August 2021 Badger Common'Tater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 73 No. 08 | AUGUST 2021

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

RESEARCH & SUSTAINABLE AG ISSUE INTERVIEW:

CHUCK BOLTE VAS Laboratories TOOLS TO FIGHT Palmer Amaranth POTATO, MAN’S BEST Friend for 8,000 Years MCCAIN FOODS COMMITS To Regenerative Ag Practices WPVGA FUNDS 2021-’22 Potato Research Projects

Chuck Bolte of VAS Laboratories poses in a Kakes Farms potato field, Bryant, Wisconsin.

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On the Cover: For his ongoing water flow and phosphorus monitoring

project in the Antigo Flats potato and vegetable production area, Chuck Bolte of VAS Laboratories has been awarded WPVGA competitive research grants annually for several years. Bolte is shown in a Kakes Farms potato field, Bryant, Wisconsin, which itself is planted in the fertile silt loam soil of the Antigo Flats.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: Chuck Bolte, a precision ag and nutrient management plan manager for VAS Laboratories, formerly AgSource Laboratories, stands by an Edge of Field Monitoring station. It measures water flow and phosphorus runoff in the Antigo Flats potato and vegetable production region of Wisconsin. Potato growers in the area are leading an effort to control phosphorus runoff in the Spring Brook and Eau Claire River watersheds.

DEPARTMENTS: AUXILIARY NEWS............... 53 BADGER BEAT.................... 48 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6

16 POTATO, MAN’S BEST 8,000-YEAR-OLD FRIEND Domesticated tuber traces its roots to Peru and Bolivia

26 SEED PIECE

Growers and industry professionals enjoyed 2021 Spud Seed Classic

61 ALI’S KITCHEN

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NEW PRODUCTS................ 44 NOW NEWS....................... 39 NPC NEWS......................... 46 PEOPLE.............................. 34

FEATURE ARTICLES: 22 RESEARCH TEAM IDENTIFIES best weed control program to fight Palmer amaranth

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

38 WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE Growers Association funds research projects

POTATOES USA NEWS........ 57

54 MCCAIN FOODS COMMITS to regenerative ag practices for all its potatoes by 2030

WPIB FOCUS...................... 32

4

BC�T August

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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 August

5

MARK YOUR

Calendar

AUGUST 14

40th ANNUAL ANTIGO TATER TROT Antigo City Park, 8:30 a.m.

Antigo, WI

21

WAUPACA AREA TRIATHLON South Park-Downtown, 7 a.m.

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SEPTEMBER

Planting Ideas

11

ALSUM TATER TROT 5K & FALL FESTIVAL Alsum Farms & Produce Friesland, WI

Sometimes a nice note or gesture from

14-18

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UNITED FRESH CONVENTION & EXPO 2022 Boston, MA

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11th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS & EUROPATAT 2022 Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland

JULY 12-14

6

2022 WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Roehl Acres and Rustic Occasions Loyal, WI (Clark County)

BC�T August

someone with a positive attitude, great outlook and friendly disposition can really make a person’s day. That is what happened to me, on June 29, when I receive an email from a man who I have never met, Dr. Horia Groza.

In his email, Horia said: Dear Mr. Kertzman, Congratulations for keeping the Badger Common'Tater magazine at a high-quality level, always interesting and updated, with good insights, and with an undeniable welcome presence in the world of the Wisconsin potato industry. I am very glad that I continue to be on the mailing list.

During the nine years I worked at the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station, our friend, Tamas Houlihan, asked for an annual article about our breeding program. After my retirement, in 2004, I returned to California, but I continued to send a few articles about the plant on which I worked for 40 years. The article about the glycemic index had a very good reception.

Reading the magazine, I remember how much I liked the travel notes of Dr. Walt Stevenson about the South American potato country (image above from the 2018 World Potato Congress in Peru) and the “Tater Bin” stories of Justin Isherwood. Therefore, I thought a non-technical article entitled “Potato, Man’s Best Friend” would be interesting for the new generation and enjoyable for the old one to which I belong.

May I kindly ask you to have a look at the text here enclosed and to publish it if you think that it fits the magazine's standards?

With many thanks, Horia Groza, Ph.D. San Diego, California Of course, I published the article! Enjoy Horia’s feature herein.

Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe.

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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Interview CHUCK BOLTE,

manager, Ag Consulting Services, VAS Laboratories

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

NAME: Chuck Bolte TITLE: Manager-Ag Consulting Services COMPANY: VAS Laboratories LOCATION: Northeast Wisconsin YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 1.5, but 25 years with the organization PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Richland County Land Conservation Department and Frito-Lay SCHOOLING: University of WisconsinStevens Point AWARDS/HONORS: 2016 Wisconsin Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) of the Year FAMILY: Wife, Kim, and stepson, Ryan HOBBIES: Gardening, turkey hunting, fishing, woodworking and visiting micro-distilleries and breweries Above: For his work focused on phosphorus runoff in the Antigo Flats region of Wisconsin, and looking at soil health as the driver to reduce the phenomenon, Chuck Bolte of VAS Laboratories, formerly known as AgSource Laboratories, has been awarded several Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) competitive research grants over the years.

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BC�T August

For his ongoing water flow and phosphorus monitoring project in the Antigo Flats potato and vegetable production area, Chuck Bolte of VAS Laboratories, formerly known as AgSource Laboratories, has been awarded WPVGA competitive research grants annually for several years.

Potato growers in the Antigo Flats area of Wisconsin are taking a leadership role in an effort to proactively control phosphorus runoff in the Spring Brook and Eau Claire River watersheds.

testing and nutrient management planning, AgSource Laboratories, a full-service agronomy lab, recently merged with its sister company, VAS, a leader in software for dairy operations.

The Antigo Flats is designated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection as an area with unique characteristics that best represent the state soil—Antigo silt loam.

Known for its VAS PULSE Platform and Dairy-Comp cattle monitoring database software, VAS has an extensive background in web-based suites, including field data collection and monitoring for farms.

The project of controlling and monitoring phosphorous runoff started in early 2016 when the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) awarded AgSource Laboratories a grant to build a spatial database of the PI (Phosphorus Index) for all the potato growers in the area.

The goal of VAS Laboratories remains the same—to create clarity out of research and raw data points, equipping growers with the power to make informed management decisions.

With a 50-plus-year history of soil

Do you have an agriculture background, Chuck, and if so, in what respect? I grew up on the outskirts of Appleton, Wisconsin,

so I did not grow up on a farm.

My grandparents had a registered Ayrshire dairy farm near Lake Poygan, and I always enjoyed visiting them and helping with my grandma’s garden.

During school, I held several jobs, including scouting potatoes for Pest Pro’s, and with Oneida County Planning and Zoning, and the Jefferson County Land Conservation Department.

How I wish I could move that soil to my current residence in Rhinelander.

It was magical how Grandma could grow the best of everything in that garden. Perfect soil and moisture, and of course it had dairy manure.

Upon graduation, I took a job as county conservationist for Richland County for five years. From there, I moved to Frito-Lay research in Rhinelander for a year before starting at AgSource Laboratories, now VAS Laboratories, where I have been employed since.

What experience do you have in the field via your career? My love How did you end up becoming of playing in the dirt led me to UWa certified crop advisor (CCA) and Stevens Point, where I majored in soil a precision ag/nutrient management science with minors in biology and planner? I started at AgSource (now 21-08 Badger Common'Tater (7x3).v1.pdf 1 2021-07-06 10:30 AM VAS) doing soil sampling when waters.

Above: As part of an ongoing water flow and phosphorus monitoring program, Chuck Bolte and his VAS Laboratories team, with funding from the WPVGA, University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms and The Nature Conservancy, have set up three Edge of Field Monitoring Stations in the Antigo Flats area. A closeup of the flume at right shows sediment runoff from a potato field.

precision ag was in its infancy, and in 2004, we added nutrient management to the services I performed for clients.

From there, we have grown to having a team of 10 conducting nutrient management and soil sampling services. In 2017, we purchased Andy Merry’s crop scouting business and added that to the service offerings. continued on pg. 10

BC�T August

9

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

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AgSource Laboratories recently merged with VAS, a business that has dairy software management tools. How has the transition been, and has your position changed? The transition has been challenging and rewarding. Learning how to work in a different culture with leaders who have new ways of doing things is challenging.

Rewarding comes in having a new CEO who is a fantastic motivational leader and approachable. He commonly reaches out just to say hi and ask how it is going and if he can help.

How do AgSource Laboratories and VAS fit together? VAS is a leader in software for dairy operations, and AgSource’s original history is in milk testing, and then they added agronomy services and food and environmental testing.

VAS has the PULSE Platform where farms can store and access all their dairy production records in one place. The milk testing records seamlessly load into the platform where producers can then create reports showing how their animals are producing and performing.

Development is in process to add

Above: A plot of potatoes is planted for a phosphorus runoff trial in the silt loam soil of the Antigo Flats.

spots for agronomy records and build a platform that can show whole farm sustainability.

VAS has an extensive background in data and web-based product suites, field data collection and monitoring for farms, specifically Dairy-Comp database software for monitoring cattle. Do you use similar technology daily and how? Does it improve your efficiency? We also use technology to help us be more efficient. We use continued on pg. 12

Taken by Chuck Bolte at noon in late May 2021, after an overnight rain of 1.25 inches, the dramatic photo shows a stark contrast between a potato field at right that exhibits soil tilth versus the field at left that has no soil structure, and thus the water ran off it instead of soaking in.

10 BC�T August

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 10

Sirrus/Summit software for our soil testing and precision ag applications, which allows us to share and transfer data between employees and clients.

For NMP (Nutrient Management Plan) writing, we utilize Snap Plus. It allows us to track all applications on the farm and create reports for the growers to implement their nutrient management plans and improve

profitability.

Finally, for crop scouting, we have been using the FarmDog app. It is easy to use and creates reports so growers can see the things that we see in the field, and where within the production area.

What are your ultimate goals in your job/work, Chuck? My goal is to have

Above: This is what happens when a field is tilled in too wet of conditions, says Chuck Bolte, who also points out that the soil has no structure. “If it’s too wet in the spring or fall, that tillage pass isn’t worth it,” he notes.

the growers I work with be more successful and profitable in what they do and to mentor the young staff to take over, as I see retirement in the future.

Tell me about the research you have been doing for growers on phosphorus reduction in the Antigo Flats area. How did that come about, and how has it progressed? Our work has focused on phosphorus runoff, but with a shift toward looking at soil health as the driver to reduce nutrient runoff and leaching.

When we started this project, I could see where environmental protection was going with the Wisconsin River TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) and felt it was time for the growers to take control of their options in the future.

Above: Chuck Bolte installs a streamflow monitor on a waterway to document phosphorus (P) loss from runoff events. Three goals of the monitoring project are to learn about stream flow, reduce P loads to the Spring Brook and Eau Claire River watersheds and evaluate the impact of in-field actions on water quality.

12 BC�T August

This is now being done through localized research that can not only show what is happening here, but also what we can do to reduce our impact on the environment and still

be sustainable and profitable in the future.

You were recently awarded another $15,000 grant (annually the last few years) by the WPVGA for water flow and phosphorus monitoring in the Antigo Flats. How will that money be utilized to help growers? The funds are used to help pay for educational seminars/activities and the Edge of Field Monitoring stations.

We currently have two Edge of Field Monitoring stations paid for by UW Discovery Farms and a third one funded by a combination of grants from the WPVGA and The Nature Conservancy.

In addition, we are doing soil health and carbon testing this year and will continue, in 2023 and 2025, to gauge practice changes of growers.

Why is it important for you to work with the growers and WPVGA? The growers of the Antigo Flats are customers of our business, and

“Sitting in the harvester with a grower at the end of the season is one of the most rewarding things I get to do—seeing the result of our work together.”

– Chuck Bolte for my company, team and me to be successful, they must first be successful.

For what research purposes are the Edge of Field Monitoring stations used? We have three that monitor quantity of water, sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen in runoff.

In addition, we are going to do more soil health and carbon testing to determine levels within fields and to prepare growers for the future of carbon markets.

Why is the work important, Chuck,

not only to the industry, but also to you? I cherish the relationships I’ve built with the growers and strive to make them more successful.

In the future, the industry will be required to show that it is not having a negative impact on the environment.

Personally, I believe everyone wants to leave a career legacy and mine is to make sure the growers I work with are in a better position when I leave than they were before. continued on pg. 14

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BC�T August 13

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

Is the work important for the environment, because of regulatory issues or both? It is a combination, and I believe our work will show that we have less phosphorus runoff than the current models indicate.

