Feb. 2020 Badger Common'Tater

$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 72 No. 02 | FEBRUARY 2020

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES & POTATO EXPO COVERAGE ISSUE

YOUNG GROWERS Spread Their Wings

INTERVIEW:

ZACH MYKISEN Big Iron Equipment A new Spudnik 6640 Harvester, available from Big Iron Equipment, is used to dig red potatoes.

BREEDING FOR LATE Blight Resistance ALL BETS WERE ON At Potato Expo 2020 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gives Annual Report

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The scientific explanation.

Calcium is a required element for tuber development.

A calcium deficiency in plants results in dividing cells being unable to stay bound together. This causes poor quality potatoes such as reduced size, growth cracks and hollow heart.

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On the Cover: If only all fall days could see a shiny red Case IH

Magnum TR114 tractor pulling a new Spudnik 6640 Harvester under clear skies! This issue’s interviewee, Zach Mykisen, sales manager of Big Iron Equipment, shared the image of red potatoes being dug on Wysocki Produce Farm in Plainfield, Wisconsin.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: Big Iron Equipment owner, Bill Zelinski (left), inspects a potato sizer with his sales manager—this issue’s interviewee—Zach Mykisen (second from right), an engineer and Chris Poole (right) of Spudnik. Established in 1995, Big Iron Equipment handles new and used agricultural lines for everything from seeding and tillage to grain and livestock handling. Mykisen has worked for the Plover, Wisconsin-based company for eight years.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI'S KITCHEN.................... 61 AUXILIARY NEWS............... 57 BADGER BEAT.................... 28

14 COMPLETE COVERAGE OF POTATO EXPO 2020 Event broke attendance and booth holder records

42 NOW NEWS

John Deere wins two AE50 Awards for LS475 Liquid System & N500C Air Drill

49 NEW PRODUCTS

Lockwood Mobile TANK™ is perfect addition to any pre-storage cleaning system

FEATURE ARTICLES: 22 ANNUAL REPORT of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 59 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6 MARKETPLACE................... 47 NPC NEWS......................... 32 PEOPLE.............................. 34 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6

37 YOUNG GROWERS set out for school and work before returning to the farm

POTATOES USA NEWS........ 51

53 BREEDING FOR LATE BLIGHT can be integral to improved potato production

WPIB FOCUS...................... 48

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BC�T February

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white (transparent) logo WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Wes Meddaugh Vice President: Rod Gumz Secretary: Mike Carter Treasurer: Gary Wysocki Directors: Bill Guenthner, Charlie Mattek, Alex Okray, Eric Schroeder & Eric Wallendal Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Richard Okray Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Andy Diercks, Cliff Gagas, John T. Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Kenton Mehlberg Vice President: Paul Cieslewicz Secretary: Sally Suprise

Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Chris Brooks, Julie Cartwright, Kristi Kulas & Nick Laudenbach Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Dan Kakes Vice President: Jeff Fassbender Secretary/Treasurer: Matt Mattek Directors: Roy Gallenberg & J.D. Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Kathy Bartsch Vice President: Devin Zarda Secretary/Treasurer: Datonn Hanke Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Deniell Bula & Marie Reid

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

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

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

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

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MARK YOUR

Calendar FEBRUARY

19-20

20

24-27

MARCH

3-4

9-12

24

26-27

3/31-4/2

JUNE

16-19

19

JULY

9

14

16

21-23

AUGUST

6-16

INTERNATIONAL CROP EXPO Alerus Center Grand Forks, ND UNITED OF WISCONSIN ANNUAL MEETING Smiley’s Bar & Grill, 10:30 a.m.

Plover, WI POTATO D.C. FLY-IN Capital Hilton Washington, D.C.

6

Sometimes people just need good news.

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING: HACCP Smiley’s Bar & Grill, 8:30 a.m.

Plover, WI POTATOES USA ANNUAL MEETING The Brown Palace Hotel Denver, CO FOOD SAFETY: OPEN FORUM Smiley’s Bar & Grill Plover, WI WPVGA PROMOTIONS RETREAT Kalahari Resort and Convention Center Wisconsin Dells, WI 60th ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association Grounds Oshkosh, WI

Such was the case at Potato Expo 2020 in Las Vegas, January 14-15, which saw a record number of attendees (2,019—one short of the year), booth holders (189) and square footage of exhibit space (90,000-plus sq. ft.).

UNITED FRESH San Diego Convention Center San Diego, CA WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI

Toaspern touted the success of the Potatoes USA “What Are You Eating?” and athletic performance powering campaigns, positioning potatoes as real food that leads to real performance. The campaigns are directed toward competitive athletes and the nutrition influencers they listen to.

Feedback from athletes has been positive, with many consumers excited to learn about the performance benefits of potatoes.

