1803_Badger Common'Tater by bctater

$18/year | $1.50/copy | Volume 70 No. 3 | MARCH 2018

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

PLANTING & WPVGA INDUSTRY SHOW ISSUE

INTERVIEW:

Jon Jacobs Cedar River Potato Co.

TRADITION REIGNS SPUD-PREME WPVGA Celebrates 70th Anniversary

COMPLETE COVERAGE Of 2018 Industry Show TRUCK SHORTAGE Hampers Business SIX-ROW WINDROWERS & Crop Carts Prove Efficient PESTICIDE INTERACTIONS Can Influence Resistance?

Harvesting Russet Burbanks is different for Jon Jacobs of Cedar River Potato Company today than his parents did it years ago in Aroostook County, Maine.

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On the Cover: We’re showing the old and new in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. The cover depicts how Jon Jacobs of Cedar River Potato Co. harvested the last 20 acres of Russet Burbank potatoes in the fall of 2017, and the inset shows how his parents grew up digging potatoes by hand in Aroostook County, Maine.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: Jon Jacobs of Cedar River Potato Co. says farming in the 21st century involves continually educating oneself regarding product advancements and new technologies available to increase productivity. One example is the way the Harriston Row Marker is guided by a John Deere tractor using RTK (Real Time Kinetmatic) GPS technology ahead of planters (not shown) in the spring of 2017.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN................... 61 BADGER BEAT................... 36 EYES ON ASSOCIATES........ 48

40 6-ROW WINDROWERS ARE WAVE OF FUTURE Windrowers and crop carts help growers save trucks

SEED PIECE

AUXILIARY NEWS

Annual Seed Meeting coincides with celebrating 105 years of certification

Spudmobile will once again combine harvest parties and school visits across the state

MARK YOUR CALENDAR..... 6 MARKETPLACE.................. 60 NEW PRODUCTS............... 50 NOW NEWS...................... 44 NPC NEWS........................ 51

FEATURE ARTICLES:

PEOPLE ............................ 54

14 INDUSTRY SHOW draws packed house of exhibitors, growers and attendees

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

26 HAPPY 70TH ANNIVERSARY! WPVGA has been serving its members since 1948

POTATOES USA NEWS...... 57

55 TRUCK SHORTAGE: Agriculture needs to collectively address trucking issues

WPIB FOCUS..................... 54

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Maximize Your Farm’s

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In the heart of potato country. Serving all of Agriculture.

Servicing ALL Makes of Equipment WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Josh Mattek Vice President: Gary Wysocki Secretary: Rod Gumz Treasurer: Wes Meddaugh Directors: Mike Carter, Mark Finnessy, Bill Guenthner, Eric Schroeder & Eric 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: Casey Kedrowski Vice President: Joel Zalewski

Visit us on FACEBOOK

Shop: (715) 335-6652 • Cell: (715) 498-6651 E-mail: paul@sandcountyequipment.com 8364 Monica Road, PO Box 228 • Bancroft, WI 54921

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Secretary: Cathy Schommer Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Chris Brooks, Paul Cieslewicz, Nick Laudenbach & Kenton Mehlberg Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Bill Guenthner Vice President: Charlie Mattek Secretary/Treasurer: J.D. Schroeder Directors: Jeff Fassbender, Roy Gallenberg & Dan Kakes 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

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To advance the interests of WPVGA members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement. Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: To work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources. Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409

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

WPVGA Office (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/WPVGA

Subscription rates: $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. BC�T March

MARK YOUR

Calendar MARCH 12-14

MIDWEST FOODSERVICE EXPO Wisconsin Center Milwaukee, WI

12-15

POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING Marriott City Center Denver, CO

27-29

WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association Grounds Oshkosh, WI

MAY 27-31

WORLD POTATO CONGRESS Cusco, Peru

JUNE 22

WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI

25-27

UNITED FRESH McCormick Place Chicago, IL

JULY 7

PARDEEVILLE TRIATHLON Chandler Park, 8 a.m. Pardeeville, WI

10-12

FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Marshfield/Wood County, WI

RHINELANDER AG RESEARCH STATION FIELD DAY Rhinelander, WI

ASSOCIATE DIV. PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING Lake Arrowhead Golf Course Nekoosa, WI

HARS FIELD DAY Hancock, WI

22-26

POTATO ASSOC. OF AMERICA ANNUAL MEETING Boise Centre Boise, ID

ANTIGO FIELD DAY Langlade County Airport and Research Station Antigo, WI

Planting Ideas I’ve gotten to know a few family members associated with Schroeder Bros. Farms in Antigo, Wisconsin, over the past year and a half, including J.D. Schroeder. Anyone who knows J.D. can attest to the fact that he stays active and involved with the potato and vegetable growing industry in Wisconsin, attending meetings, presentations, field days, shows and events, and volunteering on committees and boards. It wasn’t until the 2018 Potato Expo in Orlando, Florida, however, that I had a chance to sit down and have a friendly chat with J.D. and his wife, Hannah, not only about the show, but also common interests in books we’ve read and mutual concerts attended. They mentioned their toddler at home, and each showed me his picture on their phones. I immediately liked his name, John Winston Schroeder, and J.D., who is a third-generation “John,” was quick to point out that the newest John will likely become known by his middle name or a derivation thereof to avoid confusion. A couple weeks after I got back to the office, an email showed up in my inbox from J.D. with an attachment. I clicked on it and opened the above photo of little John Winston, taken in June of 2017 when he was 14 months old. I love the gold “This is how I roll” hat, complete with a green John Deere tractor, the matching “locally grown” shirt, and especially the cute little smirk on his face … and of course those pinchable cheeks. Now, before everyone starts emailing me pictures of their adorable kids, the point I’m trying to make is that the local potato and vegetable growing industry is a family, and when the hard work is done—the seemingly neverending long days and nights before, during and after harvest season—there couldn’t be a nicer bunch of people to sit down, chat up and get to know. I’m thankful for that and all I’ve learned from those many acquaintances. The “busy”-ness, by the way, never stops. See complete coverage in this issue of the 2018 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, held February 6-8 at the Stevens Point Holiday Inn Convention Center. I’ve also been busy pulling old photographs from our archives for the feature article on the 70th anniversary of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association in 2018. See the related feature on that significant milestone. 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.

Joe Kertzman Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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Interview

JON JACOBS, Vice President, Cedar River Potato Co. By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

Having been involved with potatoes in production or NAME: Jon Jacobs TITLE: Vice president COMPANY: Cedar River Potato Co. LOCATION: Colfax, WI HOMETOWN: Plover, WI YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 28 years PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: N/A SCHOOLING: 1989 graduate of Stevens Point Area Senior High AWARDS/HONORS: Thirty-three-time recipient of Grower Awards from Ore-Ida/McCain Foods, including Golden Grower, Top Grower, Bruise Free, Soft Rot and 10-ounce Awards FAMILY: Wife, Sheila, and son, Nicholas HOBBIES: Fishing and antique tractor restoration

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processing his entire career, Jon Jacobs’ father, Greg, founded Cedar River Potato Co. in 1990, in Colfax, Wisconsin, when he decided to get back into the production side of the business as a contract grower. At that time, Greg, his brother, Jamie, a partner, John Mommsen, and Jon were all part of the original business plan. Greg and Jon eventually purchased Jamie’s and John’s shares of the company, and now Cedar River Potato Co. is strictly a family farm. How many acres of potatoes and what varieties do you grow? Cedar River currently averages 1,400 acres of potatoes annually, all of which are Russet Burbank. We have grown Ranger Russet, Norkotah, Sierra Gold, Goldrush, Silverton, Castile and other varieties in the past. Do you grow other vegetables, and do you grow for the fresh or processed potato market? And for what customers? We currently only grow potatoes, although we have grown snap beans, soy beans, sweet corn, field corn, oats, wheat and alfalfa in the past. Potatoes are grown for the processed market for McCain Foods and Michael’s Foods. Why is your location in Colfax ideal for the types of potatoes you

grow? Does it have to do with soil type, land topography, market? Explain. Our location in Colfax is an ideal location for growing potatoes because of the availability of welldrained soils and a vast network of irrigated land. Are the 1,400 acres you have in production spread out? Our total acreage is spread over a length of 45 miles from the northernmost to southernmost production areas. Why potatoes? I am actually a fourth-generation grower with history originating from Aroostook Above: Like any good potato grower would be, Jon Jacobs, vice president of the family-owned Cedar River Potato Company in Colfax, Wisconsin, takes pride in looking at this aerial image of the home farm.

County, Maine, where my great grandfathers on both sides of the family grew potatoes. My paternal grandfather grew potatoes, and my father has been involved with the production and/or processing of potatoes his entire life.

season 2017 proved to be very challenging. Warm temperatures along with an abundance of rainfall were our biggest challenges, delaying our finish date until October 19.

Are you affected at all by the new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) trucking mandate? We are It was an easy transition for me to choose farming as a career anticipating some major challenges because of my background, available coming into the 2018 season with education and ability to enjoy the the new ELD rule. Having a majority many challenges involved with of our seed coming from Montana, growing Russet Burbank potatoes and a majority of our product being in Wisconsin. delivered to Plover in the fall. We are Badger for Common'Tater 1-3page AD (7x3).v1.outlines.pdf 1 2018-02-12 AM expecting an increase in freight8:57 costs. How was18-03 harvest you? Harvest

Left: The tractors were lined up and ready to roll for the last day of harvest, October 19, 2017, at Cedar River Potato Company. Right: Three potato planters work in unison at Cedar River Potato Company on the last day of spring 2017. Jon Jacobs says there were only 20 acres to go!

How has the farm progressed over the years and can you give examples? The farm has progressed over the years in many aspects. We utilize the latest in GPS technology, as well as AgSense to monitor irrigation systems remotely, remote imagery, advanced soil testing and soil moisture monitoring. continued on pg. 10

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Interview. . . continued from pg. 9

We continually educate ourselves regarding product advancements, and all new technologies we’ve chosen to employ have been instrumental in increased productivity. Has your machinery gotten more advanced over the years, and if so, how or why? Equipment on the farm has not progressed as timely as we would have liked. Rising costs of production, to deliver the best product we can, have hindered the ability to stay cutting edge with the

latest in machinery innovations. Our equipment is very well taken care of, and a detailed off-season maintenance schedule allows us to have a highly productive season with minimal downtime caused by equipment breakdowns. What are your plans for the farm in the future? We plan to continue in the same manner that we always have, meeting the challenges of each growing season, and striving to grow a quality crop.

Why do you enjoy being a part of the potato and vegetable growing community in Central Wisconsin? We do enjoy being a part of the state’s potato and vegetable industry, and most importantly being able to associate with a group of people passionate about farming. The risk that every grower takes during the growing season is monumental. The people involved in taking that risk understand each other and the pressures of caring for a crop, carrying it through maturation and delivering a quality product. What are your current challenges with the farm or with growing, selling and marketing? Current challenges continued on pg. 12 Above Left: The poster is typical of “Labor Wanted” flyers posted not only in Aroostook County, Maine, but also in Wisconsin and rural areas across the country during potato harvest in days gone by. Above Right: Jon Jacobs says the picture depicts potato harvest in Aroostook County, Maine, and the way his parents dug potatoes when they were young. Bottom: Though the 2017 Russet Burbank crop looks good, and it was, Jon Jacobs says harvest was a challenge last year, with warm temperatures and an abundance of rain stretching out the season until October 19.

