March 2022 Badger Common'Tater by bctater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 74 No. 03 | MARCH 2022

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

PLANTING & INDUSTRY SHOW COVERAGE ISSUE

GET THE SCOOP ON Wisconsin State Soil FROST-RESISTANT SPUD Helps Peruvian Farmers ALL SYSTEMS GO For Industry Show THERE IS A GOOD Fungus Among Us Cut seed potatoes are loaded into a planter at Heartland Farms, Inc., Hancock, Wisconsin.

INTERVIEW:

JEREMIE PAVELSKI

Heartland Farms, Inc.

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The 11th World Potato Congress 30 May - 2 June 2022, Dublin, Ireland You can’t afford to miss this one! Fertilisers, fuel, electricity, labour, cardboard, plastic, trucks and containers – all rising in cost. When is it going to stop? Is it going to stop? Come to the World Potato Congress in Ireland next May and you just might find out. A panel of over 60 expert speakers representing the seed, fresh table and processed potato sectors from 20 different countries will discuss not only rising costs, but also hot topics like consumer trends, sustainability, climate change, the decreasing range of plant protection products, smart farming and smart supermarkets to mention just a few. The Congress emphasis will be on potato production/ marketing as a business and how your bottom line can be improved. Networking? No better location than Ireland. We invented it – centuries ago.

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On the Cover: The unofficial theme of this issue is “New Beginnings,” and there’s not much that indicates a fresh start more than planting season. Cut seed potatoes are being loaded into a planter for the start of the season at Heartland Farms, Inc. in Hancock, Wisconsin. This issue’s interviewee, Jeremie Pavelski, president of Heartland Farms, updates readers on the operation.

BADGER COMMON’TATER

INTERVIEW:

Jeremie Pavelski and his wife, Alicia, pose in a potato bin at Heartland Farms, Inc., in Hancock, Wisconsin. According to Jeremie, who is president of the operation and this issue’s interviewee, Heartland Farms produces many varieties of chipping and processing potatoes. With just over 10,000 acres of potatoes planted annually, the range of spuds includes Snowden, Lamoka, Pike, Atlantic, Hodag, Burbank and Frito-Lay varieties.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 69 BADGER BEAT.................... 64 EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 54

18 ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR 72ND INDUSTRY SHOW UW Division of Extension has Grower Ed Conference

36 NEW PRODUCTS

John Deere unveils a fully autonomous tractor ready for large-scale production

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6

POTATOES USA NEWS

NOW NEWS....................... 38

Tater Chat Facebook group is bringing everyone who loves potatoes together

FEATURE ARTICLES: 32 RICH ANTIGO SILT LOAM is ideal for forestry and growing crops like seed potatoes 48 FROST-RESISTANT SPUD variety is long and thin with brown skin and yellow flesh 60 THERE IS A FUNGUS among us! Arbuscular mycorrhiza benefit crops in many ways 4

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NPC NEWS......................... 68 PEOPLE.............................. 56 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6 SEED PIECE........................ 44 WPIB FOCUS...................... 52

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,

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

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

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

Subscription rates: $2/copy, $22/year; $40/2 years. Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years. Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com. The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands. BC�T March

MARK YOUR

Calendar MARCH 7-10 29-31

MAY 9-11 19-20

30-6/2

JUNE 17 21-24

JULY 7 9 12-14 19

POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING Denver, CO 60th ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association grounds Oshkosh, WI UNITED FRESH CONVENTION & EXPO 2022 Boston, MA WPVGA PROMOTIONS RETREAT Kalahari Wisconsin Dells Resort, with virtual option Wisconsin Dells, WI 11th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS & EUROPATAT 2022 Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI 2022 NPC SUMMER MEETING Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown Convention Center Nashville, TN HARS FIELD DAY Hancock Ag Research Station Hancock, WI 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

OCTOBER 20 27-29

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

JANUARY 2023 4-5

2023 POTATO EXPO Gaylord Rockies Aurora, CO

FEBRUARY 7-9

2023 GROWER EDUCATION CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn & Convention Center Stevens Point, WI BC�T March

Planting Ideas It just seems like a time for new beginnings, doesn’t it?

A fresh start is in order. From the pandemic to supply chain and trucking issues, the past couple of years have been trying, sad and confining. After a year on hiatus because of the COVID pandemic, the 2022 Industry Show in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, was held as an in-person event, February 8-10, 2022, and in conjunction with the UW Division of Extension and WPVGA Grower Education Conference. Not only was the Industry Show canceled in 2021, but the Grower Ed Conference had to be held virtually. Aside from a few researcher presentations via Zoom at this year’s Grower Ed Conference, there was nothing virtual about the Industry Show. Driving into the parking lot of the Holiday Inn & Convention Center to see all the implements on display felt liberating, and a tradeshow floor populated by booths (the show was a sell-out) and people was such a welcoming sight. Another sight for sore eyes was Dana and her newborn baby, Havyn Faith Rady (right), who attended the annual banquet and Industry Awards ceremony on Wednesday evening of the show. Speaking of new beginnings—Havyn is beautiful and Mom glowing. Dana was there not only to show off her and husband, Eric’s, baby girl, but also to accept a special Industry Appreciation Award for 10 years of service to the WPVGA. See the full Industry Show story inside this issue, including information on all awards recipients and the newest member of the WPVGA Hall of Fame. There will also be a groundbreaking in April 2022—the Food + Farm Exploration Center as part of the Farming for the Future Foundation (FFTFF) and a place where “everyone has a seat at the table.” The FFTFF made impressive progress through its Cultivating Connections Campaign over this past year and is well on its way to reaching the goal to build the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover. The FFTFF strives to connect people who are eating the food with those who grow it. Make sure to read the interview in this issue with Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Inc., which is the main backer and leading the way on the FFTFF. Another new beginning might start with soil and planting. Especially for this Planting issue of the Badger Common’Tater is a story about Wisconsin’s state soil—Antigo Silt Loam—and how it received its honorary designation. 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

JEREMIE PAVELSKI, president,

Heartland Farms, Inc.

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

NAME: Jeremie Pavelski TITLE: President COMPANY: Heartland Farms, Inc. LOCATION: Hancock, WI HOMETOWN: Amherst Junction, WI SCHOOLING: Northcentral Technical College and Milwaukee School of Engineering ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Current member of Allied Cooperative as well as the National Potato Council Board of Directors, and continuously serving on various Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) committees, as well as a past Board president FAMILY: Wife, Alicia, and daughter, Charlotte Pavelski HOBBY: Spending time with the family, developing new technology and boating Above: As president of Heartland Farms, Inc., Hancock, Wisconsin, Jeremie Pavelski represents the fifth generation of a large potato and vegetable operation that has been family owned since 1873. 8

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When it comes down to it, Heartland Farms has always been “Farming for the Future.” After all, the fifth-generation potato and vegetable operation in Hancock, Wisconsin, has been family owned since 1873, and prides itself on a dedication to sustainability and best management practices for the long term and in day-to-day operations. Originally settled by August Pavelski, great grandfather to current CEO Richard Pavelski and great-great grandfather of Jeremie Pavelski, president of the operation, Heartland Farms produces many varieties of chipping and processing potatoes. Incorporated as A.M. Pavelski & Sons Inc., in 1974, Heartland Farms became the successor, in 1990, when Richard and Dave Knights partnered. The original 80-acre farm near Amherst Junction in Portage County is still being farmed today. The first major expansion was in 1994, with the addition of a large rinse plant/load-out facility and state-of-the-art potato storages at the Hancock location. But as this issue’s interviewee and president of Heartland Farms,

Jeremie Pavelski, will explain, that was only the first of many expansions, improvements and technological advancements for the operation. Jeremie, you’re preparing now for planting 27,000 irrigated acres of potatoes and vegetables, is that correct? What types of purchases does that involve? Have you gotten all your seed and equipment buys done? We mainly focus on potatoes. We will grow other crops as well if we have land available, but we really have a laser focus on our core competency, which is potatoes. That equates to just over 10,000 acres of potatoes, and most of the other land is leased out to vegetable canning companies and other local farms who we have worked with for many years.

It’s quite the extensive process preparing for the new year. We must ensure we have the fertilizer, crop protectants, seed, staffing, contracts, equipment, land, fuel, transportation needs and storage needed and allocated for the year.

months out right now if you can even get them. Fertilizer and chemicals have long lead times as well, and many suppliers are not even quoting prices or guaranteeing delivery due to the extreme volatility and logistic issues.

Above: After that primary row mark is set, planting begins in earnest on Heartland Farms, which includes 10,000 acres of potatoes and more land leased out to vegetable canning companies and local farms that the operation has worked with for many years.

All of this is a collaborative effort on the farm, but I must say, I am blessed with an amazing operations team with Dave Knights, T.J. Kennedy and Blair Miller leading their respective departments that handle a lot of the planning for the upcoming season.

We have always remained a lean organization when it comes to parts and supplies but have strategically added to our inventories as a precautionary measure.

Is there anything you or the farm can do to try to offset the rising costs of fertilizers and other inputs? This is a tough one. Many of the best practices for operational efficiencies are thrown out the window right now due to supply chain issues with long lead times and ensuring we have supplies to minimize downtime.

The last two years have been crazy when it comes to inputs, parts and labor. I have never seen this kind of volatility and inflation in my lifetime.

Couple that with extreme inflation in all areas and it makes for quite interesting times. I am sure I will tell stories about this when I am older … kind of like walking uphill to school both ways.

continued on pg. 10

We have much of the seed and equipment purchases made. All of this takes long-range planning and can’t be done last-minute, or the probability of success is greatly diminished.

How tough has this been with supply chain issues and COVID compared to other years? Tough would be an understatement when referring to supply chain issues due to COVID and the regulatory burdens surrounding it.

Now we will see if the equipment comes in when expected or not. We do have contingency plans in place to ensure operations flow smoothly if there are hiccups along the way.

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

The biggest themes here, for me, would be ensuring the proper amounts of nutrients and crop protectants are applied, that we have the best practices in place for monitoring and achieving accuracy, and ensuring the team is engaged in discussions/strategy for inflation containment. Do most of the seed potatoes come from Wisconsin, and can you take me through a much-abbreviated process of buying, storing and getting ready for planting? Most of the seed does come from Wisconsin.

The much-abbreviated process is we work through the needs based on customer requirements, then T.J. and his team come up with a plan, get feedback, revise if necessary and get it approved. They then take care of the rest … easy peasy, right? All kidding aside, it’s quite the involved process that is years in the making. There are some adjustments each year, but it is very forward looking to ensure we have the seed that is needed. We work with a core group of seed

Above: This beautiful image shows a harvester parked outside the Farm Operations Technology & Training Center at Heartland Farms, Inc.

suppliers for most of the seed needs and communication is key between the organizations. In February/March, we will bring in seed, warm it up, cut it and suberize it until it heads to the field to get planted. There are a lot of details involved in that, and I am not doing it justice here, but it would take a novel to get into the details. Simply put, the team is very diligent in every aspect of the seed process. Without high-quality, disease-free seed and the proper execution of processes prior to and throughout planting, production will suffer greatly. I give a lot of credit to the seed growers for their diligence and professionalism. Roughly how many employees/ hands does that involve? It entails about 20 team members up to the planting process.

The Heartland Farms ownership team includes, from left to right, Alicia and Jeremie Pavelski with their daughter, Charlotte, in Dad’s arms; Richard Pavelski; Dave, Josh and Brad Knights; and T.J. Kennedy. 10 BC�T March

What percentage of the acreage is for chipping potatoes versus fresh market? We focus on chipping and process potatoes. continued on pg. 12

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 10

What are your main potato varieties? They include Snowden, Lamoka, Pike, Atlantic, Hodag, Burbank and Frito-Lay varieties. The history of Heartland Farms is well documented, but you are a living legacy, so to speak, of that history, from your great-greatgrandfather, August, to your father, Richard, and yourself. I would imagine it’s a combination of pride and pressure on you. Can you comment on or address that? There is a lot of pride in continuing the family farm. It’s really about continuing and growing upon the values we believe in.

“The last two years have been crazy when it comes to inputs, parts and labor. I have never seen this kind of volatility and inflation in my lifetime.”

