April 2022 Badger Common'Tater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 74 No. 04 | APRIL 2022

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

IRRIGATION & SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT ISSUE

A WELL CLEAN-OUT Saves Cost & Energy EATING SPUDS LINKED TO Improved Nutrient Intakes RIPARIAN BUFFER STRIPS Could Protect Waterways MICRONUTRIENTS Fill Anti-Disease Role Look at those perfect hills—a John Deere tractor pulls a Ridge Hiller manufactured by T.I.P., Inc., of Custer, Wisconsin.

INTERVIEW:

STEVE TATRO Owner of T.I.P., Inc.

ASSOCIATE DIVISION / AUXILIARY

Scholarships Now Available

The WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary are pleased to inform you of scholarships totaling $9,055, available to students attending post-secondary institutions. Several scholarships will be awarded to students with WPVGA ties based on the number of applicants and their merits.

The top candidate among all applicants will be awarded the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Avis, who was a founding member of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary and an integral part of the Wisconsin potato industry.

The scholarships detailed above can be used to defray educational expenses and are open to students in undergraduate and post-graduate programs. Applicants must be residents of Wisconsin and are eligible to reapply in subsequent years regardless if they have been previously awarded a scholarship.

DUE BY

MAY 2, 2022

Applications can be obtained online at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com or by calling the WPVGA office at

(715) 623-7683

If you have any questions, please call the WPVGA office and ask for Julie Braun.

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED FORMS TO: Julie Braun WPVGA PO Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409-0327 or, Email Completed Form to: jbraun@wisconsinpotatoes.com

The selection of scholarship winners will be based on the following criteria: • Applicant or applicant’s immediate family must be, or be employed by, WPVGA or a WPVGA grower or Associate Division member.

• Merit – e.g. G.P.A., extra-curricular activities, etc.

• Other information provided in the application • The applicant must attend an accredited school of higher education (includes technical college) as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student.

• The applicant must meet the entry requirements of the selected accredited school of higher education (grade point average, etc.).

Some of the information requested in the application may be considered personal or confidential. You may choose not to provide such information; however, the selection committee making decisions requests information on your financial status since Associate Division and Auxiliary scholarships may be partially based on financial need. You are encouraged to complete the scholarship application form in a professional manner. Applications must properly completed and typed.

Hand-written applications will not be considered. Remember, the application will be the only representation of you that the selection committee has a chance to see.

Applications can be obtained online at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com or by calling the WPVGA office at 715-623-7683. If you have any questions, please call the WPVGA office and ask for Julie.

On the Cover: Six-row ridge hillers with stainless hoods, like that shown on the cover, aren’t the only implements that T.I.P., Inc., of Custer, Wisconsin, manufactures. According to this issue’s interviewee, Steve Tatro, owner of T.I.P., the company has built one-off potato plot planters, sample washers, corn root ball harvesters, self-propelled ginseng sprayers with articulating frames and much more.

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BADGER COMMON’TATER

INTERVIEW:

Being the Dewulf/Miedema distributor for the central United States gives T.I.P., Inc., Custer, Wisconsin, the flexibility to offer an array of products, such as the Miedema CP42 four-row cup planter shown here. It combines seedbed preparation, planting, and ridging capabilities in a single pass, and features a large bunker and potato-friendly planting elements. T.I.P. is also a Double L and T-L Irrigation dealer, and a Redox distributor.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 57 AUXILIARY NEWS............... 55 BADGER BEAT.................... 44

20 A WELL CLEAN-OUT SAVES TIME & ENERGY Growers achieve efficient water usage for irrigation

24 MARKETPLACE

United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin holds its Annual Meeting

40

EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 50

NPC NEWS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6

2022 Washington Summit provides forum for potato advocacy and education

FEATURE ARTICLES: 16 POTATOES PROVEN NOT to be associated with heart risk among adolescent girls

NEW PRODUCTS................ 48 NOW NEWS....................... 28 PEOPLE.............................. 32 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6

36 MICRONUTRIENTS FILL anti-disease role and connect nutrition with crop health

POTATOES USA NEWS ....... 39

52 RIPARIAN BUFFER STRIPS slow down water so plants can absorb more nitrogen

WPIB FOCUS...................... 34

4

BC�T April

FOR OPTIMAL POTATO GROWTH, TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

Our superior potato portfolio features reliable, high-quality products with active ingredients proven to help deliver peace of mind and consistent protection against yield-robbing pests and weeds.

To learn more, visit www.RotamNorthAmerica.com/portfolio/potato or contact us at (866) 927-6826

Special Terms and Conditions This reference guide is not intended as a substitute for the product label for the product(s) referenced herein.

Always read and follow label directions and precautions for use. © Copyright 2022 Rotam North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Alex Okray Vice President: Randy Fleishauer Secretary: Bill Guenthner Treasurer: Mike Carter Directors: John Bustamante, Wendy Dykstra, Josh Knights, Charlie Mattek & J.D. Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Andy Diercks Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Cliff Gagas, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Julie Cartwright Vice President: Matt Selenske Secretary: Sally Suprise

Treasurer: Paul Salm Directors: Andrew Curran, Morgan Forbush, Ethan Olson & Andy Verhasselt Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Roy Gallenberg Vice President: Matt Mattek Secretary/Treasurer: Andy Schroeder Directors: Charlie Husnick & Jeff Suchon Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Devin Zarda Vice President: Datonn Hanke Secretary/Treasurer: Heidi Schleicher Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Marie Reid & Becky Wysocki

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 April

5

MARK YOUR

Calendar APRIL

30

MAY

9-11

19-20

30-6/2

JUNE

4

17 21-24

JULY

7 8 9

12-14 19

28

40TH ANNUAL CRAZYLEGS CLASSIC Capitol Square and State Street, 9:50 a.m.

Madison, WI UNITED FRESH CONVENTION & EXPO 2022 Boston, MA WPVGA PROMOTIONS RETREAT Kalahari Wisconsin Dells Resort, with virtual option Wisconsin Dells, WI 11th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS & EUROPATAT 2022 Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland WALK WISCONSIN Pfiffner Park Bandshell and Green Circle Trail Stevens Point, WI WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI 2022 NPC SUMMER MEETING Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown Convention Center Nashville, TN HARS FIELD DAY Hancock Ag Research Station Hancock, WI ANTIGO FIELD DAY Langlade Agricultural Research Station Antigo, WI PARDEEVILLE TRIATHLON Chandler Park, 8 a.m.

Pardeeville, WI 2022 WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Roehl Acres and Rustic Occasions Loyal, WI (Clark County) 2022 ASSOC. DIV. PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING The Ridges Golf Course Wisconsin Rapids, WI RHINELANDER AG RESEARCH STATION FIELD DAY Rhinelander, WI

OCTOBER

20

27-29

3RD ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT Wausau Skeet and Trap Club Wausau/Brokaw, WI THE GLOBAL PRODUCE AND FLORAL SHOW (formerly PMA Fresh Summit) Orlando, FL

JANUARY 2023

4-5

6

2023 POTATO EXPO Gaylord Rockies Aurora, CO

BC�T April

Planting Ideas

If young people are the future, then the Wisconsin potato industry is in sure hands for years to come. The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) has been helping ensure that fact through its Member Development Program held every couple of years (except for in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.) On February 24, members of the WPVGA Promotions Committee took time to discuss areas of marketing and educational focus and share approaches to current challenges in the industry with Member Development Program enrollees.

There was a full slate of presentations throughout the course of the day—see “Marketplace” this issue for the story—ending on a lighthearted note, when Member Development Program participants cooked two potato-centric snacks. With the help of Rockman’s Catering, they made potato donuts and potato fudge.

In the image to the right, Jared Suchon (left) of Bushman’s Riverside Ranch and John Bustamante from Wysocki Family of Companies fill a piping bag with potato dough to make donuts.

The Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) Class of 2022 recently brought together 18 outstanding young growers and industry representatives, including Morgan Forbush, Kevin Schleicher, and Doug Posthuma from Wisconsin, for nine days of training and professional development, February 23-March 3. The annual program is an initiative of the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF). Posthuma, who is a past participant of PILI, was honored to be the grower leader this year.

The program kicked off in Long Beach, California, where the class received an overview of all national potato industry organizations before touring the Long Beach Container Terminal, Allied Potato, Tasteful Selections, and The Garlic Company. The program ended in Washington, D.C, where public policy and communications experts spoke at the 2022 NPC Washington Summit. For the complete story, please see “NPC News” herein.

When attending and reading about such events, and seeing the involvement and enthusiasm of the bright young people becoming involved in the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry, one can’t help but feel optimistic and a little excited for the future of agriculture in the state.

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

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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

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WHITES Lady Liberty Hodag Lamoka Atlantic Manistee Snowden

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Foundation & Certified Seed Potatoes

Interview

STEVE TATRO, owner, T.I.P., Inc.

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater NAME: Steve Tatro TITLE: Owner COMPANY: T.I.P., Inc. LOCATION: Custer, WI HOMETOWN: Stevens Point, WI YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 34 years SCHOOLING: University of WisconsinStevens Point, degree in business management and marketing ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Past Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Associate Division Board member, including a term as president; Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; Workforce Performance Training; Workforce Investment Board; National Federation of Independent Businesses; Ruffed Grouse Society; and National Rifle Association AWARDS/HONORS: 2011 WPVGA Associate Division Business Person of the Year, and numerous sales awards from T-L Irrigation FAMILY: Wife, Ann; daughter, Melissa; two sons, Jake and Max; and one grandson, Henry HOBBIES: Travel, skiing, hunting, fishing, waterskiing and anything outdoors 8

BC�T April

The name T.I.P.—Tatro Irrigation & Potato—says a lot,

but it doesn’t say it all. Not only does the company manufacture and deal in potato and irrigation equipment, but it has expanded over the past 46 years to offer growers an array of products, services, and technologies.

Owned by Steve Tatro, T.I.P., Inc. of Custer, Wisconsin, was started

by Steve’s father, Bill, in 1976, and has expanded from offering potato equipment into irrigation, custom manufacturing, and golf course maintenance equipment.

T.I.P. imports and distributes potato equipment from Europe throughout North America, and, in recent years, has diversified into fertilizer products for potato, vegetable and fruit growers, as well as turf grass.

The company started as a Lockwood

Owner of T.I.P. (Tatro Irrigation & Potato), Inc., Steve Tatro says the thing he’s most proud of is that the company has been able to evolve into many market sectors with multiple revenue streams.

dealer and shortly thereafter became the first Double L dealer east of the Mississippi River. In the 1980’s, T.I.P., Inc. brought the first cup planters to North America from Norway (Underhaug/Kverneland).