RHINELANDER AG RESEARCH STATION FIELD DAY Rhinelander, WI ASSOCIATE DIV. PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING Bull’s Eye Country Club Wisconsin Rapids, WI HANCOCK AG RESEARCH STATION FIELD DAY Hancock, WI FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Silver Spring Foods, Huntsinger Horseradish Farm Eau Claire, WI WISCONSIN STATE FAIR West Allis, WI

SEPTEMBER

12

Planting Ideas

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

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In addition to being the largest industry event of its kind in North America, Potato Expo is also a platform for Potatoes USA to hold its Winter Meeting and the National Potato Council to conduct an Annual Meeting, as well as for other international industry organizations to have conferences. For complete coverage of Potato Expo, see the related feature in this issue.

It was during the Winter Meeting that Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer John Toaspern (shown above) said that, “For potatoes, we must continue to ‘create a moment of re-evaluation’ where consumers look at potatoes in a whole new way. We must have a broad conversation about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, and this has to be led by ‘influencers.’”

Overall, Toaspern said the demand for U.S. potatoes is growing domestically and internationally, and that value and production are increasing in the United States. Food service sales are increasing as consumers spend more money on food away from home than at home.

Toaspern explained that potatoes are on 83 percent of all restaurant menus. “People can’t get enough French fries,” he said. “People want and are demanding more fries, and potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable.

Americans love potatoes as their number one side dish. There’s a return to comfort food through such items as French fries and mashed potatoes.”

Potatoes USA is changing the way many consumers think about potatoes and increasing potato consumption for athletic performance. Thanks, John, for some good news about U.S. potatoes, and for the work your team does.

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

ZACHARY MYKISEN, sales manager, Big Iron Equipment, Inc.

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

Specializing in implements for the potato farmer, Big

Iron Equipment handles new and used agricultural lines for everything from seeding and tillage to grain and livestock handling.

NAME: Zachary Mykisen TITLE: Sales manager COMPANY: Big Iron Equipment, Inc. LOCATION: Plover, Wisconsin HOMETOWN: Bancroft, Wisconsin TIME IN PRESENT POSITION: 8 years PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Mykisen & Sons Trucking SCHOOLING: Almond-Bancroft High School and Nicolet Technical College ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Bancroft Lions Club and past WPVGA Associate Division Board member FAMILY: Wife, Amy, daughter, Delaney, and twin boys, Vince and Brice HOBBIES: Farming, ice fishing and hunting 8

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Established by Bill and Dianne Zelinski in November of 1995, they purchased a Spudnik dealership located on Maple Drive in Plover, Wisconsin, and have been operating out of that building ever since.

One specialty is cryogenic tempering of metal to prolong its life, provide stress release and stabilization and prevent breakage, all of which helps save maintenance expenses and reduces downtime and waste.

The Zelinskis began by selling only three lines of equipment: Spudnik, Lenco and Thomas.

The Big Iron Equipment crew can service and repair tools and machinery, along with making modifications to existing setups.

“During the November 1, 1995, opening there were only three employees,” notes Zach Mykisen, sales manager for the company.

“Now Big Iron has 11 employees and more than 15 lines of equipment.”

Big Iron Equipment offers sales, service and a well-stocked parts department for all of the company’s lines, plus Noffsinger and Broekema chains, sprockets, bearings, rollers and steel stock.

The company stocks hydraulic hoses and fittings, and carries a large selection of clean, used equipment.

Zach, would you consider Big Iron an implement dealer, a farm machinery dealer, or how do you like to refer to the business? Big Iron is a farm equipment dealership that has a large, well-stocked parts department and an experienced service and fabrication staff.

Above: Zach Mykisen, sales manager for Big Iron Equipment in Plover, Wisconsin, poses in front of potato bins during a farm tour. The tour was part of a 2019 Spudnik Equipment Company/Grimme Group trip in Germany.

Is it still a family business or have the feel of one? I would say it is still very much a family business.

What is your position with the company, and how has it changed over the years? My current position is in sales. When I started, in 2012, I shadowed Bill by learning about the equipment.

Over the years, I have learned a lot and can now call on customers, but the equipment advances and changes every day, so you never stop learning.

I believe Big Iron Equipment handles Lenco, Spudnik, Grimme, Salford, Wil-Rich, Wishek Manufacturing, Great Plains, Demco, Versatile,

FAE, Norwest Tillage and Ashland earthmoving equipment, correct?

And am I missing any companies?

We have recently become a dealer for LS Tractors and Forax. LS tractors supply tractors from 22 horsepower [HP] up to 101 HP. They have over 40 years of tractor manufacturing experience, and we are excited about this new business venture.

Forax specializes in brush-cutting attachment equipment, and we are the exclusive dealer in the United States. Big Iron Equipment also offers forestry mulching.

We are also a manufacturer for custom conveyors and stock a variety

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Above: A new 6160 Spudnik six-row windrower is used in harvesting Creamer potatoes for The Little Potato Company on Sigourney Farms of Coloma, Wisconsin.

of vendors’ sprockets, belting, chain, bearings, hydraulic hoses and fittings, rollers and steel.