– Jeremie Pavelski

of our team, communities where we live and work, and our customers.

We have grown a lot over the generations and added additional ownership to the farm as we have grown and as individuals earned into the company.

There is a lot of pressure in any farming operation. Sure, I could see some of it as legacy pressure to continue and grow the operation, but to me, I set that aside and ask what can we do better today than we did yesterday (or generations ago).

We view ourselves as a “Family of Families” and keep it that way to ensure our alignment in taking care

I am not competing with what was, but rather competing with what could be. We are long-term focused,

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Above: Hilling was underway this past season in a healthy Heartland Farms potato field.

which I believe is the appropriate approach. Legacy is always going to provide a fundamental basis and experience, but we need to continually be looking toward the future, which, funny enough, is one of our core family/ legacy values.

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Above: The bulk trucks are lined up and ready at Heartland Farms. Right: Among the many honors bestowed upon Heartland Farms and the Pavelski family over the years, one that has become especially poignant is the National Potato Council’s 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award, accepted by Jeremie (left) and Richard (right).

Any favorite memory of being on the farm when you were young or working it during school? To me, working on the farm, being in the shop, sweeping floors, grading potatoes, picking rock, riding around with dad, attending customer and supplier meetings at an early age, and learning from our business partners and team members are all memorable and provided a good

basis for what I do today. There are too many memories that made a lasting impression to list just a couple. That history and experience starting from the ground up helped instill values and purpose. Every position on the farm is needed to ensure it can run smoothly, and we all have our roles to ensure success as a team.

Your college background and one of your main strengths are in technology, is that correct? What are some of the newer technologies Heartland Farms is starting to employ now or on the horizon? I do have a background/ passion/ knack/ obsession for technology. Technology has a lot of potential to help produce great results and increase sustainability. continued on pg. 14

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

We utilize a lot of technology on the farm and are continuously evaluating new things. Over the last couple years, we have begun to utilize some services that provide more in-depth imaging and AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities for detecting pests and disease.

for better irrigation monitoring, custom embedded solutions, better equipment control, reduced user fatigue when operating equipment for long hours, increased accuracy and efficiency for fertigation, remote control of equipment, and many more items.

We are also utilizing technology to benchmark operations even more and reduce carbon footprint. As that continues to develop, I believe it has the potential to greatly increase awareness.

It is exhilarating being able to develop that technology, from designing circuit boards to microprocessorlevel programming, to failure mode analysis, all the way to the user interface and data analytics.

We have also spun off some of our own technology development into a new company, Heartland Ag Tech, which has developed technologies

The tech we develop starts with what Heartland Farms team members identify as gaps and areas we believe can increase overall sustainability

and ways to accelerate targeted goals in carbon and water reductions/ efficiencies. These items provide us with internal competitive advantages. Our executive, operations, IT (information technology), QC (quality control) and administration teams deserve great credit for working hand in hand on all of this. The tight integration of Heartland Ag Tech with the farm subject matter experts ensures we tackle realworld farming problems looking for a technology, versus technology chasing hypothetical problems, and evaluate the solutions at scale to continued on pg. 16

Above: With 10,000 acres of chipping and processing potatoes to get it, it’s all hands and machines on deck during potato harvest at Heartland Farms, Inc. 14 BC�T March

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 14

measure the value added to the operation.

Watershed Group for one of the watersheds in which we farm.

Conversely, Heartland Ag Tech brings skills from the tech industry, such as Lean Six Sigma, which amplifies our farming organization’s ability to tackle tough problems in unique ways.

Other WPVGA members in the area such as Signature Farms and Coloma Farms are also part of the group, and we are excited to see what can come of this and get even more farms involved.

From solar panels to variable rate irrigation, Heartland Farms has been a proponent of sustainability. Is there anything on the horizon that furthers that direction? Sustainability is not only about the tech that’s available, but also about overall awareness and working together as an industry and with other stakeholders. In 2021, we began working with our local county conservation team and other farms to start a Producer-Led

There are also lots of efforts for the new term in sustainability, which is Regen Ag. We have developed a roadmap for adding more pollinator habitat, benchmarking water quality and quantity, increasing beneficial soil microbes and reducing carbon footprint. These efforts lead to an overall selfsustaining ecosystem. Heartland Farms is solidly behind and a main backer of the Farming for the Future Foundation (FFTFF). What are your goals with FFTFF? To put it simply, Farming for the Future Foundation strives to connect the people who are eating the food with the people who are growing it. As a grower, we see the benefits of more people understanding what we do and where their food comes from, and connecting students with the work that farmers do every day.

Above: When all is said and done, the close-up of a flowering potato plant tells the story of why Heartland Farms has been in business for five generations. 16 BC�T March

FFTFF is developing partnerships with schools to bring these important topics directly to students. These partnerships will have a positive impact on the industry and our ability to feed a growing world.

Left: Heartland Farms produces many varieties of chipping and processing potatoes, including Snowden, Lamoka, Pike, Atlantic, Hodag, Burbank and FritoLay varieties. The closeup of chips shows fantastic consistency and coloration. Right: With the operation’s focus on sustainability and renewable energy, solar panels line the roof of the Farm Operations Technology & Training Center at Heartland Farms, Inc.

The work of FFTFF will help develop the next generation of agricultural workforce, especially those who never considered a career in agriculture. As the world’s population continues to grow, it will be more important than ever to connect people with the farmers who are doing more with less by utilizing science and technology and to dispel myths around environmental impact and sustainability. Showcasing agriculture as the exciting and technologically advanced field that it is will further the story of innovation and sustainability. I understand you’ve reached recent fundraising goals. Can you update readers on the progress of the FFTFF and the planned Exploration Center? Yes, over the last year, FFTFF has made impressive progress on the Cultivating Connections Campaign and is well on its way to reaching the goal to build the Food + Farm Exploration Center.

This month marks one year since the campaign cabinet was seated and fundraising formally began. The shear enthusiasm from the agriculture industry and its aligned partners has been truly inspiring. Groundbreaking for the center will take place next month (April). We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the development of the Food + Farm Exploration Center, a place where everyone has a seat at the table. How many truckloads of potatoes does Heartland Farms generally ship a day, and how many truckloads is the operation capable of? We average approximately 50 trucks per day and have the capability to peak out around 250 loads per day if need be. When other areas of the country have quality issues, logistics issues or anything else that prevents a load getting to customers, we take care of that for our customers, so they don’t see disruption to their operations.

Do you have your own drivers, and if so, does that help in staying on top of shipping challenges? Some loads are brokered by customers, and we take care of some of them. We work tightly with a local carrier on a daily basis for shipping lanes we manage. What do you hope for, not only in this growing season, but the near future of Heartland Farms, Jeremie? First and foremost, I wish good health for all our team members and their families! After that, it’s probably similar to most farmers. It would be nice to receive just the right amount of rain, excellent weather, lower pest pressures, great quality and yields, great markets and continued growth. Surely that isn’t asking too much. What do you hope for potato and vegetable growing in the Central Sands of Wisconsin in the future? Central Wisconsin is a leader in the production of potatoes and vegetables. The growers here also

understand and put forth great effort to produce sustainable crops and I believe that will continue and be accelerated with new technology, varieties and techniques. What that means to me is that we can broaden our horizon of customer reach to different areas and see this as an opportunity for the Central Sands. There is also a lot of talk from groups that certain regions across North America will not be suitable for agriculture in the future, but the Great Lakes states will be some of the most sustainable and productive. This has the potential to bring in new industries, customers and alternatives to the area and could be exciting for farms here. Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add? I guess my last comment is that I hope everyone has a successful and safe year!

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It was All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show WPVGA & UW Division of Extension hold trade show and educational presentations for the ages By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Anticipating the event more than ever, 2022 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show attendees overwhelmingly indicated that it was nice to be back in person after a year off due to COVID-19. A nice, bright light shone on Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable growing industry when all parties convened, February 8-10, 2022, at the Holiday Inn & Convention

Center in Stevens Point. A combined effort between the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and University of Wisconsin (UW) Division of Extension, the massive undertaking provides an opportunity to conduct business, forge relationships and discuss relevant issues affecting the industry.

Above: Implement dealers brought out the big equipment for the 2022 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, February 8-10, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Booth holders representing a variety of companies welcomed the networking opportunity with growers and researchers, and the chance to show off their latest products, technologies, services and portfolios. In all, 300 people pre-registered and hundreds more attended to take full advantage of researcher presentations and informative sessions on topics directly affecting agriculture during the Grower Education Conference. With supply chain issues as well as trucking and shipping disruptions, it is more imperative than ever to meet face-to-face with fellow growers and associated businesses and forge a path to a successful future. The WPVGA and UW Extension take their responsibility of putting the right people together seriously.

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Growers and the agriculture companies serving them have historically persevered and triumphed through weather events, governmental regulations, farm consolidation and public apathy to emerge stronger each time.

STEWARDS OF THE LAND On full display during the Industry Show were technically advanced equipment and systems to help potato and vegetable growers become more efficient farmers who use less water, fewer inputs and more environmentally friendly practices as the stewards of the land and food providers. Through the efforts of the WPVGA Association Division Board and staff members such as Executive Assistant Julie Braun and Financial Officer Karen Rasmussen, attendees picked up their badges and show packets, hit the floor running and enjoyed the educational presentations. New and longtime booth holders represented implement manufacturers and dealers; irrigation companies; banks and credit unions; insurance agencies; the technology sector; fertilizer plants; chemical and biochemical companies; nutrient providers; parts dealers; building

Dale Nelson (left) of Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems talks shop with Kyle Zarda (right, holding a ThorPack-sponsored show bag) from Wirz Inc., a seed potato farm in Antigo, Wisconsin.

contractors; seed suppliers; crop consultants; and more. Dr. Russell L. Groves, with the help of the WPVGA Grower Education Planning Committee, pieced together a timely, topical and informative

lineup of research presentations. On day one alone, topics ranged from soil microbiomes to the economics of nitrogen in the Central Sands, and from neonicotinoid concentrations continued on pg. 20

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All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 19

in Central Wisconsin streams to the climate and future of extreme weather events. Fertilizer prices being on the rise is a hot topic, as are nitrate leaching, tuber quality and storability profiles, elite potato varieties, enhanced seed potato production, expanding the producer-led toolbox and quantifying potato chip quality through image analysis. TOPICAL PRESENTATIONS Adam Freihofer, water use section chief, and Aaron Pruitt,

hydrogeologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, gave their “Findings and Recommendations from the Central Sands Lake Study.” Potato production under hot conditions, white mold, herbicide injury, storage diseases, insect resistance, remote imaging, early blight management, nitrogen uptake and new crop management tools were all given equal billing during the Grower Education Conference. To access a complete index of

Left: Always the consummate host, Chris Brooks (right) of Central Door Solutions welcomes Eugene Mancl (left) from Ron’s Refrigeration into the booth for a visit. RIght: On display annually during the Grower Ed Conference & Industry Show are potato varieties and chips from the Wisconsin Potato Variety & Advanced Selection Evaluation Trial.

the 2022 Grower Ed Conference proceedings, watch presentations and see poster sessions, as well as those of previous years, visit http:// wpvga.conferencespot.org/.

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Dr. Paul Mitchell, UW-Madison Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute, discusses the economics of nitrogen in the Central Sands as part of Tuesday’s Grower Education Conference.

Jordan Lamb of DeWitt LLP, attorney for the WPVGA, gave a legislative update to Tuesday’s lunch guests.

In its sixth year, the WPVGA Associate Division’s “Bringing Value to Agriculture” session, Wednesday, February 9, consisted of five 10-minute presentations given by select exhibitors. Exhibitors apply for the opportunity to discuss new technologies, tools, services and approaches their

At lunch on Tuesday during the Industry Show, WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (right) presented a plaque to outgoing WPVGA Board of Directors member Wes Meddaugh in recognition of his service to the industry

companies offer in agricultural management of potato and vegetable production systems.

Seed Potato Improvement Association and WPVGA Associate Division held their annual reception

On Tuesday evening, the Wisconsin

continued on pg. 22

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All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 21

Robert Zimpel (left) and Steve Rosenthal of T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc. celebrated the company’s 40th year in business at the Industry Show, and they’ve been booth holders for most of those years, too!

on the show floor, including appetizers and refreshments. The WPVGA and Associate Division banquet, Wednesday night, has become the premier social event in the Wisconsin potato industry, including a nice social hour, dinner, awards and entertainment.

