Board puts a good amount of time into organizing these events, and we thank all who attended and made them successful!

GROWER ED & INDUSTRY SHOW The Board is in the planning stages for the 2018 WPVGA Grower Education Conference & Industry Show. Each year at the end of the show, we pass around surveys and all comments and suggestions are reviewed by the Board and taken into consideration for areas of improvement.

We will once again be offering the opportunity for vendor presentations during the Grower Education portion of the show. More details will be provided in next month’s “Eyes on Associates” article, so stay tuned!

If you haven't made your reservation as an exhibitor, please do so as soon as possible to lock in your spot at the Industry Show.

Lastly, the Associate Division will be making a monetary donation to the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center in Manitowoc County,

Above: Wisconsin potato growers Louis Wysocki (brown sweater) and Nick Somers (right) enjoy opening presentations at the 2017 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show. Plans are underway for the 2018 edition, February 6-8, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point.

Wisconsin. This is an opportunity for the WPVGA to have a presence in Manitowoc County and to also support Wisconsin’s agricultural education.

Please contact any of the Associate Division Board members if you have any questions, concerns, comments or ideas. We are here to provide support to the industry and its members.

I wish you all a safe, productive and bountiful harvest this fall! “And on the 8th day, God looked down at his planned paradise and said I need a caretaker, so God made a farmer.”

Sally Suprise

WPVGA Associate Division President BC�T October 53

Auxiliary News

By Devin Zarda, vice president, WPGA All images by Maria Pohle and Jody Baginski

You open one of those red double doors, and feel a welcome

rush of crisp, cool air enveloping you.

You close your eyes and take a deep breath. Your nose is tickled with the scents of warm apple turnovers, freshly brewed coffee and grilled cheese that you know will be perfectly melted.

You hear someone call out, “I’ve got the works! Woo!” You open your eyes, and you see a woman standing on the stage discussing the wool she makes from her alpacas. Where are you? Why, the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at the Wisconsin State Fair, of course!

So, what’s it like working the baked potato booth? Honestly, I have a fantastic time working. Your shifts are between 4 1/2 and 7 hours, but that time flies. The customers are having fun, they love potatoes, and you just keep moving!

It’s incredible to see all the different places that people come from to visit

54 BC�T October

the Wisconsin State Fair! The group of ladies (and one guy) I volunteer with are fun, so it doesn’t feel like work.

Admission to the State Fair Park is included in the volunteer perks, so I love to wander around before or after my shift. There are so many different types of food to try, but I usually eat a few potatoes during my stay. No, I will not disclose just how many. I plead the 5th. That should give you a clue.

The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary has been working the baked potato booth for decades. It is how we make most our money that funds the many causes we support.

Well, what are these causes? To name just a few, we put on a Kid’s Dig program that helps teach schoolage children about the life cycle of a potato; Feed My Starving Children, which packs thousands of meals to help feed starving children in Third World countries; we have a scholarship program; and we also do work towards promoting Wisconsin potatoes across the state and nationwide.

NEEDED FUNDS Without the funds raised at the State Fair, we would not be able to accomplish many of these tasks.

During the next year of my term, I’ll spend a little time covering each of these causes.

In addition to our usual uses of money raised from the State Fair booth, we

Above: The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary donated leftover potatoes after State Fair to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, a donation that Howard (in blue shirt) and Steve (gold) from the Hunger Task Force were happy to accept.

Bottom Left: Without volunteers working the baked potato booth at the State Fair, the Auxiliary would not be able to fund the many causes it supports. The only time their hands were folded all day, this group, led by chairwoman Deb Mattmiller, includes Mary Kegley, Diane Borneman, Ken Michels, Kelly Novak, Kimberly Spielbauer, Kathy Keen, Jeanie Koss, Jean Dunks, Sue Markasen, Judy Nagel and Nicole Shinners.

Bottom Right: Kneeling and standing is a group of volunteers led by chairwoman Kathy Bartsch and including Marie Reid, Jackie Sigourney, Cathy Schommer, Janet Banks, Kelly Garringan, Lori Kendal, Hortence Lewallen, Nancy Holden, Denice Lazelle, Tricia Anderson and Jade Bachanan.

were able to donate leftover potatoes after the fair to the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee.

The Hunger Task Force is the only free and local food bank in the Milwaukee area that helps stock 74 other food pantries. On average, they help feed over 35,000 people a month in the greater Milwaukee area.

Above: The sea of red is made up of group chairwoman Caroline Wild, and then Laurel Wirth, Mary Gallenberg, Colleen Krivoshein, Ellie Payant, Paula Resch, Diane Allen, Deb Sell, Amanda Brown, Cathy Smith, Shelly Payant and Parker Allen (one volunteer missing in photo).

While many of the groups who work the baked potato booth at the State Fair start out as strangers or acquaintances, true friendships have formed over the years. Many people plan a year in advance so they will have time off from work so they can head to the State Fair to volunteer.

After years of spending time together, it’s great to see the group, get caught up and make a few more memories.

Though volunteering at the baked potato booth during the Wisconsin State Fair is work, I thoroughly enjoy my time. It’s always a good feeling to know the proceeds go to a good cause.

If you would like to be added to the list of volunteers to work the baked potato booth at the State Fair, please call the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association office at 715-623-7683. For more information on the Hunger Task Force, visit http:// www.hungertaskforce.org.

