March 2021 Badger Common'Tater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 73 No. 03 | MARCH 2021

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

PLANTING & 2021 GROWER EDUCATION CONFERENCE ISSUE

INTERVIEW:

DAN WILD

WISCONSIN IS A LEADER In Chip Potato Industry GROWER ED CONFERENCE Proceeds in Virtual Format

PRESIDENT Wild Seed Farms, Inc.

HOW COLORADO POTATO Beetles Beat Insecticides

Tom Wild (left) and Brian Bunnell (right) watch as cut, certified potato seed is loaded into a planter at Wild Seed Farms, Inc.

PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES Need Not Avoid Eating Potatoes

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On the Cover: Anticipation was in the air as cut certified seed potatoes

were loaded into an Underhaug planter on Wild Seed Farms, Inc., of Antigo, Wisconsin. Tom Wild is at left in the image alongside Brian Bunnell.

Tom and his wife, Caroline, took helm of Wild Seed Farms in 1995. Their oldest son, Dan, and his wife, Connie, are the fourth generation to own and live on the farm.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW:

Dan Wild is at the controls of the Lenco harvesting certified seed potatoes. President of Wild Seed Farms, Inc. in Antigo, Wisconsin, and this issue’s interviewee, Dan says he feels an obligation to maintain the reputation his dad and grandfather earned by providing quality seed potatoes to customers. “We still deal with many of the same customers today,” Dan says, adding that he realizes the hard work it takes to build a reputation.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 73 AUXILIARY NEWS............... 72 BADGER BEAT.................... 70

34 WISCONSIN A LEADER IN CHIPPING POTATOES

Chip varieties meet criteria to find marketplace success

44

40 PEOPLE

Louis Wysocki named one of industry’s 50 innovative and influential individuals

SEED PIECE

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association holds 61st Annual Meeting

EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 63 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6 MARKETPLACE................... 61 NEW PRODUCTS................ 58 NOW NEWS....................... 54

FEATURE ARTICLES:

NPC NEWS......................... 69

18 GROWER ED CONFERENCE: Researchers present findings to an engaged audience

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

50 COLORADO POTATO BEETLES regulate their DNA, turning select genes on and off

POTATOES USA NEWS........ 60

66 PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES need not avoid eating white potatoes, trial shows

WPIB FOCUS...................... 47

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SNOWDEN • PIKE • ATLANTIC • LAMOKA MEGACHIP • HODAG • MANISTEE SILVERTON • LADY LIBERTY

WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Bill Guenthner Vice President: Alex Okray Secretary: Wes Meddaugh Treasurer: Mike Carter Directors: John Bustamante, Wendy Dykstra, Randy Fleishauer, Charlie Mattek & J.D. Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Richard Okray Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Andy Diercks, Cliff Gagas, John T. Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Chris Brooks Vice President: Julie Cartwright

Secretary: Sally Suprise Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Paul Salm, Matt Selenske, Andy Verhasselt & Justin Yach Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: J.D. Schroeder Vice President: Roy Gallenberg Secretary/Treasurer: Charlie Husnick Directors: Matt Mattek & Jeff Suchon Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Kathy Bartsch Vice President: Devin Zarda Secretary/Treasurer: Datonn Hanke Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Deniell Bula & Marie Reid

Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To advance the interests of WPVGA members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement.

Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: To work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources.

Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409

WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor: Joe Kertzman Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Jane Guillen Spudmobile Education & Outreach Administrator: Doug Foemmel

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

Subscription rates: $2/copy, $22/year; $40/2 years.

Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years.

Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com.

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

BC�T March

5

MARK YOUR

Calendar

MARCH

8-11

30-4/1

POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING Virtual event 60th ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW POSTPONED one year due to COVID-19 coronavirus

31-6/3

11th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS & EUROPATAT 2021 POSTPONED one year due to COVID-19 coronavirus

MAY

JUNE

18

24-26

WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI UNITED FRESH CONVENTION & EXPO 2021 Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA

13

15

20-22

PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING Lake Arrowhead Golf Course Nekoosa, WI RHINELANDER STATE FARM FIELD DAY Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm Rhinelander, WI FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Silver Spring Foods, Huntsinger Horseradish Farm Eau Claire, WI

11

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

29-30

PMA FRESH SUMMIT 2021 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA

5-6

2022 POTATO EXPO Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA

8-10

2022 GROWER ED CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn Convention Center Stevens Point, WI

29-31

60th ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association grounds Oshkosh, WI

30-6/2

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

JULY

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

JANUARY 2022 FEBRUARY

MARCH MAY

6

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Planting Ideas It was an awards ceremony

like no other, and you know, it turned out to be fun. Each year, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) presents Industry and Hall of Fame Awards during a popular and anticipated banquet on Wednesday evening of the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show. Not so much this year.

Because the WPVGA and Associate Division boards had to make the incredibly difficult decision not to hold the 2021 Industry Show, for the health and safety of their members, the Industry and Hall of Fame awards were presented during the Virtual Grower Education Conference, February 2-3, via Zoom. In all, it was an interesting experience.

That’s WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (far right in the photo above) presenting the Hall of Fame awards to Marv (left) and Norm (right) Worzella of Worzella & Sons, Inc. via Zoom during the Grower Education Conference. The virtual event was well attended, and the award winners took what must have seemed a foreign format in stride. When it was their time to accept honors, they unmuted themselves, thanked the presenters and those who nominated and voted for them, and said a few words.

Much of the information and biographical detail gathering was done beforehand over phone and email this year. New Hall of Famers Marv and Norm happened to be enjoying some much-deserved rest and relaxation in Florida. I got to talk briefly on the phone with each of the two deserving, respected and renowned Wisconsin potato growers, who answered my questions and were extremely humble, gracious and knowledgeable.

A few days after the conference, Tamas and I drove around to some of the award winners’ places of business to present, in person, the plaques that we could. It was nice to see those who we have not been able to visit in several months. Some of the plaques, unfortunately, had to be mailed to winners.

Like the potato and vegetable farmers who fight against many odds every year to grow healthy and high-yielding crops, the WPVGA and University of Wisconsin Division of Extension persevered in holding the 2021 Grower Education Conference. See complete coverage of the event in this issue.

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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Foundation & Certified Seed Potatoes

Interview DAN WILD,

president, Wild Seed Farms, Inc

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

TITLE: President

“I like to say that I have an important but easier chapter in this farm’s history,” says Dan Wild, president of Wild Seed Farms, Inc., in Antigo, Wisconsin. “The hard work that my dad and grandfather put in earned a reputation of providing quality seed potatoes to customers, many of whom we still deal with today.”

COMPANY: Wild Seed Farms, Inc.

“I feel an obligation to maintain that reputation,” Dan remarks.

NAME: Dan Wild

LOCATION: Antigo, WI HOMETOWN: Antigo TIME IN PRESENT POSITION: 9 years PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: n/a SCHOOLING: Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Insight FS Board of Directors and past board member, including a stint as president, of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association AWARDS/HONORS: 2011 Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Young Grower of the Year FAMILY: Wife of 25 years, Connie, and daughters, Danielle and Julia (both aged 19) HOBBIES: Hunting, snowmobiling, skiing and spending time on the lake with his family 8

BC�T March

Dan’s grandfather, Leonard Wild, founded Wild Seed Farms in partnership with his father-in-law, Lukas Sikora, in 1948. The duo raised cows, chickens, pigs and about 20 acres of potatoes.

Leonard and Lukas bought their first certified seed potatoes—Chippewa and White Sebago varieties—from WPVGA Hall of Fame grower Bill Hoeft. A few years later, Leonard became a certified seed potato grower and bought seed from WPVGA Hall of Fame grower J.W. Mattek.

son, Robert, has been with the farm since 1982. Leonard’s oldest son, Tom, along with his wife, Caroline, took helm of Wild Seed Farms in 1995.

In 2012, Tom and Caroline’s oldest son, Dan, along with his wife, Connie, took control, becoming the fourth generation to own and live on the farm.

In 1958, Leonard grew his first crop of Sebago certified seed potatoes.

Dan was honored with the WPVGA Young Grower of the Year Award, in 2011, and has served a term on the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) Board of Directors, including a year as president.

The farm has expanded in acreage and technology over the years, with Leonard’s children becoming involved in the potato operation. Leonard’s

Above: Three generations of the Wild family—from left to right, Dan, Leonard and Tom—pose for a picture during harvest, 2018. Current president of Wild Seed Farms, Inc., Dan is this issue’s interviewee.

What does it mean to you, Dan, to represent the fourth generation of potato farmers on Wild Seed Farms, Inc.? Twenty years ago, I remember being at a potato auction. As I was talking to an older gentleman, I introduced myself, stating that I was from Wild Seed Farms. After I said that, he commented “Oh, you have the good seed.”

I remember my response was something like, “Oh, yeah, no one else has good seed.” Then another farmer standing close by said, “No, he is telling the truth.”

farm background in my coursework.

It didn’t take long to switch my major from pre-business to agricultural economics.

Any anecdotes of working on the farm as a kid or young adult? Thirty or 40 years ago, it took a big crew to run this farm. I learned a lot about work ethic from all the family members I worked with.

When I went to college, I found myself coming home to work on weekends during the spring and fall, and for the summers. I also found myself drawn back to my

There were also many non-family people that worked with us over the years. Each seemed to bring special skills or trades that I have learned from. continued on pg. 10

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I told my dad about the conversation, not thinking much of it. The reputation that my Grandpa Leonard made for himself, my dad explained, was what helped sell our quality seed. From that day, I not only realized the hard work that it takes to build a reputation, but how easily it can be lost.

Have you always worked on the farm, and did you know it was what you wanted to do full time? Growing up on the farm, it’s hard to say exactly when I started working. Work can be a pretty loose term for a kid spending time with his dad, grandpa and uncles while they worked.

Above: Brian Bunnell takes care of potato planting on Wild Seed Farms, Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin.

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9

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

As a certified seed potato operation, how are you preparing for the upcoming 2021 growing season? We have just received our Florida winter grow-out results back from the seed certification agency. All FY4 (Field Year 4) seed is shipped off our farm.

FY2 and FY3 are replanted, as well as incoming FY1 NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic seed and seed from the State Farm.

We like to isolate and keep together FY1 and FY2 production, taking into consideration where our potato neighbors are planting. Besides isolating as best we can, keeping them together makes it easier to have a more intensive stylet oil spray program and timely insecticide applications.

Both help to reduce the spread of potato virus. We also plant our headlands in these fields in ryegrass.

How does your offseason differ as a certified seed grower than that of other farmers? Being in certified seed, most of our potatoes are shipped in March and April, and some while we are cutting and planting our own seed.

We have a separate grading line for our own seed. Sanitation is

imperative. Our own seed is all in storage that can be refrigerated. The last few years, we have started pregrading our own seed to separate B-size and condition it prior to cutting. This has worked well.

We recently updated to a 72-inch Better Built seed cutter, which does an excellent job and is a big timesaver during a busy season.

Are you still growing approximately 500 acres of certified seed potatoes, and on what rotation? We are

Above: Red LaSoda seed is laid out for harvest on Wild Seed Farms.

growing 500 acres of certified and foundation seed potatoes each year.

We follow up with oats under-seeded with clover. On the year of a clover crop, we cut it and leave it for organic matter.

This, along with deep tillage, track tractors and being conscious of compaction, have all improved our yield and quality.

Left: Frito-Lay seed potatoes grow on the Wild family home farm.

Right: Drone footage shows 2018 harvest of Frito-Lay seed potatoes at Wild Seed Farms.

10 BC�T March

I believe you raise Atlantic, Red LaSoda 10-3, Superior and Frito-Lay varieties, is that correct? All certified seed? And for fresh and process?

Yes. All are foundation or certified seed. Eighty percent of our seed goes to chip growers. Our Red LaSodas go mostly into Florida for seed. Being a seed supplier for Frito-Lay has been a good fit for us and has worked out well.

Any favorite variety as far as taste or growing that you like? We feel that we have our varieties figured out since we have been raising them for many years. From cutting to planting, every variety is different, from the amount of water required to harvest time after kill, harvest temps and storage.

Frito-Lay has been an asset for raising their varieties.

As far as potatoes to eat, we use Red LaSodas. Connie makes a top-notch loaded twice-baked potato.

“As far as potatoes to eat, we use Red LaSodas. Connie makes a top-notch loaded twice-baked potato.”

– Dan Wild Any off-season machinery or technology purchases, and regardless, what are your newest tools and technologies? This past season, we switched to blind hilling right behind our planter. We recently visited T.I.P., Inc. to work with Steve Tatro on a hill shaper with a diking attachment. This will be a single-pass machine that puts down our sidedress fertilizer.

We keep our equipment quite current so we can do more in less time with less people. We upgraded our harvesting equipment a couple years ago with a six-row Spudnik

windrower and a new Lenco harvester.

The harvester has an Advanced Farm Equipment table, Spudnik Sep table and a holding bin. We also use a Greentronics yield monitor with John Deere’s mapping, a big help in analyzing our farming practices.

How has potato growing changed in your time, and maybe even in the time since your dad, Tom, and grandpa, Leonard, were active in the operation? Besides all the technological advances in equipment continued on pg. 12

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 11

that save us time and labor, we are farming with so much more information than they had in the past.

From simple things like live radar to all the university research that can be found online, to how easy it is to network with other farmers—all of this leads to less wasted resources.

Tom is a member of the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board and you were

on the WSPIA Board, with one term as president. Why is it important to be involved? My dad was very involved, from our local boards to the national level where he served as president of the U.S. Potato Board (now the Potatoes USA Board of Directors). He always stressed the importance of being involved and having your voice heard.

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Left: The Wild family, from left to right, Danielle, Julia, Dan and Connie, takes a selfie on the University of WisconsinMadison campus. Danielle and Julia are freshmen at UW-Madison.

Right: On Wild Seed Farms, Brian Bunnell sprays flowering Frito-Lay seed potato plants.

I think this is extremely important today. Farmers’ stories need to be told when consumers know so little about how potatoes are produced.

I believe your dad is retired now.

Besides yourself, who in your family works the farm and in what capacity(ies)? My dad does call himself retired. That means he takes a little more time off. He is usually here to work when he is in town. My wife, Connie, retired from teaching 10 years ago and now takes care of all our accounting and anything else that needs to be done.

My daughters have helped on the farm for a few years and are now freshmen at UW-Madison. I have hopes that I might have inspired a farmer since they both have interest in science. They tell me not to hold my breath.

I have worked with my uncle, Rob, my whole life, and I am convinced there isn’t much he can’t fix. I have several

employees who have worked here for many years and are key to the operation.

my customers. I can almost always say that I have seen every load of seed that leaves my farm.

What have been your biggest successes and challenges? I believe our biggest success is the good What do you most take pride in, relationships we have with our Dan, in growing certified seed customers. I like to think we have potatoes21-03 andBadger otherCommon'Tater crops? I take the contributed1 to2021-02-04 the success of their (7x5).v1.1.outlines.pdf 12:37 PM most pride in sending quality seed to farms, and in turn, we have been Work is more enjoyable when you surround yourself with good people.