Left to right, Charlie and Jim Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons seed potato farm are in deep conversation with John T. Schroeder of Schroeder Bros. Farms, Antigo, during the Industry Show.

In addition to the annual Industry Awards, there were drawings for cash prizes, with $1,500 given away, including more than 10 individual cash prizes and a $500 grand prize winner. Banquet attendees were treated to a nice mix of popular songs by The Drovers after the

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board members, from left to right, Jeff Suchon, Charlie Husnick and Roy Gallenberg give a card to Clover Spacek (right) in recognition of her work as a field inspector for the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. Spacek recently accepted the general farm manager position with Eagle River Seed Farm and will be departing the program after years of service. 22 BC�T March

awards ceremony. Our sincere thanks to all sponsors who made the 2022 UW Extension & WPVGA Grower Education Conference & Industry Show possible! Please see the ad thanking sponsors on page 71. continued on pg. 24

UW Extension and College of Natural Resources groundwater specialist, Kevin Mesarik, gives an “Evaluation of Interplanting to Reduce Nitrate Leaching Below Potato” presentation during Tuesday’s Grower Education Conference.

Ray Grabanski (left) of ProgressiveAg Risk Management Specialists talks shop with John E. Bushman of Bushman & Associates during the Industry Show.

From left to right, Jay Warner of Warner & Warner, Inc. welcomed a visit to his booth from Jon Bushman of Bushman & Associates and John Hopfensperger of Bushmans’ Inc.

Dr. Amanda Gevens, chair, professor and extension specialist, UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, discusses remote imaging tools for early disease detection in potato during the Grower Education Conference.

National Potato Council Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles summarized some of the federal legislative, regulatory and trade work the organization has been doing in Washington, D.C. on behalf of growers.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS! Premier Event Sponsor John Miller Farms, Inc. Tuesday Lunch Sponsor Nichino America Wednesday Lunch Sponsor AgCountry Farm Credit Services Banquet Beverage Sponsors BioGro, GLC Minerals New crop management tools and approaches to enhance IRM (Insect Resistance Management) were topics of discussion for Dr. Russell L. Groves, UW-Madison Department of Entomology, during the Grower Education Conference.

Reception Beverage Sponsors Compeer Financial, Nachurs, TriEst Ag Group, Yara

Associate Division Breakfast Sponsors Gowan, Green Bay Packaging, Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc., Warner & Warner Inc. Supporting Sponsors McCain Foods, Mid-State Technical College, ThorPack, Agricair Flying Service, Allen Supply Company, Big Iron Equipment, M3 Insurance, T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc., The Little Potato Company, Vista Financial Strategies BC�T March 23

All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 22

WPVGA Presents Industry Awards

Deserving leaders recognized during well-attended 2022 banquet After a year on hiatus resulting from the COVID pandemic, the WPVGA and Associate Division Awards Banquet was a greatly appreciated in-person event this year, and the perfect way to cap off the Industry Show. A nice complement to the Grower Education Conference researcher presentations and Industry Show, the Awards Banquet is a way to recognize those who go above and beyond in furthering the causes of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry. Held the evening of February 9, a social hour with beverages and hors d’oeuvres sponsored by BioGro, GLC Minerals and McCain Foods was followed by a nice meal, the Industry Awards and Hall of Fame induction.

An impressive lineup of awards recipients gratefully accepted their honors. J.D. Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms, Antigo, Wisconsin, was named the WPVGA Volunteer of the Year. One of the largest FritoLay seed potato producers in the country, Schroeder Brothers Farms raises 2,250 acres of certified seed potatoes. Schroeder graduated from Antigo High School in 2004, and then attended the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison, graduating in 2008 with a double major in agricultural business management and political science. He received a law degree in 2011 from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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He returned to work on the family farm seven years ago. Schroeder currently serves as a director on the WPVGA Board, and just completed a five-year term on the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board, including service as president in 2021. He serves on the United Potato Growers of Wisconsin Board and has served on the United Potato Growers of America Board. He also serves on the WPVGA Water Task Force, and the Governmental Affairs, SpudPro and Research committees. He currently serves as the vice president of the Unified School District of Antigo, treasurer of the Antigo branch of the UW-Madison Alumni Club and is a Community Health Foundation Board member. This year’s WPVGA Young Grower of the Year Award went to Wendy Alsum-Dykstra, chief operating officer for Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc., located in Friesland, Wisconsin, which raises 2,800 acres of Healthy

Grown russet, red, white, gold, purple and fingerling potatoes. Dykstra, who has served in her present position for 11 years, followed in her father Larry’s footsteps, going to school for accounting and earning Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy degrees from UW-Whitewater. Dykstra serves on the WPVGA Board of Directors and is a member of the Promotions Committee. She also serves on the Board of Potatoes USA and has served on the National Potato Council Finance & Trade Affairs Committee since 2020. She was a Potato Industry Leadership Institute graduate in 2019. Dykstra was a Produce Business 40 under 40 Award recipient in 2019 and received the WPVGA President’s Award in 2015.

Wendy Alsum-Dykstra

Amber Walker

2008 graduate of UW-Oshkosh, Walker is the Storage Research Facility (SRF) manager at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station.

and conducts daily maintenance of the SRF.

In her current position, she facilitates research and assists station users with field and storage projects, The WPVGA Researcher of the Year provides oversight of laboratory 22-03 Badger Common'Tater (7.25x4.75).v1.pdf 2022-02-04 7:47 AM Award went to Amber Walker. A testing1 services, makes observations

She is an integral part of research for the potato industry as well as for UW faculty. Walker is responsible for potato quality testing, which includes checking samples for sugar levels. continued on pg. 26

BC�T March 25

All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 25

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Rich Wilcox

Dan Mahoney

As current chair of the Food Connections Committee, she often works nights and weekends at local food pantries making sure people have access to adequate nutritious food.

service in presenting a positive message about the agricultural industry.

The WPVGA Associate Division Business Person of the Year Award was presented to Rich Wilcox, vice president of agriculture and a business banking officer for the First State Bank branch in Stevens Point. Having joined First State Bank in 2020, Wilcox says he specializes in “all things ag related.” “Ag seems to be what I know and what has held my interest,” Wilcox says. “I like working with farmers of all kinds, but it was potato growers who I first started working with many years back and that still hold a special place in my heart.” Wilcox has been an outstanding volunteer for the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors, serving as treasurer for the past four years. He also serves on the Spud Bowl Committee and helped with fundraising as well as organizing and coordinating the annual Spud Bowl event in Stevens Point. Dan Mahoney received the AgriCommunicator Award for excellence in communication and dedicated

Mahoney grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1981 with degrees in biology and education. From 1998 to 1999, he was the administrator for the Village of Plover, a role he returned to in 2003. For the past several years, he has worked tirelessly in leading the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project, which has proven to be an outstanding asset to the community in and around Plover as well as for all of agriculture. Mahoney has done a tremendous job of bringing diverse stakeholders to the table and fostering a spirit of collaboration that has produced positive results for everyone involved. Mahoney retired as the Village of Plover administrator on February 4, 2022. Though he was unable to attend the banquet, 2021 WPVGA Board President Bill Guenthner of Guenthner Farms Inc., Antigo, presented the President’s Award to his wife, Jolene Guenthner, for her faithful support, guidance and love.

Bill and Jolene Guenthner

Special WPVGA Industry Appreciation Awards were presented to UW Department of Plant Pathology Professors Ann MacGuidwin and Doug Rouse, each of whom has provided invaluable research, findings, advice and results for WPVGA growers over the years. A third Industry Appreciation Award went WPVGA Director of Promotions, Communication and Consumer Education Dana Rady, who is celebrating 10 years of service in 2022. Her main duties include promotional program and communication activities, as well as serving as the liaison for the Vegetable and Chip

Dana Rady

Committees. Along with Rady’s role at WPVGA, she also serves as the director of the United Potato Growers Cooperative of Wisconsin, a sister organization to WPVGA that collects and distributes potato production data to its members based on market supply and demand. WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan presented Rady with the Industry Appreciation Award in recognition of 10 years of service and outstanding contributions to the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry. Following dinner and the awards ceremony, local band The Drovers

providing a popular mix of songs to entertain the crowd. Cash prizes were awarded attendees lucky enough to have their names drawn during the banquet. continued on pg. 28

2022 INDUSTRY AWARDS RECIPIENTS Associate Division Business Person of the Year: Rich Wilcox WPVGA Volunteer of the Year: J.D. Schroeder WPVGA Young Grower of the Year: Wendy Alsum-Dykstra WPVGA Researcher of the Year: Amber Walker WPVGA Board President’s Award: Jolene Guenthner WPVGA Industry Appreciation Awards: Ann MacGuidwin, Dana Rady and Doug Rouse Agri-Communicator Award: Dan Mahoney Recognition of out-going WPVGA Associate Division Board Members: Chris Brooks, Rich Wilcox and Justin Yach Recognition of out-going WPVGA Board Member: Wes Meddaugh WPVGA Hall of Fame Induction: Paul Miller

Ann MacGuidwin

Doug Rouse BC�T March 27

All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 27

Paul Miller Inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame In the 1960’s and ’70s, Hancock, Wisconsin, and the surrounding farmland was the largest bean production area for Green Giant. Many high school and college students worked for Green Giant during the summers in the production plant, shop and as novice mechanics. Paul Miller was no different. In fact, when Paul graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, in 1965, he went back to work for Green Giant in his hometown of Beaver Dam. Paul had grown up on his own family’s farm, started by his greatgreat-grandparents in the 1850s, in Beaver Dam. There, he vividly remembers plowing a field at the age of 8. Fresh out of college, Paul moved to

Fort Smith, Arkansas, working for Green Giant as a field man in the production areas there and in the great state of Oklahoma. “Then I moved to Hancock,” he says, “and worked at what was called Foster Farm at the time. That’s a mile straight west of where I am now.” Where Paul is now is Paul Miller Farms, Inc., of Hancock, and some 70 years after plowing those fields in Beaver Dam at the age of 8, he’s still farming. As president of the farming operation, Paul works with his son, Todd, daughter, Michelle, and grandsons, Jordan and Ian, raising 2,800 acres of vegetables, including potatoes, sweet corn, snap beans and peas, and growing 525 acres of carrots for Bird’s Eye Foods and Del Monte.

Paul Miller was inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame, February 9, for his lifelong commitment to the Wisconsin potato industry.

Paul Miller Farms is also the U.S. dealer selling ASA-LIFT vegetable harvester parts, which is based in Denmark in Europe.