But the most important point is that a healthy soil will ensure that the next generations of potato and vegetable growers can also be sustainable and profitable. Healthy soils will reduce runoff issues.

What are your other duties with VAS Laboratories, and what other projects are you working on? I manage a staff of 11 NMP/

GPS consultants who are located across Wisconsin. I mentor young staff, manage budgets and provide input into our continual business development and growth.

Our main project right now is looking at ways we can assist growers in navigating permit compliance and the new emerging markets of carbon capture and measurements of it.

Where does your passion lie, Chuck, as far as what you’re most dedicated to in your job as an ag nutrient planning manager? I am dedicated to teaching growers how to best utilize the scientific tools

Above: Field runoff after a 2-inch rain is shown in the image at left, and then the same waterway is pictured three days later minus the silt.

available to manage the nutrients on the farm, whether that is manure or commercial fertilizer.

Timing and amount of those applications can make or break the profitability of the farm each year.

Sitting in the harvester with a grower at the end of the season is one of the most rewarding things I get to do—seeing the result of our work together.

What exactly is nutrient management planning in your words? Nutrient management planning is just that—it is helping the grower use best practices to manage the placement, timing, method, rate and amount of nutrients.

I help match crop nutrients with the goal of yields that make the grower’s operation more profitable and sustainable.

Chuck Bolte checks the rain gauge on an Edge of Field Monitoring station in the Antigo Flats.

14 BC�T August

Tell me about your day-to-day interactions with growers—do you enjoy working with the growers in the Antigo Flats? I enjoy working with growers all over, but the Antigo Flats is my home territory and holds a special place. Very few consultants get the opportunity to work with the concentration of growers that I do here.

I love getting out on the farm to provide insights and help them make decisions. Seeing them make changes over the years that help protect the environment and improve the soil health is what drives me to continue what we do.

Do you work in other parts of the state, and solely with potato and vegetable growers? I work with growers in all corners of the state.

Some of those do grow vegetable crops like snap beans and sweet corn, but the majority outside of the Antigo area are dairy farms. With them, we do nutrient management planning and soil testing.

looking for new ideas to implement on their farms to improve them while protecting the precious resources we have.

that you’d like to add? I really need to thank the growers for allowing me work with them and the trust they have in my work.

The unique soil of the Antigo Flats makes this area so special, and we need to protect and improve that resource.

I also need to thank our partners at UW Discovery Farms, The Nature Conservancy and my team members, Kevin Gallenberg, Katelin Bradley and Anna Lubinski, who help with pulling samples.

Is there anything I’ve missed, Chuck,

What specifically do you hope the water flow and phosphorus monitoring work will result in?

I hope it will result in showing that the growers on the Antigo Flats can help protect the environment while still being profitable.

I strongly believe most growers want that as well, and that they are always Above: In the first image, erosion is shown after a 3-inch rainfall, in early June, within a potato field. In the second picture, gully erosion has occurred at the worst time of year, right after planting and with no soil cover.

Bottom Right: This is what a nice potato crop grown in healthy soil should look like, says Chuck Bolte of VAS Laboratories. The picture was taken at a Kakes Farms field in Bryant, Wisconsin.

BC�T August 15

Potato, Man’s Best Friend… for 8,000 Years!

A staple of the high Andes, potato was grown in rotation with indigenous quinoa and kañihua

By Dr. Horia Groza, University of Wisconsin, retired Potato and man coexisted more than 12,500 years ago, but they became friends only 8,000 years past, when domesticated. Potato fed man and man protected potato from dying of diseases.

Monte Verde is a site near Puerto Montt, in Southern Chile, where the young archeologist Thomas Dillhay (The Settlement of America, A New Prehistory, Basic Books, 2000) proved that people dug, gathered and consumed potatoes 125 centuries ago.

It was a time when the glaciers retreated, and the climate started to be warmer and drier.

one that did not shrivel in time (John Reader, Potato, a History of the Propitious Esculent, Yale University Press, 2008).

The tubers were bitter, up to twentyfold richer in glycoalkaloids than they are today.

Aymara inhabitants of the Bolivian Andes imitated the geophagy procedure of parrots and monkeys, mixing potato as food with a little clay, which absorbed the glycoalkaloids and was eliminated undigested.

Twenty-four root and tuber plants resisted the long, dry seasons in the Andean mountains at an elevation of 13,000 feet because their starch reserves were stored underground.

Later, man noticed that a process of freezing, washing, refreezing, drying and rubbing might remove the potato’s poisonous bitterness.

Consequently, he made chuño, a white or brown, dry, small potato of hard consistence, storable for decades.

Among them, potato was the only

The man’s genuine friendship with

“I would like to add a few more words about this round-oval fruit of earth, this mysterious character who was my companion during my entire life and to whom I dedicated my whole professional career.”

– Dr. Horia Groza 16 BC�T August

Dr. Horia Groza, shown here in a potato field, worked at the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station, Wisconsin, for nine years. In all, he spent 40 years researching potatoes.

potato started about 8,000 years ago in the Peruvian and Bolivian regions bordering Lake Titicaca, when a persistent selection led to a more consistent crop with larger and less bitter tubers.

MODERN POTATO By sequencing DNA, researcher David Spooner tracked modern potato from a group of 20 species in the Solanum brevicaule complex of morphologically similar, wild, cultivated potatoes.

By Inca times, potatoes were well established as the staple food of the high Andes, grown in rotation with the indigenous quinoa and kañihua, on land lengthily fallowed and fertilized by herds of domesticated llama and alpaca.

Potato covered the territory above 8,000 feet elevation and corn in the area below that.

The Inca Empire (1438-1533 A.D.), whose subjects at that time represented 40 percent of the whole

population of the two Americas, living on a large territory from Columbia to Chile (John Reader, in the work already cited), reached an outstanding level of strength and civilization.

The civilization included an impressive 25,000 miles of paved roads, an intense irrigation system and numerous well-built terraces.

The main source of wealth could be found in the mercury and silver mines and the haciendas, under wise management based on the rule of mita. Every man had to contribute either with two months labor in mercury mines (in a very toxic environment) or 12 months labor in silver mines. continued on pg. 18

Right: By Inca times, potatoes were well established as the staple food of the high Andes. Potato covered the territory above 8,000 feet elevation and corn in the area below that.

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Potato, Man’s Best Friend … for 8,000 Years! continued from pg. 17

Although potato and man coexisted more than 12,500 years ago, they became friends only 8,000 years past, when domesticated.

Potato fed man and man protected potato from dying of diseases.

An 1859 painting by French artist Jean-François Millet, The Angelus, depicts a scene, at dusk when, after digging and bagging potatoes, two peasants hear the far sound of bells from the village and pray.

A third option was several years of work in haciendas to provide potatoes to the miners. This was organized in such a way that oneseventh of the population took turns at a given time.

The young French pharmacist Antoine-Augustin Parmentier was fed potatoes while he was a prisoner in Prussia during the Seven Year War. Upon returning home, he enthusiastically promoted this crop.

The Inca worshipped the sun. With an outstanding science of stonemasonry, they built, in Corincancha, a great sun temple with golden corn cobs on silver stalks and with lumps of golden potatoes.

Among his guests at dinner, in the late 1700’s, were Benjamin Franklin and, reportedly, Thomas Jefferson, who both enjoyed a whole potato menu from soup to liqueur.

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE Arguably, Francis Drake, in 1580, was the first person who brought the potato to Europe. In Offenburg, Germany, one can admire his statue with a potato plant in his hand.

Besides being an important source of carbohydrates, vitamin C and potassium, potato has a great protein “biological value” (how much nitrogen is absorbed, retained and used by the human body for growth and maintenance).

The legend says that Walter Raleigh offered a plate of boiled potatoes to Queen Elizabeth I, who knighted him in turn. The botanists Gaspard Bauhin (1596) and John Gerard (1597) described the potato plant. The gardeners, not very convinced yet, started to grow it.

Redcliffe N. Salaman (The History and Social Influence of the Potato, Cambridge, 1985) reported experiments with active people living

18 BC�T August

According to Reader, its index of 73 is beat only by eggs (96) and is above all the others from soybeans (72) to corn (53).

perfectly healthy, without any change in weight, for several months on a diet based exclusively on potatoes (with a little margarine).

The rice crop is much more laborintensive than potato and provides only half of the food amount per acre as that of the latter.

BIGGEST POTATO PRODUCER In the 1990’s, Asia became the biggest producer of potatoes (31 percent of the world production).

China is now in first place for world production (James Lang, Notes of a Potato Watcher, Texas A&M University Press, 2001).

Due to a reduced emission of CO2 and N-oxides, potato fields are more compatible under global warming conditions than cereal and vegetable crops or fruit orchards.

Adam Smith had a good word for potatoes in his Wealth of Nations (1776), as did Thomas Malthus.

Just before the Irish Potato Famine

(1845-1852), the Reverend John Graham wrote a short poem: “Oh! There’s not in the wide world a race that can beat us, from Canada’s cold hills to sultry Japan. While we fatten and feast on the smiling potatoes, of Erin’s green valleys so friendly to man.”

In 1859, the French artist JeanFrançois Millet painted The Angelus.

The painting depicts a scene, at dusk when, after digging and bagging potatoes, two peasants hear the far sound of bells from the village and pray.

Only God whom all we seek, could make potato so unique.”

I included this poem in the poetry book entitled The Sign of the North (Reflection Books, 2020) that I dedicated to my friends and colleagues in Wisconsin, as well to all my present and future other friends.

The fabulous farmer and writer Justin Isherwood, who prefaced the book, wrote, “Taters tend to burrow.

They’re half Irish and predisposed

to felonious behavior: sneaking, conniving, avoiding daylight” (Book of Plough, Lost River Press, Inc., 1996).

I would like to add a few more words about this round-oval fruit of earth, this mysterious character who was my companion during my entire life and to whom I dedicated my whole professional career.

Potato is a special creature. He knows continued on pg. 20

Inspired by Charles de Groux’s painting The Blessing Before Supper, the Dutch master Vincent Van Gogh painted, in 1885, The Potato Eaters, depicting a peasant family gathering in an intimate atmosphere at the supper table where the only food is a large plate with steaming potatoes.

In 1913, the American Catholic poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer wrote a poem that rapidly became popular: Trees.

It was memorized by generations of students. As a song composed by Oscar Rasbach, Trees was performed by famous singers Nelson Eddy, Robert Merrill and Paul Robeson, and it was included in movies and TV shows.

Inspired by these works of art and poetry, I wrote the poem Potato in 2019: “Eager to grow to catch the light, he sprouts impatient in store’s night.

Soon he’ll cover this land of ours, praising lord with sea of flowers.

While underneath in room of prayers, he tells the master his intime cares.

He fills with tubers the soil bed, as Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread.

The labor’s fruit is hid in ground, as virtue humble and profound.

At dinner baked he opens chest, as Jesus broke the bread and blessed.

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Potato, Man’s Best Friend … for 8,000 Years! continued from pg. 19

philosophy; he knows that we come from dust and we return to dust. He likes to study everything in depth; that is why his vines investigate the sunlight under the blue sky, and their philosophical wonder leads to accomplishments in the depth of the ground.

He is a modest being and not a braggart one; in order to learn his talents, we must dig.

He is wise; he displays with generosity the splendor of a canopy in blossom during the summer, but being aware that everything is transient, he stores carefully his goods in a protected place.

He loves his homeland and remains deeply attached to his mother’s soil.

Potato is man’s best friend.

The author of this article, Dr. Horia Groza, included his poem Potato in the poetry book entitled The Sign of the North (Reflection Books, 2020). He dedicated the book to his friends and colleagues in Wisconsin, as well to all other present and future friends.

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The Fight Against Palmer Amaranth Research team identifies best weed control program to help growers Submitted by Rachel Schutte, science communications manager, Alliance of Crop, Soil and Environmental Science Societies, representing the Soil Science Society of America For the past 25 years, many farmers have relied on the chemical glyphosate for weed control to have a successful crop harvest.

However, due a to a not-so-simple change in the genetic makeup of Palmer amaranth, a pesky weed found in soybean fields, that no longer works. In fact, six weeds in Nebraska have become resistant to glyphosate, including Palmer amaranth.

Enter Amit Jhala, member of the American Society of Agronomy, whose latest research aims to help 22 BC�T August

farmers fight this weed. Jhala’s research was recently highlighted in Agronomy Journal.

“Soybeans are the second most important crop grown in Nebraska,” says Jhala. “Not only is the crop important here, but it has grown across the United States.”

Some common weeds, such as Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, have become resistant to the herbicides used to manage them.

This is challenging for farmers, and it can decrease crop production in their fields.