Left: A 72-inch Better Built seed cutter is put to work on Wild Seed Farms. Dan Wild says the new seed cutter does an excellent job and is a big timesaver during a busy season.

Right: From L-R, Dan, Rob and Tom (driving tractor) Wild plant hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) seed potatoes using a modified Monosem air planter.

continued on pg. 14

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

fortunate enough to continue being a supplier for them year after year.

of years to show that we are raising our potatoes in a sustainable way.

The biggest challenges have been the extreme weather conditions seen in the last couple of years. You do the best job you can, but weather will sometimes dictate the outcome of your crop.

From water management, reduced fertilizer inputs and the reduction in electricity and fuel, these are concerns of the companies we deal with and of their customers.

What technologies do you see on the horizon, or changes in the ways of doing things? I believe the newest technologies are going to be in the area of conserving resources. There has been a big push in the last couple

Do you hope to expand your farming operation, and what do you hope for Wild Seed Farms in the future?

From my background in economics, I know our farm could have better efficiencies if we would grow an additional couple hundred acres of

Left: Red LaSoda seed is put into storage after harvest on Wild Seed Farms.

RIght: Dan Wild tops off a truck of seed oats headed to Schumitsch Seed, a familyowned and operated grain milling business, in Antigo.

seed per year. This would improve return on invested capital. For the time being, I am content where we are at.

My hope is that I see a fifth and sixth generation enjoying this way of life.

Tom Wild windrows seed potatoes. Wild Seed Farms upgraded its harvesting equipment a couple years ago with a six-row Spudnik windrower and a new Lenco harvester.

14 BC�T March

Parting shot: Wild Seed Farms trucks are lined up in the farmyard at the end of the day.

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BC�T March 15

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72nd Grower Education Conference

a virtual success

Researcher presentations, Bringing Value to Ag segments and awards ceremonies highlight Zoom event

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater University researchers know how to present their findings to potato and vegetable growers and agriculture industry professionals hungry for information, and they can do it via Zoom if that is the way it has to be.

For the first time in its 72-year history, the Industry Show was not held by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), whose grower and Associate Division board members were forced to make the difficult 18 BC�T March

decision to cancel the event due to COVID-19.

The much-respected University of Wisconsin (UW) Division of Extension & WPVGA Grower Education Conference, which normally takes place at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, Stevens Point, proceeded as scheduled, via Zoom, February 2-3.

It took a Herculean effort by the Grower Education Conference Planning Committee, led by Dr.

Russell L. Groves and Amanda J. Gevens, the WPVGA staff, researchers, company reps and industry professionals to pull off the Virtual Grower Education Conference.

It was worth the effort. Presenting were researchers from the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University, North Dakota State University, the University of Idaho and Oregon State University, all of whom joined forces with representatives from the National Potato Council and Potatoes USA. Above: Though presented virtually, the 2021 UW Division of Extension & WPVGA Grower Education Conference included a full two-day slate of quality and informative research presentations, as well as “Bringing Value to Ag” sessions, which consisted of five 15-minute presentations given by select companies.

More than 200 people registered for the 2021 Virtual Grower Education Conference, and attendance barely wavered for two days.

WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan welcomed Zoom attendees and gave opening remarks on Tuesday, February 2.

“We felt holding this conference virtually was the right thing to do. We have to respect the health and safety of all our industry members above all else, and researchers are on strict university restrictions,” Houlihan said.

VIEW PRESENTATIONS ONLINE Houlihan mentioned that all Grower Education Conference presentations are available to view online at https://WPVGA2021.conferencespot. org/event-data, including a sponsors’ page with company descriptions and links to sponsoring companies’ websites.

At two scheduled timeslots during the Grower Education Conference, Houlihan and outgoing WPVGA Associate Division President Kenton Mehlberg presented Industry Awards to deserving members of the association. For more on the awards, including the WPVGA Hall of Fame inductions, read further on in this article.

In its fifth consecutive year, the WPVGA Associate Division’s “Bringing Value to Agriculture” sessions consisted of five 15-minute presentations given by select companies, namely Focus on Energy, Vive Crop Protection, TriEst Ag Group,

As part of the “Bringing Value to Ag” sessions, consisting of five 15-minute presentations given by select companies, Saurabh Betawadkar from Focus on Energy gave a Zoom presentation on the “Top 5 Ways to Save Energy on Your Crop Farm.”

Dr. Sastry Jayanty, an extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University, discussed “Potato Flavor and Consumer Attitudes.” His motto is, “Improve flavor, improve sales, increase consumer satisfaction and increase grower returns.”

Lindsay/Oasis Irrigation and Swiderski Equipment.

Dr. Jeff Endelman, associate professor, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, discussed “Creating

a New Paradigm for Potato Breeding Based on True Seed” with information about a grant-funded project researching diploid potatoes. continued on pg. 20

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BC�T March 19

72nd Grower Education Conference continued from pg. 19

Dr. Chris Clayton from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in Madison, gave an update on the state’s Nitrate Targeted Performance Standard, specifically a modification to NR 151.

Dr. Carl Rosen, professor, University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water and Climate, presented “Nitrogen Management Strategies for Potato to Reduce Nitrate Leaching.”

Representing the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Renee Rioux gave “Current Perspectives in Seed Certification and Seed Potato Pathology.” continued on pg. 22

The NR 151 rule modification develops a targeted performance standard to abate nitrate pollution in sensitive areas of the state for the purpose of achieving compliance with nitrate groundwater standards.

Nitrogen is a hot topic, not only in the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing community, but across the country and around the world.

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“Pest Evolution and Control in the Genomics Era” was the subject covered by Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellow Zachary Cohen, UW-Madison Department of Entomology.

He specifically focused on the Colorado potato beetle and insecticide resistance.

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Dr. Jed Colquhoun, UW-Madison professor of horticulture, gave an “Integrated Weed Management and Alternative Crops Update.”

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IMPROVE POTATO FLAVOR Dr. Sastry Jayanty, an extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University, discussed “Potato Flavor and Consumer Attitudes.” His motto is, “Improve flavor, improve sales, increase consumer satisfaction and increase grower returns.”

National Potato Council COO Mike Wenkel provided an update on the organization’s initiatives, including plans and proceedings for 2021 and beyond. He specifically mentioned sustainability, climate change and nutrition as themes on which the U.S. Department of Agriculture is focused.

Kayla Dome, Potatoes USA global retail marketing manager, says, in a COVID-19 environment, consumers are stocking their pantries and refrigerators and cooking more at home. Potatoes USA responds online, via social media and through outreach efforts by providing tasty recipes like Skillet Fajita Hash Browns.

“Pest Evolution and Control in the Genomics Era” was the subject covered by Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellow Zachary Cohen, UW-Madison Department of Entomology. He specifically focused on the Colorado potato beetle and insecticide resistance.

Dr. Jed Colquhoun, UW-Madison professor of horticulture, gave an “Integrated Weed Management and Alternative Crops Update,” and Dr. Julie Pasche, associate professor, North Dakota State University Department of Plant Pathology, talked about “Emergence and Prevalence of Potato Mop Top Virus.”

John Toaspern, R.J. Harvey and Kayla Dome presented a Potatoes USA programs update, noting the shift

The global director of potato research and market support for TriEst Ag Group, Dr. Chad Hutchinson talked about “Sustainable Potato Production Systems,” including soil health, soilborne diseases and soil amendments, during a “Bringing Value to Ag” presentation.

from foodservice to retail, in 2020, because of COVID-19 and its effect on the potato and vegetable industry.

Many Potatoes USA initiatives are aimed at community outreach and getting more people to buy more potatoes.

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Agricultural Systems: Challenges and Opportunities” was the discussion topic of Kevin Masarik, groundwater education specialist, UW-Stevens Point.

“Our nitrate challenge,” he said, “is to keep nutrients, particularly nitrate, and maintain nitrogen in the top foot of soil where the root zone is most active, and potato can take it up before it leaches into groundwater.”

Dr. Yi Wang, assistant professor, UWMadison Department of Horticulture, discussed “Improving Sustainability of Potato Production in Wisconsin,” and the groundwater nitrate testing, plant nitrogen status and potato N management studies her team has been conducting.

From the UW-Madison Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences,

Dr. Ankur Desai proposed how we can use science to better predict water availability in places like the Central Sands potato production area of Wisconsin.

NITROGEN UPTAKE “Nitrogen Uptake and Growth Patterns of Russet Varieties” was the topic of UW-Madison Professor Dr. Matthew Ruark and Ashmita Rawal, graduate student, Department of Soil Science.

Dr. Ken Frost, assistant professor, Oregon State University Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, provided insight on “What we are Learning About Potato Soft Rot in the Western United States.”

As part of his discussion, Kevin Masarik, groundwater education specialist, UW-Stevens Point, explained a scientific method of estimating nitrogen leaching potential.

WPVGA Attorney and Lobbyist Jordan Lamb, DeWitt Ross, LLP, gave continued on pg. 24

RIght: From Oregon State University, Dr. Kenneth Frost gave insight into “What we are Learning About Potato Soft Rot in the Western United States.”

continued on pg. 30

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a legislative update, not only on key issues and bills affecting potato and vegetable growers, but on advocacy efforts to ensure farmers, ag industry employees and researchers could keep working during Gov. Tony Evers’ safer at home order.

“We pulled together a coalition of 20 agricultural organizations requesting our workforce be designated ‘essential,’ and that was granted,” Lamb said.

Director of global product management for Lindsay, Wade Sikkink provided information on “Expanding the Circle of Innovation: Increasing Yields Through the Latest in Center Pivot Irrigation Technology.”

Dr. Nora Olsen, University of Idaho professor of plant sciences, talked about “Potato Quality and Bruise,” and the best ways to avoid potato dry rot, shatter bruises and cuts, pressure bruises, black spot and soft rot.

Dr. Russell L. Groves, UW-Madison Department of Entomology, tackled the subject of “Insect Management— Regulatory, Environmental and Insect Resistance Considerations.”

The goal of Dr. Dominique Brossard, UW-Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication, was in “Understanding Public Perceptions of New Technologies in Agriculture.”

As part of her legislative update, WPVGA Attorney and Lobbyist Jordan Lamb, DeWitt Ross, LLP, explained advocacy efforts she and a coalition of agricultural organizations undertook to ensure farmers, ag industry employees and researchers could keep working during Gov. Tony Evers’ safer at home order.

Dr. Amanda J. Gevens, UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, presented “Integrating Fungicide Resistance Management into Potato Disease Control.”

Houlihan reminded attendees that all researcher and “Bringing Value to Ag” presentations are available for viewing, for a full year, by visiting https://WPVGA2021.conferencespot. org/event-data. Please be sure to visit the sponsors page and click their company descriptions and websites.

Dr. Amanda J. Gevens, UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, presented “Integrating Fungicide Resistance Management into Potato Disease Control.” Here she talks about potato early blight and brown spot.

Our sincere thanks to all sponsors who made the 2021 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Education Conference possible! For a list of sponsors, see the ad thanking them on page 25. continued on pg. 26

24 BC�T March

In a “Bringing Value to Ag” session, Rich Meyer gave “Technology Tidbits with Team Swiderski” and played a video showing the New Holland T8 tractor and technological updates to its cab.

2021 UW-Madison Division of Extension and WPVGA Grower Education Conference

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WPVGA Presents 2021 Industry Awards

Virtual ceremony recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding leadership The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) presented several annual Industry Awards during a virtual ceremony held February 2-3, 2021.

the Mount Olive Finance Committee, and serving as vice president of the Church Board.

as a WPVGA board member and is part of the Water Task Force and Grower Education committees, while also serving on the Vegetable Committee.

Outside of work, he serves as a board member for the United Way of Portage County and on United Way’s Executive Committee.

Mike Carter of Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, Wisconsin, was named the WPVGA Volunteer of the Year. For 12 years, Mike served the WPVGA as its executive director.

In his current role as the CEO of Bushmans’, Inc., a vertically integrated fresh market potato company, he manages all aspects of the organization. Mike currently serves on the WPVGA Board of Directors as treasurer. He also serves on the Potatoes USA Executive Committee and has worked closely with the National Potato Council for many years. He is the co-chair of the WPVGA Governmental Affairs Committee.

Carter is involved in several ministries at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Weston, including the Feed My Starving Children Planning Committee, Marriage Ministry Team, 26 BC�T March

Alex Okray was named WPVGA Young Grower of the Year. Alex started working for Okray Family Farms, Plover, in 2016, after graduating from St. Norbert College with a degree in business.

“I decided to join the family business after I graduated because agriculture is a strong field to work in, and because I had a rare opportunity to work for a business my family owns,” he says.

“I am the fourth generation to work for our company,” Okray continues, “and it’s great to continue the work my family has been doing for over 100 years. I also enjoy knowing that the work I do helps feed families across the country.”

Though Okray tries to be involved with every area of the company, he is mainly responsible for finances and human resources.

He is currently serving his first term

The WPVGA Researcher of the Year Award went to Dr. Yi Wang, an assistant professor and state extension specialist working on sustainable vegetable production in the UW-Madison Department of Horticulture. Yi has published 17 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and received about $1.5 million in research funding.

She notes, “The goal of my research and extension program is to conduct science-based applied research and collaborate with potato and vegetable growers and processors.”

Such collaboration includes work in improving the resource use efficiency and sustainability of vegetable

cropping systems and reducing the impact of vegetable production on the environment. She is a WPVGA base-funded researcher in potato and vegetable production.

Associate Division, which raises funds every year for scholarships and grants among its many programs.

While serving as president of the Associate Division the past two years, Kenton has shown distinguished leadership skills, including integrity and positivity along with great vision.

operations controller for R.D. Offutt Farms in Fargo, North Dakota. He has served in his present position for 23 years.

Clark has done an outstanding job representing Wisconsin when reporting on the processing potato crops and contracts as part of the Potato Marketing Association of North America meetings.

He fully understands potato crops, is detail-oriented and has a sharp eye when it comes to reading contracts and interpreting their value to growers.

The WPVGA Associate Division Business Person of the Year Award was presented to Kenton Mehlberg of T.I.P., Inc. and AgGrow Solutions, in Custer. Kenton completed his second term of service on the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors in February.

He has served the last two years as president of the Associate Division Board and demonstrated outstanding leadership, especially in light of all the challenges the industry faced in 2020.

With extensive safety protocols in place, the Associate Division conducted a highly successful and safe golf outing in the summer of 2020, which raised thousands of dollars for the industry.

To engage even more members, Kenton helped bring a new idea to fruition in 2020: the first Annual Trap Shoot Event at the Wausau Skeet and Trap Club, in Brokaw.

