$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 74 No. 05 | MAY 2022
THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
VEGETABLES & FARM SAFETY/INSURANCE ISSUE
WPVGA POSITIONS FOR SUCCESS: Member Development Program CAREFULLY CONSIDER Carbon Credit Contracts TREAT YOUR SOIL Like a Rock Star! OLD BEANS MAY Have New Uses Kidney beans are harvested on Bacon Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin, using a new harvester that is gentle on the crop.
INTERVIEW:
MARK BACON Bacon Farms, Inc.
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Bob Dobbe • Paul Hegewald John Hopfensperger • John Eckendorf Jerome Bushman (FL - WI) • Nic Bushman Mike Gatz, Jim Stefan and Chris Fleming (Milwaukee) Sam Saccullo (All fruits and vegetables) Mike Whyte (Michigan) Transportation: Denise Moze • Nate Sohns Mike Carter CEO
800-826-0200 715-677-4533 • Fax: 715-677-4076 Rosholt, Wisconsin
On the Cover: With 300 acres of kidney beans planted annually on Bacon Farms, in Hancock, Wisconsin, a specialized harvester turned out to be a good purchase. “It is much gentler on the crop,” says Mark Bacon, “and gives a higher quality finished product at a faster harvest speed.” Bacon Farms also grows field corn, soybeans, wheat, snap beans, and peas.
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BADGER COMMON’TATER
INTERVIEW:
Two John Deere tractors with respective planters are ready to roll on Bacon Farms of Hancock, Wisconsin. This issue’s interviewee, Mark Bacon, vice president of the operation, says the same row crop planters can be used for all the farm’s corn, soybeans, kidney beans, and snap beans. The only change to make between crops is the plate in the seed unit.
DEPARTMENTS: AUXILIARY NEWS............... 28 BADGER BEAT.................... 30 EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 50
18 PROGRAM PREPARES ITS FUTURE LEADERS WPVGA holds Member Development Program
43 MARKETPLACE
Spudmobile opens doors to visitors at 60th Annual Oshkosh WPS Farm Show
57
MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6
ALI’S KITCHEN
NEW PRODUCTS................ 46
Get creative with toppings on your next hot batch of tasty hash brown waffles
FEATURE ARTICLES: 24 CAREFULLY CONSIDER carbon credit contracts before signing on each dotted line
NOW NEWS....................... 36 NPC NEWS......................... 56 PEOPLE.............................. 54 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6
40 A THRIVING POPULATION of soil microbes helps make applied fertilizers effective
POTATOES USA NEWS ....... 45
52 BREEDERS STUDY WILD bean species resistant to both Fusarium root rot and wilt
WPIB FOCUS...................... 49
4
BC�T May
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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 May
5
MARK YOUR
Calendar
MAY
9-11
19-20
30-6/2
JUNE
4
16-17 17 18
JULY
7 8 9
12-14 19
28
AUGUST
1-3
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 2022 NPC SUMMER MEETING Renaissance Nashville Hotel Nashville, TN WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI PLEAF LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE ALUMNI SUMMIT 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 POTATOES USA 2022 SUMMER MEETING Laguna Cliffs Marriott Laguna Beach, CA
SEPTEMBER
6-10
POTATO BOWL USA FESTIVITIES Grand Forks – East Grand Forks, ND & MN
OCTOBER
15 20
27-29 6
2022 SPUD BOWL Community Stadium at Goerke Park, 1 p.m. Stevens Point, WI 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
BC�T May
Planting Ideas Open for business! The Spudmobile opened its doors to
visitors at the 2022 WPS Farm Show for the first time in more than two years. While Spudmobile Education & Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel and the educational traveling billboard have been making their rounds during the pandemic, the doors of the Spudmobile have remained closed, and a tent and tables set up outside with giveaways, brochures, chips and sometimes potato samples from the grill. It was a welcome sight to see people, including those above, entering the Spudmobile during the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show, March 29-31, at the Experimental Aircraft Association grounds in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Spudmobile remained open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day of the show, along with the other 400 exhibiting companies present. Exhibitors come from throughout the United States and Canada every year. The Spudmobile was also featured on Green Bay’s WFRV-TV morning show thanks to its educational component. Doug spoke with a reporter about everything the vehicle has to offer and showcased the “Field to Fork” story it promotes. For the full story and more photos, see “Marketplace” inside. The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary also had a significant presence at the WPS Farm Show via its annual baked potato and French fries booth in the food tent. Just like at the State Fair, WPS Farm Show attendees wait in line to get loaded baked potatoes, French fries, and refreshments from volunteers working the booth. In addition to Auxiliary members and their families, volunteers this year included Cliff and Carole Gagas of Gagas Farms, and from the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Julie Braun, Jane Guillen, and Karen Rasmussen. Through its many self-funded programs, the Auxiliary works on creative ways of keeping in touch with consumers, and the baked potato booth is a great fundraising endeavor. Please see “Auxiliary News” for photos and information. After a cold, wet Wisconsin early spring, planting season is finally upon us, and my main interview for this issue, Mark Bacon of Bacon Farms, and his crew are out in the field, along with hundreds of WPVGA grower members and their teams. There cannot be a more honest and worthwhile profession than growing the crops that feed the world. Here’s to a safe, smooth and successful potato and vegetable growing season. Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe.
Joe Kertzman
Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com
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Interview
MARK BACON, vice president, Bacon Farms, Inc.
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater NAME: Mark Bacon TITLE: Vice president COMPANY: Bacon Farms, Inc. LOCATION: Hancock, WI HOMETOWN: Hancock YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 23 SCHOOLING: Bachelor of Science degree in agri-business, University of Wisconsin (UW)-River Falls, 1994; graduate of Tri-County High School, Plainfield, 1989
The original Bacon family farmstead became a century farm
50-plus years ago, in 1969. Settled under the Homestead Act in the 1860’s, Bacon Farms is one of the oldest grain and vegetable operations in Wisconsin. “Bacon Farms, Inc., as it is now, was created by my grandfather, Merle, in the early 1970’s,” Mark Bacon, vice president of the family business, says.
“Over the decades, the business has seen many changes in personnel and crop focus, from dairy to beef and cash crops, to vegetables, and
ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Tri-County School Board, 1999-present, currently serving as board president; UW-River Falls Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity/Alpha Psi Chapter Alumni Association Board, currently serving as president; Tri-County Education Foundation, currently serving as president; and Hancock Sportsman’s Club, currently serving as treasurer AWARDS/HONORS: National Corn Growers Association Yield Contest state winner FAMILY: Wife, Michelle, and son, Zachary HOBBY: Hunting, fishing, trap shooting and spending time with family
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BC�T May
Mark Bacon (pictured at his desk) says his father, Larry, and uncle, Randy, were the owners of Bacon Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin, until 1998 when they both retired. Mark and his brother, Jim, took over ownership and control of the business, and today their younger brother, Jeff, and brother-in-law, Jason Welty, are also involved on the farm.
back to what it is today—a grain and vegetable farm,” Mark relates. Located in Hancock, Wisconsin, it was a dairy farm through the late 1960’s. With one of the first wells in Waushara County drilled on the property in the 1950’s, once irrigation was added, the farm started growing potatoes and vegetables, eventually discontinuing dairy. “We also raised beef and grain crops through the 1980’s,” Mark notes.
“The late ’80s were very dry years that saw canning companies actively contracting additional acres in the Wisconsin Central Sands area, and we adapted to only raising potatoes, contract vegetables, and cucumbers.” “My father, Larry, and his brother, Randy, were the owners of the business as I was growing up after the passing of my grandfather, up until 1998 when they both retired,” he explains.
Above: A John Deere tractor and planter are ready for the field at Bacon Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin. The same planter can be used for corn, soybeans, and kidney beans.
Mark and his brother, Jim, took over ownership and control of the business, and today, their younger brother, Jeff, and brother-in-law, Jason Welty, are also involved on the farm. continued on pg. 10
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Interview. . .
continued from pg. 9
Bacon Farms has grown over the years and has changed focus a couple of times. “In 2010, we made the decision to discontinue potato operations,” Mark says, “and now focus primarily on grain and vegetables, currently growing field corn, soybeans, wheat, snap beans, peas, and kidney beans.” “We also have a close working relationship with a couple neighboring farms that add rotations of potatoes and cucumbers to the business,” he relates.
That storied history must make you proud. What do you take most pride in concerning the farm, and what generation do you represent? It does. I am very proud to say I am a fourth-generation family farmer. We have always prided ourselves in doing the best job we can to produce the highest quality products while taking great care of the ground. We are also the labor force for the business. We each have our strengths, but ultimately, if there is a job to be done, it is one of the family members likely doing the work. For most of the primary jobs, from planting, irrigation and spraying to running a harvester or grain dryer in the fall, or even driving truck from field to farm, it is a family member behind the wheel. How many years have you been working the farm, and any neat memories as a kid you want to share? I have been working on the farm my whole life. I drove my first tractor at six and have done everything from working in the fields moving irrigation pipe and gun stands and cutting hay as a teenager to planting and harvesting.
Field corn from Bacon Farms goes entirely into the ethanol market, primarily being shipped to the plant in Friesland, Wisconsin. 10 BC�T May
I have many hundreds of hours in a tractor seat. I was 11 years old when my father put me in the planter. He said, “You plant while I eat lunch.”
Above: The evolution of Bacon Farms is illustrated via two photos, the first taken in 1977 and the second in 2018.
I have been the main planter operator for the business ever since. You can still find me running one of the planters throughout the spring. How many acres are under cop management? We currently operate nearly 6,000 acres, with about 3,500 acres of field corn, 1,200 acres in soybeans, 600 acres of snap beans, 300 acres planted with kidney beans, 100 acres of wheat and 100 acres in peas. This includes some rotational acres that we work with neighboring farms that are planted in potatoes and other crops. We also raise about 150 acres of grain crops organically. Is most of it for processing, and if so, who are your main customers? Our field corn crop goes entirely into the ethanol market. We ship corn to several plants, but primarily the ethanol plant in Friesland, Wisconsin. We also sell to three others from time to time in Oshkosh, Necedah, and Cambria. We sell locally to the elevators in Westfield, Auroraville, and Adams, mostly crop that we do not have storage enough for on the farm. continued on pg. 12
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Interview. . .
continued from pg. 10
Mark Bacon (right) teaches his son, Zachary, how to run the planter.
Our soybeans are all food grade, nonGMO beans marketed to the Delong Company in Clinton. The snap beans are contracted with Seneca Foods and Lakeside Foods, while the kidney beans are all for Chippewa Valley Bean in Menomonie. How do you, your brothers and other family members split duties?
Two combines and two tractors with grain carts are ready for corn harvest.
Jim is the primary office manager and takes care of the irrigation for the business, while I am more of the equipment manager and main operator for the equipment. Jim has a strong electrical understanding and engineering background, while I have a business degree. This helps us each
Although grain bins have been added onto Bacon Farms over the years, the owners are planning a grain storage facility upgrade this summer that will help make the harvest operations more efficient. 12 BC�T May
understand the other roles—me the bookkeeping in the office, and Jim the equipment maintenance— without being the one in charge of that portion of the business. I also manage the technology component with setup and data collection.
Kidney bean seed is shown in the planter seed box.