Above: A single female plant of Palmer amaranth can produce 200,000-500,000 seeds depending on competition and growing conditions. Photo courtesy of Amit Jhala

Palmer amaranth is problematic because it can outcompete most crops, leading to high yield loss.

Historically, the chemical glyphosate has been used to control the weed in glyphosate-resistant cropping systems. The crops in these systems, often corn and soybeans, are resistant to glyphosate. This means it does not affect crop performance, but it kills the weeds.

ALTERNATE PRACTICES Since glyphosate is no longer effective in controlling resistant Palmer amaranth, farmers need alternate management practices.

Management of Palmer amaranth is challenging and cannot be

controlled by just one chemical.

Herbicides work in various ways, called sites of action. The team recommends using a herbicide with a mixture of chemicals that can work in multiple sites of action.

One option that farmers have is to use a pre-emergence herbicide, which is applied on soil after crop planting.

Depending on weed growth in the field after the soybeans emerge, another spraying should be conducted to kill the weed species.

“The main objective of our study was to determine the critical time of Palmer amaranth removal in soybeans and how it is affected by pre-emergence herbicide,” says Jhala.

“The weeds compete with the crop for nutrients, moisture, space and continued on pg. 24

Early-season Palmer amaranth competes with soybeans in southcentral Nebraska.

Photo courtesy of Amit Jhala

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The Fight Against Palmer Amaranth continued from pg. 23

“The weeds compete with the crop for nutrients, moisture, space and light. If they outcompete, there is large yield loss.”

– Amit Jhala light. If they outcompete, there is large yield loss,” he explains. “We need to know the best time to remove the weeds and avoid yield loss in soybeans.”

The team conducted experiments, in 2018 and 2019, in fields infested with glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. They compared weed removal in fields sprayed with preemergence herbicides to those with no pre-emergence herbicide applied.

MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES For the fields sprayed with preemergence herbicide, the team compared two different management techniques.

One treatment used a pre-emergence herbicide with one active ingredient (flumioxazin), and the other was a mix of three herbicide active 24 BC�T August

ingredients (flumioxazin, metribuzin and pyroxasulfone).

The team then compared timing of Palmer amaranth removal at different soybean growth stages to determine the best management practices.

Results indicate that using a preemergence herbicide with three active ingredients applied at soybean planting was the most effective.

“When Palmer amaranth is common in a field, farmers should consider using an herbicide with multiple sites of action,” says Jhala.

“If farmers don’t use any chemical in a pre-emergent application, the field can be overrun with Palmer amaranth and they will see a high yield reduction,” he explains.

Amit Jhala is an associate professor

Left: Male (plant at left) and female (right) reproductive organs are present on separate plants. Photo courtesy of Amit Jhala Right: Palmer amaranth starts emerging in early May in eastern Nebraska and can continue appearing through August. Photo courtesy of Amit Jhala

and extension weed management specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This work was supported by the Nebraska Soybean Board and U.S. Department of Agriculture-NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture).

American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Crop Science Society of America: Collectively, these societies represent more than 12,000 individual members around the world.

Members are researchers and professionals in the areas of growing our world’s food supply while protecting our environment.

Together, we work toward solutions to advance scientific knowledge in the areas of agronomy, crop science and soil science.

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• • A patented • increased of IBA and Kinetin Promotes vigorous and shoot growth Flexiblecombination formulation is labeled for both in­ soil for uptakeroot of key nutrients in all crops in an optimized balance of root and shoot furrow and foliar applications and water WER BENEFITS: GROWERgrowth BENEFITS: • Larger root system is able to access more • Improves seasonuptake vigor of and Compatible with most fertilizers • • Flexible formulation is labeled forand both in­ and in soilearly forand increased keyreduces nutrients • Phosphate and key micros drive growth metabolism oves nutrient availability uptake pesticides for upmost flexibility in tankmix the negative effects of stresses furrow and foliar applications and water many crops ances nutrient-use efficiency • early • Improves partners experienced during the growing season season vigor and reduces • Drives Compatible with most fertilizers and season plant emergence motes better root growth andearly development pesticides for upmost flexibility the negative effects of stresses • Increases root mass and nutrient uptakein tankmix gned to enhance applied fertilizer applications partners INGREDIENTS: RATES: experienced during the growing season ACTIVE

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•RATES: A patented co Promotes vigorous andACTIVE shoot growth IBA (lndole 3 Butyric Acid),•Kinetin INGREDIENTS: RATES Foliar Applied: 2 fl. oz/A; Banded or In­ root IBA (lndole 3 Butyric Acid), Kinetin 4 fl. in oz/A Foliar Applied: 2 fl. Nutrition; oz/A; Banded or In­ crops an optimize Soil Application - Cereal Grains: 1-5 gal/A in-furrowin or 2x2.

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Specialty Crops: Soil: 2-8 gals/A. Larger root system is able to access more soil for increased uptake of key nutrients POTATOES r + Accomplish POTATOES LMand Performace in Potatos 2017 Riser + Accomplish LM: water • Improves early season vigor and reduces 9 168 the negative effects of stresses 8 experienced during the growing season 7 6.6 Marketable Yield (lbs)

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RADIATE PERFORMANCE IN POTATOES 2006 • 2018 TRIALS AYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. © 2021 Loveland Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Refer to the label for specific crop 0 Lovelandand Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

All of mixing the trademarks and service displayed are marks of their application rates, directions, instructions andmarks use precautions.

All trademarks ive owners. and service marks displayed are marks of their respective owners. Check State Registration 600�---------is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. Radiate is not registered in California, and is not approved or to make product is8069_A2420 registered with your state. ed to be used or sold sure in California.

LAND PRODUCTS, INC.® | P.O. BOX 1286 | GREELEY, CO 80632 | www.LovelandProducts.com LOVELAND PRODUCTS, INC.® | PO BOX 1286 | GREELEY, CO 80632 | www.LovelandProducts.com

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Seed Piece

Spud Seed Classic Lives up to its Putt-ential

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

In its 24th year, the Spud

Seed Classic has only been rained out one time, according to reliable sources (those who have played in most, if not all, of the tournaments), and never at its current location, the Bass Lake Golf Course in Deerbrook, Wisconsin.

The potato and vegetable growing industry and associated business professionals arrived in full force, June 18, for the 2021 Spud Seed Classic scramble golf tournament, enjoying nice weather, sporting competition, a dinner and awards ceremony.

Proceeds from the annual Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement

Bass Lake Golf Course provided a beautiful setting for the 2021 WSPIA Spud Seed Classic golf tournament, June 18, in Deerbrook, Wisconsin.

26 BC�T August

Association (WSPIA) event go back to research and promotion of the state’s seed potato growing industry.

The event also serves as a way for growers and industry professionals to enjoy a beautiful day at the course and some much-needed camaraderie and fun of golfing with friends and business associates after planting.

In those respects, including the

Golfing 13 under par in the 2021 Spud Seed Classic scramble golf tournament and taking home 1st Place via a scorecard playoff on hole 15, are, from left to right, Andy Verhasselt, Steve Tatro, Max Tatro and Kenton Mehlberg. The foursome represents T.I.P., Inc., of Polonia, Wisconsin.

Top Left: Playing for team Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems at the Spud Seed Classic are, from left to right, Dale Nelson, Sam Eddy, Jeff Sinkler and Mark Gilliand.

Top Right: Hoping to win a 2021 Chevy Trailblazer from Parsons of Antigo with a hole-in-one, Mark Groholski of team AgCountry Farm Credit Services tees one off from Hole 3 at Bass Lake Golf Course during the Spud Seed Classic.

$500 more than last year.

Vice president of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA), Roy Gallenberg tries to sink three chip shots into the swimming pool and win all the money within it at the CoVantage Credit Union sponsored hole during the Spud Seed Classic.

Gallenberg Farms had four teams at the event.

money raised by the golf outing, the 2021 Spud Seed Classic was a resounding success. The rains that had occurred earlier that week ended before the tournament, and the sun

shined throughout the day.

Most importantly, 158 golfers enjoyed the WSPIA event, which, thanks to their generosity and that of sponsors, raised $16,700, nearly

Since 1998, the fundraiser, previously known as the Tony Gallenberg Memorial Golf Tournament, has raised $146,500, with proceeds invested directly back into the industry.

This year’s sponsors are Ag Logistics, Inc.; Bayer CropScience; Big Iron Equipment, Inc.; BMO Harris Bank; Bushman’s Riverside Ranch; Insight FS; Investors Community Bank; continued on pg. 28

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Computerized Control Systems Refrigeration • Humidification • Ozone Electrical Design & Installation Potatoes • Onions Sprout Inhibiting Sprout Nip® • Amplify® • Shield® BC�T August 27

Seed Piece

continued from pg. 27

Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC; Nichino America, Inc.; Nutrien Ag SolutionsGreat Lakes; Schroeder Bros.

Farms, Inc.; Schumitsch Companies; Swiderski Equipment, Inc.; Syngenta; and Volm Companies.

GIFTS, PRIZES & BEVERAGES Prizes, gift packages and beverages

Cheri Guenthner of Guenthner Potato Company, Antigo, Wisconsin, hits a nice chip shot at the 2021 Spud Seed Classic.

28 BC�T August

were given out by occupied hole sponsors CoVantage Credit Union, J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., Oro Agri, Roberts Irrigation Co., Valent USA, LLC and WIPFLI, LLP. More than 25 other companies sponsored holes and made donations to the 2021 Spud Seed Classic. For a

Top Left: Shawn Depies of Insight FS was lucky enough to win the raffle for an RTIC cooler donated by Gowan USA. Top Right: With a score of 13 under par, team Bushman Potato Sales took 2nd Place in the Spud Seed Classic scramble. They are, from left to right, Ryan Woyak, Tyler Hegewald, Marc Stalter and Jeremy Gabor.

With prizes awarded for first, second and seventh places, coming in seventh is a good thing at the Spud Seed Classic scramble golf tournament. Losing a scorecard playoff on Hole 2 to take 7th Place are, from left to right, Eric Schroeder, Luke Schroeder, Josh Knights and Brad Knights.

complete list, please see the full-page ad thanking those who contributed to the event in this issue.

Bass Lake Golf Course put out a delicious dinner buffet followed by the WSPIA Spud Seed Classic Awards Ceremony, in which top golfers and raffle prize winners were recognized.

Wendy Pilecky, there playing for one of two Hyland Lakes Spuds teams, walked away with a 65-inch LG UHD (Ultra-High Definition) TV, and Shawn Depies of Insight FS was lucky enough to win the raffle for an RTIC cooler donated by Gowan USA. More than 15 prizes were awarded continued on pg. 30

Left: Representing one of four Gallenberg Farms teams at the Spud Seed Classic are, from left to right, Willy Roesler, Kimberly Roesler, Katy Weber and Jeremy Weber.

Kimberly and Katy are Roy Gallenberg’s daughters.

Right: Entering the Spud Seed Classic golf tournament with team Hyland Lakes Spuds and walking away with a 65-inch LG UHD TV is Wendy Pilecky, who won the prize in a raffle drawing.

As A.J. Bussan putts, his teammates, from L to R, Steve Diercks, Tamas Houlihan and Dale Bowe, look on, confident he will sink the shot.

BC�T August 29

Seed Piece

continued from pg. 29

for such feats as longest putt at a certain hole, shortest drive at another or closest to the cart path at a third. For being closest to the pin on the par-3 eighth Tony Gallenberg Hole, Alex Okray of Okray Family Farms pocketed a cool $500.

Much appreciation goes out to Jim

Pukall and Bob Miller of Bass Lake Golf Course, and of course Karen Rasmussen and Julie Braun of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, for planning and executing a great golf outing.

Above: With the unenviable position of taking last place at the Spud Seed Classic scramble, but all in good fun and spirits, are, from left to right, Kristi Poltrock, Joe Markgraf, Rod Zupon and Angela Fleischman of team Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC.

Thanks to all sponsors, the industry can look forward to the Spud Seed

Classic being back at the venerable Bass Lake Golf Course in 2022.

Above: Playing for team Riesterer & Schnell at the Spud Seed Classic are, from left to right, John Theorin, Chad Glaze (Vine Vest North), Joe Allen and Tyler Knutson.

RIght: Left to right in the carts are Samantha Wanta, Keith Wanta, Russ Van Lanen and Derek Van Lanen, there representing Rural Mutual Insurance.

30 BC�T August

WE EXTEND A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE 2021 SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF EVENT!