Paul Miller’s family came out in full force to help him celebrate his induction into the WPVGA Hall of Fame. They are, from left to right, Jordan Miller, Raiven Breseman, Jennifer Breseman, Jaiya Breseman, Linda Breseman, Paul, Kayte Miller, Ian Miller, Makenzie Conley, Austin Conley, Nancy Miller, Todd Miller, Michelle Miller-Patterson and Bill Patterson. 28 BC�T March

FAMILY FARM Todd is the vice president of Paul Miller Farms and performs various farming duties. He supervises potato seed cutting, runs the anhydrous operation and helps manage Gramma Miller’s Farm Market (a fresh produce and flower retail store). Todd also manages the parts department for the ASA-LIFT vegetable harvester dealership.

such as tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, melons, gourds and Indian corn. All potatoes are of the Burbank variety, with at least 90 percent going to McCain Foods for processing. In 2021, the other 10 percent were sold for the fresh market.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Paul is the long-time chairman of the township of Hancock, a pastpresident of the Hancock Lion’s Club and the chairman of the Hancock Cemetery Association. For 54 years, he was a WIAA boys and girls basketball referee, and is a continued on pg. 30

Michelle is the farm’s secretary/ treasurer and serves as office manager, handling administrative, marketing, bookkeeping and other financial needs for the farm’s operations. She also helps in the management of Gramma Miller’s Market. Michelle’s son, Jordan, and Todd’s son, Ian, help with other farm responsibilities. Paul Miller’s decision, in 1967, to leave Green Giant and become the farm manager for Badger Growers, a 1,000-acre green bean and sweet corn operation located in Hancock, was a turning point. In addition to raising snap beans and sweet corn, Paul grew potatoes for American Potato (which later became Basic American Foods). In 1990, he and his two children bought all the assets of Badger Growers and formed Paul Miller Farms, Inc. an 1,100acre irrigated potato and vegetable operation. The farm has continued to grow over the years. Today, including rented land, the Millers farm 2,800 acres of potatoes and vegetables in Waushara County, all under irrigation. In addition to processing vegetable production, Gramma Miller’s Farm Market is open from May 1 through October 31, selling fresh produce in season, flowers, canned goods, meats, honey and maple syrup, as well as locally grown and produced wines. A three-acre field is dedicated to specialty crops for the farm market,

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All Systems Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show. . . continued from pg. 29

proud supporter of Ice Hawks hockey, having had a grandson on the team. Paul is a member and supporter of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Plainfield and a major contributor to the Waushara County Food Bank for many years. Paul was named the Waushara County Citizen of the Year in 2010. He was honored with the Beaver Dam High School Wall of Fame in 2007 and received an Honorary State FFA Degree in 2003. Paul’s family includes longtime friend, Linda; his son, Todd; daughters Michelle and Jennifer; grandchildren, Ian, Jordan, Makenzie, Austin, Raiven and Jaiya; and four greatgrandchildren, Blake, Joslyn, Sutton and Allie Jo. “My kids and their kids have worked together since they were very small to help build this operation into the successful organization that it is today,” Paul says. “While sometimes challenging, there is nothing more rewarding and bonding for a family than knowing that everyone’s efforts have contributed significantly.”

Stating one of his hobbies as “NASCAR,” Paul and his grandson, Jordan, managed to find time to work on the fuel crew for the Sunoco Oil Company automobile racing team. “There have been times when being a potato and vegetable grower has been challenging,” Paul admits. “I had neighbors in the area when we started growing for American Potato, and nine of us went in together, forming sort of a coop.” “It was like old-time farming when they thrashed grain,” he says. “When it was time for potato harvest, five of us had trucks and there were two potato harvesters, and we’d go from farm to farm, neighbor to neighbor, harvesting potatoes. That’s where it started.” “It’s a major honor, obviously, to be named a WPVGA Hall of Fame member after all these years,” Paul concludes. Congratulations, Paul, on your induction into the WPVGA Hall of Fame.

Complete List of WPVGA Hall of Fame Members and Years Inducted 1990 Joseph L. Bushman Ben H. Diercks Myron Mommsen Edward J. Okray John Okray W. James Prosser Lelah Starks James D. Swan Barron G. West Felix Zeloski 1991 Henry M. Darling Robert H. Diercks Melvin E. Luther Albert M. Pavelski Henry L. Woodward 1992 Lawrence Krogwold Michael Patrykus John A. Schoenemann Clarence Worzella Louis E. Wysocki 1993 Champ Bean Tanner Ernest Bushman Melvin Hugo Rominsky Lawrence (Larry) Lapcinski Wayne Brittenham 1994 James Burns, Sr. Myron D. Groskopp James Wencel (J.W.) Mattek Hal Roberts 1995 A.F. (Bill) Hoeft Bennett Katz Eugene Katz Donn “Hokey” West 1996 Charles M. Creuziger Alois (Al) Okray Joseph Jacob Okray Stanley J. Peloquin 1997 Anton (Tony) Gallenberg Howard F. Chilewski 1998 Dave Curwen Francis Gilson Emil Perzinski 1999 John J. Bushman James G. Milward 2000 Dean Kincaid Henry V. Sowinski 2001 (Presented in Feb. 2002

James J. Mattek Francis X. Wysocki 2002

(Presented in Feb. 2003

Robert Hougas Gerri Okray 2003

(Presented in Jan. 2004

30 BC�T March

Larry Binning Peter Wallendal

2004

(Presented in Feb. 2005)

Jerome Bushman Harold Sargent 2005

(Presented in Feb. 2006)

Ed Wade Dennis Zeloski 2006

(Presented in Feb. 2007)

Don Kichefski 2007

(Presented in Feb. 2008

Walt Stevenson 2008

(Presented in Feb. 2009)

Victor Anthony Jeffrey Wyman 2009

(Presented in Feb. 2010)

John Landa Robert Stodola 2010

(Presented in Feb. 2011)

John H. Schroeder August Winkler 2011

(Presented in Feb. 2012)

Fred and Kathryne Meyer Howard “Skip” Tenpas 2012 (Presented in Feb. 2013)

Steve Diercks Mike Finnessy 2013

(Presented in Feb. 2014)

Myron Soik 2014

(Presented in Feb. 2015)

Robert Helbach 2015

(Presented in Feb. 2016)

Charles Cofer Robert Guenthner 2016

(Presented in Feb. 2017)

Donald Hamerski Richard Pavelski 2017

(Presented in Feb. 2018)

Nick Somers 2018

(Presented in Feb. 2019)

Dr. Keith Kelling 2019

(Presented in Feb. 2020)

Larry Alsum Dick Okray 2020

(Presented in Feb. 2021)

Marv Worzella Norm Worzella 2021

(Presented in Feb. 2022)

Paul Miller

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• Our organization works for you, providing the information you need to make the best decisions and return profitability to your farm. • Enjoy membership access to complete data packages including critical supply and demand usage. • Wisconsin does a wonderful job of marketing and keeping grower returns at a premium. • We offer communications for marketers, which are a crucial tool and a by-product of United of Wisconsin. • The Grower Return Index (GRI) you receive will pay for your dues tenfold. • We hold weekly marketing calls! • Grower-only communication calls provide you with inputs, ideas and opinions. Everyone stays in tune.

Balancing supply with demand generates positive returns. Plan your 2022 plantings wisely!

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

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

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

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

The Scoop on Wisconsin’s State Soil Antigo silt loam is rich and ideal for growing crops like seed potatoes as well as forestry Originally published on Soils Matter, https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com, a publication of the Soil Science Society of America Many states have a designated state bird, flower, fish, tree, rock, etc. Most states also have a state soil, one that has significance or is important to the state. The December 1, 2021, Soils Matter blog explains why Antigo silt loam was chosen as the state soil for Wisconsin. Wisconsin officially named Antigo silt loam the state soil in 1983. Francis D. Hole, a soil science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was instrumental in getting this

legislation through. Antigo silt loam even has its own song. You can hear it by visiting https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PkHBBpTw6lc. As its name implies, Antigo silt loam is found in Antigo and a large surrounding area, mostly in the north-central and northwestern part of the state. The soil covers 300,000 acres of land in about 13 Wisconsin counties, and some areas of neighboring Minnesota.

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Thousands of years ago, glaciers spread across the Midwest. The last glacier formations to recede have since been referred to as the Wisconsin Glaciation. When the glaciers melted, they left behind all the mineral debris they had picked up during their formation. This included sand and gravel. Later, silt and clay blew over the land that has now become Antigo silt loam.

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The profile of Antigo silt loam is illustrated here. Notice the darker brown soil at the top, rich in organic matter from original forests. Farmers use practices to keep this precious soil in place. Image courtesy of USDA-NRCS

In general, most soils can be used for agriculture, whether growing food or raising animals, as well as for engineering (building roads, buildings and tunnels); ecology via wildlife habitat and wetlands; for recreation such as ballfields, playgrounds and camp areas; and more.

“Wisconsin officially named Antigo silt loam the state soil in 1983. Francis D. Hole, a soil science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was instrumental in getting this legislation through.” A map of Wisconsin shows where Antigo silt loam, the state soil, can be found (in red). Antigo silt loam covers about 300,000 acres of north-central and northwestern Wisconsin, as well as parts of neighboring Minnesota. Image courtesy of The Smithsonian

CROP PRODUCTION Most of the area covered with Antigo silt loam is used for crop production, including seed potatoes. To ready the land, original forests were cleared hundreds of years ago, but this also left nutrients in the soil that are good for farming.

The principal crops are corn, small grains and hay, but potatoes, seed potatoes and snap beans are also crucial to the area’s food production. Animals graze on some land, and still other areas rich with Antigo silt loam are forested. The native vegetation is American basswood, sugar maple, yellow birch, white ash, big tooth aspen, quaking aspen and black cherry. Growers, of course, manage their land by leaving residue from the

previous year’s crop in the soil, most plant cover crops, and some also plant rows of trees as wind breaks. All these management practices help reduce erosion and keep soils such as Antigo silt loam in place. Antigo silt loam is a wonderful soil because it readily absorbs water that crops and trees need to grow. But its composition also makes it less likely to filter water as well as other soil types. continued on pg. 34

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The Scoop on Wisconsin’s State Soil. . . continued from pg. 33

Windbreaks block the wind from drying out fields and blowing away lighter soil particles (silt). Image courtesy of Mike Pennington (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0)

This means pollutants can travel down through the soil and into the groundwater. It also limits the ability of homeowners to use septic tanks, as water filtering ability is important to a septic system’s success.

34 BC�T March

To download the entire Antigo Silt Loam – Wisconsin’s State Soil booklet, or to see any of the other state booklets, visit http://www. soils4teachers.org/state-soils.

Above: This map showing the “Ecological Landscapes of Wisconsin” is from a handbook of the same name. Image courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

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John Deere Unveils Autonomous 8R Tractor

Six pairs of stereo cameras enable 360-degree obstacle detection and calculation of distance John Deere reveals a fully autonomous tractor that’s ready for large-scale production. The machine combines Deere’s 8R tractor, TruSet-enabled chisel plow, GPS (global positioning system) guidance and new advanced technologies. The autonomous tractor will be available to farmers later this year. The autonomous tractor serves a specific purpose: feeding the world. The global population is expected to grow from about 8 billion to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, increasing the global food demand by 50 percent. Furthermore, farmers must feed this growing population with less available land and skilled labor, and work through the variables inherent in farming like changing weather conditions and climate, variations in soil quality and the presence

36 BC�T March

of weeds and pests. All these factors impact a farmer’s ability to farm during the most critical times of the year. The autonomous tractor has six pairs of stereo cameras, which enable 360-degree obstacle detection and the calculation of distance. OBSTACLE DETECTION Images captured by the cameras are passed through a deep neural network that classifies each pixel in approximately 100 milliseconds and determines if the machine continues to move or stops, depending on if an obstacle is detected. The autonomous tractor is also continuously checking its position relative to a geofence, ensuring it is operating where it is supposed to, and is within less than an inch of accuracy. To use the autonomous tractor, farmers

only need to transport the machine to a field and configure it for autonomous operation. Using John Deere Operations Center Mobile, they can swipe from left to right to start the machine. While the machine is working, the farmer can leave the field to focus on other tasks while monitoring the machine’s status from their mobile device. John Deere Operations Center Mobile provides access to live video, images, data and metrics, and allows a farmer to adjust speed, depth and more. In the event of any job quality anomalies or machine health issues, farmers will be notified remotely and can make adjustments to optimize the performance of the machine. For more information, visit www. JohnDeere.com, or contact a John Deere dealer near you.

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Helping farmers increase productivity in a more sustainable way.

Now News Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants Awarded Central Wisconsin Farmers Cooperative proudly lands second grant from DATCP The latest round of Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants has been awarded to 36 farmer groups by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Farmers will use the funds to work with conservation organizations to address soil and water issues specific to their local watersheds. Seven of the groups are first-time recipients. Six Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA)member farms in Central Wisconsin joined together, in 2021, to protect the watershed that includes the Little Plover River and a portion of the Wisconsin River. With leadership from Plover River Farms, the Central Wisconsin Farmers Cooperative includes Feltz Family Farms, Firkus Farms, Myron Soik & Sons, Okray Family Farms and Worzella & Sons. With matching funds from the WPVGA and working closely with the University of Wisconsin (UW) Extension and the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, the group was successful in securing a second grant, this time for $33,600, from DATCP for more conservation work in 2022. One new farm was also recruited to join the effort: Hamerski Farms of Plover. This partnership envisions a healthy and productive working landscape in Wisconsin’s Central Sands region. INNOVATIVE STEWARDSHIP Through on-farm conservation and collaborative partnerships, the Central Wisconsin Farmers Cooperative seeks to promote innovative stewardship practices that benefit the watershed, landscape 38 BC�T March

and land managers themselves. Conservation practices employed by the group include the extensive use of cover crops, prairie and pollinator plantings, and no-till/minimum till practices.

