1810_Badger Common'Tater

$18/year | $1.50/copy | Volume 70 No. 10 | OCTOBER 2018

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

BAGGING/PACKAGING & ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORY ISSUE INTERVIEW:

Alan Mueller Volm Companies, Inc.

POTATO MARKETERS Serve Many Customers ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE Groundwater Quantity & Quality PROCESS IMPROVES Mint Oil Extraction PREVENT DISEASES In Potato Storage Potatoes ride on Volm metered and flow-controlled conveyors, all spanning the company’s MD12 weighing system underneath.

SOME CROP CIRCLES SOME CROP CIRCLES ARE A SIGN OF MORE ARE A SIGN OF MORE INTELLIGENT LIFE. INTELLIGENT LIFE.

ENGINEERED FOR ENHANCED DURABILITY. ENGINEERED ENHANCED A Reinke pivot is built usingFOR high-strength steel that is 50% DURABILITY. stronger than steel used in other irrigation systems. also offers monitor than and control your A Reinke pivot is built usingReinke high-strength steelmany that ways is 50%tostronger steel used irrigation system from almost anywhere.

The result industry-leading in other irrigation systems.

Reinke also offers many is ways to monitor andwarranties, control your enhancedsystem durability and yearsanywhere. of smooth-running irrigation.

Which, in the end, makes irrigation from almost The result is industry-leading warranties, everyone look a lot smarter. enhanced durability and years of smooth-running irrigation. Which, in the end, makes everyone look a lot smarter.

www.robertsirrigation.com 1500 Post Road | Plover WI 54467 | (715) 344-4747 • 2022 W. 2nd Avenue | Bloomer, WI 54724 | (715) 568-4600

Chris Lockery Jim Stefan Transportation: Ted Kowalski

Inventory • Replenishment Services • Handle all freight concerns • Long-Range Planning •

Mitch Bushman • Maria Yenter Bob Dobbe • Michael Bader John Hopfensperger • John Eckendorf Jerome Bushman (FL - WI) Mike Gatz, Jim Stefan and Chris Fleming (Milwaukee) Sam Saccullo (All fruits and vegetables) Mike Whyte (Michigan) Mike Carter CEO

800-826-0200 715-677-4533 • Fax: 715-677-4076 Rosholt, Wisconsin

On the Cover: A Volm Companies flow-controlled conveyor feeds potatoes onto a metered cross conveyor that is on top of a VolmPack MD12 weighing system, the latter of which includes 12 weigh buckets.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: According to Alan Mueller, Chairman of the Board of Volm Companies, the image taken during a visit to Liberty Packing in Galloway, Wisconsin, shows two Volmpack computerized weighing machines feeding dual wicket baggers with Kwik Lok closing systems. This issue’s interviewee, Mueller says the near machine is older, with the gray and white machine being the new Volmpack model.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 69 AUXILIARY NEWS............... 61 EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 68

22 RESEARCHER EXTRACTS MINT OIL IN 5 MINUTES Low-energy, quick method shows promise for farmers

25 Now News

McCain Foods sponsors tillage & soil health field day for contract growers

36 MARKETPLACE

Soldiers and civilians “Power Their Performance with Potatoes” in Fort2Base Race

FEATURE ARTICLES: 16 42 57 62 4

POTATO MARKETERS seek solid grower returns & top-shelf spuds for customers ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORY lists industry pros by category and contact WPVGA STRIVES TO ACHIEVE sustainable groundwater quantity and quality BADGER BEAT: Tactics crucial to successful, dry and disease-free potato storage

BC�T October

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6 NEW PRODUCTS................ 54 NPC NEWS......................... 52 PEOPLE.............................. 32 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6 POTATOES USA NEWS........ 67 SEED PIECE........................ 66 WPIB FOCUS...................... 61

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

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Charlie Mattek Vice President: Dan Kakes Secretary/Treasurer: Roy Gallenberg Directors: Jeff Fassbender & J.D. Schroeder

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

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

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

Secretary: Cathy Schommer Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Chris Brooks, Paul Cieslewicz, Nick Laudenbach & Kenton Mehlberg

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

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 October

5

MARK YOUR

Calendar OCTOBER

16-17

18-20

27

29-30

31

WISCONSIN GROCERS ASSOCIATION INNOVATION EXPO Hyatt Regency & KI Center Green Bay, WI PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION FRESH SUMMIT Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL 2nd ANNUAL ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE TATER TROT 5K Alsum Farms & Produce, 10 a.m.

N9083 County Road EF, Friesland, WI RESEARCH MEETING West Madison Ag Research Station Verona, WI POTATO VARIETY EXPO Hancock Agricultural Research Station, 9 am.-4 p.m.

Hancock, WI

8

FALL FIELD DAY Langlade County Airport and Research Station, 10 a.m. and lunch Antigo, WI

NOVEMBER

JANUARY 2019

6-7 POTATOES USA WINTER MEETING 2019

Austin Convention Center

Austin, TX 8 NPC ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Austin Convention Center

Austin, TX 9-11 POTATO EXPO 2019

Austin Convention Center

Austin, TX

FEBRUARY

5-7 WPVGA GROWER EDUCATION

CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW

Holiday Inn

Stevens Point, WI 20-21 INTERNATIONAL CROP EXPO

Alerus Center

Grand Forks, ND 20-28 POTATO INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Oregon and Washington, D.C. 25-28 POTATO D.C. FLY-IN

Capital Hilton

Washington, D.C.

MARCH

11-14

26-28

POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING Hilton City Center Denver, CO WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association grounds Oshkosh, WI

Planting Ideas It started out as a casual conversation

in an individual’s office, two people talking about the potato and vegetable growing industry and factors that affect it. One party suggested it might be a good idea for the Badger Common’Tater to do a feature article on the role that potato marketers play in the industry.

I needed to mull the idea over, not exactly sure how such a story would play out and whether it would be of interest to readers. I took my sweet time— six or nine months—to think on it and try to figure out what direction the story would take. Then, when this Associate Division Directory and Bagging/ Packaging-themed issue came up on the schedule, it was an appropriate time to pursue the idea of interviewing not only baggers and packagers, but also the growers/packers/shippers of the industry.

As it turns out, the potato marketers had fascinating insights and stories to tell about their day-to-day operations and what they bring to the table.

Quite honestly, the marketing end of the business is a dynamic and complex segment of the industry that deserves some coverage. So, I gave it some (potatoes are packed at Okray Family Farms above) in the feature article “Potato Marketers Satisfy Customers and Growers.”

I also had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alan Mueller of Volm Companies, and it really was my pleasure. Alan has had a remarkable career, starting with Volm in 1978, working in the warehouse and driving truck, and then going into direct sales to the onion and potato industry, transitioning into management, becoming president and CEO and now Chairman of the Board. Enjoy the Interview in this issue.

It’s never boring—while growers are knee-deep in harvest, one university researcher has been experimenting with a low-energy, continuous-flow method of removing mint oil from tons of mint plants. Essential to the flavoring of gum, toothpaste, mouthwash and tea, extracting mint oil from plants has traditionally been a two-hour process, but perhaps not for long.

Using a new method, the researcher has shown that he can extract the aromatic oil in five or six minutes. When taking a break from harvest, or when the work is done, please read his story inside, and enjoy!

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

Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc. WISCONSIN “ONLY THE BEST” CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES REDS

Dark Red Norland Red Norland W8893-1R

YELLOW Soraya

RUSSETS

Goldrush COL 8 Norkotah TX 296 Norkotah Silverton Burbank W9133-1Rus

WHITES Atlantic Lamoka Manistee Pike Snowden

N1435 Cty Rd D Antigo, WI (715) 623-2689 farm@sbfi.biz johnt@sbfi.biz

Foundation & Certified Seed Potatoes

Interview ALAN MUELLER,

Chairman of the Board, Volm Companies, Inc.

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

NAME: Alan Mueller TITLE: Chairman of the Board COMPANY: Volm Companies, Inc. CORPORATE OFFICES: Antigo, WI CURRENT RESIDENCE: Idaho Falls, ID, having grown up on a farm near Milbank, SD YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 40, moving from sales to management, to president/CEO and to chairman PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Six years of youth ministry at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc, MI SCHOOLING: Director of Christian Education degree from Concordia University, St. Paul, MN ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: WPVGA Associate Division Board, PMA Associate Board, various leadership roles in local and regional church organizations, and serving on the Board of Regents for Concordia University in Portland AWARDS/HONORS: 1985 WPVGA Associate Division Award for dedicated service to the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry and a patent awarded for the Carousel Bagger FAMILY: Wife, Deborah; daughter, Sarah (husband, Zak, and children, Jacob and Hannah); and son, Daniel (wife, Sarah, and children, Analise, Elijah, Isaac and Lydia) HOBBIES: Hunting, golfing, skiing and landscape gardening 8

BC�T October

Getting potatoes to market was a driving force behind the

formation of the Volm Farm Supply Company in the 1950s. Established in 1954, Volm was a small family-run operation in Bryant, Wisconsin, that sold groceries and hardware supplies.

Serving local dairy and potato farmers, it was in the 1950s that Gerald Volm realized customers needed a reliable supplier of used and new burlap to get potatoes to market.

Over time, Volm formed distributor relationships with other bag companies and moved its burgeoning business to Antigo, where it began manufacturing products to meet changing markets.

The company has since expanded to include multiple manufacturing and distribution locations across the nation.

Today, Volm Companies, Inc. offers “solutions”—food packaging solutions, packaging equipment solutions, custom packaging solutions, technical mesh solutions and erosion control solutions.

Products are varied, and include mesh, poly, paper and burlap bags; totes; corrugated boxes; pallet wrap; baggers; balers; palletizers; sizers/ sorters; digital printing; shade cloth; fencing and landscaping supplies;

sediment and erosion control products; culverts and drain tiles.

The company partners with customers such as Dole, Sunkist and Green Giant to produce packaging to their exacting specifications and serves national and regional retailers such as Menards and Fleet Farm.

“Throughout our years in business, it has been very rewarding to have experienced personally meaningful relationships with those we have Above: Volm Companies, Inc. Chairman of the Board Alan Mueller has progressed from sales to management over a period of 40 years and likewise has seen Volm grow from a rather small regional distribution company to a national/international sales, service and manufacturing business.

Locations include Wisconsin (Volm Raschel Manufacturing in Antigo is pictured), Idaho, Colorado, California, Washington, Canada, Mexico and The Netherlands.

had the privilege of serving, as well as with suppliers we are privileged to represent,” Volm Companies, Inc. Chairman of the Board Alan Mueller says.

“From the time of supplying burlap bags and agricultural chemicals until today, our company has become a family of companies that has transitioned to paper vent-view bags, to poly bags and to mesh and half poly/half mesh bags,” he says.

“This progression took us from a rather small regional distribution company to a national/international sales and service company that started providing weighing and bagging equipment and manufacturing and distributing mesh packaging,” Mueller adds.

The progression eventually led to Volm Companies forming a joint venture in which it manufactures

weighing and bagging equipment in the Netherlands and poly bags in Idaho.

“One of my favorite benefits of this progression was meeting and befriending people across the North American continent and forming new companies and services with people from all over the world,” Mueller relates.

What sets Volm apart from other packaging and equipment companies? I believe that our corporate mission statement of “The Volm Companies exist to serve and build up our customers, suppliers, communities and each other, guided by the principles set forth by our Lord Jesus Christ” sets a basis for how we try to serve others with our corporate vision of becoming their “Most Valued Partner.”

What does the “packaging solutions”

Above: A Volmpack M16i V Weigher is paired with a Pouch Bagger in the company’s booth at the 2017 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in New Orleans.

part mean exactly? We strive to provide services and products that will be the total solution to assist our customers in getting their potato and vegetable crops “from field to fork” or “from packing facility to market shelf.”

Our total solution includes engineering packing shed designs and providing and servicing equipment, from receiving, washing, sorting and sizing to weighing and bagging, baling and palletizing, with both robotics and gantry systems.

The synergistic aspect of our total solution is our provision of a full line of mainstream and innovative continued on pg. 10

BC�T October

9

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

packaging and closures, from design to manufacturing and/or distribution.

For potato and vegetable growers specifically, what can Volm do for them that other companies cannot?

I believe that we can provide a trusted partnership that brings a

N V S

Is there any one overarching specialty the company excels in, particularly for potato and

ELSON’S

N7158 6TH DRIVE P.O. BOX 215 PLAINFIELD, WI 54966 OFFICE: (715) 335-6660 FAX: (715) 335-6661

EGETABLE

KEEP ON TRACK WITH OUR

TORAGE

S

comprehensive and total solution for most of their equipment and packaging needs to get their products to market.

YSTEMS INC.

SPROUT INHIBITORS AND DISINFECTANTS

STORAGE VENTILATION

SPROUT INHIBITING

• COMPUTERIZED CONTROL PANELS • HUMIDIFICATION • REFRIGERATION

• FRUIT GUARD APPLICATIONS • SMART BLOCK APPLICATIONS • CIPC, CLOVE OIL APPLICATIONS

AGRI-VENTILATION SALES AND SERVICE 24 HR. EMERG. SERVICE 10 BC�T October

Above: Volm Companies, Inc. offers HalfN-Half mesh/poly bags, full poly bags, Ultrafresh packaging and pouches, mesh bags, and solid and vent-view paper bags.

vegetable growers? Through Volm’s ownership of the manufacturing of computerized weighing, bagging, check-weighing and baling equipment, and design and fabrication for ancillary conveyance equipment and robotics, there is a close connection to customers.

We also have very close partnerships with the receiving, washing, polishing, sizing, gantry palletizing and bag closing manufacturers.

How important is service after the sale? We have always believed that providing professional installation, service and parts support is a key to a continued and trusted relationship.

The high performance of our equipment is necessary for our customers’ successful day-to-day operations. Without providing this support, we feel that our equipment and sales are incomplete.

What types of bags do you sell

specifically for potatoes and vegetables? We supply poly film bags, half poly and half mesh bags, all mesh bags, solid and vent-view paper bags, mesh and paper baler bags, bulk bags, and corrugated boxes and bins.

Who (growers, shippers, retailers, brokerages) are your main customers? The main produce industries that we service are first potatoes, then onions, followed by citrus. There are far too many important customer partnerships that we have across North America to be able to name them all.

Historically, our core customer base is with the grower, shipper and broker community. However, we do also get called upon to provide packaging for major retail specifiers.

What’s the one thing you’d tell a potential customer about why they should choose Volm? We strive to

be sensitive to the needs of each and every customer, aiming to provide the best quality and service possible.

We are national and even international in scope. This allows us to have our fingers on the pulse of current innovations and trends impacting our customers in the produce industry.

You lived in Antigo for 21 years.

What did you learn about the state’s ag industry and growers while in the area? I had the privilege of working

ple Drive Drive Iaple 54467

Above: Tractor-trailers are lined up, touting the “Fresh Produce Packaging & Equipment Solutions” and “From Packing Facility to Market Shelf” mottos, at Volm Trucking in Antigo, Wisconsin.

with very diversified segments of the Wisconsin agricultural community, from potatoes and onions, to cranberries, cabbage and sweet corn, and the canning industry.

Through this, I became aware of how diverse our state’s ag industry is and continued on pg. 12

Customizing equipment to fit your needs!

WI 54467

New & Used Sales • Service • Repair

4-3401 44-3401

lree Free

696-4019 96-4019

www.bigironequipment.com www.bigironequipment.com www.bigironequipment.com

SUNFLOWER MODEL 4511 Disc Chisel – $32,000

2006 DOUBLE L MODEL 889 HARVESTER Call for Pricing

1994 LENCO MODEL 4RSPAH 65” 4 Row Air-Head Harvester – $90,000

1999 SPUDNIK MODEL 995 72” Eliminator/Sizer – $43,000

1998 SPUDNIK MODEL 995 72” Sizer – $43,000

2000 SPUDNIK MODEL 5620 2 Row Air Harvester – $35,000

2015 GREAT PLAINS MODEL 7323-DH-23’ Disc Harrow – $45,000

2018 SPUDNIK MODEL 4835 Crop Cart – Call for Price

2731 Maple Drive • Plover, WI 54467 715-344-3401 • Toll Free: 1-888-696-4019

®

Mulchers Rock Crushers

BC�T October 11

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 11

how Wisconsin ag is a leader in many respects.

You started with Volm in 1978, working in the warehouse and driving truck, then went into direct sales to the onion and potato industry. Are those experiences valuable in what you do now? I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the responsibilities involved with warehousing, delivery, fumigation, ag-chem consulting and sales, packaging and equipment consulting and sales, purchasing and design for packaging and equipment, and management of equipment servicing.

I also had the privilege of working with joint ventures and partnerships to form new startup manufacturing companies and form alliances with suppliers of products that we do not manufacture but do provide to our customers.

All these experiences have given me the opportunity to have a broad perspective and understanding of what is required to make things work and succeed for our customer partnerships, our supplier partnerships and our various business entities within the Volm family of companies.

Above: Volm’s numerous locations include the Volm FreshTech facility in Antigo (left) and Volm Companies, Inc. Idaho Falls (right), both of which incorporate warehousing, distribution, sales, service and bag manufacturing.

What are the main similarities (or differences) between Wisconsin and Idaho in terms of growers, the ag industry and the Volm business? Wisconsin and Idaho are similar in many ways. The soil types and climates tend to provide different benefits for certain crops and crop varieties. Idaho generates a much larger volume of potatoes,

Volm Companies, Inc. Chairman of the Board Alan Mueller is seated with his son, Daniel, at the 2013 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit, and proudly showcases his Wisconsin roots, wearing a beige Green Bay Packers sweater and flanked by his wife, Deb (yellow Packers zip-up fleece jacket), and Volm shareholder Jane Hunter (gray Packers sweatshirt).

12 BC�T October

but Wisconsin has an advantage in proximity to the eastern markets.

How many locations does Volm have and where?