Do you carry more inventory of certain manufacturers than others, and if so, what are your biggest sellers and why? From a whole goods perspective, we don’t really stock one line more than the other, but from a parts perspective, we stock more Lenco and Spudnik parts due to the number of units in the area. continued on pg. 10

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9

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

We want to ensure that we can meet the farmers’ demands during planting and harvest with our stock.

What type of equipment do you specialize in (i.e. harvesters, planters, tillage, etc.) We specialize in all equipment needed to grow various crops from start to finish, such as tillage, planting, hilling, spraying, fertilizing, harvesting, storing and transporting.

What does Big Iron Equipment specialize in that other implement dealers don’t? What sets the company apart? I would say our

experienced employees set us apart in custom fabrication and hydraulic repair, and we have a knowledgeable parts department.

Above: Lenco harvesters sold and serviced by Big Iron Equipment are lined up at Wysocki Produce Farm in Bancroft, Wisconsin.

Who are your main customers (potato and vegetable farmers, other farmers, other business owners) and where are most located? Our main customers are potato and vegetable growers mainly located in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. We also do business with a wide variety of specialty farmers.

you the sale. Without a great service department behind the equipment, there is a reluctance to purchase.

How big a role does service play after the sale? Explain. Service gets

How has the business changed since you’ve been there? I feel like we have expanded. We have taken on more lines of equipment and new customers, and we’ve recently expanded our Spudnik sales territory and will be taking on the dealership in Michigan.

continued on pg. 12

Bill Zelinski, owner of Big Iron Equipment, sits at his desk, and the original parts counter is shown, both circa 1995.

10 BC�T February

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 10

Above: Potato planting season at Bula-Gieringer Farms in Coloma, Wisconsin, involves, from left to right, a Spudnik crop cart and planter, and Demco saddle tanks (all sold by Big Iron Equipment), the latter on a John Deere tractor.

Left: (L-R) are Zach Mykisen of Big Iron Equipment, Byron Duffin (Spudnik) and Adam Flyte, Flyte Family Farms, in Denmark during a Spudnik trip.

Is there more of an emphasis on technology, sustainability, service, speed and electronics? Technology is driving the industry. Consumers are always looking for the most efficient way to get the crop in and out of the ground.

Machinery must keep up with the ever-changing advances in GPS (global positioning system), yield monitoring and product updates.

Do you try to help with setup in the field? Explain. Every piece of new equipment is delivered to our shop, put together and run. Bill, I or a service technician is always in the field when the farmer starts using that new piece of equipment to make sure it functions as promised.

Do you spend a lot of your days in the field or delivering equipment, or what is your main role? Most days

during planting and harvest are spent in the fields checking on or helping repair equipment.

After harvest and up until planting, I am trying to sell for the upcoming year. Winter is also a big time for tradeshows, so there is a lot of travel in those months.

What equipment did you guys showcase at the Industry Show

Above: Hugo (left) and Chris Poole (right) of Spudnik watch with Zach Mykisen (center) and Bryan Bula as a new Spudnik Airsep harvester is started up on Gary Bula Farms.

12 BC�T February

Left: Early morning potato harvest in Wisconsin found a Lenco harvester picking up potatoes behind two Spudnik windrowers, the machinery sold and serviced by Big Iron Equipment.

in Stevens Point and why? We showcased a 22-foot Spudnik Bulk Bed inside the show, mainly because we split the booth with Mid-State Truck, and it works well to show the bed mounted on one of their trucks.

Outside, we showcased various tillage equipment and fertilizer spreaders.

What are you most proud of regarding Big Iron Equipment and

your role? Being able to sell Spudnik and Lenco equipment, which are top quality brands in the potato industry.

Spudnik is the leader in innovation, and we are proud to represent them in the Upper Midwest.

How do you see the business evolving or changing in years to come? Hopefully, the industry stays strong and we can continue to expand and service this area for years

Above: A new 6160 Spudnik six-row windrower digs up potatoes on Wysocki Produce Farm.

to come. I see bigger equipment in the future with more elaborate technology.

What are your goals with the company? Success. Keep selling and striving to be a leading resource in the potato/agriculture industry.

Above: Zach Mykisen of Big Iron Equipment checks out a healthy field of soybeans.

BC�T February 13

“All Bets Were On” at Potato Expo 2020

Las Vegas welcomed the most exhibitors and largest crowd in event’s 12-year history

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater It just felt different—a buzz was in the air—and when the final numbers were tallied, the 12th Annual Potato Expo at the Mirage Convention Center in Las Vegas saw a record number of attendees, booth holders and square footage of exhibit space.

Taking place January 14-15, the Potato Expo 2020 recorded 2,019 (one shy of the year) attendees and 189 exhibitors who set up booths and

gathered in 90,000-plus square feet of exhibit hall.