Jeff is the sprayer operator in the summer, and drives semi during harvest, and our brother-in-law, Jason, is our on-staff agronomist, and manages the drying operations in the fall, as well as shop maintenance in the winter. In addition, Jim’s wife, Deb, is our bookkeeper and is in the office most days for at least a little while. My father also helps during the busy seasons doing some tillage, as well as running a grain cart during harvest.
“I have many hundreds of hours in a tractor seat. I was 11 years old when my father put me in the planter. He said, ‘You plant while I eat lunch.’”
– Mark Bacon
Jim’s son, Alex, is on the farm as one of our full-time employees, running equipment in the summer and driving truck during harvest and throughout the year hauling product to market. How many people does Bacon Farms employ full-time and seasonally? We cover a lot of acres with what I consider a rather minimal staff of seven full-time employees, including family. During harvest, we also get a lot of help from my and Jim’s wives being truck drivers, as well as Dad throughout the summer and fall. We are very fortunate to not need much additional labor force normally, but we do occasionally hire one or two harvest team members, as well as some trucking services during the heart of harvest. Did you make any new machinery or technology purchases for 2022? Yes, we have a few new pieces of tillage, planting and harvest equipment coming in for this year. The planters use the latest tech of electric drive and individual row control, as well as the most advanced monitor control. Getting the seed placed in the ground properly is very important for maximizing the crops’ full potential. We are also planning a grain storage facility upgrade this summer that will help make the harvest operations more efficient.
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continued on pg. 14 BC�T May 13
Interview. . .
continued from pg. 13
The technology of GPS guidance, rate controllers, yield monitors and Machine Sync are all a major part of our business. It’s a lot more complex than just allowing the tractor to drive straight, and seemingly more of a full-time job just managing the technology every year. Data management is very important,
14 BC�T May
and having good, useful data is paramount. Every year, I try to add a new layer of data management within the tech to advance forward. In the past couple years, we have also used Machine Sync technology to connect the combine to the chase cart tractors to ease operator fatigue and keep the two machines working
together to improve efficiencies within the field operations. I assume it’s been a struggle purchasing fertilizer and crop protection products. If so, how are you coping? It has. The fertilizer supply issue has not hit us as hard, at least from a dry product perspective, as we have enough on-farm storage
for all our dry fertilizer needs. These products we regularly bring in and put in storage in the fall for the coming year, which has helped isolate us from some of the immense price swings, but not entirely. The liquid fertilizers are where we are much more at the mercy of the seasonal market, as we do not have storage for all our seasonal needs. The crop protection supply issue and the fertilizer prices are going to affect all of us farmers this year. Time will tell the extent of the hit to the bottom line. Being willing to use alternative options in some cases may be necessary depending on supplies. Being cognizant of cost of production numbers in years of high input costs is an absolute must to be able to evaluate what is the best option. What have been the most significant changes or advancements during
your time on the farm? Outside of the cropping changes, I would say by far the equipment technologies. When I started running a planter, it was a long day of staring over the hood at a marker track. Today, it’s all guidance, mapping, and high-tech rate controllers. I expect some time in my life I will see an autonomous tractor on our farm, but likely during my son’s or grandchildren’s era. Even the technology inside harvest equipment has gotten immeasurably greater in 20 years. Has grain and vegetable farming on Bacon Farms become more streamlined, challenging or both? It is definitely more streamlined, but also more challenging. Equipment size continues to get bigger, and the technology that gives real-time data has improved the ability to cover more acres in less time, and to know what improvements
Photos on this and previous page: During harvest, kidney beans can be loaded into a truck via a combine unloader or from a hopper lifted in the air from the harvester and dumped directly into the bed. Regardless, it’s a beautiful sight.
to make regarding the crops at a moment’s notice. But farming is very much more of a business than it was 30 years ago. continued on pg. 16
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Interview. . .
continued from pg. 15
The days of doing things the same as I did yesterday are gone. You must continue to evaluate, adapt, and improve in every aspect of the business to stay competitive. As far as vegetables, I assume
you need to stagger planting and harvest? The snap bean plantings are dictated by the respective contract company, and often we start planting them in mid-May. We determine planting dates for the kidney beans, and yes, we stagger them to allow harvest windows to cover those plantings. We try to plant about 100 acres every two to three days, which has worked well at harvest.
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We know we can’t harvest it all in one day, so we range from 94- to 105day maturities, with hopes to be able to start harvest in early October and finish before Thanksgiving. We strive for most moisture levels to be in the low-to-mid 20 percent range. We try to start planting as close to April 20 as we can and cover as many acres as weather allows. Are there different machines and processes for each vegetable? Planting-wise, no. We run two John Deere row crop planters that we plant all our corn, soybeans, kidney beans, and snap beans with. The only change between crops is the plate in the seed unit.
Left: Soybeans are harvested on Bacon Farms. Right: A Balzer 1,300-bushel grain cart is used for corn and soybeans.
As for harvest, we can do corn and soybeans with the same harvester. We have a corn head for corn, and a draper platform for the beans that we can switch between the two in just a couple minutes with each harvester. The kidney beans are a special breed of crop. We have tried using the traditional combine and draper platform with mixed results, but prior to the 2021 crop, we purchased a specialized harvester for these. It has turned out to be a good decision, as it is much gentler on the crop and gives a higher quality finished product at a faster harvest speed. Are you shipping, or are most going to local processors? We do most of the transportation of our corn ourselves to the ethanol plants. With the amount of storage on farm, we keep one to two trucks on the road most days between January and August, as well as during the harvest season. The soybeans are generally picked up on the farm by contract haulers as they get delivered out of state.
We have also done our own hauling of the kidney beans to date. These get delivered to the Chippewa Valley Bean facility in Menomonie, which is about a three-hour haul time from farm to facility. Are you harvesting off the field? Storing? We currently have roughly 600,000 bushels of on-farm corn storage, which is full every year after harvest. Our typical production the past several years has been somewhere north of 800,000 total bushels. Therefore, we need to find a home for some 200-plus loads at harvesttime. Traditionally, we have been aggressive about contracting bushels with ethanol plants that allow us to bring the corn off the field to the farm, dry it, and ship direct to them during the harvest season. This brings with it other trials but allows us to be as efficient as possible with our time and storage space. We have also done some contracting that allows off-the-field delivery with local elevators, which helps keep both harvesters running when the weather allows, speeding up harvest. Has what the public and processors expect or want from you changed as of late, and is it a struggle to provide what they demand? The corn crop has not changed dramatically, but the vegetable crops and soybeans, yes. Everything continues to require more extensive quality control from the farm end, requiring more time, labor, and attention.
potato crop. One issue with that is the cover crops applied to those potato fields in the fall often are too small early in the spring to give much protection, but left for a short time, they are fine. The strip till allows some of that to grow, while giving the new crop a nice mellow, warm soil to be planted into. We have had great success with this while preventing wind erosion at the same time. A long-term crop rotation is also a key component of our operation, with minimal double cropping. What do you hope for the future of Bacon Farms? An ever-changing world makes the crystal ball very hazy when it comes to the future. I do hope, however, that the next generation of family members will have the same opportunities afforded me—to be able to come aboard the business and continue to grow and prosper. I believe the things we are currently doing, between working with neighbors on rotation, being proactive on technology, and having
A field is strip tilled before planting into the strips of a cover crop.
a sustainable approach to the business will allow us to leave a legacy for the next generation. Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add, Mark? With the major disconnect between food production and the consumer, I feel we all need to continue to tell our story.
The efforts we take to keep equipment up to date, operating them to the highest quality, and keeping a close eye on all aspects of the crop make it a lot easier. Supplying the best quality to the end user is the main goal, and we do everything within our power to succeed. How do you keep the farm fertile and sustainable each year? Crop rotation? Several years ago, we started using a strip tillage machine ahead of planting. Much of our corn crop follows the previous year’s
BC�T May 17
Member Development Program Positions Organization for Future Success
Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association gives members the tools they need to succeed By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater It is only by preparing members to be effective that the future success of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and industry will be realized. Under that premise, the WPVGA plans and runs a Member Development Program every two years, except during the pandemic in 2021, to give young and future leaders the tools they need to succeed. On March 16, 2022, 13 graduates of the 2021-’22 Member Development Program attended their last session and enjoyed a nice celebratory social hour and dinner with a short graduation ceremony and photo opportunity. The purpose of this program is to 18 BC�T May
provide members of the WPVGA, WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary with the opportunity to learn about and actively participate in the various facets of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry. The Member Development Program exposes participants to relevant information, resources, activities, and networking opportunities. Designed as a five-month program, one session is held each month between November and March, and this year participants could choose whether to attend in-person or virtually. Participants are expected to attend all five sessions, with each being approximately five to seven hours in
length and focusing on a particular topic, skill, or issue relevant to the potato and vegetable growing industry. Preparatory material is provided prior to each session to enhance the value of the meeting and/or associated relevant experience. Above: Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan poses with graduates of the 2021-’22 Member Development Program. They are, in the front row, left to right, Ann Hoffman, Misti Ward, Curtis Meister, Morgan Forbush and Nicola Carey; second row, left to right, Samantha Konkol, Donald Maum and Houlihan; third row, left to right, Josh Johnson, John Bustamante and Dan Walsch; and top row, left to right, Beau Hartline, Mike Johnson and Jared Suchon.
The November 2021 program curriculum included a WPVGA overview, program orientation and welcome at the Heartland Farms’ Farm Operations, Technology & Training Center in Hancock, Wisconsin. BOARD STRUCTURES It included an explanation by WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan of board structures, missions, and functions; a farm tour given by Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms; and a presentation titled “Communicating Assertively: Discovering the Win-Win Scenario,” by Andy Marris, a certified professional in talent development (CPTD) from the MRA employer association. The December “Research & Technology” session took place at the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Storage Research Facility (SRF) and Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS).
As part of the March 2022 “Strategic Planning, Media Training and Graduation” session, program participant Nicola Carey (left), business and agronomy analyst for Wysocki Produce Company, takes part in a mock media interview with Brian Knox (right), public relations executive for Laughlin Constable.
The objective of the meeting was for participants to gain a better understanding of issues and problems facing production agriculture and learn how the industry is working to improve all aspects of potato and vegetable production while emphasizing
environmental stewardship. Troy Fishler, HARS superintendent, and Amber Walker, SRF manager, outlined the storage research projects and their relevance to the WPVGA. continued on pg. 20
SNOWDEN • PIKE • ATLANTIC • LAMOKA MEGACHIP • HODAG • MANISTEE SILVERTON • LADY LIBERTY
BC�T May 19
Member Development Program Positions Organization for Future Success . . . continued from pg. 19
Taking part in a potato chip taste test are, from left to right, Don Maum of Alsum Farms, Jared Suchon of Bushman’s Riverside Ranch, Mike Johnson of McCain Foods, Nicola Carey of Wysocki Family of Companies, and Curtis Meister of Reabe Spraying Service.