The family-owned business continued its expansion, manufacturing a full line of turf improvement products for natural and artificial surfaces, and amassing a dealer network that stretches across the world.

More than a decade ago, T.I.P. added the AgGrow Solutions division to distribute products from several companies, including Redox, AgroLiquid, SPS, Bio SI Technologies, Ag Bio Tech and Organisan.

And there’s more to the story, according to Tatro, who was interviewed for this issue.

T.I.P. is a family-owned business since 1976. What makes you most proud regarding the history of the company and how it has evolved?

From our humble beginnings just selling potato equipment, the thing I am proud of is that we have been able to evolve our company into many market sectors with multiple revenue streams.

We now have a very diverse company. We have always looked outside the box to find the best quality products from around the world to bring them to our customers.

There are many facets of T.I.P. Why was it important to diversify over the years? In business, you always need to be evolving. Market conditions change, customer demands change, suppliers change,

Above: T.I.P., Inc. has been selling T-L Irrigation systems for over 30 years, including modern features like the new Gooseneck Cradle Corner System Attachment. The Gooseneck Cradle Corner option drops the corner connection point by 24 inches, lowering the span’s center of gravity and greatly improving its stability on steep terrain and in areas with high winds or frequent severe storm activity.

world economies change. If you don’t move with the markets, you don’t survive.

Do you feel there are areas of the business where T.I.P. excels, particularly in potato and vegetable growing in Wisconsin and the Midwest? I think we excel in bringing the best solutions to our growers, from field to storage. We back that up with reliable service from a skilled service team.

continued on pg. 10

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BC�T April

9

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

We want to ensure our customers have the most up-to-date products from around the world to help them be more efficient and profitable.

We all share common goals in this industry—family, success, health, and happiness.

Can you update me on some of the new products, technologies, and services T.I.P. offers in the areas of irrigation and specialty equipment?

We are excited to be bringing the AMD (AgGrow Multi-Product Dispersal) system to market. The disinfection system kills 100 percent

of pathogens in a treated space using a cold sterilant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

By using the machine, which emits a sub-micron aerosol that is food safe and reaches every nook and cranny, leaving no residue, growers, packers, and shippers will improve storage conditions and increase food shelf life.

The aerosol is approved for fogging as an adjunct to cleaning on all exposed surfaces, and is not only food safe, but biodegradable and organic.

The AMD system is a single, compact

Above: As the Dewulf/Miedema distributor for the central United States, T.I.P. offers the high-tech, fully automatic Miedema ML 2280 Piler. Using sensors and software that determine when and where potatoes are being piled into the storage, it automatically fills and sets the tiers, width, and height of a pile, as well as the angle of the product on the pile.

unit that includes an aerosol generator and vapor removal system, and it delivers a dense cloud of fog droplets for the high-level disinfection of large spaces such as those found on farms, in potato and vegetable storages, packing sheds and food processing or shipping areas.

Is irrigation still a large part of the business, and if so, what are some of the most important technological advances in that area? Irrigation is part of what we do here at T.I.P., Inc. There have been several advances over the past several years with regards to telemetry and GPS controls.

Steve Tatro says he is proud of the team he has assembled, including, from left to right, Curtis Johnson, shop foreman; Kenton Mehlberg, agronomy sales manager; Steve (owner); Andy Verhasselt, agronomist; and John Zdroik, parts manager.

10 BC�T April

We have been selling the T-L Irrigation systems for over 30 years.

They are very reliable systems and now have all the modern features just like all the other manufacturers in the industry. The continuous movement and simplicity are what set us apart from the others. continued on pg. 12

regev prevails in the fight against early blight & botrytis a

b

b b

a b

b

b

Rob Schafer | Mid-Michigan Agronomy | Marshall, MI | 2021 | 6 applications on a 7 day schedule Jun 15 - Jul 20

Recent 2021 trial data demonstrates how regev® hybrid fungicide delivers remarkable control of early blight and gray mold (Botrytis) in potatoes. regev is the first fungicide to unite the disease control power of botanical and conventional chemistries. This innovative combination of tea tree oil and difenoconazole means regev provides potato growers with eight powerful mechanisms of activity for effective disease control—all while enhancing plant growth, yield and resistance management.

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regev fungicide is sold exclusively through helena agri-enterprises and tenkoz member companies

always read and follow label directions. regev fungicide may not be registered for sale or use in all places, or on all crops mentioned. please check with your local extension service or other authority to ensure registration status. regev is a registered trademark of stockton (israel) ltd. all other trademarks are the properties of their respective companies. ©2022 summit agro usa llc.

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 10

What areas of specialty equipment, including manufacturing, are you offering growers that you’d like readers to know about? We have done some amazing projects over the years! From one-off potato plot planters, and sample washers to custom corn root ball harvesters that collect specific genetic material, we can build just about anything.

If you need something unique, let us know. We can do it.

We have built self-propelled ginseng sprayers with articulating frames lately, as well as a few six-row ridge hillers with stainless hoods.

Are there certain brands of irrigation, potato, and vegetable equipment that T.I.P. offers or imports that perhaps the competition doesn’t? We are the Dewulf/Miedema distributor for the central United States. We also are a Double L and T-L Irrigation dealer, and on the fertility side, the Redox distributor as well as AgGrow Liquid, Organisan, Bio-SI and Dakota Peat, to name a few.

We also build many different stainless steel conveyors and holding bins, and Evenflo tubs in cooperation with Volm Company.

What do you yourself specialize in, Steve, as owner of the company?

Are you more of a manufacturing guy, or sales, agronomy, irrigation?

As a business owner, you must wear many hats! You need to know about every facet of your company, but you also need good people on the team that are experts in what they do.

The company is only as strong as its people.

I pride myself in having a very good group of associates with a common goal. This gives us an advantage in business.

I have always had a knack for building things. I am proud that I can listen to what a customer wants and then implement those opportunities into a product or service that works for them.

T.I.P., Inc. just sold a Miedema CP42 four-row cup planter to a seed grower in Antigo, Wisconsin. It combines seedbed preparation, planting, and ridging capabilities in a single pass, and features a large bunker and potato-friendly planting elements.

12 BC�T April

How many employees does T.I.P. have and in what areas? We have 10 full-time associates along with several CSR’s (customer service representatives) on our agronomy side of the business. We also do internships and have apprenticeships with the local high schools and technical colleges.

We are always looking to grow and strengthen our team.

I believe your son, Max, has become involved in the company, is that correct? So now it’s third generation, and if so, in what area does he specialize? Yes, we are going on the third generation now. I am proud that we are continuing with the next generation, and Max is an integral part of our team.

He is a very good listener and has a great mind for business. He has been focusing on the turf side of the business as well as delivering all the equipment and the fertilizer for the agronomy side.

Max needs to know all sectors of our business to understand how things work and have valuable input to the growth of the company.

This will ensure the success of T.I.P., Inc. and AgGrow Solutions, so when the time comes for me to step down, I know it will be in good hands for the customers to continue to trust and work with us.

Kenton Mehlberg, who is married to your daughter, Melissa, was our interview in the July 2019 issue and is an agronomy sales manager for AgGrow Solutions. Tell me about that division of the company and Kenton’s role. AgGrow solutions is our fertilizer and crop improvement division. We offer complete and comprehensive fertility and agronomy solutions to growers. We have an extensive fertility lineup and have been growing exponentially each year.

Kenton has been at the helm of this division for eight years now. He has

T.I.P. is bringing the AMD (AgGrow Multi-Product Dispersal) system to market. The disinfection system kills 100 percent of pathogens in a treated space using a cold sterilant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The machine emits a sub-micron aerosol that is food safe and reaches every nook and cranny, leaving no residue.

done an exceptional job along with Andrew Verhasselt. Andy is a very capable and skilled agronomist who brings a lot of knowledge to the team. Kenton has assembled a group of CSR agronomists that span the whole state now.

We just expanded our team with Bart “Bo” Wink, who has his master’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State and specializes in grain crops.

We are excited to have him here and know he will give us a wealth continued on pg. 14

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BC�T April 13

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

of knowledge as we navigate these interesting times in agriculture.

You’ve been involved in the WPVGA and served a couple terms on the Associate Division Board, one as president. Why is it important for you to be involved with the WPVGA? I think it is always good to be involved in your industry. The connections, communication and education are necessary to stay abreast of the constant changes in the industry.

And it is important to give back to the industry that has been so good to us over the past 40-plus years.

“We all share common goals in this industry—family, success, health, and happiness.”

What trips your trigger as far as working with Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers? The challenge of solving problems, identifying opportunities, and helping growers

– Steve Tatro

be successful—it makes me feel good knowing we are contributing to the success of growers.

What do you think you and your employees have to offer them that maybe they can’t get elsewhere?

Quality products and service, along with the respect and honesty that the customers deserve. We treat every customer as a partner to help them be successful.

Is your company still expanding, and if so, in what areas? We are always looking over the horizon. Stay tuned.

There are some good things coming!

What does the future hold for irrigation and specialty equipment, and what do you see as T.I.P.’s role in that future? More growth and evolution. We are always trying Above: As part of its manufacturing division, T.I.P. has built everything from self-propelled ginseng sprayers with articulating frames (top left) to six-row ridge hillers/dikers with stainless hoods (top right) and stainless hoppers (left).

14 BC�T April

to be better, gain more knowledge and find the best solutions for our customers.

new day. You just need to buckle down and get done what you can. This too will pass.

How much can the company expand, and do you want it to grow? We are only going to expand at a pace that will not jeopardize our customers. We never want to lose sight of them, and we will always offer the best service and support we can. You can’t do it all! But what we do, we do well.

What do you hope for the future for T.I.P.? My hope is that T.I.P., Inc. will be around for another 50 years! I would love to see the fourth generation take it to the next level.

Has T.I.P. been negatively affected by labor and/or supply chain and trucking issues? I think everyone has experienced this in one way or another given what has been going on around the globe for the past two years.

We can only control ourselves and our actions. Every day is a

Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add, Steve? I would just like to say thank you to all our customers, friends and suppliers who have trusted and supported us over the years. You are greatly appreciated.

I look forward to many more years of success for everyone!

Stay safe and may God bless us with bountiful crops.

Above: Being a Miedema dealer gives T.I.P. the flexibility to offer products as diverse as the MB 111 non-stop automatic box filler and the company’s Flexible Grader for cleaning and grading potatoes.