10 BC�T March

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Interview. . . continued from pg. 10

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that we face on an annual basis are disease and insect pressure, changing climate patterns and trying to keep costs down when we are faced with these challenges. And what do you hope for the future of Cedar River Potato Company and potato growing in general? Our hopes for the future include being able to use all available advances in potato production— those stemming from research and development within the industry— and implementing those advances to grow a higher-yielding, higherquality, storable crop that requires less input cost.

® Top Left: Potatoes are dug at Cedar River Potato Company, October 19, 2017, which is a bit later than most seasons.

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Above: Despite warm temperatures and heavy rainfall, the 2017 Russet Burbank potato crop eventually made it to storage.

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• Our organization works for you, providing the information you need to make the best decisions and return profitability to your farm. • Enjoy membership access to complete data packages including critical supply and demand usage. • Wisconsin does a wonderful job of marketing and keeping grower returns at a premium. • We offer communications for marketers, which are a crucial tool and a by-product of United of Wisconsin. • The Grower Return Index (GRI) you receive will pay for your dues tenfold. • We hold weekly marketing calls! • Grower-only communication calls provide you with inputs, ideas and opinions. Everyone stays in tune.

Balancing supply with demand generates positive returns. Plan your 2018 plantings wisely!

United Of Wisconsin Thanks Our Grower Members For Their Continued Membership & Support: • Alsum Farms • Coloma Farms • Fenske Farms • Gagas Farms • Hyland Lakes Spuds

• Isherwood Co. • J-J Potatoes • J.W. Mattek & Sons • Okray Family Farms

• Plover River Farms Alliance • Schroeder Bros. • Ted Baginski & Sons

• Worzella & Sons • Woyak Farms • Wysocki Produce Farm • Yeska Brothers

UNITED OF WISCONSIN THANKS THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS:

Omernik & Associates, Inc., Mid State Truck Service, Warner & Warner, Jay-Mar Inc., AMVAC Big Iron Equipment, Sand County Equipment, Riesterer & Schnell, V&H Inc., Vive Crop Protection

For details on membership & Grower/Marketing calls, Contact Dana Rady, Cooperative Director drady0409@gmail.com or 715-623-7683

Respected Wisconsin Industry Show Rises to Occasion 2018 Grower Education Conference researchers stress sound science, data and diligence By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Buzz for the 2018 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, February 6-8, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, started at Potato Expo in Orlando this January. Numerous exhibitors there could be heard saying, “See you in Wisconsin” as they left one trade show and anticipated another. Marking its 69th year, the Industry Show, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin (UW) Extension Grower Education Conference, has good reason to attract a wide-ranging audience

of exhibitors and industry attendees. With planning for the event in the works nearly a year in advance, Wisconsin has an enviable relationship with its University Extension of reputable researchers. The state also boasts a tightknit group of farmers and associate members of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA, celebrating 70 years this month—see related feature), an organization that goes above and beyond in returning the support extended by growers and members.

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14 BC�T March

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Industry Show exhibitors were greeted by a steady stream of crowds Tuesday and Wednesday, and proudly showed off the newest in irrigation equipment; vehicles and machinery; digital monitoring devices; hardware and software; fertilizers and insecticides; well drilling, construction and insulation parts and supplies; insurance and bank services; and a range of products designed to assist growers. MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER Technological advances and hightech equipment meant to make farming more efficient and effective have made the Industry Show more relevant than ever, as evidenced by the buzz and attendance. Registration was up for the Grower Education Conference, which kicked off Tuesday, February 6, with opening remarks by WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan. A full slate of presentations followed, covering Above: Agronomist Andy Derhassett (front, center) talks with 2018 Industry Show attendees while helping man the T.I.P. booth.

two and a half days and an impressive variety of topics. Hot topic issues are familiar themes to industry professionals, including soil health and microbial communities, variable-rate irrigation, disease and insect control, agricultural sustainability, seed

physiology, groundwater quality, and phosphorus and nitrogen management. Still more topics included potato variety development and breeding, recruiting agribusiness workers, seed treatments, remote sensing, potato storage and much more.

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Above: Not only did Sam’s Well Drilling have an impressive booth at the 2018 Industry Show, the company also brought in the big rig—a Foremost DR-24 Dual Rotary Drilling Rig. continued on pg. 16

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Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 15

Above: Dennis Schultz of Alsum Farms, Inc. (left) talks shop with Spudnik sales representative Nick Moulzolf (right) at the Industry Show.

Above: Chad Glaze, owner/agent for Vine Vest North, Inc. Crop & Ag Insurance, proudly stands in front of his booth at the Industry Show.

If interested in accessing the 2018 (and 2017) Grower Education Conference proceedings, visit http://wpvga.conferencespot.org/. The Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and WPVGA Associate Division hosted a reception Tuesday evening, and the WPVGA and Associate Division held an excellent banquet Wednesday night, complete with hors d’oeuvres sponsored by McCain Foods, dinner and drinks, an industry recognition and awards program, cash prizes and entertainment by the UW-Stevens Point jazz band. 16 BC�T March

Above, Top: At the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, the UW-Madison Extension displayed tables of potato varieties resulting from the state’s advanced selection evaluation trial. Above, Middle: Ready to take questions at the PestPros Crop Consultants table, a division

of Allied Cooperative, were Joshua Johnson and Andrea Topper. Above, Bottom: Dale O’Brien (left), manager of Hamerski Farms, visits with Bill Zelinski (right) of Big Iron Equipment during the Industry Show.

Top: Making a big impression in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Convention Center at the Industry Show was a Lockwood VACS Mobile unit. Available from Sand County Equipment, the VACS Mobile is a complete potato handling and cleaning system that can be mounted on a single semi-trailer.

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Left: Paul Cieslewicz (standing in group, second from left) held court at the Sand County Equipment booth. Right: Putting potatoes at the Bushmansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Inc. booth, and cheering like he won the Masters Tournament, is Casey Kedrowski of Roberts Irrigation. Casey was voted in as president of the WPVGA Associate Division at a meeting Wednesday morning before the show.

Understanding your needs and providing equipment, technology, and support to keep you in the field.

continued on pg. 18

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Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 17

Above: Enjoying lunch on Wednesday of the Industry Show were, from left to right, chef R.J. Harvey, global food service marketing manager for Potatoes USA; Kam Quarles, vice president of public policy for the National Potato Council; Schroeder Brothers Farms, Inc. growers Eric and Andy Schroeder; and Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms, Inc. Left: As part of the Grower Education Conference, Mallika Noco, a Smith Conservation Research Fellow from the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate, explains how well EC (electrical conductivity) maps represent soil properties in Wisconsin’s Central Sands area. Right: Ben Bradford, a research specialist working with Russell L. Groves in the UW-Madison Department of Entomology, offers a presentation on “Pesticide Contaminants in Groundwater-Fed Streams.” Below: Dr. Jianjun Hao, School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, discusses pink rot of potato as a soil-borne disease.

18 BC�T March

Our Gratitude is Extended to all the sponsors who contributed to the 2018 UW Extension & WPVGA Education Conference & Industry Show PLATINUM SPONSORS Syngenta Compeer Financial McCain Foods

GOLD SPONSORS Ag World Support Systems Alsum Farms & Produce Baker Tilly Big Iron Equipment BMO Harris Bank Certis USA Crop Production Services Insight FS Investors Community Bank M3 Insurance Mid-State Truck Service Midwestern BioAg Roberts Irrigation Secura Insurance Services The Little Potato Company Thorpack, LLC Yara North America

SILVER SPONSORS Top: Dr. Paul Bethke, a research plant physiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) and associate professor, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, explains that “what’s in the middle counts” when it comes to potato carbohydrates.

UW-Madison Department of Entomology, delves into the topic of insect management over an extended growing season. Right: Matt Ruark, UW-Madison Department of Soil Science, asks, “What’s next regarding nitrogen management with potato?”

Left: As he does so well, Russell L. Groves,

continued on pg. 20

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BC�T March 19

Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 19

2018 WPVGA Industry Awards Honor Service Annual presentations dished out with delicious food and refreshments

There’s no better way to cap off a successful Industry Show than with the WPVGA Awards Banquet.

is the highlight of the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show.

After two full days of networking, booth visiting and seminar attending, it’s nice to let your guard down, relax and enjoy the company of friends and industry peers, partake in some food, drink and laughter, and applaud those individuals presented with industry awards.

Held the evening of February 7, a social hour with hors d’oeuvres sponsored by McCain Foods was followed by a nice meal and the much-anticipated Industry Awards and Hall of Fame induction.

The popular Industry Awards Banquet

Throughout the course of the awards banquet, the UW-Stevens Point jazz band provided background music

and entertained the crowd. Cash prizes were awarded attendees lucky enough to have their names drawn during the evening’s fun. Left: WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (not shown in this image) presented the Associate Division Business Person of the Year Award to Sally Suprise of Ansay & Associates for her time spent on the Associate Division Board, serving as president of the board this past year, and for her accomplishments as a certified workers comp advisor and agribusiness farm insurance specialist, as well as for her volunteer efforts. MIddle: Paul Cieslewicz, owner of Sand County Equipment, was named WPVGA Volunteer of the Year for his service on the Associate Division Board, the Portage County Drainage District, as chairman since 2015, and all he has accomplished on those boards and on the Wisconsin Association of Drainage Districts and as chairman of the Town of Buena Vista for the past 18 years. Right: Chad Malek of Specialty Potatoes & Produce was named WPVGA Young Grower of the Year. Among other accomplishments, he has changed a half-acre fingerling potato farm into 600 acres of potatoes and 700 acres of rotational crops. Bottom Left: The WPVGA Researcher of the Year Award went to U.S. Department of AgricultureARS and University of Wisconsin Geneticist Shelley Jansky. Bottom Right: 2017 WPVGA Board President Eric Schroeder (right) presented the President’s Award to his mother, Gina Schroeder, in grateful appreciation for a lifetime of support, guidance, inspiration and love.

20 BC�T March

Stronger roots. Stronger yields. WE’VE BEEN BUILDING ROOTS SINCE 1987.