GOLDRUSH SPONSOR WSPIA SILVERTON SPONSORS Bayer CropScience Bushman’s Riverside Ranch Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC Schumitsch Companies Syngenta Volm Companies

SUPERIOR SPONSORS Ag Logistics, Inc. Big Iron Equipment, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Insight FS Investors Community Bank Nichino America, Inc. Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc. Swiderski Equipment, Inc.

OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSORS

CoVantage Credit Union J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc. Oro Agri

Roberts Irrigation Company Valent USA, LLC Wipfli, LLP

BASIC HOLE SPONSORS AgCountry FCS, Antigo Arlen’s TV & Appliances DeWitt LLP Draeger Oil & Draeger Propane Eagle River Seed Farm, LLC Fairchild Equipment, Inc. Gallenberg Farms, Inc. IState Truck Center Jay-Mar, Inc. Kakes Farms, Ltd. KerberRose Certified Public Accountants Langlade Ford Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Co. AgSource Laboratories bb Jack’s Badger Common’Tater Bass Lake Golf Course Calcium Products Culver’s of Antigo Dixie Lunch Fifth Avenue Lounge

Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes Parsons of Antigo Quinlan’s Equipment, Inc. Riesterer & Schnell, Inc. Sand County Equipment Southside Tire Co., Inc. Sowinski Seed Farm T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc. T.I.P., Inc. Thorpack LLC Vine Vest North, Inc. Warner & Warner, Inc.

DONATIONS

Gallenberg Farms, Inc. Gowan Company Lakeside Market North Star Lanes Northern Waters Distillery Pepsi Pomp’s Tire Service Riesterer & Schnell

Rural Insurance, Antigo Salon 731 Schroeder’s Gifts Swartzendruber’s Supper Club Swiderski Equipment, Antigo Three Jokers Lounge WPVGA

WPIB Focus Elections Held for 2021 Wisconsin Potato Industry Board Out-going board members recognized for years of outstanding, dedicated service The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has certified the 2021 Wisconsin Potato Industry Board (WPIB) election results.

As of July 1, 2021, the following producers began a three-year term as elected members of the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: District 1: Eric Schroeder, Antigo Includes Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Iron, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas and Washburn counties.

District 2: James Okray, Stevens Point Includes Marathon, Outagamie,

Portage, Shawano, Waupaca and Waushara counties.

District 3: John Bobek, Markesan Includes Adams, Buffalo, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Vernon,

On June 15, 2021, Wisconsin Potato Industry Board (WPIB) President Heidi Alsum-Randall presented Richard Okray with a plaque in appreciation of his board terms and years of dedicated service. James Okray was consequently elected to the Board to represent District 2.

Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood counties.

The WPIB is composed of nine producers in three districts across

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison Month

Jul-19

Aug-19

Sep-19

Oct-19

Nov-19

Dec-19

Jan-20

Feb-20

Mar-20

Apr-20

May-20

Jun-20

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,737,634.84

616,558.70

888,994.00

2,231,926.08

2,407,229.71

2,076,049.78

3,103,420.09

1,675,525.19

2,243,789.02

2,142,208.63

2,109,739.80

3,159,186.38 24,392,262.22

Assessment

$139,082.75

$42,984.69

$77,501.87

$178,514.78

$192,575

$166,306.75

$248,238.17

$134,215.91

$179,634.18

$171,389.64

$168,780.47

$252,662.23 $1,951,886.44

Aug-20

Sep-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Jan-21

Feb-21

Mar-21

Apr-21

May-21

Jun-21

Month

Jul-20

Nov-20

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,267,472.18

1,275,285.84

1,290,414.89

2,235,567.48

2,498,333.04

1,787,069.62

2,103,473.68

1,593,614.79

2,236,633.70

2,193,682.11

2,145,988.94

3,166,411.47 23,793,947.74

Assessment

$101,400.66

$102,092.25

$103,233.2

$178,773.99

$199,895.60

$143,001.23

$168,209.03

$127,430.28

$179,000.53

$175,561.74

$171,673.03

$253,239.26 $1,903,510.80

32 BC�T August

the state, with one at-large member elected every third year.

Bobek was reelected for his second three-year term. Schroeder replaces John T. Schroeder, who served two three-year terms, and Okray replaces Richard Okray, who has completed his time on the Board.

DATCP administers elections for Wisconsin commodity marketing boards. To learn more about market order boards, visit https:// datcp.wi.gov/Pages/About_Us/ MarketingBoards.aspx.

The rest of the WPIB Directors are Heidi Alsum-Randall (president); Andy Diercks (vice president); Bill Wysocki (secretary); Keith Wolter (treasurer); Cliff Gagas and Tom Wild.

The Board oversees the collection and use of approximately $1.7 million in assessment fees paid by Wisconsin potato growers.

This funding is used to support the potato industry through research, education and promotion of Wisconsin-grown potatoes.

John T. Schroeder gladly accepted a plaque recognizing completion of his terms on the WPIB Board and thanking him for his service on behalf of the Wisconsin potato industry.

Eric Schroeder was elected to the WPIB Board, representing District 1 and filling the void left by John.

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BC�T August 33

People Allan Vander Bloomen Passes Away

Employed by Wysocki Farms, he worked on the Eagle River Potato Seed Farm Allan Donald Vander Bloomen passed away in Eagle River, Wisconsin, on June 11, 2021. Allan was born on August 13, 1997, in Eagle River to Mark Vander Bloomen and Carolyn Sauers.

Employed by Wysocki Farms, Allan worked on the Eagle River (potato) Seed Farm. He was an agronomist for the farm, a great leader and coworker and planned on running the farm in a few years.

Allan was serving in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a specialist in repairing Black Hawk helicopters.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE Allan was passionate about his job and enjoyed every minute of it. “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

He went to school in Oshkosh, where he got his private pilot’s license and his IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) rating.

He enjoyed being on the farm, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, being outside and playing video games such as “Farming Simulator.” He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Allan then left flight school to pursue his passion in agriculture. He graduated from Fox Valley Technical College, in 2020, with his Associates Degree in Agribusiness & Science Technology - Agronomy.

Allan was a kindhearted man that impacted the lives of many. He was selfless, caring, intelligent,

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Allan Donald Vander Bloomen August 13, 1997 – June 11, 2021

hardworking and extremely funny.

He was always putting a smile on everyone’s faces. He was an allaround incredible man.

Allan is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed and Darlene Vander Bloomen, Andree Sauers and Don Sauers. Allan is survived by his wife, Briana; cat, Donna; father, Mark (Kara); mother, Carolyn Sauers (Micha Wilson); sisters, Gail and Mya Holoubek (Nathan); grandparents, Ronald and Mary Krueger; niece, Eli Holoubek; and nephew, Dominic Holoubek.

A visitation and funeral were held at the St. Germain Evangelical Free Church, Thursday, June 17, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Face It Foundation, https://www. faceitfoundation.org/donate/.

Blaine Bishop Joins Vive Crop Protection

Regional sales manager will advance precision chemistry products in the Midwest Blaine Bishop recently joined Vive Crop Protection to support the company’s unique precision chemistry products in the Midwest region.

Bishop was most recently a product manager at MFA Inc. Prior to MFA, he was a chemical account manager and national sales representative with Valent USA, covering a territory that reached from Colorado to Ohio.

Bishop holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture systems management from the University of

Missouri-Columbia.

Mark Varner, Vive’s national sales manager, says, “Blaine will be supporting distributors, retailers and growers, from Wisconsin to Kentucky, to drive the awareness and adoption of our unique precision chemistry products, including the introduction of AZterknot, the industry’s first 3-in-1 biological/chemical/Allosperse fungicide later this spring.”

More information is available at www.vivecrop.com

Phyllis Mattek Passes On

Earning her angel wings, she is waltzing in heaven with her husband, Jim On a beautiful summer morning at sunrise, on June 14, 2021, Phyllis Marie (Braun) Mattek earned her angel wings at the age of 94. She is now waltzing in heaven with her husband, Jim. Phyllis was born on October 15, 1926, the second oldest of eight children, to Louis and Lillian (Theisen) Braun.

Growing up on her parent’s dairy

farm, she learned the value of hard work, honest labor and love for the land.

Living through the Great Depression and World War II taught Phyllis to be resourceful and to give to others.

She walked two miles to St. John Catholic School, in Antigo. She continued on pg. 36

Phyllis Marie Mattek October 15, 1926 – June 14, 2021

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BC�T August 35

People

continued from pg. 35

also attended Antigo High School, graduating in 1944. Phyllis earned a degree in business and secretarial skills at the Antigo Normal School.

She worked as a secretary for the Kraft Corporation and Vulcan Corporation in Antigo. At Vulcan, Phyllis was set up on a blind date with Jim Mattek. They went on many

dancing dates at the three dance halls in Antigo, Polar and Mayflower.

They honeymooned at Pelican Lake and Land O’ Lakes.

Phyllis always laughed about the good times they had dancing during their courtship. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day, and on June 10, 1948, were wed at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo, in a double ceremony with her sister, Alice, and Jack Jilek.

The couple operated a dairy farm with Jim’s brother, Eugene, in Star Neva. They raised five acres of potatoes.

As a team, Jim and Phyllis expanded their humble beginning into what is now known as J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc. Phyllis was the bookkeeper for 60 years until her retirement at the age of 81.

Family was the center of Phyllis’ world. She enjoyed every holiday season, but especially Christmas.

She had a twinkle in her eye from December 1st to December 31st, when she became Mrs. Santa Claus.

She made “Santa sacks” for all her grandchildren and was secret Santa to many families throughout her life.

VARIED INTERESTS Phyllis could accomplish anything she set her mind to do. Her interests were as varied as the colored peace quilts she made. Phyllis was a lifelong learner and took a variety of classes, including Body Recall Exercise Class, Ai Chi, German, Czech, macrame and crafting corn husk dolls.

She was involved in the Special Friend Program in the Unified School District of Antigo. Phyllis served on the St. Wencel Parish Council and finance committee and was instrumental in getting the elevator installed at the church.

Phyllis was a loving mentor and teacher to her children. She enjoyed having her family around her and made every day special.

She raised a large garden, canned, picked wild raspberries, raised chickens and baked, all to feed her growing family. She laughed how she “made enough food to feed Hancock’s army.”

The smell of home-cooked meals,

36 BC�T August

potato salad, fresh bread, rollicky, cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, raspberry jam and kuchen still resonates when we think of home.

She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing and traveling the world with Jim. Phyllis’ deep faith guided her every day. She had a rosary in every pocket and by her bedside table and prayed her way through life. She spoke of visions from the Blessed Virgin Mary who was a comfort during many heartaches and struggles, as well as joyous times.

Phyllis talked of her “direct line to heaven” and to be careful of what she prayed for. Her devoted love of God was present in her everyday life.

SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS She chose to do small acts of kindness for others in her humble, discreet ways.

Phyllis is survived by her children, John (Marsha) Mattek, Mary (Dennis) Graham, Jim (Debbie) Mattek, Judi (Mark) Gunderman, Joe (Sheila) Mattek, Dr. Michael (Teri) Mattek and Beth (Larry) Petts.

Phyllis is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Katie (Mike) Devore, Jill (Luke) Mattek-Nelson, Matt (Meghan) Mattek, Jim (Kris) Graham, Amy (Brad) Hechimovich, Paul (Jessica) Graham, Abby Mattek, Erin Husnick, Charlie (Kelly) Mattek, Josh (Anita) Mattek, Corey (Courtney) Mattek, Mitch (Kassie) Mattek, Kyle (Katrina) Mattek, Janay (Will) Linstrom, Ryan (Matt) Mattek, Ashley (Robbie) Cribb, Cody Petts and Mandy (Teale) Mach.

She is further survived by 23 greatgrandchildren, with two more on the way this year.

Phyllis is survived by her brother, Ray (Dorothy) Braun, and sisters, Margaret Flammond, Patricia Wagner

and Carol Vander Veldon. She is also survived by three godchildren, Mary Jilek, Doug Braun and Paula Hitt.

We extend a most heartfelt thank you to Mom’s compassionate caregiver, Pat Wald, the LeRoyer Hospice team and our “earth angels,” Corey and Courtney Mattek.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, James J. (“Jim”) Mattek, grandson, Lance Corporal John “Johnny” Mattek, Jr., and great-granddaughter, Klare Sundermeyer.

Phyllis shared her wisdom with every life she touched. She was our mentor, counselor, advocate and teacher.

Her wish for the future was eloquently written in 1996: “I wish for peace, harmony and love among all people.”

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Louis P. Braun, and family members, Elaine and Omer “Babe” Meyer, Alice and Al Schroeder, Jim and Anne Braun, Eugene and Rita Mattek, Jack Jilek, Ron Foote, Irv Wagner, Tom VanderVeldon and her caregiver, Candy Robinson Fassbender.