The Trap Shoot was held safely and was a big success, with a full flight of 15 five-person teams. The event also served as one more fundraiser for the

He has been extremely helpful in working with the WPVGA’s Process/Frozen Committee on many processing potato issues. He also serves on the processor contract committee that works with the J.R. Simplot Company in North Dakota.

The Agri-Communicator Award for excellence in communication and dedicated service in presenting a positive message about the agricultural industry was presented to Clark Camilli, the Midwest farms

R.D. Offutt has processing potato contracts with all the major processors, including Simplot, McCain Foods, Lamb Weston, Cavendish and Northern Star, and operates a 1,400-acre potato farm in Durand and Menomonie, Wisconsin. continued on pg. 28

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THE 2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS

72nd Grower Education Conference continued from pg. 27

Associate Division Business Person of the Year: Kenton Mehlberg WPVGA Volunteer of the Year: Mike Carter WPVGA Young Grower of the Year: Alex Okray

2020 WPVGA Board President Rod Gumz of Gumz Muck Farms, Endeavor, presented the President’s Award to his brother, Richard Gumz (above right), who, along with Rod, represents the fourth generation of family members working together on the farm.

“He and I had the opportunity to buy my grandfather out to continue the tradition of farming,” Rod says.

“We’ve worked together for 25 years, and it’s been a great experience to work with family. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Rod Gumz was also recognized for six years of dedicated service on the WPVGA Board of Directors, including a term as Board president.

A special WPVGA Industry Appreciation Award was presented to Karen Rasmussen (below left), who serves as the financial officer for the WPVGA and does an outstanding job handling an ever-increasing workload while performing her duties in a timely fashion.

She is always on time for work or for meetings, is extremely organized and is as reliable as the day is long. She will work as hard and long as it takes to get the job done.

2020 marked Karen’s 25th year of full-time work at the WPVGA, and the industry is fortunate to have such a hardworking, dedicated, loyal employee.

On behalf of the entire industry, WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan offered a sincere “Thank You” to Karen as he presented her with this well-deserved Industry Appreciation Award.

Following is a list of awards and recipients. continued on pg. 30

28 BC�T March

WPVGA Researcher of the Year: Dr. Yi Wang President’s Award: Richard Gumz WPVGA Industry Appreciation Award: Karen Rasmussen Agri-Communicator Award: Clark Camilli Recognition of out-going WPVGA Associate Division Board Members: Paul Cieslewicz Kristi Kulas Kenton Mehlberg Recognition of out-going WPVGA Board Members: Rod Gumz WPVGA Hall of Fame Induction: Marv Worzella Norm Worzella

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Marv and Norm Worzella Inducted into WPVGA Hall of Fame Long-time potato and vegetable growers Norm and Marv Worzella of Worzella & Sons, Inc., Plover, Wisconsin, were inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame at the industry’s annual awards ceremony held February 3, 2021.

The WPVGA Hall of Fame honors lifetime achievement in the development of the state’s potato industry. It is the intention of the WPVGA to continue to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the potato industry in Wisconsin by making annual Hall of

Fame inductions.

The following is a brief biographical sketch of this year’s WPVGA Hall of Fame inductees.

In 1953, WPVGA Hall of Famer Clarence Worzella, Norm and Marv’s father, started potato farming on a 40-acre parcel of land with an irrigation system.

After graduating high school, Norm and Marv were given the opportunity to pursue additional schooling or join Clarence in the family potato business. They chose to work with

Marv Worzella

their dad, a decision neither of them regrets.

Today, Worzella & Sons of Plover, Wisconsin, grows 1,800 acres of

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WPVGA and Village of Plover, the Worzellas participated in a land exchange, discontinuing to farm a parcel of fertile land to make room for the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project.

The goal of the project is to improve the health of the Little Plover River and the quality of life of the surrounding community.

The Worzellas also donated more than 20 acres of land to the Farming for the Future Foundation for a new Discovery Center to be built along the Highway 39 corridor, in Plover, within the next two years.

Norm Worzella

potatoes, along with 3,400 acres of other vegetable crops.

“We are proud of the business’s growth, which is largely attributed to the dedicated employees we’ve had in our 60 years of farming,” says Norm Worzella, CEO of Worzella & Sons, Inc. “We are glad to work alongside our sons, who are the third generation of this business.”

Marv, who is CFO of Worzella & Sons, Inc., adds, “We learned from our dad from a young age on. We started working with Dad in 1955, and we incorporated in 1964. Dad worked side-by-side with us and taught us how to grow vegetables and get started in farming.”

The Discovery Center promises to connect Wisconsin families and the agriculture industry through education and experience.

Marv and Norm have also been instrumental in donating for causes such as improvements at Lake Pacawa Park, in Plover.

BROTHERS HONORED The brothers are honored to be inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame.

Being in the business of farming for over 60 years, they have operated

numerous pieces of equipment and worked in each part of the farm, saying a big part of a successful farm is to keep up with technology.

As the farm expanded, bigger equipment was needed. Norm remembers harvesting potatoes and boxing them up by hand. “I didn’t like picking and grading them, but I picked a few,” he says. “Now you have Lenco 12-row harvesters.”

“I did some spraying with a little sprayer,” Norm adds, “and then we got a bigger sprayer that we pulled with a rope. There were no airconditioned tractors back then. You sat in the open. I couldn’t even run the machines we have now.”

“We are proud to have had the opportunity to provide better equipment for our employees to do their jobs more efficiently,” he says.

Marv says he liked getting up every morning, going out into the field and seeing how the potatoes were doing, watching them grow. Even though he is 84 years old now, he visited the fields, in 2020, before going to Florida for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. continued on pg. 32

COMMUNITY MINDED Norm and Marv’s parents, Clarence and Regina, were community-minded people who generously donated to many organizations and causes.

They instilled in Marv and Norm the importance of giving back, and Worzella & Sons has been able to make donations that are crucial to the well-being and future of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry.

Working with Louis Wysocki, the BC�T March 31

72nd Grower Education Conference continued from pg. 31

“I like watching the potatoes grow, from seed potatoes to plants and then to being harvested,” Marv relates.

Marv continued with his dad’s philosophy of working hard when the work needed to be done so he could take time to travel in the winter months.

CALLED TO DUTY In 1961, Marv was called up for the National Guard due to the Berlin Crisis. He was stationed in Washington but never activated to go oversees where he was qualified to serve as a medic.

Marv has managed the packing warehouse, but now mainly oversees the financial part of the business.

With the WPVGA, Marv was involved in the bargaining committee that negotiated contracts with the vegetable processors.

In addition to his work at Worzella & Sons, Norm has been involved in several organizations, serving on the WPVGA board, as a volunteer fireman for the Village of Plover, director of the Bank of Plover (now known as BMO Harris Bank), as a member of the Planning Commission for the Village of Plover and as a lay minister at his church.

Norm attended several conventions as part of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Organization. Attending these provided a vast amount of information for the business, but perhaps the most important information that he learned resulted from trips taken to various countries.

The list is extensive, but the countries include those in South America and Africa, as well as China, Egypt, India, Russia and Australia.

Being able to see farming in a variety of climates and soils, and the different machinery that was used, the travels taught Norm that there was not one set way to farm. “The U.S. was so much more advanced with technology,” he says, “and we took for granted how ‘easy’ it was at the time for us.”

Both Marv and Norm’s favorite part about farming continues be seeing the growth of the business and watching the crops, from planting to harvest.

They have also enjoyed developing relationships with suppliers and other farmers. Norm often drives around looking at the crops and visiting other growers to see how their operations are going, always hoping to hear good news.

STAYING ACTIVE The brothers stay active in the business by checking in with their

32 BC�T March

sons to see how things are going and if they need help. During potato storage, Norm is helping everyday with picking.

Marv enjoys all parts of farming, from the start to finish of each season, although farming is a gamble, never knowing what yields and returns to expect, which is the most stressful part of the business for him. He is still involved in overseeing the financial aspects of the business.

Marv and Norm’s sister, Shirley Sankey, is the Secretary/Treasurer

for Worzella & Sons. While she was officially hired on the farm in the early 1970s, Shirley worked in the fields and packing warehouse as a young child and all the way into high school.

Now, semi-retired, she still oversees the office staff. Shirley managed everything from employees to daily office and financial responsibilities.

Her daughter, Trina, is the President of Worzella & Sons.

Marv and his wife, Audrey, have been married for 58 years. They have three

children, Perry, Tim and Tanya, and six grandchildren. Sadly, they lost a daughter, Lisa, in 1990. Marv and Audrey spend the winter months in Naples, Florida, where Marv enjoys going for walks, playing sudoku and golfing.

Norm and his wife, Marie, have been married for 56 years. They have four children, Steve, Shelley, Sandy and Scott, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They spend the winter months in Fort Myers Beach, where Norm enjoys deep sea fishing.

Complete List of WPVGA Hall of Fame Members and Years Inducted 1990

Joseph L. Bushman Ben H. Diercks Myron Mommsen Edward J. Okray John Okray W. James Prosser Lelah Starks James D. Swan Barron G. West Felix Zeloski

1991

1994

James Burns, Sr. Myron D. Groskopp James Wencel (J.W.) Mattek Hal Roberts

1995

A.F. (Bill) Hoeft Bennett Katz Eugene Katz Donn “Hokey” West

Henry M. Darling Robert H. Diercks Melvin E. Luther Albert M. Pavelski Henry L. Woodward

1996

1992

1997

Lawrence Krogwold Michael Patrykus John A. Schoenemann Clarence Worzella Louis E. Wysocki

1993

Champ Bean Tanner Ernest Bushman Melvin Hugo Rominsky Lawrence (Larry) Lapcinski Wayne Brittenham

Charles M. Creuziger Alois (Al) Okray Joseph Jacob Okray Stanley J. Peloquin

2000

2007

2014

2001

2008

2015

2009

2016

2010

2017

Dean Kincaid Henry V. Sowinski (Presented in February, 2002) James J. Mattek Francis X. Wysocki

2002

(Presented in Feb. 2008) (Presented in Feb. 2015) Walt Stevenson Robert Helbach (Presented in Feb. 2009) (Presented in Feb. 2016) Victor Anthony Charles Cofer Jeffrey Wyman Robert Guenthner

(Presented in Feb. 2010) (Presented in Feb. 2017) (Presented in Feb. 2003) John Landa Donald Hamerski Robert Hougas Robert Stodola Richard Pavelski Gerri Okray

2003

(Presented in Jan. 2004) Larry Binning Peter Wallendal

Anton (Tony) Gallenberg 2004 Howard F. Chilewski (Presented in Feb. 2005) Jerome Bushman 1998 Harold Sargent Dave Curwen Francis Gilson 2005 Emil Perzinski (Presented in Feb. 2006) Ed Wade 1999 Dennis Zeloski John J. Bushman James G. Milward 2006 (Presented in Feb. 2007) Don Kichefski

(Presented in Feb. 2011) (Presented in Feb. 2018) John H. Schroeder Nick Somers August Winkler

2011

2018

(Presented in Feb. 2019) (Presented in Feb. 2012) Dr. Keith Kelling Fred and Kathryne Meyer 2019 Howard “Skip” Tenpas (Presented in Feb. 2020) Larry Alsum 2012 Dick Okray (Presented in Feb. 2013) Steve Diercks 2020 Mike Finnessy (Presented in Feb. 2021) Marv Worzella 2013 Norm Worzella (Presented in Feb. 2014) Myron Soik

BC�T March 33

Wisconsin is a Leader in Chipping Potatoes Chip varieties must meet many criteria to be successful in a competitive marketplace says Troy Fishler, superintendent of the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS).

Whether through breeding trials and variety development, or research, testing and offering services to growers, Wisconsin is a leader in chipping potatoes.

“From a chip acreage and cwt. [hundredweight] volume standpoint, Wisconsin ranks number two in those categories, slightly behind Michigan,”

“Wisconsin is definitely one of the leaders in the chip potato industry,”

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Fishler qualifies. “But from a chip seed acreage and cwt. volume, Wisconsin ranks number one in both categories.”

With the help of Frito-Lay’s potato research program, along with that of the University of Wisconsin (UW), the state is among the best in the chip potato research sector.

Prior to 1989-’90, Wisconsin was a relatively small player in chip production, according to Fishler and his former Frito-Lay manager, Bob Moerkerke. The Red River Valley growing region was the chip production leader across the United States, producing 60 percent of all chip potatoes, primarily for storage.

“What happened then was climactic,” Fishler says. “The Red River Valley Above: Lin Song, a Ph.D. student in Jeff Endelman’s lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture, fries chips at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station. Chipping varieties must meet many criteria to be successful in the marketplace, including yield, specific gravity, fry color, tuber size and appearance, internal quality and disease resistance.

suffered a severe drought from 1989 through 1993, forcing numerous shortages in contracted volumes with chip manufacturing plants.”

dollars, grants awarded by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association and Potatoes USA, and sample evaluation revenue.

Major chip companies like FritoLay decided to limit their risk and moved significant acreage and cwt. volume to irrigated growing areas in Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska.

A large part of potato research involves breeding and variety development. Playing key roles are Dr. Jeff Endelman, UW-Madison associate professor and head of the university potato breeding program, and Becky Eddy, superintendent of the Rhinelander Agricultural Research

Hence, Wisconsin and Michigan became big players because of their locations and irrigation options.

Station (RARS).

“We conduct research on breeding methods and apply it to create new varieties with increased value to the potato industry and consumers,” Endelman states.

“Chipping varieties have to meet many criteria to be successful in the marketplace, including yield, specific gravity, fry color, tuber size continued on pg. 36

“Also, at that time, the Snowden variety was commercialized,” Fishler relates, “and it ended up working well in Wisconsin, Michigan and Nebraska.”

PERFECTLY STAGED “In the ’90s, Frito-Lay grew exponentially across the U.S., and Wisconsin and Michigan were perfectly staged from a grower, production and freight standpoint,” he adds. “All these events contributed to Wisconsin becoming a leader in chip seed and potato production.”

Fishler and Amber Gotch, senior research specialist at HARS and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Storage Research Facility, along with their team, offer numerous services to growers of chipping potatoes.

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The HARS lab regularly handles single drop-off submissions of quantities ranging anywhere from 1 to 100 samples, as well as recurrent (weekly/monthly) scheduled analyses.

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Wisconsin is a Leader in Chipping Potatoes . . . continued from pg. 35

Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station Superintendent Becky Eddy conducts a color evaluation of potato chips using industry standards. The industry uses the Hunter L, a, b color scale, with the “L” value indicating the level of light versus dark, the “a” value measuring redness versus greenness, and the “b” value yellowness versus blueness.

L values of 60 or greater translate to low sugars, so the higher the L value, the better.

Hancock Agricultural Research Station Superintendent Troy Fishler states, “A ‘b’ value of higher than 28 is too yellow for American potato chip connoisseurs.”

and appearance, internal quality and disease resistance,” he says.