• Antigo, WI - Corporate offices, warehousing, distribution, sales and service, plus mesh and half-and-half bag manufacturing • Idaho Falls, ID - Warehousing, distribution, sales and service, plus poly bag manufacturing • Pasco, WA - Warehousing, distribution, sales and service, plus onion bag manufacturing • Monte Vista, CO - Warehousing, distribution, sales and service • Fresno, CA - Warehousing, distribution, sales and service • Ancaster, Ontario, Canada Design and fabrication of ancillary equipment and robotics • Mexicali, Mexico - Manufacturing of mesh header bags • Emmen, The Netherlands - Design and manufacture of computerized weighing, bagging, check weighing and baling systems Is there something special about the Wisconsin location, its history and roots that feels different when you’re there? The Antigo and the Wisconsin agricultural communities are where Volm got its start and was given its base for growing into the international family of companies that it is today.

Our Wisconsin business partners and employees have helped to make us who we are, and we have a great appreciation for that and feel a true sense of loyalty to them.

What does the future hold for Volm?

I look at where we were when I joined Volm Companies 40 years ago and how we have been blessed with a growth that has far exceeded my imagination, and I believe that there is much more to come.

Established in 1954, the Volm Farm Supply Company was a small family-run operation in Bryant, Wisconsin, that sold groceries and hardware supplies. From left to right are Ed Volm (Gerald and Dan’s father), Henry Seiman (burlap bag supplier out of Chicago), Dan Volm and Gerald Volm.

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

Wisconsin’s Highest Yielding Corn and Soybean Varieties Are At

Visit with Wayne, Brion, Ann, Julie and Sammi today to secure the top performing hybrids. Don’t delay, these seeds are growing fast!

www. Jay-Mar.com

Plover (715) 341-3445 • 800-236-243 6 Antigo (715) 347-0521

continued on pg. 14 BC�T October 13

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

One thing I have learned through the process is that one opportunity leads to another and on to another. I am confident in the veteran team that has been loyal to our cause for many

years, but I’m also equally excited about the young team of leaders that we have who will take us into a progressive, successful and sustained future.

Above: The Volmpack balers and weighers are part of a full line designed and installed in the Peak of the Market packing facility at corporate offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The installation includes everything from receiving to bulk storage and metered flow or bin tipping, to grading, weighing and bagging, MSU systems for singulating and metering the flow of bags, check-weighing systems, auto baling systems and robots for palletizing 50-pound bales or filling bins with loose bags. The various stations making up this line are all synchronized with an integrating control system.

What do you hope for the company?

It is my hope that our Volm family of companies will stay true to and focused on our corporate mission and vision of service to all who we have the privilege of working with, that we will continue to seek the Lord’s direction in all things and that He will bless us with success for years to come.

That way, we will continue to have the privilege of working with our friends and partners in the great industry that we are all a part of.

14 BC�T October

BUY FACTORY DIRECT AND SAVE $$$

AG1000/1250 CENTER DRAIN NURSE TRAILER

AG116 CENTER DRAIN NURSE TRAILER

AG800 FERTILIZER SPREADER

AG800HC FERTILIZER SPREADER

8500 NH3 TOOLBAR

AG207 DUAL NH3RUNNING GEAR

MT900TA FERTILIZER TENDER

AG6600 LIQUID APPLICATOR

Visit Our Website: www.agsystemsonline.com

4180 Reardon Road • DeForest, WI 53532-2759 Deforest, WI 53532 JEFF HODGE

(800) 523-2350 (608) 449-1161 800.523.2350

Potato Marketers Satisfy Customers and Growers Those who market, pack and ship potatoes in Wisconsin strive for more than fair returns

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater It’s a proud group with an important job that they take seriously and know well.

Wisconsin’s potato marketers—the growers/shippers/packers of the industry—get quality product onto the store shelves and seek solid returns for growers.

Each player sums up their role in different ways. “I feel that, as a grower/packer/shipper, I need to serve two customers—the traditional customer who we’re selling our potatoes to, and through our packaging and marketing service, the growers we pack for,” says Larry Alsum of Alsum Farms and Produce.

“Our role is to understand the potato quality, grade and size specifications that our customers want from us.

16 BC�T October

We communicate our quality and size specs we’re looking for to our growers, including our own farm operation, on a regular basis,” Alsum adds.

Dick Okray of Okray Family Farms says that his staff has a long history of marketing varying types and grades of spuds to myriad customers, adding, “We can find a buyer for just about any tater.”

When asked about communications between his company and the growers, he explains, “We make it a point of asking for on-floor inventories each morning. Also, it’s critical to get one another’s opinions Right: Bushmans’ Inc. CEO Mike Carter (left) inspects fresh market russet potatoes with Rod Beggs (right) of Midwestern Potatoes.

Above: Potatoes are unloaded from trucks into storage at RPE, Inc.

as to the quality and availability for our customers.”

“Our role is to maximize the return to the grower, but it’s bigger than that,” says Mike Carter, CEO of Bushmans’

Quality Wisconsin potatoes are bagged and boxed at Okray Family Farms.

Inc. “We put together year-long programs. The retail industry has been consolidated. They don’t want seasonal products. They want year-long supply. The markets are increasingly complex.”

Alsum says most of his customer base expects to buy potatoes 52 weeks a year, so communication is vital to share with growers so that all parties can fit potato supplies in the proper market windows.

STAKES IN THE GROUND “Here in Wisconsin, all the marketing firms have stakes in the ground,” Carter notes. “If you have a potato growing component to your organization, you have to be more in tune with the return to your growers.”

Jerry Bushman of Bushmans’ Inc. agrees. “Marketers here will market the crop from dirt to sky,” he states, “not just your bags of potatoes or theirs.”

the benefits of potatoes to food service and retail customers in addition to consumers.”

“Our customers—the buyers and produce managers—have unique needs,” Huffcutt explains. “We acknowledge and understand that they work in highly competitive food retail and are tasked with finding reliable suppliers.”

Huffcutt says produce managers and buyers are continuously on the lookout for anything new and unique,

Russet potatoes are sorted at Alsum Farms & Produce. At least one source says the quality of Wisconsin’s Russet Burbanks has become well known throughout the country.

and they want strong brands and brand support. They need to move product off their shelves. continued on pg. 18

continued on pg. 16

Tim Huffcutt, marketing director of RPE, Inc., says, “While there is an educational aspect to communicating with growers, the flow of useful information goes both ways. We spend as much time listening as talking.”

“Our role as marketers,” he adds, “includes education and promoting BC�T October 17

Potato Marketers Satisfy Customers and Growers. . . continued from pg. 17

Above: Spuds are sorted for Bushmans’ Inc. at Midwestern Potatoes, a facility that can store up to 440,000 cwt. (hundredweight) of potatoes.

Left: A skid of russet baking potatoes is loaded onto a truck at RPE, Inc., destined for Florida as part of a hurricane relief effort after Hurricane Irma struck the coast in 2017.

“These are the roles where a potato marketer like RPE serves very capably to help customers on both ends,” he relates. “First and foremost, we market, sell and ship the growers’ potatoes, optimizing their return by matching product with the customer who is the best fit.”

Okray says ads are placed weeks in advance with retailers and wholesalers. “If volumes indicate a

need to buy outside of one particular shed, smart Wisconsin marketers get commitments from other sheds at a known price and volume,” he relates.

our growers in what varieties to plant, the timing for planting and harvest, and then coordinate harvest and marketing schedules for all.”

“This symbiosis equates to satisfied customers and growers alike,” Okray remarks.

“Wisconsin has built up our potato storage facilities with excellent air and humidity systems,” he adds, “and we also have refrigeration systems in most of our storages to ensure we can control temperatures on both ends of the harvest and marketing seasons.”

CAMPAIGNS & PROMOS Huffcutt agrees, saying, as marketers, it’s important to understand when to schedule campaigns, promotions and advertisements. He adds that knowing where the crop is in the process allows RPE, Inc. to help growers move supply.

One thing all parties agree on is that there is a clear relationship in Wisconsin between growers and packing sheds. “We insist on getting a fair return,” Okray says, “not just for the shed or marketing desk, but for the grower.”

“Planning and timing are critical for the growers and the packing and marketing organizations,” Alsum states. “We work throughout the winter and spring months to assist Left: Wendy Alsum-Dykstra of Alsum Farms & Produce poses with a bag of russet potatoes.

18 BC�T October

“The goal is to always have a quality product for our customer,” Alsum surmises.

Huffcutt says there is a certain amount of credibility and trust that’s gained when grower and marketing partners are equally committed and vested in working toward common goals.

“We sincerely value each grower partnership and devote a lot of time and energy into understanding the challenges growers are confronted with each season,” he says.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Wisconsin has an advantage over other states when it comes to shipping—location. “We have a

freight advantage,” Carter says, with Bushman qualifying, “within the first 500 miles.”

“We can be more competitive in the marketplace because of our proximity to the East Coast,” Carter continues. “It’s a big chunk of money to get potatoes from Idaho to the Midwest, namely Chicago, and then east.”

“When a customer calls, we can have product at any location within a day or two. We’re going to capitalize more on those markets to the east in the future, at least I think so,” Bushman states.

“It’s important to us to promote our market advantages over other areas,” Carter surmises. “I think you’ll see a volume shift to the east.”

When asked why Wisconsin markets potatoes so well and achieves a solid return for growers, Okray replies, “Clearly it is our proximity to markets.”

This skid of potatoes wasn’t off to market from Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wisconsin, but rather headed to Florida as part of a hurricane relief effort in 2017.

or at worst, the second morning from when we pack and ship an order.”

“However,” Alsum qualifies, “we also recognize that trucking and logistics will continue to be a challenge for all of us.”

DISTRIBUTION CENTERS Huffcutt adds, “Most major retail “Keep in mind,” Okray says, “most customer distribution centers are in Americans live east of the Mississippi, the central, east-central or eastern and one- or two-day deliveries are part of the country. With freight always preferred. Freshness is key.” again becoming a difficult matter for all growing states, we repeatedly Alsum confirms, “We can deliver to Badger Common' Tater 1-3page 1 2018-08-13 11:58 AM most of 18-09 our customers the next day, AD (7x3).v1.outlines.pdf see the location advantage.”

“This has quality and timely delivery implications to the buyer or produce manager who values reliable business partners who can deliver consistent supply and quality, again and again, continuously,” he adds.

Huffcutt says another advantage Wisconsin has is proximity to growers. “We are fortunate enough to be close to our growers and our major markets to move supply throughout the country,” he notes.

Alsum recognizes other advantages for the state. “Wisconsin is fortunate continued on pg. 20

BC�T October 19

Potato Marketers Satisfy Customers and Growers. . . continued from pg. 19

to have the soil and climate needed to grow a full spectrum of potato varieties,” he says. “This allows us to serve the full potato category for our customers.”

“I would not discount the ‘Buy Local’ movement becoming a big deal,” Carter interjects. “The consumers like it and purchase based on that.”

Bushman says the consumer has gotten smarter. “When shopping, the customer buys what he or she wants today or tomorrow and doesn’t know what she wants Friday. They’re more specialty and variety conscious,” he remarks.

“The quality of our Russet Burbanks have become well known,” Bushman stresses.

FRIENDS TO THE END Maybe a key to success in marketing Wisconsin potatoes also has to do with the growers/shippers/packers

in the area all getting along with one another.

we compete for share of mind and market.”

“There’s still competition between the individual shippers/marketers, but at the end of the day, we can sit down and break bread with them.

We’re friends,” Bushman says.

Okray qualifies, “We don’t always get along, but we understand each other’s point of view. We believe more in sharing markets than in market share.”

Carter concurs, adding, “The industry is unique in that there’s healthy competition but not animosity. We also still maintain our relationships with growers nationwide, as friends, and that’s pretty special.”

With the growers/packers/shippers serving together over the years on potato industry committees and boards and spreading word to diverse constituencies about the virtues of potatoes, Huffcutt says it’s an industry where relationships were forged decades ago.

“There is a spirit of togetherness and collaboration,” he says, “even as

Alsum sums it up best when he reminds all that Wisconsin is the third largest producer of potatoes in the United States and has a cohesive network of growers, packers and marketing organizations.

“We have learned over the past decades that communication between all of us is important,” he says. “While we compete with each other, we also work to help each other out to take care of our customers and the growers who we pack for.”

YOUR PARTNERS ON THE JOB! swiderskiequipment.com

36 0% for MONTHS FINANCING on Sunflower Tillage

A little preparation pays big dividends. Create the ultimate seedbed with Sunflower Tillage. Sunflower has all the right tillage tools to get your season started with strong, healthy, top-producing plants.

CALL US TODAY TO SAVE AND GET THE MOST FROM YOUR PLANTING THIS SEASON!

MOSINEE

(715) 693-3015

20 BC�T October

WAUSAU

(715) 675-2391

THORP

(715) 669-5255

ANTIGO

(715) 623-4668

WAUPACA

(715) 258-3266

Process Could Improve Mint Oil Extraction University researcher experiments with low-energy, efficient method of extracting mint oil

Like his great-grandfather, Richard Gumz raises mint, along with potatoes, carrots and onions, on Gumz Muck Farms near Endeavor, Wisconsin. One acre of Wisconsin mint supplies enough flavoring for 50,00080,000 tubes of toothpaste. Image courtesy of David Tenenbaum

By David Tenenbaum, UW-Madison University Communications As you drive around a steel building at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station on Mineral Point Road, your nose informs you before your eyes do that you’ve found the outdoor laboratory of Scott Sanford, a University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison agricultural engineer.

For three years, Sanford has been honing an energy-miser, continuousflow method to remove mint oil from tons of mint plants. Today, the standard extraction procedure involves injecting steam through a tub-load of chopped mint, in a twohour process.

Mint oil, an essential flavoring for gum, toothpaste, mouthwash and 22 BC�T October

tea, is grown by a dozen Wisconsin farmers on about 3,000 acres, usually on lowland “muck” soils in the southcentral part of the state.

Nationally, 82,700 acres of peppermint and spearmint were grown in 2017, mainly in the Northwest.

The pleasant, familiar scent of mint is concentrated into a cloying odor under a temporary shelter, but to a mint farmer, that’s the smell of money.

In Sanford’s tests, mint hay is unloaded from a wagon and metered into a 13-foot-long, steam-heated chamber where an 18-inch auger moves and mixes the hay.

Then, as Sanford describes his search for a low-energy, continuous extraction process, an auger plugs, and instantly the afternoon program shifts from taking samples and analyzing productivity to disassembling and unplugging the auger, the centerpiece of Sanford’s invention.

At the far end, the steam and oil are condensed, and then, in a separate tank, the oil floats to the top of the water and is drained off.

FIVE-MINUTE EXTRACTION? As Jack Kotte, a UW-Madison senior majoring in biological systems engineering, opens the system and

Richard Gumz of Gumz Muck Farms checks the level of mint oil at his distillery. If there is a means of extracting mint oil in a more-timely manner or at a cost savings that would help his farm be competitive with other growing areas, and improve both sustainability and profitability, then Gumz says he’s open to it. Image courtesy of David Tenenbaum

UW-Madison and Extension agricultural engineer, Scott Sanford, holds a jug of fresh mint oil that could probably be used in making a truckload of toothpaste. Image courtesy of David Tenenbaum

pulls out the jam, Sanford says he’s shown that oil can be extracted in only five or six minutes, versus a couple of hours for the conventional method.

Central Wisconsin, says energy eats a big part of his farm budget.

consuming and energy-consuming,” Gumz relates.

“The steam distillation process that we use now for extracting oil is time-

A third advantage is potentially equal

A second benefit is greater process control, says Sanford, who is an outreach specialist with appointments in the UW–Madison Department of Biological Systems Engineering and with UW-Extension.

“All the motors are variable speed, so we can control the residence time, feed rate and steam pressure,” Sanford explains.

Current methods, he says, only control steam pressure and time.

“The material sits in a tub as the steam is forced through,” he notes, “but if the tub is not loaded evenly, you can get dry pockets, or the steam may exit too quickly through an unwanted escape channel.”

“With the new method,” Sanford adds, “the mint hay is continuously being mixed to ensure good steam contact.”

It’s high time we help you

continued on pg. 24

WI Potatoes SYMACH

PALLETIZE! SYMACH PALLETIZERS offer your operation:

• Immediate labor savings • No product overhang • No product damage • Neat and Stable pallet every time

SYMACH PALLETIZERS make your WI Potato operation more efficient and produce pallets with no product overhang. Experience superior service and innovative solutions for your operation. Let’s discuss your operation and create an equipment solution for you.

Contact Steve Shellenbaum Steve.Shellenbaum@BWPackagingSystems.com

612-782-1242

Richard Gumz, who grows 1,000 acres of mint (mostly peppermint) on Gumz Muck Farms near Endeavor, in BC�T October 23

Process Could Improve Mint Oil Extraction. . . continued from pg. 23

Jack Kotte, a UW-Madison senior majoring in biological systems engineering, opens the continuous-flow, energy-efficient mint oil extraction system in the outdoor laboratory of Scott Sanford, a university agricultural engineer, and unplugs an auger. Image courtesy of David Tenenbaum

to the other two, as the process should handle wetter mint, reducing the need to dry leaves in the field for two to three days.

That could be a compelling reason to adopt the new process, adds Gumz, who is president of the Wisconsin Mint Board.

REDUCED RISK “Now, after cutting, we have to wait 48 to 72 hours for drying to remove hay from the field. If Scott’s process allows us to get it out in 24 to 36 hours, that would reduce our risk,” Gumz determines.

Mint plants are shown close-up in a field on Gumz Muck Farms in Endeavor, Wisconsin.

And spent hay from the new process could be dried with waste heat and then burned to fuel the steam generator, allowing the process to run on renewable energy.

If Sanford can prove that the process will save energy and work reliably, he says it will be up to private industry to make and sell the equipment.

“I’m not trying to invent a product; I’m trying to prove a process,” he says.

These studies have been funded by a specialty crop research grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

“Any time mint is cut and laying in the field in Wisconsin, rainfall can remove oil from the leaf or knock leaves off the plants,” he explains.

At worst, mint that’s plastered to the ground by heavy rain can “rot to the point where it’s not even salvageable,” Gumz adds.