She lived her life with beauty, kindness, gentleness and humble grace. We will always cherish the life lessons she taught us.

Rest easy, Mom, you are in the hands of God with the Blessed Virgin Mary. This gives us comfort knowing you are singing with the angels and rocking babies in heaven. We love you forever!

FUNERAL MASS Family and friends gathered for visitation at Bradley Funeral Home on Friday, June 18, 2021, and a funeral mass at St. Wencel Church in Deerbrook, Wisconsin. Burial took place in St. Wencel Catholic Cemetery.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Phyllis Mattek, please visit https://tree.tributestore.com/ memorial-tree.

To send online condolences, please go to www.bradleyfh.com.

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AGRI-VENTILATION SALES AND SERVICE 24 HR. EMERG. SERVICE BC�T August 37

WPVGA Funds 2021-’22 Research Projects BASE FUNDING PROPOSALS: (BFP) Project Leader

Project Title

Approved

Colquhoun, Jed

BFP: Weed Management

$25,000

Endelman, Jeffrey

BFP: Breeding

$25,000

Gevens, Amanda

BFP: Disease Management

$25,000

Groves, Russell

BFP: Insect Management

$25,000

Rioux, Renee

BFP: Seed Certification

$25,000

Ruark, Matthew

BFP: Fertility Management

$25,000

Wang, Yi

BFP: Potato & Vegetable Production

$25,000

Lubinski, Cole

Langlade County Potato Research Station Support

WSPIA Approved

Total Base Funded Proposals $175,000

COMPETITIVE GRANT PROPOSALS: Project Leader

Project Title

Approved

Endelman, Jeffrey

Fine Mapping of Russeting Gene

$10,000

Gevens, Amanda

Evaluating Effectiveness of Crop Protectants & Alternative Strategies to Manage Diseases in Potatoes in Production & Storage Systems

$15,000

Groves, Russell/Chapman, Scott

Insect Management Systems for Potato Production

$12,000

Panuska, John

Solar Radiation Data Support for the Evapotranspiration Data Service

Funded by Water Task Force

Schoville, Sean

Spatiotemporal Modeling of Insecticide Resistance in Colorado Potato Beetle

$13,615

Wang, Yi

Profiling New Varieties: Field Through Post-Harvest Performance, Emphasis on Fresh Market Potatoes

$11,000

Wang, Yi

Tuber Quality & Storability Profile of Full-Season Fresh Market & Processing Chip Potato Cultivars

$10,400 & $3,400 from Chip Cmte.

Mitchell, Paul

Developing a Module of Economic Returns to Nitrogen for Managing Both Yield and the Tuber Size Profile for Fresh Market Russets

Funded by Water Task Force

Rakotondrafara, Aurelie

Test Plant Virus-Derived Proteins as Bio-Fungicides in Potatoes

$15,000

Halterman, Dennis

Relationship Between Early Blight and Late Blight Infection and PVY Susceptibility and Spread in Potato

$10,800

Rioux, Renee

Investigation of Host-Pathogen Interactions Between Spongospora Subterranea F. Sp. Subterranea and Potato During Host Root Colonization

$15,000

Solis Lemus, Claudia

Development of Bioinformatic Tools to Leverage Certification Data for Enhanced Seed Potato Production

$14,925

Townsend, Philip

Remote Imaging Tools for Early Disease Detection in Potato

$15,000

Bolte, Chuck

Water Flow & Phosphorus Monitoring in the Antigo Flats Potato & Vegetable Production Area

$15,000

Gallenberg, Kevin

Managing Lime in Potato Production to Minimize Scab

$3,490

Fishler, Troy

Screening New Russet and Chipping Potato Cultivars in a Low Nitrogen Environment

$4,000 & $4,000 from Chip Cmte.

Total Competitive Proposals $165,230 TOTAL RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDING $340,230 38 BC�T August

Now News

Antigo Legion Baseball Team Honors Johnny Mattek Game recognizes local war hero who lost his life during Operation Iraqi Freedom The Antigo American Legion 19U Baseball Team honored Lance Corporal John J. “Johnny” Mattek, Jr., who lost his life in Iraq, 2005, at the age of 24 while serving in the U.S. Marines as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Antigo Typhoon American Legion Post #3 hosted Stevens Point on Thursday, July 1, at Kretz Park, and Johnny’s brother, Matt, threw out the ceremonial first pitch in honor of Johnny, who passed away on June 13, 2005.

Johnny was the son of John and Marsha Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., a seed potato farm in Deerbrook, Wisconsin. Johnny worked on the family farm from a young age and continued to do so until he joined the Marines.

The Typhoon is proud to honor Johnny, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. He earned a Purple Heart for his service.

He played football, ran track and wrestled at Antigo High School. After graduating high school, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he continued to play football as a defensive back and later joined the wrestling team for the Pointers.

He attended college until the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. At that time, he felt a need and an overwhelming conviction to join the Marines and serve his country.

The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association sponsored the Legion game on July 1.

We would like to thank Dean Noskowiak and the Antigo Dugout Club for honoring Johnny Mattek, and those who came out to the ballpark and enjoyed all the festivities.

The Antigo legion baseball team rallied to beat Stevens Point 8-7 in eight innings. Antigo trailed 7 to 1 in the last inning, but in true Johnny Mattek spirit, tied the game in the 7th and won it in the 8th. continued on pg. 40

Lance Corporal John J. Mattek, Jr. joined the Marines shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, losing his life at the age of 24 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2005.

PLAN FOR TOMORROW, LIVE FOR TODAY.

Brian D Blink,

Matt Mattek throws out the first pitch on Johnny Mattek night, July 1, 2021, in Antigo, Wisconsin. The Antigo American Legion 19U Baseball Team honored Lance Corporal John J. “Johnny” Mattek, Jr., who lost his life at the age of 24 while serving in the U.S. Marines as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Matt is Johnny’s brother and a Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) Board member.

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BC�T August 39

Now News …

continued from pg. 39

Supreme Court Rules on High-Cap Well Lawsuit Opinion gives DNR the authority to consider cumulative impact of new wells The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Thursday, July 8, 2021, on the long-awaited case in which Clean Wisconsin argued that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has the authority to consider the cumulative impact of a new high capacity well.

The Court agreed and affirmed that the DNR can consider the cumulative impact of a new high capacity well. To read the Court’s opinion, visit: https://www.wicourts. gov/sc/opinion/DisplayDocument. pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=385454.

This decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court applies to new high capacity well applications. It only affects an existing well if the owner is

The DNR will make a fact-specific determination on each new high capacity well application and consider environmental impacts if presented evidence of potential harm.

applying for a new well on the same or adjacent property.

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40 BC�T August

Repairs, replacements, reconstruction and ownership transfers of existing wells are not impacted. In addition, we do not believe that this Supreme Court opinion significantly changes the current DNR practice for reviewing new high capacity well applications as set forth by Attorney General Josh Kaul, in May 2020.

According to that review procedure, the DNR will make a fact-specific determination on each new well application and consider environmental impacts if presented evidence of potential harm.

“Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers will continue to work hard to feed America while we keep environmental stewardship as a high priority,” says WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan.

“Although the Wisconsin Supreme Court did not decide as we had hoped they would,” Houlihan continues, “we will work with regulators to ensure we can do our jobs, economically support Wisconsin and maintain our commitment to the environment.”

Tool Helps Farmers with Cover Crops

Online data sheets include seeding rates, erosion control, rotations and more Cover crops have been shown to improve water and soil quality, reduce erosion and capture nutrients.

Choosing the right cover crop, however, can be difficult.

The Midwest Cover Crops Council (MCCC), made up of representatives from 12 Midwest states and universities, including Purdue University, the province of Ontario and other agricultural stakeholders, is rolling out an improved cover crop selection tool that will help farmers make those decisions.

Users select their state/province and county and then select the goals they have for cover crops—erosion control, nitrogen scavenger, fighting weeds and providing forage, etc. continued on pg. 42

A cereal rye cover crop was planted following corn, in late April, on an Iowa farm. The Midwest Cover Crops Council's new tool can help farmers determine the best types of cover crops for their fields. Image courtesy of Tom Kaspar

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ViewView a directory a directory ofof the the Wisconsin Certified Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers Seed Potato Growers your smartphone. on youronsmartphone.

www.potatoseed.org BC�T August 41

Now News …

continued from pg. 41

They also can provide information about the cash crops they are planting and drainage data for their fields.

The tool offers the best cover crop options for the specified conditions.

Clicking on the cover crops brings up data sheets that offer more information about each crop, seeding rates and more.

“This gives good information about the species that will fit each user’s unique situation—their rotations, timeframes and goals,” says Anna Morrow, program manager for the MCCC and a staff member in Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy. “We’ve been able to give users a visual way to take in and process that information.”

UPDATED TOOL The updated tool includes more accurate seeding dates for each county based on 30-year National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration frost date data; changes to seeding dates and rates to align with new research; and is now mobile-friendly and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “We met with farmers, researchers, government agencies, agribusiness leaders and stakeholders in all the states and provinces we represent to get the most up-to-date

The Midwest Cover Crops Council's new selection tool offers cover crop recommendations and seeding dates customized for individual goals and historical weather data by county.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Cover Crops Council

information available and update the tool in ways that would be most beneficial for our users,” Morrow explains.

“This tool is good for farmers who want to get started with or who are currently using cover crops and need to get reliable, current information to help them make the best decisions for their operations,” she notes.

The tool has updated data for Iowa,

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Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario. North Dakota and South Dakota, which were not part of the original tool, have been added.

The remaining four states, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, have been recently updated or added to the tool and will be updated again over the next two years.

The MCCC will hold a live, onehour webinar at noon Eastern (11 a.m. Central), September 23, to demonstrate the new tool and answer questions. To register for the webinar, view a recorded version later and access the tool, go to www. mccc.msu.edu/selector-tool/.

The updates were made possible by funding from North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and Grain Farmers of Ontario.

John Deere Launches LEAP Coalition Website

Focus is on the preservation of Black-owned farmland in rural U.S. communities John Deere launched www.Deere. com/LEAP, the official website for the LEAP (Legislation, Education, Advocacy and Production Systems) coalition. The site serves as a comprehensive resource that explains why LEAP is important to farmers.

In 2020, John Deere, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced the establishment of LEAP, which is focused on the work needed to improve the lives and livelihoods of Black farmers with a particular emphasis on the preservation of Black-owned farmland in rural communities throughout the United States.

“John Deere has always been focused on its customers and the farming community, and the company also has a rich history of advocating for and investing in opportunities to advance social and economic change,” says Tharlyn Fox, a John Deere employee and manager of LEAP. “If you combine that history with the leadership and expertise we have in agriculture, John Deere is uniquely positioned to help address issues such as Heirs’ Property and to further unlock the economic potential of all farmers,” Fox notes.

Heirs’ Property Heirs’ property—land jointly owned by descendants of someone who did not leave a legal will, thereby leaving them without a clear title to the land—is the leading cause of involuntary land loss among Black landowners.

Land that is passed down without a will is delegated to surviving family members by way of fractional ownership, meaning any heir can divide or sell the land.

The coalition is working with

LEAP is dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of over 60 million acres of land currently owned or farmed by Black farmers.

organizations like the Federation of Southern Cooperatives (FSC) and others to provide awareness, expertise and legal resources to help Black and other traditionally underrepresented farmers gain clear title to their land.

LEAP is dedicated to ensuring the

long-term sustainability of over 60 million acres of land currently owned or farmed by Black farmers.

“We have connected with and made significant commitments to Black farmers through our partnerships, and we are dedicated to their success and sustainability,” Fox says.

Sustainable decisions today, for the next generation of growers.

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BC�T August 43

New Products T.I.P. Offers AgGROW PURE AMD System

Sub-micron aerosol is food safe, reaches every nook and cranny and leaves no residue T.I.P. Inc. and AgGrow Solutions introduce the AgGROW PURE AMD high-level disinfection system that kills 100 percent of pathogens in a treated space using a cold sterilant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Improve storage conditions and increase food shelf life with AgGROW PURE’s AMD System, which is effective against mold, bacteria, viruses, fungus and spores.

The sub-micron aerosol, approved for fogging as an adjunct to cleaning on all exposed surfaces, reaches every nook and cranny and is food safe, biodegradable, organic and leaves no residue.

The AMD System is a single compact unit (aerosol generator and vapor removal system) that delivers a dense cloud of fog droplets for the high-level disinfection of large spaces such as those found on farms, in potato and vegetable storages,

44 BC�T August

packing sheds and food processing or shipping areas.