Left: The Agri-Communicator Award for excellence in communication and dedicated service in presenting a positive message about the agriculture industry was presented to Andy Wallendal, owner and consultant for Wallendal Supply, Inc. Right: WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan also presented a special Industry Appreciation Award to his WPVGA Executive Assistant Julie Braun, who also serves as administrative coordinator for the Wisconsin Mint Board, Inc. and the Wisconsin Muck Farmers Association. Bottom: A second Industry Appreciation Award was presented to RPE Senior Agronomist Mike Copas for sharing valuable research and making outstanding contributions to the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry. continued on pg. 22

THE 2018 AWARD RECIPIENTS Associate Division Business Person of the Year: Sally Suprise WPVGA Volunteer of the Year: Paul Cieslewicz WPVGA Young Grower of the Year: Chad Malek WPVGA Researcher of the Year: Dr. Shelley Jansky President’s Award: Gina Schroeder

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WPVGA Industry Appreciation Awards: Julie Braun, Mike Copas Agri-Communicator Award: Andy Wallendal Recognition of out-going WPVGA Associate Division Board Members: Zach Mykisen and Sally Suprise WPVGA Hall of Fame Induction: Nick Somers

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Hall of Fame Welcomes Nick Somers The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Hall of Fame honors lifetime achievement in the development of the state’s potato industry. This year’s inductee, Nick Somers, is recognized for his commitment to excellence and significant impact he’s had on the potato and vegetable growing industry. Following is a brief biography of the 2018 Hall of Fame inductee. Long-time fresh, processed and organic potato and vegetable grower Nick Somers of Plover River Farms, Stevens Point, was born and raised in the Stevens Point area and started farming full time in 1968. Today, Plover River Farms raises over 3,500 acres of potatoes, sweet corn, peas and soybeans, including more than 1,100 acres of fresh, processed and organic potatoes. Nick’s dedication and involvement in the potato and vegetable industry over his lifetime are immeasurable, in time, energy and accomplishments. 22 BC�T March

He started on the local level, receiving the Portage County Young Farmer of the Year award, then became involved with the WPVGA and later was active at the national level on the United States Potato Board and on the National Potato Council (NPC). He became President of the NPC in 1998 after serving as vice president of Environmental Affairs for three years. During that time, he worked diligently with the Environmental Protection Agency, encouraging them to approve newer and softer chemicals in a timely manner so that the growers always had a dependable product available to use for their pest and disease situations. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY In 2000, Nick, on behalf of his farm, was honored with the prestigious NPC Environmental Stewardship award. This shows that he is practicing what he believes in— following the best environmental practices in farming. On the U.S. Potato Board (USPB,

now known as Potatoes USA), Nick helped increase the “penny checkoff” program that created funds for the promotion of potatoes on the national level. It was an important time since many new “diet gurus” started omitting potatoes from their prescribed diets. The true story needed to be told with potato facts, and the USPB now had Above: In exclusive company, Nick Somers entered the WPVGA Hall of Fame for his lifelong commitment to excellence and significant impact on the potato industry of Wisconsin. At top, Nick (far left) poses with, from left to right, his son, Douglas, wife, Dianne, and daughter, Heidi.

more funds to promote and advertise the potato industry story. Nick served as president of the WPVGA from 1977-’78, was on the Board of Directors for several years and a member of numerous committees. He also served as president of the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board (WPIB) from 19871990. On the Government Affairs Committee, he was always involved with legislation that affected the agricultural community. He was influential in creating the Water Task Force and has been co-chairperson since its creation.

a long way toward improving all aspects of the potato and vegetable industry.

Spudmobile became a reality, but it has proven to be a successful promotional tool for the industry.

Presently, Nick serves on the Research Committee, which analyzes and approves proposals of research projects presented by University of Wisconsin researchers, to be funded by the WPIB. These proposals go

SPUDMOBILE MOTION Nick is also on the WPVGA Promotions Committee and made the motion for the idea of the Spudmobile. It took years of discussion and research before the

Above: During lunch on Wednesday of the 2018 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, WPVGA Promotions Chairman Chris Brooks (right) presented an award to Nick (left) and Dianne Somers for reaching the “50 Years in Farming” milestone and their dedication in promoting the “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Potatoes” message. continued on pg. 24

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Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 23

Nick is a strong supporter of the Healthy Grown program, and Plover River Farms has been a Healthy Grown grower since its inception. Among Nick’s numerous awards over the years are the following: WPVGA Volunteer of the Year (1991); National Potato Council Gold Potato Award (1996 and 2006); NPC Potato Man of the Year (1997); WPVGA Integrated Pest Management Achievement Award (2006); NPC President’s Award (2008); WPVGA Agri-Communicator Award (2011); and WPVGA Industry Appreciation Award (1995 and 2015). Nick is a continual promoter of the industry. He’s on the Spud Bowl Committee, often helps with the Spudmobile promotions, visits the produce section of every food store, often encouraging the produce manager to display potatoes more visibly, and he looks for every

opportunity to discuss the benefits of eating potatoes, even with people sitting next to him on an airplane. Nick’s passion and love is the potato and vegetable industry. And he will never stand still; he is continually trying to improve everything about Wisconsin agriculture. Nick and his wife, Dianne, have two children, Douglas and Heidi, one

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Above: Standing, left to right, are WPVGA's newest Hall of Fame member, Nick Somers, his daughter, Heidi Foote, son, Douglas Somers, nephew's wife, Amy Wanta, niece, Naomi Wanta, nephew, Bill Wanta Jr., wife, Dianne Somers, and nephew, Jason Wanta. Seated are Nick's brother-in-law, Bill Wanta Sr., and sister, Elsie Wanta.

son-in-law, Mike Foote, and two grandchildren, Leanna and Amelia. Nick and Dianne will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year!

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The WPVGA Turns 70 Years Young!

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the WPVGA continues to serve its members as envisioned in 1948 By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

Things were happening in 1948— some lucky Americans

is up over 350 percent and acreage has declined by 11 percent.

Wisconsin’s average potato yield was 96 cwt. (hundredweight) per acre in 1948, and state growers raised 78,000 acres for a total production of 7,488,000 cwt.

Technology, including advances in machinery, irrigation, computers, fertilizer, pest and disease management, and all forms of digital and monitoring devices, has certainly helped increase production per acre, as has good old-fashioned ingenuity and the learning of better ways of growing crops.

bought television sets, the LP (long play) phonograph record came into vogue, as did affordable post-World War II prefab housing, Velcro, the transistor radio, NASCAR with its first modified stock car race at Daytona Beach, and even the bikini.

Those numbers were a bit different in 2017, with Wisconsin ranking third in the nation in potato production, averaging 425 cwt. per acre and raising 62,000 harvested acres and an

estimated 26,350,000 cwt. of quality spuds. The state’s yield is nearly 4.5 times what it was 70 years ago, production

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Although the number of Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers has declined over the past 70 years, the size of farms has increased dramatically, most of which are now being run by third- and fourthgeneration growers. Left: It was early potato harvest, 1953, on the Frank and Tom O’Brien Farm in Langlade, Wisconsin. Right: The 1952 Alice in Dairyland, Beverly Steffen of Appleton, Wisconsin (back row, center), took time during potato harvest to visit with, clockwise from back left, Andrew Stanislawski of Rosholt, and his son, Joe, daughter, Lorraine, and grandson, Andrew II.

Above: Three directors reelected at the 1963 annual meeting of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Association, Inc., held at the Riverview Country Club in Antigo, are shown with Jack Diercks, association president. They are, from left to right, Melvin Rominsky, M.J. Patrykus, Diercks and George Mumbrue.

SINGULAR ORGANIZATION And while things have changed, one constant has been the contributions of a singular organization formed by potato growers for potato growers. Founded on February 13, 1948, “The Potato Growers of Wisconsin” was set up as a non-profit organization to organize potato farmers and handlers, and to arrange, hold and conduct meetings in the state.

summed it up best when he recently wrote, “Mission accomplished!”

Jr. and Luke Kuczmarski.

Signing the original articles of incorporation in 1948 were B.H. “Ben” Diercks, Felix Zeloski, Barron West, Robert Erickson, James D. Swan

The Association’s first regular meeting was held on March 20 in Stevens Point, and those elected to the Board

MEETING OF THE MINDS

continued on pg. 28

The name has changed and so has the mission statement, though it’s not far removed from that of the original organization. With the mission of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) being “to assist our members to be successful through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement,” perhaps WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan Top RIght: Winners of a “youth division” potato contest at the 1967 Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Show are, from left to right, Michael Ourada, John Mattek and Frank Wolosek. Bottom Right: Professor Earl K. Wade (left) harvests an experimental Russett Burbank scab plot on the Wayne Brittenham farm in 1971. Helping are certified seed inspectors Leonard Sorenson (center) and Wayne Guyant (right). Professor Wade’s plot involved several types of treatments for dealing with scab. BC�T March 27

The WPVGA Turns 70 Years Young!. . . continued from pg. 27

of Directors were Diercks (president); Edward Okray (vice president); W. James Prosser (secretary); Zeloski (treasurer); Erickson; Swan; West; Paul Bonac and Frank Halter. The WPVGA is still located in the original Fidelity Savings Bank (now Chase) building at the corner of Fifth and Superior streets in Antigo. Upon forming The Potato Growers of Wisconsin, the board’s first project was to exit Market Order #60,

a four-state (Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota) marketing agreement issued by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. In a strongly worded letter to the North Central Potato Committee, dated May 21, 1948, Diercks stated, “We are firm in our belief that a marketing agreement can be of no value to the producer, distributor or the consumer unless it can control the commodity—bring Top Left: The 1974 Wisconsin Potato Industry Board included, back row, left to right, University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Robert W. Hougas, Melvin Rominsky, Dennis Zeloski, Robert Gallenberg and Robert F. Thayer from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. In the front row, left to right, are Jack Jilek, Louis E. Wysocki, Robert Diercks and John Mommsen.

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Top Right: Lye-peeled samples of potatoes are carefully inspected for bruises by workers at the American Potato Plant in 1977. The plant had an incentive program established to encourage growers to produce more bruise-free potatoes. 654 E. OSHKOSH STREET RIPON, WISCONSIN 54971

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Right: Mary McDonald (second from left), a consultant for the National Potato Promotion Board, discusses the potato’s nutritional label used at the time with board members during the 1980 annual meeting in Denver. With McDonald are Nick Somers (left), Don Wirz (right) and Don’s wife, Nicky (second from right). Bottom Left: As part a story titled “For Computers and Farming, the Future is Now,” by Phil Janus, in the July 1985 Badger Common’Tater, UWMadison professor Walt Stevenson is pictured demonstrating a new computer program.

a greater return to the grower—and give the consumer a good product at a fair and equitable price based on his ability to pay.” An initial fee of 25 cents per acre was established for members of the Potato Growers of Wisconsin, Inc., and activation of the organization was met with enthusiasm throughout the state by large and small growing

operations alike. THE COMMON’TATER The Badger Common’Tater monthly publication was soon developed as an education and communication vehicle of the Association. The first issue was published in Antigo in July of 1948. continued on pg. 30

Left: During a 1981 UW-Madison versus Iowa football game at Camp Randall Stadium, Joe Okray (wearing cowboy hat) shared Wisconsin-grown potatoes with UW Athletic Director Elroy Hirsch (second from left) as part of the “Wisconsin Potato Day” festivities at the game. Also present were Robert Thayer (left) of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Patricia Ann Okray (right). Right: Interviewed in the September 1988 Badger Common’Tater, Bob (left) and Bernie Lapacinski of B.J. Lapacinski & Sons, Inc. in Brill, Wisconsin, look over samples of what would later be sold as “Big Buck” and “8-Pointer” potatoes.