Because the continuous extraction process, like the existing one, will use steam to volatilize the oil, it can utilize the steam boiler found on all mint farms.

24 BC�T October

Alberta, Canada potato grower Terence Hochstein holds a mint plant during a tour of Gumz Muck Farms, which was part of the 2017 Potato Marketing Association of North America Conference in Wisconsin.

Now News McCain Agronomists Take Part in Tillage Demonstration

A Degelman Pro-Till Cultivator was on full display and part of a tillage demonstration during an event for potato growers sponsored by McCain Foods USA. The day also included speakers addressing soilrelated topics.

Company partners with contract potato growers to address soil related topics On a beautiful summer day in August, McCain Foods USA sponsored an event for the company’s contract potato growers to view tillage demonstrations and hear speakers address soil related topics.

The event took place south of Plainfield, Wisconsin, on a field managed by Weekly Farms. Three local dealerships provided machinery and tractors representing six equipment manufacturers, along with technical highlights describing each

unit’s best application.

According to McCain agronomist Bryan Bowen, “Collaboration between McCain agronomy programs and grower agronomy initiatives, like this demonstration day, are essential to promoting good agricultural practices as a means of supplying quality products to consumers.”

Invited speaker Dr. Alfred Hartemink, chairman of the University of Wisconsin Soil Science Department,

gave an overview of his recent work in the Central Sands studying the dynamics of soil carbon on irrigated production farms.

“Carbon is an accurate way to track organic matter levels in soils, and we have seen an increase in soil carbon across time. This is not what most people expect, but the increase is good and reflects the ways soils are managed,” states Hartemink. He says plans include further work across the region. continued on pg. 26

Your One Call Storage Solution

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

24 Hour Emergency Service

Computerized Control Systems Refrigeration • Humidification • Ozone Electrical Design & Installation Potatoes • Onions Sprout Inhibiting Sprout Nip® • Amplify® • Shield® BC�T October 25

Now News. . .

continued from pg. 25

AERIAL SEEDING In addition, aerial seeding of cover crops using aircraft was discussed as a novel method to establish the vital practice of maintaining ground cover and stimulating balanced soil biology by keeping plants growing.

Damon Reabe presented the flying services offered by both Reabe Spraying Service and Agricair Flying Service Inc., which included the types of cover crop seed that can be flown onto fields, along with the experience of what has been most successful for growers.

“Bringing together the vendors who interact with the farmers growing the McCain processing crop is an attempt to help each entity succeed in their respective businesses,” Bowen says.

“The participation of each vendor and the expertise brought by the university is what makes events like this successful,” he concludes.

Soil health continues to be a focus of potato growers across North America.

Dealers Participating in Event: Agricair Flying Service Inc., Big Iron Equipment, Reabe Spraying Service, Riesterer & Schnell and Sand

An aerial shot of the field shows where McCain agronomists partnered with potato growers for tillage demonstrations and to discuss soil health initiatives. Damon Reabe of Reabe Spraying Service discussed what his company and Agricair Flying Service Inc. offers growers.

County Equipment

private label brands.

Participating Manufacturers: Degelman, Great Plains, John Deere, Kuhn, Lemken and Versatile

Everything from appetizers to sweet potato fries can be found in restaurants and supermarket freezers across the country.

McCain Foods USA Inc., headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, employs 4,500 people and operates production facilities in California, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, Washington and Wisconsin.

About McCain Foods USA McCain Foods USA is a leading supplier of frozen potato and snack food products for the foodservice markets, retail grocery chains and

A Versatile Delta Track series tractor and a John Deere RT series tractor pulling a Chisel Max unit make for two impressive machines taking part in the tillage demonstrations.

26 BC�T October

Industry Supports Republican Assembly Golf Outing WPVGA members hit the links in support of RACC campaign committee

FARM AND FARM AND AGRIBUSINESS AGRIBUSINESS INSURANCE INSURANCE

We partner with Carriers specializing in Farm and Agribusiness Operations

We partner with Carriers specializing in Farm and Agribusiness Operations

Providing Specialized

Providing Specialized Programs and Resources Programs and Resources • Safety Programs

• Safety Programs

• Specialized Risk Management Services

• Specialized Risk Management Services

• Loss Control

• Loss Control

Participants in a golf outing at the Trappers Turn Golf Club in Wisconsin Dells to raise funds for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee are, from left to right, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos; Attorney Ron Kuehn of Dewitt, Ross & Stevens SC, who works on legal issues for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association and its grower members; potato grower Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms; Wisconsin Assembly Rep. John Spiros; and Bushmans’ Inc. CEO Mike Carter. Rep. Spiros won his primary August 14.

Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) members took part in the “RACC at the Trap Golf Outing,” July 23, at Trappers Turn Golf Course in Wisconsin Dells.

Taking part in the fundraiser for the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, Ron Kuehn of Dewitt, Ross & Stevens SC, who works on legal issues for the WPVGA, Bushmans’ Inc. CEO Mike Carter and potato grower Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms received a nice “thank you” note from Assembly Finance Director Melanie Hubbard.

“We would like to express our

sincere appreciation to you for your involvement in the 2018 RACC at the Trap Golf Outing,” she wrote.

“It is through your support and commitment that we are able to strengthen our Assembly majority.”

“Your generosity at RACC at the Sally Suprise, Certified Work Comp TRAP will help ensure RACC and Advisor and Certified Sally Suprise, CertifiedAgribusiness Work Comp Assembly Republicans are ready for FarmAdvisor Insurance Specialist through the and Certified Agribusiness International Risk Management Institution the challenges our members will face Farm Insurance Specialist through the in the fall elections,” Hubbard added.

International Risk Management Institution “We hope you enjoyed your day at 715.498.4800 WWW.ANSAY.COM Trapper’s Turn and thank you for your continued support of our Assembly 715.498.4800 WWW.ANSAY.COM Republican team.” continued on pg. 28

BC�T October 27

Now News. . .

continued from pg. 27

WPVGA Wins Environmental Stewardship Award Hydrologist James Drought of GZA GeoEnvironmental nominated association

Andy Wallendal of Wallendal Supply Inc., left above and center at right, accepts the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce “2018 Environmental Stewardship Award” on behalf of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

Nominated by James Drought of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association received the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) “2018 Environmental Stewardship Award.”

For 29 years, WMC has recognized companies and associations with the “Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Awards.”

This year, award winners were chosen for programs that demonstrate an innovative approach to environmental protection and going above and beyond what is required by regulatory compliance.

On Monday, August 6, at WMC’s Policy Day, nine companies and associations were recognized for winning a Business Friend of the Environment Award. These success stories reflect the continued commitment of Wisconsin’s business community to environmental protection.

28 BC�T October

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION “Wisconsin businesses are leading the way on environmental protection, not because of excessive government regulations, but because it is good for business,” says WMC General Counsel and Director of Environmental & Energy Policy Lucas Vebber.

“These companies have shown that Wisconsin’s business community is committed to sustainability efforts and the future of our state,” he adds.

This year’s award winners represent companies and associations in each category size, ranging from small to large, which have made significant improvements in the areas of sustainability, environmental stewardship and environmental innovation.

Each of the winners demonstrates that sound environmental practices are not only good for Wisconsin’s environment and its economy, but they also serve as important examples for industry.

2018 BUSINESS FRIEND OF THE ENVIRONMENT AWARD WINNERS: SUSTAINABILITY Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. RenewAire Expera Specialty Solutions ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Masters Food Gallery Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Ariens Company ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION Evinrude BRP U.S. Inc. Ivec Systems, LLC Mercury Marine The 2018 Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment award winners were selected from a pool of 16 nominees by an independent panel of judges representing industry, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, an environmental nonprofit, an environmental attorney and an environmental consultant.

Swiderski Equipment Cohosts FFA Agronomy Contest Interactive agronomy learning day ended with monetary prizes for FFA chapters Several local FFA Chapters participated in an interactive agronomy learning day on Tuesday, August 14, capped off with an agronomy contest where the winning chapters took home $1,750!

The Bag to Bin FFA Agronomy Contest was comprised of a combination of interactive presentations, infield activities and hands-on demonstrations where students learned more about the technology available when planting corn, proper planting practices and how to maximize yields.

Almost 50 students participated, representing six chapters and including the Wisconsin towns of Auburndale, Marshfield, Thorp, Bonduel, New London and Loyal.

Students heard from agronomy and product experts on topics such as Crop Production Systems and Tillage Practices; Data Driven Decisions in Farming Operations; Harvest Preparation; and Yield Variances Affected by Singulation, Spacing, Depth and Down Force When Planting.

After the presentations, the students took a timed exam consisting of agronomy-related questions covered in the presentations, as well as general agronomy and agriculture business-related questions.

As part of an interactive agronomy learning day, August 14, local FFA students participated in hands-on demonstrations that delved into the technology available when planting corn, proper planting practices and how to maximize yields.

The contest was hosted by Swiderski Equipment, Cropping Central, Pioneer, AGCO and Precision Planting.

Swiderski Equipment Inc. is one of Wisconsin’s premier and long-established agriculture and construction equipment dealerships.

For over 90 years ago, Swiderski Equipment has met the needs of customers with a diverse offering of agriculture, construction and consumer equipment and products.

Five store locations in Mosinee, Wausau, Thorp, Antigo and Waupaca combine to operate one of the most valued networks of agriculture and construction sales, parts, service and precision farming technology in Wisconsin. Visit www.swiderskiequipment. com for more information. continued on pg. 30

New London FFA earned the highest score and took home $1,000 for its chapter. Auburndale took second place and won $500, and Loyal had the third highest score for $250.

HANDS-ON DEMOS Participants really enjoyed the hands-on field demonstrations where they evaluated root structures, cob and stalk health and examined the technology components first-hand on a planter.

BC�T October 29

Now News. . .

continued from pg. 29

J.R. Simplot Adds CRISPR-Cas9 Technology to Toolbox Company secures ag research and commercial license for gene editing tools On August 6, the J.R. Simplot Company announced it has executed a joint intellectual property licensing agreement with Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard for foundational CRISPR-Cas9 and related gene editing tools.

The technology provides Simplot with another avenue to bring desirable traits forward in certain fruits and vegetables and advance products to the market in the United States to benefit both farmers and consumers.

Simplot provides a full line of fresh, frozen and chilled offerings that include potatoes, avocados and strawberries.

Each year, 35 percent of fresh potatoes worth $1.7 billion are lost because of waste from poor storage or shelf life according to the Journal of Consumer Affairs.

Avocados, strawberries and other

30 BC�T October

fruits and vegetables have similar losses, and gene editing technology like CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools may be able to reduce that significantly.

“We’re excited to add CRISPR-Cas9 technology to our platform of tools aimed at providing more sustainable produce for the industry,” says Susan Collinge, Ph.D., vice president of Simplot Plant Sciences.

HIGHER YIELDS, LESS LAND “These pioneering tools may enable growers to achieve higher yields on less land, resulting in fewer pesticides, water and labor needs while extending the quality of a consumer’s favorite foods,” Collinge adds.

Comprehensive intellectual property rights allow entities to apply scientific tools as widely as possible. To enable such access, Corteva Agriscience and Broad Institute have agreed on a joint non-exclusive licensing framework for agricultural use.

The license to Simplot represents the first time that Corteva Agriscience and Broad Institute have jointly provided a license of CRISPRCas9 genome editing tools to an agricultural company.

“We applaud Simplot for taking the initiative to broaden their portfolio of food technologies to further enhance sustainability and reduce food waste,” says Neal Gutterson, chief technology officer at Corteva Agriscience.

“CRISPR-Cas9 offers farmers and consumers so many great benefits,” Gutterson remarks. “It’s exciting to see a company with such a strong innovation track record putting CRISPR-Cas9 to work.”

Simplot is one of the largest potato processors in North America and processes a variety of fruits and vegetables around the world.

WILD & CULTIVATED SPUDS Using different genetic techniques,

the company previously commercialized two generations of its Innate®-branded line of potato varieties by adapting genes only from wild and cultivated potatoes.

The potatoes feature reduced bruising and black spots, reduced natural asparagine and protection from late blight pathogens.

portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands and other enterprises related to agriculture.

Simplot's major operations are located in the United States, Canada,

Mexico, Australia and China, with products marketed in more than 40 countries worldwide. The company's mission statement is “Bringing Earth’s Resources to Life.”

Learn more about Simplot at Simplot. com, or about Innate Potatoes at http://www.innatepotatoes.com.

“Our goal is to maximize the scientific impact of CRISPR-Cas9 for improving agriculture, and our joint licensing agreement offers the opportunity to provide much broader access to help researchers reduce food waste, limit pesticides and improve drought resistance, while promoting safe and ethical uses of groundbreaking technologies,” says Issi Rozen, chief business officer of the Broad Institute.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued a statement providing clarification on plants produced through innovative new breeding techniques, which include CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing techniques.

ADJUSTABLE AUTOMATIC MASTER POTATO BALER

Under its biotechnology regulations, USDA does not regulate or have any plans to regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques, as long as they are not plant pests or developed using plant pests.

Learn more about CRISPR-Cas9 applications in agriculture at http:// crisprcas.pioneer.com, or about the Broad Institute's efforts to offer CRISPR tools for agriculture at https://www.broadinstitute.org/.

About Simplot The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has an integrated BC�T October 31

People

Potato Association of America Names New President Mark has spent nearly his entire life in potatoes, from growing to processing

If you were looking for a preview of the future of the potato, then the place to be the last week of July was Boise, Idaho.

For four days, beginning on Sunday, July 22, more than 300 people from 16 countries traveled to Boise for the 102nd annual meeting of the Potato Association of America (PAA).

University and private researchers, Extension agents, growers and industry representatives traveled to Idaho’s state capital to see and hear presentations on the status of the latest research papers.

Shelley Jansky, 2017-2018 PAA president and a research scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and horticulture professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, relates that attendance was so good they had to close registration because they couldn’t accommodate any more people.

“We are the go-to place for information outcomes related

Incoming Potato Association of America (PAA) President Rich Novy (left) is handed the gavel from outgoing President Shelley Jansky, a research scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service and horticulture professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer

to potato,” Jansky says of the PAA’s position.

Succeeding Jansky as PAA president is Rich Novy, USDA-ARS research geneticist at the Aberdeen, Idaho facility.

Novy indicates he wants to continue the PAA’s role of developing collaboration among researchers and the industry and encouraging young researchers to stay involved in the potato industry during his one-year Left: Shelley Jansky, right, outgoing PAA president, presents John Bamberg an award recognizing his 16 years as editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Potato Research and 10 years before that as the senior editor for breeding and genetics manuscripts.

Bamberg, who is also a project leader at the U.S. Potato Genebank in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is turning over the editing responsibilities to Samuel Essah. Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer

32 BC�T October

term as president.

FACILITATE NEW RESEARCHERS “We’re trying to facilitate new researchers and graduate students and keep their interest in being involved in potato while continuing their research role to help the industry,” Novy says.

“We have an aging population,” he explains of the PAA membership base, “and like many aging populations, we need to have the young researchers ready with the retirements that are coming down the pipeline.”

Of those recognized at the Wednesday night banquet as Honorary Life Members was Robert Hoopes, a potato breeder for Frito-Lay for more than 24 years, previously working at the University of Wisconsin, Cornell University and

in potato variety development for the Consortium for International Development.

Also recognized were Rick Knowles, longtime professor at Washington State University specializing in variety development, potato agronomy and physiology; Stephen Love, University of Idaho, specializing in potato variety development for 20 years; and Leigh Morrow, director of agronomy for Maine and New Brunswick for McCain Foods USA for the past 22 years, previously working for the University of Maine in a variety of positions.

The PAA’s Outstanding Extension Project award was presented to Washington State University’s Carrie Wohleb, Tim Waters and David Crowder for their development of the school’s Potato Pest Alerts newsletter.

Receiving awards in the Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Research Competition were: Graham Ellis, first

Winners of the PAA’s Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Research Competition are, from left to right, Graham Ellis, first place, Washington State University; Natalie Kaiser, second place, Michigan State University; Alejandro Cruz, third place, Washington State University and Rachel Gross, fifth place, University of Idaho. David Wheeler, fourth place, Washington State University, did not attend the banquet. Photo courtesy of Bill Schaefer

place, Washington State University; Natalie Kaiser, second place, Michigan State University; Alejandro Cruz, third place, Washington State University; David Wheeler, fourth place, Washington State University and

Rachel Gross, fifth place, University of Idaho.

The 2019 PAA annual meeting will be in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, July 28-August 1. continued on pg. 34

The pHoundation of Your Operation Sound management starts with soil pH maintenance Soil pH dictates nutrient availability and pH levels below 6.0 can reduce yield by as much as 30 percent. Rather than correcting pH every few years, agronomists now recommend a regular pH maintenance program.

98G corrects soil pH faster than aglime and maintains consistent, yield maximizing pH levels year after year. Maintain your operation’s pHull potential with 98G. Ask your local crop advisor about 98G,or visit calciumproducts.com/98G.

00883_CalciumProducts_98GGrower_Ads_pHound_Corn_7.25x4.75.indd 1

BC�T October 33 8/16/18 1:36 PM

People. . .

continued from pg. 33

Potatoes USA Welcomes Marketing Managers Potatoes USA is pleased to announce Kayla Dome has joined its staff as global marketing manager of the retail sector, while Kendra Keenan and Erena Connon accept assistant marketing manager positions.

Dome comes to Potatoes USA with a background in merchandising and sales. She spent the last several years

working in the produce industry for Grimmway Farms where she managed sales and merchandising for the fresh produce category.

Most recently, she was the regional manager at Grimmway Farms responsible for developing integrated programs in the United States and Canada to grow their retail

Data Management How do you leverage your data to drive farm value?

Your R&S Precision Farming Team can help!

Call your R&S Precision Farming Rep to find out more!

Precision Farming

OLUTIONS 34 BC�T October

Above: Kayla Dome (left) joins Potatoes USA as the global marketing manager of the retail sector, and Kendra Keenan (middle) and Erena Connon (right) become the newest assistant marketing managers for the national potato marketing and research organization.

produce sectors.