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

BC�T April 15

Potatoes not Associated with Heart Risk Among Adolescent Girls New study finds eating spuds is also linked to improved nutrient intakes in ‘tweens’ By the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) Adolescence is a critical period for the evolution of cardiometabolic risk factors that are largely influenced by diet and lifestyle. Understanding these risk factors is essential to developing effective dietary guidance for disease prevention targeting this critical age period.

Recently published research in the British Journal of Nutrition found that 9-17 year-old girls who consumed up to one cup of potatoes daily had no increased risk of becoming overweight or developing high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or impaired fasting glucose by the end of the study in late adolescence.

According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, girls aged 9-18 are encouraged to consume 1 ½- to 3-cup equivalents per day 16 BC�T April

of vegetables, depending on their calorie needs, but most fail to meet these guidelines.

In this study, the highest levels of potato consumption ranged from 1/5 to 1 cup per day, and at that level, no adverse effects were observed.

“Our results show that nutrient-rich potatoes can be part of a healthy diet in young girls during this important period of growth and development,” says Lynn L. Moore, DSc, MPH, Boston University, the study’s senior author.

DIET QUALITY MATTERS “There is growing evidence that overall diet quality is what really matters in the preservation of heart health,” Moore remarks.

“Potatoes are an affordable food,

with a number of valuable nutrients, and our research suggests that moderate intakes of potatoes, along with many other types of vegetables, can be a regular part of a healthy diet pattern,” she adds.

Higher intakes of all forms of potatoes (including fried) during the ‘tween’ years of 9 to 11 were associated with higher intake levels of potassium and dietary fiber, two nutrients of public health concern1, as well as vitamin C, vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Above: A recent study found that 9-to-17year-old girls who consumed up to one cup of potatoes daily had no increased risk of becoming overweight or developing high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or impaired fasting glucose by the end of the study in late adolescence.

Black girls in this study with the highest intakes of potatoes also consumed more fruit and non-starchy vegetables and had higher dietquality scores.

The researchers analyzed data from nearly 2,000 subjects (approximately 50/50 percent Black and White) from the National Growth and Health Study, a longitudinal examination of the development of obesity and other cardiovascular-related outcomes in adolescent girls.

• For girls at 9-11 years of age, researchers analyzed data on total potato intake (white and sweet) as well as separate intakes of fried and non-fried potatoes.

• For girls at 9-17 years of age, researchers analyzed data for total potato intake (white and sweet).

Diet was assessed using three-day diet records at baseline when girls were 9-10 years old, and during the follow-up years, 2-5, 7, 8, and 10

Higher intakes of all forms of potatoes (including fried) during the ‘tween’ years of 9 to 11 were associated with higher intake levels of potassium and dietary fiber, as well as vitamin C, vitamin B6 and magnesium.

years later.

The intake of potatoes (both white and sweet potatoes) was extracted from total vegetable servings.

Anthropometric measures of body fat and composition as well as blood pressure were measured annually.

Additionally, fasting triglycerides, other lipids, and glucose were measured in later adolescence (at 18-20 years of age).

Repeated measures of several potential confounding variables were continued on pg. 18

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Potatoes not Associated with Heart Risk Among Adolescent Girls . . . continued from pg. 17

“Our research suggests that moderate intakes of potatoes, along with many other types of vegetables, can be a regular part of a healthy diet pattern.”

– Lynn L. Moore,

DSc, MPH, Boston University

examined, including socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), changes in height, physical activity, television viewing, intakes of food groups and nutrients, as well as diet quality measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015.

The study’s strengths include its

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prospective design as well as the use of multiple sets of three-day diet records, which is considered the gold standard method for dietary assessment.

Researchers also took repeated measures of cardiometabolic risk factors and most potential confounders.

The investigators acknowledge limitations to the study, such as reliance on self-reported dietary intakes from adolescents who may have had difficulty accurately estimating portion sizes and reporting details.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT However, parents and other caregivers were actively involved in the completion of these diet records, especially during the earlier years of the study.

Researchers were unable to assess the effects of very high levels of potato intakes since few girls reported consuming more than one cup equivalent of potatoes per day.

They were also unable to analyze any differences between white and sweet potato consumption, given the low intakes of sweet potatoes within the study population.

Finally, the researchers were unable to control for baseline values of fasting glucose or triglycerides due

Nutrient-rich potatoes can be part of a healthy diet in girls during adolescence, an important period of growth and development.

to missing or unreliable data at the initial exam.

This study was selected as the Nutrition Society’s Paper of the Month. Every month, the editorsin-chief of the Nutrition Society’s journals select one paper as being of particular interest or originality, and/ or because it challenges previously conceived notions in nutritional science and public health.

The research manuscript, “Potato consumption is not associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk in adolescent girls,” is published in the British Journal of Nutrition (https://doi.org/10.1017/ S0007114521003445).

Authors include Ioanna Yiannakou, Mengjie Yuan, R. Taylor Pickering, Martha R. Singer, and Lynn L. Moore, Boston University.

In addition to funding from the National Institutes of Health, backing was provided by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE). APRE had no input on interpretation of the results or manuscript development.

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.

December 2020. Available online: https://DietaryGuidelines.gov.

1

30TH MAY - 2ND JUNE 2022 www.wpc2022ireland.com

The 11th World Potato Congress 30 May - 2 June 2022, Dublin, Ireland You can’t afford to miss this one!

Fertilisers, fuel, electricity, labour, cardboard, plastic, trucks and containers – all rising in cost.

When is it going to stop? Is it going to stop?

Come to the World Potato Congress in Ireland next May and you just might find out. A panel of over 60 expert speakers representing the seed, fresh table and processed potato sectors from 20 different countries will discuss not only rising costs, but also hot topics like consumer trends, sustainability, climate change, the decreasing range of plant protection products, smart farming and smart supermarkets to mention just a few.

The Congress emphasis will be on potato production/ marketing as a business and how your bottom line can be improved.

Networking? No better location than Ireland. We invented it – centuries ago.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date

Main Congress Topics: » Business » Sustainability » Innovation

» Health and Nutrition » Development

WPC 2022 registration is open! » Various social events, tours and accommodation can be booked during the registration process. » Visit www.wpc2022ireland.com for further details and register today to join WPC 2022 in Ireland

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DUBLIN, 29 - 30 MAY 2022

10/02/2022 11:42

Well Clean-Out Saves Time, Energy and Cost

Growers can achieve more efficient water usage for irrigation through maintenance of wells

By Brice Jones, regional manager for agriculture water at Kurita America

Growing water scarcity in the United States has led to an increased dependency on groundwater from wells.

With regulatory pressure on groundwater, such as California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and the increased cost associated with the energy required to extract water, it is a good time to discuss the efficiency of wells.

A loss in well efficiency and not meeting your irrigations system’s design flow can increase the cost of pumping and lower crop yields.

With drilled wells, it’s important to know what causes the decline of well performance over time, and how to keep wells running at the designed flow rate.

It is also good to know the anatomy of a well in its most basic form. The most common type of agricultural well in the United States is a drilled well.

Basically, a drilled well has three major parts: the casing, pump, and cap. Several other components play roles, too, including screens, adapters, electrical components, bentonite grout, and gravel.

The casing is the tubular structure that is placed in the newly drilled well to maintain the opening. Most well casings are constructed of metal, steel, or cast iron, and perforations are made at the lowest point for the water to pass through and to be delivered to the surface.

20 BC�T April

A loss in well efficiency and not meeting your irrigations system’s design flow can increase the cost of pumping and lower crop yields.

PUMPING WATER On the surface, a motor that leads to a pump at the bottom of the well pushes water to the surface.

The unique properties of water allow it to carry elements and nutrients that make well structures susceptible to biomatter, corrosion, deterioration, and scale buildup.

The pump is the device that does exactly as its name suggests—it pumps water upward from the source to the surface for irrigation.

Pumps come in a large variety of sizes, horsepower, and quality. The factors that determine which pump to use depends on the depth of the well, the distance from the well to the destination, and the expected demand of the crops.

The cap, usually made of metal, covers the top of the casing. It may

be a very small part overall but is an extremely important one. A properly installed well cap separates potential pollutants and everything from water run-off to bugs, vermin, rodents, and reptiles from wreaking havoc and contamination.

With those larger potential contaminants excluded, there must be a focus on small and bacterial issues that can occur.

As mentioned, biomatter, corrosion, deterioration, and scale buildup can create a clogging issue over time.

Clogged perforations and pipes can result in a reduction or total elimination of water discharge from the well, eventually leading to pump failure.

Partially clogged perforations are particularly problematic since they reduce irrigation design flow but

can easily go unnoticed until pump failure.

CLOGGING OF PERFORATIONS Partial clogging of perforations is nearly impossible to diagnose without scoping the well, but you can detect it if you measure timed water flow rates from the well.

Scoping a well is much like an endoscopy or colonoscopy at a physician’s office. A scope can be fed deep into a well to inspect surfaces for issues.

Waterborne clogging also affects irrigation beyond the well systems, such as biomatter, scaling, and iron and hydrogen sulfide slime.

“Biomatter, corrosion, deterioration, and scale buildup can create a clogging issue over time.”

– Brice Jones, regional manager

for agriculture water, Kurita America

dissolved in the groundwater that is pumped into the well.

Using this water for irrigation without treatment for calcium or iron can lead to scaling and ultimately plug the wells or irrigation system pipes.

When it comes to biomatter, filtration can greatly reduce plugging problems in the field. However, algae and other small plants and animals that live in or seek water can still pass through the filters.

IRON BACTERIA Iron-rich water leads to the formation of iron bacteria, which converts soluble iron to insoluble iron precipitates. The result is a red, yellow, or tan slime in the drip lines and wells.

Microbes that pass through the filters can continue to grow inside the system. Some organisms can build up in numbers, often forming clumps within the tubing at the point where water enters the well.

Iron concentrations of 0.2 parts per million (ppm) are sufficient to support bacterial growth. Once there is waterborne clogging, there is a not a quick and easy fix and not all fixes work with each issue or well.

Scaling may be caused by calcium or iron found in the water. These elements, usually associated with limestone or iron oxides, are often

Well clean-outs are not as simple as pouring bleach or the leading “clogbusting product” down your well and waiting for it to perform better.

The process starts with a water analysis report, which is available from Kurita America labs, to evaluate the water qualities and then create a prescribed treatment plan.

The prescribed treatment plan is dependent on the results and needs of the individual well.

The first phase generally works on the salt and mineral buildup in the pipes and perforations.

This is done by using a proprietary blend of acids to carefully lower the pH to the desired level that varies based on conditions and flush through the system for as much as 24 hours. The endpoint is determined by sampling.