–

Devin

Above Left: Chairwoman Linda Thurber’s ready and willing group of volunteers is made up of Bonnie Sutherland, Dennis Footit, Barb Footit, Doug Footit, Pat Footit, Sherry Footit, Julie Phillips, Josh Zimmerman, Lori Bartram, Alyssa Mascewicz and Keaton Kotek.

Above RIght: Led by chairwoman Josie Spurgeon, but needing very little direction, are Karen Rasmussen, Kay Meister, Kelly Kamin, Theresa Webb, Kristi Hohensee, Morgan Cunningham, Angie Spurgeon, Katalin Spurgeon, Kim Spurgeon, Megan Svejda and Sarah Waara.

Above Left: This nice looking group of lady volunteers, led by chairwoman Carole Gagas, is made up of Marilyn Wierzba, Ruth Schmidt, Lyza Schmidt, Marcella Johnston, Shary Walkush, Debbie Adamski, Chris Wierzba, Arlene Wierzba, Lori Printz, Sue Wiza and Kari Burns.

Above RIght: There were smiles all around for chairwoman Patty Hafner’s group, including Sheila Rine, Pearl Maly, Kathy Shafel, Mary Lex, Pam Jankowski, Marie Benes, Steph Fassbender, Kaitlyn Houdek, Peggy Fassbender, Connie Wild and Debbie Eicher.

Above Left: The hard work of these ladies and gentlemen, led by chairwoman Kathy Baginski, should not go unnoticed. They are Bruce Baginski, Marie Wendt, Theresa Hartman, Kim Helmbeck, Debbie Harris, Becki Schultz, Orianna Laymen, Judy Adamski, Devin Zarda, Hannah Baginski, Selena Schultz, Gay Mentor and one extra unidentified guest worker.

Above: Five extra, unidentified volunteers showed up to help chairwoman Allison Wysocki’s group, which also includes Jacquie Wille, Sharon Wysocki, Marc Wysocki, Terri Soderberg, Max Soderberg, Hilary Schneeberg and Jeff Soderberg.

Above RIght: Not everyone from chairwoman Linda Vollmar’s group was able to make it to State Fair and help out at the baked potato booth, but there were plenty of hands on deck. The original group included Diane McKinney, Logan Vollmar, Adam Finn, Mark McKinney, Donna Kuhr, Victoria Richards, Katrina Resch, Corey Resch, Beth Gravitter, Scott Gruenberg, Kathryn McKinney, Emily Gravitter, Karen Richards BC�T October 55 and Angie Schneider.

Badger Beat

Phosphorous Acids for Potato Disease Control

By Amanda J. Gevens, Extension vegetable pathologist, associate professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology

The addition of phosphorous acid fungicides to potato foliar and post-harvest disease management programs has been the topic of many conversations this season.

Back in June of 2017, I brought together some industry knowledge of this group of fungicides to support in-season decision making. At that time, late blight was just speculation, and usage was being considered in fields with history of pink rot.

Caused by Phytophthora erythroseptica, the pink rot pathogen is another species of the same genus as the late blight pathogen (Phytophthora infestans), but with soil persistent oospores and likelihood of resistance to phenylamide fungicides (ie: Ridomil) in our growing region.

Pink rot management can be especially challenging given the relatively low number of fungicides registered for its control.

At the end of July, Wisconsin had its first confirmed case of late blight on tomato, with cases on potato to follow in mid-August. For further information, see the table below with

late blight pathogen strain types or clonal lineages and their characters for Wisconsin during 2009-’17.

Late blight was managed aggressively in commercial potatoes of Wisconsin, with some affected fields receiving early and selective vine killing treatments to reduce pathogen sporulation and spread.

Additionally, with over a dozen unique classes of highly effective fungicides, progress of the disease was limited in the few affected fields and prevented entirely in many more fields.

Phosphorous acid applications were included in some programs to aid

Year

Clonal Lineage (Mating Type, and Mefenoxam Sensitivity) of the Late Blight Pathogen (Phytophthora infestans) Detected in Wisconsin

2017

US-8 (A2, Resistant), US-23 (A1, Sensitive)

2016

US-23 (A1, Sensitive)

2015

US-23 (A1, Sensitive)

2014

US-8 (A2, Resistant), US-23 (A1, Sensitive)

2013

US-8 (A2, Resistant), US-23 (A1, Sensitive)

2012

US-23 (A1, Sensitive)

2011

US-23 (A1, Sensitive), US-24 (A1, Intermediately Sensitive)

2010

US-22 (A2, Sensitive), US-23 (A1, Sensitive), US-24 (A1, Intermediately Sensitive)

2009

US-22 (A2, Sensitive)

56 BC�T October

in tuber late blight management; further usage is in consideration for post-harvest management.

DISCERNING THE “PHOS ACIDS” Both phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and phosphorous acid (H3PO3) are agrochemicals useful in crop production. Under normal plant growth conditions, both agrochemicals dissociate and exist as corresponding anions, phosphate and phosphite, consecutively.

The distinction between the two: phosphate is a nutrient source of P essential for plants, and phosphite helps control diseases caused by oomycetes (water mold pathogens).

Phosphate and phosphite are not equivalent inside the plant.

Phosphoric acid, or phosphate, cannot function as phosphorous acid or phosphite and vice versa. Since phosphites are systemic and very stable in plants, they should not be applied frequently.

To manage the development of phosphite-resistant oomycetes, care should be taken to alternate or mix phosphites with other effective fungicides.