IMPORTANT TRAITS “Two of the most important traits for chip processing varieties are specific gravity and the amount of reducing sugars,” Endelman explains.

Eddy says specific gravity is used as an estimate of the solids or dry matter content of tubers. The higher the dry matter content, the lower the water content and the higher the specific gravity.

“Lower specific gravity potatoes are not ideal because they are more

costly to process,” she details. “In lower specific gravity potatoes, more water must be fried out to meet minimum quality standards.”

“More potatoes must be processed to produce the same volume of product, and the longer fry time results in potatoes absorbing more oil,” she relates. “Higher oil consumption can mean significant costs when processing large volumes of potatoes.”

Because reducing sugars lead to tissue darkening when fried at low moisture, the lightness of fried potato slices, or chip color, is an inexpensive trait to measure.

In his role as superintendent at HARS, Fishler adds overall agronomic and storage performance relative to standard cultivar, as well as raw and finished process quality (internal and external defects) and maturity to the Left: Jaden Olski, a Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station research gardener, cuts potatoes to be fried for chips at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station.

36 BC�T March

list of sought-after quality traits of advanced chipping potato lines.

Once varieties have shown potential at the UW’s potato breeding station in Rhinelander, they are grown in small statistical plots at HARS and stored in the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Storage Research Facility to evaluate how they will perform on the state’s Central Sands commercial crop production acreage.

The typical plot size at HARS is only one row, 15 feet long, but with replication across many years and locations through the national trialing programs, the research team can ensure that good varieties are selected for larger scale commercial trials.

TRUE SEED CLONES At RARS, new true seed clones are established, propagated vegetatively and evaluated for more traits each year.

“A grower will not change to growing a new variety if it doesn’t add value in some way.”

– Becky Eddy, superintendent, Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station

The program starts with 50,000– 60,000 new clones each year, with 20,000 being chippers, of which only the best from each field year generation moves forward with the right combination of ideal chipping potato traits.

“Our chip breeding program starts with 20,000 genetically distinct clones in Year 1 as single plants,” Endelman says, “of which 800-1,000 are selected to continue in Year 2 as eight-plant plots, and about 150 continue in Year 3.”

The Year 1 and 2 stages occur at RARS, and starting in Year 3, the team begins to evaluate the clones at HARS in addition to RARS. “I enjoy the challenge that every clone is unique and it’s my job to figure out how to successfully grow a crop in the greenhouses and the fields,” Eddy says.

“My job is also to produce diseasefree seed stock of our advanced lines to share with our cooperators continued on pg. 38

BC�T March 37

Wisconsin is a Leader in Chipping Potatoes . . . continued from pg. 37

throughout the U.S. and Canada,” Eddy remarks, “in the pursuit of finding the right variety for the right location.”

The team conducts post-harvest evaluations on Field Year 3 (FY3) chip clones and above, as well as on National Chip Processing Trial (NCPT) material.

“At HARS, we partner with Potatoes USA to assess field and storage quality of up-and-coming promising chipping varieties from the various public potato breeding programs that participate,” Fishler says.

Other Potatoes USA trials, such as the NCPT, are managed by faculty members of the potato research team, though are still grown and

stored at HARS. NEW VARIETY TESTING The NCPT is a collaboration between the public breeding programs and potato industry to test new varieties in small plots at many locations across the United States.

Wisconsin is one of nine cooperators in the NCPT program, along with California, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Michigan, New York, Texas and North Dakota.

Between 100 and 150 new varieties are tested each year, most of which are dropped after one year.

“Typically,” Endelman says, “30-50 look promising at enough locations to warrant a second year of testing.

Varieties that perform well in the NCPT are selected for larger scale trials coordinated by Potatoes USA and SNAC International.”

“We hope the chip varieties we continue to develop end up as NCPT submissions and then onto the larger scale trials,” Eddy says.

“Our efforts are focused on developing varieties that carry the attributes that meet and exceed current varieties,” she adds. “A grower will not change to growing a new variety if it doesn’t add value in some way.”

The development of new varieties is critical to the long-term sustainability of the Wisconsin potato industry.

“The Hancock Agricultural Research Station, home to the UW’s Potato & Vegetable Storage Research Facility, presents the ideal hub for in-state potato research,” Fishler says.

“It is successful in attracting the federal and state research dollars necessary to help tackle some of the bigger challenges facing the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers today,” he concludes.

38 BC�T March

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• Our organization works for you, providing the information you need to make the best decisions and return profitability to your farm.

• Enjoy membership access to complete data packages including critical supply and demand usage.

• Wisconsin does a wonderful job of marketing and keeping grower returns at a premium.

• We offer communications for marketers, which are a crucial tool and a by-product of United of Wisconsin.

• The Grower Return Index (GRI) you receive will pay for your dues tenfold.

• We hold weekly marketing calls!

• Grower-only communication calls provide you with inputs, ideas and opinions. Everyone stays in tune.

Balancing supply with demand generates positive returns.

Plan your 2021 plantings wisely!

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

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

• Plover River Farms Alliance • Schroeder Bros.

• Ted Baginski & Sons

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

UNITED OF WISCONSIN THANKS THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS: AMVAC, Vive Crop Protection, Investors Community Bank Compeer Financial, Heliae Agriculture, BMO Harris Bank

For details on membership & Grower/Marketing calls, Contact Dana Rady, Cooperative Director drady0409@gmail.com or 715-610-6350

People

Wysocki Honored by Potato Grower Magazine

Louis Wysocki named in “50 for 50” list of innovative and influential individuals Reprinted with permission from Potato Grower magazine and www.potatogrower.com

Throughout 2021, as part of Potato Grower’s celebration of its 50th year in publication, the magazine and affiliated website (www. potatogrower.com) is honoring 50 of the potato industry’s most innovative and influential individuals, companies and organizations over the past halfcentury.

This “50 for 50” series includes researchers, salesmen, packers, processors and, of course, plenty of potato growers.

A lot of them are familiar names. To some, the feature might be a fresh introduction. Regardless, each has had an outsize impact on the U.S. potato industry, and each deserves thanks and recognition.

Louis Wysocki and the Wysocki Family of Companies, which Louis founded with his brothers, Francis and Greg, are recognized all across the country for savvy agricultural insights, strong business acumen and untiring efforts on behalf of Wisconsin and American agriculture.

In the late 1950s, the Wysocki brothers partnered with their father on his small dairy farm and converted the operation to a potato farm.

Over the next several years, the farm expanded its Central Wisconsin operation.

A demand grew for their products in major Midwestern markets like Chicago, and the brothers learned new and innovative ways to store and pack potatoes to meet that demand and create more.

AT INDUSTRY FOREFRONT As the business grew, Louis was always at the industry’s forefront. He 40 BC�T March

Avis and Louis Wysocki are shown attending a past National Potato Council Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. Avis sadly passed away, in 2015, after battling cancer. Louis and the Wysocki Family of Companies are being recognized, in 2021, with Potato Grower magazine’s “50 for 50,” honoring 50 of the potato industry’s most innovative and influential individuals.

conceived the concept and authored legislation creating the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board and was the Board’s first chairman, in 1974.

He also served in leadership roles for the National Potato Council, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection.

The Wysocki Family of Companies consists of three distinct but interdependent entities: Wysocki Produce Farm, which handles the farming operations; Paragon Potato Farms, which packs several varieties of potatoes year-round for retailers, wholesalers and foodservice companies; and the sales and marketing arm, RPE, Inc.

Over the years, the Wysockis have added partners such as Jeff Sommers and Nick Somers, who have proven integral to the companies’ continued success.

Now, the second and third generations of the Wysocki and Sommers families are following in the footsteps of their fathers.

The farm’s operations have expanded to include growing regions across the country, including new family farm partnerships. Yet the families who have made this their life’s work take pride in telling everyone that the core principles Louis Wysocki started the company with more than 60 years ago still drive it today.

For more on Potato Grower’s 50 for 50 honorees, visit https://www. potatogrower.com/50-for-50. continued on pg. 42

As part of Potato Grower’s celebration of its 50th year in publication, the magazine is honoring 50 of the potato industry’s most innovative and influential individuals, companies and organizations over the past half-century. The list includes Louis Wysocki and the Wysocki Family of Companies. The Wysocki Family of Companies owners are, from left to right, Jeff Sommers, Kirk Wille, Gary Wysocki, Jim Wysocki, Russell Wysocki (top, white shirt) and Bill Wysocki.

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www.potatoseed.org BC�T March 41

People. . .

continued from pg. 41

Donald Malek Passes Away Early years on family farm helped nurture his love of growing crops Donald J. Malek, age 87, of Rosholt, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2021. Don was born on March 29, 1933, son of Joseph Malek Sr. and Martha Malek.

His early years on the family farm, in Rosholt, helped nurture his love of growing crops.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Granite City, Illinois (greater metropolitan St. Louis area), for several years. In 1958, he married the love of his life, Arlene.

Donald also had a short career with Marathon Electric, in Wausau, before starting to develop his own potato farm in the Rosholt area. With the help of his supportive wife and various relatives and employees, he and his brother, Joseph Malek Jr., established Malek Farms Inc. Donald was known as a reputable potato and small grain/certified seed grower in Central Wisconsin.

He had a strong work ethic and was always deeply involved in the potato industry.

He served as a director for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. He also attended numerous National Potato Council conventions. During retirement, he assisted his son, Chris, with his organic potato and vegetable business.

Donald was also involved with the community. In 1990, he, along with Craig Anderson and many others in the area, founded the Rosholt Area Threshermen, Inc., and assisted in holding Thresherees at the village park.

He was significantly involved with the United Way, a member of the American Legion, the Elks Club and 42 BC�T March

the Men’s Rosary Society at St. Adalbert’s church.

MADE TIME FOR FUN Don also made time for fun. In his early years, he participated in bowling leagues with his wife and friends. He was an avid fisherman, a big Packers fan, as well as a Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

He enjoyed traveling around the country, taking his family on road trip vacations.

Don and Arlene took many trips during retirement and especially enjoyed skiing out West and trips to Branson, Missouri. They were big fans of polka dancing and won several awards for their graceful, smooth style. He really loved his polka music!

He also loved sweets. If ice cream or chocolates were nearby, he could not resist!

He is lovingly preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Martha Malek; his sister, Irene Wanserski; brother-in-law, Danny Wanserski; and sister-in-law, Rosanna Malek (wife of Dick Malek).

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Arlene, and his children and their spouses: Carmel and Timothy Duffy, Green Bay; Charmaine and Kevin Check, Shantytown; Cheryl and John Lawyer, Panama City Beach, Florida; Chris and Lori Malek, Visalia, California; and Colette Malek and Scott Steinke, Denver, Colorado.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Caroline and Matthew Duffy; Brianna Check; Jordan and Brandi Lawyer and the latter’s fiancée, Mike Pawlowicz; and Max, Sam and Ellia Malek. He is also survived by his brothers, Jerry (Mary Ann), Greendale; Dick,

Donald J. Malek March 29, 1933 – January 26, 2021

Alpharetta, Georgia; Joseph Jr. (Linda) Stevens Point and two godchildren, Gary Wanserski, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Michele (Malek) Grandlich, Franklin.

The family wishes to express thanks and gratitude to the staff at Edenbrook, Wisconsin Rapids, and Aspirus Stevens Point for their kind and compassionate care of Donald.

A mass of a Christian burial for Donald was held at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church, on February 4, 2021.

Rev. Thomas Nirappel officiated.

Burial with full military honors took place at the parish cemetery.

The mass and military honors are also available for viewing on Shuda Funeral Chapel’s YouTube channel and website. The family also hopes to have a Celebration of Life for Don at a later date.

Online condolences can be sent, and other information found, by visiting www.shudafuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for masses at St. Adalbert’s for Donald or donations to the United Way. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Malek, please visit https://shuda-funeralservices-crematory.tributestore.com/ ?old=19811634&source=ta2&taph=2.

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Seed Piece Much to Report at 61st WSPIA Annual Meeting Seed certification and associated research carried on during world pandemic The show must go on, and the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) took that motto to heart, providing in-person and virtual options for growers and industry leaders wishing to attend its Annual Meeting.

The 61st Annual Meeting was held, January 27, at North Star Lanes in Antigo, Wisconsin, with a Zoom option for researchers and others taking steps to socially distance.

Jeff Fassbender, out-going president of the WSPIA Board of Directors, gave opening remarks and thanked the Annual Meeting sponsors.

Dr. Renee Rioux, administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP), shared national certification, regulatory, research and tissue culture lab updates.

Alex Crockford, WSPCP program director, said his team found out in the spring of 2020 that the land in Hawaii where they conduct postharvest winter tests was unavailable.

Newly elected as vice president of the WSPIA Board, Roy Gallenberg (left) presented outgoing president, Jeff Fassbender (right), with a plaque in appreciation of his service on the Board, and dedication and leadership within the Wisconsin certified seed potato industry and program.

That, in combination with COVID-19 concerns, resulted in winter greenhouse grow-outs and direct tuber testing being conducted with cooperating grower, Alger Farms, Inc., in Homestead, Florida.

More State Farm reports came from Matt Cogger, field operations specialist for the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm, and Clover Spacek, WSPCP outreach specialist.

Crockford also shared a program outlook, as well as a budget and State Farm updates.

“The biggest positive was the growers who came out to visit,” Spacek said. “It was nice to get a different perspective. We rarely get growers to come visit us in Hawaii.”

MOP TOP VIRUS REPORT Dr. Amanda Gevens, chair, professor and plant pathologist, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, gave a presentation on Potato Mop Top virus in Wisconsin, which is transmitted either mechanically (in the lab) or by the powdery scab pathogen, Spongospora subterranean.

Cover Spacek, outreach specialist, Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, provided post-harvest winter test results from potato plots at cooperating partner, Alger Farms, Inc., in Homestead, Florida. Land was not available in Hawaii for winter tests, in 2020, and in combination with COVID-19 concerns, greenhouse grow-outs and direct tuber testing were instead conducted in Homestead.

44 BC�T March

Eric Cooley, co-director of UW Discovery Farms explained to Annual Meeting attendees what his program does, namely farmer-

Administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, Dr. Renee Rioux provided a program outlook and budget, as well as State Farm updates during the 61st WSPIA Annual Meeting.

led water quality research and educational programming.

Current Discovery Farms initiatives include a field tiling project in Minnesota and Wisconsin, edgeof-field monitoring and evaluating phosphorus runoff and soil and nutrient loss in collaboration with an Antigo Flats producer group.

Cole Lubinski, Langlade Agricultural

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Research Station (LARS) manager, discussed research, labor and field day challenges during COVID-19. For the first time, the LARS Field day was held virtually in 2020.

Kevin Gallenberg, AgSource Laboratories, gave results from a study, in 2020, on managing lime in potato production to reduce scab.

The goal is to see if it is possible to

In addition to helping run the WSPIA Annual Meeting, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan gave his Annual Report and an update on 2020 highlights for the nonprofit organization.

fine-tune how much lime can be put on a potato field and still reduce scab.