BC�T March 29

The WPVGA Turns 70 Years Young!. . . continued from pg. 29

After 70 years, it’s clear that the founders of The Potato Growers of Wisconsin were an enlightened and driven group of forward-thinking businessmen who cared deeply about their livelihoods and providing quality produce to feed an evergrowing population. Among its many ongoing initiatives, including legislative, research, promotions, education and information, the WPVGA continues

to strive for one ultimate goal— to ensure farmers get a fair price for the product they grow. And though that may be simplifying things a bit, with issues like sustainable farming, environmental and water issues, yield and quality at the forefront and taking center stage, the association continues to support its growers and ensure they reap what they sow … much as it was in 1948.

Top Left: Potato World manager Dick Zabel (left) and production manager Dennis Zacharias are shown in 1992 standing by the Lectro Tek Computerized Sizing and Hollow Heart Eliminator machines at the Potato World packing shed in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. Top Right: Gary Chilewski loads a planter with potato seed in 1994. In an interview for the Badger Common’Tater that year, he said seed handling and cutting were the most critical elements in planting. Right: In year 2000, as is still the case today, one of the rites of spring was loading seed potatoes into a planter in Central Wisconsin. Some things really don’t change.

Above: A Gallenberg self-propelled harvester is pictured in 1997 at Alsum Farms in Arena, Wisconsin. At the time, Gallenberg Equipment would custom-build a harvester, including self-propelled or pull-type models, to fit a grower’s operation. 30 BC�T March

Seed Piece Annual Seed Meeting Continues Enduring Tradition Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association is pioneer in certification

Continuing a longstanding tradition, the Wisconsin Seed

Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) held its 58th Annual Meeting at North Star Lanes, in Antigo, January 31. Wisconsin also celebrates 105 years of seed certification in 2018, having held a convention in Rhinelander, in 1913, to discuss “Pure Seed of Standard Market Varieties for All Commercial Purposes.” At the convention, a formal plan for inspection and certification of potato seed was put into place. The first of now many official seed inspection programs in North America was established and fully implemented, with the initial field inspections taking place in 1914. January’s Annual Meeting included seed certification program updates, a state farm report, guest speakers,

an annual business meeting, refreshments and a dinner sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection.

Above: With outgoing Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) President Bill Guenthner having served his term on the board, and Roy Gallenberg unanimously voted as the newest member, the 2018 WSPIA Board is, from left to right, Roy, J.D. Schroeder, Jeff Fassbender, Dan Kakes and Charlie Mattek.

WSPIA Program Director Alex Crockford updated attendees on a university position vacancy, building projects at the State Farm in Rhinelander, as well as Wisconsin’s new Certified Seed Law, Act 46, requiring the state’s commercial continued on pg. 32

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Seed Piece. . . continued from pg. 31

potato growers who plant five or more acres in a year to plant certified seed. STRATEGIC FUTURE Crockford outlined the strategic future of the Certified Seed Potato Program, including likely dormant tuber testing, university faculty and

grower engagement, utilization of drones/remote sensing, reduced field generations, blackleg tolerances, zebra chip monitoring, virus management, Dickeya detection and much more. Crockford also went over 2016-’17 program revenues and expenditures.

Guest speakers were State Farm Manager Keith Heinzen, Dianna Kessler, a senior inspector at the State Farm, Dana Rady, who gave an update on the Wisconsin Healthy Grown program and Chuck Bolte of AgSource Laboratories who talked about water flow and phosphorus

58th Annual Seed Meeting Sponsors Premier Dinner Sponsor: Syngenta Crop Protection Event Sponsors Include: AgCountry Farm Credit Services AgSource Laboratories Altmann Construction Co. AMVAC Chemicals BASF Bayer CropScience Big Iron Equipment, Inc. Bio-Gro BMO Harris Bank

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Chase Bank, Antigo CoVantage Credit Union CPS Great Lakes Gowan USA Insight FS Jay-Mar, Inc. Kretz Trucking Quinlan’s Equipment, Inc. Riesterer & Schnell Roberts Irrigation Company Ron’s Refrigeration Rural Insurance Co. – Antigo Sand County Equipment, LLC

Southside Tire Co. Swiderski Equipment, Inc. Syngenta Crop Protection T.I.P., Inc. TH Agri-Chemicals, Inc. Volm Companies Warner & Warner

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

runoff and monitoring in the Antigo Flats. University of Wisconsin (UW) Plant Pathologist Amanda Gevens and Justin Clements, a Research Fellow who works with Dr. Russ Groves in the UW Department of Entomology, discussed potato diseases and the need for early detection, and pests, as well as insecticides and fungicides to deter them.

“advance the interest of members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement,” and said, “Mission accomplished!” KEY LEGISLATION Tamas went on to outline four key

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Left: UW-Madison Research Fellow Justin Clements, who works with Dr. Russell L. Groves in the Department of Entomology, updates Annual Seed Meeting attendees on potato pests, fungicides and insecticides.

Current Page: Left: From left to right, Jim Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., John T. Schroeder of Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc. and Steve Rosenthal of TH Agrichemical found themselves deep in conversation at the 58th Annual Seed Meeting. Right: Outgoing WSPIA President Bill Guenthner (right) presents WPVGA Financial Advisor Karen Rasmussen (left) with a Leadership Award for her outstanding service to the Wisconsin seed potato industry.

continued on pg. 34

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Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan talked about the mission of the WPVGA being to

Right: It was a packed house for the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association’s Annual Seed Meeting at North Star Lanes in Antigo, January 31.

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He also discussed the generosity and charitable nature of Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers, and specifically how several farming operations donated 38,000 pounds of potatoes and onions to the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2017, as part of the hurricane relief effort. Above: More than a few past WSPIA presidents attended the 58th Annual Seed Meeting, including, from left to right, Bill Guenthner, Mike Baginski, Dan Wild, Josh Mattek, John Gallenberg, Adam Bula, Tom Schmidt and John T. Schroeder. Right: Bill Guenthner (right) presents a check to Stephen Zimmerman (left), Langlade County UW-Extension agriculture agent, to be used during his crew’s work in furthering the certified seed program in Wisconsin.

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Ken Cleveland of Syngenta wrapped up the guest speaker portion of the Annual Meeting by summarizing the company’s new product performance and giving label updates. WSPIA Board Vice President Charlie Mattek presented Bill Guenthner, outgoing president of the board, with a plaque commemorating his years of service. Following the presentation, Roy Gallenberg was unanimously voted onto the board as a new member. WSPIA board members also awarded plaques and certificates to those who have worked to further the certified seed program in Wisconsin, with

Badger Common’Tater

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

NOT FRENC H FRIES All! So Deadly After MARK S POTATO EXPO 10-Year Anniversary

BILL HOW THE TAX rs Affects Potato Growe X U” 2nd ANNUAL “REDO ry Brewe Hits Hinterland

34 BC�T March

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Spud seed classic

Friday, June 22, 2018 Bass Lake Country Club W10650 Bass Lake Road Deerbrook, WI 54424

WSPIA Golf Outing

Deadline for sponsorship commitments to be included in June Badger Common'Tater: May 10, 2018* DINNER SPONSOR $2,000 • Company name and logo on three 12-foot banners placed in prominent areas including dinner area • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal Recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for four golfers

GOLD RUSH SPONSOR $1,500 • Company Name and logo on two 12-foot banners placed in a prominent area on the course • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for two golfers

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• Company name and logo on one 12-foot banner placed in a prominent area on the course • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal Recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for one golfer CONTACT DANIELLE SORANO for more details (715) 623-7683 Make checks payable to WSPIA

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• Company Name and logo on one 8-foot banner placed in a prominent area on the course • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event

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Since 1998, this tournament raised over $85,000, which was donated to Wisconsin potato research. BC�T March 35

Badger Beat

Pesticide Interactions Influence Resistance Development Other chemical inputs potentially play a role in development of insecticide resistance By Russell L. Groves and Justin Clements, UW-Madison Department of Entomology

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), is a major agricultural pest that causes significant crop loss and direct damage to commercial potatoes. The history of insecticidal inputs for control of CPB is a story retold in many potato production regions of the country, where many classes of insecticides have been effective for short periods of time before the beetles become resistant. Recent estimates suggest that select populations of beetles have now become resistant to more than 56 insecticidal chemistries (Whalon et al., 2017), and this resistance

has been observed in many potato production regions of the United States. Since the initial introduction of

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neonicotinoids in the mid-1990s, CPB populations have steadily developed resistance to these insecticides. Previous studies have documented the mechanisms by which this insect rapidly develops resistance, and multiple biological mechanisms of resistance have been classified among tested populations. However, almost no research has examined the potential for other pesticides to act as drivers that might lead to more rapid resistance development.

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INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE While insecticides are often applied to field populations of CPB frequently and successively, other chemical inputs could play a role in the development of insecticide resistance. One notable factor might be crossresistance between insecticides and fungicides that facilitates rapid evolutionary change. Cross-resistance refers to an insect’s development of tolerance or reduced sensitivity to a usually toxic, insecticidal substance resulting from exposure to a different, sub-lethal substance that may be less toxic, or non-lethal. For example, cross resistance might be the product of the regulation of nonspecific enzymes that interact to aid in excretion of the insecticides.

Figure 1: Effects of chronic exposure of chlorothalonil or boscalid on 2nd instar Colorado potato beetle larval weight gain over 72 hours (**indicates p<0.05 between boscalid andnd control).

e 1. Effects of chronic exposure of chlorothalonil or boscalid on 2 instar Colorado p between select fungicides and resistance between insecticides and 72 hours between boscalid and control). While(**indicates CPB cross-resistancep<0.05 has insecticides used in potato crop fungicides, which are frequently copreviously been examined between multiple insecticides, no one has explored the potential for cross-

applied to potato crops. If such cross-resistance does occur

culture, the genes activated could lead to more prevalent or hastened

continued on pg. 38

e 2. Levels of glutathione S-transferase induction (GST activity/µg protein) in Colorad It takes a lifetime to build a farm. But just a few short weeks or months ure to either chlorothalonil, boscalid, or imidacloprid (different letters indicate p<0. after you’re gone the whole thing could be gone. Which is why planning for your succession calls for a legal partner that understands farming, and farmers. Contact Ruder Ware and talk with one of our experienced ag attorneys. They understand that your farm is not just a business, it’s the accomplishment of a lifetime.

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, G., Adesanya, A., Liesch, P., Williamson, C. and Held, D. (2015). Fungicides affect Ja optera: Scarabaeidae) egg hatch, larval survival and detoxification enzymes. Pest Ma BC�T March 37 0.1002/ps.4076.