The session included a tour of the Storage Research Facility, a potato tasting panel, a roundtable made up of University of Wisconsin potato researchers and professors, a seed certification overview, and a breakdown of Healthy Grown by Deana Knuteson, program director. For the January 2022 “Governmental
Affairs” session, program participants traveled to DeWitt, LLP Law Firm, and the State Capitol in Madison. The purpose was to gain an understanding of the legislative process; become familiar with key legislators; learn about issues critical to the success of the potato and vegetable industry, and agriculture
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The November 2021 Member Development Program curriculum included a presentation titled “Communicating Assertively: Discovering the Win-Win Scenario,” by Andy Marris, a certified professional in talent development (CPTD) from the MRA employer association.
in general; and become effective at communicating industry viewpoints. WPVGA attorneys and lobbyists Jordan Lamb of Dewitt, Ross LLP, and Rob Marchant, Michael Best Strategies, discussed state and federal government, legislators and Congress, and their roles relevant to the WPVGA. That was followed by a presentation by Lamb, Marchant, Mike Carter of Bushmans’ Inc. and Steve Diercks, Coloma Farms, on effective advocacy techniques and current WPVGA legislative issues. NATIONAL ISSUES Houlihan and Larry Alsum of Alsum Farms & Produce also discussed current National Potato Council legislative issues. At the State Capitol, participants met with Sen. Patrick Testin and toured the Senate floor; Speaker Robin Vos, including a tour of the Assembly floor; and with Gov. Tony Evers’ staff and a tour of the Governor’s Conference Room. Springville Sports Grill hosted the February “Promotions and Marketing” session, with the objective of members becoming
Donald Maum (left) and Curtis Meister cook up potato-based fudge as part of a Wisconsin potatoes cooking challenge hosted by Rockman’s Catering.
familiar with current trends in agriculture employment, labor, economics, and markets, all of which are critical to the future success of the industry. Further objectives included
Jeremie Pavelski (second from right, facing gathered crowd) gives a tour of Heartland Farms to Member Development Program participants
understanding Wisconsin’s strengths in the potato industry and how to capitalize on them through promotional and marketing campaigns, and to demonstrate teamwork and camaraderie through a
cooking challenge while having great fun. Dana Rady, WPVGA director of promotions and consumer education, and Brian Lee, chairman of the continued on pg. 22
BC�T May 21
Member Development Program Positions Organization for Future Success . . . continued from pg. 21
WPVGA Promotions Committee, outlined current programming. Fred Steinmann, assistant research professor, The College of Business, University of Nevada, Reno, gave a presentation on “Economic, Employment and Labor Trends.” A panel discussion on market forces and trends included representatives from Alsum Farms & Produce, Bushmans’ Inc., Coloma Farms and
22 BC�T May
Okray Family Farms. The group activity of the day was a Wisconsin potatoes cooking challenge hosted by Rockman’s Catering, in which participants made potatobased fudge and potato donuts. The final March 2022 “Strategic Planning, Media Training and Graduation” session took place at Swartzendruber’s Supper Club in Antigo.
THE BIGGER PICTURE The objective was to provide participants with an opportunity to tie together what they learned by weaving it into a bigger picture, identify strategic priorities for industry leadership, and recognize roles they can take in moving the industry forward. It was also to provide participants with critical media training and key principles of effective public relations. Public relations experts from the firm Laughlin Constable of Milwaukee provided media training and conducted mock interviews with program participants, which were recorded and made available to all for review. Dinner and a graduation reception followed. Participants are selected by the WPVGA from submitted applications on the basis of their potential as active members and future leaders in the potato and vegetable growing industry. Candidates represent one or more of the following segments of the industry: chip grower, seed grower, process grower, fresh grower/ marketer, vegetable division grower, farm office worker, or any facet of the WPVGA Associate Division categories or the Auxiliary. Chosen candidates exhibit a willingness to commit time and effort to prepare for sessions and actively participate in all aspects of the program. Program participants pay a nominal fee of $250 and are expected to make their own personal arrangements to attend sessions and related activities (including transportation, meals outside of the sessions, and lodging if necessary). Costs associated with conducting the program are borne by the WPVGA with support provided by the Associate Division in keeping with its mission to support the growth and development of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry.
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CAREFULLY Consider Carbon Credit Contracts
There are several terms that could trip up an unwary farmer when signing on the dotted line By Attorney Kelly Wilfert, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C. Carbon credits have been a hot topic around the country as a potential opportunity for extra farm revenue. However, like any contract, farmers should carefully consider the terms of a carbon credit sale before signing an agreement. There are several terms that could trip up the unwary signer. What is a “carbon credit?” A carbon credit is a fictional currency representing the farm’s credit for undertaking certain practices to sequester carbon in the soil. Typically, each credit represents about one metric ton of carbon sequestered. There are many terms to review carefully when presented with a carbon credit contract: Parties. The farmer will be party to the contract as a producer, but who else will be included? Be sure to ask the broker about their role, who will serve as a verifier, and who will 24 BC�T May
purchase the final credit. A farmer may wish to perform due diligence on the other parties to learn about their abilities to fulfill financial obligations, leadership qualifications, and their company overall. In addition, if the farm is renting the land, the broker may require permission from the landowner, as well as the renter. Term. Carbon credit contracts last on average about 10 to 15 years, although they can run anywhere from two to 100 years. The term identifies how long a farm is committed to performing these practices and continuing the relationship. If a farmer intends to retire, needs to sell, or simply wishes to implement other practices, the term of the contract becomes even more important, as exiting the agreed upon contract may be difficult. Obligations. What is expected of the
Above: Consider whether the contract is clear about the practices you will be asked to implement and how modifications may be made.
farm? Consider whether the contract is clear about the practices you will be asked to implement and how modifications may be made. Carbon sequestration practices may include a variety of options, whether that’s cover crops, no-till or reduced till, buffer strips, regenerative grazing, or something else entirely. Your contract should explain whether the farm is required to implement specific practices or if payment is solely outcome-based. It should also detail how practices are selected and whether you may change methods throughout the term of the contract. Additionality. Many carbon credit contracts depend on the concept of additionality. Additionality means that a producer is only rewarded for
new practices that are implemented, not those they have used for years. Permanence. Not only do many carbon credit contracts require new practices, but several also require permanence, or an agreement to commit to continue the new way of doing things for a set future timeframe. The goal of the purchaser is to sequester carbon for a long period of time, so if the farm no-tills for three years and then starts plowing again, there may be a penalty for releasing that carbon again. Data Privacy. When the verifier comes to the farm to verify your practices and measure sequestered carbon, they may be requesting access to your farm, soil, practices, yields, inputs, and more. Your contract will likely control who owns that data and how the verifier and other parties can use it. Be sure any confidentiality obligations are clear.
“Your contract should explain whether the farm is required to implement specific practices or if payment is solely outcome-based.” – Attorney Kelly Wilfert, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
Payment. Carbon credit contracts typically appear to use one of two primary forms of payment: either a per acre calculation or a per metric ton (of carbon sequestered) calculation. Farm economist David Aiken from the University of Nebraska noted that early signers reported payments of 10-15 dollars per acre per year, but after review, he believes those numbers might be due to early signing bonuses and that the yearly payments may not be as high.
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Instead, Aiken indicates that payments are more likely to be based on the per metric ton calculation, with approximately 5-10 dollars per metric ton of carbon sequestered. Aiken suggests that it may take 5-10 acres to sequester one metric ton of carbon, leaving the payments closer to 1-2 dollars per acre. After running the calculations, farmers should be sure to read the fine print about payments. Some contracts may also require the farmer continued on pg. 26
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Carefully Consider Carbon Credit Contracts . . . continued from pg. 25
to pay the verification fee (about one third of the profit). Contracts could include a vesting schedule and holdback, meaning remaining profit might not be paid up front, but rather have a severalyear wait to ensure the permanence condition is met. Whether the remaining payment is sufficient is a business decision for the farmer to make, but a lawyer can help to understand how the fine print could impact the annual payment. Farmers should also keep in mind that any disagreements about practices implemented, or their verified impacts, might result in penalties that further reduce related payments. It is important to know all possible impacts before entering the contract. Verification. A verifier is part of the process to ensure practices are implemented and taking effect.
Carbon sequestration practices may include a variety of options, whether that’s cover crops, no-till or reduced till, buffer strips, regenerative grazing, or something else entirely.
Farmers are encouraged to consider whether the contract should specify what type of verification will be occurring, what information the verifier will request from the farmer, how frequently the verifier will be at the farm, what the audit process will be for the farmer, and what the dispute resolution
process will entail in case the farmer and the verifier disagree. Stacking. Many carbon credit contracts also disallow stacking, or enrolling the land in multiple programs, to avoid double dipping. However, some contracts also disallow stacking with government
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programs on the land. Be sure to know what programs the farm currently employs and whether any will be affected by a carbon credit contract. Termination. Finally, every good contract begins with the exit in mind. Especially with a lengthy term, it is important to consider how parties may exit the contract. This includes whether the contract can be assigned (or transferred) to another party, penalties for early termination, whether notice is required to terminate, and whether termination is allowed at all.
zero emissions would drive the price upward. This tracks with recent regulatory changes, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) new proposed rule requiring publicly traded companies to report additional information about their environmental and social governance interests. Entering the carbon credit market now might allow for easier means of meeting the additionality
requirement, but farmers should carefully consider the risks of a longterm contract before signing. Risks can be minimized, and rewards maximized, through careful consideration and negotiation before committing. For more information, contact Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C., attn: Kelly Wilfert, kwilfert@ruderware.com, or call 800477-8050.
Gaining a new, unselected partner or being unable to pivot in the future might have unintended consequences. Farmers and brokers playing the carbon credit market are engaging in a game of chance. Carbon credits are in fashion again as part of the conversation about reducing greenhouse gases and climate change. However, they are not a new concept. The Chicago Climate Exchange offered the opportunity to trade carbon credits from 2003-2010. However, the Chicago Climate Exchange closed in 2010 after nine months of zero trading. MARKET EXPANSION The market had expanded in anticipation of a greenhouse gas emissions regulation program under President Barack Obama. However, when Congress did not enact that legislation, the level of interest in buying carbon credits decreased significantly and the market dissolved. Carbon credit prospectors today anticipate future regulations on environmental emissions, as well as the social push for environmentally friendly practices. If they can buy low, locking producers in at a low rate over a long time, the hope is to sell high if market takes off. Policy changes to achieve net
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Auxiliary News By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA
Hello, all! We’ve had a
somewhat busy month and would love to share it with you. March 29-31 was the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and let me start by saying it was so great to be back after a twoyear hiatus. It was a cold and blustery couple of days, but what else can we expect from March in Wisconsin? The Wisconsin Potato Growers
Auxiliary runs a potato booth every year where we sell baked potatoes and French fries at the WPS Farm Show, and suffice it to say, it’s a fan favorite! I had the pleasure of working in the booth this year, and it was awesome to see the long line of people waiting excitedly for their Wisconsin potato goodies. If you haven’t been able to attend the WPS Farm Show in the past, stop by next year and visit us at
Top: The line at left was steady during the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show, with people waiting excitedly for baked potatoes and French fries at the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) booth. At right are WPVGA Financial Officer Karen Rasmussen (red shirt and apron) and WPGA member Carole Gagas (yellow shirt and apron), and to the left under the Pepsi sign is WPVGA Program Assistant Jane Guillen.