Cut down on food waste and protect your crops from seed to sale!

The dense sub-micron aerosol delivers gas-like performance that offers three-dimensional coverage in large areas.

Treat: • Food (with no rinsing) • Storage • Equipment • Trucks and vehicles • PPE (personal protective equipment) • Any sealable space Specifications: • 50-minute turnaround time from spray to entry • Complete coverage accuracy (no human interaction) • Chemistry flexible • Extremely thin film deposition with sub-micron aerosol • Residue-free process

• Rugged construction • Wireless tablet control and data reporting to PC (personal computer) • Automated vent cover system included • Multiple accessories For more information, please contact T.I.P. and AgGrow Solutions, attn: K. Mehlberg, 1619 County Rd. K, Custer, WI 54423, 715-592-4650, tip@tipinc. net, www.tipinc.net.

Werk-Brau Bucket Has Three-Times Clamping Power With 120 degrees of jaw movement, the PowerGrip eliminates any need for attachments Werk-Brau introduces the PowerGrip Bucket, a multi-purpose implement that enhances a machine’s grading, trenching and clamshell capabilities with precision control.

With 120-degrees of jaw opening and a clamping force three-times that of standard thumbs, the PowerGrip eliminates the need for additional attachments.

The precise control allows users to deftly place materials where desired the first time.

A unique design includes an enclosed rotary actuator hinge in cross-tube.

There are no exposed cylinders or other external moving parts, and no obstruction in jaw or bucket shell, thus reducing the risk of downtime due to cylinder failure.

sides and allow easier dumping.

A variety of tooth options or bolt-on cutting edges are readily available for customization of the PowerGrip to suit specific needs.

Werk-Brau manufactures a complete line of OEM and replacement attachments for excavators, mini excavators, backhoes, mini and fullsize loaders and crawler loaders.

Since 1947, Werk-Brau has been an industry-leading innovator, designing and producing specialty products for the heavy equipment industry.

The company’s products are made in the USA and sold through equipment dealers and distributors worldwide.

More than 70 years after its founding, the core principles of the company remain relevant: “Provide customers with the utmost service and quality, and maintain the quality that bears the Werk-Brau name.”

For more information on Werk-Brau products, contact Dale DeWeese at 800-537-9561, email sales@WerkBrau.com or visit www.Werk-Brau. com.

Clamping force is consistent throughout the jaws’ full range of motion, and operators can maintain a load regardless of positioning. With equal force exerted at both sides, there is no jaw twisting during use.

This quick-coupler compatible design uses the existing auxiliary hydraulic circuit and includes standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) lugging for fast and easy installation.

Werk-Brau PowerGrip Buckets are available in various sizes and widths to fit up to 50,000-pound machines with customization options available, making them ideal for handling rocks, scrap material, logs and more.

DITCHING AND DIGGING Two different cutting edges within one bucket allow the operator to switch between ditching and digging without changing buckets.

High strength steel is used throughout the weldment, and hardened, greaseable bushings are utilized at all pivot points. Tapered side plates reduce wear on bucket BC�T August 45

NPC News

LaJoie Hosts NPC Executive Committee in Maine Group visited McCrum fry plant, LaJoie Growers and LaBrie Farms LLC For the first time since February 2020, the National Potato Council (NPC) Executive Committee met in person the last full week of June for policy and organizational discussions.

Graciously hosted by 2021 NPC President and Maine potato grower Dominic LaJoie and the Maine Potato Board, the meeting took place in Presque Isle where the group visited

National Potato Council President Dominic LaJoie (front left) hosted the Executive Committee in Maine for policy and organizational discussions.

As part of a meeting that took place in Presque Isle, Maine, the NPC Executive Committee toured the McCrum French fry plant (left) and LaBrie Farms LLC (right).

46 BC�T August

operations at the McCrum fry plant, LaJoie Growers LLC and LaBrie Farms LLC. “It was wonderful to be able to meet in person with my colleagues on the NPC Executive Committee and to show off our great industry here in Maine,” LaJoie says.

“I’m extremely thankful how the NPC and entire potato industry have dealt with the past 15 months. We are very optimistic about the reopening of our country and a strong return to more normal times as Potato Expo 2022 approaches,” LaJoie concludes.

From left to right, NPC Executive Committee members Ted Tschirky, Dominic LaJoie and R.J. Andrus show off their best farmer stances during a tour that was part of the June visit and policy/organizational discussions in Maine.

Potato Research Funded in Appropriations Bill On July 1, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee held a markup for the FY22 (fiscal year 2022) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bills.

The total allocations include $26.55 billion, or 10 percent above FY21

funding levels.

Backed by NPC and its state partners, the bill includes $2.75 million in funding for NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) potato research, which supports competitive breeding projects across the country.

The bill also includes the SCRI (Specialty Crop Research Initiative) matching waiver and language that prevents the U.S. Department of Agriculture from limiting potato access to the school breakfast program for the 2022-’23 academic year.

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.

BC�T August 47

Badger Beat Consumer Buying Habits Change During Pandemic Which of those changes are temporary and which will become part of the “new normal?”

By Paul Mitchell, UW-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Agriculture & Applied Economics

“The only constant in life is change” is a quote attributed

BADGER BEAT

to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. I think many of us were aware of the major trends and changes affecting the potato and vegetable industry, and then came the coronavirus pandemic Headline:

consumption has ranged between 10 and 20 pounds per person over the last 50 years, well below fresh and frozen potato consumption, but both have been on a slow increasing trend over the last decade.

The key point is that, on a per capita basis, potato consumption has been increasing in recent years for all categories except fresh, but even fresh consumption seems to have nearly stopped its decline.

As a result, total potato consumption per person in the United States has been on a slowly increasing trend since about 2011, but any such increase has been driven mostly by frozen products and chips.

For moreBuying thanHabits a year, it has years based on data from the U.S. Consumer Change During Pandemic dominated the news and changed the Department of Agriculture Economic Subhead: Research Service (USDA ERS) (2021a). way we live and eat. As life begins to Which of those changes are temporary and which will become part of the “new normal?” return to some sense of normalcy, a Fresh potatoes were the largest Figure 2 shows the per capita big challenge facing many industries, category consumed until 1990 consumption of sweet corn and snap

By Paul Mitchell, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Agriculture & Applied Economics including theUW-Madison potato and vegetable when frozen became the largest, beans over the last 40 years based on industry, is determining which the latter dominated by French fries data from the USDA ERS (2021a). changes are temporary and which KAY, the only illustrations (graphs/charts) are already placed within theproducts, text below. Thanks. and related primarily for Sweet corn has always been more will be part of the “new normal.” consumption away from home at popular than snap beans, and so the restaurants and similar This the “Badger Beat,” “Themonth only inconstant in life is Ichange” is a quote attributed to thevenues. ancient Greek philosopher top three lines are for sweet corn.

Heraclitus.

I think many of us were aware of and the majorOver trendsthe and changes and vegetable industry, look at previous trends in potato last 50affecting years, the perpotato capita Canned sweet corn was the largest and then cameconsumption the coronavirus pandemic. vegetable within the consumption of fresh potatoes consumed category until about 1995 United andit has then information has been on we a long, slow decline, For more States than a year, dominated the news and changed the way live and eat. As life begins to return to some but has been on a continual decline on what happened in the last sense of normalcy, a big challenge facingyear many industries, vegetable is determining butincluding seemsthe to potato have and leveled off industry, in over the entire period to become the whichachanges are temporary with and which will be part ofrecent the “newyears. normal.” and half, concluding some On a per capita basis, least consumed category by 2000. thoughts on new consumer trends consumption of frozen potato This month in the “Badger Beat,” I look at previous trends in potato and vegetable consumption within the United States Initially, frozen and fresh sweet that willinformation impact the industry. products peaked in 1996 then and then on what happened in the last year and half, concluding with some and thoughts on new consumer corn consumption were increasing trends that will impact the industry. declined, but in recent years has Figure 1 shows the per capita on a per capita basis, but also have to increase again. consumption in the of potatoesbegun Figure 1 shows theof perpotatoes capita consumption in the United States over the last 50 years based on data from been in decline over the last 10 or the U.S. Department of Agriculture ResearchChips Serviceand (USDA ERS) (2021a). potato product dehydrated United States over the last Economic 50 more years. Overall, sweet corn consumption per person in the United States has been in decline for Fresh Frozen Chips Dehy quite some time.

70 Canned snap beans have always been the most popular category but show a continually declining consumption trend on a per capita basis over this period.

Pounds per Person

60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

Figure 1 shows potato consumption in the U.S. by category. (Source: USDA ERS 2021a)

2015

Figure 1 shows potato consumption in the U.S. by category. (Source: USDA ERS 2021a) 48 BC�T August

2020

Frozen snap bean consumption has remained at around 2 pounds per person for several years, while fresh snap bean consumption has been rising in recent years to nearly reach

Figure 2 shows the per capita consumption of sweet corn and snap beans over the last 40 years based on data from USDA ERS (2021a).

levels not seen since 2010.

Overall, total per capita consumption for these three vegetables has generally been declining. Peak per capita consumption for potatoes and sweet corn were both in 1996, with 145 pounds for potatoes and 29 for sweet corn, while snap beans peaked in 2006 at 7.9 pounds.

The lowest consumption for these happened in 2016 for potatoes, 2019 for sweet corn and 2014 for snap beans, all within the last few years.

Only potatoes show some possibility of a positive trend in total per capita consumption.

-----------------Snap Beans----------------

-----------------Sweet Corn----------------Canned

Frozen

Fresh

Canned

Frozen

14 12

Pounds per Person

Though canned sweet corn and snap beans are the two most important commercial vegetable crops in Wisconsin by acres and value, the key point to note is that per capita consumption of both has been in decline for at least 40 years.

Fresh

10 8 6 4 2 0 1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

Figure 22illustrates sweet corncorn and and snapsnap bean bean consumption in the U.S. by category.

(Source: USDA ERS 2021a) Figure illustrates sweet consumption in the U.S. by category.

(Source: USDA ERS 2021a)

Sweet corn has always been more popular than snap beans, and so the top three lines are for sweet corn. Canned sw corn was the largest consumed category until about 1995 but has been on a continual decline over the entire period become the least consumed category by 2000.

Initially, frozen and fresh sweet corn consumption were increasing on a per capita basis, but also have been in declin over the last 10 or more years. Overall, sweet corn consumption per person in the United States has been in decline quite some time.

Canned snap beans have always been the most popular category but show a continually declining consumption tren a per capita basis over this period.

Despite these negative or stagnant trends per person, total production and sales of potatoes keep increasing because the U.S. population is growing.

However, U.S. population growth is not enough to offset declining per capita consumption of sweet corn or snap beans, so total consumption is also declining, especially for sweet corn.

PANDEMIC EFFECT Figure 3 from the USDA ERS (2021b) shows how U.S. food sales changed because of the pandemic.

Monthly sales for 2019 are given as a baseline. The gray line shows total food sales by month. The large decline in April 2020, when the pandemic shutdown started, is apparent.

Total food sales dropped 22 percent from the month before, and then slowly recovered. However, total food sales for 2020 were still 5.4 percent lower than in 2019, even as food prices began to rise in 2020. continued on pg. 50 BC�T August 49

Monthly sales for 2019 are given as a baseline. The gray line shows total food sales by month. The large decline in Ap 2020, when the pandemic shutdown started, is apparent.

Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 49

Food insecurity was a reality for many who lost their jobs and food banks saw, and continue to see, large increases in demand relative to preCOVID times.

The bottom bars split sales into food at home and food away from home.

Before the pandemic, more than half of all spending on food was for away-from-home consumption at places like restaurants, schools and workplace cafeterias.

The pandemic reversed this longstanding trend. The sudden spike in at-home spending for food, in March 2020, was the rush on grocery stores that left many shelves empty. During this spike, canned vegetables had the largest jump in sales among all fruit and vegetable categories.

Sales of canned vegetables more than doubled in March 2020 relative to sales in March 2019 (Roerink 2021).

The decline in food-away-from-home spending began in March 2020 as the pandemic started, was at its lowest in April 2020 and had not recovered by the end of 2020.

People stayed home and cooked more, with spending on food at home remaining well above 2019 levels and easily exceeding spending on food away from home, the first time this has happened in over a decade.

Change Compared to 2 Years Ago

Sales

Figure 2019-2020 foodfood salessales are shown in the United ERS 2021b) Figure3.3 Total Totalmonthly monthly 2019-2020 are shown in the States.