While at Grimmway Farms, she developed sales and field merchandising programs for carrot, organic vegetable and beverage product lines. She comes to Potatoes USA with knowledge of the retail produce industry and a strong drive to focus on potato category performance.

Located in the Denver office, Dome is a Colorado native who received her degree in communication studies with an emphasis on merchandising from Colorado State University. She also has a passion for running and any other outdoor activity she can participate in.

FOOD MARKETING Keenan brings a background in food marketing to her role at Potatoes USA, including time at

Sun World International, The Spice Way San Diego and at Fresh Origins Microgreens. Kendra is excited to bring her food marketing experience, specialty food knowledge and enthusiasm for cooking to Potatoes USA. She is eager to help increase demand for U.S. potatoes and potato products, as well as inspire chefs and consumers to cook with potatoes in new and creative ways.

Keenan graduated from California Polytechnic State University and San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business and an emphasis in produce marketing. While in college, she was involved in the Agricultural Business Management Club and volunteered on the university’s local farm.

Keenan’s passions include fitness, nutrition and food culture. Having recently moved to Colorado from San Diego, she is looking forward to exploring the outdoors and delving into Denver’s vibrant food scene.

Connon is a new assistant global marketing manager supporting the Potatoes USA ingredient, school foodservice and nutrition marketing programs.

She brings strong digital marketing knowledge to Potatoes USA and has diverse experience in the automotive maintenance, home goods and entertainment industries. Connon has a master’s degree in marketing from The University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College.

Four years ago, Connon moved to Colorado from Missouri to be closer to the mountains. During her spare time, she enjoys hiking, crafting and cooking. She has a love for potatoes and is excited to be a part of Potatoes USA. About Potatoes USA Potatoes USA is the nation’s potato marketing and research organization. Based in Denver, Colorado, Potatoes USA represents more than 2,500 potato growers and handlers across the country.

Potatoes USA was established in 1971 by a group of potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. Today, as the largest vegetable commodity board, Potatoes USA is proud to be recognized as an innovator in the produce industry and dedicated to positioning potatoes as a nutrition powerhouse.

VALLEY® PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

MAINTAIN TO SUSTAIN.

Ensure your irrigation equipment will be ready for the growing season and avoid mid-season breakdowns.

Valley® Preventative Maintenance goes beyond Valley machines as we can maintain all pivot brands and provide drive train, electrical, control panel and sprinkler upgrades.

North Central Irrigation Plainfield, WI: 715-335-6368 • 800-755-0268 Beloit, WI: 608-362-0706 • 800-924-0321 www.valleynci.com

valleyirrigation.com

DA1271

BC�T October 35

Marketplace

Soldiers & Civilians Power Their Performance with Potatoes

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions & Consumer Education

Showing support for men and women who defend our freedoms and fight for our right to have those freedoms cannot be done enough given the sacrifices they make.

Sunday, August 26, brought an

opportunity for the Wisconsin potato industry to do just that at Foss Park in Great Lakes, Illinois. In this area of the northern part of Chicago, the Fort2Base Race is a popular event, attracting several hundred runners.

Above: From left to right, Dana Rady, director of promotions and consumer education for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), and Jerry Brearton and Deeann Kramer, both of Neumiller Farms in Savanna, Illinois, help promote Wisconsin potatoes and buying local at the Fort2Base Race in Great Lakes, Illinois, on August 26.

Its goal is to attract civilians as well as military personnel to participate in the race as a way of bridging the gap between the two worlds and helping each group learn from the other's perspective.

The Fort2Base Race is measured in nautical miles (NM) and offers

Spudly gives “high fives” and puts medals on race finishers at the Fort2Base Race in Great Lakes, Illinois.

36 BC�T October

Spudly had fun getting a tour of some of the military trucks on site at the Fort2Base post-race party in Foss Park, Great Lakes, Illinois.

distances of 3NM and 10NM. The event provides the perfect opportunity for civilians and those who serve our country to interact and have a fun time doing it.

Fort2Base Race finishers gladly got their picture taken with Spudly at the finish line.

Although the Spudmobile was not able to attend this year, that didn’t stop Wisconsin potatoes from having a presence. WPVGA staff along with Jerry Brearton and Deeann Kramer,

both of Neumiller Farms in Savanna, Illinois, handed out “Potato Protein Cookies” and recipe tear pads to all participants as they finished the race. continued on pg. 38

STORAGE PACKAGING PROCESSING FACILITY OPTIMIZATION HANSEN-RICE, INC. leverages an integrated design-build approach by providing value to construction projects through a full range of solutions.

(208) 465-0200

www.hansen-rice.com

BC�T October 37

Marketplace. . .

continued from pg. 37

Given that the cookies contained ingredients like almond butter, Wisconsin potatoes, spices, oat flour, eggs, maple syrup and dried cranberries, they were the perfect recovery food for the athletes.

Spudly also had a good time interacting with race participants and attendees, showing off his “Powered

by Wisconsin Potatoes” muscles.

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

Dana Rady (left) and her son, Griffin (right), get a good view from the top of a military vehicle along with one of the servicemen who operate it at the Fort2Base Race.

Griffin Rady (right), son of WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady, shows Spudly around the post-race party at the Fort2Base Race.

Delicious Potato Protein Cookies were served to race finishers at the Fort2Base Race.

SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group.

38 BC�T October

Healthy Grown Spotlight:

Larry Alsum, Alsum Farms & Produce Larry, when did you join the Healthy Grown program? Alsum Farms has been a part of the Healthy Grown (HG) program since its inception in 1996. We highlight the Healthy Grown Program and our commitment to sustainable farming in our marketing messages to customers.

We have also utilized the

Healthy Grown promotional and merchandising materials to help educate Wisconsin consumers and elevate sales at retail.

There is a strong desire by the consumer to know who grows the food they eat, and we have integrated this strategy into our brand.

Design and Layout

Above: Larry Alsum scouts potato fields at Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin.

The Healthy Grown program has been the foundation of our stewardship and sustainability message to our customers, our associates and the continued on pg. 40

Barrel & Brush Washers Polisher

Stainless Steel

Tote Bag and Bin Filler www.mayomfg.com BC�T October 39

Marketplace. . .

continued from pg. 39

communities that we farm and operate in.

Why did you decide to join the HG program? When the Healthy Grown program started in 1996, we had only been farming for five years on our own, although we had been packing potatoes for 23 years.

I was eager to learn about the Integrated Pest Management concepts and the collaboration with the University of WisconsinExtension.

I feel that there is always room for improvement in everything we do, and the HG program provided many new and progressive ideas about farming and the environment.

The concept of collaborating with environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund and International Crane Foundation also gave us, as potato growers, a different perspective on the environment and how to proactively be involved in protecting and improving the world we live in.

As farmers, we understand that the land we farm is the source of life, food and jobs, and it is our responsibility and opportunity to preserve and care for the land and environment. I feel that farmers understand this better than anyone else.

Larry Alsum stands in an Alsum Farms prairie that is part of a Healthy Grown restoration project.

Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. and Alsum Farms, Inc. have made a commitment to be responsible in our growing and handling practices to produce the freshest quality potatoes while reducing our environmental footprint.

We hill potatoes in rows to create the ideal growing environment. Our scout carefully inspects the fields and recommends the use of pesticides when necessary.

When we do use crop protection products, we spray low to the ground, making it safer for employees and as environmentally friendly as possible.

Minimum tillage and soil conservation practices round out our commitment to the environment. We use irrigation only when necessary

A panoramic view showcases a Healthy Grown potato field at Alsum Farms and Produce.

40 BC�T October

to conserve water. At our production facility, our water recycling program is an example of our commitment to the environment.

We are committed to applying the Healthy Grown practices on all our acres grown on our farm. Alsum Farms is one of the original members of the group that created the Healthy Grown program and we strive to be a leader and encourage other Wisconsin farmers to adopt the HG program.

How much time do you spend on the program each year? The time spent varies from year to year depending on what we are doing to manage our HG project.

For 2018, we did a prescribed burn of both our prairie remnant project and

our woodland restoration project.

In addition, we are reseeding our original prairie project, so we will have over approximately 60-80 hours spent this year.

What is the “value-added” you see coming back to your farm and to you as a grower? The Healthy Grown Program brings awareness to what we as potato farmers do every day to be stewards of the land.

This forward-thinking marketing program creates a brand for ecofriendly Wisconsin grown potatoes and communicates our commitment to consumers that they are getting a product grown in a sustainable manner.

Why would you encourage other potato/vegetable growers to become HG growers? The HG program has expanded our knowledge of what wildlife and plant species exist on our property now, and a better understanding of what we can do to work in harmony with nature.

The HG program has become the framework for our stewardship and sustainability programs for Alsum.

What are some challenges you have experienced as a HG grower/ with the program? Time is always a challenge. It does take a commitment to the program to manage the HG projects on our farm. There is also some recordkeeping and administrative time.

What do you think about expanding the HG program? We have seen a modest increase in both the number of growers involved and the acres in the program.

I feel that the increased interest by consumers and retailers wanting to understand where their food is coming from has come to the attention of the growers, and growers also understand the impacts we have on the environment.

With less than 2 percent of the population engaged in agriculture

production, there is a need to show consumers that farmers are taking care of the natural resources that we all enjoy.

The Healthy Grown program has helped us as growers to learn about the environment, plant and animal life that is living around us and the impacts that we are having.

I have learned so much more about the plants and animals that were native to Wisconsin and the benefits of protecting a healthy environment for them.

One of the resources produced in 2016 was a handbook called “Promoting Natural Landscapes: A Guide to Ecological Restoration and Practices for Wisconsin Farms.” This handbook is an excellent resource for growers to use to develop their HG restoration plan.

I strongly recommend that other growers consider the Healthy Grown Program as a learning process for improving their farm practices, and in turn, to promote the positive impact that our farms are having in our local communities.

Why do you think expanding the program is essential for the program itself as well as for Wisconsin potato growers? Today’s consumers have a growing interest in locally grown produce, and the Healthy Grown Program, when promoted within Wisconsin or the Midwest, can fit within this niche.

Shoppers recognize Wisconsin locally grown potatoes at retail, and it is a benefit that supports local farmers, communities and economies.

Wisconsin potatoes are typically marketed heavily in the Midwest and east of the Mississippi to the East Coast.

What advice do you have for growers not currently part of the program in encouraging them to participate? The HG program is a collaboration between the grower and the UW Extension staff. We are fortunate to have a great relationship and partnership with the Extension staff, and they provide excellent support and are always looking to improve our best practices as farmers and environmentalists.

CHROME ALLOY WEAR PARTS ** See all our parts online at www.rhmachine.com ** For over 50 years, R & H Machine has been manufacturing High Chrome Alloy rollers, shakers, and sprockets to fit most potato, sugar beet, garlic, and tomatoharvesting equipment for both hook and belted chains. Our High Chrome Alloy castings provide superior life and dependability.

R & H ripper points are constructed of high strength steel with a thick plate of Chrome Alloy to provide durability and longevity - - - resulting in reduced downtime and lower costs per acre.

R & H MACHINE . 115 ROEDEL AVE . CALDWELL, ID 83605 . 1-800-321-6568

Setting the Standard for Wear!

BC�T October 41

2018 WPVGA Associate Division Directory ACCOUNTANT/CPA

OMERNIK & ASSOCIATES INC MICHAEL G OMERNIK PLOVER, WI (715) 341-9036 mike@accounting-offices.com www.accountingoffices.com

ACCOUNTING

BAKER TILLY DANIEL EHR APPLETON, WI (920) 739-3392 daniel.ehr@bakertilly.com www.bakertilly.com

AERIAL SPRAYING

AGRICAIR FLYING SERVICE INC JULIE PERRIN BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-4470 agricair@uniontel.net REABE SPRAYING SERVICE INC CURT MEISTER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-9393 office@reabesprayingservice.com www.reabesprayingservice.com

AG CONSULTANTS

AGSOURCE LABORATORIES STEVE PETERSON BONDUEL, WI (715) 758-2178 speterson@agsource.com www.agsource.com CERES CERTIFICATIONS INTERNATIONAL KARL KOLB CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (715) 723-5143 karl@highsierragroup.com www.ceresci.com PEST PROS, A Division of Allied Cooperative MATT SELENSKE PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-4046 mselenske@allied.coop www.allied.coop FARM FIXATION MARK KLISH MOSINEE, WI (715) 347-0545 mark@farmfixation.com FOCUS ON ENERGY LAURA DACHEL CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (888) 947-7828 laura.dachel@focusonenergy.com www.focusonenergy.com/agribusiness 42 BC�T October

MOERKERKE CONSULTING BOB MOERKERKE CORNELIUS, OR (715) 360-7975 bob.moerkerke@gmail.com NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS INC HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com POSSIBILITIES UNLIMITED ELLIE WOMELDORF PLOVER, WI (715) 281-1743 ellie_womeldorf@yahoo.com PROGRESSIVE AG RAY GRABANSKI FARGO, ND (701) 277-9210 rlg@progressiveag.com ROCK RIVER LABORATORY BUFFY UGLOW WATERTOWN, WI (920) 261-0446 office@rockriverlab.com rockriverlab.com

AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE

KARTECHNER BROTHERS LLC MIKE SMIT WAUPUN, WI 53963 (920) 324-2874 mikes@kartechnerbrothers.com www.kartechnerbrothers.com

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY

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

BAG COMPANIES

GLACIER VALLEY ENT LLC KATE WELTER BARABOO, WI (608) 356-2244 kategve@gmail.com www.glacierv.com THORPACK LLC DICK THORPE BRYANT, WI (908) 507-5060 dthorpe@thorpack.com www.thorpack.com VOLM COMPANIES INC MARSHA VERWIEBE ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 mverwiebe@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com

WARNER & WARNER INC JAY WARNER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-8563 jay.warner@warnerpackaging.com

BUSINESS CONSULTANT

EPIPHANY LAW LLC KEVIN EISMANN APPLETON, WI (920) 996-0000 keismann@epiphanylaw.com www.epiphanylaw.com

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

CLIFTON LARSON ALLEN LLP MICHAEL LENSMIRE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-4984 mike.lensmire@claconnect.com www.claconnect.com

CHAIN

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

CHEMICAL/FERTILIZER APPLICATION SUPPLIES

BROEKEMA BELTWAY USA INC JEFF EILERS PINE CITY, MN (320) 629-3900 jeff.eilers@broekema.us www.broekemabeltway.com

SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 cheryl@sandcountyequipment.com WAUSAU ELECTRIC LLC JOE KOSTYN WAUSAU, WI (715) 842-2260 joe@wausauelectric.com www.wausauelectric.com

CHEMICAL MANUFACTURER

BAYER CROP SCIENCE CHAD RHINEHART REEDSBURG, WI (608) 345-2986 chad.rhinehart@bayer.com bayer.com

CHEMICALS

AMVAC CHEMICAL CORP RALPH FREDERICK DULUTH, MN (218) 340-1609 ralphf@amvac-chemical.com www.amvac-chemical.com

NUFARM BRENT SIGURDSON GRAND FORKS, ND (218) 791-3049 brent.sigurdson@nufarm.com VALENT USA CORPORATION BRUCE MARTY SHAKOPEE, MN (952) 769-6815 tmors@valent.com

CHEMICALS/FERTILIZERS

AGBIOME INNOVATIONS ELIZABETH GASTON RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (984) 260-0200 lgaston@agbiome.com www.agbiome.com AGROLIQUID DANIEL PETERSON WEST BEND, WI (262) 339-6843 dan.peterson@agroliquid.com agroliquid.com ALLEN SUPPLY CO INC JASON ALLEN STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 341-7635 jason.allen@allensc.com ALLIED COOPERATIVE RICH GRABARSKI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3698

DOWDUPONT MIKE SCHALLA INDIANAPOLIS, IN (262) 483-7818 mschalla@dow.com www.dowagro.com www.dupont.com

rgrabarski@allied.coop www.allied.coop ALLTECH CROP SCIENCE BRIAN SPRINGER MARYVILLE, MO (417) 844-6665 bspringer@alltech.com www.alltechcropscience.com ANDERSON CHEMICAL COMPANY STEVE BRENNECKE LITCHFIELD, MN (507) 581-1570 steveb@accomn.com www.accomn.com ARYSTA LIFE SCIENCE PETER WHITE HUTCHINSON, MN (320) 221-9916 peter.white@arysta.com www.arystalifescience.com

FMC CORP AG SOLUTIONS ALLEN KLUG COTTAGE GROVE, WI (608) 695-7620 allen.klug@fmc.com www.fmccrop.com GOWAN USA KEVIN BOEHM CAMP DOUGLAS, WI (312) 784-0300 kboehm@gowanco.com www.gowanco.com

CALCIUM PRODUCTS BECKY HECK AMES, IA (800) 255-8196 becky.heck@calciumproducts.com www.calciumproducts.com

GYPSOIL BRAND GYPSUM ANNIE PETRUSEK CHICAGO, IL (866) 497-7645 events@gypsoil.com www.gypsoil.com

CERTIS USA ANNE WEBSTER PAW PAW, MI (269) 207-7712 awebster@certisusa.com www.certisusa.com

ICL SPECIALTY FERTILIZER RYAN ROWINSKI MOUNT CLEMENS, MI (614) 602-7967 ryan.rowinski@icl-group.com www.icl-sf.com

continued on pg. 44

Specialty Fertilizers

LIKE NO LIKE NO OTHER. OTHER.

Agronomic Services Soil Testing

RELIABLE RELIABLELighten the Load • Haul More Product MIEDEMA HYDROSTATIC HYDROSTATIC USED EQUIPMENT • 2-Row Underhaug 2600 Harvester • Spudnik 30” Scoop IRRIGATIONIRRIGATION • 2006 LL 4 Row Air Harvester • 60’ Telescoping Conveyor w/Cleaning Table & Stinger SYSTEMS SYSTEMS • 2006 LL 4 Row Windrower Baumann Live Bottom all-alluminum and stainless 3,000 lbs. lighter than anything currently used!