Gallenberg said many factors influence potato scab, including moisture, acidity, high-quality organic matter and soil temperature.

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WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES BC�T March 45

Seed Piece. . .

continued from pg. 45

Dr. Jeff Endelman, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, provided a fascinating presentation, “Creating a new Paradigm for Potato Breeding Based on True Seed,” in which he discussed a shift from tissue culture plantlets to true potato seed, and from outbred tetraploid to inbred diploid potatoes.

Daniel Heider, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture, talked about the influence of 2,4-D application timing on color enhancement of red potatoes. A growth regulator, 2, 4-D is an auxin-type herbicide that

61st Annual Seed Meeting Sponsors Goldrush Sponsors:

Gowan USA Insight FS Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC Nichino America-Torac Insecticide Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes Swiderski Equipment, Inc. Syngenta Crop Protection Volm Companies

Silverton Sponsors:

AMVAC Chemical Corp Bio-Gro, Inc. Riesterer & Schnell, Inc. Roberts Irrigation Company, Inc. Southside Tire Co., Inc. T.I.P., Inc. / Ag Grow Solutions

Matt Cogger, field operations specialist for the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm, gave his State Farm report during the WSPIA Annual Meeting.

mimics natural plant hormones.

In his research, color or color intensity improved with 2,4-D application in Red Norland and Dark Red Norland varieties at harvest and out of storage.

RED TUBER COLOR No clear trend and minimal if any color improvement were observed in Red LaSoda or Red Prairie potatoes.

The mechanism of how 2,4-D affects red tuber color is not understood, Heider noted. As a result, other variables that are currently unaccounted for might play a role.

Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan gave his Annual Report and an update on 2020 highlights for the non-profit organization.

Brooke Babler, WSPCP research specialist, gave tissue culture and diagnostics lab updates.

The WSPIA Board held its annual

business meeting, including election of officers, one new board member, Charlie Husnick of Baginski Farms, Inc., and the presentation of a nice plaque to out-going board president, Jeff Fassbender.

Fassbender was recognized for his service on the Board, and dedication and leadership within the Wisconsin certified seed potato industry and program.

J.D. Schroeder of Schroeder Bros.

Farms, Antigo, was elected WSPIA Board of Directors president for 2021, succeeding Fassbender of Seidl Farms Inc., Deerbrook.

Roy Gallenberg of Gallenberg Farms, Inc., Bryant, was elected vice president, and Husnick was elected secretary/treasurer.

In addition to the three board officers, the other two WSPIA Board Directors are Matt Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., Deerbrook, and Jeff Suchon, Bushman’s Riverside Ranch, Inc., Crivitz.

Superior Sponsors:

AgCountry Farm Credit Services AgSource Laboratories BASF Big Iron Equipment, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Chase Bank Jay-Mar, Inc. Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Rural Mutual Insurance Co. – Antigo TH Agri-Chemicals, Inc. Warner & Warner, Inc. 46 BC�T March

Daniel Heider, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture, talks about the influence of 2,4-D application timing on color enhancement of red potatoes.

WPIB Focus Nomination Period Open for Wisconsin Potato Industry Board Potato growers in each of three WPIB districts can nominate members to market order board Wisconsin potato growers interested in serving on the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board (WPIB) have until April 1 to submit their nomination form.

Forms should be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), which oversees the nomination and election process.

Three seats on the nine-member board are up for election.

Potato growers in each of the three WPIB districts have until April 1 to nominate members to the industry’s market order board. Only affected producers are eligible to nominate or be nominated.

An affected producer is an individual, partnership, corporation or other business entity selling, in commercial channels, potatoes produced in Wisconsin on five or more acres that the producer owns or leased during at least one of the crop years of 2018, 2019 or 2020.

DATCP will mail nomination forms to eligible growers. Growers who have not received nomination forms by March 1, 2021, or who have other questions about the nomination process should contact Debbie Gegare, Market Orders Program Coordinator, at 608-224-5116 or Debbie.Gegare@Wisconsin.gov.

Each nomination form must include signatures of at least five eligible potato growers, other than the nominee, from the district in which the nominee is running for office.

An Affidavit of Eligibility is located on the nomination form and must be

completed and notarized. Completed forms must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2021.

The open positions represent the following counties: District 1 – 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 District 2 – Marathon, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Waupaca and Waushara District 3 – 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, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood DATCP will conduct the WPIB election by mail from May 15 to June 15, 2021. Elected board members will serve from July 1, 2021, to June 20, 2024.

The nine-member board is responsible for collecting and allocating about $1.3 million in annual assessment fees paid by Wisconsin potato growers. The money is used to support the industry through research, market development and consumer education.

DATCP administers elections for the WPIB and other commodity marketing boards in the state.

To learn more about Wisconsin’s market order boards, visit https:// datcp.wi.gov/Pages/About_Us/ MarketingBoards.aspx. continued on pg. 48

Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association “Quality as High as our Mountains” RUSSET VARIETIES: Russet Norkotah S3 Russet Norkotah S8 Rocky Mountain Russet Silverton Russet Rio Grande Russet Canela Russet Mesa Russet Mercury Russet Fortress Russet Crimson King COLORED VARIETIES: Columbine Gold Colorado Rose Rio Colorado Red Luna Purple Majesty Masquerade Mountain Rose Vista Gold

Seed Growers: Zapata Seed Company Worley Family Farms SLV Research Center San Acacio Seed Salazar Farms Rockey Farms, LLC Pro Seed Price Farms Certified Seed, LLC Palmgren Farms, LLC Martinez Farms La Rue Farms H&H Farms G&G Farms Bothell Seed Allied Potato

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Lorem ipsum

BC�T March 47

Seed Piece. . .

continued from pg. 47

Wisconsin Potato Industry Board

NOMINATION FORM

2021

for Potato Producers in Districts 1, 2 and 3.

The Potato Marketing Order requires a partial election of the marketing order board each year. This year the election will cover all three Districts. Terms run July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024.

Only affected producers are eligible to nominate or be nominated. An affected producer is an individual, partnership, corporation, or other business entity selling in commercial channels potatoes produced in this state on 5 or more acres which the producer owns or leases during the crop year of 2018, 2019 or 2020.

Wis. Admin. Code DATCP §§ 140.20(5), 149.01(1). Nominees require 5 or more nominations from other potato producers and must reside within the district nominated.

Nominations must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2021. The board member election will take place May 15 through June 15, 2021.

Districts:

District 1 - 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.

1

District 2 - Marathon, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Waupaca and Waushara counties District 3 - Adams, Buffalo, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, LaCrosse, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood counties.

2 3

Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Agricultural Development 2811 Agriculture Drive, PO Box 8911, Madison WI 53708-8911

Nomination Form - Mail To: WDATCP, Market Orders, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911 (Please Print Clearly) Person Nominated _______________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City ___________________________Zip__________________ Telephone __________________________________________ County____________________________________ District ___________________________ Email Address ________________________________________________ Signature of person nominated ____________________________________________________________________ NOTICE - Five producers must sign on reverse side of this form.

48 BC�T March

Nomination Signed by Five Other Potato Producers Wis. Admin. Code DATCP ss.140.20(5), 149.01(1). Nominees require 5 or more nominations from other potato producers and must reside within the district nominated. We the undersigned affected potato producers, hereby nominate the person on this form to the Potato Industry Board.

Print Name

Address, City, Zip

County

Phone

Signature

AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY ________________________________________________ (Name), being first duly sworn on oath, deposes and states as follows: 1. I certify that I am an “affected producer” in the production of potatoes in Wisconsin and I, therefore, meet the qualifications for nomination as a Director to serve on the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board. “Affected producer” means an individual, partnership, corporation or other business entity selling in commercial channels potatoes produced in this state on 5 or more acres which the producer owns or leases during the crop year of 2018, 2019 or 2020.

2. I certify that I meet the criterion checked below, as specified in ch. 96, Wis. Stats., chs. ATCP 140 and ATCP 149, Wis. Adm. Code:

 a. I am an individual directly engaged in the production and sale of potatoes in the state of Wisconsin.

OR

 b. I have the authority to run for the position of Director, as the sole individual representing an “affected producer” for purposes of holding a

directorship on the marketing board, and I am doing so with the approval of said entity.

(Please specify the affected producer: corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other) _______________________________________________

3. I will notify the marketing board and DATCP immediately if, for any reason, the information I have attested to herein changes.

_________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

(signature)

(print name)

Subscribed and sworn to before me this _____ day of ____________, 20____.

WISCONSIN POTATO INDUSTRY BOARD, INC.

______________________________________________________________ (signature of notary)

______________________________________________________________ (print name of notary)

Notary public, State of Wisconsin

STATE OF WISCONSIN COUNTY OF _________________________________

) )ss )

See Reverse Side

My commission expires ________________________________________

MK-MO-11.indd (1/19)

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

13,061,813.20

Assessment

$139,082.75

$42,984.69

$77,501.87

$178,514.78

$192,575

$166,306.75

$248,238.17

$1,045,204.01

Aug-20

Sep-20

Oct-20

Dec-20

Jan-21

Month

Jul-20

Nov-20

Feb-21

Mar-21

Apr-21

May-21

Jun-21

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

12,457,616.73

Assessment

$101,400.66

$102,092.25

$103,233.2

$178,773.99

$199,895.60

$143,001.23

$168,209.03

$996,605.96

BC�T March 49

How Colorado Potato Beetles Beat Insecticides In some cases, they alter the regulation of their DNA, turning certain genes on or off Text and images courtesy of PotatoPro.com and the University of Vermont The Colorado potato beetle is a notorious pest and a kind of unstoppable genius.

The modern pesticide era began in the 1860’s when Midwest farmers started killing these beetles by spraying them with a paint color called Paris Green that contained copper arsenate.

The beetles soon overcame that poison as well as lead arsenate, mercury DDT and dieldrin, as well as

over 50 other pesticides. At first, with any new chemical, many beetles are killed, but none of the insecticides last for long.

The beetles develop resistance, usually within a few years, and continue merrily chomping their way through vast acres of potatoes in farms and gardens around the world.

Scientists have a poor understanding of how this creature turns this trick.

The current evolutionary theory

focused on DNA falls short of explaining the rapid development of pesticide resistance.

While the beetle shows a lot of genetic variation, new DNA mutations probably do not show up frequently enough to let them evolve resistance to so many types of pesticides, so fast, over and over.

A team of researchers, led by Professor Yolanda Chen at the University of Vermont (UVM), shows that even small doses of the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid, can alter how the beetle manages its DNA. To fend off the pesticides, the new research suggests the beetle may not need to change its underlying genetic code. Instead, the team found that beetles respond by altering the regulation of their DNA, turning Left: Native to the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado potato beetle has now spread to many parts of the world, chewing potato leaves and costing farmers millions of dollars. It quickly overcomes almost every pesticide thrown in its way. A new University of Vermont study sheds light on how these insects become resistant so fast.

50 BC�T March

“Perhaps it’s time to get off the pesticide treadmill of trying to introduce ever more toxic chemicals and recognize that evolution happens, regardless of what we throw at them.”

– Professor Yolanda Chen, A team of researchers, led by Professor Yolanda Chen at the University of Vermont, shows that even small doses of the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid, can alter how Colorado potato beetle manages its DNA.

certain genes on or off in a process called “DNA methylation.”

DEFENSE MECHANISMS These so-called epigenetic changes allow beetles to quickly ramp up biological defense mechanisms, perhaps putting into overdrive

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University of Vermont

already-existing genes that allow the beetle to tolerate a broad range of toxins found in potato plants.

A flush of enzymes or faster rate of excretion may let the insect stymie each new pesticide with the same ancient biochemical tools that it uses to overcome natural plant defenses.

Such genes or traits evolve much quicker than relying on the

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ponderous evolutionary process of random mutations appearing in key genes that would slowly cause a pesticide to become less effective.

Most important, the new study shows that these changes, triggered by even small doses of the pesticide, can be passed on to descendants across at least two generations. continued on pg. 52

1180 State Hwy 7 East / Hutchinson, MN 320.587.4030 / 800.328.5866 BC�T March 51

How Colorado Potato Beetles Beat Insecticides. . . continued from pg. 51

“We found the same DNA methylation patterns in the grandkid generation,” says Professor Chen, UVM Department of Plant and Soil Science and fellow in the Gund Institute for Environment. “That was surprising because they were not exposed to the insecticide.”

Treatment with Imidacloprid and Imidacloprid Analog decreases global CpG methylation across two generations

In several other insect species, exposure to pesticides has been shown to change DNA methylation.

And some epigenetic changes have been observed to be passed on to future generations of species that reproduce asexually, such as the tiny crustacean Daphnia Magna.

Kristian Brevik, the lead author on the new study who completed his doctoral degree working in Chen’s lab, says, “But it’s long been assumed that epigenetics resets during sexual reproduction.”

“That those changes could be transmitted, through multiple rounds of sexual reproduction, to future generations of insects—that’s new,” Brevik explains.

CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS Over the last half-century, agricultural researchers and chemical companies have spent millions of dollars developing innovative chemical compounds to try to kill off this beetle that causes hundreds of millions of dollars of damage, and almost all eventually fail.

“Perhaps it’s time to get off the pesticide treadmill of trying to introduce ever more toxic chemicals,” Chen says, “and recognize that evolution happens, regardless of what we throw at them.”

“We could be more strategic in understanding how evolutionary processes work,” she adds, “and invest in more ecological approaches that would enable agriculture to be more sustainable.”

52 BC�T March

Chart from a study published in the December university journal Evolutionary Applications, published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Epigenetics is an increasingly hot field. Basically, it is the study of how environmental stresses from starvation to air pollution to pesticides can add or remove chemical tags to an organism’s DNA. In doing so, the change in DNA flips a genetic switch that changes the organism’s health and behavior.

DNA methylation was first shown to occur in human cancer, in 1983. Since the early 2000’s, the epigenetics revolution in biology began to reveal how environmental change can turn certain genes on or off, leading to profound changes in an organism without changing its DNA. And it is well known that many insects in agricultural areas develop pesticide resistance; it is not just Colorado potato beetles.

More than 600 species have developed resistance to over 300 pesticides, with tens of thousands of reports from around the world.

A growing body of research shows

that many of these involve epigenetic mechanisms.

BEETLE ROUNDUP In their experiment, the UVM scientists, with a colleague from the University of Wisconsin, gathered adult beetles from organic farms in Vermont.

They divided up the offspring, treating them with different doses of the pesticide imidacloprid, some high, some low, some to a less-toxic chemical similar to imidacloprid and some to just water.

After two generations, beetles whose grandparents had been treated to any level of pesticide showed decreased overall methylation, while the ones exposed to water did not.

Many of the sites where the scientists found changes in methylation are with genes associated with pesticide resistance.