The fungicide labels for phosphorous acids typically do not provide a season limit per acre/crop because they are exempt from the requirement of tolerances.

HOW PHOSPHOROUS ACIDS WORK Phosphorous acids can control diseases caused by Oomycete (water mold) pathogens such as Phytophthora erythroseptica (pink rot) and Phytophthora infestans (late blight).

Pythium is typically not controlled with phosphorous acids. These pathogens are fungus-like but differ in their cell wall structure and nuclear contents of cell walls.

Phosphorous acid has both direct and indirect effects on oomycetes.

It directly inhibits a particular process in the metabolism of oomycetes and indirectly stimulates the plant’s natural defense response against pathogen attack in a systemic (xylem and phloem) manner.

It should be noted, however, that even though this group of fungicides is considered at low risk for resistance development in the pathogens (FRAC Group 33), phosphonate-resistant oomycetes have been reported.

Phosphorous acid compounds, including Phostrol, Prophyt, Rampart, FungiPhite, K-Phite, Fosphite, Phiticide (Crop-phite), Confine Extra and Alude, can be very effective in managing pink rot and late blight of potato, especially in the case of Ridomil-resistant (mefenoxam/ metalaxyl-resistant) late blight or pink rot strains.

PINK ROT CONTROL Research data from Dr. Jeff Miller in 2010 demonstrated pink rot control

and yield preservation with use of phosphorous acid fungicides applied at dime-size (DS) tuber and in two subsequent applications (DS + two weeks and DS + four weeks).

with Phostrol at the UW-Hancock Storage Research Facility, we have consistently seen strong control of late blight, pink rot and silver scurf.

In my own research with Phostrol at the UW-Hancock Agricultural Research Station, we have never seen yield reductions with use as a foliar fungicide.

We have tested various timings (single applications up to 10 applications) and rates (up to 10 pint/ acre for each application) of Phostrol for observation of plant health and post-harvest oomycete disease control.

In summary of results, a three-tofive treatment program, initiating at DS tuber, followed by treatments every subsequent two weeks, at rates between 7.5-10 pint/acre, were successful in limiting tuber late blight and pink rot.

It is critical that the treatment is applied in as little carrier water as possible (at most .5 gallon/ton tubers) so that the tubers do not appear wet, but rather just lightly misted with the phosphorous acid fungicide.

Results can be found throughout the Wisconsin Potato Educational Conference Proceedings from recent years. Visit: http://www.plantpath. wisc.edu/wivegdis/#.

PHOSPHOROUS ACID CONCERNS Phosphorous acid fungicides are not great contact fungicides and their use does need to be accompanied by application of a base protectant (mancozeb or chlorothalonil) or other fungicide to target control of early blight and late blight.

In our post-harvest treatment trials

continued on pg. 58

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BC�T October 57

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Badger Beat . . . continued from pg. 57

There have been reports of phytotoxicity from phosphorous acid use. This has been a challenging condition to recreate in research plots. In my UW-Hancock ARS trials with Phostrol, spanning three years, we saw phytotoxity only once under conditions of heavy leaf wetness followed by very intense sunshine/US (no clouds in sky).

In Idaho, Dr. Miller has attempted to recreate phytotoxicity through various application approaches and mixes, and his results indicated lack of consistency in the resulting condition.

However, he noted that he has only seen phytoxicity occur with early morning phosphorous acid applications and not at all with chemigated applications.

Post-harvest applications can be highly effective in managing late blight, pink rot and silver scurf. At the labelled rate of 12.8 fluid ounces per ton of stored tubers, late blight and pink rot can be reduced from 90 and ~60 percent, consecutively, in an untreated control, to 0 percent for both diseases.

Studies have indicated that treatment on seed potatoes entering storage is safe and does not change seed performance.

SHORT DORMANCY VARIETIES Phosphorous acids should not be applied to short dormancy varieties that may be sprouting at the time of harvest. The treatment can burn the growth points and result in tuber wounds that are susceptible to secondary infection and breakdown in the pile.

58 BC�T October

Here’s where I include my disclaimer statement. The decision to make fungicide applications to potato tubers post-harvest is not trivial.

disease triangle. Avoiding or reducing inoculum on tubers as they enter storage will help considerably in preventing tuber infection in the bin.

The addition of water to the pile, even in small volumes necessary for effectively carrying fungicides may create an environment favorable to disease under certain conditions (limited airflow, field heat interacting with cool storage condition).

Free water, high CO2 and warm storage temperatures will promote disease development in storage.

However, two of these three attributes are necessary in wound healing!

Typically, post-harvest fungicides are applied in ≤.5 gallon of water/ ton (2,000 pounds) of potatoes. At this spray volume, an evenly emitted liquid will leave tubers appearing slightly dampened.

If tubers appear slick or shiny with wetness, the spray volume is likely greater than .5 gallon/ton or the emitter may not be properly functioning.

Under some circumstances, for instance when tubers come out of the field in excellent condition and field history includes little to no disease concern, additional tuber dampness may be unacceptable and seen as a bin risk that outweighs any fungicidal benefit.

PINK ROT OR LATE BLIGHT In other circumstances, tubers may come out looking rough or with harvest damage, and field history includes pink rot or late blight.

A scenario such as this may benefit from a post-harvest fungicide, and resulting dampness should be mitigated by appropriate ventilation and temperature control.

Inoculum, favorable disease conditions and susceptible tubers provide the three sides of the

The condition of the tubers themselves influences their susceptibility to infection by storage pathogens.