Potato Expo has become highly regarded as not only the largest industry event of its kind in North America, but also a must-attend for potato and vegetable growers, associated companies, journalists, chefs, researchers, associations and professionals.

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14 BC�T February

Above: During the National Potato Council’s Awards Banquet on Thursday, January 16, the day following Potato Expo, outgoing NPC President Larry Alsum (right) enlists assistance from his granddaughter, Madison (left), in drawing a raffle ticket for a prize.

The raffle raised $3,140 that evening, with proceeds going toward the potato industry’s new initiative, LEAF (Leadership Education & Advancement Foundation), formed to develop a future generation of leaders and ensure they can take on tomorrow’s challenges.

The Potatoes USA Winter Meeting and National Potato Council (NPC) Annual Meeting occur each year before and after the show, as well as conferences by several national and international industry organizations.

The event kicked off with a Potato Business Summit held by the United Potato Growers of America, Potato Growers of Canada and the Potato Marketing Association of North

America, with participation from World Potato Markets, the NPC, Potatoes USA and state organizations.

The Potato Business Summit is a comprehensive analysis of the global and North American potato industry, including a world commodity outlook, U.S. consumption trends and a 2020 planting outlook.

United Potato Growers of America President and CEO Mark Klompien said his association “passed the chairmanship gavel,” the previous evening, from Dick Okray of Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wisconsin, to Brian Bushman of J&J Potatoes and Bushman Trucking in Wittenberg, Wisconsin. continued on pg. 16

Left: (L-R) Jeff Sommers and A.J. Bussan of Wysocki Produce Farm, Bancroft, WI, and Richard Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Hancock, WI, attend the Potato Business Summit held on the first day of Potato Expo.

Right: Representing United Potato Growers of America at Potato Expo 2020 are, (L-R) George Martin, Trisha Grezenski and Brian Bushman. It was made public at the show that Brian is the new chairman of United Potato Growers of America.

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Potato Expo 2020 . . . continued from pg. 15

The Potato Expo trade show itself showcases exhibitor booths, “meetup lounges”—an Expo first where attendees network with other business professionals, breakout sessions at the “Innovation Hub,” “Potato Talks,” “Meet the Researchers” sessions and information-packed discussions.

Topics cover everything from soil

As part of breakout sessions on the Potato Expo “Innovation Hub” stage, Wisconsin’s own Paul Bethke (left), research plant physiologist, and Shelley Jansky, research geneticist, both of USDA-ARS, presented a Potato Association of America research discussion: “Are Hybrid Potatoes in Your Future? And Identifying Herbicide Injury in Potato.”

16 BC�T February

health to efficient fertilizers, nutrient management, hybrid potatoes, crop management, technology, satellite imagery, managing weather risks, and food safety and labeling.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS One panel discussion revolved around the question “Where is Society headed with Plastics?” Another continued on pg. 18

Above: Chef Jeff Henderson (far left), creator of Food Network’s reality series “The Chef Jeff Project,” hosted the 5th Annual “Spud Nation Throwdown” cooking competition that requires renowned chefs to innovate using U.S. potatoes. Rahman “Rock” Harper (center, blue shirt) was judged winner of the competition, beating out fellow celebrity chefs Robert “Stew” Stewart (second from right) and Daniel Stramm (second from left).

Lyla Davis (right), of the Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association, acted as “sous chef” in assisting Stewart.

Flipping through pages of the Badger Common’Tater magazine outside of the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth are, from left to right, Javier Cipriano, Mike Barker and Richard Rashke of Okray Family Farms in Plover, WI.

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Potato Expo 2020 . . . continued from pg. 16

Left: Potato Expo keynote speaker Erik Qualman, a technology and digital leadership expert and author of the book Socialnomics, gave a lively and colorful presentation on “The Five Simple Habits of Digital Leaders.”

Right: During keynote speaker Erik Qualman’s presentation on “The Five Simple Habits of Digital Leaders,” he instructed luncheon attendees to stand like a superhero and become empowered. That’s University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson at center, in the red shirt, and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Director of Promotions Dana Rady, front and center.

adopted the premise of “It All Starts with the Seed. Changes Coming to Seed Certification Programs.”

“What the Heck is Going on in D.C.?

A Discussion on National Issues” was an intriguing subject, as was “A Single Software Platform to Boost Your Operation’s Efficiency.”

Potato Expo 2020 served as the ideal platform for the potato industry to Left: Donning “Eat Potatoes, Love Longer” light-up shades, University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson announces a door prize winner at the WSPIA and Wisconsin Chip Committee reception.

18 BC�T February

launch the Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (LEAF) to support leadership development, including the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI).

With the primary goal of LEAF being to develop a future generation of leaders and ensure they can take on tomorrow’s challenges, the foundation got off to a good start with the NPC pledging $100,000 and Potatoes USA committing up to $500,000 in matching funds this fiscal year (between now and June 30).