Volunteer workers at the WPGA baked potato and French fries booth during the WPS Farm Show are, from left to right, Kari Burns, Carole Gagas, Cliff Gagas, Abby Firkus, Marilyn Wierzba, Lynn Isherwood, Denise Firkus, Lonnie Firkus, and Justin Isherwood. 28 BC�T May
Above: WPVGA Financial Officer Karen Rasmussen (left) serves up baked potatoes with Cliff and Carole Gagas at the WPS Farm Show. Cliff and Carole are largely responsible for planning and helping execute the WPGA baked potato and French fries booth at the show each year, and keeping it running smoothly.
The first volunteer group working the baked potato and French fries booth, on March 29, includes, from left to right, Kathy Bartsch, Patty Hafner, Carole Gagas, Cliff Gagas, Marie Reid, Marilyn Wierzba and Sheila Rine.
the booth in the food tent. We’d like to give a huge thank you to Cliff and Carole Gagas for flawlessly putting everything together and keeping it running smoothly at the potato booth, and to everyone who came to help. We also have some exciting things happening in April and May. The Kids Dig Wisconsin Potatoes program has been running since January and all
WPVGA’s Executive Assistant Julie Braun (left) and Program Assistant Jane Guillen take time from their busy shift working the baked potato and French fries booth to pose for a picture.
the participating classrooms have been growing their potatoes. Next, we’ll be visiting a few schools with the Spudmobile to see how they did and have a Harvest Party. The Harvest Parties are always so much fun and the kids (as well as adults) really enjoy them. We bring interactive potato-oriented games for the students to play and spend the afternoon with them. It’s a great way
for us to promote Wisconsin potatoes to our youth and have a great time doing it. I’ll share some photos from our Harvest Parties in June’s Auxiliary News. Until next time,
Datonn
Vice president, WPGA
BC�T May 29
Badger Beat Seed Potato Treatment Options Studied
Researchers study the effects of early season handling and disease control treatments on potato By Dr. Amanda Gevens, chair, professor and integrated extension specialist, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Plant Pathology; Shane Hansen, doctoral candidate, UW-Madison Plant Pathology; and Stephen Jordan, outreach specialist, UW-Madison Plant Pathology
Healthy, certified seed and a maximum potato stand provide the
best start for a profitable crop. Optimal conditions for planting are sometimes provided by Mother Nature, but growers also prepare for less-than-optimum conditions when orchestrating seed handling and early season disease management in potatoes. This article addresses some of our recent research as we develop and enhance best management practices to positively influence stand and crop health.
Seed cutting and suberization. In North America, most growers cut seed tubers to create seed pieces. Aside from the treatment of seed, cut and single drop seed statuses have
Dr. Amanda Gevens and her team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology are studying seed potato handling and treatment with the goal of offering an improved understanding of seed and early planting parameters to aid in growers’ decision-making. Outcomes of these early decisions foundationally drive potato crop yield and quality. Above, cut seed potatoes are loaded into a planter at Mortenson Bros. Farms, Inc.
unique benefits. Single drop/whole seed generally provides high vigor, increased stem counts, and increased tuber set, while tuber size tends to be uniform due to heavier set and less disease when compared to cut seed.
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Comparative advantages of cut seed include reduced cost by extending stock to meet acreage demands, smaller, more uniform seed pieces, and fewer stem counts with smaller set and larger tubers.
Cutting seed potatoes creates an open wound that can become easily infected by pathogens including Fusarium dry rot and bacterial soft rot. LIMITING PATHOGENS Wound healing or suberization at 5055 degrees Fahrenheit with adequate airflow and high relative humidity has long been recognized as an approach to help limit these pathogens from infecting seed. Suberization and liquid seed-applied fungicides. In our University of Wisconsin (UW) Hancock Agricultural Research Station field trials, 20192021, suberization positively influenced potato emergence and yield when coupled with liquid seed treatment of fludioxonil.
Figure Red Norland potato plant emergence (%) from Figure 1: Shown Shownis dark Red Norland potato plant emergence (%) resulting from UW- Agricultural Figure 1. 1. Shown isisdark dark Red Norland potato plant emergence (%) resulting resulting from UW-Hancock UW-Hancock Agricultural Researc Researc Station field studies of cut and whole seed potato subjected to suberization/no suberization, and seed-applied Station field studies of cut and whole seed potato subjected to suberization/no suberization, and seed-applied Hancock Agricultural Research Station field studies of cut and whole seed potato subjected fungicide/no fungicide/fungicide plus Nubark/Nubark fungicide/no fungicide/fungicide plus Nubark/Nubark alone. to suberization/no suberization, and seed-appliedalone. fungicide/no fungicide/fungicide plus Nubark/Nubark alone.
At 40 days post-planting, emergence of non-fungicide-treated cut seed did not significantly differ between suberization status (suberized versus non-suberized) for Dark Red Norland or Russet Burbank potatoes. When we investigated the use of the liquid seed-applied fungicide fludioxonil in addition to suberized and non-suberized seed potato treatments, we found that emergence was reduced in the non-suberized comparisons. The use of the drying agent Nubark (one example of Douglas fir bark powder—other commercial formulations are available) helped to recover emergence rate and
Figure Figure 2. 2. Illustrated Illustrated is is Dark Dark Red Red Norland Norland potato potato total total yield yield resulting resulting from from UW-Hancock UW-Hancock Agricultural Agricultural Research Research Stati Stati
Figure 2: Illustrated is Dark Red Norland potato total yield resulting from UW-Hancock studies studies of of cut cut and and whole whole seed seed potato potato subjected subjected to to suberization/no suberization/no suberization, suberization, and and seed-applied seed-applied fungicide/no fungicide/no Agricultural Research Station field studies of cut and whole seed potato subjected to fungicide/fungicide plus Nubark/Nubark alone. fungicide/fungicide plus Nubark/Nubark alone. suberization/no suberization, and seed-applied fungicide/no fungicide/fungicide plus Nubark/Nubark alone.
Relative seed seed age. age. Weather-related Weather-related planting planting delays delays are are common common in in Wisconsin Wisconsin and and other other northern northern production production regi regi Relative
times, potatoes are and field weather delays occur. yield when fludioxonil wasup applied, whole or single times, seed seed potatoes are warmed warmed up and in in queue queue for forofthe the field when when weatherdrop delaysseed occur.was not impacted by the fludioxonil and/or especially in Dark Red Norland We We explored explored the the impact impact of of relative relative seed seed age age during during the the warm-up warm-up time time (55 (55 degrees) degrees) and and liquid liquid seed-applied seed-applied fungic fungic Nubark treatments. potatoes. emergence in an environmentally controlled growth facility at the UW-Madison Department of emergence in an environmentally controlled growth facility at the UW-Madison Department of Plant Plant Pathology. Pathology.
The emergence and resulting yield
continued on pg. 32
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Longer wait times may substantially reduce emergence, especially if seed-applied liquid fungicides are intended.
Badger Beat . . .
continued from pg. 31
IMPACT OF FLUDIOXONIL Only cut and non-suberized seed were significantly (negatively) impacted by fludioxonil treatment with a 15 percent reduction in final stand count and a 50 cwt. (hundredweight)/acre reduction in yield (Figures 1 and 2). This 15 percent reduction in the stand was cut by about half (from 15 to 7 percent) when the planting date was two weeks earlier (April 15) rather than later (May 1). For Dark Red Norland, cut, nonsuberized, fludioxonil-treated seed, planted both early and late, resulted in reductions in stand and total yield. As for Russet Burbank, impacts were less, with roughly 5 percent stand reduction in the early planting and no stand reduction (just delayed emergence) in the late planting.
Figure 3. Shown is Dark Red Norland potato plant emergence resulting from UW-Madison Russell Laboratories growt chamber studies of cut seed potato subjected to differential aging or warm-up time prior to planting. Seed was cut, Figure 3: Shown is Dark Red on a weekly basis fo treated with fludioxonil, and planted 0-8 weeks ofAbove, aging. Emergence ratings were collected Neither planting resulted in aafter total Norland potato plant emergence resulting six weeks.
yield reduction.
from UW-Madison Russell Laboratories growth chamber studies of cut seed potato It’s interesting to note, but not Soil and seed temperature. Seed potatoes planted intosubjected soil of temperatures different fromorthat of the seed potentiall to differential aging warm-up statistically significant, that for theinterface time risk the development of condensation at the of seed and to soil. prior planting. Seed was cut, treated purpose of equal comparison in with fludioxonil, and planted after 0-8 weeks Moisture and seed potatoes are a risky combination with respect to disease management and seed health. of aging. Emergence ratings were collected our study, we placed our whole, on a weekly basis for six weeks.
single-drop seed under the same suberization conditions that we subjected our cut seed.
Those conditions included 98 percent
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relative humidity, high airflow, and a temperature of 55 degrees. We saw numerical increases in yield for the suberized compared to non-suberized whole seed, but there were no differences in emergence. To summarize, best management practices include: 1) Use whole seed when possible; 2) When using liquid seed-applied fungicides on cut seed, always suberize the seed; and 3) When using liquid seed-applied fungicides on cut seed, add a drying agent like Nubark. Relative seed age. Weather-related planting delays are common in Wisconsin and other northern production regions. At times, seed potatoes are warmed up and in queue for the field when weather delays occur. We explored the impact of relative seed age during the warm-up time (55 degrees) and liquid seedapplied fungicide on emergence in an environmentally controlled growth facility at the UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology. continued on pg. 34
32 BC�T May
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Badger Beat . . .
continued from pg. 32
Dark Red Norland seed started to sprout at two weeks under warm-up conditions, with substantial growth in sprouts at weeks 4, 6, and 8. Seed from each of these time points was then cut, treated with fludioxonil, and planted. Emergence was recorded each week until week 6. Aside from the 14-day emergence rating, emergence did not differ between non-fungicide treated and fludioxonil-treated seed for the five emergence ratings. Non-treated seed consistently demonstrated greater emergence than the fludioxonil-treated seed regardless of age and days postplanting. Notably, at four weeks of age, the seed substantially dropped
in emergence by half. This trend continued through six and eight weeks of age (Figure 3).
interface of seed and soil.
Fungicide treatment on this 4–8-week-old seed reduced emergence by roughly 10-30 percent compared to the non-treated seed. We will repeat this work, but preliminary outcomes suggest that, once warmed up, seed should be planted within two weeks.
Moisture and seed potatoes are a risky combination with respect to disease management and seed health. We evaluated the outcomes of seed potatoes cut and maintained at 55 degrees planted into soils of the following temperatures, 45, 55, and 65 degrees. Soil moisture and temperature were recorded at the seed-soil interface as well as in the bulk soil surrounding the planted seed piece.