In summary, management tactics such as segregation of tubers from wet field areas, fungicide application in the field, harvest management (temperature, moisture, handling), post-harvest fungicides and storage management are crucial to successful storage of potatoes.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Brunings, Guodong, Simonne, Zhang, Li, Datnoff. Are Phosphorous and Phosphoric Acids Equal Phosphorous Sources for Plant Growth? University of Florida IFAS Extension. http://edis. ifas.ufl.edu/hs254 Miller, Miller, Taysom, Anderson.

Managing Pink Rot. Power Point Presentation from Miller Research LLC. (2012 IPC Pink Rot). www. millerresearch.com Miller, Olsen. Top Ten Things to Know About Phosphorous Acid. Power Point Presentation offered through Oregon State University Hermiston Website. http://oregonstate.edu/ dept/hermiston/sites/default/files/ miller_hermistonx.pdf

NPC News

Potato Growers Host Farm Tour for EPA Staffers Pesticide stewardship and challenges farmers face are key topics

The National Potato Council (NPC) led a delegation of six U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff members on a tour of Idaho potato fields during the week of August 14.

field to table. The 2017 tour, which was supported by the Idaho Potato Commission, was held in various locations surrounding Idaho Falls.

The annual field event, held over three days, gives EPA staff the opportunity to see firsthand potato production, discuss pesticide utilization and interact with farmers at their operations.

“This tour is a unique way for EPA staff to see firsthand how pest management is conducted in real conditions and to better understand the challenges potato growers face on the field every day,” says NPC CEO John Keeling, who attended the tour.

Growers provide employees at EPA an in-depth look at their pesticide stewardship practices and the process of bringing potatoes from

“We believe it’s vitally important for growers and policymakers to have this interaction to increase understanding on both sides,” Keeling adds.

Participants hailed from EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), including members of the divisions that handle product registrations and risk management. They witnessed an aerial pesticide application demonstration at Hoff Farm and spoke to growers while touring Raybould Brothers Farm.

LEARN FROM EACH OTHER Britt Raybould, a grower who helped lead that tour, emphasizes that the interaction gives “both growers and EPA staff a valuable opportunity to learn from each other.” He says, “As a grower, I benefit from gaining a better understanding of how to effectively and efficiently use the products we continued on pg. 60 Above: Potato growers in Idaho give U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staffers an opportunity to see firsthand potato production, discuss pesticide use and interact with farmers in the field. National Potato Council CEO John Keeling is shown at far right in the white shirt.

Bottom: During an aerial pesticide application demonstration on Hoff Farm in Idaho Falls, Idaho, pilot Leif Isaacson (second from right) conducted fly-overs to show participants the capabilities of the spray plane. EPA staffers learned how the spray can be carefully controlled so that drift concerns are minimized.

BC�T October 59

NPC News. . . continued from pg. 59

rely on. We appreciate the EPA’s willingness to come to the farm.”

The program included visits to Wilcox Fresh packing shed and SunRain Potato Varieties. While at the Idahoan Dehydration plant, the group learned about the variety of consumer products being made there.

At the University of Idaho Research Center, researchers explained the

details of sprout control, variety development and disease and pest management. The event concluded with a tour of Spudnik Equipment Company.

“Scientists and regulatory staff from EPA’s Pesticide Program enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Idaho potato growers,” says Kyle Morford, EPA chemical review manager for the OPP. “The tour was enlightening,”

Morford adds, “giving us a better understanding of the unique challenges of growing potatoes in a desert clime, the significant pests and strategies to combat them and when pesticides are needed.”

“Firsthand experiences like this tour are a great help to OPP personnel when making regulatory decisions about pest management tools,” Morford concludes.

Mandatory E-Verify Bill Introduced in House As negotiations continue on a new agriculture guest worker program, three Republican House members, including House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), have introduced a mandatory E-Verify bill that could have major economic impact on the industry.

The “Legal Workforce Act” (HR 3711) would require U.S. employers to electronically verify their workforce within two years of enactment. The agriculture industry would receive an additional six months for compliance,

or 30 months in total.

“Enactment of mandatory E-Verify must be preceded by reforms that deal with the current ag labor crisis.

Without those reforms, the negative economic impact on American consumers and the agriculture industry will be in the billions of dollars annually,” says Kam Quarles, vice president of public policy for the National Potato Council.

NPC and others in the agriculture industry have been working with House leadership to see bills

introduced that will provide a secure current and future workforce.

Introduction of that legislation has been anticipated, but has not occurred yet. This issue has gained added attention based upon President Donald J. Trump’s announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

WPIB Focus Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison Month

Jul-16

Aug-16

Sep-16

Oct-16

Nov-16

Dec-16

Jan-17

Feb-17

Mar-17

Apr-17

May-17

Jun-17

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,596,377.06

706,549.4

2,302,926.46

Assessment

$96,214.65

$46,392.12

$142,606.77

Jul-17

Aug-17

Month

Sep-17

Oct-17

Nov-17

Dec-17

Jan-18

Feb-18

Mar-18

Apr-18

May-18

Jun-18

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,396,699.63

728,925.87

2,125,625.50

Assessment

$97,708.18

$51,117.39

$148,825.57

60 BC�T October

Helping Growers Produce Higher Yields Can one company’s products stimulate root growth, nutrient uptake and photosynthesis?