72 hours (**indicates p<0.05 between boscalid and control). Badger Beat. . . continued from pg. 37

insecticide resistance. IMPACTING LARVAL FITNESS As an example, Patterson et al. (2014) found that exposure to the fungicide phosphite (Phostrol®, Nufarm Americas Inc.) had a negative effect on CPB larval fitness and survival when larvae were fed treated leaves. Particularly, the authors reported that the phosphite-treated potato extended larval development times and increased immature mortality. These results complement our working hypothesis and suggest that select fungicides may represent a selection factor, substantiating an inadvertent link between CPB susceptibility and fungicide use patterns that favor selection for resistant individuals via direct selection pressure.

Figure 2: Levels of glutathione S-transferase induction (GST activity/µg protein) in Colorado potato beetle resulting from exposure to either chlorothalonil, boscalid, or imidacloprid (different letters indicate p<0.05).

e 2. Levels of glutathione S-transferase induction (GST activity/µg protein) in Colorad ure to either chlorothalonil, boscalid, or imidacloprid (different letters indicate p<0.0 insecticides are activated in the In yet another example, Obear et al. (2015) further demonstrated that genes known to metabolize

presence of fungicides in the Japanese beetle. This result also demonstrates the

, G., Adesanya, A., Liesch, P., Williamson, C. and Held, D.potential (2015). Fungicides for both fungicides and affect Ja insecticides to activate similar genetic optera: Scarabaeidae) egg hatch, larval survival and detoxification enzymes. Pest Ma pathways of resistance in pest species 0.1002/ps.4076. that metabolize unrelated chemical toxins. FUNGICIDE EXPOSURE In our current study, the overarching goal was to investigate whether fungicide exposure affects the response of CPB to insecticides. The Only Authorized Product List: Dock Products Mechanical & Hydraulic Docklevers Trailer Restraints Dock Shelters & Seals (Truck & Rail) Hydraulic Dock Lifts Portable Plates Dockboards-Portable, Aluminum & Steel Platforms-Portable Mobile Yard Ramps Air Curtains (Insect/Temperature Control) Bascule Bridges

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We determined that selected fungicides have a negative impact on CPB larval fitness, that both fungicides and insecticides can induce similar detoxification mechanisms, and that prior exposure to fungicides impacted the response of CPB to insecticides applied after the initial exposures. Specifically, we investigated the acute and chronic fitness effects of two commonly used fungicides (chlorothalonil and boscalid) on CPB

larvae. Larvae fed a continual diet of untreated potato foliage developed normally and consistently gained weight over the 72-hour time course of the chronic exposure experiment. Larvae fed a continual diet of fieldrelevant rates of either chlorothalonil or boscalid did not consistently gain weight and comparatively lost weight at time points following exposure (p<0.05), (Fig. 1). The assay was concluded after 72 hours because of the high mortality in both the chlorothalonil and boscalid groups. Building off these findings, we determined that prior exposure to these fungicides lead to a change in the response in the insect when subsequently exposed to the insecticide imidacloprid. METABOLIC DETOXIFICATION Finally, our work determined that both fungicides and insecticides

could induce similar mechanisms of metabolic detoxification. Boscalid, chlorothalonil and imidacloprid significantly increased glutathione S-transferase (enzyme) activity within CPB when compared to individuals fed untreated foliage. (Fig. 2).

This approach provides insight into the role select fungicides play in development of insecticide resistance, and further provides a more biologically-based understanding of inadvertent selection events that affect insecticide (neonicotinoid) sensitivity.

No glutathione S-transferase activity was detected in individuals fed untreated foliage. Levels of glutathione S- transferase induction rose significantly among groups of CPB exposed to either boscalid, chlorothalonil or imidacloprid.

These results suggest that the intensity of season-long disease management could have unequal impacts on CPB pesticide metabolism that, in turn, erode the durability of key insecticides over time.

Chlorothalonil also induced significantly higher glutathione S-transferase activity in CPB when compared to control (p=0.0401). In this specific instance, we determined that a detoxification response to one chemical pressure (fungicide) could promote the detoxification of another chemical stressor (insecticide).

Obear, G., Adesanya, A., Liesch, P., Williamson, C. and Held, D. (2015). Fungicides affect Japanese Beetle Popillia Japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) egg hatch, larval survival and detoxification enzymes. Pest Management Science Doi:10.1002/ ps.4076. Patterson, M. and Alyokhin, A. (2014). Survival and development of Colorado potato beetles on potatoes treated with phosphite. Crop Protection 61: 38-42 Whalon, M., Mota-Sanchez, D. and Hollingworth, R. (2017). Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database. Available at: http://www.pesticideresistance.org/ display.php?page=species&arId=141

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Six-Row Windrowers & Crop Carts Prove Efficient

Potato and vegetable growers adopt crop cart systems to increase efficiency and save trucks By Joe Kertzman and Zach Mykisen It’s no secret that there’s a labor shortage in the agricultural industry. More specifically, it has become increasingly difficult to find quality labor. Factor in a shortage of truck drivers, particularly with many choosing

to retire in the wake of a recent Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate. Considering that many truckers are not willing to follow the hours-of-operation rules or maintain electronic logs, you have a recipe for disaster in finding drivers.

Enter the six-row windrower and crop cart. Several area potato and vegetable growers who have been using 12-row systems are reverting to 10-row setups—a six-row windrower and a four-row harvester, along with a crop cart—and eliminating a tractor and operator from the field. Zach Mykisen of Big Iron Equipment says he has sold an unusually high number of Spudnik 6160 six-row windrowers, as well as crop carts, in the last couple of years.

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“Most of the farmers will be using the crop carts for filling planters in the spring, as they are able to speed up the filling process dramatically by the crop cart going to the planter, and not the planter always coming to the corner of the field to fill,” Mykisen explains. “In the fall, customers use crop carts Above: Several area potato and vegetable growers who have been using 12-row systems are reverting to a six-row windrower and a four-row harvester, along with a crop cart—and eliminating a tractor and operator from the field. Shown is a Case 340 tractor pulling a Spudnik 6160 six-row Windrower.

during harvest because each one can hold a full semi-load,” he says.

stuck in the mud or sand, and fewer trucks are breaking down.”

The only Spudnik dealer in Wisconsin, Big Iron Equipment has been selling the company’s crop carts to growers for almost any ag product, with each cart holding 35 tons, or 70,000 pounds.

“It eliminates another tractor in the field that is just there to pull out stuck trucks,” he adds.

NEARLY TWICE THE CAPACITY Depending on the box size of a typical potato truck, a crop cart can hold nearly double the capacity of a truck and runs next to the harvesters and/ or planters. “Now, growers are reserving their trucks for loading only at the ends of their fields, which has led to less truck maintenance,” Mykisen notes, “because drivers are not getting trucks

“We’ve sold crop carts to farmers growing carrots, corn, beans, pickles and, of course, potatoes, in our area,” Mykisen relates. “Mark Bula told me he might plant 25 percent faster using a crop cart.” “Mark is not chasing planters to the corner all the time now, and the seed trucks can unload into the crop cart and be back on the road,” he continues. “Wysocki Produce Farm uses a cart harvesting soybeans and corn, Adam

Above: In the fall, potato growers use crop carts during harvest because each one can hold a full semi-load, or 35 tons. Depending on the box size of a typical potato truck, a crop cart can hold nearly double the truck’s capacity and runs next to the harvesters.

Flyte uses one for potatoes, onions and organic produce, Paradise Farms uses theirs for pickles, and Paul Sowinski, who drives his crop cart next continued on pg. 42

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Windrowers & Crop Carts. . . continued from pg. 41

to the harvester, hauls it to Missouri for harvesting potatoes, and then back up to Wisconsin for the potato harvest season,” Mykisen says. Advantages to the carts include not only eliminating a farmhand and tractor from the field, but also picking up ground speed because the harvesters can feed into the larger carts for longer periods of time without breaks. According to Mykisen, growers can dig more acres of potatoes at harvest using a 10-row system now over a 12-row setup, and there’s potential for less bruising of produce because of one less tractor handling the vegetables. BRUISE REPORTS Mykisen qualifies, saying, “Some growers have reported that the bruise has gone down with the Spudnik sixrow windrower instead of a four-row system. There have been no reports either way on the crop cart. Bruise also has a lot to do with the operator.” As far as the number of machines touching product in the field, he also clarifies, “It depends. Going from a 12-row system to a 10-row setup does eliminate a windrower, but if growers are currently on an 8-row system, then it does not. When you add a crop cart, then it actually adds another machine.”

“Feedback has been amazing,” he notes. “We have farmers who have used the crop cart for filling planters and can’t imagine going back to how they did it before.”

brothers were determined that there had to be a way to mechanize the process of moving potatoes in and out of storage without the backbreaking work they had grown up with.

“Nobody has seen anything that gets rid of dirt like a Spudnik 6160 six-row windrower. Many farms have them already and many more will be getting them,” Mykisen predicts.

NO MORE SHOVELS Tired of using shovels, they came up with the idea of a swinging boom and telescoping scooper, and Longhurst told the inventive brothers they could build the machine if they used parts from derelict machines around the farm.

Known as a pioneer in the potato industry, with its iconic red equipment used around the globe, Spudnik celebrates 60 years in business in 2018. In 1958, brothers Carl and Leo Hobbs were working for Blackfoot, Idaho, potato grower Albert Longhurst. The

The scooper worked, and 60 years later, Spudnik is still located in Blackfoot. In 2011, the company debuted its AirSep harvester capable of separating rocks and dirt clods from potatoes before they go into storage, which has become Spudnik’s foundation offering. The company also sells scoopers close to the original design, as well as evenflow bins and crop carts. The crop carts, Mykisen says, can be used with any harvester, and can even be used in and around mud holes so that growers don’t have to pull their trucks through low areas. There is a spreader attachment Above & Left: Advantages of crop carts over trucks in the field include not only eliminating a farmhand and tractor, but also picking up ground speed because the harvesters can feed into the larger carts for longer periods of time without breaks.

42 BC�T March

available for spreading lime and compost, and an elevator available that attaches to the back for loading seed. Due to the high demand of the Spudnik equipment, there is not much of a chance to get a cart or six-row windrower for 2018 any longer, and Mykisen is already

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taking orders for 2019. “As of today, there are two crop carts available and two six-row windrowers for 2018, and they won’t last long,” he says. “Labor is and will continue to be one of the largest battles farmers will face,” he concludes. “When you can

Left: The Spudnik booth at the 2018 Potato Expo featured a 994 AirSep Eliminator capable of separating rocks and dirt from potatoes before they go into storage. Spudnik celebrates 60 years in business in 2018. Right: Potatoes are dug using a Spudnik 6160 sixrow windrower.

eliminate another person in the field, it’s not how much money it costs, but how much money it will save.”

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BC�T March 43

Now News

John Deere 9RX Tractors Receive Good Design Award Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design recognizes series Recently, the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design presented its Good DesignTM Award for 2017 to John Deere for its 9RX Series Tractors.

function, utility, energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.

Each year, the museum presents the awards to the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product and graphic designs from around the world.