The second phase works on biomatter and bacteria that may be forming in the water below the surface. continued on pg. 22

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A Well Clean-Out Saves Time, Energy and Cost. . . continued from pg. 21

BLEND OF BIOCIDES This is done by using a proprietary blend of biocides appropriate for the issue and reaching a set residual level, then flushing the system for as much as 24 hours. The endpoint is determined through sampling.

Once completed, the results can be seen and evaluated using well videoscope photography and video from before and after.

More importantly, a flow design measurement test can ensure that 9/6/2019 the well is flowing at maximum efficiency.

A well that is flowing at its design flow rate can operate more efficiently, saving money by reducing energy cost to the pump and improving yields by effectively irrigating your crop.

Regulatory pressure and increasing costs are some of the reasons

9/6/2019

Clogged perforations and pipes can result in a reduction or total elimination of water discharge from the well, eventually leading to pump failure. Partially clogged perforations are particularly problematic since they reduce irrigation design flow but can easily go unnoticed until pump failure.

Fastline Wisconsin Farm, Edition 10 2019 - Fastline Online Editions

Contact Kurita America today to learn more about how we can help you with your most To keep your crop yield strong, complex challenges to deliver optimal results. remember the basic anatomy of Call 866-663-7633, or email KAI_Orders@ a drilled well, the causes for well kurita-water.com, visit www.kuritaamerica. performance that decline over com, or contact Kurita America, 6600 94th Fastline Edition 2019 - Fastline Online Editions time, Wisconsin and how Farm, to keep wells10running Avenue N, Minneapolis, MN 55445.

to have a problem well clean-out.

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Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

Annual Meeting Showcases National Potato Trends United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin also provides economic outlook Getting growers fair returns for their products is the primary reason the United Potato Growers of America (UPGA) and local cooperatives under its umbrella exist.

extensive overview of the trends apparent in the potato industry, as well as an economic outlook for growers regarding supply, demand, and price.

The local United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin (UPGCW) held its annual meeting on Thursday, February 17, in Plover, in a hybrid format to accommodate those in person and online.

Klompien also touched on what growers can expect going forward regarding certain potato types and plans in other regions of the country.

UPGA President and CEO Mark Klompien began by providing an

Besides the presentation, attendees also received updates regarding the 2021 acreage count, showed appreciation for the two outgoing

Immediate Past Chairman of the United Potato Growers of America Board of Directors Brian Bushman (left) of J&J Potatoes and United Potato Growers of America President and CEO Mark Klompien pause for a photo at the United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 17, in Plover.

24 BC�T April

board members and welcomed two others in their place.

HAVING SERVED TERMS Brian Bushman of J&J Potatoes in Wittenberg has served on the Board for 12 years. In that time, he served as chairman of the local cooperative and two years as chairman of the UPGA Board of Directors.

J.D. Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms, in Antigo, served six years on the Board of Directors.

Replacing Bushman and Schroeder

United Potato Growers of America President and CEO Mark Klompien explains potato trends and gives an economic outlook at the United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 17, in Plover.

on the Board are Charlie Husnick of Baginski Farms, Antigo, and Tom Bulgrin of Gumz Farms in Endeavor.

Husnick and Bulgrin will each serve one 3-year term, with the option to be re-elected to a second 3-year term.

The UPGCW membership also voted to elect Lucas Wysocki of Wysocki Family of Companies, in Bancroft, as the vice chair to the UPGA Board of Directors.

Besides Bulgrin and Husnick, the other board members currently serving on the UPGCW Board of Directors are Chairman Wysocki, Mark Finnessy of Okray Family Farms in Plover, Doug Posthuma of Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland and Steve Worzella of Worzella and Sons in Plover. continued on pg. 26

Above: Jewel-Osco employees sport brightred shirts as part of the Wisconsin potato promotion

Brian Bushman (left) accepts a plaque of appreciation for his years of service on the United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin Board of Directors from Cooperative Director Dana Rady at the organization’s annual meeting.

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Marketplace…

continued from pg. 25

Member Development Program Focuses on Leadership Effective leadership is an important component of any organization or business, and it becomes especially critical during challenging times.

We don’t have to look very far to see the challenges of the current times,

do we? A tight labor market, broken supply chains, rising prices, inability to get quotes for adequate financial planning on next year’s crop, and the list goes on.

Ironically enough, it can be during some of the most challenging times that the biggest growth opportunities occur. That’s why continuing to groom younger generations into leaders is increasingly important.

The WPVGA is helping to groom leaders and encourage involvement in the industry by once again holding its Membership Development Program.

Membership Development Program participants successfully made delicious potato fudge during the Promotions Session on February 24.

26 BC�T April

A session is held once a month from November to March, each class focusing on a different aspect of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry, such as research and technology, government affairs and strategic planning, and media training.

Above: Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Promotions Committee members take time to discuss areas of focus for the committee while also sharing their approaches to current challenges in the industry at the Membership Development Program Promotions Session, on February 24, in Plover. Pictured left to right are WPVGA Promotions Committee Chairman Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms, Wendy Dykstra from Alsum Farms and Produce, Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms, and Michael Gatz from Bushmans’ Inc. (via Zoom).

There’s also a session dedicated to promotions, which was held on February 24, in Plover.

The session opened with a presentation on the efforts of the WPVGA Promotions Committee and its focus in the current fiscal year.

Initiatives include sponsorships like that of Mad Dog and Merrill, and Gabe Sommers Racing; the Jewel Osco retail promotion; a partnership with Charlie Berens; and ongoing promotional initiatives such as the Spudmobile, billboards and television advertising, the Healthy Grown program, Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes, and much more.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Following the program overview, the group welcomed a presentation by Fred Steinmann from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Steinmann is an assistant research professor at the University Center for Economic Development in the College of Business, Reno, and has collected information from other areas of the country and business sectors on both a pre- and post-pandemic basis.

He shared information about the tight labor market, broken supply chains, threats of a recession, and inflation, to name a few, and suggested some areas to keep a close eye on going forward, namely international trade and geopolitical concerns/conflict.

Then on a fun and lighthearted note, the Member Development Program participants broke into groups and cooked two potato-centric snacks.

With the help of Rockman’s Catering in Plover, the group made potato donuts and potato fudge.

industry while also educating about the different branches of WPVGA. Left: Membership Development Program participants Mike Johnson and Samantha Konkol make potato donuts at the Promotions Session on February 24, in Plover.

Right: Membership Development Program participants stir together ingredients for potato fudge during the Promotions Session.

From left to right are Ann Hoffman, Misti Ward and Beau Hartline, along with Andy Rockman of Rockman’s catering, who helped Overall, it was a great way to the group with recipes, ingredients and 22-04 Badger Common'Tater (4.75x3.5).v1.pdf 1 2022-03-09 11:55 AM instructions. encourage participation in the

Both were a sweet way to end the day and learn how potatoes are versatile enough even for desserts and treats!

A panel of Promotions Committee members kicked off the afternoon session by sharing insights into efforts of the committee as well as its various perspectives in the industry.

Panel participants were WPVGA Promotions Committee Chairman Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wendy Dykstra of Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland, Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms in Coloma, and Michael Gatz of Bushmans’ Inc. in Rosholt.

BC�T April 27

Now News Fairchild Equipment Opens New Location

Facility multiplies the shop space and allows for significant future growth Van Clarkson, president of Fairchild Equipment, announces a new location in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, that opened in February 2022.

“We are extremely excited to move into this much larger state-of-the-art facility in Stevens Point,” Clarkson says.

“We had long ago outgrown our existing branch, and in the process of designing a new one, this amazing building became available, which was almost too good to be true. It is perfect for our business and will allow for significant future growth,” Clarkson relates.

“I’m confident our employees and

Fairchild Equipment expands its shop space and services with new location at Highways 10 and J in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

customers will be equally blown away by our new digs!” he says.

previous location at 5217 Heffron Court in Stevens Point.

The new facility, near the intersection of Highways 10 and J, at 6800 Hillcrest Drive, will be home to a growing team already located in Central Wisconsin. It replaces the

The building adds four-and-a-half times the shop space, going from 6,000 square feet to 27,000. It also offers a 6,000-square-foot parts department with a mezzanine,

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SERVICING CUSTOMERS “This move will allow us to service our customers to our full potential,” Sam Brundidge, Stevens Point branch manager states. “It will also improve the working environment for our employees who are excited to call this new facility home.”

The new building marks the second facility expansion since 2020 in Fairchild Equipment’s network of locations throughout the Midwest.

It will better accommodate the expansive product line Fairchild Equipment offers, which includes materials handling, warehouse, construction, and agriculture equipment, as well as warehouse systems and storage solutions, and fleet management services.

Its diverse line of materials handling equipment brands provides a holistic approach to solving all the organization’s operational challenges related to moving, stacking, and storing materials.

Fairchild Equipment is committed to providing outstanding service and innovative goods and solutions to become a valued business partner for its customers and create customers for life.

About Fairchild Equipment Fairchild Equipment, founded in 1985 by Gary Fairchild, is a premier materials-handling dealership that offers comprehensive solutions and services in materials handling, including sales, service, parts, rental, fleet management, training, and engineered storage systems.

Its dedicated employees proudly serve customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Northern Illinois with positive, personalized, and innovative solutions to meet their needs.

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continued on pg. 30 BC�T April 29

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 29

CALS Changes Farm and Industry Short Course Residential program ending this spring to be replaced with non-credit format Beginning in 2023, the Farm and Industry Short Course program at University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) will switch from a for-credit, on-campus residential experience lasting 16 weeks to a more flexible, non-credit format better able to meet the constantly changing needs of Wisconsin’s agribusiness community.

The residential program will end this spring when the current class of Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) students receive their certificates.

“The current two-term, residential student format no longer meets the needs of many farmers and other agribusiness owners who can’t spare workers for four months in a year and who no longer see winter as a downtime for their businesses,” says CALS Dean Kate VandenBosch.

“In the future, FISC participants will have the flexibility to take the

courses they want, as they have time,” VandenBosch reasons.

Going forward, course offerings will include both in-person and virtual formats, as well as synchronous and asynchronous delivery of content.

The timing of courses will also diversify, with some programs offered at night and on weekends to better accommodate student schedules, especially those of working professionals and others who want to make a career change into agriculture.

IN-FIELD INSTRUCTION Some new programs will take place during the growing season when in-the-field instruction would be beneficial.

Some of these changes reflect the increased comfort of both learners and instructors with virtual formats and self-paced learning, due in large part to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on education delivery.