Model MB 111 Box Filler

PARTS & SERVICE

TIF ER IE

ISO 9001

Let us help you with all your parts & service needs for: TEROG & AGER FIE ISO PARTS AVR/UNDERHAUG, DOUBLE L (LL), NOFFSINGER, BROEKEMA 9001 TI

Y

U A LI T

Q

Q

Y

C

TOLL FREE 800-225-9727 • 715-592-4650 151 East Hwy 6 & AB Road 1619 County K Custer, WI 54423 P.O. Box 1047 Hastings, Nebraska tip@tipinc.net Fax 715-592-5063 www.tipinc.net 68902-1047 USA Phone: 1-800-330-4264 BC�T October 43 Fax: 1-800-330-4268 Phone: (402) 462-4128 Fax: (402) 462-4617 sales@tlirr.com

C

151 East Hwy 6 & AB Road P.O. Box 1047 Hastings, Nebraska 68902-1047 USA Phone: 1-800-330-4264 Fax: 1-800-330-4268 Phone: (402) 462-4128 Fax: (402) 462-4617 sales@tlirr.com

A LI

D

T-L ... LIKE NO OTHER. U T D

T-L ... LIKE NO OTHER.

2018 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 43

INSIGHT FS JOEL ZALEWSKI ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4844 jzalewski@insightfs.com www.insightfs.com JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com JET HARVEST SOLUTIONS LUCIE GRANT LONGWOOD, FL (407) 523-7842 lgrant@jetharvest.com www.jetharvest.com MIDWESTERN BIO AG CAITLIN ROBERTS MADISON, WI (608) 841-1659 caitlin.roberts@midwesternbioag.com www.midwesternbioag.com MILLER CHEMICAL & FERTILIZER LLC PETE KAPUSTKA FT DODGE, IA (717) 353-1980 petekapustka@millerchemical.com www.millerchemical.com NACHURS ROY ZELLMER MARION, OH (608) 393-4120 zellmerr@nachurs.com www.nachurs.com NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS JIM BEACH JANESVILLE, WI (970) 518-2685 jim.beach@cpsagu.com PINNACLE AG JOE KAPRAL STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 310-3669 joe.kapral@pinnacleag.com SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION KEN CLEVELAND NORTH FREEDOM, WI (608) 642-3717 ken.cleveland@syngenta.com www.syngenta-us.com/home.aspx T H AGRI-CHEMICALS INC ROBERT ZIMPEL PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6343 TRIEST AG GROUP INC WAYNE AUSK GREENVILLE, NC (800) 637-9466 wausk@triestag.com www.triestag.com 44 BC�T October

UNITED PHOSPHOROUS INC DALE SCHIFF COLLINSVILLE, IL (618) 581-4666 dale.schiff@uniphos.com

MCCARTHY CONSTRUCTION LLC JIM MCCARTHY WAUPACA, WI (920) 841-2265 jmconstructinc@gmail.com

VIVE CROP PROTECTION DARREN ANDERSON ONTARIO, CANADA (416) 341-8889 danderson@vivecrop.com www.vivecrop.com

MIDLAND GARAGE DOOR CHAD DESMITH WEST FARGO, ND (701) 282-8136 chadd@midlandgaragedoor.com www.midlandgaragedoor.com

WILBUR-ELLIS COMPANY KURT DEPORTER ALMOND, WI (715) 366-2500 kdeporter@wilburellis.com www.wilburellis.com

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

WINFIELD UNITED JOE NAGEL STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-0313 janagel@landolakes.com

RHINEHART METAL BUILDINGS INC CHAD RHINEHART ADAMS, WI (608) 339-9109 rhinehartmb@gmail.com

YARA NORTH AMERICA INC WES JOHNSON COLLIERVILLE, TN (901) 854-9292 wes.johnson@yara.com

SPIEGL CONSTRUCTION LLC TIM SPIEGL ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4718 spiegl@spieglconstruction.com www.spieglconstruction.com

AIR COMMUNICATIONS OF CENTRAL WISCONSIN INC ANGIE FEUTZ WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-3050 angie.feutz@aircommcentral.com www.aircommcentral.com

URBAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY BRIAN KARLEN WAUSAU, WI (715) 675-9425 sales@urbanconstructionco.com www.urbanconstructionco.com

COMMUNICATION

UNITED POTATO GROWERS COOPERATIVE OF WISCONSIN DANA RADY ANTIGO, WI (715) 623-7683 drady0409@gmail.com www.unitedpotatousa.com

WICK BUILDINGS BRAD BALDSCHUN MAZOMANIE, WI (608) 514-5902 brad.baldschun@wickbuildings.com www.wickbuildings.com

CORRUGATED BOX PACKAGING PROVIDER

CONSTRUCTION

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

BAYLAND BUILDINGS INC MITCH BEILFUSS ONEIDA, WI (920) 498-9300 mbeilfuss@baylandbuildings.com www.baylandbuildings.com

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

HANSEN-RICE INC TAMI MCINTYRE NAMPA, ID (208) 465-0200 tmcintyre@hansen-rice.com www.hansen-rice.com

BMO HARRIS BANK CHERYL BEILFUSS GREEN BAY, WI (920) 436-1881 cheryl.beilfuss@bmo.com bmoharris.com/agriculture

KELLER INC COLLEEN DAUL KAUKAUNA, WI (920) 766-5795 cdaul@kellerbuilds.com www.kellerbuilds.com

THE ASSURE GROUP COREY ERTL APPLETON, WI (715) 437-0238 corey@theassuregroup.com theassuregroup.com

ALTMANN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC TAMELA MEYERS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 421-2550 altmann@altmannconstruction.com www.altmannconstruction.com

COVER CROPS

CROP INSURANCE

CROP PROTECTION

ALLIED COOPERATIVE RICH GRABARSKI ADAMS, WI (608) 339-3698 rgrabarski@allied.coop www.allied.coop

SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION KEN CLEVELAND NORTH FREEDOM, WI (608) 642-3717 ken.cleveland@syngenta.com www.syngenta-us.com/home.aspx

DOCK EQUIPMENT

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

ELECTRICAL

ADAMS-COLUMBIA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE JEREMY HUHNSTOCK FRIENDSHIP, WI (608) 339-5428 jhuhnstock@acecwi.com www.acecwi.com GRAYBAR ELECTRIC ALEX PIWOSCHUK STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 345-2878 alex.piwoschuk@graybar.com www.graybar.com

L&S ELECTRIC INC DAWN FOLZ SCHOFIELD, WI (715) 359-3155 dfolz@lselectric.com www.lselectric.com WAUSAU ELECTRIC LLC JOE KOSTYN WAUSAU, WI (715) 842-2260 joe@wausauelectric.com www.wausauelectric.com WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORP DALE BOWE WAUSAU, WI (715) 573-7384 dabowe@wisconsinpublicservice.com

ELECTRICAL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

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

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSULTANT

FOCUS ON ENERGY LAURA DACHEL CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (888) 947-7828 laura.dachel@focusonenergy.com www.focusonenergy.com/agribusiness

EQUIPMENT REPAIR

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

FABRICATION

SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 cheryl@sandcountyequipment.com

FARM EQUIPMENT

AG SYSTEMS INC GUY MATHIAS DEFOREST, WI (608) 846-9064 gmathias@agsystemsonline.com www.agsystemsonline.com CROP IMS LLC BARRY BEWLEY EFFINGHAM, IL (217) 342-5063 bbewley@cropims.com www.cropims.com FAIRCHILD EQUIPMENT ANDREA JORGENSEN GREEN BAY, WI (920) 471-5012 andrea.jorgensen@fairchildequipment.com www.fairchildequipment.com continued on pg. 46

The most capable h The most capable hands thisthis side of yours. side of yours. nutrienagsolutions.com

Central Sands Plainfield, WI

715.366.4181nutrienag

Central Sands BC�T October 45

2018 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 45

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

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

LEMKEN USA JAY HALBERT CANNON FALLS, MN (507) 951-2494 j.halbert@lemken.com lemken.com

MILK SOURCE LLC GREGG WOLF KAUKAUNA, WI (920) 766-5335 gwolf@milksource.net www.milksource.com

QUINLANS EQUIPMENT INC TOM QUINLAN ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4331 info@quinlansequipment.com www.quinlansequipment.com

FINANCIAL

RIESTERER & SCHNELL INC NICOLE GLISCZINSKI HORTONVILLE, WI (920) 757-6101 marketing@rands.com www.rands.com SERVICE MOTOR COMPANY REBECCA JAGLA STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 592-4111 rebecca.jagla@servicemotor.com www.servicemotor.com SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES INC ASHLEY COTHRON AURORA, IL (800) 248-8873 acothron@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT INC MELISSA HEISE MOSINEE, WI (715) 675-2391 melissaheise@swiderskiequipment.com www.swiderskiequipment.com WAUSAU ELECTRIC LLC JOE KOSTYN WAUSAU, WI (715) 842-2260 joe@wausauelectric.com www.wausauelectric.com

FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT

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

FERTILIZER

BIO-GRO INC BRUCE ANDERSEN CEDAR GROVE, WI (608) 354-1123 bruce@biogro.com www.biogro.com 46 BC�T October

ABBYBANK NATALYN JANNENE ABBOTSFORD, WI (715) 223-2345 njannene@abbybank.com www.abbybank.com AGCOUNTRY FARM CREDIT SERVICES MIKE MAGUIRE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-1000 mike.maguire@agcountry.com www.agcountry.com BMO HARRIS BANK CHERYL BEILFUSS GREEN BAY, WI (920) 436-1881 cheryl.beilfuss@bmo.com bmoharris.com/agriculture COMPEER FINANCIAL CATHY SCHOMMER BARABOO, WI (608) 356-8376 cathy.schommer@compeer.com compeerfinancial.com COVANTAGE CREDIT UNION DAN HANSON ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4336 dhanson@covantagecu.org www.covantagecu.org THE DOPP AGENCY – STATE FARM JOEY DOPP WAUTOMA, WI (920) 787-3775 joey.dopp.e1c4@statefarm.com joeydopp.com

METLIFE AGRICULTURAL FINANCE TROY FISCHER ROCKFORD, IL (815) 234-2600 tfischer@metlife.com www.metlife.com/ag SCHENCK SC MARK DIEDERICH GREEN BAY, WI (920) 455-4169 mark.diederich@schencksc.com www.schencksc.com THE PORTAGE COUNTY BANK JEFF ZWIEFELHOFER ALMOND, WI (715) 366-4311 jeff@portagecountybank.com www.portagecountybank.com

FOOD SAFETY CONSULTANT

CAROL A BURZA BANCROFT, WI (715) 498-1849 carol.burza@yahoo.com

FORESTRY CLEARING

KARTECHNER BROTHERS LLC MIKE SMIT WAUPUN, WI 53963 (920) 324-2874 mikes@kartechnerbrothers.com www.kartechnerbrothers.com

FUEL AND LUBES

CONDON OIL CO MARK BELAU RIPON, WI (800) 452-1212 mbelau@condoncompanies.com condoncompanies.com

FUEL INJECTION REPAIR

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

FUMIGATION

TRIEST AG GROUP HALEY HIGGINS WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 451-2870 hhiggins@triestag.com triestag.com

GROWER

EDWARD JONES – BOB EBBEN BOB EBBEN WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-4100 bob.ebben@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

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

INVESTORS COMMUNITY BANK LAURA WIEGERT MANITOWOC, WI (920) 686-9998 lwiegert@investorscommunitybank.com www.investorscommunitybank.com

MID-STATES EQUIPMENT INC JOHN GUMMERSON MEDFORD, WI (715) 748-5565 sales@midstateshydraulics.com www.midstateshydraulics.com

HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS

INSPECTION SERVICES

AG WORLD SUPPORT SYSTEM LLC WARREN HENNINGER MOSES LAKE, WA (509) 765-0698 whenninger@aginspections.com www.aginspections.com

INSULATION

mikhail.salienko@compassinsurance.net www.compassinsurance.net COMPEER FINANCIAL CATHY SCHOMMER BARABOO, WI (608) 356-8376 cathy.schommer@compeer.com compeerfinancial.com

FENCIL URETHANE SYSTEMS INC NICK LAUDENBACH WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 424-4200 nick@fencilurethane.com www.fencilurethane.com

THE DOPP AGENCY – STATE FARM JOEY DOPP WAUTOMA, WI (920) 787-3775 joey.dopp.e1c4@statefarm.com joeydopp.com

INSURANCE

HUB INTERNATIONAL MICHAEL BEARSON WAUNAKEE, WI (262) 317-7208 mike.bearson@hubinternational.com

AGCOUNTRY FARM CREDIT SERVICES MIKE MAGUIRE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-1000 mike.maguire@agcountry.com www.agcountry.com ANSAY & ASSOCIATES LLC SALLY SUPRISE APPLETON, WI (920) 560-7015 sally.suprise@ansay.com www.ansay.com COMPASS INSURANCE SERVICES MIKHAIL SALIENKO STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-1586

M3 INSURANCE JEN PINO-GALLAGHER MADISON, WI (800) 272-2443 jen.pinogallagher@m3ins.com MCCORMICK-KLESSIG INSURANCE BRUCE KOMMERS ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4302 brucek@mccormickklessig.com www.mccormickklessig.com

MT MORRIS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY DANIEL FENSKE COLOMA, WI (715) 228-5541 melissa@mtmorrisins.com www.mtmorrisins.com OKRAY INSURANCE SERVICES LARRY OKRAY BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-4549 larry@okrayins.com PROGRESSIVE AG RAY GRABANSKI FARGO, ND (701) 277-9210 rlg@progressiveag.com www.progressiveag.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY DAVID BAYER MADISON, WI (608) 828-5535 dbayer@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY JAMES WEHINGER ADAMS, WI (608) 339-6844 jwehinger@ruralins.com www.ruralins.com RURAL MUTUAL INSURANCE JENNI ZINDA-MANCL PLOVER, WI (715) 341-5808 jzinda@ruralins.com

continued on pg. 48

NOW SERVING THE ANTIGO AREA 24-Hour Guaranteed Emergency Service

Call for a FREE analysis & estimate.

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION Handling all your dock leveler, dock seal and truck restraint needs.

• Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural Overhead Sectional Doors • Dock Levelers, Shelters, Seals & Platform Lifts • Residential Garage Doors & Openers

• Security, Fire & Steel Coiling Doors • Commercial, Residential Openers & Accessories • Specializing in Agricultural Food Processing & Storage Facilities

1430 Contractors Blvd. • Plover, Wisconsin • 715-342-4153 Service All Makes & Models

www.centraldoorsolutions.com

America’s Favorite Garage Doors®

BC�T October 47

2018 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 47

SECURA INSURANCE SARA HILDEBRAND APPLETON, WI (920) 830-4372 shildebrand@secura.net VINE VEST NORTH INC CHAD GLAZE WAUSAU, WI (715) 675-1829 chad@vinevestnorth.com www.vinevestnorth.com

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

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

IRRIGATION

HORTAU INC BRAD HANSEN WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (920) 475-3467 bhansen@hortau.com www.hortau.com NORTH CENTRAL IRRIGATION INC SCOTT POLZIN PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6368 scott@valleynci.com www.valleynci.com OASIS IRRIGATION INC JERRY KNUTSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-8300 PRECISION WATER WORKS INC LAMAR LAPORTE PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-8000 lamar@pwwinc.net www.pwwinc.net REINKE VERN HINNENKAMP ANDOVER, MN (763) 242-0237 vernhinnenkamp@reinke.com ROBERTS IRRIGATION CO INC PAUL ROBERTS PLOVER, WI (715) 344-4747 proberts@callroberts.com www.robertsirrigation.com SAMS WELL DRILLING ELLYN REDECKER RANDOLPH, WI (920) 326-5193 ellynr@samswelldrilling.com

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

A & L GREAT LAKES LABORATORIES INC DAVID HENRY FORT WAYNE, IN (260) 483-4759 dchenry@algreatlakes.com www.algreatlakes.com 48 BC�T October

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT

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

LEGAL SERVICE

ANDERSON O'BRIEN BERTZ SKRENES & GOLLA KRISTI WAITS STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-0890 kwaits@andlaw.com www.andlaw.com BOARDMAN & CLARK LLC JEFFREY STORCH BARABOO, WI (608) 356-3977 jstorch@boardmanclark.com DEWITT ROSS & STEVENS SC JORDAN LAMB RON KUEHN MADISON, WI (608) 252-9358 jkl@dewittross.com rwk@dewittross.com www.dewittross.com RUDER WARE LISA O’FLYNG WAUSAU, WI (715) 845-4336 loflyng@ruderware.com www.ruderware.com

LOADING DOCK EQUIPMENT

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

MANUFACTURER

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

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT

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

ORGANIC

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

OVERHEAD DOORS

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

OVERHEAD DOORS & MATERIAL HANDLING

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

PACKAGING EQUIPMENT

OEM FABRICATORS INC THOMAS AABY WOODVILLE, WI (715) 698-7323 toma@oemfab.com oemfab.com

SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 cheryl@sandcountyequipment.com SYMACH STEVE SHELLENBAUM MINNEAPOLIS, MN (612) 782-1242 steve.shellenbaum@thieletech.com www.theiletech.com THORPACK LLC DICK THORPE BRYANT, WI (908) 507-5060 dthorpe@thorpack.com www.thorpack.com TRI STEEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC SCOTT HOMSTAD GRAND FORKS, ND (701) 772-5591 scotth@tristeelmfg.com www.tristeelmfg.com VOLM COMPANIES INC MARSHA VERWIEBE ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4826 mverwiebe@volmcompanies.com www.volmcompanies.com WARNER & WARNER INC JAY WARNER PLOVER, WI (715) 341-8563 jay.warner@warnerpackaging.com