Longer wait times may substantially reduce emergence, especially if seed-applied liquid fungicides are intended. Soil and seed temperature. Seed potatoes planted into soil of temperatures different from that of the seed potentially risk the development of condensation at the
The temperature differential did result in increased soil moisture at the contact site with the seed piece. More moisture was present in the scenario of 55-degree seed planted
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into 45-degree soil than in the 55-degree seed planted into the 65-degree soil. The differences were most pronounced within the first 24 hours of planting and plateaued between 48 and 72 hours after planting. SEED & SOIL TEMPERATURES We will be repeating this work with additional sensors to better understand the relationship between seed and soil temperatures, and moisture, on seed health and emergence. Outcomes of these early decisions foundationally drive potato crop yield and quality. Our work has, initially, not included inoculation with target pathogens, however, we have not been excluding pathogens as we utilized commercial seed and have been working in soils of fields with potato-growing history. The results of our work represent outcomes that might be expected in commercial standard operations. Seed or field locations with a heightened risk of diseases managed by seed-applied fungicides may experience different outcomes. We are also cognizant of the different results that come of seedapplied fungicides depending on the applicator tool and volume of fungicide and carrier liquid. These are additional factors that we are considering in our continued work. We appreciate our grower and industry partnerships as we continue our studies in this area of seed handling and treatment. Our goal is to offer an improved understanding of seed and early planting parameters to aid in growers’ decision-making in the early season.
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Cell: 701-430-1329 or Email: sandi@potatoseed.com 2427 County Hwy 51 | Halstad, Minnesota BC�T May 35
Now News Farmer-Led Conservation Support Bill Signed into Law Wisconsin Act 223 prioritizes farmers’ own efforts to optimize nitrogen application On April 8, a bill supported by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) prioritizing farmer-led conservation efforts to optimize nitrogen application on farms was signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers as Wisconsin Act 223. “Wisconsin Farm Bureau appreciates Gov. Evers’ support for this bill,” says WFBF President Kevin Krentz. “Wisconsin farmers appreciate the continued bipartisan support for this initiative and the opportunity this will provide for farmers to continue finding ways to utilize nitrogen efficiently on their farms.” Authored by Sen. Rob Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), the bill supports farmer-led conservation efforts across the state and enables growers to continue finding ways to enhance nitrogen efficiency on farms. “Wisconsin farmers want to be leaders in the development of improved water quality practices on farms,” says WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan. “The new programs created in this bill support those incredibly powerful and
A bill supported by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association and Wisconsin Farm Bureau was signed into law, April 8, at the Wisconsin State Capitol by Gov. Tony Evers. Wisconsin Act 223 prioritizes farmer-led conservation efforts to optimize nitrogen application on farms.
successful farmer-led conservation efforts that we have seen develop across Wisconsin.” Act 223 includes a commercial nitrogen optimization pilot program that will incentivize farmers to engage in new practices to better utilize nitrogen on farms and share
SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group. 36 BC�T May
their project findings with other farmers across the state. Also included is a cover crop insurance premium rebate program that will provide additional support to farmers who plant cover crops. The act also allows for the creation of an additional, limited-term hydrogeologist position at Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey to continue to develop reliable soil depth-to-bedrock maps to help provide accurate data for Wisconsin farmers. “These tools will further empower farmer-led conservation efforts across the state,” Krentz says. “We are excited for the opportunities this act creates while providing additional tools for farmers to address clean water solutions.”
Nutrien Increases Potash Production
Company responds to global supply uncertainty resulting from crisis in Ukraine On March 16, 2022, Nutrien Ltd. announced that, in response to the uncertainty of potash supply from Eastern Europe, it plans to increase potash production capability to approximately 15 million tonnes (2,204.6 pounds per European tonne) in 2022, an increase of nearly one million tonnes compared to previous expectations. Most additional volume is expected to be produced in the second half of the year. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with those impacted by the crisis in Ukraine, and we hope for an immediate de-escalation of this conflict,” says Ken Seitz, Nutrien’s interim president and chief executive officer. “The impacts of this conflict extend beyond Eastern Europe, as a disruption in supply of key agriculture, fertilizer and energy commodities could have implications
for global food security,” he remarks. “Nutrien is responding to this period of unprecedented market uncertainty by safely expanding potash production to help provide our customers with the crop inputs they need,” Seitz adds. “We continue to closely monitor market conditions and will evolve our long-term plans to ensure we utilize our assets in a safe and sustainable manner that benefits all our stakeholders,” he concludes. Nutrien’s 2022 potash production is expected to increase by nearly 20 percent compared to 2020 and account for more than 70 percent of global production added over this period. The company expects a small increase in 2022 capital expenditures and will be hiring additional employees across its network of low-cost potash mines in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Nutrien’s 2022 potash production is expected to increase by nearly 20 percent compared to 2020 and account for more than 70 percent of global production added over this period. continued on pg. 38
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BC�T May 37
Now News. . .
continued from pg. 37
Fairchild Equipment Receives Eighth Industry Award Prestigious MPV (Most Valuable Partner) based on its accomplishments in 2021 Fairchild Equipment has been awarded the prestigious Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award for 2022, based on accomplishments in 2021. For the eighth consecutive year, Fairchild Equipment has earned the MVP Award from the industry’s trade association, Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA). To qualify for the MVP Award, each recipient must satisfy a rigorous set of criteria, with less than 10 percent of the association’s membership earning the award. As a 2022 MVP, Fairchild Equipment has successfully demonstrated a commitment to business excellence, professionalism, and good stewardship. To qualify for the annual MVP Award, companies are required to provide evidence of commitment to their partners in business, including customers, employees, and suppliers. They must satisfy criteria in the following important areas:
• Continuing education • Business best practices “I know I say it every year, but this award means everything to our company,” Van Clarkson, Fairchild Equipment’s president and MHEDA Board member, says. “It embodies our core values, how we want to be perceived in our markets, by our customers and by our employees,” Clarkson adds. “It is truly an honor to achieve this status and a testament to the hard work from our family of employees.” “Achieving the MVP Award demonstrates a company-wide effort to maintain the highest business standards, customer service, employee development and commitment to the betterment of the material handling industry,” Ted Springer, president of Springer Equipment Co., Inc. and 2021 MHEDA chairman, says. “MHEDA is very proud of our award-winning members.”
Fairchild Equipment strives every day to provide a dynamic • Industry advocacy and comprehensive customer • Customer service and safety experience, with a team that is practices dedicated to industry experience, 22-05 Badger Common'Tater (7.25x2.25).v1.pdf 1 2022-04-06 10:44 AM knowledge, and customer service. • Business networking
38 BC�T May
Achieving the MVP Award demonstrates a company-wide effort to maintain the highest business standards, customer service, employee development and commitment to the betterment of the material handling industry.
To learn more about Fairchild Equipment and its core values, visit: www. fairchildequipment.com. The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the premier trade association representing close to 600 companies and dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling business community. Located in suburban Chicago, the association provides services to companies seeking to improve their business through education, networking, benchmarking, and best practices. For more information, visit www.mheda.org.
Compeer and Indigo Work on Carbon Initiative Collaboration will help clients navigate a fast-growing soil carbon market Compeer Financial, a farm credit cooperative based in the Upper Midwest, has announced a new collaboration in the growing carbon market with Indigo Ag, creating an easier path to credit creation. The collaboration will help Compeer’s clients navigate a fast-growing soil carbon market to get started on their carbon farming journey and maximize long-term profitability potential. “Compeer is deeply invested in the financial and agricultural health of our member-owners’ operations,” says Terry Hinds, chief asset quality and assurance officer at Compeer Financial. “Our financial officers and crop insurance teams already have a lot of deep experience understanding and supporting clients looking to make the most out of their acreage,” Hinds remarks. “As the carbon market develops, we want to give our clients a seat at that table,” he adds. “Working with Indigo allows us to offer farmers a scientifically rigorous, high-quality carbon program to help them maximize income and soil health benefits.” Through its industry-leading carbon farming program—Carbon by Indigo—Indigo connects farmers adopting practices that result in carbon sequestration and abatement with carbon buyers looking to incorporate high-quality offsets as part of their long-term sustainability strategies. INITIAL PAYMENTS Launched in 2019, the program recently issued initial payments to 267 farmers whose efforts in the 2019 and 2020 crop years will result in the world’s first crop of registryissued agricultural carbon credits
generated at scale this spring 2022. Today, Indigo’s carbon program counts thousands of participating farmers and over 3.5 million enrolled acres. “Compeer has been a leader in its commitment to serving and supporting farmers,” says Chris Harbourt, global head of carbon at Indigo Ag. “We are excited to work together with Compeer, an organization that has a shared value of putting farmers first,” he adds, “to build understanding of the carbon farming opportunity and help farmers take advantage of this new revenue stream in a way that maximizes success in the years to come.” Compeer and Indigo are working
closely together to make data collection, soil health practices and a clear path to carbon farming easier for farmers. Compeer Financial clients can participate by communicating with their existing crop insurance specialist or financial officer who will work with a carbon programs expert. Compeer will continue to be a trusted partner with client information and reliable source for market transparency. “Understanding the opportunity that carbon markets are developing is one more way we can support clients looking for revenue diversification,” Hinds concludes. “For those growers who are serious about getting into the market, this partnership takes them one step closer.”
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Treat Your Soil Like the Rock Star It Is! A thriving population of soil microbes helps make applied fertilizers effective By Dean Konieczka, consultant agronomist with OMEX Agrifluids You’ve probably heard the stories of rock stars and backstage demands. They request bowls of M&Ms, all blue, or orange juice for evennumbered dates and tropical juice on odd numbers. They want their dressing rooms at precisely 78 degrees and potted plants taller than four feet, but no more than five. Truth is that soils are no different. They’re just as picky. If they are to deliver optimum performance, we need to cater to their every whim. But we don’t. Instead, we fumigate and fertilize them and drive machinery over them in wet weather. We wouldn’t do any of that if we were truly putting our soils first, because all those actions, plus the cultivations to grow and harvest a standard potato crop, create intense conditions within the soil that result in organic matter loss. Organic matter is vital for soil health. The billions of soil microbes in every teaspoon of soil can’t survive, let alone function, without a minimum 40 BC�T May
of organic matter. In today’s clean world, we’ve become conditioned to seeing microbes as undesirable. Yet while some of them pose a threat to healthy crops, not having any poses an even bigger threat. Soil is nothing without them. A thriving population of soil microbes makes applied fertilizers effective, for example. Plants rely on microbial activity for adequate nutrient absorption, uptake, and utilization. Soil bacteria such as rhizobium, and the fungus mycorrhizae, produce a range of substances, among them polysaccharides and various nutrient salt complexes. WATER RETENTION Such substances bind soil particles into larger aggregates, improving water retention and preventing soil erosion. Another type of microbes, protozoa, produce as much as 80 percent of the soil nitrogen that eventually ends up in plants. They also provide a valuable food source for organisms further up
Above: Plants rely on microbial activity for adequate nutrient absorption, uptake, and utilization.
the soil food chain, such as the insect invertebrates. Think of all these soil elements as the rock star’s performance: the concert playlist. If we’re to get the full set, the greatest hits, the album favorites, the early classics and of course the encores, then how do we make sure the backstage requests are honored? A lot of experts consider organic acids to be those all-essential blue M&Ms. These weak chemical acids are formed during breakdown of the organic matter in the soil, such as plant residue. Research shows they play a crucial role in mineralization and solubilization. These are the processes needed for fertilizer to work, and we know organic acids contribute to the uptake of applied nitrogen, as well as nutrient complexes such as DAP and MAP. They also play a role in the carbon cycle and metal detoxification. There’s no single organic acid classification. They comprise a variety of biological compounds arising from biotic and abiotic soil processes.