United(Source: States.USDA (Source: USDA

ERS 2021b)

Total food sales dropped 22 percent from the month before, and then slowly recovered. However, total food sales fo vegetables a short-lived VEGGIE BENEFIT 2020 were SALES still 5.4 percent lower than in 2019, even ascanned food prices began to risewas in 2020.

All categories of vegetable sales in retail stores benefited from this shift (Roerink 2021). From March to December 2020, the average increase in monthly spending relative to the previous year was up 16 percent for fresh vegetables, 25 percent for frozen and 29 percent for canned.

However, the consumer preference for frozen and fresh vegetables relative to canned vegetables noted in Figures 1 and 2 reappeared.

In December 2020, sales of canned vegetables were up 9.6 percent relative to December 2019, while sales of frozen and fresh vegetables were up 16.4 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively.

The huge jump in demand for Volume

40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1-Oct-20 -5%

31-Oct-20

30-Nov-20

30-Dec-20

29-Jan-21

28-Feb-21

30-Mar-21

29-Apr-21

-10%

phenomenon as consumers initially dealt with the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Food spending at grocery stores has begun to return to pre-pandemic levels but is still up relative to spending in 2019.

USDA-ERS data show that spending on food at retail stores in April 2021 was up more than 18 percent compared to 2019, with spending on all vegetables (fresh and processed) almost 20 percent higher than in April of 2019.

Some of this increase in spending is due to higher prices, but volumes are also up.

Figure 4 shows the percentage of change in weekly spending on vegetables and the volume of vegetables sold at retail stores compared to two years ago, for 31 weeks, from the first week of October 2020 until the first week of May 2021.

The average increase over all 31 weeks is 15 percent for sales and 7 percent for volume. The difference between sales and volume is largely due to price increases.

However, the point is clear, vegetable sales at grocery stores are up compared to pre-pandemic levels,

Figure 4. Illustrated is the percentage change in weekly sales and volume sold of all vegetables at retail stores compared

Figure 4 Illustrated is the percentage change in weekly sales and volume sold of all vegetables to two years ago based on data from USDA ERS (2021b). at retail stores compared to two years ago based on data from USDA ERS (2021b).

50 BC�T August

The average increase over all 31 weeks is 15 percent for sales and 7 percent for volume. The difference between sales and volume is largely due to price increases.

just as for all food categories in grocery stores.

POST-PANDEMIC CHANGES As we move into a post-pandemic phase, what will the recovery look like for food away from home and how has the pandemic changed our food purchases for at-home consumption?

We still do not know, but that has not stopped many from writing about it because the stakes are high as Americans spend more than $1.5 trillion on food annually.

Figure 3 shows that the recovery for food away from home has been slow and has not reached pre-pandemic levels as of December 2020. I found no data for 2021, but spending has likely recovered even more, though still below pre-pandemic levels and likely to remain there for quite some time.

Several factors are apt to keep spending on food away from home lower than before the pandemic (Renner et al. 2021).

The pandemic forced many structural changes in workplaces and business travel that are likely to continue.

Many people learned how to work remotely at home and found that they prefer it, with companies and organizations realizing they can maintain productivity and reduce costs.

Also, less work travel is needed. We have learned how to use software to have productive online/remote meetings that eliminate or greatly reduce the need for travel. Both trends were in progress before the pandemic but have been greatly accelerated by it. Both will reduce spending on food away from home.

In addition, many people experienced substantial income losses and suffered financial setbacks during the pandemic. Demand at food banks and reliance on food assistance has increased, but it goes beyond that.

EATING AT HOME Cooking and eating at home are a lower cost alternative, and many people will choose to curtail food away from home spending.

Finally, consumer preferences have changed. People have gotten better at cooking at home and entertaining themselves and others at home, and like it more.

it seems likely that those unaffected by these and similar factors will not expand their spending enough to compensate.

Thus, I expect food-at-home spending to exceed spending on food away from home for several months at least.

Also, mentalities have changed. Some people are still uncomfortable with visiting at restaurants and large social gatherings and will likely continue to be for some time.

Another important unknown is how consumer spending at grocery stores will continue to evolve as the pandemic wanes. Spending at grocery stores has declined from midpandemic peaks but will likely remain above pre-pandemic levels.

Many experts continue warning about coronavirus variants and the possibility of resurgence, vaccinations rates have slowed, and cases continue almost unablated in some nations. The pandemic is not over.

Some pre-pandemic trends will resume. For example, I do not think canned vegetable consumption has turned a corner and will increase.

Rather, the long, slow decline evident in Figures 1 and 2 will return.

All these factors will reduce spending on food away from home. Though we do not yet have more current data on spending on food away from home,

FOOD UNCERTAINTY The spike in demand in March and April of 2020 was a consumer continued on pg. 52

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Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 51

response to food uncertainty in the face of something that few of us had ever experienced.

I am not hopeful for the long-term growth for canned sweet corn and snap beans. The future of potatoes and vegetables seems to be fresh and frozen.

A key area for companies to create or maintain product differentiation will be by developing frozen vegetable products and recipes that consumers can use to cook with, not simply microwave and eat.

Are there ways to make part of the recipe pre-packaged and let the consumer add fresh, frozen or even canned vegetables and still “cook” the dish, just not completely from scratch?

Consumers are also exploring new flavors (Repko 2020), and so finding unique spices and flavor fusions will be an area of growth.

Potatoes are poised to take advantage of this emerging trend, since they are a part of many world cuisines and take on flavors well. For example, consider the many unique potato chip flavors around the world.

U.S. consumers are interested in these flavors more so now than ever before.

One last trend that some Wisconsin producers might find a way to capitalize on is the shift toward online

| Volume 73 No. $22/year | $2/copy

THE VOICE OF

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Leachi Reduce Nitrate AN MEMO RIAL JEFFREY WYM Becomes Reality Kitchen Garden

for Oro Agri, l, area manager with Fran Campbel of potatoes treated checks a trial plot product.

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52 BC�T August

TRY & VEGETABLE INDUS

07 | JULY 2021

shopping, including for groceries, and the continued interest in local foods.

the pandemic are clear just yet, but many will soon be.

ONLINE SHOPPING Grocery stores expanded their offering of online shopping and pickup/delivery services, and consumers plan on increasing use of such services even as the pandemic ends.

These changes have created opportunities for Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable industry, some of which can be used to offset the slow decline in consumer demand for canned vegetables.

Unique packaging and product options might need to be developed to better serve this market and ensure product quality.

References Renner, B., J. Cook. And S. Rogers. 2021.

Surprise ingredients in the post-pandemic food story. Deloitte. Online: https://www2. deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consumerbusiness/articles/food-service-restaurantbusiness-trends-post-covid.html

Similarly, consumer interest in purchasing local foods increased, particularly when combined with online shopping and home delivery.

Wisconsin cheese and meat products have an obvious advantage in this market, but opportunities may exist for potato and vegetable products as well.

Are there partially processed or pre-made foods with significant amounts of potatoes and vegetables that represent the Wisconsin image for regional or even national online sales?

Change seems to be the only constant in life and the coronavirus pandemic has certainly brought a lot of change. In the short-term, the pandemic brought increased demand for some of Wisconsin’s key potato and vegetable products.

Longer term, not all the changes in consumer preferences brought on by

Repko, M. 2020. The pandemic’s new chefs and foodies: How the health crisis shaped what we cook and crave. CNBC. Online: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/29/evenafter-pandemic-companies-may-have-tocater-to-a-nation-of-aspiring-chefs-foodies. html Roerink, A. 2021. 2020: A Year Like No Other for the Produce Department. Produce Blue Book, January 14, 2021. Online: https://www. producebluebook.com/2021/01/14/2020a-year-like-no-other-for-the-producedepartment/#.

USDA Economic Research Service (ERS).

2021a. Vegetables and Pulses Yearbook Tables. USDA ERS, Washington, DC. Online: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ vegetables-and-pulses-data/vegetables-andpulses-yearbook-tables/.

USDA Economic Research Service (ERS).

2021b. COVID-19 Economic Implications for Agriculture, Food, and Rural America: Food and Consumers. USDA ERS, Washington, DC. Online: https://www.ers.usda.gov/covid-19/ food-and-consumers/.

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Auxiliary News

By Devin Zarda, vice president, WPGA

The Auxiliary thanks out-going board members Kathy Bartsch (left) and Deniell Bula (right) for their commitment and service over the years. They have been a true inspiration and their dedication to the potato industry speaks volumes.

Hello, friends! I hope that

summer has been treating you well!

In June, we held the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Annual Meeting. Of course, Wisconsin decided to make things a bit challenging when it came to the weather. We went from 90 degrees the week before to barely breaking 60.

We had decided to have our meeting outside to be able to maintain social distancing guidelines, so we held it at Blue Gill Park in Rib Mountain. If you have not been there, go visit. The park is gorgeous!

During our meeting, we said thank you to our out-going board members, Past President Kathy Bartsch and Deniell Bula. Both ladies have completed their second three-year

The 2021-’22 Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board members are, from left to right, Becky Wysocki, Heidi Schleicher (secretary/treasurer), Marie Reid, Brittany Bula, Devin Zarda (president), Jody Baginski and Datonn Hanke (vice president).

terms, so they will be stepping down off our board.

potatoes, love for the industry and fresh ideas.

Kathy and Deniell have made a lasting impact on the Board by promoting our causes, whether through the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program, baked potato booth at the Wisconsin State Fair, our scholarship program or the new Potatoes in the Classroom initiative. Thank you, ladies, for everything you have done.

Finally, this will be my last article for a while. With Kathy going off the Board, I will be stepping into the role as president. Datonn Hanke will be our new vice president writing the Auxiliary News column each month, and Heidi Schleicher is filling the secretary/treasurer role.

Since we have two members stepping down, that means we have two new people on the Board of Directors.

Heidi Schleicher and Becky Wysocki, both from the Wysocki Family of Companies/RPE, Inc., will be joining our board.

I am excited to see them becoming involved because of their passion for

Thank you for reading my articles over the last four years. It has been fun and challenging to write these while keeping readers informed of our goings-on. I will be passing my pen to Datonn, who I am certain will do an amazing job.

Sincerely,

Devin

BC�T August 53

McCain COMMITS TO REGENERATIVE AG PRACTICES FOR ALL ITS POTATOES BY 2030 Company promises to implement sustainable farming on 100 percent of its 370,000 acres worldwide Reprinted with permission from PotatoPro.com On June 21, 2021, McCain Foods released its second Global Sustainability Report, “Together, Towards Planet-Friendly Food.”

As part of the report, the company pledges that it will implement regenerative agricultural practices across 100 percent of its potato

acreage, representing 370,000 acres worldwide, by 2030.

This transition will restore and protect soil health and quality, and look to natural processes to control pests, prevent plant disease and strengthen crops against severe weather events.

“The pandemic has put a spotlight

squarely on the precarious nature of our global food system,” says Max Koeune, chief executive officer of McCain Foods.

“But the largest challenges we face are related to climate change,” he notes. “It’s estimated that a quarter of manmade carbon emissions come from the production of food, and if we have to grow more food to feed more people, that will only intensify.”

“If we don’t transform the way we grow food,” Koeune proposes, “the whole system is at risk of suffering irreparable damage.”

REGENERATIVE AG “Our belief in regenerative agriculture goes back to our roots as a farm business,” he says. “As a global leader in food production, McCain has a responsibility to re-imagine the way we grow a potato in a way that is beneficial for both the planet and the communities where we operate.”

“We have to act today to make things better tomorrow,” Koeune says.

Regenerative agriculture calls back to

54 BC�T August

a time when farming was based more on biology than chemistry, with a focus on soil health and quality.

A sustainable farming practice, regenerative agriculture promotes biodiversity, more plant cover on fields throughout the year, minimizing soil disturbances and maximizing crop diversity as ways to increase water efficiency, protect against erosion, pump more nutrients into the earth, create greater resilience to droughts and floods, capture more carbon and increase the yield and quality per acre.

McCain’s annual Global Sustainability Report tracks the progress of commitments made in its initial sustainability report issued last year and makes a series of new commitments to help it move towards its climate objectives.

“We are committed to helping and protecting British potato growers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the potato crop,” says Howard Snape, president at McCain Foods’ regional locations in Great Britain and Ireland.

“The impacts of climate change are all too real and our farmers have been hit immensely hard in recent years, having faced a major drought and the wettest harvest on record,” Snape remarks.

Howard Snape, regional president at McCain Foods Great Britain and Ireland, says, “This announcement will be critical in helping us reduce our collective carbon footprint while building a resilient supply chain in which everyone can thrive.”

grant funding and sustainable contracts, all of which will help British farmers manage the increasingly erratic weather caused by climate change as well as the impact of COVID-19.