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater I met Bruce Andersen, a sales representative for Bio-Gro, Inc. who lives in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, at the 2017 Potato Expo in San Francisco. At the time, I was unfamiliar with the company he represented or its products.

Bio-Gro, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and has salesmen working in Washington, California and Wisconsin. Bio-Gro offers a unique combination of innovative agricultural products and services that help maximize yield and quality.

As far as the products aimed toward potato and vegetable growers in the Midwest, Andersen says, “We combine our products with growers’ existing fertilizer inputs to get the best return on their fertilizer investment.”

“Our products are designed to increase the nutrient up-take ability of plants, enabling better plant

growth efficiency resulting in our growers’ higher yield successes,” he explains.

Bio-Gro is primarily involved in production of potatoes, strawberries, apples, cherries and table grapes.

“We are also involved in many acres of peppers, tomatoes, egg plants, watermelons, cantaloupe, pistachios, almonds and walnuts,” Andersen says.

“I have been in fields where Bio-Gro products are being used successfully on some fairly obscure crops like passion fruit, dates and persimmons,” he notes.

Andersen grew up in the agricultural arena in Iowa and has a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural studies.

Before he had a driver’s license, he was unloading railcars, blending fertilizer and bagging feed.

ALL THE BASICS “Once I had a license, I was taking soil

tests, delivering bulk feed, spraying herbicide, spreading fertilizer, all the basics,” he says. “I learned where my natural interests and talents were, and have been able to follow those.”

“My father had a full-service retail facility, and growing up in that environment ingrained some very valuable business rules,” Andersen adds. “He was always focused on customer service and gaining positive results.”

“I will always remember him explaining that the best deal is where everyone makes money and has the desire to continue to do more business together,” he recalls.

Andersen has been involved in Wisconsin vegetable production continued on pg. 62 Above: The Bio-Gro, Inc. production facility in Mabton, Washington, is where such products as Amino 21, and plant extract products like BioSBN and RhizoPro are manufactured.

BC�T October 61

Helping Growers Produce Higher Yields. . . continued from pg. 61

since 1989 when he worked for two retailers and one manufacturer. He says he’s always gravitated towards soil and plant fertility, and making the economics work.

“I enjoy working with new technology and advanced systems, and always trying to improve. Over time I have been lucky to grow into some very meaningful relationships with so many great people in the potato and vegetable industry,” Andersen relates.

A captain in the U.S. Coast Guard

and in the Army Reserve for 31 years and counting, he was mobilized by the Army right after the events of September 11, 2001. Upon returning from two years of active duty, Andersen had an opportunity to change direction and exit agriculture.

INCREASED ROOT SYSTEM One of Bio-Gro’s primary successes in the Midwest market has been to increase the size of the root system early in the plant growth cycle, and maintain the mass and health of that root system later into the season.

“That pause allowed me to look around and evaluate how I truly felt, and I recognized that this industry is full of so many great people and families. Why would I want to leave?” he reasons.

According to Andersen, research shows that phosphate is an immobile nutrient and does not move well in the soil, so growing more roots and increasing the root-to-soil surface area helps the plant take up more phosphate early when it needs it.

Later in the season, the large root systems are better at intercepting nitrogen and potassium so that the plant can utilize it, instead of possibly leaching with irrigation and excess rain events.

“Our products are designed to target Left: One of Bio-Gro’s primary successes in the Midwest has been to increase the size of the root system early in the plant growth cycle, and maintain the mass and health of that root system later into the season.

Right: Bruce Andersen, sales representative for Bio-Gro, Inc., mans a trade show booth. Behind him on the booth backdrop are the company’s four steps to complete fertility: Grow Roots, Pump Nutrients, Drive Photosynthesis and Harvest Success.

Bottom: At left is a potato root system after being treated with a season-long BioGro fertility and plant health program, and at right is an example after a standard treatment program.

62 BC�T October

critical shortfalls in soil health, improve fertility requirements and reduce environmental impacts,” he says. “Yet it is our unique approach to utilizing our humic-based products that truly sets Bio-Gro apart.”

Bio-Gro, Inc. has an unusual approach to utilizing humic-acidbased products. “I believe our recommended rates and timing have been unique compared to many of our competitors’ programs,” Andersen says.

“We have specific products and rates targeted at certain stages of crop development. Most of these strategies are variety specific based on the end user’s desires,” he notes.

Andersen says this results in consistent and longer-lasting effects on plant growth and yield.

AIDS IN STRESS EVENTS “We strive to produce higher quality and more cost-effective products, paired with our expert fertility service,” he explains. “This strategy is paying off for the growers, especially during stress events on crops, such as heat, cold, excess rain, etc.”

Bio-Gro agronomists in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest and California assist growers with specific fertility recommendations, helping determine types of fertilizer and the placement and timing of application.

For example, many potato growers now use in-season applications of potassium and other nutrients due to the light, sandy soils in the vegetable production areas.

“We help start a quality crop, and our technology and products help it grow and stay healthy right to harvest,” Andersen stresses.

He adds that he wants potato and vegetable growers to know they can take advantage of Bio-Gro products and services because the company provides training to local agronomists and fertilizer dealers.

“We sit down with the growers’ agronomy team and help evaluate

soil and petiole test data,” he begins.

“We go over the types of varieties grown and the weaknesses and strengths of each variety so that we understand what challenges the grower faces.”

“We have experience on tens of thousands of acres in many different states,” Andersen continues, “and we know that every area and crop is different. But we have the experience to help make better decisions.”

and stimulate photosynthesis.”