The National Potato Council also

Dale Nelson (left) of Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems and Randy Fleishauer (right), Plover River Farms, attend the Wisconsin Chip Committee and Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) annual reception in the Mirage Event Center immediately following Potato Expo.

unveiled its new podcast, “Eye on Potatoes,” which provides a platform for potato growers and experts across the country to discuss the latest issues affecting the industry, and for policymakers in Washington to learn about and take up priorities.

The biweekly podcast is hosted

by Lane Nordlund, a professional television and radio agriculture broadcaster, and is available on iApple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Potato Expo keynote speakers included Brett Sciotto, a former U.S.

From left to right, Lisa Runnels and Cathy Schommer of Compeer Financial enjoy a refreshment with Joe Seis, Sterling Farms, at the Wisconsin Chip Committee and WSPIA annual reception.

Army intelligence officer and captain in the 101st Airborne Division. Sciotto described his vision of “The Farmer of the Future” as it relates to food security, low commodity prices, farm consolidation, market share, succession planning, and traceability and accountability, among other subjects.

At Wednesday’s keynote luncheon during Potato Expo, Erik Qualman, a technology and digital leadership expert and author of the book Socialnomics, gave a lively and colorful presentation on “The Five Simple Habits of Digital Leaders.”

SPUD NATION THROWDOWN Chef Jeff Henderson, creator of Food Network’s reality series “The Chef Jeff Project,” host of “Family Style with Jeff” and star of the television series “Flip My Food with Chef Jeff,” hosted the 5th Annual “Spud Nation Throwdown” cooking competition that requires renowned chefs to innovate using U.S. potatoes.

Rahman “Rock” Harper was judged winner of the competition, beating out fellow celebrity chef Robert “Stew” Stewart and Daniel Stramm, a “Chef de Cuisine,” in the Wolfgang Puck school of cooking.

These chefs are no strangers to contests, appearing on “Hell’s Kitchen” on FOX, various cooking shows on the Food Network, Oprah’s OWN and leading national culinary competitions.

Chef Jeff also gave a live interactive cooking performance, Wednesday, continued on pg. 20

Left: Of the 189 exhibitors at Potato Expo 2020 were Volm Companies, La Patate, TriSteel, Logan, Daumer, Fox Solutions and the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth where Tom Bulgrin (left) of Gumz Muck Farms and WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady (right) pose for a picture.

BC�T February 19

Potato Expo 2020 . . . continued from pg. 19

January 15, at Potato Expo, demonstrating how to make his Smokey Warm Vichyssoise Soup with Chives.

After two days of whirlwind activity and a barrage of information and presentations, it was time to relax and unwind with two post-show receptions on Wednesday evening.

The Wisconsin Chip Committee

and Seed Potato Improvement Association held an annual reception in the Mirage Event Center immediately following Potato Expo, with refreshments, door prizes, cheese and sausage appetizers, networking and friendly conversation.

Above: A fitting way to close the recordbreaking Potato Expo 2020 was with an “Elton John & Billy Joel: The Ultimate Tribute Show” in the Mirage Hotel & Casino Grand Ballroom.

University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson once again did the honors of emceeing the

Later, Potato Expo presented an “Elton John & Billy Joel: The Ultimate Tribute Show” in the Mirage Hotel

(L-R) Romain Cools, president of the World Potato Congress, Iris and Jaap Delleman (editor of Potato World Magazine) and Paula Houlihan of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary mugged for the camera at the Wisconsin Chip Committee and WSPIA reception.

20 BC�T February

event and announcing winners of the quality door prizes.

What a beautiful family! Hancock Agricultural Research Station Superintendent Felix Navarro (left) took the opportunity to spend time with his son, Juan (center), and wife, Sonia (right), at the Wisconsin Chip Committee and WSPIA reception.

Larry Alsum (right in each image), outgoing president of the National Potato Council Executive Committee, took the opportunity during the NPC Annual Banquet, January 16, to present President’s Awards to his wife and life partner of 44 years, Paula, and to his friend and dedicated Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director, Tamas Houlihan.

& Casino Grand Ballroom, a night of hit songs, energetic performances, outrageous costumes and true rock ‘n’ roll at its finest, not to mention incredible food and refreshments.

It was truly a spectacular way to close a Potato Expo for the record books.

Don’t miss out on the biggest event of the year—attend Potato Expo 2021, January 6-7, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine Texas.

(L-R) Justin Dagen of Dagen Heritage Farms, Eric Schroeder, Schroeder Bros. Farms, and Ryan Krabill, Ascent Agricultural Insight, LLC, enjoyed the WSPIA and Chip Committee reception.

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BC�T February 21

Annual Report of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

Executive Director Tamas Houlihan breaks down 2019 initiatives, activities and accomplishments

By Tamas Houlihan, WPVGA Executive Director While newly elected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared 2019 as the “Year of Clean Water,” the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) would likely declare 2019 as the year of way too much water.