Above: Highlighted in blue are areas where farmers are working with conservation organizations via Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Together, the 36 groups will receive the full $1 million included in the state budget. Grants range from $3,250 to $40,000 for conservation practice incentives, education and outreach, on-farm demonstrations, and water quality testing and monitoring efforts.

“The grant program has kept our group together and motivated to do more,” says Brian Malszewski, member of the Buffalo-Trempealeau Farmer Network. “It not only has opened doors to more communication on cover crop practices amongst the group, but with other groups throughout the state.”

Farmers continue to find value in the program and by collaborating with other growers on conservation solutions.

“It has personally held me accountable, and because of this program, our team of farmers has gone above and beyond,” Malszewski

adds. This is the seventh round of grant awards since funding was first made available in the 2015-’17 state budget. The 2021-’23 budget authorized annual program funding totaling $1 million. Grant requests for 2022 totaled nearly $1.2 million. CONSERVATION EFFORTS Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grants give financial support to farmers willing to lead conservation efforts in their own watersheds. The emphasis is on innovation and practices not already covered by other state and federal programs, and the intent is that participating farmers will help other farmers adopt conservation practices by offering incentives and through peer-to-peer education and outreach activities. “As an agronomist and a farmer, I feel it’s very important that we share our knowledge about practices that improve the soil, limit erosion and make our world better,” says Jake Kaderly, CCA, member of Farmers of the Sugar River.

continued on pg. 36

“The grant gives us that opportunity to locally share that knowledge through having events with speakers, in-field demonstrations and keeping the thought that soil health comes first,” Kaderly states. Groups must partner with a county land conservation department, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, or another nonprofit conservation organization on their projects. Funds cannot pay for real estate, loans, equipment or lobbying, and the program places caps on funding for staff support to the groups. Each group must start with at least five farmers in the watershed. More information about the farmer groups and their accomplishments can be found at https://datcp. wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/ ProducerLedProjects.aspx. continued on pg. 40 BC�T March 39

Now News . . .

continued from pg. 39

Reinke Recognizes Roberts Irrigation

Central Wisconsin company named a top 10 dealership in the U.S. and Canada Reinke Manufacturing, a global leader in irrigation systems and technology, has recognized Roberts Irrigation as a top 10 dealership for total sales and a top five parts dealer in the United States and Canada. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, Roberts Irrigation was also recognized as the top dealer in the northcentral territory and earned a Diamond Pride award for its success last year. “We are proud to honor the team at Roberts Irrigation with these awards,” says Chris Roth, Reinke president. “Through the years, they’ve dedicated themselves to supporting the growers in their area.” “We appreciate those efforts,” Roth remarks, “as Reinke continues to develop and implement irrigation equipment and technology designed to increase agriculture production.” Reinke dealerships from across the United States and Canada come together annually for the company’s sales convention to recognize select

Reinke dealers for their hard work and commitment to serve growers. The Reinke Pride awards are determined as part of an incentive program that distinguishes superior achievement levels according to an evaluation based on a dealership’s exterior and interior housekeeping and maintenance, indoor and outdoor displays, safety, retail environment, merchandising, professionalism, promotions, event participation and market share.

Above: Reinke Manufacturing President Chris Roth (left) and Reinke Northcentral Territory Manager Vern Hinnenkamp (right) congratulate, from left to right, Barry Graham, Chase Parr, Luke Abbrederis and John Herman of Roberts Irrigation, Plover, Wisconsin, for being a top 10 dealership and earning a Diamond Pride award for its success.

For more information on Roberts Irrigation, visit www. RobertsIrrigation.com. For further information on Reinke or to locate a dealership, visit www.Reinke.com.

Schools Receive Pollinator Habitat Grants

Students to add native wildflower diversity to the agricultural landscape Imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies will get some help from high school students this year. Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator habitat grants to agriculture and science programs at 12 high schools. Each school will receive native wildflower seeds and seedlings, a training webinar and consultation. Eight first-time grantees will receive 40 BC�T March

$1,000 for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses. The selected schools are: • Jane Goodall Environmental Sciences, Maple Lake, Minnesota • Johnston High School, Johnston, Iowa • Menomonie High School, Menomonie, Wisconsin • Mt. Horeb High School, Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin • Nekoosa High School,

Nekoosa, Wisconsin •N orthwest Education Services, Traverse City, Michigan •O watonna High School, Owatonna, Minnesota •R andolph High School, Randolph, Wisconsin •R eedsville High School, Reedsville, Wisconsin • T homas Edison High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota •U nion Grove High School, Union Grove, Wisconsin

• West Lyon Community School District, Inwood, Iowa “Our objective is to engage students in adding native wildflower diversity to the agricultural landscape for the benefit of pollinators,” says Parker Witt, Sand County Foundation agricultural conservation specialist. “Pollinators are essential for crop pollination and ecological diversity, but the numbers of wild bees, honeybees and monarch butterflies have dropped, partly because of the loss of native wildflower habitat near farmland,” Witt notes. To qualify for the grants, schools need greenhouses or suitable indoor growing areas to germinate and raise the nearly 600 seedlings of milkweed, prairie blazing star, wild bergamot and other species they will receive this month (March). They are also required to identify and prepare a location to transplant the native wildflowers in the spring and

Students from Lodi High School plant native wildflowers to benefit pollinators. Photo courtesy of Casey Langan

tend to them through the summer. In addition to the wildflowers they transplant, schools are given prairie seed for sowing to increase biodiversity at the planting site.

“We encouraged applicants to find a site on or near agricultural land,” Witt says. continued on pg. 42

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Now News . . .

continued from pg. 41

PLIGHT OF POLLINATORS “From the interest in this program, it’s clear that teachers, students and landowners in the Midwest care about the plight of pollinators and monarchs,” he adds. Pollinator habitat grant program sponsors include Enel Green Power, Syngenta and Dairyland Power Cooperative.

Educators and landowners interested in becoming involved in the project are encouraged to contact Parker Witt at pwitt@sandcountyfoundation. org for more information. In addition to the grant program, all teachers can access a Pollinator Habitat Curriculum Guide developed through a partnership between Sand County Foundation and Earth

Partnership at the University of Wisconsin. The guide’s 28 activities, aligned with state and national education standards, engage students in planning, establishing, managing and monitoring prairie habitat for insect pollinators and grassland birds. The guide is available for free to download at https://bit.ly/2JHdq1u.

BASF Donates to Tornado Relief

Goal is to help families, workers and community members struggling during crisis BASF has donated $30,000 to help survivors in need after a series of tornadoes devastated communities across the Midwest, in December 2021. In addition, the company is matching employee donations to disaster relief organizations, continuing the commitment to corporate and social responsibility. “Our thoughts have been with the individuals who lost so much during these storms,” says Paul Rea, senior vice president of BASF Agricultural Solutions North America. “To support those most in need, we’re donating $10,000 to the Kentucky FFA Foundation, and we’re also giving $10,000 each to Feeding Kentucky and the Arkansas Food Bank.” “Our goal is to help the families, workers and community members who are struggling during this crisis receive the resources they need the most,” Rea adds. “We also hope our donations inspire others to help in any way possible.” An important aspect of social responsibility is how BASF supports the communities where we as a people live and work. The company is committed to advancing science education, environment, health and safety and other programs and initiatives that are important to the 42 BC�T March

After tornadoes devastated communities across the Midwest, in December 2021, BASF donated $30,000 to those most in need.

quality of life in local communities. BASF’s involvement with fighting hunger exemplifies the company’s values and its commitment to a sustainable future. “During these challenging times, it’s especially important to support non-profits like the Food Bank, so adequate assistance is provided for those who need it most,” says Scott Kay, vice president, U.S. Crop, BASF Agricultural Solutions. BASF’s goal continues to be to inspire other businesses and individuals year-round to get involved with the fight against hunger by:

•P roviding individual food donations •C onducting company-wide food drives •G iving individual financial donations •H olding corporate fundraising drives • Volunteering • S erving on the Board of Directors or advisory committees To read highlights of BASF’s community relations activities across the North American region, visit https://www.basf.com/us/en/ who-we-are/community/communityoutreach.html.

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Seed Piece WSPIA Holds 62nd Annual Meeting

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association shares program with guests

The Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association

(WSPIA) showcased its program during an Annual Meeting, January 26, 2022, at North Star Lanes in Antigo, Wisconsin. The largely in-person meeting came with a Zoom option for researchers and others taking steps to socially distance. J.D. Schroeder, out-going president of the WSPIA Board of Directors, welcomed guests, saying that it has been nice for him personally to get to know the seed growers in Antigo

better during his time serving on the Board. Dr. Renee Rioux, administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP), shared post-harvest tests, research into true potato seed, and regulatory and program updates, the latter including staffing changes.

Left: Of those gathered at the 62nd Annual Seed Meeting, in Antigo, Wisconsin, were, from left to right, seed potato growers Jeff Suchon, Jeff Fassbender, Ryan Fassbender and Aaron Kakes. Right: New WSPIA Board President Roy Gallenberg (left) presented a nice plaque to out-going board president, J.D. Schroeder, in appreciation for his service.

Looking forward, Rioux noted, “Our goal is to provide seed potatoes that are healthy and without varietal mixture.”

Left: J.D. Schroeder (right) honored WSPIA board member Jeff Suchon with the Wisconsin Seed Potato Industry Leadership Award for outstanding service to the association, and his work with the State Farm and potato seed growing industry at large. Right: Brooke Babler, Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program research specialist, gave winter greenhouse grow-out and diagnostics lab updates. 44 BC�T March

Alex Crockford, WSPCP program director, thanked Clover Spacek for six years of hard work as a field inspector. Spacek will be departing the WSPCP, having recently accepted the general farm manager position with Eagle River Seed Farm. “It’s been one of the most rewarding relationships I’ve had in my working career,” Crockford said. “I am generally happy for her to move on to such a great opportunity, and happy to work with and stay in touch with her.” Crockford went over certification program projects, including winter testing and disease diagnostics, and gave a post-harvest update. GROW-OUT UPDATE Brooke Babler, WSPCP research specialist, provided winter greenhouse grow-out and diagnostics lab updates. A State Farm report came from Matt

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The 2022 WSPIA Board of Directors are, from left to right, Andy Schroeder (secretary/ treasurer), Charlie Husnick, Jeff Suchon, Matt Mattek (vice president) and Roy Gallenberg (president).

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Seed Piece . . .

continued from pg. 45

Dr. Amanda Gevens, chair, professor and plant pathologist, UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, gave a presentation on diagnosing and managing Potato Powdery Scab in

Wisconsin, noting that soil fumigation can lower the pathogen population. She added that seed piece or infurrow, at-plant treatments of fluazinam (Omega) or mancozeb

62nd Annual Seed Meeting Sponsors Goldrush Sponsors AgCountry Farm Credit Services Bayer Crop Science Bio-Gro CoVantage Credit Union Insight FS Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes Oro Agri, Inc. Swiderski Equipment, Inc. Syngenta Crop Protection Volm Companies Silverton Sponsors AMVAC Chemical Corp. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Riesterer & Schnell, Inc.

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Roberts Irrigation Company, Inc. Southside Tire Co., Inc. TH Agri-Chemicals, Inc. T.I.P., Inc. / Ag Grow Solutions Superior Sponsors BASF Big Iron Equipment, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Jay-Mar, Inc. Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Quinlan’s Equipment, Inc. Rural Mutual Insurance Co. -Antigo VAS/AgSource Laboratories Warner & Warner, Inc.

Left: Daniel Heider, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, talked about new potato herbicides plus the final chapter of his study on 2,4-D application timing for color enhancement of red potatoes. RIght: From left to right at the 62nd Annual Seed Meeting are Brenda LaCrosse, an agronomy assistant for Eagle River Seed Farm, Janelle West, Eagle River Seed Farm operations supervisor and Clover Spacek. Spacek will be departing the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, having recently accepted the general farm manager position with Eagle River Seed Farm.