“Our team of engineers worked diligently to deliver the reliable tractor John Deere is known for, and that ultimately helps our customers farm more productively,” Willett states.

“The Good Design Award is the result of the extraordinary dedication and talents put forth by our team of engineers and designers of the powerful, efficient and smart 9RX Series Tractors,” says Janet Willett, engineering manager for 9RX Series Tractors. A jury of design professionals, leading industry specialists and media judged and evaluated entries based on criteria established 70 years ago. The criteria considered for the industrial category included: innovative design, new technologies, form, materials, construction, concept, 44 BC�T March

Deere offers multiple 9RX Series Tractor configurations, ranging from 470 to 620 engine horsepower.

VERIFICATION TEST For validation, multiple 9RX Series Tractors were placed on a six-post accelerated design verification test to shake and simulate the worst-case vibrations that could occur during field and transport. While designing the 9RX Series Tractors, Willett says Deere engineers were intently focused on improving ride quality and operator comfort. According to the engineer, one of the tractor’s most innovative features is its parallel plane four-bar-linkage cab suspension.

Above: The powerful, efficient and smart John Deere 9RX Series Tractors landed the Good Design Award for 2017 from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.

“This suspension provides the smoothest ride in the industry for a track tractor and isolates the operator from unwanted bumps and vibrations while reducing operator fatigue,” Willett explains. The 9RX Series Tractors also leveraged a proven sealed-cartridge and mid-roller design used on John Deere 2-Track Tractors for 20 years. “It’s a large, reliable undercarriage that supplies outstanding traction in tough field conditions,” Willett stresses. Regardless of whether a customer requires wheels, two tracks or four tracks, Willett says Deere offers many industry-leading tractor features, including the CommandViewTM III cab, Generation 4 CommandCenterTM controls, integrated technologies and the smooth-shifting and quick response of the e18 transmission with Efficiency Manager, designed to help save fuel without compromising performance. All awards are posted on the museum’s website at www.good-designawards.com.

Alsum & Green Bay Packers Name Free Groceries for a Month Winner One lucky Green Bay Packers fan won the giveaway contest sponsored by Alsum Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. and the Green Bay Packers have named Blaine Lehto of Crivitz, Wisconsin, as the winning fan of the Free Groceries for a Month Fan Contest. The lucky Packers fan receives a month’s worth of free groceries in the form of a $500 gift card to a retail grocer partner chosen by the winner. “Alsum Farms & Produce is proud to be a partner with the Green Bay Packers this season,” says Heidi Alsum-Randall, chief operating officer of production, sales and human resources for Alsum

Farms & Produce. “The Free Groceries for a Month fan promotion encourages football fans to make nutritious, homegrown Wisconsin potatoes a part of their gameday and everyday meals, and creates awareness of Alsum brand potatoes that can be found at Midwest grocery stores and national retailers.” Fans were invited from September 1 to November 30, 2017 to enter for a chance to win free groceries for a month at http://pckrs.com/ AlsumSweepstakes. More than

58,000 Packers fans participated in the contest. In addition, six lucky fans won an Alsum grilling set for their outdoor BBQ’s. For more than four decades, Alsum Farms & Produce has been a leading grower, packer and shipper of locally grown potatoes, onions and a provider of fresh, quality produce. To learn more about Alsum Farms & Produce, its full line of products or for delicious potato recipes, visit www.alsum.com. continued on pg. 46

agroliquid.com/phosphorous-permanent-plots/ BC�T March 45

Now News. . . continued from pg. 45

Vive and United Potato Growers of America Partner UPGA focuses on affecting fair returns for potato growers across the country Vive Crop Protection and United Potato Growers of America (UPGA) are pleased to announce that Vive Crop Protection is now a United Potato Partner. “We create new possibilities for potato growers that increase yield, quality and productivity on their farms,” states Vive President Darren Anderson. “We’re committed to the growth and success of potato growers and are excited to be a United Potato Partner. If you’re a potato grower, we want to meet you and understand how we can help with your operation,”

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Anderson says. “UPGA is happy to welcome Vive Crop Protection as a Potato Partner,” states Mark Klompien, president and CEO of United Potato Growers of America. “UPGA’s Potato Partner Program supports offerings of innovative and productivityenhancing products to our potato grower members, and we look forward to working with Vive toward that end.” Darren Anderson was introduced at the 2018 Potato Business Summit in Orlando, Florida, and Vive staff were

on-hand at the UPGA Potato Expo booth to meet with growers. ABOUT VIVE CROP PROTECTION Vive creates new ways to use trusted products using the Allosperse® Delivery System. Allosperse improves the targeting and performance of pesticide active ingredients. This helps farmers do more with less, reducing the burden agricultural practices have on the environment, all while increasing crop quality and yields. Vive works with global partners that want to bring better crop protection products to growers around the world. For more information, see www. vivecrop.com. ABOUT UNITED POTATO GROWERS OF AMERICA Formed in 2005, United Potato Growers of America focuses on positively affecting fair grower returns for potato growers across the country. Through

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Syngenta Holds “Maximizing Potato Production” Event Researchers give presentations focused on management of pests and diseases On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, Syngenta hosted a lunch meeting that included guest researchers who gave presentations on controlling pests and diseases using not only the company’s products, but also others available to growers on the market. The “Maximizing Potato Production with Syngenta” event attracted growers and agricultural industry professionals to the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) and CEU (Continuing Education Unit) credits being offered. Ken Cleveland, Syngenta retail sales representative, welcomed attendees and introduced Tom Roth, a district manager for the company. Roth, in turn, briefly talked about how some businesses in the state of Wisconsin have “staffed down,” while Syngenta is “staffing up.” “From a team standpoint, we want to earn your business,” Roth said. “We’re focused on innovation, and specifically on science-based business. We’re not the best marketers in the world, but we want you to know we’re committed to helping growers achieve success.” Katie Thelen of Syngenta talked about using Microsoft Excel to keep farm records through the company’s AgriEdge Excelsior whole-farm data Above: During a break between presentations, J.D. Schroeder (left) of Schroeder Bros. Farms and Alex Crockford (right), director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, talked with Dr. Kiran Shetty (center), technical crop manager and development lead for Syngenta.

management software program. The integrated program spans across seeds, seed treatments, crop protection and post-harvest products to address yield-limiting factors throughout the year. Researchers included Dr. Kiran Shetty of Syngenta, who presented an “Integrated Approach to Disease Control,” as well as two speakers from the University of WisconsinMadison—Dr. Amanda Gevens (“Growing a Healthy Crop”) and Dr. Russell L. Groves (“Bugs and More”). Before attendees were treated to lunch, Cleveland and Darrel Daniels gave a Syngenta product overview that touched on Orondis Ultra, Opti and Gold; Elatus; CruiserMaxx

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

Hello everyone! This will

be my last article I write as WPVGA Associate Division president, and it is bittersweet. At the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, I was asked numerous times if I would be relieved to step down from the Board of Directors, and honestly, I had to say “no.” Being a part of this board has allowed me to meet many wonderful people and participate in activities and events in support of our Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers industry. I will miss seeing my fellow Associate Division Board members and the close ties formed as a group along the way. One significant thing I admire about this industry and the board is the closeness. We celebrate new life and the excitement of some of our board members becoming new parents. We also grieve together for the loss or sickness of a fellow industry member. Thanks for the opportunity to share in this intimacy. The 2018 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show was once again a huge success. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping with this event. Our Platinum sponsors include Syngenta, Compeer Financial and McCain Foods. Gold sponsors are Ag World Support Systems, Alsum Farms & Produce, Baker Tilly, Big Iron Equipment, BMO Harris Bank, Certis USA, Crop Production Services, Insight FS, Investors Community Bank, M3 48 BC�T March

Insurance, Mid-State Truck Service, Midwestern BioAg, Roberts Irrigation, Secura Insurance Services, The Little Potato Company, Thorpack, LLC and Yara North America. Silver sponsors include Agricair Flying Service, Allen Supply Company, Broekema Beltway USA, ICL Specialty Fertilizer, Jay-Mar, Inc., Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Co., Nachurs, Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems, Plainfield Trucking, Ruder Ware, T.I.P. Inc., V&H Inc. Trucks, Vantage North Central, Vine Vest North and Warner & Warner. Thank you to all the silent auction sponsors as well. The winning bidders received quality items. PHENOMENAL ATTENDANCE The attendance this year was phenomenal, and a great time was had by all. The Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and Associate Division reception was again well received. The appetizers and refreshments tend to go quickly, but it’s nice to have that time for some good networking. The Wednesday evening banquet was equally well attended, and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers

Above: The new Associate Division Board, as voted on during a meeting Wednesday morning of the Industry Show, is, from left to right: Paul Cieslewicz, Cathy Schommer (secretary), Kenton Mehlberg, Rich Wilcox (treasurer, newly elected), Chris Brooks (newly elected), Joel Zalewski (vice president), Nick Laudenbach and Casey Kedrowski (president). The two outgoing Associate Division Board members, not shown, are Sally Suprise and Zach Mykisen.

Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan did an excellent job speaking and presenting awards. The Associate Division Board awarded $1,500 in cash prize drawings during the dinner and evening entertainment. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point jazz band did a fantastic job this year, and I believe everyone who stayed enjoyed listening to them. The Associate Division held elections on Wednesday morning and the new board is as follows: President: Casey Kedrowski of Roberts Irrigation Vice president: Joel Zalewski of Insight FS Treasurer: Rich Wilcox of BMO Harris Bank (newly elected)

Secretary: Cathy Schommer of Compeer Financial Directors: Chris Brooks of Central Door Solutions (newly elected), Paul Cieslewicz of Sand County Equipment, Nick Laudenbach of Fencil Urethane Systems and Kenton Mehlberg of T.I.P. Please make sure you thank each of these individuals for their commitment to serving this industry. Congratulations to our newly elected President Casey Kedrowski. I am now passing on the torch, and he will be keeping you all informed through the “Eyes on Associates” column. I am confident he will do a fantastic job as board president. ONE BOARD MEMBER TO ANOTHER During the banquet, I had the privilege of presenting the WPVGA Volunteer of the Year Award to fellow Associate Division Board member Paul Cieslewicz.

Owner of Sand County Equipment in Plainfield, Wisconsin, Paul has volunteered at numerous industry events over the years and is an outstanding advocate for agriculture. Congratulations, Paul, it was a pleasure serving with you! The two outgoing Associate Division Board members include myself and Zach Mykisen of Big Iron Equipment. Plaques were presented for dedicated service on the Board of Directors. I want to thank everyone for the Associate Division Business Person of the Year and Outgoing President awards that I received at the Industry Show. It is my absolute pleasure and an honor to serve all of you in this great industry. Right: At a luncheon on Tuesday, February 6, during the 2018 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, the two outgoing Associate Division Board members, Zach Mykisen and Sally Suprise, were presented plaques honoring their service, with Sally’s including a term as board president.