Nutrient uptake is all about root-tosoil contact, therefore more roots mean more nutrient uptake potential, higher yields and a higher quality product. continued on pg. 64

MIDWEST SOILS & CROPS Bio-Gro, Inc. has been involved in Wisconsin agriculture since 1998, developing products specifically for the Midwest soils and crops.

“We service the Midwest market from our facility in Grand Marsh, and are currently upgrading our production facility to more efficiently service our customers, as we expand throughout the Midwest,” Andersen says.

“One key to our success at BioGro, Inc. is the integration of userfriendly product technology into a comprehensive season-long fertility and plant health program,” he notes.

“We focus on a three-step method: grow roots, enhance nutrient uptake

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Above: Bio-Gro owner Peter Aleman poses under the Bio-Gro, The Complete Crop Fertility Company logo on the wall of his office.

BC�T October 63

Helping Growers Produce Higher Yields. . . continued from pg. 63

It is known that specific microbes such as “PGPR” (plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria) produce fine root hairs, often invisible to the human eye, which exponentially increase root surface area and nutrient uptake potential.

“Our products, such as Amino 21, and our plant extract products like BioSBN and RhizoPro are designed to grow roots and promote root hairs,” Andersen says.

He explains that high-yielding crops require elevated daily nutrient uptake during peak phases of growth, yet most soils cannot naturally store or release the required amounts.

HUMIC COLLOID According to Andersen, Bio-Gro’s humic colloid technology helps increase the number of plant uptake sites, increasing the plants ability to absorb nutrients.

Photosynthesis is the key mechanism by which plants convert low-energy compounds of water and carbon dioxide into high-energy compounds of carbohydrates and oxygen.

Bio-Gro’s foliar technology not only provides nutrients, but, more importantly, also enhances photosynthesis and plant health.

“As a leader in nutrient formulation technology, we help our growers with a complete nutrient package, in one convenient blend,” Andersen explains.

“We emphasize that your success is based on getting more nutrients into the plant, when it needs it, and our goal is to consistently develop more efficient methods of doing so, through a greater understanding of nutrient timing and availability,” he adds.

Humic acids are becoming more

64 BC�T October

widely used in agriculture, especially in vegetable and fruit growing areas.

They have the best responses on loworganic-matter soils and high-value production crops like potatoes.

There are many claims made by various humic acid suppliers, and unfortunately sometimes humic acid is positioned as a replacement for fertilizer. This is simply not true, according to Andersen.

HUMIC ACIDS Humic acids, when used properly, help fertilizer uptake and efficiency.

Higher yields require adequate amounts of nutrients. “We find, on average, that growers use enough nitrogen, but potassium and calcium are often limited,” Andersen says.

Above: Microbes such as “PGPR” (plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria) produce fine root hairs, often invisible to the human eye, which exponentially increase root surface area and nutrient uptake potential.

liquid calcium fertilizers.

“We recommend that a grower performs a bench test before attempting to mix humic acid products with calcium, as many don’t mix,” Andersen notes. “Bio-Gro’s Premium 6 does mix well and has been used successfully with urea/ calcium and calcium nitrate fertilizer in the Midwest since 2001.”

Bio-Gro, Inc. has worked closely with potato chip and seed growers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois for many years.

Humic acid is simply a colloid. Clay particles are colloids, but humic acid colloids are many times smaller and are mobile in the soil. Therefore, when applied with liquid fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and calcium, the humic colloids can move with the fertilizer to the roots.

“We have helped contribute to increased yield and quality on many acres,” Andersen states.

“As we continue to develop our products and program, we prove our value to the growers’ bottom line and develop environmentally sound fertility practices.”

Calcium is an important nutrient for potato yield and quality, and Bio-Gro’s humic acid product is compatible with

“Our goal is to help growers produce the highest yield per acre of soil and per acre foot of water,” he concludes.

POTATOES USA NEWS U.S. Potato Exports Reach Record Levels

At their fresh weight equivalent (FWE), this represents the export of 71,837,331 hundredweight of potatoes outside of the U.S. market, which is approximately 20 percent of U.S. potato production for the marketing year.

There were increases for nearly all products from the previous marketing year, with the largest gain coming for seed potatoes, up 97 percent, although these figures do get mixed up by misclassification of fresh potato exports.

Fresh potato exports, at 491,716 MT, were up 9 percent, potato chip exports were up 5 percent to 52,103 MT, and frozen products were up 3 percent to 1,026,429 MT. Exports of dehydrated potatoes were down 10 percent to 122,063 MT after suffering significant declines for the first half of the marketing year. Frozen exports account for 60 percent of the total exports at the FWE, dehydrated potatoes are 24 percent, and fresh potatoes equate to 15 percent of all exports.

EXPORT MARKETS Japan remains the largest export market, with Canada a very close second. Based on the FWE volume for all products, exports to Japan were 680,264 MT and valued at $363 million, while Canada received 635,463 MT valued at $298 million.

Mexico was not far behind, with 527,464 MT valued at $237 million.

Korea is now fourth at $109 million, and China fifth at $107 million.

With worldwide trade in potatoes and potato products averaging 8 percent annual growth, there remains significant opportunities for U.S. exports to continue to grow. Future

growth challenges include the strong U.S. dollar, increasing competition from the European Union and the lack of new trade deals for U.S. products. continued on pg. 66

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Exports of all U.S. potatoes and potato products reached a record $1,758,130,172 for the July 2016-June 2017 marketing year. U.S. exports also achieved a record volume level of 1,712,364 metric tons (MT).