Doug Reinemann, CALS associate dean for extension and outreach, will oversee the new program offerings.

30 BC�T April

While embracing these new approaches, the core goal of the FISC program remains the same.

Above: CALS Dean Kate VandenBosch says the current two-term, residential student format no longer meets the needs of many farmers and other agribusiness owners who can’t spare workers for four months in a year.

“We envision transforming courses currently offered by FISC into more flexible non-credit offerings, coordinating these with other existing CALS outreach programs, and adding to the portfolio of educational experiences that bring the research conducted in CALS into practice and develop the agricultural workforce,” says Doug Reinemann, CALS associate dean for extension and outreach, who will oversee the new program offerings.

“We are soliciting input from stakeholders and CALS faculty and staff to identify training needs in agriculture, food systems, natural resource management, and other economic development topics,” Reinemann explains.

For more information and program updates, visit fisc.cals.wisc.edu.

Heartland Farms Receives Award

14 Mile Watershed Alliance recognizes operation as a partner in water protection Jeremie and Alicia Pavelski of Heartland Farms help run one of the largest potato and vegetable crop growing operations in Wisconsin.

“You’ve seen the signs and heard the comments all over our area,” explain the Friends of the 14 Mile Creek Watershed, “such as, ‘Jeremie and Alicia hosted us for a tour of their farm and operations facility this summer.’”

“They are the new generation, utilizing technology to farm more efficiently, economically, and ecofriendly. They employ four technology professionals developing software that utilizes satellites and sensor equipment to adjust fertilizer and irrigation use based on scientifically measured plant

needs,” the group continues.

“They use cover crops and no-till wherever possible,” the Friends of the 14 Mile Creek Watershed indicate. “They are active participants in the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s Water Task

Force and members of the newly created Big Roche-A-Cri producer-led watershed council.”

For those reasons, the Friends of the 14 Mile Creek Watershed recognized Heartland Farms, on October 19, 2021, as a “partner in the protection of our watershed.”

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swiderskiequipment.com 11/11/21 BC�T 8:51 AprilAM31

People Lockwood Announces Two Key Position Changes Balstad and Fessenden bring extensive farming experience into new positions Crary Industries announces two new, key positions for the LOCKWOOD Manufacturing business unit.

Jim Balstad, LOCKWOOD business unit director, will oversee all business unit functions for LOCKWOOD, including product innovation, grower support, sales and dealer services.

Balstad brings with him nearly 30 years of industry experience in agricultural machinery, starting at Alloway and transitioning to WilRich. Prior to coming to LOCKWOOD, Balstad was the vice president of sales and marketing for Lemken USA. Growing up on a farm near Winger, Minnesota, he is rooted in the agricultural community.

“I enjoy working with growers and dealers to help bring them the best equipment for their operations,” Balstad says. “I appreciate the opportunity to uphold the dedication LOCKWOOD has given to the potato growing industry and continue to grow this business unit.”

Balstad lives in the Fargo, North Dakota, area and enjoys spending his free time with family, snowmobiling and working on classic cars.

PARTS & SERVICE MANAGER Jared Fessenden will transition into the role as parts and service manager for Idaho, in early 2022, and will manage parts and services for both of LOCKWOOD’s Idaho locations in Paul and Blackfoot.

“I enjoy being connected with the farming community and LOCKWOOD customers,” Fessenden says. “I’m proud to represent a strong brand and help growers manage and maintain their equipment.”

32 BC�T April

As LOCKWOOD business unit director, Jim Balstad will oversee, among other areas, product innovation, grower support, sales and dealer services.

Jared Fessenden will manage parts and services for both of LOCKWOOD’s Idaho locations in Paul and Blackfoot.

Fessenden has extensive experience in the agricultural industry and started in specialized row cropping applications for sugar beets and potatoes. Prior to coming to LOCKWOOD, he managed a 25,000acre corporate farm in Paul, Idaho, where he focused on potato production and processing.

fishing and hunting.

Fessenden comes from farming roots as well. “I was born and raised on a family farm and ran my own operation in the Rupert/Jackson area,” he says. “I’ve been doing this my whole life.”

Fessenden now lives in the Paul area and enjoys spending his free time on the river or in the mountains with his wife and two sons. He also enjoys

Connect with Jared for all your LOCKWOOD potato equipment parts and service needs in Idaho by visiting lockwoodmfg.com/locations/Idaho.

For more information, contact Nick Chiodo, marketing manager, LOCKWOOD, 701-499-5995, nick. chiodo@crary.com.

LOCKWOOD manufactures highquality, reliable potato planters, windrowers, harvesters and handling equipment. To learn more about LOCKWOOD equipment, please contact one of our potato specialists at 800-247-7335 or by visiting www.lockwoodmfg.com.

Jane Mary Zdroik Passes Away She and her husband, Eugene, raised nine children in the heart of potato country Jane Mary (Hmielak) Zdroik, 88, of Plover, Wisconsin, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, February 20, 2022.

Jane was born December 14, 1933.

She grew up on a dairy farm in Thorp, Wisconsin. The eldest of the Hmielak children, she ventured to Wausau to receive training at St. Mary’s School of Nursing and earn her registered nursing degree.

Her life changed forever upon meeting Eugene Zdroik of Rosholt.

They were united in marriage and settled on the old Paul and Martha Zdroik farmstead to raise nine children in the heartland of potato country, Rosholt, Wisconsin.

She cherished beautiful and joyful memories, which are part and parcel of bringing nine children into the world and raising them without losing your mind.

Jane attended many local sporting events of her children and grandchildren and was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, always discussing their scores, schedules, and performances.

She is survived by her sisters, Pat Maertens (Arizona) and Jo Turenne (Alabama); her brother, Raymond Hmielak (Colorado); her nine children, Bob (Amy), John (Lynn), Jim (Jo Ann), Chuck (Karen), Joe (Lynn), Rick (Edie), Clare Cullen (Kevin), Nancy Koch (Paul) and Greg (Shannon).

Jane is further survived by the “jewels of her crown,” 23 grandchildren, three step-granddaughters, 24 greatgrandchildren, and two step-greatgrandchildren, with two “greats” on the way.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jane was held on February 25, 2022, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Stevens Point. Rev. Arul Joseph Visuvasam officiated.

Friends and family gathered to share memories on February 24 at St. Peter’s Catholic church. A General Rosary was prayed at the church.

Burial was held at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Cemetery in Rosholt.

Jane Mary Zdroik December 14, 1933 – February 20, 2022

May you be inspired to consider becoming or continuing to be a blood/organ donor. The family will make a contribution in Jane’s name to Rosholt Area First Responders.

The staff at The Lodge at Whispering Pines will hold a special place in our hearts for the care and love they gave to our mom and family. For Mom’s final days with us, much gratitude to Heartland Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com. continued on pg. 34

She thrived on volunteering at church, for blood drives, conducting Rosholt Area First Responder coordination, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Rosholt Lions Camp, and hospice care.

JEWELS IN HER CROWN In later years, having moved off the farm to Stevens Point and eventually Plover, she cherished her visits and stories from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the “jewels in her crown.”

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, in 1996, her grandson, Brodie Koch, in 2018, and her brother, Robert Hmielak, in 2021.

BC�T April 33

People . . .

continued from pg. 33

Roberge Joins Compeer Financial

Mark Greenwood retires after 24 years with the Farm Credit System Jim Roberge, a veteran of the Farm Credit System, has joined Compeer Financial as the organization’s chief diversified markets officer. He fills the role held by Mark Greenwood, who retired on January 17, 2022.

Roberge, of Shorewood, Minnesota, has worked in the Farm Credit System since 1998, holding previous roles as senior vice president of commercial lending and lending operations at Farm Credit Services of America and regional vice president at CoBank.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in financial economics from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, and his master’s degree in business administration and management from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.

Since joining Compeer in November 2021, Roberge has spent time learning about the credit cooperative’s clients and commitment to agriculture and rural America.

PASSION FOR AGRICULTURE “In my role at Compeer Financial, I’m

Jim Roberge joins Compeer Financial as the organization’s chief diversified markets officer.

Mark Greenwood retired, January 17, after 24 years with the Farm Credit System.

looking forward to helping our clients continue to achieve their goals,” Roberge says. “I have a passion for agriculture and the clients and industries we serve.”

“As I enter this next chapter, I’ve been reflecting on how rewarding it’s been to help our clients succeed, especially when they’ve faced challenges,” Greenwood says.

“I’m committed to living out Compeer’s mission of enriching agriculture and rural America in every interaction I have with our team and clients,” he adds.

Greenwood, of Mankato, Minnesota, is retiring after 24 years with the Farm Credit System.

“People are the best part of my job,” he continues, “the clients I’ve worked with, the team members at Compeer and our lending partners. I know I’ve been truly fortunate, and I’m thankful for all that I’ve been able to do in my career.”

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

Jul-20

Aug-20

Sep-20

Oct-20

Nov-20

Dec-20

Jan-21

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

1,593,614.79

14,051,231.52

Assessment

$101,400.66

$102,092.25

$103,233.20

$178,773.99

$199,895.60

$143,001.23

$168,209.03

$127,430.28

$1,124,036.24

Aug-21

Sep-21

Oct-21

Nov-21

Dec-21

Jan-22

Feb-22

Month

Jul-21

Mar-22

Apr-22

May-22

Jun-22

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,292,191.75

981,540.84

933,052.68

3,515,638.42

2,529,632.08

2,033,264.21

1,948,049.95

1,869,405.13

15,102,775.06

Assessment

$103,342.07

$78,594.28

$74,682.23

$281,175.63

$200,944.23

$162,677.29

$157,293.40

$149,552.31

$1,208,261.44

34 BC�T April

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Micronutrients Fill Anti-Disease Role Helping growers alleviate pressure on several components in the crop protection program Using what are referred to as “functional fertilizers” can keep crops one step ahead of plant stress, helping growers alleviate pressure on other components in the crop protection program, say nutrition specialists at OMEX® USA. Crop stress occurs when a plant encounters a limiting factor that prevents it from achieving

optimum performance.

There’s strong evidence of a connection between nutrition and crop health, says the company, which has examined combinations of copper and zinc, elements known to play a role in crop health.

“Our research culminated in the formulation of Cell Power®

Above: There’s strong evidence of a connection between nutrition and crop health.

Zynergy™,” says OMEX® agronomist Dean Konieczka, “a fertilizer that acts like a fungicide without being one.”