Challenging weather conditions continued throughout the growing season with below average temperatures in June and July. Very warm overnight temperatures in August made it difficult for the crop to bulk up.

With record levels of precipitation saturating the state, potato and vegetable growers struggled through another challenging growing season.

This was followed by excessive heat and frequent rainfall in September, which delayed harvest. Some growing areas got record rainfall in September, making harvest difficult at best.

The planting season was cold and wet, which put the crop about two weeks behind schedule from the get-go.

In May and June, Wisconsin had several weeks of cloudy, overcast skies that resulted in a low photosynthesis rate and low evapotranspiration, slowing down tuber initiation and early stage tuber bulking.

WORK AROUND THE CLOCK Many growers were forced to dig around low spots in fields. Several heavy rain events during the harvest season and the short window of time remaining before the threat of frost forced some growers to work around the clock to get potatoes out of the ground when conditions were favorable.

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Fortunately, harvest conditions improved in October and temperatures remained above freezing, allowing most of the Wisconsin potato crop to be harvested without heavy losses.

A killing frost did not occur in October this year.

Growers report average to below average yields with a smaller than normal size profile, very good quality with good specific gravity readings and very little hollow heart.

There are some concerns with how the crop will hold up in storage due to the warm, wet weather in September.

But overall, growers are very pleased with the outcome of the 2019 crop considering all the challenges faced.

Despite all the difficulties with the crop, the WPVGA had a very successful year as an organization.

Following are some of the highlights for the industry in 2019: Regulatory Focus Shifts to Water Quality With Mother Nature taking control of the water quantity debate, the regulatory focus shifted to water quality in 2019.

After the Governor declared it the year of clean drinking water, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos created the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality, holding hearings across

all corners of the state to gather information to inform legislation.

The WPVGA’s Governmental Affairs Committee, behind the savvy leadership of Steve Diercks and Mike Carter, was equal to the task.

In addition to providing written testimony, the WPVGA gave a PowerPoint presentation at one of the hearings, highlighting our continued emphasis on water research along with all our conservation efforts and the good agricultural practices employed by potato and vegetable growers.

We will need to remain vigilant on these issues as there will undoubtedly be new regulations on farming related to nitrates, phosphorus and nutrient management in the years to come. continued on pg. 24

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In October, the WPVGA joined forces with Potatoes USA to host a Reverse Trade Mission welcoming 35 international chefs from 14 countries. The group toured the Alsum Farms & Produce packing shed; a harvest operation at Okray Family Farms; and concluded with a dinner program sponsored by the WPVGA featuring a wide range of potato-centric dishes. Matthew Smith (right), human resources and retail sales manager for Alsum Farms & Produce, shows a bag of yellow potatoes to chefs participating in the Reverse Trade Mission.

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Annual Report . . . continued from pg. 23

Seed Industry Grows Stronger with Key Hires In July 2019, the number one goal identified by the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) was achieved with the hiring of Dr. Renee Rioux.

Dr. Rioux joined the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Plant Pathology Department and will conduct research on pathogens critical to the production and trade of certified seed potatoes while serving as the faculty director of the nationally renowned Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program.

The WSPIA was also instrumental in working with the seed certification program to facilitate the hiring of two additional positions critical to the seed potato industry of Wisconsin.

The first was the hiring of Cole

Wisconsin proudly hosted the 2019 National Potato Council Summer Meeting, which included an exceptional all-day farm tour. One memorable stop was at Trembling Prairie Farms, where potatoes, onions and celery (shown) are grown in muck soil before being harvested and packaged.

Lubinski as a part-time seed potato inspector and manager of the Langlade Agricultural Research

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The second was the hiring of Matthew Cogger as the assistant farm manager at the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm in Rhinelander.

Both positions are very important to our membership, especially those involved in certified seed potato production.

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Kudos to the WSPIA Board of Directors and President Dan Kakes, along with several other seed growers and the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, for their work in serving on search and screen committees that were involved in hiring all three of these key positions.

WPVGA Completes Member Development/Leadership Training Program From November 2018 through March 2019, the WPVGA conducted a five-month Member Development/ Leadership Training Program.

The program was designed to prepare members of the WPVGA to be future leaders. It provided them

with the opportunity to learn about and participate in various facets of the industry through exposure to information, resources, activities and networking opportunities.

This program will be highly beneficial, not only to the 25 graduates, but also to the industry. We are helping to educate, train and develop the future leaders of Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable industry.

Many important and complex decisions lie ahead for the industry.

By creating this leadership base today, the industry is investing wisely in its future.

I’m very pleased to report that all 25 participants completed the training and graduated from the program in March of 2019.