(Dithane) have been shown to be effective under high disease pressure. Cole Lubinski, Langlade Agricultural Research Station (LARS) manager, gave an update on studies occurring on location, including that of Kevin Gallenberg. Gallenberg of VAS/AgSource Laboratories, provided results from his research on managing lime in potato production to reduce scab. The goal is to see if it is possible to fine-tune how much lime can be put on a potato field and still reduce scab. Daniel Heider, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, talked about new potato herbicides plus the final chapter of his study of 2,4-D application timing on color enhancement of red potatoes.

ANNUAL REPORT In his Annual Report, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan said 2021 could be described as a year that brought one challenge after another. “The members met the challenges with great success,” he added. The WSPIA Board held its annual business meeting, including election of officers, one new board member, Andy Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms, and the presentation of a nice plaque to out-going board president, J.D. Schroeder, in appreciation for his service. In turn, J.D. presented board member Jeff Suchon with the Wisconsin Seed Potato Industry Leadership Award for outstanding service to the association, and his work with the State Farm and potato seed growing industry at large.

Tom Grall and Emily Phelps, who work in sales for Jay-Mar, Inc., attended the Annual Seed Meeting in Antigo.

Roy Gallenberg of Gallenberg Farms, Inc., Antigo, was elected WSPIA Board of Directors president for 2022, succeeding J.D. of Schroeder Brothers Farms, Inc., Antigo. Matt Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., Deerbrook, was elected vice

president, and Andy was elected secretary/treasurer. In addition to the three officers, the other two WSPIA Board Directors are Charlie Husnick, Baginski Farms, Antigo, and Suchon of Bushman’s Riverside Ranch, Inc., Crivitz.

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Potato Helps Farmers Weather Frost The frost-resistant spud is long and thin with brown skin, yellow flesh and is grown for the fresh market In a country with more than 5,000 potato varieties, you might not expect the arrival of another one to be a big deal. But this is Peru, where the potato was first domesticated and still plays a vital role in national identity. In Spanish you might call it patrimonio or orgullo; in English it translates to national pride or honor. Whichever way it is phrased, for the people of Peru, the concept is forever entwined with the potato, a totemic symbol of the indigenous cultures

and heritage of their country and the surrounding Andes. A trio of scientists from the University of Wisconsin (UW) College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) has helped extend this rich tradition by introducing a frost-resistant variety that can help Peruvian potato farmers contend with difficult growing conditions caused by a changing climate. It is the latest outcome of a decadeslong collaboration with Peruvian researchers that is still going strong. The three UW scientists—John Bamberg, Alfonso Del Rio and Jiwan Palta—worked closely with researchers from Peru’s International Potato Center (CIP) and the Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), and with Peruvian farmers, to develop the variety, called Wiñay.

A basket of Wiñay potatoes serves as the centerpiece at the main table of a ceremony to introduce the new potato variety in Puno, Peru. Image courtesy of William Schaefer 48 BC�T March

The word Wiñay means “to grow” in Quechua, one of Peru’s indigenous languages. The frost-resistant potato is long and thin with brown skin and yellow flesh and is grown for the fresh market.

Above: Three women harvest Wiñay potatoes from trial plots at the Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria experimental station in Puno, Peru. Image courtesy of William Schaefer

It was developed to be cultivated in Peru’s Altiplano at elevations of up to 14,000 feet above sea level. Palta, a professor of horticulture and plant physiologist with the Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics program, says many of the wild potato varieties found in the Altiplano are naturally hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. TOO BITTER However, these potatoes are small and have a bitter taste due to high levels of chemical compounds called glycoalkaloids. The need for a hardier, frost-resistant potato in Peru’s highlands stems, in part, from climate change, according to both Palta and Del Rio, a senior scientist in charge of the U.S. Potato Genebank research lab at the University of Wisconsin.

They say more frequent late season killing frosts are causing greater yield losses for Peru’s farmers. But developing a new potato variety to withstand such conditions is a time-consuming project, one that typically spans 10 to 15 years. The devil can be in the genetic details when crossing potato varieties to develop a new one. And an effective frost-resistant potato also needs good commercial qualities, including appropriate size, yield and taste, and must be suitable for the growing conditions of the Altiplano. Bamberg, director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s U.S. Potato Genebank, in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and a professor of horticulture, compares the process to looking for a needle in a haystack. “Sorting out the offspring, you get just a bewildering number of possibilities to select from,” Bamberg says. “Breeders put out thousands and thousands of progeny and select

from them over decades to find that one better one.” GOOD FROST TOLERANCE The project began in 2005 using progeny of a Wisconsin potato clone that had good frost tolerance, yield, tuber size and eating quality. The clone carried the genes for frost hardiness from a wild potato species called Solanum commersonii. The progeny of this clone was selected in Wisconsin, but, when tested in frost-prone areas of the Peruvian highlands, it didn’t perform well because the Peruvian summer days are shorter than the Midwest’s. “So, Jiwan, John and I discussed using some of the Peruvian potatoes we have in the collection at Sturgeon Bay,” Del Rio says. They chose seven Peruvian varieties. After crossbreeding with the Wisconsin frost-hardy clone, they sent about 20,000 seed potatoes to Peru for field trials at the INIA experimental station in the southern

SORTING & GRADING

Above: Jiwan Palta reviews data from field trials during the May 2018 harvest at the Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria experimental station in Puno, Peru. Image courtesy of William Schaefer

city of Puno. With each passing year, they evaluated new progeny for the preferred qualities and traits and narrowed the pool until arriving at the one potato that came to be Wiñay. continued on pg. 50

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Potato Helps Farmers Weather Frost… continued from pg. 49

“It might sound like we selected Wiñay and they tested it,” Bamberg qualifies, “but they selected it in Peru.”

allows. “In 2019, potato farmers in eastern Idaho alone lost about 30 percent of their crop to damage from unseasonable frost.”

TAKING ROOT IN U.S.? So, considering its good yields, frost hardiness and farmer and consumer acceptance, will Wiñay also take root in the United States?

“Cold temperatures can damage the quality of the potato itself, not just kill the leaves,” he adds, “making the potatoes produce poor chips and fries or sprout poorly as seed for the next crop.”

preservation, international cooperation and sharing,” Bamberg stresses.

“This research illustrates the benefits of long-term germplasm

“The most obvious benefit was to Peru in the short term,” he remarks,

“Frost damage can happen in different places and at different times across the United States,” Bamberg

Left: John Bamberg works from his lab office in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Image courtesy of William Schaefer Right: Dancers with potato planting tools entertain the audience during the formal introduction of the Wiñay potato in Puno. Image courtesy of William Schaefer

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50 BC�T March

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“but what was learned will have broad application. The work at the U.S. Potato Genebank is returning benefits not just to the United States, but also to the countries that are the native homes of these wild stocks.” After 10 years of field trials, the culling process, the final variety selection, and the naming of the potato, there came a time to celebrate. In November 2018, near the shoreline of Lake Titicaca in Puno, Del Rio, Palta and Palta’s wife, Mari, participated in the public introduction of the Wiñay potato. FOUR-HOUR FETE More than 200 students, farmers, producers, scientists and industry and government officials attended the four-hour fete, which concluded with the distribution of Wiñay potatoes in brown paper bags. Both Palta and Del Rio found the ceremony to be an enjoyable opportunity to recognize everyone’s hard work. “It’s always heartening to see the end result of your labor,” says Palta. “Research, by definition, means you search again and again, and sometimes you hit a winner, and in this case, we have one. Scientists [in Peru] have evaluated it and feel good about it.” Following the celebration, a jovial Jesús Arcos Pineda, senior potato researcher at INIA, says he is looking forward to more cooperation and interaction with the CALS research team. Pineda is one of the CALS research team’s closest collaborators, along with Rene Gomez, senior curator at CIP’s gene bank. In addition to the practical side of the potato ceremony, Del Rio says there is a spiritual gratitude for the potato’s role in Peruvian villages. “The farmers receiving the potatoes, they appreciate whatever comes from Mother Earth,” Del Rio notes, “and potatoes have been such an important part in the life of these communities that they appreciate it very much.”

“The farmers receiving the potatoes, they appreciate whatever comes from Mother Earth.” – Alfonso Del Rio,

senior scientist in charge of the U.S. Potato Genebank research lab at the University of Wisconsin

BC�T March 51

WPIB Focus WPIB Board Member Needed in District 2 The WPIB is made up of nine potato growers who have been elected by state potato producers Potato growers are encouraged to vote in the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board (WPIB) elections to be held May 10-June 15, 2022. Districts 1, 2 and the District At-Large position are up for election and a candidate is needed for District 2, as incumbent Cliff Gagas has indicated he does not intend to run for reelection. If you reside in District 2 and would like to serve on the WPIB, please consider completing a nomination form (included on the following page). Please review the WPIB Nomination Form for specific details. Nominations must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2022. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture will conduct the election by secret ballot. The Department will mail ballots to all potato growers in Districts 1, 2 and 3. Potato growers running for the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board

positions are: District 1 – Keith Wolter, Antigo (incumbent) District 2 – Vacancy At-Large – Andy Diercks, Coloma (incumbent) Farmers who grow and sell potatoes on five or more acres in potato districts 1, 2 and 3 are eligible to vote. Write-in candidates are also acceptable. Counties within those districts are: District 1: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Iron, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas and Washburn counties.

District 3: Adams, Buffalo, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, La Crosse, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Winnebago and Wood counties. The WPIB is made up of nine potato growers who have been elected by state potato producers. The Board is responsible for budget approval and managing over $2 million in grower-funded promotion and research money annually. Results of the elections will be made public by the end of June.

District 2: Marathon, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Waupaca and Waushara counties.

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

12,457,616.73

Assessment

$101,400.66

$102,092.25

$103,233.20

$178,773.99

$199,895.60

$143,001.23

$168,209.03

$996,605.96

Aug-21

Sep-21

Oct-21

Nov-21

Dec-21

Jan-22

Month

Jul-21

Feb-22

Mar-22

Apr-22

May-22

Jun-22

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,292,191.75

981,540.84

933,052.68

3,515,638.42

2,529,632.08

2,033,264.21

1,948,049.95

13,233,369.93

Assessment

$103,342.07

$78,594.28

$74,682.23

$281,175.63

$200,944.23

$162,677.29

$157,293.40

$1,058,709.13

52 BC�T March

Wisconsin Potato Industry Board

NOMINATION FORM

2022

for Potato Producers in Districts 1, 2, and District At-Large

The Potato Marketing Order requires a partial election of the marketing order board each year. This year the election will cover Districts 1 and 2 and the District At-Large. Terms run July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. The terms of Keith Wolter, District 1, Cliff Gagas, District 2 and Andy Diercks, District At-Large will expire June 30, 2022. Only affected producers are eligible to nominate or be nominated. An affected producer is an individual, partnership, corporation, or other business entity selling in commercial channels potatoes produced in this state on five or more acres which the producer owns or leases during the crop year of 2019, 2020, or 2021. Wis. Admin. Code §§ ATCP140.20(5), 149.01(1). Nominees must reside in the district for which they are nominated, Nominations require five or more signatures from other potato producers who reside in the district. Nominees must also submit a completed and notarized Affidavit of Eligibility. Nominations must be postmarked on or before April 1, 2022. The board member election will take place May 10, 2022, through June 15, 2022.

Districts:

District 1 - Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark,Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Iron, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas, and Washburn Counties.