I am humbled and blessed to receive such honors, and I look forward to continued service and support of this great industry. Blessings to you all,

Sally Suprise

Outgoing WPVGA Associate Division President

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BC�T March 49

New Products Velum Prime + Movento Combat Nematodes Bayer’s one-two punch—the V+M Solution—assists growers in nematode management Nematodes live underground and can be difficult to manage or even identify, which is a serious issue in crop production. Potatoes are negatively impacted directly by nematodes feeding on roots and tubers and indirectly through transmission of diseases. Bayer’s V+M Solution offers growers a cost-effective, convenient solution for nematode management. A nematode management program that combines the wide-spectrum nematicidal activity of Velum® Prime with the sustained in-season nematode protection of Movento® to guard against nematodes, V+M Solution provides dual-action protection. Both Velum Prime and Movento are easy to handle, can be integrated with existing in-season crop management systems and offer the additional benefits of disease and insect management. Additionally, V+M Solution products are not restricted-use, do not require buffer zones and require minimal personal protective equipment. The V+M Solution provides nematode protection that results in a higheryielding, higher-quality, more profitable crop.

50 BC�T March

VELUM PRIME ADVANTAGES • More marketable yield • Suppresses certain stem and foliar diseases (early blight, white mold) • Low use rates • Favorable safety and toxicological profile • The early-season management Velum Prime provides has been shown to protect root health and to help establish the crop. These benefits will provide growers with the confidence that they are increasing their return on investment and maximizing their yield with Velum Prime. MOVENTO ADVANTAGES • Improves potato yield and quality • Two-way systemic movement allows for foliar application to protect roots

Above: Under heavy nematode pressure, V+M Solution increased marketable yield by 82 cwt./ acre over a full Vydate in-furrow plus chemigation program.

• I nhibits juvenile development of nematodes •C ontrols other foliar pests such as aphids, psyllids, and suppresses mites •C onvenient in-season tool for nematode management •M ovento provides protection from nematodes through convenient inseason applications that improve crop quality and return on investment. Trial results from the V+M Solution Under heavy nematode pressure, Velum Prime following Vapam increased marketable yield by 41 cwt. (hundredweight)/acre over Vapam alone.

NPC News

NPC Pushes for Agriculture Immigration Solution Council is against mandatory E-Verify component absent an ag fix On Tuesday, January 30, National Potato Council Vice President of Public Policy Kam Quarles joined the leaders of the Agricultural Workforce Coalition in meeting with Congressional House leadership to urge that a workable agricultural immigration program be included in any viable legislative vehicle this year. “Agriculture has some well-known needs for a solution to the ag labor crisis. We appreciate the willingness of these House leaders to try to find a viable path forward to make this solution a reality,” says Quarles. It is currently unclear when an immigration bill could be considered

on the House floor and whether an agriculture component will be included. The meeting was held to provide input to House leadership on the improvements that need to be made to existing ag immigration bills and to also understand the process by which a larger bill might come to the House floor. “We’re looking at any opportunity to move a helpful bill forward and keeping a watchful eye on any attempt by our opponents to include a mandatory E-Verify component absent a workable ag fix,” Quarles states.

Above: NPC Vice President of Public Policy Kam Quarles (here addressing a lunch crowd at Wisconsin’s 2018 Industry Show) is urging Congressional House leadership to find and include a workable agricultural immigration program with any viable legislative vehicle in 2018.

WOTUS Delay Formally Announced On Tuesday, February 6, the Trump Administration published its final rule to delay implementation of the Waters of the United States rule. The rule went into effect immediately and thereby superseded the 2015 President Barack Obama-era rule

that redefined streams and wetlands under the Clean Water Act. The Obama rule has been on hold due to a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling more than two years ago. It is anticipated that this new rule will

be the subject of court challenges from environmental groups. New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has already indicated his intention to sue on behalf of such groups.

EPA Reviewing CIPC Registration As a part of the registration review process, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the data associated with the use of Chlorpropham (CIPC), the major sprout inhibitor used in the potato industry. The task force representing the companies that manufacture and sell CIPC is actively working with EPA to provide any additional data

to support the continued registration of this important compound. The output of the models used by EPA to evaluate any potential impacts of the use of CIPC on applicators, the environment or human health depends on the accuracy of the assumptions about use patterns. For CIPC, EPA initially assumed that 100 percent of the crop is treated. NPC provided comments that

questioned that assumption. Based on the percentage of the crop used for seed and potatoes used directly from the field after harvest, NPC estimated that between 55 and 65 percent of the potato crop is treated with CIPC. The comments encouraged EPA to use that estimate or percent crop treated as they evaluated the use of CIPC. BC�T March 51

Auxiliary News By Devin Zarda, vice president, WPGA

Spring is finally on the horizon. Or I really hope it is. Is

anyone else over winter as much as I am? In theory, spring should be in the air sooner rather than later, despite whatever Punxsutawney Phil says. I wish I could be wrong about my job as much as he is, and still keep it! I’m ready for the smell of fresh rain, feeling the grass between my toes, and not wearing seven layers just to go outside. It will be great to feel my feet on a regular basis, too. And you know what else happens during spring?—the Great Spudmobile School Tour! So, what exactly is the Great

Spudmobile School Tour? First off, this program has not been named thus, but I thought it sounded good. Maybe it will stick! In addition to hosting harvest parties at three schools, we also take the Spudmobile to six additional schools as part of the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program.

The schools have classes that participate in the Kids Dig program of growing potatoes indoors during the winter. Yes, indoors and during winter. While they might not have the yields that most farmers have, these kids are so proud of their accomplishments. These mini-farmers have built a fantastic base knowledge of potatoes, so we bring in the Spudmobile to help further their learning. Having an interactive and tangible tool such as the Spudmobile truly

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is a blessing. So many people learn from seeing and touching instead of just listening, and the Spudmobile is the perfect vehicle, pun intended. Why do we do this? As I alluded to above, our mission is to discuss Wisconsin potatoes with anyone and everyone we can. I know, it’s crazy to believe that not everyone knows that Wisconsin grows potatoes, but there are lots of kids, and adults, we can teach this to. A SPUDMOBILE WELCOME While just a few classes might have utilized the curriculum put forth by the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program, the entire school is welcome to stop and check out the Spudmobile. I truly feel that every kid, young and old, can learn something from the Spudmobile. And most of these kids love the extra little gifts that the Auxiliary gives away for coming to visit us. This will be my first year participating in the harvest parties and Great Spudmobile School Tour. I’ve heard from so many other volunteers just how much fun it is to spend your day teaching and interacting with the kids who are lucky enough to attend a school picked to be a stop on our tour. How do we pick which schools get a visit from the Spudmobile? Honestly, we aim to visit new schools every year. In addition, we try to hit different geographic regions with each school. Depending on the size of the school and how many students will stop and visit us, the visit will either be a half day or a full-day visit. If it’s going to be a half day, we attempt to find another school within the area that Above: During Spudmobile school visits, students have the opportunity to see Wisconsin’s Traveling Billboard, tour the inside and learn about Wisconsin potatoes, varieties, how they’re grown, where, how many acres and much more.

would also benefit from a visit.

who don’t know that our industry exists within our great state. Help us educate them! And if you’ve never seen or been inside the Spudmobile, visit http://wisconsinspudmobile. com/spudmobile-events/ to see if it will be making a stop near you!

If you would like to volunteer your time and enrich these students’ lives, please reach out to us at the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association office at 715-623-7683. Trust me, it feels great to help others and spread the word that Wisconsin grows a lot of taters.

Until next month,

Yes, there still are people out there

Devin

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Contact Jon at 715-573-6201 BC�T March 53

People Carter Says Bushmans’ Inc. on Target with Packing Electronic Logging Device rules limit daily driving hours and available truckers By Tad Thompson, The Produce News “Wisconsin is on target with our pack plan and volume. There’s a little more in storage than was expected, but we can stretch the season,” says Mike Carter, chief executive officer of Bushmans’, Inc. “It’s a good quality year and we’ve had no storage issues at all. By December, you know the longevity of a crop in storage,” he adds. “That question is answered, and in Wisconsin, no problems are expected to emerge from storage. This may allow Wisconsin potatoes to be shipped as late as early August 2018. A key factor for answering that question is the harvest date for new potatoes,” Carter determines. Carter says Bushmans’ Inc., which is based in Rosholt, Wisconsin,

markets Illinois and Kansas potatoes to start the 2018 summer potato negotiations. “If I have a major concern [about this winter’s potato business], it’s the whole freight piece. The electronic log rules are killing us,” he says. ELD MANDATE LIMITS Carter adds that one of Wisconsin’s strengths in the potato industry has been serving the East Coast overnight. But given the enforced, strict limits on truckers’ daily driving hours, he notes, “It’s hard to find someone who wants to spend so many days on the road.” In other developments at Bushmans’, Carter says the firm is a month or two away from releasing a revamped Select Fresh brand stock potato bag.

Also, Bushmans’ continues to develop its Wisconsin vegetable deal, which was launched a couple of years ago. The plan has been to call upon independent vegetable growers’ expertise in offering Wisconsingrown vegetables. The hitch has proven to be “agronomics and the labor supply,” he says, adding that economic viability has been very challenging. In short, “No one can afford the harvest labor,” Carter says. He also notes that the U.S. Department of Labor’s H-2A worker program “is over the top and impossible for most organizations.” “We’ve got to figure out a middle ground [between H-2A and other options with alien workers],” Carter concludes.

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

1,283,527.92

2,874,985.48

3,531,201.37

1,995,664.44

3,035,619.25

15,023,924.92

Assessment

$96,214.65

$46,392.12

$87,862.17

$200,067.53

$246,554.05

$139,662.51

$212,457.84

$1,029,210.87

Jul-17

Aug-17

Sep-17

Oct-17

Nov-17

Dec-17

Jan-18

Month

Feb-18

Mar-18

Apr-18

May-18

Jun-18

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,396,699.63

728,925.87

1,091,193.52

2,115,859.48

3,758,248.10

1,577,177.03

2,869,518.15

13,537,621.78

Assessment

$97,708.18

$51,117.39

$76,383.31

$148,116.2

$263,042.39

$110,407.00

$200,922.03

$947,696.50

54 BC�T March

Industry Needs to Collectively Address Truck Shortage The Electronic Logging Device mandate comes at a time when the industry is already short on drivers By Tad Thompson, The Produce News The entire North American produce industry is suffering from a lack of truck transportation. To solve the problem, Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, based in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, suggests that it would take a massive effort by the entire industry. “This is real,” Kreis says of the national problem. The national truck driver pool is retiring, or aging. It seems younger people are unwilling to do that work and endure its many regulations in exchange for the current financial compensation. While truck rates are rising to entice more drivers, Kreis notes, increased truck rates still aren’t high enough to assure adequate, consistent truck supplies. Furthermore, the increased expense can’t continue to be absorbed only by produce industry grower-shippers alone. BEARING MORE OVERHEAD Retailers need to join their suppliers in bearing more of that overhead, reflected at retail, to ensure increased

transportation costs are paid by consumers, he adds.