PACKER

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

PETIOLE ANALYSIS

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

POTATO EQUIPMENT

BIG IRON EQUIPMENT INC ZACH MYKISEN STACY GROSHEK PLOVER, WI (715) 344-3401 stacyg@bigironequipment.com www.bigironequipment.com GENERAL METAL FABRICATION LTD GERALD BAUMAN WINKLER, MANITOBA, CANADA (204) 325-9374 gerald@generalmetal.ca www.generalmetal.ca HARRISTON-MAYO MIKE DELISLE EAST GRAND FORKS, MN (218) 773-1234 mikedelisle@mayomfg.com www.harriston-mayo.com IHT MICHAEL CORBIT BLACKFOOT, ID (800) 656-2281 michael@humigation.com www.humigation.com MILESTONE INTERNATIONAL INC SHANE MITCHELL BLACKFOOT, ID (208) 785-4285 info@milestone-equipment.com www.milestone-equipment.com

NOFFSINGER MANUFACTURING RYAN WERNSMAN GREELEY, CO (800) 525-8922 rwernsman@noffsingermfg.com www.noffsingermfg.com SAND COUNTY EQUIPMENT PAUL CIESLEWICZ BANCROFT, WI (715) 335-6652 sandcounty@uniontel.net www.sandcountyequipment.com TIP INC STEVE TATRO CUSTER, WI (715) 592-4650 tip@tipinc.net www.tipinc.net

POTATO PACKING

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

POTATO STORAGE

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

PRECISION AG

TOMRA SORTING SOLUTIONS KATHLEEN CHANCE WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (916) 388-3900 food.us@tomra.com www.tomra.com TRI STEEL MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC SCOTT HOMSTAD GRAND FORKS, ND (701) 772-5591 scotth@tristeelmfg.com www.tristeelmfg.com

VANTAGE NORTH CENTRAL SEAN TIMM PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-4474 sean@vantage-northcentral.com vantage-northcentral.com

PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

SWIDERSKI EQUIPMENT INC MELISSA HEISE MOSINEE, WI (715) 675-2391 melissaheise@swiderskiequipment.com www.swiderskiequipment.com

continued on pg. 50

Baginski Farms Inc. Yellows:

Reds:

Whites:

Russets:

Jelly Malou Soraya

Red Norland Dark Red Norland

Superior

Gold Rush Silverton Burbank

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

WISCONSIN N3502 Hwy H • Antigo, WI 54409 CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES Office: 715-627-7753 • Fax: 715-623-5412 • mike@baginskifarms.com BC�T October 49

2018 WPVGA Associate Division Directory. . . continued from pg. 49

PRINTING

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

PROCESSORS

CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEAN CO INC CINDY BROWN MENOMONIE, WI (715) 664-8342 cbrown@cvbean.com www.cvbean.com MCCAIN FOODS USA KERRY LARSON WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (715) 342-8106 kerry.larson@mccain.com www.mccain.com THE LITTLE POTATO COMPANY SANFORD GLEDDIE EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA (587) 460-2003 sanford@littlepotatoes.com www.littlepotatoes.com THE LITTLE POTATO COMPANY DANIEL SNYDER DEFOREST, WI (608) 842-2713 daniel.snyder@littlepotatoes.com

PTI SOLUTIONS

REDLINE SOLUTIONS ADRIAN DOWN SANTA CLARA, CA (408) 562-1700 adown@redlinesolutions.com www.redlineforproduce.com

READY MIX CONCRETE SUPPLIER

COUNTY MATERIALS CORPORATION KEVIN TESCH MARATHON, WI (715) 870-4634 kevin.tesch@countymaterials.com www.countymaterials.com

REFRIGERATION

KOOLJET JACKSON BALL TILLSONBURG, ONTARIO, CANADA (519) 688-6803 jackson@kooljet.com www.kooljet.com NELSONS VEGETABLE STORAGE SYSTEMS HOLLY NELSON PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6660 holly@nelsonsveg.com

ROOF RESTORATION-SPRAY COATING

SCHWEITZER SPRAY COATINGS LUKE SCHWEITZER SLINGER, WI (262) 305-4249 info@sspraycoatings.com www.sspraycoatings.com 50 BC�T October

SALES

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

SALES/BROKERS

ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE HEIDI ALSUM-RANDALL FRIESLAND, WI (920) 348-5127 heidi.randall@alsum.com www.alsum.com BUSHMANS’ INC MIKE GATZ MIKE CARTER ROSHOLT, WI (715) 677-4533 michealg@bushmansinc.com www.bushmansinc.com LANGLADE POTATO DISTRIBUTING JIM KAPUSTA ANTIGO, WI (715) 627-4873 jimk@langladepotato.com RPE INC RUSSELL WYSOCKI BANCROFT, WI (800) 678-2789 jenny.bula@rpespud.com RPEproduce.com SUNRAIN VARIETIES LLC ARON DERBIDGE IDAHO FALLS, ID (208) 552-3096 aderbidge@sunrainvarieties.com sunrainseed.com

SEED

CSS FARMS LAURIE WIDDOWSON KEARNEY, NE (308) 236-4064 laurie.widdowson@cssfarms.com cssfarms.com JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com

SEED CERTIFICATION AGENCIES

MICHIGAN SEED POTATO ASSN JEFF AXFORD GAYLORD, MI (989) 732-4433 WISCONSIN SEED POTATO CERTIFICATION PROGRAM ALEX CROCKFORD ANTIGO, WI (715) 623-4039 jspurgeon@wisc.edu

SOIL AMENDMENTS

JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI

(715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com

SOIL STABILIZATION

KARTECHNER BROTHERS LLC MIKE SMIT WAUPUN, WI 53963 (920) 324-2874 mikes@kartechnerbrothers.com www.kartechnerbrothers.com

SPRAYER PARTS

JAY-MAR INC TONY GRAPSAS PLOVER, WI (715) 341-3445 tonyg@jay-mar.com www.jay-mar.com

SPRAYERS UNITS

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

SPROUT INHIBITING

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

SPROUT INHIBITORS

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

STEEL ENTRY DOORS

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

STORAGE

IHT MICHAEL CORBIT BLACKFOOT, ID (800) 656-2281 michael@humigation.com www.humigation.com MIDLAND GARAGE DOOR CHAD DESMITH WEST FARGO, ND (701) 282-8136 chadd@midlandgaragedoor.com www.midlandgaragedoor.com PEPSICO – FRITO LAY JOSHUA PARSONS RHINELANDER, WI (715) 365-1640 joshua.parsons@pepsico.com RPE INC RUSSELL WYSOCKI BANCROFT, WI (800) 678-2789 jenny.bula@rpespud.com RPEproduce.com

SERVICE COLD STORAGE LLC LESLIE DOBBE STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 544-4565 ldobbe@servicecold.biz www.servicecold.biz TECHMARK INC PATRICK MORRIS LANSING, MI (517) 322-0250 pmorris@techmark-inc.com www.techmark-inc.com

STORAGE CONTROL SYSTEMS

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

STORAGE SPROUT CONTROL

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

STORAGE SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

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

STORAGE/VENTILATION/ REFRIGERATION/HUMIDIFICATION

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

TECHNOLOGY

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

70 No. opy | Volume $18/year | $1.50/c

THE VOICE OF

O WISCONSIN'S POTAT

TRY & VEGETABLE INDUS

ETING ISSUE STORAGE & MARK

INTERVIEW:

lson Dale Ne Vegetable

MID-STATE TRUCK SERVICE INC JAY WEIDMAN PLOVER, WI (715) 344-2931 p.trucksales@midstatetruck.com www.midstatetruck.com

TRIMBLE AG SOFTWARE KEVIN HODSON WESTMINSTER, CO (303) 875-8799 kevin_hodson@trimble.com www.trimble.com/agriculture

SCAFFIDI TRUCKS ROBERT MARKLEY STEVENS POINT, WI (715) 344-4100 rmarkley@scaffidi.com www.scaffiditrucks.com

TIRES

V & H INC JOHN KOTEK MARSHFIELD, WI (800) 826-2308 j.kotek@vhtrucks.com www.vhtrucks.com

TRANSPORTATION

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

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

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

SCHIERL TIRE & SERVICE CENTER KIMBERLY MEYER MARSHFIELD, WI (715) 345-5060 kimberlym@teamschierl.com www.teamschierl.com PLAINFIELD TRUCKING INC DARLENE THURLEY PLAINFIELD, WI (715) 335-6375 dar@plainfieldtrucking.com

TRUCK DEALER

BRICKNERS OF WAUSAU CRAIG STECKLING WAUSAU, WI (800) 462-8806 csteckling@bricknerfamily.com bricknersofwausau.net

ION— RON’S REFRI GERAT e Task Storag Up to any Potato ICIAN AG STATION TECHN Storage Watches over HARS

varieties makes flowering potato Wisconsin.

A lane dividing outside of Antigo, Potato Co. land

for a spectacu

lar sight on Guenthne

VEGETABLE CROP CONSULTING

WATER RESOURCE ENGINEERING

WELL DRILLING

ROBERTS IRRIGATION CO INC PAUL ROBERTS PLOVER, WI (715) 344-4747 proberts@callroberts.com www.robertsirrigation.com

JX TRUCK CENTER TRACY JONAS MOSINEE, WI (715) 692-2250 tjonas@jxe.com www.JXE.com

SAMS WELL DRILLING ELLYN REDEKER RANDOLPH, WI (920) 326-5193 ellynr@samswelldrilling.com www.samswelldrilling.com

MARK MOTORS AUTOMOTIVE d/b/a MARK TOYOTA TIM DURIGAN PLOVER, WI (715) 342-5040 tim@markmotors.com www.marktoyota.com

REDLINE SOLUTIONS ADRIAN DOWN SANTA CLARA, CA (408) 562-1700 adown@redlinesolutions.com www.redlineforproduce.com

Badger Common’Tater

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

Nelson’s Storage Systems

NS RESEA RCH STATIO Carpet Roll Out the Red OF GOLF GOOD ROUN D to Open At 2018 Putt-Ta

2018 9 | SEPTEMBER

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

WIFI NETWORK SOLUTIONS

Subscribe Today!

Whether you are a grower, industry partner or simply enjoy rural life, sign up to receive this prestigious publication in print version, delivered direct to your mailbox for $18/year (12 issues). r

wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe BC�T October 51

NPC News

2018 Potato Stat Book Available

Data includes U.S. potato pricing, production and consumption The 2018 edition of the Potato Statistical Yearbook has arrived and is currently being distributed.

The annual publication provides overviews of national legislative, regulatory and marketing initiatives, along with U.S. and world potato production and consumption data, grower and industry contact information, position statements and program overviews.

The Potato Stat Book covers key National Potato Council (NPC) and potato industry issues, programs, events and resolutions, as well as Potatoes USA domestic and international marketing

program overviews.

Learn “Potato Quick Facts” and find out about certified seed varieties and use, acres of potatoes planted and harvested by region and season, yield, price per hundredweight, value of production, retail prices, and processing, chip and fresh statistics.

To view an electronic version of the 2018 Potato Statistical Yearbook, go to https://www.flipsnack.com/ nationalpotatocouncil/2018npc-statistical-yearbook.html, or download a pdf version here: http:// www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/ files/8415/3315/3604/2018_NPC_ Statistical_Yearbook.pdf.

Court Reinstates WOTUS On August 16, 2018, a federal district court in South Carolina ruled that the Trump Administration violated the Administrative Procedures Act in suspending the “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) final rule.

This ruling effectively means that the WOTUS rule is now in effect in 26 of the 50 states, pending further legal action. Those 24 states where it is not in effect remain protected by separate federal court injunctions.

“It is important to note that the court did not rule on the merits of the WOTUS rule. Instead they took issue with the process that the Administration used to suspend it,” says NPC President 52 BC�T October

and CEO John Keeling.

“We encourage the appropriate authorities to take all necessary legal and regulatory steps necessary to ensure that the threat of WOTUS never becomes a reality for American agriculture,” Keeling states.

REGULATORY JEOPARDY The WOTUS rule greatly expands the definition of areas in the country that are subject to regulatory jeopardy under the Clean Water Act. Among its provisions, it could require farmers to obtain permits for pesticide applications on land that has not supported surface water accumulation in decades. The penalties associated with individual

paperwork violations for such permits can run as high as $37,500 per day.

Previously, two separate federal court rulings had precluded WOTUS from taking effect in certain states and those rulings remain in effect despite the court’s action in August.

The first ruling included Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The second ruling protected Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

Farm Bill Conference Begins On Wednesday, September 5, the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee met for the first time to begin negotiating a final bill. NPC and numerous other specialty crop representatives were in attendance and pushing for inclusion of vital priorities.

“We’re down to crunch time on this bill. It will take the collective effort of all the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance members to ensure that we have the right policies in place for the next five years,” says NPC CEO John Keeling.

Immediately following that meeting, the Alliance sent a joint letter to all members of the conference outlining their needs for an enhanced Specialty

Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) along with maintaining funding for citrus disease research.

Still undecided is whether the SCRI will be funded as intended at $80 million, or at the substantially lower figure of $55 million. Currently, over 30 percent of SCRI is dedicated to the citrus industry, but their “carve-out” was due to expire at the end of September.

The Alliance is also pushing for full funding and program enhancements for export programs, as the United States is dealing with substantial volatility in global trade. Also, many regulatory reform items remain undecided and are supported by the Alliance membership.

Let’s get it straight.

You know your farm.

We know precision ag.

Together we can optimize every inch of your land with the data generated during field work. Vantage, an elite network of precision ag specialists backed by Trimble Agriculture, works closely with you to understand the unique needs of your operation. Our exclusive focus on precision agriculture technology enables us to integrate all of your hardware and software— regardless of brand—with complex machine, field, soil and weather data to provide you with answers to shape decisions year‑round.

PRECISION WITH PURPOSE.

www.vantage-northcentral.com

AG-289A-BCT_Vantage_Brand_Print Ad_Get It Straight_7.25x4.75inch_0817.indd 1

© 2017, Trimble Inc. All rights reserved.

Plainfield, WI | 888-368-8447

15/09/2017 11:12:28 AM

BC�T October 53

New Products John Deere Offers 6R Series Tractor Updates

Features are CommandPro joystick, variable-ratio steering & high-cap hydraulic pump For 2019, John Deere is updating its lineup of 110- to 215-horsepower 6R Series Tractors with features that will transform the way producers operate tractors. The updated tractors include the 6110R, 6120R, 6130R, 6145R, 6155R, 6175R, 6195R and

6215R in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations with cab.

Three new, optional features that enhance tractor performance and control include the allnew CommandPro™ Control

multi-function joystick with IVT transmission, variable ratio steering and a 41-gallon/minute hydraulic pump.

In the base equipment package, three new features have been added, including an engine-oil service door, JD Link™ Access + Remote Display Access (RDA), and a 4200 Generation 4 CommandCenter™ Display.

CommandPro is a customizable, ergonomic joystick that enables operators to control tractor speed, direction and implement functions from a single control lever.

Above: A 41-gallon-per-minute hydraulic pump is now available on John Deere 110and 215-horsepower 6R Series Tractors to increase front-loader cycle times.

Left: John Deere’s CommandPro is a customizable, ergonomic joystick that can control tractor speed, acceleration and implement functions.

54 BC�T October

“These enhancements let the operator spend more time looking out in front of the machine instead of looking down at controls and switches when the tractor is moving,” says Anne Anderson, product marketing manager with John Deere.

“It’s a more comfortable, less tiring way to control and drive the tractor.”

CUSTOMIZED CONTROL Configurable buttons enable operators to customize the control to best fit the job or operator preference, which then can be saved as profiles, such as “baling” or “mowing.”

To make tight turns easier, John Deere added new variable-ratio steering. When traveling at speeds less than 9 miles per hour, steering wheel rotations are reduced by onethird.

“With one revolution of the steering wheel, front wheels turn faster and farther. Less steering effort and arm movement are required to turn the machine during loader work or while making a headland turn,” Anderson says.

Variable-ratio steering requires a John Deere AutoTrac™ Ready equipped tractor and can be activated using the Gen 4 CommandCenter.

To boost hydraulic pump capability on the 6145R and 6155R, a 41-gallonper-minute hydraulic pump can be added to increase front-loader cycle times and capacity for implements.

This is the same pump used on the 6175R and 6215R models.

A small door has been added to provide access to the engine-oil service area without opening the tractor hood. “This may seem like a small detail, but when your tractor is equipped with a front loader and loader hood guard, it’s not always easy to open the hood to perform regular checks,” Anderson explains.

LARGER DISPLAY The 4200 Generation 4

CommandPro provides operators with a more comfortable and less tiring way to control and drive the tractor.

CommandCenter Display, now included in the base equipment package, provides more display surface area for viewing tractor and precision-ag functions and requires fewer button presses to make changes.

In addition, JDLink hardware and a 5-year JDLink Access plus RDA subscription are included.

Using integrated John Deere technology, customers can track machine location, hours and analyze machine and fuel usage. “They can set geofence and curfew alerts, maintenance tracking and other alerts to keep up to date on the status of machines,” Anderson says.

“The technology also lets customers send setup, prescription and documentation files to a machine in the field via Wireless Data Transfer.

Customers get increased uptime with proactive diagnostics,” she adds.

“They’re able to make better decisions because they’re getting timely, easily accessible information that reduces the number of trips to the field, which saves them time,” Anderson concludes.

Model year 2019 6R Tractors are currently available to order from John Deere dealers with shipments beginning in February. For more information, visit your local dealer or www.JohnDeere.com for details. continued on pg. 56

Spray Foam Insulation & Roofing Specializing in potato & vegetable storage facilities for over 45 years.

715-424-4200 • 4111 8th Street South • Wisconsin Rapids WI, 54494

www.fencilurethane.com

BC�T October 55

New Products. . .

continued from pg. 55

Vive Announces 2019 Crop Protection Products

Nanotechnology-enabled treatments provide proven insect and disease control Five new fertilizer-compatible products are expected to be available from Vive Crop Protection for U.S. corn, sugar beet and potato growers in 2019. Each product includes a trusted active ingredient that has been improved with the patented Vive Allosperse® Delivery System.

AZteroid® FC 3.3 is a highconcentration, fertilizer-compatible fungicide that improves plant health, yield and quality of key field crops, including potatoes, sugar beets and corn.