District 2 - Marathon, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Waupaca and Waushara Counties

District AttLargar- Statewide

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

Nomination Form - Mail To: WDATCP, Market Orders, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911 (Please Print Clearly) Person Nominated _______________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________ City ___________________________Zip__________________ Telephone __________________________________________ County____________________________________ District ___________________________ Email Address ________________________________________________ Signature of person nominated ____________________________________________________________________ NOTICE - Five producers must sign on reverse side of this form. BC�T March 53

Eyes on Associates By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

The planning and effort

that went into the 2022 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, February 8-10, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point, was apparent from the start. A collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), University of Wisconsin Division of Extension, and the WPVGA Associate Division, the well-attended event was a welcome chance to conduct business in person. In addition to helping plan the Industry Show, the WPVGA Associate Division also acquires donated items and holds a fundraising silent auction during the event, with proceeds going back to the industry toward scholarships and education. This year, the silent auction brought in over $2,000 in scholarship funds. On Tuesday evening, the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and WPVGA Associate Division held their annual reception on the show floor, including appetizers and refreshments. 54 BC�T March

On Wednesday morning each year of the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, the WPVGA Associate Division holds a breakfast, meeting and board elections. The Associate Division Board of Directors elected Julie Cartwright of Jay-Mar, Inc., Plover, Wisconsin, to be its president for 2022. Matt Selenske from Allied Cooperative’s Pest Pros Division, Adams, was elected vice president of the Board. BOARD OF DIRECTORS The rest of the directors for 2022 include: Andrew Curran of R&R Insurance, Appleton; Morgan Forbush, McCain Foods USA, Inc., Wisconsin Rapids; Ethan Olson, T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc., Plainfield; Paul Salm (treasurer) of BMO Harris Bank, Altoona; Sally Suprise (secretary), C & D Professional Insurance Services, Waupaca; and Andy Verhasselt of

Above: Each year, on Wednesday morning of the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, the WPVGA Associate Division holds a breakfast, meeting and board elections. The 2022 WPVGA Associate Division Board is, from left to right, Paul Salm (treasurer), Andy Verhasselt, Julie Cartwright (president), Andrew Curran, Morgan Forbush, Ethan Olson, Matt Selenske (vice president) and (inset) Sally Suprise (secretary).

T.I.P., Inc., Custer. Suprise was an incumbent Associate Division Board member who was reelected to the Board for her second term. Curran, Forbush and Olson were elected for their first terms on the Board. They replace Chris Brooks, Central Door Solutions, who served two terms on the Board, one as president; Rich Wilcox, First State Bank, who served two terms on the Board as treasurer; and Justin Yach, Compass Insurance Services, who served one term on the Board. In its sixth year, the WPVGA Associate Division’s “Bringing Value to Agriculture” session, Wednesday, February 9, consisted of five 10-minute presentations given by select Industry Show exhibitors.

At lunch on Wednesday, February 9, during the 2022 Industry Show, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (left) presented Rich Wilcox with a plaque honoring his service on the WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors. Wilcox, of First State Bank, served two terms on the Board as treasurer.

Exhibitors apply for the opportunity to discuss new technologies, tools, services and approaches their companies offer in agricultural management of potato and vegetable production systems.

WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (right) presented Chris Brooks with a plaque honoring his service on the Associate Division Board, including a term as president. Brooks, of Central Door Solutions, served two terms on the Board this time around, and he has been on the Board in the past.

The WPVGA and Associate Division banquet, Wednesday night, wraps up the Industry Show and has become the premier social event in the Wisconsin potato industry, including a nice social hour, dinner, awards and entertainment.

As the new Associate Division Board president, Cartwright will be writing this Eyes on Associates column monthly beginning with the April 2022 issue of the Badger Common’Tater. Until then, be well and stay safe.

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People Daniel Kakes Passes Away

Grower served on Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board Daniel Lee Kakes, age 58, of Bryant, Wisconsin, was called to his eternal home Thursday, February 3, 2022. He was under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice.

Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors and serve on the Board of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

Dan was born February 15, 1963, in Antigo to the late Eugene and Lois (Neururer) Kakes. On November 4, 1989, Dan was united in marriage to Vicki Hubatch at Peace Lutheran Church.

LIFE’S HOBBIES Dan enjoyed deer hunting, watching sports, tractor pulls, taking drives, breakfast with his friends, and the companionship of his golden retrievers.

He was a graduate of the Antigo High School class of 1981. He then attended Northcentral Technical College, receiving a degree in accounting.

Dan was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as a money counter, chairman of the board of education, and vice president of the congregation.

Following graduation from Northcentral Technical College, Dan worked for a year as assistant controller at Wausau Metals.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Vicki, include his children, Katie Kakes of Bryant and Aaron (Sydney) Kakes of Antigo; a sister, Darcy (David) Blakemore of Ogden, Utah; sisterin-law, Jeanne Kakes of Bryant; and brothers-in-law, Shannon Hubatch and Gerry (Charly) Hubatch.

He then returned to Bryant where he rejoined the family farm, Kakes Seed Farms, as a third-generation potato farmer along with his father, Eugene, and brother, David. Dan and David purchased the farm, renaming it Kakes Farms, Ltd. The farm is presently a division of Sowinski Farms, Inc., where Dan and his son, Aaron, a fourth-generation potato grower, continued to farm. His dedication to farming led him to serve as president of the

Dan is also survived by nieces and nephews, Matt Kakes (Tiffany Hoerres), Megan (Justin) Michels, Joseph Blakemore, and Trenton and Callie Hubatch; and great niece and nephew Emma and Dane Michels. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by a brother, David Kakes, a sister, Debbie Stainbrook,

Daniel Lee Kakes February 15, 1963 – February 3, 2022

and his father-in-law and mother-inlaw, Tom and Judy Hubatch. Funeral services were held on February 10 at Peace Lutheran Church. Reverend David Karolus officiated. Visitation was February 9 and 10 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. Burial is in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials in Dan’s name may be directed to Peace Lutheran Ministries. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daniel Kakes, please visit https://strassererollerfuneral-home.tributestore.com.

Keith Heinzen Died at His Home

He managed the State Seed Potato Farm in Rhinelander for 20 years Keith Joseph Heinzen, age 67, of town of Neva, died February 3, 2022, at his home under the care of Compassus Hospice and his family. Keith was born August 6, 1954, to 56 BC�T March

the late Clinton and Audrey (Kakes) Heinzen.

(UW)-Madison and completed the agriculture short course.

He was a graduate of the Antigo High School class of 1972. He also attended the University of Wisconsin

On August 20, 1975, Keith was united in marriage to Rosemary Kessler at St. Wencel’s Catholic Church in Neva.

Keith dairy farmed for many years in the town of Neva. He was a potato inspector and went on to manage the UW Seed Potato Farm in Rhinelander for 20 years. Keith was a member of St. Wencel’s Catholic Church where he lectured and was an altar server. GENEROUS NATURE Keith had a humble and generous nature. He volunteered for 4-H, gave life to others through 50 years of donating blood, and was always a solid support to friends and family. His faith was of upmost importance to him. He continually grew his relationship with the Lord through dedicated prayer and teaching others to pray, including his grandson, Liam. He loved to read and wrote poetry. He was an avid Packers fan.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Rosemary, include his children, Leah Rose Heinzen of Madison and Paul (Mary Catherine) Heinzen of Merrill; siblings, Gail (Mike) Matyas of Reno, Nevada, and Mark (Linn) Heinzen of Green Bay; his grandson, Liam; mother-in-law, Jean Kessler of Antigo, and the Kessler family. He is also survived by his canine companion, Sydney. In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his father-inlaw, Joseph Kessler. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Keith’s name.

Keith Joseph Heinzen August 6, 1954 – February 3, 2022

A funeral mass was on February 9 at St. Wencel’s Catholic Church. Reverend Charles Hoffmann, Reverend Grant Thies, and Deacon Andy Bures officiated. Interment was in St. Wencel’s Catholic Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Keith Joseph Heinzen, please visit https:// strasserroller-funeral-home. tributestore.com.

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Potatoes USA News

Tater Chat Facebook Group Is for Everyone A new Facebook group has arrived and it’s bringing everyone who loves potatoes together! We encourage you to join the group and share with friends and family.

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love for potatoes, and not just for the athletic community. The new Tater Chat group is consumer-driven with members encouraged to share recipes, fun facts and even potato art and humor. As the group continues to expand, Potatoes USA staff will monitor the conversations and encourage engagement. Tater Chat is not just for consumers, though, as anyone who loves potatoes can join. That means foodservice operators, retailers and industry members are all welcome in the same space. The only requirement is you must love potatoes. Don’t be shy, join the group today and start sharing your love for potatoes. (Bonus points if you invite friends and family!) Join Tater Chat by visiting https://www.facebook.com/ groups/426382778904356.

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

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

SUPERIOR SPONSOR $500

• Company name and logo on three 12-foot banners placed in prominent areas including dinner area • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for four golfers

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

GOLDRUSH SPONSOR $1,500

OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSOR $300

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

SILVERTON SPONSOR $1,000 • Company name and logo on three 12-foot banners placed in prominent areas including dinner area • Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater • Verbal recognition and name on sign at event • Registration and dinner for one golfers CONTACT KAREN RASMUSSEN for more details (715) 623-7683 Make checks payable to WSPIA *

We WILL accept sponsors after this date.

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

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

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

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

There is a Fungus Among Us Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi benefit crops in many ways Written by Hayley Crowell and provided by the Soil Science Society of America Fungi play important roles for plants and, subsequently, humans.

Crowell from North Carolina State University.

The Soil Science Society of America’s August 15, 2021, “Soils Matter” blog took a look at how these “living fertilizers” can help the soil, and our crop production systems, too.

For over 400 million years, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been forming symbiotic relationships with plants around the globe. Found on almost every continent and in approximately 80 percent of vascular plants, these

The blog text is written by Hayley

important fungi play a pivotal role in plant nutrient uptake in diverse ecosystems. The crucial fungi begin their life within the soil in the area where roots can grow. Plants release hormones that help the fungi grow. In fact, the plants release the hormones

Above: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi within a cotton root sample are shown under an optical microscope (160x magnification). The balloon-like structures, called vesicles, are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi’s storage structures. The lines extending from the vesicles are the hyphae of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Image courtesy of Hayley Crowell Left: Hayley Crowell (left), Anna Yang (right) and others carefully collect cotton root samples to analyze arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization rates. Image courtesy of Audrey Gamble 60 BC�T March

specifically to increase the chance of a root-fungi interaction. Plants seek to interact with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Once the fungi and plant roots meet, the fungi penetrate the root cells. From there, they create and establish incredible structures called arbuscules, which were named for their tree-like structures.

“Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are small, they are mighty! One gram of soil can contain between one to 20 meters of hyphae.” – Hayley Crowell, North Carolina State University

Due to their many branches, arbuscules have a high surface area. This allows the fungi to efficiently exchange many different nutrients with the plant.

STRENGTHENING THE DEMAND FOR U.S. POTATOES

PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are known for increasing uptake of phosphorus in the plants they interact with. They can also provide greater uptake of nitrogen, potassium, zinc and more. In exchange, the host plant provides food to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The plant shares products it makes during photosynthesis, like lipids and sugars.

RESEARCH

MARKETING

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi rely on the host plant for life, but it is a small price to pay for the plant to have greater access to essential nutrients.

DIRECTORIES

NEWS AND EVENTS

Find the latest information about the U.S. potato industry and explore a wealth of resources by subscribing to Potatoes USA updates at PotatoesUSAUpdates.com.

Meanwhile, in the soil, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form an extensive network of hyphae. The branched hyphal system acts as an extension of the root system. This provides greater access to nutrients that would have otherwise been out of reach. This longer, extensive hyphal system can reach into soil pores that were previously too small for the root system to explore.

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Although arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are small, they are mighty! One gram of soil can contain between one to 20 meters of hyphae. The microscopic fungi can dramatically improve nutrient uptake for its host plant. It is incredible

continued on pg. 62 DATE:

02.02.22

CLIENT:

POTI

TRIM SIZE:

POTI984 Industry Print Ad WPGVA-CommonTator, March

PREPARED BY:

PUB/ISSUE: FILE TYPE:

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CLIENT ROUND:

FILE NAME:

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INTERNAL ROUND: R1

Approved

BC�T March 61

4.75" x 7.25"

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N/A N/A N/A

There is a Fungus Among Us . . . continued from pg. 61

what these fungi do for plants and, subsequently, humans. ROLE IN AGRICULTURE Many researchers are exploring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi’s role in agriculture. Important crops around the world, such as potato, wheat, rice, corn, cotton and soybean, can form relationships with them. Finding ways to use the fungi’s impressive abilities could enable producers to meet the growing demand for food in an environmentally friendly way. Sometimes referred to as “living fertilizers,” arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have the potential to maintain yield while reducing some need for fertilizer. These fungi boost nutrient and water uptake. They can enhance

soil structure. They even have been shown to improve plant response to stresses, such as soil salinization, heavy metal contamination and extreme temperatures.