“Increasing the plant’s access to these micronutrients bolsters its defense mechanism, enabling it to better withstand pathogenic attacks, like from mildews, for example,” Konieczka notes, “and delivers a statistically significant impact on disease levels when applied earlyseason.”

“Zynergy can prevent the need for ‘fire truck’ curative treatments and ease management of tricky harvest intervals,” he concludes.

What’s also interesting is how other products like Zynergy can create, as its own name suggests, a synergistic effect between foliar nutrition and crop protection.

PRIME THE PLANT It has been observed how nutrition can effectively prime the plant to better respond to pathogenic attack,

Micronutrients can create a synergistic effect between foliar nutrition and crop protection.

36 BC�T April

continued on pg. 38

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Micronutrients Fill Anti-Disease Role… continued from pg. 36

allowing growers to use a lower rate of fungicide while maintaining an equivalent or even improved level of protection.

Perhaps it makes sense to be fully focused on the value of foliar applications: leaves are a better receptacle for fertilizers. They have an active metabolism, thus enabling the leverage of adjuvants and the varying of application timing to target open stomata.

OMEX has been following the same innovative path as its crop protection colleagues in finding ways to do more with less.

The company’s Cell Power® SizeN® technology relies on stabilized amine nitrogen. Because it’s less susceptible to volatilization, plants make better use of what’s applied.

Likewise, growers who have become

38 BC�T April

“Increasing the plant’s access to these micronutrients bolsters its defense mechanism, enabling it to better withstand pathogenic attacks, like from mildews.”

– Agronomist Dean Konieczka

used to bulk applying calcium chloride can’t believe that Cell Power Calcium Gold, with its LoCal mechanism triggering the cell’s own uptake apparatus, delivers better, more consistent results with a fraction of the amount applied.

Thinking holistically is not about wholesale replacement of plant

protection chemistry. Instead, it’s about reducing dependence on it and extending the usefulness of the shrinking number of actives that are available.

The more quickly we can all adopt this thinking, the more benefit we’ll extract from it.

Learn more at www.omexusa.com.

Potatoes USA News

Podcast Helps Define High Quality Carbohydrates Potatoes USA’s nutrition program seeks to clear up carbohydrate misinformation and confusion, such as de-emphasizing the use of the Glycemic Index (GI) as a marker for carbohydrate quality.

To this end, Potatoes USA sponsored an episode on “Sound Bites Podcast,” a Top 20 nutrition-focused Apple Podcast hosted by award-winning registered dietitian and nutritionist Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDCES. Melissa helps people separate science fiction from science facts through her show, reaching credentialed health professionals, registered dietitians, nutrition scientists, thought leaders, and health-conscious consumers.

During the episode, “Defining ‘Quality Carbohydrates’ – The Latest Science and Recommendations” (https://soundbitesrd.com/podcastepisode-202/), Melissa interviewed cardiovascular physiologist Sid Angadi, Ph.D., FACSM, assistant professor with the University of Virginia, and food and nutrition scientist Julie Miller Jones, Ph.D., CNS, CFS, professor emerita with St. Catherine University.

Drs. Angadi and Jones are members of the Quality Carbohydrate Coalition’s Scientific Advisory Council (SAC), an initiative Potatoes USA is spearheading to help people identify high-quality carbohydrate-containing foods. The interview focused on three main areas:

Through her podcast, award-winning registered dietitian and nutritionist Melissa Joy Dobbins helps people separate science fiction from facts by interviewing credentialed health professionals.

interpreting different nutrition research studies This podcast episode is one example of how the nutrition program engages with the researcher, thought leader, and health professional communities to clear up confusion surrounding carbohydrate-containing foods.

Industry members are encouraged to get involved and help spread the word about the latest potato nutrition information and initiatives, such as through this podcast episode.

To stay up to date on the latest research and nutrition news, check out www.apre.org and www.potatoesusa.com.

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BC�T April 39

NPC News

Washington Summit: Week of Advocacy & Education

Wisconsin group meets with all 10 of the state’s members of Congress The week of February 28-March 3, U.S. potato growers and allied partners from across the country united as an industry to fulfill the National Potato Council’s (NPC’s) mission of “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”

The 2022 Washington Summit provided a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.

During the first day’s Meeting of the Voting Delegates, 2021 NPC President Dominic LaJoie passed the gavel to incoming President, Jared Balcom.

LaJoie also hosted the Council’s annual Awards Dinner, where 40 BC�T April

individuals were recognized for their work for the industry.

President’s Awards were announced for Maine potato researcher James “Jim” Dwyer (deceased); regional representative and casework supervisor for Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), Sharon Campbell; and Maine Potato Board Director of Operations Jeannie Tapley.

Don Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board, was honored with NPC’s Gold Potato Award for his leadership. The Packer’s Tom Karst presented Idaho’s Pat Kole with its 2022 Potato Person for All Seasons Award, which honors a potato industry member who has shown extraordinary leadership and

Above: Members of the Wisconsin potato industry traveled to Washington, D.C., February 28-March 3, 2022, to take part in the NPC Washington Summit. The Wisconsin group visited all 10 of the state’s members of Congress and talked about issues such as supply chain challenges and inflation; serving potatoes at school meals without limitations; securing funding for potato research special grants; enhancing the industry through proactive trade policies; and alleviating the ag labor crisis by improving upon the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Pictured, from left to right, are Doug Posthuma, Mark Finnessy, Eric Schroeder, Morgan Forbush, Jim Wysocki, Larry Alsum, Kevin Schleicher and Tamas Houlihan. Forbush and Schleicher were Wisconsin’s representatives in the NPC’s Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI), and Posthuma was the grower leader for PILI.

commitment to the industry.

The next day, attendees of the Trade Affairs Committee were joined by Kevin Shea, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), who addressed the Administration’s trade efforts with Prince Edward Island and Mexico.

Rod Snyder, agriculture advisor to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, and John Mesko,

executive director of the Potato Sustainability Alliance, addressed the Environmental Affairs Committee on their organizations’ priorities.

On Wednesday at the Capitol Hill Club, attendees were updated on several of the Council’s policy priorities.

Maggie Sommers Gentile, vice president of Food and Nutrition Policy at Food Directions, led a discussion on key bills and potential regulations that could impact U.S. nutrition policy.

POTATO INDUSTRY PRIORITIES Chelsie Keys, Republican policy director for the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, covered the key initiatives for the potato industry under the committee’s jurisdiction, including the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill process, nutrition priorities, and prospects for climate legislation and other issues impacting the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.

Later that morning, NPC’s Kam Quarles was joined by Robert Guenther, chief public policy officer of the International Fresh Produce Association, and Randy Russell, president of The Russell Group, for a continued on pg. 42

Above: Taking part in the NPC Washington Summit, members of the Wisconsin potato industry met with Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (center, behind desk). From left to right are Doug Posthuma, Morgan Forbush, Larry Alsum, ag policy staff member Kevin Petroccione, who works for Congressman Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald himself, Jim Wysocki and Eric Schroeder.

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BC�T April 41

NPC News…

continued from pg. 41

session on the key decision points as Congress begins the twice-a-decade rewrite of U.S. agricultural policy through the Farm Bill.

Before the lunch break, leaders of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), Mary Nowak, director of government affairs for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives,

Jonathan Sarager, director of federal government affairs at Western Growers, and Mike Wenkel, NPC chief operating officer, discussed the ongoing efforts by agriculture to move legislation through Congress to address the workforce crisis.

During the keynote lunch, sponsored

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From left to right, Larry Alsum and Eric Schroeder meet with Congressman Bryan Steil during the NPC Washington Summit.

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and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, provided attendees her unique analysis of the issues, trends and events that are shaping today’s tumultuous political environment.

That afternoon, members of Congress joined the group to address their priorities and hear from attendees on their policy concerns.

In attendance were Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), and Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Penn.), who is the Republican leader of the House Agriculture Committee.

During the evening’s Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill Reception, sponsored by McCain Foods, attendees were joined by more than 16 members of Congress, including Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) and House Ag Committee Republican Leader Thompson.

Long-time potato industry champion Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also addressed the group and

congratulated outgoing NPC President and Maine potato grower Dominic LaJoie for a successful term leading the organization.

On Thursday, attendees took to Capitol Hill to meet with dozens of members and staff to advocate for the industry’s policy priorities.

The complete photo album can be found on NPC’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ nationalpotatocouncil/.

Potato LEAF Trains Next Generation of Leaders The Potato Industry Leadership Institute Class of 2022 brought together 18 outstanding potato growers and industry representatives for nine days of training and professional development.

The annual program, held this year from Feb. 23-Mar. 3, is an initiative of the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF).

This year’s program kicked off in Long Beach, California, where the class received an overview of all national organizations of the potato industry.

Highlights included tours of the Long Beach Container Terminal, Allied Potato, Tasteful Selections, and The Garlic Company.

Attendees then flew to Washington, D.C, and heard from public policy and communications experts speaking at the 2022 NPC Washington Summit.

While in D.C., they were immersed in the legislative and regulatory priorities of the U.S. potato industry and practiced how to effectively deliver key messages to Congress.

The program finished with a day of visits to offices on Capitol Hill, where participants joined their state grower delegations to meet and educate members of Congress on the industry’s priorities.

At the conclusion of the training, Mike Phillips (Mich.) from Walther Farms was elected by his peers to serve as the Grower Leader for next year’s class.

The Potato Industry Leadership Institute Class of 2022 is (from bottom, left to right): Row 1 Melissa Boersema (Michigan), Natalia Cervantes (Colorado), and Byron Duffin (Idaho); Row 2 - Carissa Olsen (North Dakota), Trina VanAtta (Michigan), and Chip Hesse (Washington); Row 3 - Morgan Forbush (Wisconsin), Taylor Grant (Idaho), Andrew Hyer (Washington), and Bevan Lenz (Colorado); Row 4 - Derek Schreck (Colorado), Mike Phillips (Michigan), Eric Searle (Idaho), and Kevin Schleicher (Wisconsin); Row 5 - Andrew Price (Colorado), Laci Holbrook (Montana), and Kyle Noyes (Nevada); and in Row 6 - Douglas Posthuma (Wisconsin), and Rick Miller (Idaho). Posthuma was the grower leader for PILI. BC�T April 43

Badger Beat

Using Precision Agriculture in Potato Irrigation Management

High value crops like potatoes are ideal for efficiency strategies because of the high cost of inputs

By Yi Wang, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture

According to the International Society of Precision Agriculture, the term

“precision agriculture” (PA) indicates a management strategy that gathers, processes, and analyzes temporal, spatial and individual data. The data is combined with other information to support management decisions according to estimated variability for improved resource use efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural production.