AZteroid FC 3.3 controls seed and seedling diseases caused by Rhizoctonia solani and certain Pythium spp. It contains azoxystrobin,

the same active ingredient as Quadris®.

Bifender® FC 3.1 controls corn rootworm, wireworm and other soilborne pests in corn, potatoes and other rotational crops. Bifender FC 3.1 has a new high-concentration, fertilizer-compatible formulation and contains bifenthrin (same as Capture® LFR).

TalaxTM FC fungicide provides systemic control of pythium and phytophthora, similar to Ridomil® Gold SL, but in a fertilizer-compatible formulation.

Talax FC contains metalaxyl and helps potatoes and other crops thrive right from the start, resulting in improved

yield and quality.

MidacTM FC systemic insecticide is a fertilizer-compatible imidacloprid formulation that controls belowground and above-ground pests in potatoes and sugar beets. It provides the same long-lasting protection of Admire® PRO but with the convenience of being tank-mix compatible with fertilizers, micronutrients and other crop inputs.

NEMATODE CONTROL AverlandTM FC insecticide is a fertilizer-compatible abamectin formulation that controls nematodes in corn. It also controls potato psyllid, spider mites, Colorado potato beetles and leaf miners in potatoes. In-furrow application trials for nematode control in a wide range of crops are underway.

All of these fertilizer-compatible products use the Vive Allosperse Delivery System—the first nanotechnology registered for U.S. crop protection.

Products containing Allosperse are the best mixing products on the market, whether they are used with each other, liquid fertilizer, other crop protection products, micronutrients or just water.

Brent Petersen, president of Cropwise Research LLC, performed trials on behalf of Vive Crop Protection to test mixability of the company’s products.

During spring 2018, he mixed all five of the new products together with liquid fertilizer.

“We didn’t see any separation or settling out,” Petersen relates. “It was nice to see because we often see products that aren’t compatible with other products, and especially with liquid fertilizer.”

The Vive fertilizer-compatible portfolio is made up of products that mix easily with each other, other chemicals and liquid fertilizer. Farmers can choose the right product combination for every field. At left is untreated corn, a plant treated with liquid fertilizer in the middle, and at right are young stalks with liquid fertilizer and Vive products applied.

56 BC�T October

EPA registration is pending for Talax FC, Midac FC and Averland FC and the new formulations of AZteroid and Bifender.

Achieving Sustainable

Groundwater Quantity & Quality

Conservation practices, groundwater monitoring and applied research are focal points

By Steve Diercks, Governor’s Representative, Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council As a potato and vegetable grower and the Governor’s Representative on the Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council, I am pleased to report that the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) continues to collaborate with multiple partners to achieve sustainable groundwater quantity and quality.

I am a current member of the WPVGA as well as a past-president and member of its Hall of Fame.

As many people now know, Wisconsin’s Central Sands region is one of the most productive irrigated vegetable areas in the United States with top three rankings for potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, peas, carrots and several other specialty

vegetable crops.

agriculture industry.

Annual production is valued at over $6.4 billion and the industry generates more than 35,000 jobs in the area.

The group’s diverse membership includes: representatives of potato and vegetable farms from all parts of Wisconsin; major potato and vegetable processors (McCain Foods, Del Monte Foods and Seneca Foods);

At the same time, concerns have been raised over the potential impact of irrigated agriculture, climate, urbanization and other factors on the groundwater aquifer and surface waters of the Central Sands.

SUSTAINABLE WATER USE In response, the WPVGA formed the Water Task Force to bring together resources and expertise to foster the sustainable use of water. It is an example of collaboration involving Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council member agencies and the

continued on pg. 58

Above: Lake Huron in Waushara County was at a healthy water level when photographed on May 22, 2018. Lake Huron is part of the Plainfield Lake watershed, one of three areas designated as high risk for surface water impacts. The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Water Task Force is working with the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Agriculture collecting and posting data from over 25 monitoring wells to continuously track fluctuations in groundwater at regular intervals.

BC�T October 57

Sustainable Groundwater. . . continued from pg. 57

rural communities (Village of Plover); and University of Wisconsin (UW) research and Extension specialists from the Departments of Soil Science, Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Biological Systems Engineering, as well as the Nelson Institute and the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.

Support expertise comes from the WPVGA, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Wisconsin Public Service, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, irrigation businesses and other groups that are called on as needed.

Voluntary conservation practices, groundwater monitoring and applied research are the focal points of the WPVGA Water Task Force.

The group continues to engage in activities that consolidate and build on the existing knowledge base related to the hydrogeology of the Central Sands. Among these activities are the following: • Collaboration with the Village of Plover, the Wisconsin Wetlands

With heavy rainfalls the past couple years, the Plainfield Lake water level has remained high as illustrated in these images taken in 2017 (with redwing blackbird flying over the surface) and 2018 (with partially submerged bush in the foreground).

58 BC�T October

The Governor’s Representative for the Wisconsin Groundwater Coordinating Council, Steve Diercks holds a plaque presented by Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (right with microphone) at the 2018 Industry Show for six years of dedicated service on the WPVGA Board of Directors.

This multi-party collaboration will improve the health of the Little Plover River (LPR) and the quality of life of the surrounding community.

the aquatic health of the LPR; improve surface and groundwater connections and water retention across the LPR watershed; alleviate storm water-driven flooding; improve and expand fish and wildlife habitat; and increase public recreation opportunities and access.

The WPVGA kick-started the project with a contribution of over $60,000 to achieve the following goals: increase the flow and improve

The WPVGA recognizes that restoring the health of the river requires an array of on-the-ground practices and voluntary landowner

Association, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Wisconsin DNR, UWStevens Point and others on the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project (LPRWEP).

participation, and is committed to utilizing a combination of protection, restoration and management practices that will ensure the project’s success.

• Working with the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (WISA), collecting and posting data from over 25 monitoring wells to continuously track fluctuations in groundwater at regular intervals across three areas designated as high risk for surface water impacts (Little Plover River/Plover area, Long Lake/Plainfield area and Pleasant Lake/Coloma area).

Dr. Ankur Desai and officially begins on July 1, 2018. It involves the purchase of an eddy covariance flux system to measure ET in an irrigated vegetable field as well as using another flux system to measure ET in a nearby forest.

Research results will be shared with growers to assist them in their irrigation management and

scheduling regimes.

Additional funding from the Wisconsin DNR will be used by the Desai lab to accomplish tasks related to the lakes study component of 2017 Wisconsin Act 10.

• Funding a research project led by Dr. Chris Kucharik, UW professor continued on pg. 60

Groundwater elevations are posted at http://wisa.cals.wisc.edu every three weeks. This project has been co-funded by WISA and the WPVGA since 2013.

• Collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR on the data collection and posting from the WISA monitoring wells in the Plainfield and Coloma areas.

Beginning in early 2018, the WPVGA agreed to allow the DNR to begin collecting and posting the data from these monitoring wells as part of the lakes study component of 2017 Wisconsin Act 10, related to the potential impacts of groundwater withdrawals in the Central Sands.

If the department determines that the potential for significant impacts exists, several steps will be taken, including a public hearing, economic impact analysis and providing recommendations to the Legislature for special measures to mitigate those impacts on the Long Lake, Plainfield Lake and Pleasant Lake watersheds.

• Collaboration on a three-year research project with the UW Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department looking at newer, more accurate and advanced methods of measuring evapotranspiration (ET).

Wealth W ealth Retirement Retirement & Insurance Insurance Strategies Strategies to Help to H elp Optimize Optimize Your Your Financial Financial Outlook Outlook At Vista Financial Strategies, we focus on developing long-term relationships with our clients based on respect and integrity while providing estate, retirement and business succession planning to agri-business owners, retirees, and professionals.

• EXIT PLANNING • BUSINESS SOLUTIONS • PERSONAL SOLUTIONS • INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE • LIFE INSURANCE • ANNUITIES • LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

Scott D. Scheer, MSFS®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®

Phone: 920-731-4572 / 800-236-2083 Fax: 920-733-8909 Scott@VistaFinancialStrategies.com

2201 E. Enterprise Avenue, Suite 103 | Appleton, WI 54913 www.vistafinancialstrategies.com

PROUD TO OFFER Scott D. Scheer, Agent with New York Insurance Company Scott D. Scheer Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC, a )E?AJOA@ &JOQN=J?A CAJ?U **Scott D. Scheer, Financial Adviser offering investment advisory Services through Eagle Strategies, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser, in your state or locality **Securities offered through NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SPINC) 1VISTA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES, LLC IS NOT OWNED AND OPERATED BY NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.

This project is being led by BC�T October 59

Sustainable Groundwater. . . continued from pg. 59

of agronomy and environmental studies, looking at nitrate and chloride concentration in irrigation water applied, as well as total loads during the growing season in the Central Sands.

The research results will provide important information for studies investigating nitrogen use efficiency, developing improved nutrient management programs or researching leaching losses to groundwater.

• Funding software maintenance to keep the Wisconsin Irrigation Scheduling Program (WISP) and the Agricultural Weather Data Service operational.

Work is being conducted at the direction of John Panuska at the UW Biological Systems Engineering Department.

The existing WISP software tracks a daily soil water balance to assist growers with irrigation water management.

• Collaboration with and funding of UW scientists in the evaluation of drip irrigation and deferred and deficit irrigation methods to conserve water.

Deferred and deficit irrigation involve optimization strategies whereby irrigation water is applied during drought-sensitive growth stages of a crop.

Among the noteworthy results, drip irrigation demonstrated use of 15 percent less water with minimal impact on potato yield and quality, while deficit irrigation was effective and had less than a 5 percent yield impact on corn production.

• Maintaining and monitoring a network of privately owned irrigation wells in the Central Sands to measure groundwater fluctuations.

The network currently consists of over 50 wells across multiple Central Wisconsin counties sampled one to three times a year. The 60 BC�T October

Potato and vegetable grower Steve Diercks of Coloma Farms has a vested interest in sustainable groundwater quantity and quality. Wisconsin’s Central Sands region is one of the most productive irrigated vegetable areas in the United States. Each sack shown in the images holds 2,000-2,400 pounds of spuds.

database is maintained by the WPVGA and may be accessed subject to WPVGA guidelines.

• WPVGA is collaborating with the University of Wisconsin and the DNR on a new initiative to recognize and reward irrigation expertise.

The Wisconsin Water Stewards Program establishes a baseline of water stewardship practices and assists growers in making continuous improvements in water conservation.

Growers have access to a broad range of expertise to help determine the best way to manage and conserve water resources on their individual farms.

All the WPVGA Water Task Force projects are working toward sustainable groundwater quantity and quality through evaluating and implementing strategies to increase the efficiency of irrigation while maintaining or improving water quality.

As the Governor’s Representative, I am pleased to report these examples of support for achievement of important groundwater management recommendations to the people of Wisconsin and seek broad input from all concerned parties to determine potential solutions to groundwater issues.

Auxiliary News

By Devin Zarda, vice president, WPGA

Jody Baginski (right) is a director with the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) and a co-coordinator, along with Marie Reid, of the WPGA potato booth at the Wisconsin State Fair.

I have a hard time writing the same thing repeatedly. Last year, I discussed what it’s like working the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) baked potato booth at the Wisconsin State Fair. So, this year, I decided to do something different.

I want to highlight one of the women who makes the WPGA presence at the State Fair possible every year.

Without her contributions, we would seriously struggle to make the welloiled machine that is the baked potato booth run as smoothly as it does.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Jody Baginski!

Jody, what is your position at the fair? I am a co-coordinator, with Marie Reid, of the WPGA baked potato booth at the Wisconsin State Fair.

How long have you been going to the fair? Since 2000.

How do you take your baked potato?

I like my baked potato with cheese, sour cream, butter, bacon bits, chives and hot sauce.

What is your favorite part of the State Fair? All of it—I love everything about it. I love seeing the people who volunteer, the other people in our building and the fair staff. Honestly, there isn’t much I don’t like. It’s fast and furious, but it’s fun!

What do you wish people knew about the State Fair? The potatoes we sell at the fair are not donated.

This is a common misconception.

After we pay our expenses, the money raised is used to fund all the WPGA programs we run, such as the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program, offering multiple scholarships and in helping to fund

the Spudmobile.

I want to give a huge thanks to Jody for letting me interview her.

We, as the WPGA Board, would like to thank all the volunteers who help us annually. Without each and every one of you, we would not be able to help spread the message that Wisconsin grows some pretty good taters. So, thank you!

Talk with you soon,

Devin

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

Jul-17

Aug-17

Sep-17

Oct-17

Nov-17

Dec-17

Jan-18

Feb-18

Mar-18

Apr-18

May-18

Jun-18

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,396,699.63

728,925.87

2,125,625.50

Assessment

$97,708.18

$51,117.39

$148,825.57

Jul-18

Aug-18

Month

Sep-18

Oct-18

Nov-18

Dec-18

Jan-19

Feb-19

Mar-19

Apr-19

May-19

Jun-19

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,631,620.99

1,724,518.33

3,356,139.32

Assessment

$114,203.25

$125,436.11

$239,639.36 BC�T October 61

Badger Beat

Tactics Crucial to Successful Potato Storage Segregation of tubers from wet fields, fungicide application in the field and harvest management are key

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

While it’s not unusual for a Wisconsin growing season to experience

a few hiccups in the weather, 2018 offered a few more extreme disruptions than typical.

Extreme temperatures in concert with moisture stress exacerbate crop stress, which may not be evident immediately following an intense weather event but can reveal itself at time of harvest and beyond.

When test digs turn up evidence of pink eye, enlarged lenticels or other physiological abnormalities, it’s good to have tubers tested for disease.

Resulting data aid in making best prescriptive decisions on late season crop treatment, harvest date and any necessary special handling, as well as storage and market considerations.

Some of the most common and problematic potato tuber diseases in storages include diseases caused by fungi such as silver scurf and Fusarium dry rot, and diseases caused by fungus-like or “water mold” pathogens such as pink rot, late blight and Pythium leak. Bacterial soft rot should not go without mention.

Each disease is promoted by slightly different environmental conditions and each has key diagnostic features on tubers.

In this article, I’ll focus on the water molds and bacterial diseases of tubers, as these have been most commonly found in tubers following pink eye disorder thus far this season.

Phytophthora erythroseptica, the fungal-like pathogen causing pink rot, often causes tuber symptoms initiating from the stolon end, which appear rubbery yet firm.

62 BC�T October

BLACK LINES & TISSUE The infected areas of tubers are often delimited by a dark line visible through the skin. Buds, lenticels and underlying tissue are black and usually exude a clear liquid. When cut and exposed to air, pink rot infections turn pink-salmon in color after about 30 minutes.

Pink rot is favored by high soil moisture that promotes open lenticels and temperatures around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Planting in well-drained fields with no history of pink rot, avoiding wounding at harvest and bin filling, and lowering temperature and humidity in storage can aid in management.

Phytophthora nicotianae was documented in commercial potatoes in several fields of Wisconsin, as well as other North American growing regions in 2018. While we have not yet detected this pathogen on tubers during test digs or post-harvest, it can cause tuber symptoms very similar to pink rot.

Late blight, caused by another fungal-like pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, produces tuber symptoms that can be both superficial and visible externally as dark brown to purple lesions, or in the interior

Above: Caused by the fungal-like pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, late blight produces tuber symptoms that can be both superficial and visible externally as dark brown to purple lesions, or in the interior as brown, dry and granular lesions.

as brown, dry and granular lesions.

This disease is favored by temperatures from 64-75 degrees F and high relative humidity. Use of protectant fungicides in the production field while foliage is still viable and use of fungicides with some systemic activity can aid in management.

Pythium leak, caused by the fungallike pathogen Pythium ultimum, produces tuber symptoms that begin as light tan, water-soaked areas around a wound. As disease progresses, tissues can swell up and the periderm discolors with a dark line separating diseased tissue from healthy.

Internally, the tissue is spongy and wet and may contain cavities. When squeezed, infected tubers exude a watery liquid. Over time, affected tubers in storage appear as empty,

papery skins.

This disease is exacerbated by high 77-to-86-degree temperatures.

Avoiding harvesting in hot, dry weather and enhancing post-harvest conditions to promote wound healing can help manage Pythium leak.

SOFT ROT Bacterial tuber soft rot can be caused by Pectobacterium spp., and more recently in the United States, Dickeya spp. Dickeya dianthicola was confirmed in the eastern United States in 2015.

Symptoms caused by Dickeya spp. tend to develop when temperatures exceed 77 degrees, while Pectobacterium predominate below that temperature.

Seed infection can lead to blackleg symptoms, including poor emergence, chlorosis, wilting, stem rot and darkened, slimy, black stems.

Tuber infection can occur from movement of the bacterial pathogen within a plant infected from seed or from late season infection following wounding or damage at- or postharvest.

Although disease symptoms are

e

s Paid Here, Stay ium He em r r P

FARM DIVIDEND PROGRAM Up to

5

Back

often indistinguishable between Pectobacterium and Dickeya spp., Dickeya spp. appear to require lower inoculum levels to start disease, have ability to spread through the plant’s vascular tissue better than Pectobacterium, are more aggressive and require higher optimal temperatures for disease.

Tuber soft rot ranges from a slight vascular discoloration to complete decay. Affected tuber tissue is cream to tan in color and is soft and granular.

Brown to black pigments often develop at the margins of decayed tissue.

Lesions usually first develop in lenticels at the site of stolon attachment or in wounds.

A common disease of potatoes in storage, bacterial soft rot can be minimized by ensuring complete skin set before harvesting; avoiding wet soil conditions at harvest; minimizing cuts and bruises at harvest; providing adequate ventilation in storage; using post-harvest treatments such as chlorine dioxide, hydrogen dioxide and ozone; and drying potatoes before storage or shipping.

temperatures greater than 80 degrees, cause more severe rotting than P. atrosepticum and are more likely to produce a creamier, cheesy rot.

Dickeya spp., particularly at

continued on pg. 64

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

To Kee ng. p Wisconsin Stro

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

Rural Mutual Insurance Company

www.ruralins.com/farm-dividend BC�T October 63

Badger Beat. . .

continued from pg. 63

MITIGATE INFECTION & SPREAD While nature can be uncooperative in helping to limit post-harvest disease, there are cultural approaches and chemical tools available to mitigate infection and spread.