The parallel response across all the pesticide treatments suggests that “mere exposure to insecticides

can have lasting effects on the epigenetics of beetles,” says Chen.

on host genomes, they are usually suppressed by DNA methylation.”

largely unexplained reality of rapid evolution and pesticide resistance.

It is one thing to suggest that stress changes a particular organism and quite another to suggest that physical characteristics it acquires by stress or behavior can get passed down for numerous generations.

But pesticide exposure, the new research suggests, may let them loose, allowing more mutations associated with pesticide resistance to generate.

How these changes get passed on through multiple generations of sexual recombination remains mysterious, but the new study strongly suggests that they do.

In short, the dynamic interplay “We have more to learn,” Chen A blacksmith who grows strong between epigenetics and genetics states, “about how people could from a lifetime of hard work should points toward an explanation for the manage evolution better.” not expect her children to be extraordinarily strong, too. So why does some stress lead to lasting change?

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Such theories date back to Aristotle and an ancient idea that is most strongly associated with JeanBaptiste Lamarck, the 19th-century French naturalist who proposed that organisms pass down characteristics that are used or disused to their offspring.

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Now News

Mid-State Truck Earns Presidential Award Company recognized as top-performing International truck dealership Mid-State Truck Service, a local International Truck commercial dealership, has received the prestigious International Truck Presidential Award.

The Presidential Award, introduced in 2018, honors the top eight percent of International Truck dealerships that achieve the highest level of performance in terms of operating and financial standards, market representation, and most importantly, customer satisfaction.

“This award is the highest honor an International dealer principal

can achieve from the company,” say Mark Belisle, senior vice president of dealer sales and operations at Navistar. “Mid-State Truck Service is one of only 14 International dealerships in the United States and Canada that earned this prestigious recognition in 2020.”

“The Presidential Award also recognizes the effort and dedication of all the dealership’s employees,” Belisle stresses. “A highly skilled, professional staff is a critical success factor for any commercial truck dealership.”

M.P.B Builders, Inc. From Planning through Completion Commercial • Residential • Agricultural Design and Construction of:

“I congratulate everyone at Mid-State Truck Service for their commitment to outstanding customer service, operational excellence and representation of the International Truck brand,” Belisle adds.

“Our customers rely on us to keep their businesses moving and growing,” states Tom Vandehey, chief operating officer for Mid-State Truck Service. “For more than 55 years, our customers have been returning to Mid-State because they know we deliver quality International products and services that help drive profits to their bottom line.”

For more information, visit www.midstatetruck.com, or contact Stephanie Ott, 715-845-2244, Ext. 4003, stephanieo@ midstatetruck.com.

654 E. OSHKOSH STREET RIPON, WISCONSIN 54971

Phone: 920-748-2601 1-800-782-9632 Fax: 920-748-4829

Post Frame • Stud Wall & Steel Buildings

www.mpbbuilders.com 54 BC�T March

“Brothers Jon and Tom Vandehey are clearly committed to growing their business and being recognized by customers as the dealership of choice in their market,” he says.

About Mid-State Truck Service Mid-State Truck Service is a full-service International® Truck dealership serving customers in Wisconsin—Marshfield, Wausau, Plover, Wisconsin Rapids, Abbotsford and Chippewa Falls—as well as Minnesota locations in Duluth and Virginia.

Mid-State Truck Service is also an Idealease affiliate and full service and parts center.

Additional information is available at www.midstatetruck.com.

Potato LEAF Reaches $2 Million Goal

Foundation announces virtual Institute Alumni Summit, July 13-15 The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) announces it achieved its inaugural fundraising goal of $2 million for 2020.

Launched at Potato Expo 2020 in Las Vegas, Potato LEAF was created to provide tools, training and support necessary to develop growers and industry members as leaders.

“We challenged the industry with an ambitious goal, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of the response, particularly during an incredibly uncertain year,” says Potato LEAF board member Gregg Halverson.

“We want to thank the growers, businesses, allied partners and state and national potato organizations who stepped up to the plate during Potato LEAF’s first year.”

‘The solid financial foundation provided by these Founders Society members will ensure Potato LEAF will be able to meet its mission for years to come,” Halverson remarks.

The Potato LEAF Founders Society, created to acknowledge the inaugural contributors to the foundation, recognizes individuals and businesses making pledges and contributions of $10,000 or more.

BECOME A MEMBER The Potato LEAF Board of Directors has extended the opportunity to

become a member of the Founders Society. Pledges can now be made through Dec. 31, 2021, with fulfillment by Dec. 31, 2023. A full list of Founders Society members can be found by visiting https://pleaf.org/ donors.

Potato LEAF also announces the creation of a new program designed to support graduates of its Potato Industry Leadership Institute.

The Institute Alumni Summit, open to past graduates of the Institute, will take place virtually, July 13-15, 2021.

Over the three days, the Summit will provide alumni with engaging training sessions designed with tips attendees can use immediately to improve their leadership skills. continued on pg. 56

Lemken Rubin 12

Lemken: Making Tillage Great Again

In the heart of potato country.

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Sand Equipment, LLC • Cell: See Us At 498-6651 Booth #C5510See Us in the Safe-T-Pull Shop: County (715) 335-6652 • Fax: (715) 335-6653 (715) Paul Cieslewicz Owner Wisconsin Public Service Service 8364 Monica PO Box • Bancroft, WI 54921 Wisconsin Public Shop: (715) 335-6652 • Fax: (715)Road, 335-6653Cell: (715)228 498-6651 Booth #C5510 Farm Oshkosh Monica Road, P.O. Box 228 • Bancroft, WI 54921• www.sandcountyequipment.com E-mail:8364 paul@sandcountyequipment.com Farm Show, Show, Oshkosh Demo’s Available E-mail: paul@sandcountyequuipment.com • www.sandcountyequipment.com Theirsall makes of equipment th th March ServicingServicing all makes of equipment March 2824th-26th. , 29Ours & 30th

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Shop: (715) 335-6652 • Fax: (715) 335-6653Cell: (715) 498-6651 8364 Monica Road, P.O. Box 228 • Bancroft, WI 54921

See Us At Booth #C5510 BC�T March See 55

Wisconsin Public Service Service Wisconsin Public Farm Oshkosh Farm Show, Show, Oshkosh

Yo

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Now News . . .

continued from pg. 55

July 13: Refining Your Leadership Skills July 14: R efining Your Conflict Management July 15: Boosting the Team’s Morale “We’ve always seen the need for a continuing education program like the Institute Alumni Summit, and the creation of the Potato LEAF provided the platform to turn that vision into a reality,” says Dan Moss, Potato LEAF board member.

“Through the Institute Alumni Summit,” Moss continues, “we look forward to further investing in the emerging leaders within the U.S. potato industry.”

Registration information will be made available in early 2021. The sessions will be taught by leadership training experts Eric Herdman and Laurie Richards.

Eric Herdman is an accomplished motivator and facilitator. His audiences respond to his approaches to increase productivity, upgrade performance, strategically position business and get more from their teams.

He works with individuals, small business professionals, association leaders and Fortune 100 companies to help them lead themselves and others to achieve results.

A frequent contributor to the

Leadership Institute, Laurie Richards has worked with thousands of farmers, executives, sales and marketing professionals, technical experts and other leaders, helping them effectively tell their stories and improve communication at every level.

Potato LEAF is a 501(c)3 organization launched in January 2020 and designed to provide tools, training and support necessary to develop growers and industry members as leaders.

In 2020, the Foundation earned the GuideStar Silver Seal of Transparency.

To learn more, visit https://pleaf.org.

Follow Potato LEAF on Facebook and Twitter.

Six Ways Data Builds Sustainability Success

Building trust in food begins with empowering farmers through data and insight

By Margy Eckelkamp, reprinted with permission from Farm Journal and TheDailyScoop.com Building trust in food begins with empowering farmers through one of the largest and most diverse conservation- and sustainabilityfocused public-private partnerships in our nation’s history: America’s Conservation Ag Movement.

To find the latest news and resources related to the movement, visit https://www.AgWeb.com/ACAM. Every farm’s sustainability journey is unique. But the thread connecting everyone from where they begin to the route along the way is data.

Here are some top takeaways on how data can be a critical part of the conservation puzzle.

1. Evidence will be needed to maintain farmers’ social license in how they farm. “It’s about protecting the American farmer’s 56 BC�T March

“One of the most important aspects of data is creating actionable insights,” says Wisconsin potato farmer Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Inc. Photo courtesy of Len Villano

right to operate,” says Jason Weller, vice president of Truterra, the

farmer-led sustainability business unit at Land O’Lakes.

“It will take technology for those farmers to show how they’re adopting stewardship practices,” Truterra adds, “providing for great benefits not just for food production, but also in stewarding those natural soil, water and air resources.”

2. Tools enable a change in practices and help evaluate success. “Farmers ask what data to collect first, and my answer is to first get financial records in order to be able to assess profitability,” says Jeremie Pavelski, co-founder of Heartland Ag Tech and president of Heartland Farms, a large potato and vegetable growing operation in Central Wisconsin.

3. Data must be insightful to drive decision-making. Pavelski has been collecting data for more than 20 years. His goal is to create actionable insights. “If you’re just putting information into a system and you can’t create any actionable items, it is really kind of pointless,” he says.

4. Ease of data transfer and analysis is paramount. Pavelski says many companies now create software that makes data integration much easier, “so you truly can get an end-to-end solution.”

5. Stay true to your journey, and don’t go it alone. “Step back and understand what you’re really

after and if you are willing to test new technologies,” explains Aaron Deardorff, head of digital ag solutions at Syngenta.

“The sky’s the limit on where a trusted adviser can help you navigate the waters of this immense digital space,” Deardorff says.

6. Set a strong foundation with your team. Pavelski encourages farmers to get buy-in from their teams. “So, while you are getting some wins with new technology, you are working with your team to demonstrate how it’s going to make you more efficient,” he says.

Fairchild Equipment Becomes Seven-Time MVP Dealership honored by Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association Fairchild Equipment has been awarded the prestigious Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award for 2021, based on accomplishments in 2020.

• Customer Service & Safety Practices

This is the seventh time that Fairchild Equipment has earned an MVP Award from the industry’s trade association, Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA).

• Business Best Practices

To qualify for the MVP award, each recipient must satisfy several criteria, with less than 10 percent of the association’s membership earning the honor.

As a 2021 MVP, Fairchild Equipment demonstrates professionalism, good stewardship and commitment to business excellence successfully.

To qualify for the annual MVP Award, companies are required to provide evidence of their commitment to their partners in business, including customers, employees and suppliers.

They must satisfy criteria in the following important areas: • Industry Advocacy

• Community Involvement • Business Networking • Continuing Education “This award means so much to our company,” says Van Clarkson, Fairchild Equipment president and MHEDA board member.

“It means we are among the best of our peers and are working every day to embody our Core Values: Family Values, Safety Always, Customers for Life, Employer of Choice and being Active in our Communities,” Clarkson states.

“I’d like to congratulate our amazing employees,” he says. “The hard work really does pay off!”

“Both of MHEDA’s Awards, the MVP and MVS, are difficult to achieve without a companywide commitment to excellence in education, networking and community service,” says Mike Wall, 2020 MHEDA chairman of the board and

president of CSI Materials Handling in Westmont, Illinois.

“The companies that earn this distinction from MHEDA are the premier materials handling providers in the industry,” Wall relates.

Fairchild Equipment strives every day to provide a dynamic and comprehensive customer experience, with a team that is dedicated to industry experience, knowledge and customer service.

To learn more about Fairchild Equipment and its core values, visit: www.fairchildequipment.com.

BC�T March 57

New Products

Spectrum Releases FieldScout Soil Moisture Meter TDR 250 aids irrigated row crop and vegetable growers with effective irrigation scheduling Spectrum Technologies, Inc. extends its broad product offering with the release of the FieldScout® TDR 250 Economy Soil Moisture Meter. The new model enhances the welladopted TDR product line, which sets the industry standard for portable soil moisture measurement and optimizing irrigation scheduling.

It is the perfect tool for irrigated row crop and vegetable growers who are looking to capture soil moisture spot measurements for effective irrigation scheduling.

The TDR 250 measures soil moisture (volumetric water content) in less than a second, with settings for standard, high-clay or sand-texture soils.

With a rugged T-handle frame and exclusive LCD display, the userfriendly TDR can capture accurate spot measurements across the field.

All of Spectrum’s TDR meters offer

interchangeable soil probes at varying lengths, so customers can choose the best option for their crops’ root zones.

IRRIGATED CROP GROWERS “Spectrum Technologies is responding to what the agriculture market has been asking for,” says Mike Thurow, Spectrum president and chief executive officer. “The TDR 250 has been specially designed for growers of irrigated crops who desire an affordable solution to measuring soil moisture. It’s portable, quick and simple to use.”

Through use of the TDR 250, growers can schedule irrigation more objectively and conserve water and energy. The result is consistently higher yields and crop quality.

Spectrum Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Aurora, Illinois.

The company manufactures and

distributes affordable, leading-edge plant measurement technology to agricultural, horticultural, environmental and turf markets throughout the world, serving more than 14,000 customers in over 80 countries.

Spectrum Technologies’ brands include WatchDog®, FieldScout, WaterScout®, DataScout®, LightScout® and SpecConnect™.

Spectrum has received 25 AE50 Awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.

For more information, call 815-4364440 or visit www.specmeters.com.

Wilbur-Ellis Launches Two Potassium Fertilizers

For row crops, potassium mobilizes nutrients, enzymes and photosynthesis in plants Wilbur-Ellis announces the launch of two new potassium fertilizer technologies, TILL-IT KOMPOUND™ and FOLI-GRO KILO®. The highly soluble, carbon-based potassium fertilizers drive bio-activation in soil and can be used as foliar-applied products.

KOMPOUND pushes both potassium and sulfur into plants through soil or fertigation applications.

FOLI-GRO KILO is a single-source potassium acetate fertilizer. TILL-IT

Growers know potassium is a critical part of any fertility program driving

58 BC�T March

photosynthesis, nutrient transport and standability throughout the season. But not all potassium sources are the same. Solubility and availability play huge roles, especially when plants need in-season potassium to fill nuts, pods or fruit.

FOLI-GRO KILO is a carbon-based potassium source with high solubility and availability for any foliar,

in-furrow or soil-applied liquid fertilizer application. The combination of available potassium with a carbon base creates a unique, bioactivated potassium source for plants.

TILL-IT KOMPOUND combines the KILO technology with sulfur, creating a solution for straight applications or combinations with urea ammonium nitrate or ammonium polyphosphate (APP).

SULFUR AND POTASSIUM By providing sulfur and available potassium, TILL-IT KOMPOUND is beneficial when applied alone or can create custom solutions that increase stalk strength, standability and yield of most crops.

“These two new technologies are centered around potassium nutrition, a critical in-season need in all crops

for improving quality and yield,” says Wilbur-Ellis Value Added Nutrition Manager Matt Werner.