In other words, PA provides the possibility to do the right thing, in the right place, in the right time and in the right way.

High-value crops like potatoes are recognized as good candidates for the adoption of PA because

of the high cost of inputs.

In addition, the sensitivity of potato tuber yield and quality to production practices and environmental conditions makes precision management economically critical.

PA practices involve more precise

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seeding, irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide use to optimize crop production for the purpose of increasing grower revenue and simultaneously reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment.

In this article, we will be discussing use of PA practices, such as variable rate irrigation, in potato production.

VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION Variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology applies water at variable rates rather than one flat rate along the length of the center pivot.

There are two steps to apply VRI: firstly, based on soil electrical conductivity (EC) or elevation mapping, the field is divided into different management zones; secondly, the system applies a specific amount of water on different management zones by turning on and off individual nozzles (nozzle control VRI) or controlling the moving speed of the pivot (speed control VRI).

VRI can apply water at differing rates to different crops or cultivars, varying soil types, high run-off areas or low areas prone to getting water-logged, and environmentally sensitive areas within the field.

The overarching goal of VRI is to avoid over- and under-irrigation so no water is wasted, and no water stress occurs while crop yield and quality are maintained or increased.

In the summer of 2018, we conducted a study to quantify the benefits of using VRI on commercial potato (Russet Burbank) production in Wisconsin.

We picked two fields irrigated with nozzle control VRI and speed control VRI, respectively. In each field, there was about 15 feet elevation difference between the highest and lowest areas.

TUBER YIELD & QUALITY At harvest, we evaluated tuber yield and quality of the driest area, the most representative/average area,

and the wettest area of each field.

Under nozzle controal VRI (Figure 1a), there was a significant yield reduction (about 140 cwt. [hundredweight]/ acre, p<0.05) in the wettest area compared to the average area.

Yield from the driest area was slightly higher (about 20 cwt./acre, p>0.05) than that from the average area.

Under speed control VRI (Figure 1b), there was not any sigficant yield difference between the three sites, although the number in the driest area was higher than those in the average and wettest areas.

Overall, average yield from the nozzle control field was higher than that from the speed control field.

Under both VRI systems, tubers from the wettest area had lower speficic gravity compared to those from the driest and average areas, and the difference under the nozzle control system was significant (Table 1). continued on pg. 46

Figure 1: The graphs indicate total yield from different areas of the fields irrigated with nozzle control (a) and speed control (b) VRI systems. Bars with different letters mean that the numbers are significantly different at p<0.05.

Area of the field

Specific Gravity Nozzle Control VRI

Speed Control VRI

Dry

1.077 A

1.073 a

Average

1.081 A

1.068 a

Wet

1.069 B

1.068 a

Table 1: Specific gravity is given from different areas of the fields irrigated with VRI systems.

Numbers followed by different letters mean significant difference at p<0.05.

BC�T April 45

Badger Beat . . .

continued from pg. 45

In general, tubers grown in the nozzle control field showed higher starch

Area of the field

content than tubers grown in the speed control field.

Hollow Heart Incidence Nozzle Control VRI

Speed Control VRI

Dry

8% A

3% b

Average

13% A

5% ab

Wet

15% A

13% a

Table 2: Hollow heart incidence is given from different areas of the fields irrigated with VRI systems. Numbers followed by different letters are significantly different at p<0.05.

Above, Figure 2: Tuber sharpes vary from different areas of the field.

Figure 2 shows that tubers from the wettest area of each field had significantly higher length to width ratio. Correspondingly, there was higher incidence of hollow heart in tubers from the wettest areas of both fields, and the difference was significant under the speed control system (Table 2).

During storage at temperatures less than 48 degrees Fahrenheit, we

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Area of the field

Figure 3: Rotting tubers are shown from the wettest areas of both fields.

Irrigation Efficiency (lb of tubers/inch of irrigation water)

Dry

9 AB

Average

8B

Wet

12 A

Table 3: Irrigation efficiency of the speed control VRI system is shown in different areas of the field. Numbers followed by different letters mean significant difference at p<0.05.

observed higher incidence of rotting in tubers from the wettest areas of both fields (Figure 3).

It is thought that the tubers grown in saturated soils had enlarged lenticels on the surface, which created perfect entry points for pathogens in field and during storage.

In addition, we calculated irrigation efficiency (IE) of the speed control VRI system (numbers of the nozzle control VRI were not available), and it showed that there was a significant improvement of IE in the wettest area compared to the average area of the field. IE in the driest area was slightly higher than the average (Table 3).

Our data suggested that: • A big benefit of using VRI is to improve yield and quality, and therefore to potentially improve the profitability in the driest (or the high run-off) area of a field that is more vulnerable to under-irrigation.

• VRI can maintain a good soil moisture level within the rooting zone of the plants.

• VRI can save irrigation water and improve irrigation efficiency in the low area of a field that tends to be wet or saturated. However, even under VRI, managing potato yield and quality in the low area is challenging, as plants tend to have more rotting and defect issues.

• VRI is a promising system to save water while improving potato profitability, but further fine-tuning is needed to better manage it on fields with variability.

BC�T April 47

New Products

Howler Fungicide Offers Disease Control

Multiple modes of action aid in long-term prevention against soilborne and foliar diseases Howler® from AgBiome Innovations is a revolutionary fungicide that harnesses the power of the plant microbiome to create an efficacious solution with multiple modes of action that provide preventive, longlasting activity on a broad spectrum of soilborne and foliar diseases.

Howler fungicide can be used effectively at every phase of production: greenhouse, pre-plant and through harvest.

Compatible with synthetic chemistries either as a tank mix or program partner, Howler is exempt from U.S. residue tolerances. OMRI approved, it can be applied by soil incorporation, in-furrow, or via drench, drip, foliar, or chemigation.

Target Diseases: • Botrytis • Colletotrichum • Fusarium • Phytophthora 48 BC�T April

it at 2.5 lb./acre + the labeled rate of the tank mixture partner.

• Pythium • Rhizoctonia • Sclerotinia • Alternaria • Powdery Mildew • Downy Mildew Howler Fungicide Rate Recommendations for Control of Soilborne and Foliar Disease and in Tank Mixtures Howler Fungicide alone: Apply Howler in-furrow at 5 lb./acre for superior black scurf (Rhizoctonia) control.

Howler in tank mixtures: When Howler fungicide is tank mixed with a fungicide for control of the same disease(s), apply

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

For more information, visit agbiome. com/howler.

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

Aqueus Debuts Growthful Soil Amendment

Inorganic adjuvant buffers and changes the soil pH for improved plant performance GrowthfulTM is an auxiliary soil amendment that helps farmers grow more, faster.

A clear liquid that’s easy to add to current cultivation application methods, whether it’s a drip line, center pivot, or via broadcast or aerial, Growthful also blends with most inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

It can be added to tanks with other chemicals to be broadcast in the same application, with no additional effort or labor costs.

• Easy to use as an add-on to current lineup • Enhances existing offerings with an inorganic adjuvant • Increases profitability and crop yields • Buffers and changes the soil pH • Helps condition the soil for improved plant performance • Increases, improves and optimizes soil conditions for tolerance and resistance of abiotic stress • Improves and increases water/ nutrient availability, use, efficiency,

processing and retention • Improves and increases soil/water nutrient retention, holding capacity and permeability • Innovative and sustainable solution • Offers a less toxic product alternative that improves product line “We have been using Growthful for the last few seasons on our Jersey Royal seed crops on the Island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. We have noticed a definite increase in crop growth, health and quality by using Growthful,” says Nick Mourant, director of Haut du Mont Farm.

“The increased yield in final tuber tonnage has ranged from 6-20 percent,” Mourant details. “This product has the potential to have a huge economic benefit to our potato production and we look forward to continuing our work with the Aqueus team.”

“If you want to maximize your yield, I strongly recommend that you give Growthful a try,” says Lynn Walton of Walton Farms. “I applied it to my soybeans in 2020, and the results were spectacular. We averaged

over 70 bushels per acre, and in some places, saw readouts of 100 bushels per acre while harvesting.”

For more information, contact Aqueus, 1132 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48083, 248-930-7512, www.aqueus.com/growthful.

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BC�T April 49

Eyes on Associates

By WPVGA Associate Division President Julie Cartwright, Jay-Mar, Inc.

Greetings, one and all! As we round the corner into spring, I hope that all of you have your fertilizer and chemical needs lined up and ready to go. Pricing and availability have been tricky subjects in the off-season, but hopefully the rest of the year will be smooth sailing.

April is the month that our scholarships are publicized.

Post-secondary students whose immediate families are members of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) may each apply for one of seven scholarships.

on the number of applicants and their merits. The top candidate among all applicants will be awarded the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship, funded through a combination of proceeds from the Industry Show silent auction and a contribution from WPGA.

Academics, civic involvement, and agricultural emphasis are just a few of the criteria on which applicants are ranked.

Students will have until May 1 to submit applications, which can be found online at www. wisconsinpotatoes.com, or by calling the WPVGA office at 715-623-7683.

Good luck to all applicants!

The WPVGA Associate Division, together with the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary, will be awarding scholarships totaling $9,055.

Several scholarships will be awarded to students with WPVGA ties based

PUTT-TATO OPEN Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is being held in Clark County this year on July 12-14. To avoid overlapping with this event, the Putt-Tato Open 2020

2022

Registered Attendees (not speakers or exhibitors)

408

347

Total Exhibitors

92

89

Silent auction proceeds for the Avis M. Wysocki scholarship

$1,510

$2,055

Sponsorship participation

$13,350

$22,950

50 BC�T April

date has been changed to Tuesday, July 19, 2022, still at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids.

The Hancock Field Day will now be held on Thursday, July 7, at the research station in Hancock. We look forward to seeing everyone at those events.

As we were putting the finishing touches on the Industry Show, the COVID infection rates were trending down from the highest peak of the pandemic. Other trade shows around the state, region and country had come and gone, some with lackluster participation.

As final numbers began to roll in for our event, we were cautiously optimistic for a successful show.

Listed below are statistics of key areas for our show in 2022 compared to the last time it was held in person, in 2020.

We couldn’t have been more pleased with everyone’s participation and generosity to make this annual educational and networking event a resounding success after the challenges of the last two years.

A very special thank you goes out to all our sponsors, including our Premier Event Sponsor, John Miller Farms, Inc. of North Dakota.

Contributions from our members continue to allow us to positively impact and bolster our industry in so many ways. For that, we offer our gratitude.