Above: A sign outside Bushman Trucking, founded in 2006 in Wittenberg, Wisconsin, advertises for drivers who hold Commercial Drivers Licenses.

“This is not just about potatoes from North Dakota,” Kreis explains, adding that potato growers from around the country are facing a serious truck shortage this winter.

shippers, it’s all the same,” he says. Similarly, the fresh fruit and vegetable industry at large is facing the challenge of a lack of transportation.

“The rates are getting higher and higher. For Idaho, Wisconsin and other

“Money talks. It’s got to become the

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continued on pg. 56

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Truck Shortage. . . continued from pg. 55

new norm to pay more for trucking services, to entice drivers to stay in and enter the business,” Kreis stresses. He says the new 2018 federal law requiring driver hours to be monitored electronically—the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate—is not helping the current access to trucks. He added that this driver shortage and an electronic log connection are a matter more exacerbated by bad timing than the root of the problem. INDUSTRY ALREADY REELING “The law came at a time when the industry was already struggling for drivers,” Kreis says. “The main problem is that there is not enough of a workforce. This is not a lifestyle that a lot of the younger guys want.” Beyond increasing the financial incentive for drivers, it is believed by

many that trucking can become more efficient by allowing tandem trailers on U.S. highways. Permitting Canadian drivers to pick up loads in the U.S. would also ease the truck shortage, Kreis says. Kreis credits John Keeling, the chief executive officer of the National Potato Council for his excellent work to resolve these transportation matters. In the Red River Valley, a few growers can use rail service. “But that is not an option for all shippers,” Kreis notes. He added that rail service “is not as flexible or dependable as truck services.” Nonetheless, having some potatoes leave the Red River Valley by rail this winter has helped potato movement, he concludes.

Let’s get it straight.

Above: Ted Kreis, marketing and communications director for Northern Plains Potato Growers, says potato growers from around the country, including North Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin, are facing a serious truck shortage this winter.

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Potatoes USA News

Potatoes USA Launches "21 Weeks of Giving" School Salad Bar Campaign As of January 25, 2018, Potatoes USA began giving schools across the country the opportunity to serve more fresh fruits and vegetables by donating salad bars to one school district every week as part of its “21 Weeks of Giving” campaign.

understand the value it brings to their lunchrooms.” “Potatoes USA is working collaboratively with the United Fresh Start Foundation to bring salad bars to schools across the country,” says Andrew Marshall, director of the “Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools” campaign.

Representatives announced the news during the School Nutrition Association’s School Nutrition Industry Conference, an annual gathering of passionate school food service operators and industry partners, taking place this year in New Orleans. “This program is all about making vegetables and fruits more accessible to students,” says Rachael Lynch,

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global marketing manager for Potatoes USA. “School districts requesting to receive a donated salad bar have done so because they

While there is growing awareness of the health and educational benefits that salad bars provide to kids, many school districts are unable to afford the basic equipment needed to adopt this strategy. continued on pg. 58

THE #1 WRITER OF FARMS IN WISCONSIN IS REWARDING POLICYHOLDERS Introducing the Rural Mutual Farm Dividend Program

To g. Kee p Wisconsin Stron

For more information about the farm dividend program and how you may qualify, call 877-219-9550 or contact your local Rural Mutual agent.

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Potatoes USA News. . . continued from pg. 57

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280-PLUS SALAD BARS Salad bars are versatile tools for school nutrition professionals and With 280-plus salad bar donations can be used to serve more than just to date, the potato industry is the number one commodity donor of Left: Potatoes make an excellent addition to any salad bar as they’re available year-round and the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools contribute to the recommended daily value of campaign through the United Fresh SPREADERS, HIGH CLEARANCE SPREADER key nutrients like potassium, fiber, protein and Vitamin C. Start Foundation. $95,000

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salads. “I’ve seen operators use salad bars as creative topping bars for fresh baked potatoes, yogurt and so much more,” says Lynch. Potatoes make an excellent addition to any salad bar as they’re available year-round and contribute to the recommended daily value of key nutrients like potassium, fiber, protein and Vitamin C. Research shows, when potatoes are present at mealtime, kids eat more of other vegetables, too.1

Evangeline Parish School District of Louisiana, Bettendorf Community School District of Iowa and Creighton Public Schools of Nebraska were announced as the first three districts to be awarded salad bars through the 21 Weeks of Giving campaign. Current and future salad bar recipients are announced on Potatoes USA’s official school food servicefocused Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/PotatoesRaiseTheBar. To find out how to get your

Left: Rachael Lynch, global marketing manager for Potatoes USA, says she’s witnessed food service operators use salad bars as creative topping bars for fresh baked potatoes, yogurt and more. Right: According to at least one recent study (see reference below), when potatoes are present at mealtime, kids eat more of other vegetables, too.

school district on the list for a salad bar donation, visit www.SaladBars2Schools.org.” 1. Drewnowski A., Rehm C., Beals K., White Potatoes, Non-Fried, Do No Displace Other Vegetables in Meals Consumed by American Children and Adolescents (14-18 years). FASEB 11.

Industry Procures $2.7 Million in Research Funding In the Potatoes USA Research Committee meeting held during the annual winter meeting in Orlando, staff highlighted achievements from the previous year.

matched with extensive industry support—a formula that Potatoes USA hopes to replicate in the 2018 SCRI program that is already in the review process.

Of note is the success of the industry in procuring $2.7 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program for soft rot research related to Dickeya and Pectobacterium.

Other notable achievements include:

This accomplishment was the product of a quality research proposal

• Coordination of more than 100 industry support letters for the advancement of soil health research for potatoes • Development of guidance documents for the ongoing development of the Potato

Research Advisory Committee • Migration of more than 25,000 variety records created in the National Chip Program and National Fry Processor Trials to an online database (potatoesusa.mediusag. com) – registration required for NFPT data • A stronger partnership with the potato research community For questions about the Potatoes USA research program, please contact Ryan Krabill at ryan@ potatoesusa.com. BC�T March 59

Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions & Consumer Education

2018 Food Safety Training Update To help growers stay ahead of the curve and up to date with current requirements, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) will once again be offering food safety training in March 2018. To follow is a description of the classes that will be part of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training. Please take into consideration that, while the WPVGA will continue offering some form of food safety training regularly in the future, the same classes listed below will not necessarily be offered every year from here on out. Therefore, if you need a certificate or an updated certificate for any of the below classes, please complete that class/those classes now through the WPVGA in 2018. Please read the below descriptions thoroughly and carefully before registering. Preventive Controls (PCQI)* Dates: March 6, 7 and 8 (This is a required 2.5-day course.) Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. first two days and 9 a.m.-noon on third day Cost per person: $275 Location: Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort (805 Creske Ave., Rothschild) *Preventive Controls, or PCQI, is a requirement of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for organizations that pack/wash product from their own farms as well as other growers. If registered for this class, you are required to come each day to receive your certificate. 60 BCďż˝T March

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)* Dates: March 13 and 14 (This is required two-day training.) Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day Cost per person: $185 Location: Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort (805 Creske Ave., Rothschild) *Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, or HACCP, is a requirement for packing houses/ wash plants. HACCP is currently a requirement under the PrimusGFS audit scheme released August 2017 (v2.1-2c). While the new version of PrimusGFS (v3) is currently being reviewed and has not yet been released, there is a stipulation in it that requires organizations to have an updated HACCP certificate every five years, unless someone from the organization holds a PCQI certificate within that timeframe. However, at the time of your audit, you will still be required to show your HACCP certificate (even if greater than five years) in addition to your current PCQI certificate. If you need a HACCP certificate, or an updated one, make sure you register for this class in 2018 as it may not be offered every year. If registered for this class, you are required to come each day to receive your certificate. PrimusGFS (Updates included in Version 3 only)* Date: March 15 Cost per person: $95 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Grand Lodge Waterpark

Resort (805 Creske Ave., Rothschild) *As stated above, the new version of PrimusGFS (v3) is still being reviewed and may not be released until June 2018 or later. That said, WPVGA will offer the PrimusGFS class on the updates/information to Version 3 known to date. NOTE: As PrimusGFS (v3) has not yet been released, the information provided in this class is subject to change between the date of the class and the time the version is released. Should this be the case, WPVGA will host a conference call and/or webinar with the trainer after Version 3 is released to update the industry on any and all changes that have occurred. Produce Safety* Date: March 21 Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost per person: $95 Location: Comfort Inn (1560 American Dr., Plover) *Produce Safety is also a requirement of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). If growers only pack their own product, they fall under the Produce Safety rule. While potatoes are exempt under Produce Safety, keep in mind that growers still need to follow good agricultural practices, and Produce Safety follows good agricultural practices. The above details are also included in the 2018 Food Safety Registration form. You may contact Dana Rady at 715-623-7683 or drady@ wisconsinpotatoes.com direct to register or with any questions.

Ali's Kitchen Indulge in Irish Colcannon— Creamed Potatoes & Cabbage!

Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Although none of us are Irish and we are not typically ones to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, it sometimes ends up being a bit of a fun requirement. March at the Carter house is filled with birthdays, and two of those fall on March 17. And, as with most holidays around here, we celebrate with food. Armed with some Wisconsin russet

potatoes and a beautiful green head of cabbage, my daughter and I made a batch of Creamed Potatoes and Cabbage to honor the month. The Irish call the dish Colcannon, and there’s even a song about it! This is very close to the traditional recipe, but we feel it is a bit simpler and just as tasty. continued on pg. 62

Colcannon— Creamed Potatoes & Cabbage 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced) 1 pound of cabbage (finely shredded) 4-6 green onions (the white and light green portion chopped) ½ cup milk ⅛ tsp. mace Salt and pepper to taste 2-3 tbsp. butter See ingredient substitutes on next page! BC�T March 61

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Ali's Kitchen. . . continued from pg. 61

In about 30 minutes, you can have a warm and colorfully pretty dish to serve alongside your corned beef and Irish soda bread. INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTES I used canned coconut milk for this recipe, but you can substitute any milk you prefer. While mace is a perfect and fragrant seasoning for this dish, it can occasionally be difficult to find in our local stores. You can use ground nutmeg in place of the mace, just be aware that mace is a slightly stronger spice. If you use nutmeg, you may want to increase the amount used. Savoy cabbage is our preference for this dish. It has a nice texture and a softer leaf. Feel free to use a green or Napa cabbage if you prefer. DIRECTIONS Place the shredded cabbage into a small pot with enough water to barely cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender but still slightly crisp (about 6-8 minutes). When the cabbage has only a couple of minutes to go, add the chopped green onions to the pot and allow

them to slightly soften with the cabbage. Drain the cabbage and green onions and set aside. While cabbage is simmering, place the potatoes into a pot filled with enough water to cover. Boil the potatoes until fork tender (about 10-15 minutes). Drain the potatoes well. Add the milk to the potatoes and mash until creamy. Stir the cabbage, onions, mace, salt and pepper into the potatoes. Place the creamed potatoes and cabbage into a serving dish and top with a few pats of butter. Enjoy!

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