LIMIT LATE BLIGHT Applications of phosphorous acid (H3PO3) on tubers entering storage or applied to foliage (two to three applications) can significantly limit late blight and/or pink rot.

Strong disease control programs during the production season are also the best post-harvest storage disease control programs. Harvest temperatures should optimally fall between 54 and 64 degrees, and soil moisture should be adequate to minimize damage.

Phosphorous acid treatment cannot reverse the effects of field-infected tubers but can limit the spread of disease during handling and storage.

Field-applied phosphorous acid has also been shown to provide residual control of pink rot to approximately 90 days after harvest.

Care should be taken to minimize drops and subsequent bruising, which can become sites for postharvest infection.

In our University of Wisconsin (UW) inoculated storage trial, phosphorous acid (Phostrol) applied during bin filling at rates of both 6.4 and 12.8 fluid ounces/ton significantly limited pink rot incidence and severity at approximately 30 and 60 days post treatment.

Once in storage, it’s critical to maintain good air movement, along with temperature and humidity appropriate to the variety and market type, and monitor quality status and disease condition for optimum conditioning.

Several of the diseases discussed here have at-plant and/or in-season management strategies. In the following section of this article, I address just those treatments that come at- or post-harvest.

Because water molds are not true fungi, only certain fungicides are effective in controlling pink rot, leak and late blight. In the past, single-site mode of action metalaxyl or mefenoxam fungicides (such as Ridomil) were very effective at limiting water molds.

Metalaxyl and mefenoxam resistance in P. erythroseptica and infestans has been documented in various regions of the country.

Recently, a fungicide resistance evaluation of P. erythroseptica isolated from tubers in storage in Wisconsin indicated that a portion of the isolates collected (circa 25 percent) were resistant to mefenoxam.

64 BC�T October

Phostrol at both rates also significantly limited late blight in a separate UW inoculated study. Syngenta’s Stadium, with active ingredients of fludioxonil, difenoconazole and azoxystrobin, has demonstrated excellent control of late blight when applied at bin filling due to the azoxystrobin component.

Hydrogen peroxide studies carried out by the Idaho research team showed that application immediately following inoculation provided nearly 30 percent disease control when compared to untreated controls.

However, when tubers were infected in the field and were treated after harvest, hydrogen peroxide did not provide adequate disease control.

Our UW hydrogen peroxide study on pink rot control resulted in disease incidence and severity results that were not significantly different from our untreated control.

Bacterial Soft Rot Late Season and Post-harvest Management • Delay harvest up to 21 days after vine kill to ensure complete skin set.

Tubers exhibiting symptoms of pink rot are often delimited by a dark line visible through the skin. Buds, lenticels and underlying tissue are black and usually exude a clear liquid. When cut and exposed to air, pink rot infections turn pink-salmon in color after about 30 minutes.

• Avoid wet soil conditions at harvest to prevent soil from sticking to tuber skins.

• Minimize cuts and bruises at harvest.

• If soft rot is present in a portion of the field, this part of the field should not be harvested. If infected tubers are stored, store them separately.

• Harvesting equipment should be sanitized between lots.

• Provide adequate ventilation to reduce conditions favorable to bacterial infection. Check stored tubers regularly for temperature increase and odors. Spot treat problem areas to minimize spread.

• Reduce bacterial load on tubers as they enter storage, and once in storage, through use of post-harvest treatments such as chlorine dioxide, hydrogen dioxide or ozone.

• Dry potatoes before storage or shipping.

The decision to make fungicide applications to potato tubers post-

harvest is not trivial. The addition of water to the pile, even in small volumes necessary for effectively carrying fungicides, may create an environment favorable to disease under certain conditions (limited airflow and field heat interacting with cool storage conditions).

Typically, post-harvest fungicides are applied in less than or equal to .5 gallons of water/ton (2,000 lb.) of potatoes. At this spray volume, an evenly emitted liquid will leave tubers appearing slightly dampened.

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

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

POST-HARVEST FUNGICIDE In another scenario, tubers might come out looking rough or with harvest damage and might have a field history of pink rot or late blight. A scenario such as this may benefit from a post-harvest fungicide and resulting dampness should be mitigated by appropriate ventilation and temperature control.

Inoculum, favorable disease conditions and susceptible tubers make up the three sides of the disease triangle. Avoiding or reducing inoculum on tubers as they enter storage will help considerably in preventing tuber infection in the bin.

Free water, high carbon dioxide and warm storage temperatures will promote disease development in storage. However, two of the three attributes are necessary in wound healing!

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

Pythium leak produces tuber symptoms that begin as light tan, water-soaked areas around a wound. As disease progresses, tissues can swell up and the periderm discolors with a dark line separating diseased tissue from healthy.

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

What do you expect from the seed potatoes that you buy?

The varieties that yo

u need.

The early generation that you want.

The quality and yie ld you have come to that expect.

Wisconsin has it!

For a directory of Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers or a free video, contact:

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. P.O. Box 173, Antigo, WI 54409 715-623-4039 www.potatoseed.org

View a directory of the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers on your smartphone.

BC�T October 65

Seed Piece

Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Seeds for the Future Act

Legislation to develop seed varieties supports agricultural research and innovation From the Office of Sen. Tammy Baldwin, www.baldwin.senate.gov/press-releases/ seeds-for-the-future-act

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, has introduced legislation to invest in public research to develop seed varieties that are tailored to regional growing conditions and consumer demand.

The Seeds for the Future Act promotes the development of ready-to-use, regionally-adapted seed varieties and cultivars that meet the needs farmers face in their regions and unique growing conditions.

This would give farmers more tools to confront drought, varying growing conditions and to have plant varieties better suited to their area. When farmers have varieties developed for their region, they see substantial benefits in hardiness and yields.

“Wisconsin’s agriculture sector is a strong driver of our state’s economy.

Our rural communities thrive when our farmers are competitive. That’s why we must invest in agriculture research, so farmers have tools that work for them and their operation,” says Sen. Baldwin.

“This legislation will prioritize the development of new crop varieties that farmers can use to improve yields, try out new crops and develop new markets,” she continues.

“Farmers are always innovating, and this reform will make sure research is working for them.”

NEW SEED VARIETIES The Seeds for the Future Act ensures that the U.S. Department of Agriculture invests at least $50 million into the development of new seed varieties at public research universities like the University of WisconsinMadison and promotes efficient use of grants by developing a strategy for public seed variety research.

Over the past 20 years, universities 66 BC�T October

across the country have eliminated their public plant breeding programs, causing a shortage of cultivars and therefore a lack of seeds tailored to unique regional conditions.

Lack of access to regionally adapted seeds makes our domestic agricultural sector vulnerable to disruption and threatens farmers’ domestic and international competitiveness.

“We applaud Sen. Baldwin for introducing this important legislation,” says Kanika Gandhi, policy specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

“Public breeding programs are a cornerstone of a strong family farm economy. Without the ongoing development of new seed varietals that allow farmers to meet the ever-changing demands of weather, crop diseases and invasive species, American farmers would be unable to stay viable in an increasingly challenging industry,” Gandhi remarks.

“We thank Sen. Baldwin for her leadership on this issue,” Gandhi continues, “and for recognizing the crucial role public plant breeding and research programs play in maintaining food security in America.”

SEED ACCESSS “We are greatly encouraged by

Introduced by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., the Seeds for the Future Act promotes the development of ready-touse, regionally-adapted seed varieties and cultivars. WisPolitics.com, Flickr/Creative Commons image

the leadership that Sen. Baldwin is providing by introducing this bill. This legislation will increase the resiliency and competitiveness of American farms by providing farmers with access to seeds that are adapted to their specific soil, and pest and disease challenges,” says Steve Etka, policy director for the National Organic Coalition.

“Organic and conventional farmers alike will benefit greatly from having access to seeds that are adapted to their regional conditions,” Etka adds.

“The decline in public cultivar development in recent years is making our food system more vulnerable,” says Kiki Hubbard, director of Advocacy & Communications for the Organic Seed Alliance.

“We need more genetic diversity, not less, to address future food and fiber needs and to combat challenges related to our changing climate and increased disease and pest pressures,” Hubbard states.

The legislation is supported by 41 organizations including the National Farmers Union, National Organic Coalition, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, the Organic Seed Alliance, the Midwest Organic Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) and the Michael Fields Agriculture Institute.

Potatoes USA News

Campaign Highlights Performance-Boosting Benefits of Potatoes The Potato industry is making a strong statement about potatoes to demonstrate the performance-boosting benefits of America’s favorite vegetable.

Potatoes USA, the nation’s potato marketing and research organization, worked with its members to identify a nutrition-based lifestyle benefit that challenges consumers’ preconceived notions about potatoes.

Extensive research led to a strategy based on a key truth: Potatoes fuel performance.

Most people don’t consider the potato a performance food and are surprised to learn about all the nutritional benefits.

Potatoes provide the energy, potassium and complex carbohydrates people need to perform at their best. A medium-size, 5.2-ounce potato with the skin on has 26 grams of carbohydrates, 620 milligrams of potassium and is more energy packed than any other popular vegetable.

Potatoes also contain many other important nutrients that athletes seek, such as 27 milligrams of vitamin C, 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of complete protein.1 Adequate energy intake supports optimal body functions, and carbohydrates are the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles.2 POTASSIUM APLENTY And with the skin on, potatoes have more potassium than a medium-size banana.

Potassium is an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function.

Potatoes USA is bringing its performance strategy to life in a new campaign that shows how potatoes fuel athletic performance and poses the question: “What are you eating?” The campaign is based on the idea that consistently beating your personal best isn’t just about how you train, it’s about what you eat.

“The potato undeniably works in the athlete’s favor,” says Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA president/CEO. “The message is clear: If potatoes can fuel elite athletes, they can fuel your active life, too.”

While the campaign features athletes, it is not about marketing only to them.

It is about showing the power of the potato through people who can influence consumers to think about potatoes differently.

The campaign is being executed through a variety of mechanisms, including race sponsorships, and particularly a yearlong partnership with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, advertising, influencer marketing, social media and industry engagement.

1. U .S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory.

USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28 (slightly revised).

2. N utrition and Athletic Performance. Position of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics, American College of Sports Medicine and the Dieticians of Canada. Medicine & Science in Sports Exercise. 2015; 48:543-568.

BC�T October 67

EYES ON ASSOCIATES

By WPVGA Associate Div. President Casey Kedrowski, Central Door Solutions

Change can be a good thing. Have you ever thought

about how things would be different if one thing happened instead of the way it did? Or, what if you absolutely had to do something you didn’t want to?

The point I’m trying to make is that we must be open to the idea of change. The way things are right now may not be the same next year, next week or even tomorrow, but that’s OK. I have always heard that the hard times in life are like curveballs in baseball, and instead of hitting a fastball home run, sometimes you’re forced to just foul off a curveball.

Every chance you get to either change something or accept change, you need to have an open mind about it.

I’ll be the first to acknowledge that it’s not always easy, but you should at least give it a fair chance. After all, if you’re not happy with something, it’s up to you to do whatever you can to change it.

While I’m only 33 years old, I’ve experienced many hardships that have shaped me into the person I am today. I am very happy about that.

Whether you believe in someone up above or just do things for the greater good, every day you wake up in the morning is a new chance for change.

These are words I try to live by, and most of the time, it doesn’t come with some sort of repercussion, 68 BC�T October

Casey Kedrowski (left) poses with Karen Rasmussen, financial officer for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, at the 2018 Hancock Agricultural Research Station Field Day. Kedrowski recently experienced change in his life, parting ways with one company and taking a new position with another.

good or bad.

The realism is that everyone wants to be liked, but that’s just not possible.

Tough decisions need to be made at some point, and if they aren’t, you only have yourself to blame for not taking that chance or initiative.

Another quote I like is, “Yesterday’s gone, and tomorrow may never come.” The older I get, the more meaning that saying has for me.

Lastly, this morning on the news I heard that we are losing three minutes a day this time of year in Wisconsin, and that means 21 minutes of daylight a week and cooler weather is finally upon us. Where did the summer go?

Cheers!

Casey Kedrowski

WPVGA Associate Division President

Ali's Kitchen

Herbed Beet and Potato Stacks

One dip in horseradish dill yogurt sauce and you might forget to use a plate Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Taking advantage of an abundance of potatoes in the pantry, beets pulled from the soil and in need of being put to good use and a few free hours, I enjoyed some time in the kitchen and created a fabulous way to pair it all together.

Mike and I ate most of these roasted Herbed Beet and Potato Stacks straight off the pan and dipped into the yogurt sauce—not the most elegant way to do things,

but they were delicious, and we did so while being caught up in the very serious job of recipe creation and enthusiastic quality control!

I imagine you’ll be more refined and place yours on a plate before enjoying the flavors, but I won’t judge.

Either way you serve them, I encourage you to give this recipe a try! continued on pg. 70

Ingredients • 3-4 small to medium potatoes • 5 small beets • 4 tbsp. butter • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tbsp. dried parsley • 1 tsp. dried dill • ½ tsp. salt • ¼ tsp. black pepper

BC�T October 69

Ali's Kitchen. . .

Advertisers Index

continued from pg. 69

Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative..............................9 Ag Systems, Inc....................................15 Ansay & Associates..............................27 Baginski Farms Inc...............................49 Big Iron Equipment..............................11 Bushmans’ Inc.......................................3 Calcium Products.................................33 Central Door Solutions........................47 Compeer Financial...............................30

DIRECTIONS: Herbed Beet and Potato Stacks

sure to end on the same vegetable you started with.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until cooked through and the edges begin to become slightly crispy and browned.

Clean and peel the potatoes and slice into 1/8-inch slices. Repeat with the beets: wash, peel and slice. * Tips: Choose potatoes and beets that are close to each other in diameter; this is not essential but will help with the presentation of the finished dish. Wearing plastic gloves while working with the beets will protect your hands from turning pink.

Add the butter, garlic, herbs and salt into a small saucepan and heat until butter is melted.

Toss the sliced potatoes in the butter mixture and ensure that they are thoroughly coated. Remove the potatoes and set into a separate bowl. Then add the sliced beets to the butter mixture and toss to coat well. *Tip: Tossing them separately makes sure the beet color doesn’t bleed onto the potatoes.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and begin creating the herbed beet and potato stacks by placing a beet slice onto the parchment paper, then topping with a slice of potato and continue to alternate, making 70 BC�T October

Remove from the pan and place stacks onto a platter.

Top each one with a dollop of Horseradish Dill Sauce and garnish with a sprinkling of dried dill or a sprig of fresh dill.

INGREDIENTS: Horseradish Dill Yogurt Sauce • 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt • 2 tsp. lemon juice • ½ tsp. garlic powder • 2 tsp. dried dill • 2 tbsp. finely grated horseradish (more or less, depending on your taste) • Generous pinch of salt DIRECTIONS: Horseradish Dill Yogurt Sauce Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Fencil Urethane Systems.....................55 Hansen-Rice Inc...................................37 Jay-Mar, Inc..........................................13 J.W. Mattek............................................5 National Potato Council.......................71 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc. ..................................10, 21 North Central Irrigation.......................35 Nutrien Ag Solutions...........................45 Oasis Irrigation....................................72 Paragon Potato Farms.........................14 R&H Machine, Inc................................41 Riesterer & Schnell..............................34 Roberts Irrigation ..................................2 Ron’s Refrigeration..............................25 Rural Mutual Insurance.......................63 Sand County Equipment......................39 Schroeder Brothers Farms.....................7 Swiderski Equipment...........................20 Symach/Barry-Wehmiller Packaging...23 T.I.P......................................................43 ThorPack..............................................31 Vantage North Central.........................53 Vista Financial Services, LLC................59 Volm Companies..................................19

Enjoy!

Warner & Warner................................17

Find more recipes at www.LifeOnGraniteRidge.com.

WPVGA Subscribers.............................51 WPVGA Support Our Members...........38 WSPIA..................................................65

P.O. Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409

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

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

SMARTEST. SMARTEST.

STRONGEST. STRONGEST.

Technology I Precision Application I Decisions

Design I Dealer Network I Parts & Service

Technology I Precision Application I Decisions

Design I Dealer Network I Parts & Service

SMARTEST.

STRONGEST.

Technology I Precision Application I Decisions

Design I Dealer Network I Parts & Service

LEADING, NOT FOLLOWING. Others consistently try to imitate, but always fail to duplicate. We’ll help you solve your greatest challenges with the most innovative

LEADING, NOT FOLLOWING.

products and technology. Irrigate with confidence as you simplify your irrigation management, Others consistently try to imitate, but always

LEADING, NOT FOLLOWING.

reduce downtime andhelp increase youryour peace of mind.

Season with afterthe season. fail to duplicate.

We’ll you solve greatest challenges most innovative Others consistently try to imitate, but always products and technology. Irrigate with confidence as you simplify your irrigation management,

Talk toduplicate. your localWe’ll Zimmatic

by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s will lead to fail to help®you solve your greatest challenges withinnovations the most innovative reduce downtime and increase your peace of mind. Season after season.

tomorrow’s success. products and technology. Irrigate with confidence as you simplify your irrigation management, Talk to your local Zimmatic ® by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s innovations will lead to

reduce downtime and increase your peace of mind. Season after season. tomorrow’s success.

Talk to your local Zimmatic ® by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s innovations will lead to tomorrow’s success.

© 2017 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic and FieldNET are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation and its subsidiaries.

© 2017 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic and FieldNET are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation and its subsidiaries.

OASIS OASIS OASIS 715-335-8300 OASIS 715-335-8300 715-335-8300

IRRIGATION LLC

IRRIGATION LLC IRRIGATION LLC

N6775 5th Avenue Plainfield, WI 54966 IRRIGATION LLC N6775 Avenue N6775 5th5th Avenue Plainfield, WI WI 54966 Plainfield, 54966 715-335-8300 N6775 5th Avenue Plainfield, WI 54966