Dr. Amanda Gevens, chair, professor and extension specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, gives a presentation on enhancing potato early blight management during the 2022 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show. A special thank you goes out to all sponsors of the conference and show, including the Premier Event Sponsor, John Miller Farms, Inc. of North Dakota.

As we embark on another crop production year, we offer up a prayer for health, safety, and favorable weather during the busyness of the season.

MODERN GRADING LINE

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Zach Mykisen (left) of Big Iron Equipment talks shop with Wes Meddaugh (right) from Heartland Farms, Inc., during the 2022 Industry Show.

It seems appropriate to quote Thomas Jefferson here, “Let the farmer forevermore be honored in his calling for they who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God.”

A safe and seamless planting season to all!

Julie Cartwright

WPVGA Associate Division President

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Riparian Buffer Strips Protect Waterways Technique slows down and redirects water and allows more nitrogen to get absorbed by plants Contributed by American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America A new study suggests we may have more opportunities to protect our waterways. That’s because one system for keeping too many nutrients out of streams could be

used more widely than it is now.

Known as saturated riparian buffer strips, the system slows down and redirects water coming off farm fields. The word “riparian” refers

Above: A solar-powered data logger measures water levels at an experimental saturated riparian buffer. It was installed by a team from Iowa State University, whose research determined criteria that show more farmland qualifies to safely install riparian buffer strips than previously thought. Image courtesy of Loulou Dickey

to the place where streams meet land. This important intersection controls a lot of processes, especially regarding water quality.

“Riparian buffer strips” is the technical term that agronomists use to refer to buffer strips on the edge of farm fields.

Water passes through a strip of land planted with native plants (the buffer). The technique allows more nitrogen to either get absorbed by plants or become nitrogen in the air.

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52 BC�T April

The affordable, simple system can remove up to 92 percent of nitrate, a form of nitrogen.

Without edge-of-field technologies like buffer strips, farmland often spills excess nutrients from fertilizers into

“I hope farmers know how grateful we are to have the opportunity to study these practices because of their support.”

– Loulou Dickey, researcher, Iowa State University

Above: Riparian buffer strips can help keep the water in our streams and lakes pure.

Image courtesy of S.V. Fisk

nearby streams. Those nutrients degrade water quality and can kill wildlife.

But one effective way to reduce the spread of nutrients is a special buffer between crops and streams.

EXPANDING SITES The new study discovered that these buffers could be installed in more places than previously thought. By expanding the sites where the buffers are placed, farmers could protect more of their local streams.

“Limiting nutrient transport off of fields and into waterbodies prevents overgrowth of harmful algae and protects in-stream ecosystems,” says Loulou Dickey, researcher at Iowa State University, who led the research.

The study was recently published in the Journal of Environmental Quality, a publication of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

Current guidelines limit where the riparian buffers should be installed.

One big concern is that the redirected flow of water will weaken the streambank.

If the streambank erodes and falls into the stream, it hurts water quality continued on pg. 54 BC�T April 53

Riparian Buffer Strips Protect Waterways . . . continued from pg. 53

and damages the land. The buffers are limited to banks that are not too tall, in hopes this protects the banks from damage.

Dickey’s team tested the assumption about bank height. They also looked at how adding in a new riparian buffer affected streambank stability.

They combined real-world data collection with models of hundreds of possible scenarios. “We wanted to help practitioners and designers make determinations about site suitability in the future,” says Dickey.

“Therefore, we needed to include a wide range of possible site conditions.”

STABLE STREAMBANKS The team found that most streambanks turned out fine once the farmer added a new riparian buffer. In only about 3 percent of the scenarios did the new water’s flow through the soil endanger the stability of the bank.

The conditions where the bank failed included sandy soils that didn’t hold together very well and riparian buffers that were less than 6 feet wide. Those situations are unlikely to happen in the real world, says Dickey.

The biggest predictor of a failing streambank was one that was already

A view from the field shows a tree, switchgrass, and native vegetation buffer plots. Image courtesy of Wes Childres

unstable. “If the streambank is already failing, it is likely to continue to do so, but if the bank is relatively stable, it will likely remain stable even with saturated riparian buffer flow,” Dickey says.

The height of the streambank also didn’t predict the future stability.

Instead, a bank that was too steep was more likely to fail. Steep streambanks have always been at risk of erosion.

The takeaway is that many sites that used to be off limits could be good candidates for new riparian buffers.

“I hope our work will give farmers and landowners the confidence to install more saturated riparian buffer strips,” says Dickey. “I also hope farmers know how grateful we are to

In infographic shows the purpose of each zone within a buffer strip. Image courtesy of the American Society of Agronomy staff

have the opportunity to study these practices because of their support.”

Expanding the use of the saturated riparian buffer could give farmers a straightforward and cost-effective way to protect their land’s water quality. That’s a boon for the farmer and for everyone downstream.

This work was supported by Iowa NRCS grant no. NR186114XXXXG006 from the USDA. Loulou Dickey was supported in part by the National Science Foundation under grant no.

DGE-1828942 during work on this research.

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54 BC�T April

Auxiliary News

By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA

We are working on planning for the Harvest Fair!

The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary has the opportunity to participate in another great event at State Fair Park.

Held the last weekend in September every year, Harvest Fair is a fun, family friendly event with a fall harvest theme. There are vendors of all kinds (food, crafts, etc.), kid games, entertainment, rides, and more.

Information about Harvest Fair can be found on the State Fair Park website, https://wistatefair.com/harvestfair.

The World Beef Expo is also held at State Fair Park the same weekend.

The Auxiliary will be selling baked potatoes with toppings like we do during the State Fair, although located in a tent outside.

The 2022 date is September 23-25.

We are looking for volunteers to help us for the weekend. Hotel rooms (if continued on pg. 56

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

Over 100 Years of Tradition The nation’s first seed potato certification program established in Wisconsin in 1913. Strong partnership with the University of Wisconsin. Quality, healthy seed potatoes…generation after generation.

WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES

The quality and Gyie ER STA ld D you have comeA to that expect.

B

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WISCONSIN u need.

CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES The varieties that yo

Wisconsin has it!

WISCONSIN Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. WISCONSIN CERTIFIED CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES SEED POTATOES

For a directory of Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers or a free video, contact: P.O. Box 173, Antigo, WI 54409 715-623-4039 www.potatoseed.org

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

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

www.potatoseed.org BC�T April 55

Auxiliary News . . . continued from pg. 55

• F riday, September 23 Harvest Fair Hours - 5 - 11 p.m.

• S aturday, September 24 Harvest Fair Hours - 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

• S unday, September 25 Harvest Fair Hours - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Please contact Julie Braun at jbraun@ wisconsinpotatoes.com, (715) 6237683, or Marie Reid (715) 459-5065, mariereid85@gmail.com, to sign up for the shifts you are interested in.

You can also learn more online at https://wistatefair.com/harvestfair.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for all you do for us! needed) and stipends for food and gas will be provided. Parking and entrance to the Harvest Fair is free.

If you can help for any time that weekend, even an hour or two, please let us know:

Datonn

Vice president, WPGA

We Support Wisconsin Farmers

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MILLION TO BE PAID OUT IN 2022

For the sixth year in a row, we are rewarding our farm policyholders for their commitment to Wisconsin agriculture through our Farm Dividend Program.

Learn how you may qualify for up to 5% back at RuralMutual.com/farmdividend

56 BC�T April

Ali's Kitchen Get Those Air Fryers Out! Potato croquettes are crispy on the outside and soft and tender inside Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary This is a wonderful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and it is a recipe that is sure to please everyone!

dry, add a tablespoon of milk or so.

Set aside.

Air fryer croquettes are crispy on the outside while their interiors remain soft and tender. Served with sour cream, they make the perfect snack or bite-size appetizer.

Whisk the egg and water in another shallow bowl.

DIRECTIONS Add the green onions and ranch seasoning to the potatoes and mash together. If the mixture seems too

Place the flour in a shallow bowl, season with salt and pepper.

Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.

Form the potato mixture into balls, approximately 1-inch across (I ended up with 20). Roll the balls in the flour, continued on pg. 58

INGREDIENTS: Air Fryer Potato Croquettes • 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes or one 24-ounce container refrigerated mashed potatoes • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion • 1 1/2 tsp. dry ranch dressing mix (from a 1-ounce package) • 1 cup flour • salt and pepper • 2 eggs • 2 Tbsp. water • 1 1/2 cups extra fine breadcrumbs • Cooking spray BC�T April 57

Ali's Kitchen. . .

Advertisers Index

continued from pg. 57

Big Iron Equipment....................... 42 Chippewa Valley Bean Co............. 45 Compeer Financial.......................... 9 Corteva AgriScience...................... 54 CoVantage Credit Union............... 39 David J. Fleischman Farms............ 51 Fencil Urethane Systems.............. 52 Heartland AG Systems............ 22, 46 Jay-Mar, Inc................................... 44 John Miller Farms......................... 37 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc................ 15 Jones Potato Farm........................ 49 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc................................. 58 Nichino America........................... 23 North Central Irrigation................ 41 Nutrien Ag Solutions.................... 17

then dip them in the egg wash, and then in the breadcrumb mixture.

Spray the tops of the croquettes lightly with oil.

Place the croquettes in your air fryer, leaving a little space between each croquette so they aren’t touching each other (you may have to do this in batches).

Air fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

N V S

Serve immediately with sour cream for dipping.

Enjoy!

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SPROUT INHIBITORS AND DISINFECTANTS

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• COMPUTERIZED CONTROL PANELS • HUMIDIFICATION • REFRIGERATION

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AGRI-VENTILATION SALES AND SERVICE 24 HR. EMERG. SERVICE

T.I.P., Inc........................................ 25 ThorPack, LLC............................... 33 Valley Tissue Culture.................... 29 Vantage North Central.................. 53 Volm Companies........................... 27 Warner & Warner Inc................... 38 World Potato Congress................. 19 WPVGA Assoc. Div. and Aux Scholarships ad............................. 2 WPVGA Spud Seed Classic Sponsorship................................ 59 WSPIA........................................... 55

58 BC�T April

Friday, June 17, 2022 Bass Lake Country Club W10650 Bass Lake Road Deerbrook, WI 54424

Deadline for sponsorship commitments to be included in June Badger Common'Tater: May 6, 2022* DINNER SPONSOR $2,000

SUPERIOR SPONSOR $500

• 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

• 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

GOLDRUSH SPONSOR $1,500

OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSOR $300

• 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 • 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 one golfers 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

• 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

Since 1998, this tournament raised over $141,000, 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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