SOIL BINDING Humic acid is insoluble in water and one of the key components instrumental in soil binding. Conversely, fulvic acid is watersoluble, plays a vital role as a nutrient facilitator and acts as a chelator. This means it stops nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, and iron from binding together and becoming inaccessible to the plant. What the two compounds, and another called humin, have in common is that we’re still working to understand them. While observations in soil research, such as those conducted by the universities of Ohio State and North Carolina, show that relatively small doses of humic acids increase plant growth and root mass, the chemistry and function itself remain the subject of much debate. This somewhat clouded mode of
“The billions of soil microbes in every teaspoon of soil can’t survive, let alone function, without a minimum of organic matter.”
– Agronomist Dean Konieczka
action has left organic acids on the margins of crop nutrition. Naturally occurring, they can’t be protected by patents, so there’s little incentive to conduct commercial research. Vitamin D in human health is a good parallel. We know it can help protect us against respiratory disease, but not why or how, and no drug company will fund such research without the prospect of a financial return. But at OMEX, we want to encourage growers to nurture their rock-star soils. So, we’ve somewhat stubbornly
stuck with organic acids. INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY We think growers need all the help they can get to cope with changing weather patterns and pressure to increase productivity. Hence, our development of Cell Power® SLYCE®, a complex liquid formulation derived from calcium nitrate, humic acid, and fulvic acid. It promises headline benefits of increased soil available fertility and faster nutrient release, a boost to the continued on pg. 42
BC�T May 41
Treat Your Soil Like the Rock Star It Is!. . . continued from pg. 41
crop’s ability to counter stress and disease, and more efficient delivery of calcium, which plays a crucial role in plant structure above and below ground. Typically, we see the effect of SLYCE in vigor, specifically both good shoot and root development. But it also promotes chlorophyll development and improves potassium transport, both of which increase the plant’s ability to cope with stress situations later in the season, such as hot weather and drought. Developing the proper form, timing, and rates of organic acids through the growing cycle is crop and climate specific. You or your agronomist should consider factors such as nutrient use and water availability. The most important aspect is soil type. After
We’ve become conditioned to seeing microbes as undesirable. Yet while some of them pose a threat to healthy crops (such as the potato plant shown), not having any poses an even bigger threat. Soil is nothing without them. Photo courtesy of Specialty Potatoes & Produce
all, you can’t have the M&Ms in the wrong dressing room. If you and your agronomist need help in using organic acids to keep your
rock star soil content for a good crop of potatoes, contact OMEX for more information. Visit www.omexusa.com.
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Marketplace
By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education
Spudmobile on the Road with Open Doors I can’t decide if it feels like two years since the pandemic began or not. On the one hand, it seems like forever and a day ago because so much has transpired since. On the other hand, it feels like just yesterday as we continue to experience some of its various aftereffects. Regardless, life is forever changed in many respects and is returning or trying to return to normal in others. The latter is the case with the
Wisconsin Spudmobile. Many events were canceled in 2020, and last year when they started occurring again on some level, the Spudmobile attended but remained closed due to the challenges of keeping everything adequately sanitized and maintaining social distancing inside. In lieu of welcoming visitors inside, though, WPVGA’s Spudmobile Education and Outreach
Administrator Doug Foemmel would set up a tent and table just outside the vehicle and continue to educate about the industry while also handing out brochures and giveaways to passersby. But here we are in a new year and entering what is typically the busy season for Wisconsin’s traveling billboard. Event requests have been and continue to roll in as the calendar continued on pg. 44
WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES
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Marketplace…
continued from pg. 43
Visitors enjoy playing the Bug Game inside the Wisconsin Spudmobile at the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show in Oshkosh, March 29-31.
fills up with new and recurring activities. One of those recurring events is the Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Farm Show that was held at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Grounds in Oshkosh, March 29-31. The show also took a two-year break due to the pandemic but was back in person to welcome more than 20,000 visitors over the three scheduled days. ALL THINGS AGRICULTURE The WPS Farm Show is an opportunity for all things agriculture to be in one place and for those attending to learn about the latest and greatest in “agricultural equipment, services and technology.”
Merrill (left) of Mad Dog and Merrill’s “Midwest Grill’n” TV show is happy to be promoting Wisconsin potatoes with WPVGA’s Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena at the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show. 44 BC�T May
Mad Dog (far left) of Mad Dog and Merrill’s “Midwest Grill’n” TV show sits next to a group of FFA students happy to visit the Wisconsin Spudmobile at the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show, in Oshkosh.
The 60th Annual WPS Farm Show was the first event where the Spudmobile opened its doors to visitors in over two years. Foemmel says it was a breath of fresh air to see people inside the vehicle again. “It was very enjoyable to have all the resources the Spudmobile has inside as I talked with visitors,” he remarks. Although the weather left much to be desired, the first two days saw above average attendance while the third day slowed down a bit as the forecast delivered cold, freezing rain and snow. Despite the weather, the Spudmobile remained open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day along with the other 400 exhibiting companies present. Exhibitors come from throughout the
United States and Canada every year. The Spudmobile was also featured on Green Bay’s WFRV-TV morning show thanks to its educational component. Doug spoke with a reporter about everything the vehicle has to offer and showcased the “Field to Fork” story it promotes. You can check out the interview here: https://www. wearegreenbay.com/news/localnews/oshkosh-welcomes-back-wpsfarm-show/. While the Spudmobile has continued putting on miles even through the challenges the last two years posed, it’s great to have it fully functioning again with its original intent—having people come through the doors and experience the art of farming!
There’s never a dull moment inside Wisconsin’s traveling billboard! The Spudmobile opened its doors for the first time in over two years at the 60th Annual WPS Farm Show. Pictured from left to right are Merrill of Mad Dog and Merrill’s “Midwest Grill’n,” two Spudmobile visitors, WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel and WPVGA’s Director of Nutrition Sarah Agena.
Potatoes USA News
USDA Swears In 33 Potatoes USA Board Members On March 8, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) swore in 33 members to Potatoes USA’s Board during its Annual Meeting. This year, the USDA appointed 13 new members and reappointed 20 members to the Board to serve threeyear terms. They were sworn in by Alexandra Caryl, branch chief of the Market Development Division of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crops Program. Each year, board members are nominated by the industry and are then appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Potatoes USA’s Board has 104 members this year, consisting of growers, importers, and one public member. New Board Members Kurtis Crapo, Idaho; Eric Jensen, Idaho; Jordan Johns, Idaho; Alison Sklarczyk, Michigan; Erwin J. Styma, Michigan; Peter A. Ewing, Minnesota;
Jocelyn Schlichting, Minnesota; Martin H. Kimm, Montana; Kory Hansen, Oregon; Matthew Linehan, Vermont; Jennifer Bunger, Washington; Andrew Hyer, Washington; and Norbert Bomm, Illinois Reappointed Members Ed Staunton, California; Les Alderete, Colorado; Bevan Lenz, Colorado; Jason Tillman, Colorado; Tyson Funk, Idaho; Taylor Grant, Idaho; Braden R. Lake, Idaho; Rick S. Miller, Idaho; Adam Nielsen, Idaho; Jeff VanOrden, Idaho; Colin Szawlowski, Massachusetts; Leah Halverson, North Dakota; Nathan Bender, Nevada; Luke Robison, Oregon; Benjamin Zechmann, South Dakota; Daniel Gundersen, Washington; Rod Schutte, Washington; Samuel Stahl, Washington; Marvin Wollman, Washington; and Jon Gay, West Virginia
Above: Alexandra Caryl (left), USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crops Program, swears in 33 members to the Potatoes USA Board during its Annual Meeting.
Currently representing Wisconsin on the Potatoes USA Board are Erin Baginski, Mike Carter (International Marketing Committee), Wendy Dykstra (Finance & Policy Committee), Josh Knights, Kevin Schleicher (Domestic Marketing Committee) and Keith Wolter. About Potatoes USA Potatoes USA is the national marketing and promotions board for the 2,000 potato farming families operating in the United States. Potatoes USA, the largest vegetable commodity board, was established in 1971 by potato farmers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. For more information on Potatoes USA’s mission to “Strengthen Demand for Potatoes,” visit www.PotatoesUSA.com. BC�T May 45
New Products Bushmans’ Inc. Revamps Country Boy Label
Collaboration with Tony Chachere’s results in potato offerings featuring seasonings in the bags Bushmans’ Inc., of Rosholt, Wisconsin, is going back in time and revamping the Country Boy label, this time with some extra flavor provided through a partnership with famous spice company, Tony Chachere’s. The collaboration between Tony Chachere’s and Bushmans’ Inc. was the perfect opportunity to bring back the Country Boy label and debut three potato offerings with seasonings. Bushmans’ new items: 1. Old Fashioned Salt Potatoes - 4.5 lbs. of B-size russet potatoes with .5 lb. packet of salt. 10/5# bale 2. Louisiana Crawfish Boil Potatoes - 4.5 lbs. of B-size red potatoes with .5 lb. Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning packet. 10/5# bale
Through a collaboration with the famous spice company, Tony Chachere’s, Bushmans’ Inc. of Rosholt, Wisconsin, is rolling out three Country Boy potato offerings with seasonings included in the bags.
3. Spicy Cajun Potatoes – 4.5 lbs. of B-size yellow potatoes with .5 lb. Tony Chachere’s Bold Creole seasoning packet. 10/5# bale
For more information on the three new takes on the classic label, contact Bushmans’ Inc., attn: Michael Gatz, michaelg@bushmansinc.com, or call 262-215-8227.
BioConsortia Announces Two Nematicides
Field trials in corn and wheat result in nematode control and increased crop yields Bio Consortia, Inc. has moved two new nematicides into its development and registration phase following excellent field trial results in corn and other important food crops. The new products control nematode pests and increase crop yields.
Nematodes are particularly difficult to control. As such, the announcement that BioConsortia has discovered two highly effective and naturally occurring nematicides will be most welcomed by growers and environmentalists alike.
Plant parasitic nematodes are tiny, ubiquitous roundworms that feed from plants. They directly target roots of major production crops and prevent water and nutrient uptake resulting in reduced crop performance.
In 2021 field trials, the new nematicides controlled a range of nematodes at 14 different locations, covering Root Knot, Stubby-Root, Stunt, and Root-Lesion nematodes, and increased yields by 5-8 bushels per acre in corn and 15.8 percent in wheat, with a 100 percent win rate.
Nematodes cause 7-15 percent yield reductions to agricultural crops, equating to an estimated $157 billion loss worldwide. 46 BC�T May
PEAK PERFORMANCE These two new products performed better than the current commercial
biological, and better or similar to chemical standards. The efficacy of the new nematicides has been highly consistent throughout their development from laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials in controlling nematodes and protecting plant roots from damage. In addition to its strong nematicide action, one of the new products has also demonstrated the control of insect pests in greenhouse conditions. Further development of the insecticidal attributes is proceeding. Dr. Hong Zhu, BioConsortia head of research and development, declares,
“These are the best microbial nematicides we have seen for both efficacy and consistency on row crops. They are moving smoothly and rapidly through our development pipeline with fermentation and formulation optimization underway and scale-up planned.” BioConsortia CEO Marcus MeadowsSmith adds, “We are excited to add these two new nematicides to our pipeline of superior biological products. We believe growers will be impressed with the improved level of efficacy, and the environment will benefit from the sustainable nature of our products.” For more information, or to inquire about partnership opportunities, please contact info@bioconsortia. com. continued on pg. 48
BioConsortia’s team studies the positive impact of a new nematicide in protecting tomato roots from nematic damage. Photo courtesy of Fidele Akum, Ph.D.