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Potatoes USA News. . . continued from pg. 65

However, prospects still look good for U.S. exports as the dollar has weakened over the past six months, and U.S. processors are expanding capacity, while ongoing efforts could increase access for U.S. fresh potatoes to many markets.

Additionally, the high quality of U.S. potatoes and products sets them apart, and Potatoes USA international marketing programs distinguish U.S. products and create new demand.

Potatoes USA implements international marketing programs in 12 targeted markets in Asia and Latin America. These programs promote frozen and dehydrated potatoes, and table and chip stock to all sectors, including foodservice, retail, food manufacturing and consumers.

Potatoes USA also supports the expansion of exports of U.S. seed potatoes to growers in different markets. All programs are funded

with a combination of checkoff dollars and USDA export development funds.

For more information on Potatoes USA marketing programs, including detailed export figures, visit potatoesusa.com.

Myanmar Grants U.S. Potato Market Access In an announcement on its website, the Myanmar Ministry of Agriculture formally approved U.S. seed and fresh potatoes for importation as of August 21, 2017. Potatoes are the first U.S.-origin horticulture product to be approved under the country’s pest risk assessment (PRA) requirement, which came into effect on January 1, 2017.

Potatoes USA experts prepared the potato pest documentation for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) submission to Myanmar to accelerate the process.

In May 2017, Potatoes USA staff, consultants and representatives accompanied USDA officials to a meeting with Myanmar Plant Protection Division (PPD) representatives to educate them about the U.S. potato dossier, which highlights the industry’s protocol for pests.

Potatoes USA also stressed how accepting the dossier would benefit both U.S. growers as well as growers and processors in Myanmar.

U.S. seed potatoes were the first product detained and released under the new rules in January, as the PRA requirement was not announced ahead of implementation.

66 BC�T October

Potatoes USA worked closely with the American Embassy Agriculture Office to secure the release of seed potato donation for field trials and to convince Myanmar’s PPD to allow an extension of the deadline to August 31, 2017.

The import approval came just 10 days before the deadline expiration and just in time for Potatoes USA’s container of fresh chipping potatoes to arrive on August 22. These chipping potatoes are samples for Myanmar snack food manufacturers to process for testing purposes.

Above: Potatoes USA Consultant Peter Joyce (center, glasses) chaperoned potato growers and agronomists from Myanmar, accompanying them to the Rhinelander Field Day, August 4, at the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm.

The Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is Potatoes USA’s newest target market. In 2016/2017, total U.S. potato exports reached 290 tons worth nearly $384,000, a tenfold increase in 5 years, during which time Potatoes USA first introduced U.S. potatoes and launched marketing efforts.

New Products Case IH Debuts Liquid/Dry Combination Applicator Wisconsin-based company offers Trident 5550 single-chassis rig for liquid and dry fertilizers The Case IH Trident 5550 is engineered from the ground up to maximize returns on every acre. Built on a rugged, single chassis, it not only handles liquid and dry applications, but changeover from liquid to dry can be achieved by three people in as little as 42 minutes.

Touted as the industry’s fastestconverting combination applicator, conversion of the Trident 5550 Liquid System to the NL4500T G4 Edge variable-rate dry-nutrient applicator is achieved using a telehandler and the Case IH Aerial Lift Devise.

The fast, easy changeover puts you back in the field sooner, helping you make better use of your fleet.

AIM Command FLEX advanced spray technology is factory-equipped on every Trident 5550 Liquid System and offers sprayer control for efficient use of time and resources, with sound product stewardship. It boasts: • Precise product flow and spray pressure

precise application across the boom, even around corners or on contours

• Efficient, effective applications by eliminating overapplication and underapplication • Turn compensation for accurate,

N V S

continued on pg. 68

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BC�T October 67

New Products. . . continued from pg. 67

The Trident 5550 combination applicator features the optional New Leader NL4500T G4 Edge variablerate dry nutrient applicator and a new level of precision dry-product application.

“The NL4500T G4 Edge uses patented precision spinner technology,” says Mark Burns, Case IH application equipment marketing manager. “It spreads dry product faster, wider and more consistently.” And it does so with outstanding flexibility.

STRAIGHT OR VARIABLE RATES The MultApplier option increases productivity by allowing application of two dry products simultaneously or independently at straight or variable rates in one pass.

Add micronutrients via the MultiBin™

option and apply up to four products in one pass. That means fewer trips across the field for reduced soil compaction, labor and fuel consumption.

“Since the new chassis on the Trident 5550 can carry liquid or dry application systems, it requires a suspension package capable of carrying high-capacity loads and applying those loads over a wide range of speeds,” Burns says. The solution is an exclusive new loadcompensating suspension.

The system features a pneumatic cylinder at each suspension joint to help maintain ride quality and load leveling. An engine-powered air compressor supplies air to the cylinder, which automatically adjusts according to operating mode and

load weight.

“Efficient use of capital and resources is a priority for everyone in agriculture these days,” says Burns. “So is timely application and nutrient delivery. The Trident 5550 combination applicator delivers on both fronts.”

“The Trident 5550 is an all-new, single-chassis applicator that quickly converts from liquid to dry and back to liquid, making it a valuable piece of equipment across three seasons of use,” he adds.