LeGrande, field director of branded technology, 254-723-3885, glegrande@wilburellis.com.

“From row-crops to almonds, potassium mobilizes nutrients, photosynthesis and enzyme systems inside plants but is not often addressed in-season,” Werner adds.

“With these two new options from Wilbur-Ellis, growers can apply inseason potassium into their program as a foliar, drip or soil application and see an immediate benefit.”

About the Wilbur-Ellis Companies Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers and distributors of agricultural products, animal feed and specialty chemicals and ingredients.

For more information, contact Wilbur-Ellis, attention George

By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales now over $3 billion.

Wilbur-Ellis has over 160 branch locations throughout the United States.

Visit wilburellis.com.

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Potatoes USA News Italian Pie Maker Shows How Potatoes Can Enliven Pizza Potatoes USA partners with the 13-time winner of the World Pizza Championship to demonstrate the endless possibilities of creating pizza with potatoes.

to Las Vegas, to Meridian, Idaho.

Famed pizza maker Tony Gemignani, a four-time Guinness World Records holder, has been featuring potatoes as a pizza topping for years. His Purple Pesto Potato Pizza has long been a key menu item at his 20 restaurants, from San Francisco

From “Red Potato, Lady Apples, Cranberry, Italian Sausage Sicilian Pizza” to his latest creation, the “Ultimate Pizza Americano”— with waffle-cut fries, house-made Calabrese honey sausage, roasted red peppers, green onion, smoked

Through a new partnership with Potatoes USA, Tony has begun sharing his new potato pizza creations on social media and his menus.

Tony Gemignani tops off his famous Purple Pesto Potato Pizza.

provolone, horseradish aioli and mozzarella—Tony’s legions of fans, many of whom are pizza chefs all over the world, are getting inspired (and drooling!) at these amazing pizzas.

USDA Appoints New Potatoes USA Board Members Dykstra represents Wisconsin and will be sworn in at Annual Meeting in March On January 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture appointed 31 new or returning members to serve threeyear terms on the National Potato Promotion Board, also known as Potatoes USA. The new members will be sworn in at the organization’s Annual Meeting, March 8-11.

Each year, growers from every potato-producing state select other growers to represent them on the Board. These selections then need to be confirmed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Potatoes USA has a 98-member board consisting of 92 growers, five importers and one public member.

Each board member serves a threeyear term with the ability to serve a second consecutive three-year term.

Roughly one-third of the board members are appointed each year.

60 BC�T March

Members appointed or reappointed are: • Jason Davenport, California • Jared B. Smith, Colorado • Kasey Poulson, Idaho • Mitch Bitter, Idaho • Mike Larsen, Idaho • Steve Elfering, Idaho • Jeff Blanksma, Idaho • Wesley Jacob Pahl, Idaho • Eric Searle, Idaho • Ryan Christensen, Idaho • Jace Jensen, Idaho • Tyson Ruff, Idaho • Ryan Lee Tucker, Michigan • John Coombs Jr., New Jersey • Brian Mahany, New York • Jeff Jennings, North Carolina • Camburn Shephard, North Dakota • Kyle Michael, Ohio • Michael B. Kirsch, Oregon • Bill Walker, Oregon • Wayne Montgomery, Rhode Island • H. Bruce Richardson Jr., Virginia • Adam W. Weber, Washington

Wendy Dykstra of Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin, was selected to serve her first term on the Potatoes USA Board.

• Shelley Olsen, Washington • Austin Ochoa, Washington • James Baker, Washington • Mike Pink, Washington • Wendy Dykstra, Wisconsin • Kevin Hachey, Canada • Clifton Smith, Canada • Kim M. Cupelli, Idaho, Importer

Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

WPVGA Offers 2021 Food Safety Training Since the beginning of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Food Safety Training program, in 2013, many growers in and outside of the Badger State have reaped the benefits of learning alongside their industry colleagues.

Over the years, many classes have been offered, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, or HACCP, certification, Primus

GFS training, classes on the U.S. Department of Agriculture audit schemes such as Harmonized Standard, as well as classes that fall under the Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA. Holding classes within the industry and among members of the WPVGA has helped local businesses grow and work together to continue providing the best potatoes and vegetables while also maintaining the highest

SORTING & GRADING LABOR SAVING TECHNOLOGY Combi Units

standards possible within individual organizations.

March 2021 marks eight years of the WPVGA continuing this tradition.

After extensive discussions with several potato and vegetable growing organizations in Wisconsin, WPVGA will be carrying through with the following plan for 2021 training. continued on pg. 62

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Marketplace . . .

continued from pg. 61

- HACCP (Information Updated) • WPVGA will hold one class March 30-31, 2021 - NOTE: Another class will be offered if registration exceeds 20 people - Attendance is required both days to receive a HACCP certificate • This two-day class will be held virtually • The cost per person is $50 • NOTE: Consider taking this class if your HACCP certificate will need to be updated in a year.

The class is not guaranteed

to be offered every year.

-H armonized GAP Plus – new version • A new version of the Harmonized GAP Plus scheme is expected to be released in the coming weeks • WPVGA will hold a class in July (assuming the new version is available by then) or November if it isn’t released until after July • This class will only cover updates to the new version • The format of the class (i.e. virtual, in person or hybrid) is TBD • WPVGA will look into inviting the Department of Agriculture, Trade

and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to provide updates on its role in food safety - Primus GFS – New Version • Class in July (assuming the new version is available by then) - If the new version isn’t available, the class can be held in November after harvest • Class only on the updates to the new version • The format of the class (i.e. virtual, in person or hybrid) is TBD Please contact Dana Rady at drady@wisconsinpotatoes.com or 715-610-6350 with questions.

Wisconsin Spudmobile Goes Virtual “Virtual” has become a major term in just about all facets of life since the pandemic began a year ago.

And thankfully that opportunity is available so we can carry on with some normalcy!

This said, many events continue to be cancelled or are going virtual to accommodate the continuously changing climate.

The Spudmobile is no exception.

Now, you can enjoy Wisconsin’s traveling billboard when and where you like with five virtual tour videos.

Available on WPVGA’s consumer site, www.eatwisconsinpotatoes.com, Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel takes you through the various exhibits inside the Spudmobile.

Foemmel introduces the vehicle itself, gives a description of the Field to Fork process, presents a feature on the potato varieties produced in Wisconsin and shares creative recipes on how to prepare potatoes.

62 BC�T March

Now, you can enjoy Wisconsin’s traveling billboard when and where you like with five virtual tour videos.

He also explains the Interactive Grower Map with information about Wisconsin growers, their farms and where potatoes are produced in the state.

With many schools not completely back to in-person learning, this is a convenient way to adapt to a changing environment and continue educating students about the

Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry, the importance of buying local and healthy ways to cook at home with America’s favorite vegetable.

Virtual Spudmobile video links can be accessed at https:// eatwisconsinpotatoes.com/ spudmobile/.

Eyes on Associates

By WPVGA Associate Div. Outgoing President Kenton Mehlberg, T.I.P. / Ag Grow Solutions

Greetings, everyone.

The pendulum continues to swing.

We made it through January easy this year, with most of the month featuring above average temperatures, but we paid for it in February. It was minus 26 degrees this morning with more to come for about another week.

I am sure that by the time you are reading this, it will be warmer. The only question left is how much additional snow we will get. Good luck with spring preparations, and keep the shovels handy until at least next month’s column.

After a successful, well-attended and informational 2021 WPVGA Virtual

Grower Education Conference, February 2-3, the Associate Division bid farewell to Board of Directors members who have served their terms and held elections for new members.

I would like to sincerely thank the outgoing board members for their service and contributions. Paul Cieslewicz, Kristi Kulas and I will all be leaving the Board. continued on pg. 64

Right: During the 2021 Virtual Grower Education Conference, February 2-3, 2021, Kenton Mehlberg was honored for his dedicated service on the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors. Mehlberg, of T.I.P. and AgGrow Solutions, served two terms on the Board, the latest as president.

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Eyes on Associates . . . continued from pg. 63

Paul Cieslewicz, Sand County Equipment, was honored during the 2021 Virtual Grower Education Conference for dedicated service on the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors. Cieslewicz served two terms on the Board, one as vice president.

Paul and Kristi have done a fantastic job on the Board and will be missed.

This year, we welcome three newly elected board members, Paul Salm of BMO Harris Bank, Matt Selenske

Kristi Kulas of M3 Insurance was honored during the Virtual Grower Education Conference for dedicated service on the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors, having completed one term.

from Allied Cooperative’s Pest Pros Division and Andrew Verhasselt of T.I.P., Inc. The Associate Division Board

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64 BC�T March

of Directors elected Chris Brooks of Central Door Solutions, Plover, to be its president for 2021. Julie Cartwright, Jay-Mar, Inc., Plover, was elected vice president of the Board.

The other directors, for 2021, include Sally Suprise (secretary) of Rural Mutual Insurance, Waupaca; Rich Wilcox (treasurer) from First State Bank, Stevens Point; and Justin Yach, Compass Insurance Services, Stevens Point.

DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS I am extremely proud of what this group has accomplished in the past year, and we can all look forward to the trend continuing in 2021. Next time you see our board members, please thank them for their commitment. As a board, they will continue to support, foster and promote causes that benefit our industry.

Despite the 2021 Grower Education

Conference, February 2-3, being held virtually via Zoom, we had great participation on both days, and the information was well received and just as valuable as ever.

The conference featured not only presentations from our Wisconsin researchers, but also several from around the country.

The diversity of information presented was great, and I think that we will continue to see this scale and quality of researcher reports continue for years to come.

We integrated our “Bringing Value to Ag” presentations into the virtual conference this year, as well as a vendor information page on the website.

As a reminder, you can continue to access reference materials associated with all scheduled presentations, including slides (.pdfs), curated videos and research reports, as well as the vendor information portion of the web page.

If you have not taken the time, please visit the vendor portion of the website to support our industry sponsors. Visit https://wpvga2021. conferencespot.org/.

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

THE VOICE OF

O WISCONSIN'S POTAT

/SUPPLIES & 2021 EQUIPMENT ERAGE ISSUE POTATO EXPO COV TIVE DIREC WPVG A EXECU ses in 2020 Highlights Succes 2021 POTATO EXPO Came to the People

TOR

RY 2021 02 | FEBRUA

TRY & VEGETABLE INDUS

INTERVIEW:

EHM EVESchneBO STerer ll & Riest

IMPOR TING NEW al Materi Potato Genetic CULTIVATED REINV ENTIN G Crop Potato as a Diploid

The success of the conference would not be possible without the dedication and effort of growers, educators and associates alike.

Thank you to everyone involved.

We all look forward to an in-person event in 2022.

EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS In 2016, the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of its namesake, a founding member of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary and an integral part of the Wisconsin potato industry.

All the proceeds from the silent auction at the annual Grower Education Conference & Industry Show go to the Avis M. Wysocki Scholarship. Without the ability to have a silent auction this year, we will be using donations and sponsorship income from our virtual event to support these scholarships.

The Associate Division and Auxiliary Boards of Directors award several annual scholarships to outstanding young applicants with connections to the potato and vegetable growing industry and its members.

The purpose of the annual scholarships is to provide financial assistance to students whose immediate families are members

of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA).

It is our goal as a division to continue to increase research grants, scholarships, promotions and any other good will for our industry. As an industry, we are in this together, and by supporting each other, we are all stronger as an industry.

The 2021 Putt-Tato Open will be held Tuesday, July 13, at Lake Arrowhead Golf Course, in Wisconsin Rapids.

The course will have a beautiful new clubhouse, so please make plans to attend. We are looking forward this great golf outing and Associate Division fundraiser in 2021. Please mark your calendars If anyone has ideas or thoughts on the Industry Show or anything else for us to consider, please contact one of the board members. As we move into a new season, please consider this: If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, stay positive and keep moving forward.

Stay warm.

Kenton Mehlberg WPVGA Associate Division Outgoing President

Badger Common’Tater

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

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Whether you are a grower, industry partner or simply enjoy rural life, sign up to receive this prestigious publication in print version, delivered direct to your mailbox for $22/year (12 issues). image n, shared the Brillion, Wisconsi & Industry of Deere 323E Compact Dvorachek Farm field using a John cleared from a of debris being Riesterer & Schnell. available from Track Loader,

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BC�T March 65

People with type 2 diabetes need not avoid

eating potatoes

Study shows high Glycemic Index (GI) potatoes can be eaten as part of a healthy evening meal Article provided by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education Department of Soil Science

People with type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are frequently told to avoid eating potatoes and other high Glycemic Index (GI) foods because of the longstanding perception that these foods make it difficult to control blood sugar levels.

This is especially problematic during the night when blood sugar tends to spike, a phenomenon that has been associated with cardiovascular disease and endothelial disfunction.

66 BC�T March

However, for the first time, a rigorously controlled clinical trial, including 24 adults with T2D, demonstrates that GI is not an accurate surrogate for an individual’s

Above: There were no differences between meals in glucose response following the dinner that contained any of the potato dishes or basmati rice.

glycemic response (GR) to a food consumed as part of an evening meal.

Specifically, the findings published in Clinical Nutrition show that participants had a better “nocturnal”

GR when they ate a mixed meal with skinless white potatoes compared to an isoenergetic and macronutrientmatched mixed meal that included a low GI carbohydrate food—basmati rice.

“Despite its frequent use among nutrition researchers, GI is not an appropriate tool for understanding how a meal impacts glycemic control; it is a very specific measurement for foods consumed in isolation, typically conducted under controlled laboratory conditions,” says Dr. Brooke Devlin, Ph.D., the primary investigator at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne.

“It’s rare that people eat foods in isolation, and findings from this study demonstrate how other factors, such as the time of day or food pairings, need to be considered when investigating the GR of mixed meals in individuals with T2D,” Dr. Devlin adds.

SKINLESS WHITE POTATOES Participants were provided the same breakfast and lunch, but they were randomly assigned to one of four dinners, each including either skinless white potatoes (test meal) prepared in three different ways (boiled, roasted, or boiled then cooled and reheated) or basmati rice (control meal).

“Our study shows high Glycemic Index foods, like potatoes, can be consumed as part of a healthy evening meal without negatively affecting glycemic response and while delivering key nutrients in relatively few calories.”

– Dr. Brooke Devlin There were no differences between meals in glucose response following the dinner that contained any of the potato dishes or basmati rice.

Moreover, participants’ overnight GR was more favorable after eating the evening meal that included any of the high GI potato side dishes compared to low GI basmati rice.

“These findings are contrary to that of observational research and traditional dietary guidance that has led some to believe potatoes are not an appropriate food choice for people with T2D,” Dr. Devlin explains.

HEALTHY EVENING MEAL “Our study shows high GI foods, like potatoes, can be consumed as part of a healthy evening meal without negatively affecting GR and while delivering key nutrients in relatively few calories,” Dr. Devlin says, “which is essential for people with T2D.” This study followed a rigorous methodology by using a randomized crossover design and measuring glucose levels both immediately postmeal and overnight to obtain a better picture of the potatoes' impact on GR. continued on pg. 68

Participants repeated the experiment, with a nine-day break in between each trial, to cycle through all test meals and the control.