“The benefits of regenerative farming are clear. Improving soil health,

increasing biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions all play an incredibly important role in helping the farm ecosystem and improving our environment,” says James Pick, a 22-year-old English potato farmer for McCain Foods based in North Yorkshire. continued on pg. 56

REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT “This announcement will be critical in helping us reduce our collective carbon footprint while building a resilient supply chain in which everyone can thrive,” he says.

McCain’s regenerative agriculture commitment follows its Great Britain and Ireland locations’ pledges to support British farmers through the Farmer’s Pledge, an investment of 25 million euros in the British potato industry, which was made in August 2020.

The investment is split across multiyear growing scheme incentives,

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McCain Commits to Regenerative Ag Practices for all its Potatoes by 2030 . . . continued from pg. 55

“It’s why I’m so proud to be collaborating with McCain to reach the commitment announced today,” he states.

“The commitment to regenerative farming is not simply something that will help me produce in the short-term, but it will protect the land I farm for the future,” Pick adds, “ensuring I can pass this farm down to future generations for years to come.”

Among the commitments in this year’s update beyond its regenerative agriculture pledge are: • Opening three Farms of the Future in different growing regions around the world by 2025 • Reducing carbon emissions from potato farming, storage and freight by 25 percent by 2030 • Reducing carbon emissions from all operations by 50 percent by 2030 • Moving to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030 • Using 100 percent of every potato harvested • Sending zero waste to landfills by 2025 • Removing palm oil from all McCain branded products by 2025 • Making 100 percent of packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 • Donating 200 million meals to

A 22-year-old potato farmer for McCain Foods based in North Yorkshire, England, James Pick says the benefits of regenerative farming are clear in improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

global foodbanks and non-profit organizations (NGO’s) by 2025 McCain has also tracked its progress against commitments it made in its inaugural Global Sustainability Report last year, including: • A six percent reduction in absolute carbon emissions across the company’s global operations • A two percent decrease in water use in water-stressed regions • A five percent increase in use of renewable electricity

“The commitment to regenerative farming is not simply something that will help me produce in the short-term, but it will protect the land I farm for the future.”

– James Pick 56 BC�T August

• Donating 53 million meals—an estimated 17,637 tons of food—to foodbanks and NGO’s worldwide throughout 2020 McCain will implement regenerative agricultural practices on its three Farms of the Future, the first of which is now operational in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada.

The purpose is to demonstrate that these agricultural practices, supported by technology and innovation, can be implemented at scale and be economically viable for farmers.

Learn more about McCain’s sustainability commitments as well as its journey towards regenerative agriculture in “Together, Towards Planet-Friendly Food, 2020 Global Sustainability Report Summary” by visiting https://www.mccain. com/media/3607/mccainfoodssustainabilityreportsummary2020. pdf.

Potatoes USA News Research Projects Provide Impact to U.S. Potato Industry One important endeavor for the production research team at Potatoes USA is coordinating the efforts of the Potato Research Advisory Committee (PRAC). This committee seeks to rally the industry around attaining research dollars for scientific projects that will provide the greatest impact for potato.

Over the last five years, there have been some important “project wins” for the potato industry from the U.S. Department of Agriculture SCRI (Specialty Crop Research Initiative).

PRAC gets consensus on research

priorities, communicates them to potato scientists across the United States and gathers proposal ideas.

After that, PRAC evaluates which of these proposals the industry would like to see move forward in the funding process.

Industry members then write letters of support for the selected projects, which is a critical component of the submitted proposal package.

There are five current projects stamped with PRAC endorsements that have gained SCRI funding. Each project is a success for PRAC and

potato growers.

Here is a look at the projects contributing to the future of the U.S. potato industry: Soil Health in Potato Cropping Systems This project seeks to evaluate how novel management practices, including rotations, biofumigants, continued on pg. 58

Above: One of five Potatoes USA research projects evaluates soil health in potato cropping systems and how novel management practices influence yield and impact soil-borne diseases. In this image, John Bobek (left) of Trembling Prairie Farms, Markesan, Wisconsin, shows muck soil to attendees of the 2019 National Potato Council Summer Meeting. Attendees include Kevin Schleicher (second from left) of Wysocki Family of Companies.

BC�T August 57

Potatoes USA News . . . continued from pg. 57

carbon additions, bio-stimulants and reduced tillage, affect soil health indicators and microbial community structure and how these, in turn, influence potato yield and the impact of soil-borne diseases.

The project’s top priorities are identifying and effectively communicating best management practices to improve soil health, control soil-borne diseases and optimize potato yield.

Dickeya: Integrating Next-Generation Technologies for Management of Bacterial Soft Rot Pathogens of Potato This project was initiated on behalf of the industry because of the blackleg outbreak seen in potatoes in 2014-’15, with a primary focus on actionable knowledge for the seed segment of the industry.

Three big realizations for the industry were: the need for detection tools 58 BC�T August

and the development of primers for a higher number of species than were historically identified; the negative synergistic impact on yields when both Dickeya and Pectobacteria are coupled together in a seed lot; and the nominal risk of seed cutting in the initiation of the disease.

The project is wrapping up this year, emphasizing economic analysis and transferring lines and biochemical markers for blackleg resistance to breeding programs.

Future needs include continued monitoring for new strains of Dickeya and Pectobacterium that escape current detection methods and identifying the combination of metabolites and proteins found in wild potatoes that provide the most protection against blackleg, with an aim towards breeding more resistant varietals.

Development of Sustainable System-

Above: The Dickeya project was initiated on behalf of the industry as a result of the blackleg (example shown) outbreak seen in potatoes in 2014-’15, with a primary focus on actionable knowledge for the seed segment of the industry.

Based Management Strategies for Two Vector-Borne, Tuber Necrotic Viruses in Potato “Potato Virus Initiative: Developing Solutions”—Those are the five words this team chose to define their efforts. And the word “solutions” is key, with project objectives focused on short-, medium- and long-term improvements in the battle against Potato virus Y (PVY) and potato moptop virus (PMTV).

In the short term, the team works with seed potato certification agencies on high throughput detection strategies. Then they focus on field management strategies in the mid-term.

Finally, the team identifies molecular marker diagnostics for PVY and PMTV resistance genes, thus guiding the breeding community in their efforts towards disease-resistant varieties.

It all adds up to an in-depth strategy for two diseases that PRAC identified as especially relevant to the potato grower community.

Diploid Breeding Project Potato growers need varieties that use fewer inputs and consistently deliver high yields and quality potatoes. The polyploid genome of potatoes has made it difficult to achieve this goal.

The diploid breeding project is a bold effort to reduce the potato genome and develop inbred lines that can be combined more predictably for complex traits and improved incrementally for simple traits, similar

to how corn is bred.

Polyploid Breeding Project Establishing the parental value of a breeder’s germplasm faster and more effectively is the essence of this project (the potato breeding community is partnering with other breeders of polyploid specialty crops).

A great tool for potato breeders is a computational technique called “genomic selection,” which combines historical data from state and national trials with genomic markers to predict the breeding value of new clones, allowing superior parents to be identified faster.

This analysis is richer today because more data exists in online trial databases (the efforts of the industry to establish online trial databases are worthy of a separate discussion).

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During this project, industry breeders are taking a journey together to learn and begin utilizing these new computational tools.

By working together, the industry is winning SCRI funded projects more consistently and gaining consensus on initiatives with the greatest relevance.

Many thanks to the PRAC members, the scientists who seek to solve our biggest problems and lay out a vision for future industry improvements and the industry members who have assisted with letters of support for contributing to this effort. It has been a winning combination.

For questions about PRAC or the projects discussed, please contact John Lundeen at JohnL@ PotatoesUSA.com or Alyssa Green at Alyssa@PotatoesUSA.com. continued on pg. 60

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BC�T August 59

Potatoes USA News . . . continued from pg. 59

Nominations Open for 2022 Potatoes USA Board Members Potatoes USA announces nominations are now open for new board members for the 2022-’25 term.

The Board is seeking nominees to fill a total of 58 open seats for producers from the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, as well as importers and a public member.

Potatoes USA is the nation’s potato research and promotion organization and is the central organizing force in implementing programs to strengthen demand for U.S. potatoes.

Potatoes USA provides the ideas, information, tools and inspiration for the industry to unite in achieving common goals.

production regions and Potatoes USA by recruiting board members who will take an active interest in participating on the Board.

A board member should communicate the interests of his/her production region to the Board and carry the message of the Board back to his/her farming community.

leadership to fill an open spot representing your state, please contact your state program manager.

A nominee for Potatoes USA should be willing to:

Alternatively, contact Carrie Connelly at the Potatoes USA office in Denver.

• Attend the Board’s Annual meeting held in March each year of the three-year term, 2022-’25;

Carrie Connelly Executive Administrator and Director of HR Potatoes USA 303-369-7783 carrie@potatoesusa.com

• Be active in the potato growing community; • Be visible in community work and participate in local government, cultural or business affairs— someone who is a leader; • Be willing to represent and communicate with his/her constituents on a regular basis; • Take the time to actively support Potatoes USA programs in his/her area; and

Appointed growers will be seated on the Board at the 2022 Annual Meeting in Denver, March 8-10, 2022.

• Speak to grower groups, newspaper reporters and interested parties about Potatoes USA programs, relating the value of the Board to all growers, how the 3-cent per hundredweight assessment is invested and ask for input from those interested in becoming active in the promotion of potatoes.

Board Member Guidelines It serves the good of both potato

If you are interested in being considered by your state grower

All state potato organizations have received the information and materials to begin the process of seeking and nominating interested growers.

60 BC�T August

The nominating process will be completed by August 15, 2021.

Diversity Statement The Department of Agriculture’s programs are open to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or marital status, and it is Potatoes USA’s policy that membership on the Board and its committees reflects the diversity of individuals served by its programs.

It is therefore the Board’s policy to have the representation of producers from diverse backgrounds on its board and strongly encourages women, younger growers, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nominations to the Board and to participate in the Board’s activities.

Ali's Kitchen Breakfast Fries Inspired by a Message Home

A winning recipe calls for crispy fries, smokey bacon and poached eggs with golden centers Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary I recently received a text from my husband, Mike, who at the time was traveling for a Potatoes USA meeting.

It was a picture of his breakfast and a hurriedly typed message saying, “Breakfast fries. Common’Tater idea?” I responded with “Love it!” and began taking note of the

ingredients I could decipher from the texted photo.

Upon his return, Mike shared the details of the hotel restaurant and his quick stop for food before hitting the road to catch a plane for home.

Together, we constructed our version continued on pg. 62

INGREDIENTS: Breakfast Fries Serves 4

• Frozen crinkle cut fries (26 oz. bag) • 4 large eggs • 2 Tbsp. white vinegar • 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped • 1 small tomato, chopped • 1 avocado, diced • chives, chopped

Chipotle Garlic Sour Cream • 1/2 cup sour cream • 1/8 tsp. cumin • 1 tsp. minced garlic • 1 tsp. chipotle paste (or a few dashes of hot sauce) • Salt and pepper to taste

BC�T August 61

Advertisers Index

Ali's Kitchen. . .

continued from pg. 61

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of Breakfast Fries and the following Sunday decided to give our new recipe a trial run.

Wow, so good! But honestly, it is hard to go wrong with crispy fries, smokey bacon and poached eggs, the latter with their golden liquid centers!

DIRECTIONS Prepare the fries following the instructions on the packaging. We used our air fryer to speed up the cook time and had great results.

While fries are baking, mix up the chipotle garlic sour cream by combining all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, cover and set aside.

Prepare the poached eggs as the fries are just about finished crisping in the oven or air fryer.

Fill a medium saucepan or cook pot with water until two-thirds full and bring to a light boil. Reduce the heat so water is at a simmer and add the vinegar to the pot.

Carefully crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently pour the egg into the simmering water by carefully 62 BC�T August

dipping the edge of the bowl into the water and gently sliding the egg out.

For best results, be sure the water is barely at a simmer before sliding the eggs into the pot.

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Once all four eggs are in the simmering water, remove the pot from the heat and cover with a lid.

Allow the eggs to cook in the hot water for four to five minutes.

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Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the water and gently place them on a kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb the extra water.

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Now it is time to assemble the breakfast fries!

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Divide the fries between four serving plates or shallow serving bowls.

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Add chopped bacon, tomato and avocado and then top the fries with a poached egg.

Drizzle with a bit of chipotle garlic sour cream and a hefty sprinkle of chopped chives.

Enjoy!

Find more recipes at www.LifeOnGraniteRidge.com.

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