The combination applicator gives producers and commercial applicators the flexibility in a single piece of equipment to meet the demands of fertilizer and crop protection applications.

Howler Fungicide Receives EPA Registration AgBiome develops highly efficacious biological fungicide for specialty crops AgBiomeTM announced that HowlerTM fungicide received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first product to be marketed by AgBiome InnovationsTM and developed by AgBiome, Inc. is a biological fungicide that is highly effective against fungal diseases common to high-value crops.

“This is great news for specialty crop growers,” says John Rabby, AgBiome Innovations commercial director.

“Howler provides preventive, longlasting activity on a broad spectrum of soil-borne and foliar diseases, with no special handling or storage required.”

OMRI-listed for use in certified organic production, Howler is exempt from the requirement of tolerances in the United States. Howler can be used effectively at every phase of crop production with a zero-day pre68 BC�T October

harvest interval (PHI) and a four-hour, restricted-entry interval (REI).

“Howler fights disease with three modes of action—metabolic, enzymatic and exclusion by competing with invading pathogens,” says Steve Ronyak, field biology manager for AgBiome. The active ingredient destroys pathogenic fungi, stops fungal development and protects plant surfaces.

State registrations are now pending.

For more information, visit agbiome. com/howler.

About AgBiome AgBiome discovers and develops innovative biological and trait products for crop protection.

The proprietary Genesis™ discovery platform comprises the world’s largest, most diverse, fully sequenced collection of microbes coupled with industry-best screens for insect, disease and nematode control. For more information, visit http://agbiome.com.

About AgBiome Innovations AgBiome Innovations has in-depth industry knowledge and a team with a proven track record of effective disease and pest control. The team takes innovative products and gets them to market so they can benefit growers.

By understanding the needs and pressures of the industry, AgBiome Innovations creates unique and efficacious products to address today’s and tomorrow’s needs. For more information, visit http://agbiomeinnovations.com.

Ali's Kitchen Freezer Friendly Twice-Baked Bacon & Cheddar Potatoes

Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Here at the Carter house, we have solidly settled into the fall season routines of work, school, sports and meetings. Life no longer has the easy feel of summer, and the more rigorous schedule has forced me to be a bit creative when it comes to feeding family members who often seem to be dashing in and out the door at different times.

While we focus on sitting down at the dining table as a family when we can, this is not always an option.

We occasionally have days when the best we can do is to eat in shifts. And, although I am a little bit embarrassed to admit this, we have also experienced some days where grabbing a granola bar and an apple as we head out the door constitutes that evening's meal.

One way I am hoping to simplify our meals on those busier evenings, and to ensure that we all have access to a rounded and nutritious meal, is to do more freezer and bulk cooking.

Having a prepared meal ready and waiting to simply be warmed is such a blessing on those crazy days when, despite my best intentions, I have not found the time to make dinner or prep food for any of us. continued on pg. 70

INGREDIENTS: 12 medium potatoes 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 ½ tsp. seasoning salt 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 3 tbsp. butter ½-¾ cup chicken stock 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) ½ pound of bacon (cooked and crumbled) 2-3 green onions (sliced)

Toppings (optional) An additional green onion (thinly sliced) Additional ¼-½ cup shredded cheddar cheese continued on pg. 62 BC�T October 69

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Ali's Kitchen. . . continued from pg. 69

and scoop out the middle of the potato with a spoon. You want to make a bit of a bowl, so get as much of the potato scooped out of the shell as you can without breaking the sides and the skin of the potato.

Twice-baked potatoes have been an easy and filling go-to for us lately. Add some fruit and a simple salad, and we have ourselves a complete meal!

That’s another time saver for me and a tip I want to share with you. When I arrive home from shopping, I wash and chop my lettuce and greens and store them with a piece of paper towel in a covered glass bowl. They stay fresh for the week, and it makes tossing together a salad super easy.

But, what I think I love most about these twice-baked potatoes is that they are individually wrapped. This means that I can warm up just the right amount, depending on who is home that evening for dinner. Plus, they make a delicious, simple lunch when I am home alone in the middle of the day.

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Scrub your potatoes well and place them directly onto the rack of a preheated oven.

3. Bake for about 45-60 minutes.

You'll know your potatoes are done when you can pierce them with a fork without too much resistance.

6. P lace all potato middles into a large bowl and add the sour cream, garlic, seasoning salt, salt, pepper and butter. Mash all these ingredients together with a fork, and add your chicken stock to the bowl as you mash the potatoes until they become creamy. Mix in the cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions.

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7. S poon the mixture into your potato bowls/skins and then top with the remaining cheddar cheese and chives.

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8. I f you’re planning to enjoy them right away, place them on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

National Potato Council /Potato Expo............................... 71

9. I f freezing for later, line the twicebaked potatoes onto a cookie sheet and place into your freezer for about 45 minutes. This will make the job of wrapping each one a lot easier and less messy when you place them all into gallon zip-top bags for storage.

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10. O nce the twice-baked potatoes have become a bit solid in the freezer, wrap each potato individually with plastic wrap and place them into gallon zip-top freezer bags. I have found that they will store well like this and taste freshly made if enjoyed within four months.

4. Once potatoes are fully baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool a bit so they are easy to handle with bare hands.

11. W hen you are ready to eat, remove the potatoes from the freezer, unwrap and set on a cookie sheet. Bake the potatoes for 25 to 30 minutes in a 350-degree oven.

5. Slice each potato in half lengthwise

Enjoy!

70 BC�T October

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