In addition to having blood samples collected regularly, both immediately after the meal and again every 30 minutes, for two hours, participants also wore a continuous glucose monitor overnight to track changes in blood sugar levels while sleeping.

Study participants had a better “nocturnal” glycemic response when they ate a mixed meal with skinless white potatoes compared to an isoenergetic and macronutrient-matched mixed meal that included a low Glycemic Index carbohydrate food—basmati rice.

BC�T March 67

People with Type 2 Diabetes Need not Avoid Eating Potatoes . . . continued from pg. 67

However, the researchers noted a few limitations.

Study participants’ baseline GR was assessed for only one evening meal, the dinner provided was larger than what is typically recommended for people with T2D (but in line with Australian eating patterns, at 40 percent of an individual’s total energy intake), and the potatoes’ impact on long-term glycemic control was not assessed.

Despite such limitations, the researchers concluded that “potatoes are a vegetable that is sustainable, affordable and nutrient-dense, and thus, they can play an important role in modern diets irrespective of metabolic health status.”

The article, “Lower nocturnal blood glucose response to a potato-based mixed evening meal compared to rice in individuals with type 2 diabetes,” published in Clinical Nutrition, can be accessed by visiting: https://www. clinicalnutritionjournal.com/article/ S0261-5614(20)30521-5/fulltext.

Authors include Brooke L. Devlin, Evelyn B. Parr, Bridget E. Radford and John A. Hawley of Australian Catholic University. Funding was provided by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education.

Participants were provided the same breakfast and lunch, but they were randomly assigned to one of four dinners, each including either skinless white potatoes (test meal) prepared in three different ways (boiled, roasted, or boiled then cooled and reheated) or basmati rice (control meal).

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.

68 BC�T March

NPC News Eye on Potatoes Podcast Approaches 5,000 Downloads As the NPC enters the second year of the Eye on Potatoes podcast, the organization has seen significant growth in subscribers and downloads, approaching just under 5,000 to date.

numerous growers and potato industry members.

During its first year, the NPC hosted two members of Congress, famed political commenter Charlie Cook, partners throughout the specialty crop industry and

If you haven’t yet subscribed, visit https://www.buzzsprout. com/770336 or search for “Eye on Potatoes” wherever you listen to podcasts.

NPC also secured the podcast’s first sponsor, organic fertilizer supplier AgroThrive, which sponsored the episodes for January and February.

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BC�T March 69

Badger Beat Genotypes of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Spread in Carrots Pathogen is causal agent of multiple diseases in Wisconsin crop plants like carrots, onions and celery

By Justin Clements, University of Idaho; and Benjamin Z. Bradford, Marjorie Garcia, Shannon Piper and Russell L. Groves, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology

Aster Yellows phytoplasma (AYp; Candidatus Phytoplasma

asteris) is an obligate bacterial pathogen that is the causal agent of multiple diseases in Wisconsin crop plants, including carrots, onions and celery.

While the phytoplasma has previously been examined in depth for its disease characteristics, knowledge about the spread dynamics of this pathogen is lacking.

The phytoplasma is found in a plant’s sap (phloem) and is transmitted by leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera), including the Aster leafhopper (ALH), Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Fig 1).

The aster leafhopper is a migratory

insect pest that overwinters in the southern United States, and historical data suggest these insects migrate from southern overwintering locations to northern latitudes annually, transmitting and driving phytoplasma infection rates as they migrate (Chiykowski and Chapman [1965]) (Fig 2).

Our recent investigations were designed to develop a more indepth understanding of the spatial, temporal and genetic determinants of Aster Yellows disease that we observe in carrot fields.

The movement of AYp across large geographic areas has previously been examined in depth. However, the progression and movement of AYp genotypes (different genetic versions of the bacteria) within commercial agricultural fields has never been explored.

Figure 2: Illustrated are probable migration routes of the Aster leafhopper from overwintering sites in the southern United States and traveling north. (from: https://agris.fao.org/agrissearch/search. do?recordID=US201300436497) 70 BC�T March

Within the species designation (Ca. Phytoplasma asteris), there are multiple subgroups of the phytoplasma. Within the midwestern region of the United States, and more specifically Wisconsin, two

Figure 1: The aster leafhopper (Macrosteles quadrilineatus, adult shown) is a migratory insect pest that overwinters in the southern United States. Historical data suggest these insects migrate from southern overwintering locations to northern latitudes annually, transmitting and driving phytoplasma infection rates as they migrate.

primary AYp subgroups—16SrI-A and 16SrI-B—have been detected in carrots.

INSECT INTERACTIONS In one of these subgroups (the 16SrI-A AYp strain), unique effector genes have been identified and shown to promote phytoplasma virulence and enhanced insectpathogen and insect-plant interactions.

In fact, recent studies have identified 56 effectors. Unique among these is secreted effector protein (SAP) #11, which has been found to induce shoot branching, with examples including witch’s broom symptoms and leaf crinkling (Fig. 3).

Moreover, SAP11 suppresses the jasmonic acid (JA) defense system pathway in plants and modulates volatile organic compounds (VOC) originating from glandular trichomes of plants (Sugio 2011).

The function of another effector in this unique subgroup is SAP54, which has been characterized in depth and is known to result in

phenotypic changes in leaf-like sepals, loss of floral determinacy and other reproductive deficiencies, holding the plant in juvenile stages of development for much longer.

The SAP54 effector is presumed to be responsible for enhanced colonization by insect vectors on these infected plants.

Recent investigations by Tomkins et al. (2018) used a multi-layered model to predict the complex interactions between leafhopper, phytoplasma and plants related to the expression of these effector genes (SAP11 and SAP54) and suggested that the effectors heavily contribute to disease.

Symptoms of Aster Yellows disease in carrots were followed season long in a sub-field at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station, in 2019. Disease symptoms were predominantly observed in mid-tolate portions of the growing season.

DRIVING DISEASE SPREAD Interestingly, the largest proportion of genotypes first detected moving into carrot was represented by a higher number of the 16SrI-B subgroup, or those not containing SAP 11 or SAP54, which were hypothesized to drive disease spread (Fig. 4).

Figure 3: One subgroup of phytoplasma, 16SrI-A AYp strain, contains the secreted effector protein (SAP) #11, which has been found to induce shoot branching, an example of which is witch’s broom symptoms and leaf crinkling illustrated here. (from http://www. forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1243104)

to have important biological ramifications on insect vector colonization (attractiveness) and reproduction (fitness).

REFERENCES Chiykowski LN, Chapman RK. Migration of the six-spotted leafhopper in central North America. Wis. Agric. Exp. Stn. Res. Bull.

1965;261:21-45.

The exact function of all effectors is currently under investigation and is still unknown. However, the functions of SAP11 and SAP54 have been well documented.

Tomkins M, Kliot A, Marée AF, Hogenhout SA. A multi-layered mechanistic modelling approach to understand how effector genes extend beyond phytoplasma to modulate plant hosts, insect vectors and the environment. Current opinion in plant biology.

2018 Aug 1;44:39-48.

Secreted effector protein 11 promotes oviposition (egg laying) by gravid adult female ALH, and SAP54 attracts insect vectors to plants by suppressing innate immune responses to herbivores.

Sugio A, MacLean AM, Grieve VM, Hogenhout SA. Phytoplasma protein effector SAP11 enhances insect vector reproduction by manipulating plant development and defense hormone biosynthesis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2011 Nov 29;108(48):E1254-63.

Perhaps not surprisingly, however, the greatest proportion of AYp subgroups at the end of the season was composed of 16SrI-A (67 percent), which consistently contains the SAP11 and SAP54 genes that positively influence disease spread.

The higher proportion of 16SrI-B at the beginning of the season could certainly be an artifact of the initial low number of infected carrots.

However, the shift in subgroup proportion is important to highlight and suggests that the 16SrI-A subgroup (and the associated SAP genes) is being selected for in comparison to the 16SrI-B subgroup.

These unique effectors are shown

Figure 4: The number of new Aster Yellows phytoplasma infected carrots is identified and sampled by date, illustrating the ratio of both AYp 16SrI-A and 16SrI-B subgroup proportions for each sample date. The black line represents the number of Aster leafhoppers captured over time.

BC�T March 71

Auxiliary News

By Devin Zarda, vice president, WPGA

Hello, friends! I hope you

have not gone completely stir crazy this winter! I know I cannot wait for it to finally warm up so that I can get outside. Between the cold and shipping season, I have not been able to feel my toes for the last six weeks.

While pondering life on the grading line (seriously, what else do you do while staring at potatoes going past?), I have been thinking about potatoes, farming and the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary.

I am not going to lie—I struggle a little when it comes to writing these articles. I know, I know, it is shocking to hear that the girl who could talk to a brick wall has nothing to say. Well, that is not it.

Right now, the Auxiliary has slowed

down our programs due to COVID-19.

Normally, we are ramping up to run the baked potato booth at the WPS Farm Show, preparing harvest parties at schools and the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program, and making preliminary plans for selling baked potatoes at the Wisconsin State Fair.

So, what do I write about? This is where I am asking for your help.

Since things are slower on our end, I do not have much to report on as is usually the case. Instead, I would like to highlight the Auxiliary through the ages via interviews with past and current members.

2021 STATE FAIR While the Auxiliary plans to be at the State Fair, just to be prepared, we are creating two game plans in case it is a drive-through format versus an inperson event.

I think it would be a fun way to discuss what the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary has accomplished through the years.

The 60th Annual WPS Farm Show has been postponed until 2022, and there are no school visits with the Spudmobile, or for harvest parties and the Kids Did Wisconsin Potatoes program.

While the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary would normally be preparing harvest parties at schools and taking part in Spudmobile visits and the Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program, those activities are on hold due to COVID-19. Auxiliary members will be at the 2021 State Fair and are creating two game plans in case it is a drive-through format versus an in-person event. Look for upcoming “Auxiliary News” columns and interviews with past and current Auxiliary members.

72 BC�T March

So, if you would like to help me with this project, please feel free to send me an email at woodruff. devin@gmail.com so we can collaborate.

Until next time,

Devin

Ali's Kitchen Potato Casserole is a Flexible Creation

Delicious comfort food blends Parmesan and Gouda cheeses with herby flavor of dill Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary We have a super quick, very tasty, deliciously cheesy comfort food for you this month—Dilled Potato Casserole.

While I wish it were a great makeahead dish, alas, it is not. I made the attempt not too long ago and found that, after a few hours of sitting in the fridge, my potato casserole had

turned an unappetizing grey (I know, I know, how did I not realize that would happen?).

Luckily, this recipe is so simple and takes mere minutes to put together that its inability to be prepped ahead of time is not a deterrent. continued on pg. 74

Ingredients: Dilled Potato Casserole • 1 Ib. bag of frozen, shredded hash brown potatoes (thawed) • 1 small onion, diced • 1/4 cup chopped dill (Fresh or freeze-dried is best. You can use dried dill, but it will be less flavorful.)

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (Again, fresh works best here, but feel free to use dried.)

• 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 1 1/2 cup sour cream • 1 tsp. each of salt and black pepper (or to taste) • Chopped green onion for garnish BC�T March 73

Advertisers Index

Ali's Kitchen. . .

continued from pg. 73

Potato casseroles might just be some of the most flexible creations to ever come out of our kitchens.

My family enjoys the blend of Parmesan and Gouda cheeses with the herby flavor of dill, but feel free to use your favorite cheese combination in this recipe.

Consider adding a handful or two of chopped leftover ham to your casserole, serve with a side salad, and this becomes a fast yet filling weeknight meal to end a busy day.

Or serve the Dilled Potato Casserole as a side along with pork chops or baked chicken, and you have a fabulous meal to enjoy leisurely on a snowy Sunday afternoon.

74 BC�T March

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the thawed hash brown potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Add the rest of the ingredients and carefully mix with a large spoon or spatula until everything is well combined.

Transfer the potato mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and the top begins to look lightly toasted brown.

Enjoy!

Find more recipes at www.LifeOnGraniteRidge.com.

AgCountry Farm Credit Services....37 Big Iron Equipment........................35 Chippewa Valley Bean Co..............31 CliftonLarsonAllen.........................64 Colorado Certified Potato Growers............................47 Compeer Financial.........................19 David J. Fleischman Farms.............45 Fencil Urethane Systems...............22 Harriston-Mayo.............................11 Heartland AG Systems.............51, 59 Jay-Mar............................................9 John Miller Farms............................2 J.W. Mattek & Sons..........................5 M.P.B. Builders, Inc........................54 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc.....................34 North Central Irrigation.................23 Nutrien Ag Solutions.....................53 Nutrien Ag Solutions Great Lakes..................................43 Oasis Irrigation..............................76 Oro Agri...........................................3 Polaris ...........................................21 Potatoes USA.................................16 Precision Drainage, LLC.................27 R&H Machine, Inc..........................12 Roberts Irrigation ..........................32 Rotam CropSciences......................69 Ruder Ware...................................15 Rural Mutual Insurance.................63 Sand County Equipment................55 Schroeder Brothers Farms...............7 Swiderski Equipment.....................30 T.I.P................................................61 Tessenderlo Kerley........................29 United Potato Growers of Wisconsin................................39 Vantage North Central...................38 Volm Companies............................13 Wilbur-Ellis....................................20 WPVGA Spud Seed Classic Sponsorship...................................75 WPVGA Support Your Fellow Members..........................68 WPVGA Thank Industry Sponsors......................................25 WPVGA Subscribe Today...............65 WSPIA............................................41

Friday, June 18, 2021 Bass Lake Country Club W10650 Bass Lake Road Deerbrook, WI 54424

Deadline for sponsorship commitments to be included in June Badger Common'Tater: May 7, 2021* DINNER SPONSOR $2,000 • Company name and logo on three 12-foot banners placed in prominent areas including dinner area • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for four golfers

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

SILVERTON SPONSOR $1,000 BUSHMAN’S RIVERSIDE RANCH

SUPERIOR SPONSOR $500

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

OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSOR $300 • Company name on hole sign • Rights to occupy a hole on the course and provide giveaways* *If alcohol is being served, it must be purchased through the golf course • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event

BASIC HOLE SPONSOR $200 • Company name on hole sign • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event

• Company name/logo on one 12-foot banner placed in a prominent area on the course • Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for one golfer

CONTACT KAREN RASMUSSEN for more details (715) 623-7683 Make checks payable to WSPIA *

We WILL accept sponsors after this date.

MAIL PAYMENT TO: WSPIA, P.O. Box 173 Antigo, WI 54409

Since 1998, this tournament raised over $125,000, which was donated to Wisconsin potato research.

P.O. Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Stevens Point, WI 54481 Permit No. 480

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