Above: On a lab bench is dye, lower left, used to stain root samples collected in the field. Sections of the root samples are then placed on microscope slides, upper right, for analysis. Image courtesy of Hayley Crowell

With the known benefits, it’s no surprise that researchers are looking to further understand how to protect and take advantage of these powerful, ancient fungi to improve crop productivity in degraded soils

and a changing climate. To read more about why soils matter and/or subscribe to the Soils Matter blog, visit https://soilsmatter. wordpress.com.

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Badger Beat

Colorado Potato Beetle May Be Attracted to Smelly Spuds

acid composition. It is known that leaf fatty acid composition can influence growth, taste and even insect defense mechanisms.

Researchers examine fatty acid composition of leaf tissue obtained from eight commercial potato cultivars By Justin Clements1, Benjamin Z. Bradford2, Megan Lipke2, Shelley Jansky3, Jake Olson4 and Russell L. Groves2 University of Idaho, Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology University of Wisconsin (UW) Department of Entomology 3 UW Department of Horticulture 4 UW Department of Animal Science 1 2

The production of commercial potatoes (Solanum

tuberosum) for different market classes is of vital agricultural importance in the United States. For producing chips or fresh-market and processing potatoes, producers rely on different cultivars to meet market and consumer demands. Many cultivars possess distinctive traits that make them either more or less susceptible to disease and insect pressure.

One important and understudied trait that may confer host location preference and population performance includes leaf fatty

In the current investigation, we examined the fatty acid composition of leaf tissue obtained from eight commercial potato cultivars representing different market classes grown in a controlled field study. Let’s first remember that the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a specialist that feeds on only select members of the plant family Solanaceae, including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and other nightshades. Within this family, however, CPB is primarily found attacking cultivated potatoes, and it has been further suggested that CPB may prefer to feed on select potato cultivars (Jansky et al. 1999).

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A potato trait that has been examined in-depth is high glycoalkaloid concentrations. While laboratory and greenhouse examinations have demonstrated beetles prefer to feed on plants with lower glycoalkaloid concentrations, field trials demonstrated no difference among cultivars in terms of host location and feeding preferences (Crossley et al. 2018). BIOLOGICAL FACTORS While potato glycoalkaloid concentration has been examined in depth for CPB cultivar preferences, other biological factors undoubtedly play important roles in host location and cultivar selection. Insects often locate and subsequently determine host plant suitability through a variety of sensory cues such as smell, taste and touch. One cue that insects use involves the interaction with plant volatiles (smell), including those derived from

the oxidation of fatty acids. Plant tissue is composed of a variety of macronutrients that insects acquire through their diet, including essential fatty acids. Insects most often acquire their essential fatty acids from either a plant source (herbivory) or animal tissue (carnivory). Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for most insects, including CPB. Unlike some insects, most beetles are not capable of de novo omega-6 or omega-3 synthesis, and these fatty acids must be obtained from their diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 requirements in CPB have not been previously determined, although earlier experiments have shown their benefit on adult egg laying and longevity. Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily composed of three primary fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and

Above: Adult Colorado potato beetles were observed colonizing cultivars at different levels, which could be divided into three categories representing high, intermediate and low preference.

docosahexaenoic acid), and all are regarded as essential for the biological development and growth of insects. continued on pg. 66

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And finally, the oxidation of fatty acids creates volatile organic compounds (e.g. alcohols, aldehydes, epoxides, hydrocarbons and ketones) which are then emitted as green leaf volatiles (GLVs) by the plant as an insect signaling cue. CULTIVAR SELECTION In experiments conducted at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station

in 2019, we examined differences among cultivars in foliar fatty acid compositions throughout the growing season and whether CPB differentially colonized specific potato cultivars in correlation with these foliar fatty acids. Adult colonization was significantly influenced by potato cultivar (Fig. 1).

Adult beetles were observed colonizing potato cultivars at different levels, which could be divided into three categories representing high, intermediate and low preference. The most heavily colonized cultivars included Red Norland and Pinnacle. Beetles colonized W9576-11Y, Goldrush, Yukon Gold and Atlantic at intermediate levels. Finally, beetles colonized Adirondack Red and Silverton at the lowest level. Fatty acid composition differences observed among cultivars together with differential beetle colonization rates provided interesting clues about linkages between beetle preference and fatty acid composition. We noted a significant correlation between increased omega-3 fatty acid composition and greater mean adult CPB colonization.

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We also noted a significant and corresponding lower mean number of small larvae on plants with high omega-3 concentrations, which corresponds to the end of the first generation, and a non-significant correlation of higher large larvae populations at the same timepoint. This suggests that larvae may develop faster on plants with a higher relative abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acid composition significantly differed between potato cultivars and over time. The highest fatty acid abundance in the potato foliage for all cultivars was omega-3 fatty acids. However, omega-3 fatty acids significantly varied between cultivars and overtime within each cultivar. FATTY ACIDS BY DAY Red Norland had the highest proportion of omega-3 fatty acids at day 15. By day 45, W9576-11Y had the highest relative abundance of omega-3 fatty acids of any cultivar. Omega-6 fatty acid composition was generally inversely correlated

to omega-3 composition, with W9576-11Y having the highest composition of omega-6 fatty acids at day 15 and a relatively low composition of omega-6 fatty acids by day 45. Overall, fatty acid compositions within cultivars changed throughout the growing season. No one cultivar had a higher rate of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid throughout the entire experimental interval.

compositions change over the growing season. We also correlated cultivar fatty acid composition, including high omega-3 levels, to increased feeding preference.

These results suggest that CPB will preferentially colonize potato cultivars.

Unfortunately, the fatty acid analysis performed in this study did not give us total fatty acid mass per leaf mass, so we were unable to determine whether feeding preference and differential larval populations were due to differences in fatty acid composition or to differences in total fatty acid abundance among cultivars.

In addition, we observed that fatty acid composition in potato foliage is significantly different between certain cultivars and further that these

This investigation only examined a limited set of biological factors (fatty acids), and a more comprehensive list of other biological and

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environmental factors should be further investigated to help explain beetle feeding preferences. References Jansky S, Austin-Phillips S, McCarthy C. Colorado potato beetle resistance in somatic hybrids of diploid interspecific Solanum clones. HortScience. 1999 Aug 1;34(5):922-7. Crossley MS, Schoville SD, Haagenson DM, Jansky SH. Plant resistance to Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in diploid f2 families derived from crosses between cultivated and wild potato. Journal of economic entomology. 2018 Aug 3;111(4):1875-84. Right: Figure 1 - Adult Colorado potato beetle colonized potato cultivars differentially, although the number of eggs laid and resulting larval populations did not vary.

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NPC News

Sen. Vilsack Addresses PEI Potato Wart

U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary meets with Canadian delegation On January 27, a delegation from Canada, including Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, met with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in Washington, D.C. to discuss the ongoing challenges with the latest detections of potato wart in Prince Edward Island (PEI) potato fields. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) shut down the export of seed potatoes to other provinces and countries along with the export of all potatoes to the United States. “The National Potato Council was informed that, during the meeting, Sec. Vilsack committed to expeditiously review the disease testing data provided by CFIA and undertake a risk analysis before a decision is made to resume the importation of PEI table stock potatoes to Puerto Rico and the continental United States,” says National Potato Council (NPC) President and Maine potato grower Dominic LaJoie. “We welcome this commitment as a necessary step to safely resuming normal trade with this important partner,” LaJoie adds. DISEASE TESTING PLAN NPC Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles says that, to accomplish the goal of resumed trade, NPC is urging CFIA to

If potato wart were allowed to become established in U.S. potato production areas in the future, the direct costs would likely be more than $300 million annually and billions of dollars more yearly in indirect damage.

institute a comprehensive, transparent disease testing plan that will allow it to identify clean PEI fields for export. “Safe exports must begin with clean fields. Over the past five years, soil testing for potato wart in PEI has dropped substantially, making it difficult to assess the spread of the disease in their production areas,” Quarles notes. “Without reasonable soil testing numbers, it is impossible to know which PEI fields should be cleared for shipment with high confidence that the disease is not present,” Quarles reasons. “When these comprehensive soil tests

are completed and the data is reviewed, we look forward to starting the process to resume PEI potato exports to the United States. NPC thanks Sec. Vilsack, the entire team at USDA and the Canadian authorities for their work to address this serious plant health disease,” Quarles concludes. Potato wart is not present in the United States. If it were allowed to become established in U.S. potato production areas in the future, the direct costs would likely be more than $300 million annually and billions of dollars more yearly in indirect damage.

Supreme Court to hear WOTUS Case The U.S. Supreme Court agreed, January 24, to revisit limitations under the Clean Water Act to determine which wetlands are protected. The issue stems from a case brought forth by Michael and Chantell Sackett, in 2007, after they received local permits to build a house on a vacant lot that they owned. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed that the construction was in violation of the Clean 68 BC�T March

Water Act, as the lot contained wetlands that qualified for protections.

Anthony Kennedy in the 2006 Rapanos v. U.S. case.

This case ultimately raises the question of how courts should determine what constitutes “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), and whether they must have a “continuous surface connection” to regulated waters, as argued by Justice Antonin Scalia, or if the wetlands in question need to be a “significant nexus” to regulated waters, as argued by Justice

The decision to hear the lawsuit coincides with the Biden Administration’s plans to issue a new rule on the Clean Water Act, after reversing Trump-era regulations in November that had limited statute protections from the nation’s wetlands and streams, reducing permit obstacles for builders, oil and gas developers and farmers.

Ali's Kitchen Puff Pastry Tater Tarts: Alliteratively Delicious!

Serve with a green salad, and you have yourself the makings of a fabulous spring brunch Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary The savory pastry is delicious and easy to prepare. Serve it with a green salad, and you have yourself the makings of a fabulous spring brunch! This recipe uses puff pastry. If you’ve never made homemade puff pastry, I assure you that it is much less intimidating than you may be imagining.

I’ve included my go-to recipe here if you’d like to give it a try! If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to use store-bought puff pastry from the freezer section of your grocery store. Just be sure to follow the defrost instructions on the pastry package. continued on pg. 70

INGREDIENTS: Simple Puff Pastry • 1 1/4 cup very cold butter, cut into cubes • 1/2 cup very cold water • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Individual Tater Tarts

*Makes four tarts, but the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crew. • 1 small russet potato • 1 Tbsp. olive oil • 4 slices of bacon • 1/2 medium yellow onion • 4 eggs (plus 1 egg, beaten) • 1 sheet puff pastry • Finely chopped fresh spinach leaves to garnish BC�T March 69

Ali's Kitchen. . .

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continued from pg. 69

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Simple Puff Pastry Directions Using a food processor fitted with the metal blade, add flour and salt, 3/4 cup cold butter and pulse to mix the butter with the flour (about 10 to 12 one-second pulses). Add the remaining cold butter (cubed) and pulse two or three more times to combine. Add the cold water and pulse four or five times just until the dough comes together to form a ball. Do not overprocess. Place your dough on a lightly floured surface and knead approximately 10 times. Sprinkle a bit of flour to the surface of your dough and onto the rolling pin to keep the dough from sticking as you roll it out. Roll the pastry into a rectangle approximately 12x18 inches. Fold the dough in half and then half again and one last time, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before using. Individual Tater Tarts Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Finely dice the onion and bacon, then caramelize them in a little olive oil until bacon is slightly crisp and onion has softened. Drain and set the mixture aside. 70 BC�T March

Slice the potato, being sure to cut wafer-thin slices to ensure they cook properly in the oven. Roll the puff pastry out to a rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches, and cut into four equal rectangles, then cut a border of about 1/2 inch all the way around each rectangle. Place the tarts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave a bit of space between them because they will puff up and spread as they bake. Brush each tart with the beaten egg. Assemble the Tater Tarts: Lay a few slices of potato down and sprinkle some of the chopped onion and bacon onto the pastry, avoiding the border you just cut. Carefully crack an egg into the center of each tart. Place the tarts in the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the egg whites have set. Remove tarts from the oven and garnish with chopped spinach and a sprinkling of salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!

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