Wisconsin Hosts Successful NPC Summer Meeting In July, the WPVGA helped host the

National Potato Council’s Summer Meeting in Wisconsin Dells. NPC President Larry Alsum served as host of this meeting, which also included a festive retirement party for outgoing NPC CEO John Keeling and an exceptional all-day farm tour.

This meeting had outstanding attendance and raised substantial funding for NPC programs, while showcasing the excellence in agriculture and natural beauty that Wisconsin has to offer.

Water Task Force Continues to Make Progress on Water Issues Throughout 2019, the WPVGA Water Task Force (WTF) continued its important work on water issues that affect all members.

Under the leadership of co-Chairs Jeremie Pavelski and Nick Somers, the WTF funded the research of Dr. Ankur Desai of the UW Atmospheric continued on pg. 26

From November 2018 through March 2019, the WPVGA conducted a five-month Member Development/Leadership Training Program that featured, among many activities, a tour of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Storage Research Facility at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station.

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BC�T February 25

Annual Report . . . continued from pg. 25

and Oceanic Sciences Department that uses Eddy Covariance Flux Towers to obtain more accurate measurements of evapotranspiration (ET)—a fancy term for crop water use.

the Wisconsin Wetlands Association in obtaining a $300,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will further the efforts of the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project.

This state-of-the-art technology will go a long way toward finetuning the irrigation management practices of potato and vegetable growers, ultimately resulting in water conservation and improved nutrient management.

Our industry is currently facing serious challenges in the areas of water quantity and quality. This project is a shining example of how collaboration can be more effective than regulation.

This research also looks at the ET of a pine forest in comparison to irrigated vegetable fields. Two years of study show that trees do indeed use more water than irrigated vegetables—a claim that growers have made for many years and is now verified by science.

The WTF also worked closely with

The EPA grant will be used to demonstrate how the Little Plover River project brought many stakeholders with varied interests together to voluntarily find solutions to complex and sometimes difficult situations.

The grant will also be used to show how this can be accomplished to improve other watersheds

in the state.

Wisconsin Hosts Potatoes USA Reverse Trade Mission with International Chefs In October, the WPVGA joined forces with Potatoes USA to host a Reverse Trade Mission featuring 35 international chefs from 14 countries.

The group toured the Alsum Farms & Produce packing shed; a harvest operation at Okray Family Farms; and concluded with a dinner program sponsored by the WPVGA featuring a wide range of potato-centric dishes.

This was the first time Wisconsin was chosen as the host state for an international trade mission, and it proved to be very successful.

Core Programs Continue Success In addition to all the highlights

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previously mentioned, the WPVGA continues to excel in the execution of our core programs in the areas of research, education and promotion.

We continue to work closely with our excellent potato research team and our Associate Division to coordinate the Annual Grower Education Conference & Industry Show.

We carry on funding over $370,000 in annual research projects and conduct potato field days in three locations.

WPVGA Board of Directors led by President Wes Meddaugh along with a well-run network of committees.

We are also fortunate to have an extremely talented and hardworking WPVGA staff, anchored by Financial Officer Karen Rasmussen and Executive Assistant Julie Braun.

They are a dedicated team and they form the foundation of this

organization’s success.

In closing, I would like to once again thank all the members of the WPVGA. As this organization moves into its 72nd year of existence, I vow to do my best to lead our Association into the future with 20-20 vision.

Sincerely,

Tamas Houlihan Executive Director, WPVGA

The Promotions Committee, led

by Chair Christine Lindner and WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady, continues to raise the bar with consistent messaging of the Spudmobile and the expansion of the Healthy Grown Program, while also working toward the next big project (stay tuned for that).

WPVGA Managing Editor Joe Kertzman keeps the industry well-informed by consistently producing the outstanding Badger Common’Tater magazine.

It should also be mentioned that the SpudPro Committee, led by Dr. Jeff Endelman and Mike Copas, named a new potato variety in 2019: Plover Russet, a medium-to-early-maturing variety with a high percentage of U.S. #1 tubers.

STATE REPRESENTATION Wisconsin also had excellent representation on national industry organizations in 2019, with Larry Alsum serving as the president of the National Potato Council.

There were two Wisconsin representatives on the Potatoes USA Executive Committee in 2019: Heidi Randall and Eric Schroeder, while Mark Finnessy served on the Potatoes USA Administrative Committee.

Also, in 2019, Dick Okray served as chairman of the United Potato Growers of America.

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BC�T February 27

Badger Beat Connecting Soil Health and Potato Health

Study seeks to determine what healthy soil looks like in U.S. potato production systems

By Michelle Marks, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, and Matt Ruark, UW-Madison Department of Soil Science

Soil health. It’s one of the

biggest buzzwords in agriculture, as well as a popular selling point for a myriad of products claiming to restore, enhance and improve the quality of agricultural soils.

But what exactly is meant by soil health, and how does our understanding of this concept translate to agricultural practice?

One national effort is seeking to shed more light on the answers to these and other questions in potato production systems.