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Volm Companies Releases Dual Wicket Bagger
Volmpack Adjustable Dual Wicket Bagger processes full range of fresh produce bag sizes Volm Companies is more than just a packaging provider. Over the years, Volm has grown to become one of the industry’s leading sources for both its packaging and equipment solutions. Volm has achieved this by serving customers the high value solutions they need along with the 9/6/2019 personalized customer service they deserve. With the world of packaging and packing equipment vast and everchanging, Volm strives to be the experts for you. The company works to bring you real-time solutions for solving today’s issues and demands. Most recently, Volm was asked by customers to help overcome a
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new automatic wicket bagger that efficiently processes the full range of typical fresh produce bag sizes on a single bagger at amazing speeds. WORKHORSE BAGGER “Volm’s wicket bagger is already regarded as a workhorse in North American packing sheds,” says Marsha Pozza, Volm Companies challenge they’ve been facing in - Fastline Fastline Wisconsin Farm, Edition 10 2019 Online Editions director of marketing. “What better packaging a variety of size profiles of way to complement this model than produce into various sizes of wicketed to transform it into something even bags. The customers spoke and Volm more efficient for packers?” listened. “The adjustable-fill opening Volm Companies is excited to technology makes it much more introduce the most versatile wicket convenient than ever before to make bagger ever, the Volmpack Adjustable changes on the fly,” Pozza adds. “The Dual Wicket Bagger. fact that you don’t have to stock Fastline Wisconsin Adjustable Farm, EditionDual 10 2019 - Fastline Online Editions The Volmpack extra parts in order to make those Wicket Bagger is a revolutionary adjustments from one size bag to
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another is an added bonus.” Traditionally, wicket baggers were available solely with either a small, standard, or extra-large fill opening, which was problematic for packers who wanted to run a wider range of both bag and product sizes on the same bagger. This bagger partners well with many of the most popular Volmpack weighers and can pack at speeds up to 60 bags per minute. Users can easily adjust the bagger when switching between different size product and bags without the need to change parts. The V-feeding belts prevent bridging of product for a clean fill, while the closure post is provided for use with automatic closures, staplers, and tape heads. If your packing facility is looking to solve the problem that comes with packing a variety of produce type and bag sizes, then the Volmpack Adjustable Dual Wicket Bagger is the solution for you. This bagger is designed exclusively for wicketed bags, which Volm offers in several different material types. To learn more about how Volm can help you with your fresh produce business, visit https:// volmcompanies.com, or email Marsha Pozza at marsha.pozza@ volmcompanies.com.
The adjustable-fill opening technology of the new Volmpack Adjustable Dual Wicket Bagger makes it much more convenient than ever before to adjust from one size bag to another on the fly.
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
2,236,633.70
16,287,865.22
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
$179,000.53
$1,303,036.77
Aug-21
Sep-21
Oct-21
Nov-21
Dec-21
Jan-22
Feb-22
Mar-22
Month
Jul-21
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
1,867,240.42
16,970,015.48
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
$149,347.94
$1,357,609.38 BC�T May 49
Eyes on Associates By WPVGA Associate Division President Julie Cartwright, Jay-Mar, Inc.
Greetings! The calendar says that it is spring. As I write this, we should be in the field. Fertilizer application should be underway. Planters should be rolling. The reality is that March has just roared out like a lion and April fool’s weather will continue until at least the middle of the month. We are in for a slow start to the growing season.
Hopefully when you read this in early May, Mother Nature will be in a better mood! During our last WPVGA Associate Division meeting, we spent considerable time reviewing the survey responses from 2022 Industry Show exhibitors.
Providing a forum that brings value to both the growers and vendors is very important to us. We spent a lot of time evaluating the responses and looking for commonalities, both good and bad, for us to expand on or improve. Here are some of the highlights from the surveys:
1. We were very happy to see that 86 percent of those responding plan to attend next year. The remaining 14 percent were not sure. 2. Eighty-seven percent of responses gave the show an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars or better. 3. The overall feedback on the show was 60 percent positive. Those exhibitors giving positive feedback liked the format, customer interaction, balance between educational sessions and breaks, Julie Braun’s level of organization and the venue. The 40 percent that responded negatively wanted a better booth location and felt that attendance was down. 4. We asked vendors what entertainment they would enjoy at the banquet. Some suggested the dueling pianos or live bands that we have had in the past. Others gave suggestions like motivational speakers or hypnotists for future banquets. 5. When we asked for suggestions for improvement, 41 percent thought everything about the event was fine. Those offering suggestions would like to see meals return to buffet style and an increase in face time with customers.
When we asked for suggestions on improving the annual WPVGA Industry Show, 41 percent of survey respondents thought everything about the event was fine. Those offering suggestions would like to see meals return to buffet style and an increase in face time with customers. Enjoying lunch at the 2022 Industry Show are, from left to right, Seyed Bagherr and Cheryl and Bruce Andersen of BioGro, and Andy Wallendal, who is retired from Wallendal Supply, Inc. 50 BC�T May
We discussed ways to implement some of the suggestions. As we continue to move past COVID, we expect attendance to increase and buffet-style serving to return to our
lunch routine. Please feel free to reach out to an Associate Division Board member if you have additional suggestions. The Putt-Tato Open is coming up on July 19, 2022, at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. We are working on coordinating another funfilled event with lots of fellowship and great raffle prizes. Information about the event and sponsorship opportunities has been sent out. Sponsorships are a great way to continue supporting the industry and showcasing your business. Please let us know if you have ideas for raffle prizes. Spring is a time when we invest. We have invested in crops for another growing season. We do this to invest in the health, nutrition, and wellbeing of our businesses, family, community, and planet.
As a Board, we are proud to have joined many in our industry by investing in education with our support of the Farming for the Future Foundation. Follow their progress since groundbreaking last month and as they move toward their grand opening in spring 2023 at https:// www.fftf.us/. I am very excited to see the Foundation in action as it teaches consumers and builds appreciation and understanding of agriculture. Thomas Jefferson said it well in his statement that, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will, in the end, contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.”
Julie Cartwright
WPVGA Associate Division President
Information about the Putt-Tato Open as well as on sponsorship opportunities has been sent out. Sponsorships are a great way to continue supporting the industry and showcasing your business. Shown are Ray Grabanski (left) and Penney Hammer of Progressive Ag, which sponsors a hole annually at the Putt-Tato Open.
Getting More From Fertilizer When It Comes To Dry Fertilizer, You Don’t Always Get Out What You Put In...We’ve Got A Solution For That! Dry fertilizer is one of the largest investments made in a grower’s production program each season. Unfortunately, with the dynamics of our soils, dry fertilizer is highly inefficient, so the investment is often unpredictable. Give yourself the confidence that your dry fertilizer program is as efficient as possible with Titan XC, by releasing more nutrition and keeping it available for your demanding crop. Hundreds of trials across the US give us the confidence that Titan XC can work for you! Learn More About
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Old Beans May Have New Uses
Breeders study wild bean species resistant to Fusarium root rot and wilt Provided by the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America Each year, Crop Science Society of America celebrates “Crop Wild Relative Week” to bring attention to the importance of ancient relatives to today’s crops.
first domesticated around 8,000 years ago in Central and South America. During this time, humans shifted their focus to breeding bigger beans that are tastier and easier to harvest.”
The September 22, 2021, Sustainable, Secure Food Blog highlights the importance of ancient beans in breeding new types of bean crops.
One problem that has been difficult for breeders to overcome is reducing yield loss due to fungal root pathogens. Such pathogens include Fusarium root rot and wilt caused by oxysporum. In some instances, Fusarium root rot can cause a farmer to lose an entire crop.
Beans are the highlight of many dishes across the world. In some cases, beans are the primary protein or iron source in a community’s diet. These bean dishes are all from one species: Phaseolus vulgaris. According to blogger and plant breeder Miranda Haus, “Beans were
Every crop we eat was once growing in the wild, undisturbed. These versions of crops are referred to as crop wild relatives. Over the last 10,000 years, humans domesticated
food crops to make them easier to grow and harvest and become even more nutritious. During domestication, humans only took select individuals from the entire bean population and began to grow and cultivate plants from this subset of seeds. REDUCED GENETIC DIVERSITY By selecting the best-tasting or highest-yielding beans, farmers inadvertently reduced the genetic diversity. This doesn’t just apply to beans; it applies to all crop species. As an example, let’s think about aliens coming to Earth and abducting the population of a small town to populate a new planet. Any small town in the world cannot represent the genetic diversity of our entire planet! So, you can see the new planet would suffer from reduced genetic diversity. That’s what has happened with crop diversity during domestication. Wild beans have retained more genetic diversity and may exhibit resistance to Fusarium root rot, a trait that is lacking in cultivated beans.
A prepared bean dish is ready to be enjoyed. Image courtesy of Miranda J. Haus 52 BC�T May
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains gene banks throughout the United States that contain collections of seeds from all over the world.
These collections are freely available to breeders, and the USDA works closely with researchers to create catalogs of traits for the seeds within their collections. Haus’ team evaluated the USDA wild bean collection to see if they could find examples that might be resistant to Fusarium wilt. They infected seedlings with two pathogens that cause Fusarium wilt and root rot, and rated the wild beans, specifically looking for those that did not show symptoms of either disease. LINES OF RESISTANCE From the entire collection of 248 wild bean species, they found 21 lines with resistance to Fusarium root rot and 16 lineages resistant to Fusarium wilt.
“Humans shifted their focus to breeding bigger beans that are tastier and easier to harvest.” – Miranda Haus,
plant breeder and blogger
collection of blogs, news stories and a video about the use of crop wild relatives in potato breeding. To learn more, read the entire blog: https://sustainable-secure-food-blog. com/2021/09/22/old-beans-mayhave-new-uses/. The blog is sponsored and written by members of the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science
Society of America. Members are researchers and trained, certified professionals in the areas of growing the world’s food supply while protecting the environment. Members work at universities, government research facilities, and private businesses across the United States and world.
They are attempting to crossbreed some of the resistant wild species with cultivated beans to see if the new varieties will also be resistant to Fusarium. They have made the resulting information freely available, including in a paper published by Crop Science Journal (https://access.onlinelibrary. wiley.com/doi/10.1002/csc2.20495), specifically so other breeders can start introducing resistance into their lines. Be sure to check out Crop Science Society of America’s Crop Wild Relative page, https://www.crops. org/crop-wild-relative/, for a
| Volume 74 No. $22/year | $2/copy
THE VOICE OF
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The image at left shows a healthy bean root system, while the one at right depicts a young root system infected with Fusarium root rot, which causes necrosis, discoloration, and stunting. Image courtesy of Miranda J. Haus
Badger Common’Tater
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Whether you are a grower, industry partner or simply enjoy rural life, sign up to receive this prestigious publication in print version, delivered direct to your mailbox for $22/year (12 issues). wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe BC�T May 53
People Wickline Joins Alsum Farms & Produce
David has 30 years of experience working in perishables, from dairy to frozen pizza Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc., a leading fresh market grower, packer and shipper of Wisconsin-grown potatoes, onions, and provider of fresh, quality produce, announces the recent addition of David Wickline as sales and business development manager. Wickline joins Alsum after working more than three decades in perishables, from dairy to frozen pizzas. In his new position, Wickline will be responsible for working with the Alsum sales team to procure, serve and grow existing national and retail, food service, wholesale grocer, and institutional accounts. “Alsum Farms & Produce is excited
to have David join our team in this role,” says Heidi Alsum-Randall, chief operating officer of Alsum Farms & Produce. “David’s knowledge of perishables coupled with his wide array of work experiences in business development, sales and customer relations make him a perfect fit for Alsum.” Wickline began his career in retail sales and marketing for Conagra Dairy Division. He went on to serve as vice president at Level Valley Creamery in West Bend, Wisconsin, where Wickline was responsible for sales and marketing of the company’s retail private label cream cheese and butter products.
As sales and business development manager, David Wickline will work with Alsum Farms and Produce to procure, serve and grow existing national and retail, food service, wholesale grocer, and institutional accounts.
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54 BC�T May
He also owned his own food brokerage company for more than 15 years. Most recently, Wickline worked with national accounts at Dr. Oetker, growing the frozen pizza division. “I am very excited to work with the
sales team at Alsum Farms & Produce and look forward to helping cultivate business development initiatives to grow our presence in the fresh potato and onion categories, and beyond,” Wickline says. “I look forward to
immersing myself in the fresh produce industry.” To learn more about Alsum Farms & Produce and its broad portfolio of products, visit www.alsum.com.
Reinke Honors Roberts Irrigation Technicians
Gilpatrick and Dawson land PLUS (Proven Leaders in Unmatched Service) awards Reinke Manufacturing announces that Ricky Gilpatrick and Storm Dawson of Roberts Irrigation in Plover, Wisconsin, have each earned the PLUS (Proven Leaders in Unmatched Service) Certified Technician Award. The award is one of the most elite technical service designations awarded by Reinke. “Being recognized as a PLUS Certified Technician is a remarkable accomplishment,” says Ken Goodall, director of North American sales, Reinke. “Gilpatrick and Dawson have completed one of the most extensive technical service trainings available to Reinke dealerships and are to be commended for their hard work.” The PLUS Certified Technician Program consists of a series of technical service-training classes and tests. Gilpatrick and Dawson received the PLUS award by completing all classes and receiving very high marks on all testing. “We understand how important qualified service technicians are to growers when they make their buying decisions,” Goodall remarks. “That’s the focus of our technical service programs, to consistently build on the level of service capabilities of Reinke dealers across the country and further our commitment to the industry.” With hundreds of dealers in more than 40 countries, Reinke Manufacturing is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Family owned since 1954, and headquartered in Deshler, Nebraska,
Reinke develops products and technology designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies. Reinke is a continued leader in industry advancements as the first to incorporate GPS, satellite-based communications, and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management. For more information on Reinke or to locate a dealership, visit www.reinke. com, or call 402-365-7251.
Ricky Gilpatrick (left) and Storm Dawson (right) of Roberts Irrigation each earned the PLUS Certified Technician Award from Reinke Manufacturing.
BINFRONT BARRIERS …a better barrier
IDEAL FOR
BULK STORAGE Barrier system walls off potatoes in bulk storage. • Interlocking Design for Stacking • Vertical Edges Prevent Gaps when Placed Together at Various Angles • Vertical Ribs Prevent Trapping of Dirt & Increase Wall Strength • Angled Barrier Ends Allow for 90-Degree Turns Using Three Barriers • Lightweight, Easy to Clean & Disinfect BinFronts can be placed in tight circumferences for corners or circles, eliminating the burden of ordering corner pieces.
Contact Pete Schroeder • 715-623-2689 • farm@sbfi.biz Visit https://binfront.biz/ for more images and information. BC�T May 55
NPC News
Mexico Must Open U.S. Potatoes Market by May 15 U.S. & Mexican Agriculture Secretaries meet to address shared priorities U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Mexico Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Victor Villalobos met the first week of April to continue cooperation on shared priorities including open trade, science-based policy making, and sustainable and climate-smart agricultural production. Following their meetings, Vilsack and Villalobos announced that the United States and Mexico have concluded all necessary plant health protocols. The two countries agreed to a final visit by Mexican officials in April that finalizes expanded access to the entire Mexican market no later than May 15 for all U.S. table stock and chipping potatoes according to the agreed workplan.
Two-way trade in food and agricultural products between the United States and Mexico reached a record $63 billion in 2021, and the strong relationship between the North American neighbors has been further enhanced by the U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement.
During their engagement, the secretaries reaffirmed their shared commitment to:
The National Potato Council released the following statement in response to a joint announcement by Vilsack and Villalobos:
• Promoting food security by facilitating trade, inclusive rural development and enabling sustainable productivity growth
“The National Potato Council appreciates the positive announcement and thanks Secretary Vilsack and the teams at USDA and USTR for their efforts to ensure that Mexico lives up to its bilateral trade
• Continuing to support rural development by expanding market opportunities for agricultural producers
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announces that the United States and Mexico have concluded all necessary plant health protocols and agreed to expanded access to the entire Mexican market for all U.S. table stock and chipping potatoes. Photo courtesy of Twitter @SecVilsack
obligations.” “Given the history of this 25-year trade dispute, we are waiting to declare victory until we see durable exports of both fresh processing and table stock potatoes throughout all of Mexico as required by the November 2021 signed agreement.” “We would hope the April site visit by Mexican officials was the last hurdle we needed to clear and that no last-minute roadblocks will be erected prior to Mexico finally – and permanently – reopening its border to U.S.-grown potatoes.” Mexico is the largest export market for U.S. potatoes and products valued at $394 million in 2021. Despite the restriction to the 26-kilometer border region, Mexico is the second-largest market for fresh potato exports, accounting for 124,449 metric tons valued at $60 million in 2021. The U.S. potato industry estimates that access to the entire country for fresh U.S. potatoes will provide a market potential of $250 million per year, in five years. The National Potato Council represents the interests of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental and trade issues. The value of U.S. potato production is over $4.5 billion annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly.
Ali's Kitchen Hash Brown Waffles Just Sound Good!
Ali has been getting creative with toppings, like leftover shredded barbecue chicken Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary I was recently gifted a mini waffle maker. This fun little kitchen gadget makes the perfect size waffle as a quick lunch for one, and it has been used almost daily since it arrived. The thing is, though, I’ve yet to make a traditional waffle in it. I’ve been having so much fun creating unusual concoctions that I neglected to see how it does with a fluffy waffle that can be covered in maple syrup. Instead, I’ve been enjoying making omelets and “Keto Chaffles.” I have no doubt that one weekend soon the traditional waffle will make an appearance.
In the meantime, my focus is currently on hash brown waffles! Hash brown waffles make a fun Sunday morning breakfast but are also perfect for a fast and filling dinner. The ingredients are straightforward, nothing mysterious or hard to find, and you can be flexible with toppings, making it a good way to use up leftovers. We’ve enjoyed ours topped with leftover shredded barbecued chicken and diced green onions, chopped brisket with blue cheese crumbles, continued on pg. 58
INGREDIENTS: Hash Brown Waffles • 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) • 1/2 stick butter (melted) • 1/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese • Salt and pepper to taste • Olive oil cooking spray for spraying the waffle iron • 3 eggs • 1/2 Tbs. butter for frying the eggs BC�T May 57
Ali's Kitchen. . .
Advertisers Index
continued from pg. 57
Ag World Support Systems............26 AgCountry Farm Credit Services....13 Big Iron Equipment........................27 Binfront Barriers............................55 Bushmans’ Inc.................................3 Chippewa Valley Bean Co..............21 Compeer Financial.........................31 Corteva AgriScience.......................37 Fencil Urethane Systems...............30 Heartland AG Systems.............34, 48 Jay-Mar, Inc....................................39 John Miller Farms..........................23 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc.................19 MetLife Investment Management...............................16 Mid-State Truck Service.................17 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc.....................56 Nichino America..............................2 North Central Irrigation.................47 Nutrien Ag Solutions.....................51
and most recently topped with a fried egg, a dash of hot sauce, and a sprinkle of sprouts. My youngest son and I recently made a batch of the hash brown waffles with fried eggs and found that our recipe made six waffles and fed three of us. Be aware that the number of waffles you end up with will depend on the size of your waffle maker and the amount of hash browns you use for each one. The beauty of cooking is that, with such a simple and straightforward recipe, you can easily tweak and adjust amounts to suit your needs. DIRECTIONS Preheat a waffle iron on the regular setting and spray both sides with cooking spray. Place the hash browns in a bowl. Pour the melted butter over the hash browns, sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and stir in the shredded cheese. 58 BC�T May
Scoop a bit of the hash browns into each waffle section (our small waffle maker used a little less than 1/2 cup of hash browns per waffle).
Oasis Irrigation..............................60 Omex USA........................................9 R&H Machine, Inc..........................20 Roberts Irrigation ..........................29
Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is crispy and turns golden brown (our waffle iron took about 8 minutes per waffle).
Ruder Ware...................................42
Repeat with the remaining hash browns.
Sand County Equipment................11 Schroeder Brothers Farms...............7
While the waffles are cooking, begin frying the eggs and prep any toppings you’ll be using.
STK Bio-Ag Technologies................33
Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully crack the eggs into the pan and cook for one minute. Flip and cook for another couple of minutes, or until the desired doneness is achieved.
ThorPack, LLC................................32
To serve, top a waffle or two with a fried egg(s) and sprinkle on a bit more salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Rotam CropSciences......................54 Rural Mutual Insurance...................5
Swiderski Equipment.....................15 T.I.P., Inc.........................................25 Valley Tissue Culture.....................35 Vantage North Central...................22 Volm Companies............................38 Warner & Warner Inc....................41 WPVGA Spud Seed Classic Sponsorship.................................59 WPVGA Subscribers.......................53 WPVGA Support Our Members.....36 WSPIA............................................43
Friday, June 17, 2022 Bass Lake Country Club W10650 Bass Lake Road Deerbrook, WI 54424
DINNER SPONSOR $2,000 • Company name and logo on three 12-foot banners placed in prominent areas including dinner area • Company name and logo on beverage carts • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for four golfers
GOLDRUSH SPONSOR $1,500 • Company name and logo on two 12-foot banners placed in a prominent area on the course • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for two golfers
SILVERTON SPONSOR $1,000
SUPERIOR SPONSOR $500
• Company name and logo on one 8-foot banner placed in a prominent area on the course • Company name and logo in Badger Common’Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSOR $300 • Company name on hole sign • Rights to occupy a hole on the course and provide giveaways* *If alcohol is being served, it must be purchased through the golf course • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
BASIC HOLE SPONSOR $200 • Company name on hole sign • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
BUSHMAN’S RIVERSIDE RANCH • Company name and logo on three 12-foot banners at event • 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
MAIL PAYMENT TO: WSPIA, P.O. Box 173 Antigo, WI 54409
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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