Initiated in September of 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI) is focused on exploring what healthy soil looks like in potato production systems across the United States, and what practices might be employed to enhance soil health and improve yields (Figure 1).

Formally titled “Enhancing Soil Health in U.S. Potato Production Systems,”

the project will establish physical, chemical and biological indicators of soil health for sustainable potato production in the long-term.

Particularly, this project looks at soil health through the lens of disease management, incorporating measurements of soil-borne disease incidence and severity and their effects on yield into evaluations of soil health.

By bringing together soil scientists, agronomists, plant pathologists and agricultural economists, we are considering the topic of soil health from multiple perspectives.

Collectively, over 24 researchers and collaborators from 10 states are participating in the project, with representatives from Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana.

The four main project objectives each seek to increase our understanding

Figure 1. Detailed information related to the Potato Soil Health Project can be found at https://potatosoilhealth.cfans.umn.edu/.

of how inherent soil properties and long-term soil management influence soil health in potato production systems, as well as to connect detailed measurements of soil biology to potato yield and quality.

TRIALS & SURVEYS The first two components of the project include establishing long-term plot trials and on-farm surveys to learn more about the relationships among soil properties, soil biology and potato yield.

The long-term trials are specifically interested in enhancing potato health, productivity and quality via management-based optimization of soil microbiomes and physicochemical characteristics.

It is possible there are management practices that lead to optimized microbiomes or soil characteristics

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that then translate to improved potato health and quality.

The long-term trials are established in all participating states, leading to the creation of a national database that can connect soil building practices such as cover crops, green manures, animal manures and microbial amendments with changes in the soil microbiome, improvements in potato plant health and the need for fumigation.

On-farm research is focused on using individual farm fields as their own long-term project (with their own management histories) and assessing in-field variation in soil health and potato yield (Figure 2).

We are seeking to answer the question of how soil health varies among regions, among fields and within fields, and what accounts for that variation.

Also, on-farm sampling in fields with diverse management and yield histories will combine soil characteristic data with plant health data to generate maps that can help identify where plant protection is most needed.

We will also gain increased understanding of how soil characteristics, including the soil microbiomes, spatially vary over an entire field.

Agricultural economists and sociologists will be seeking to identify the incentives, impediments and determinants of adopting practices and technologies that improve soil health in potato production.

ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES By examining alternative soil health building practices from an economic perspective (which includes allowances for risk and producer preferences), we can critically evaluate the economic consequences, risks and benefits associated with various practices to enhance soil health. continued on pg. 30 BC�T February 29

Badger Beat. . .

continued from pg. 29

Practices identified in other objectives of the project will be evaluated for cost effectiveness and rate of return and compared to current standard practices.

Grower decision making trends and risk aversion will be assessed using surveys, and this data will be synthesized with project findings to identify soil health best management

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Figure 2. A potato field near Coloma, Wisconsin, was part of the 2019 on-farm sampling project.

practices most likely to demonstrate success and be adopted.

The final objective, to facilitate the adoption of soil health best management practice systems by the potato industry, or the extension arm of the project, is led by the soil health team at the University of WisconsinMadison.

Our goals are to disseminate the research results of the project, support the general education of the farming community in each state, develop regional educational materials and promote farmer-tofarmer education.

On-farm case studies demonstrate the feasibility of changing management practices and potential trade-offs in doing so.

During this past year, our efforts have been focused on aggregating and organizing existing information pertaining to potato soil health and soil-borne disease management to establish the state of research in this topic area, identify knowledge gaps

and facilitate the development of new materials.

during the next three years of the project.

In addition to supporting extension efforts regarding potato soil health at the state level, a major project output will be the development of regionally specific potato soil health manuals.

We hope to regularly check in with the growing community throughout the course of the project, so stay tuned for updates and additional surveys throughout the coming months and years.

Extension specialists representing the two major potato production regions, the Upper Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, will be working closely together to develop these documents.

In addition, we welcome any input or feedback from the Wisconsin potato community on the project.

ESTABLISHING GROUNDWORK To establish some groundwork and common vocabulary, the Midwest team is currently focused on publishing a series of factsheets covering several basic concepts related to the project, such as overviews of microbiomes, cover crops, bio fumigation and other topics.

Current efforts are also focused on learning how the potato community prefers to receive information, and what type of potato soil healthrelated information they may be interested in.

We will be developing a survey for growers, producers, industry representatives, etc. to collect this information, with plans to disseminate the survey at many of the major potato-related meetings coming up this winter and spring in collaborating states.

This information will further help us tailor our extension programming

Additional updates and goings-on can be found on the project Twitter page, https://twitter.com/SpudSoilHealth.

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From there, we will shift to the “how to” of potato soil health best management practices, formulating deeper dives into topic areas such as using cover crops or microbial amendments to enhance soil health and reduce disease.

Content from both document types, as well as additional information and project findings, will be utilized in the creation of the soil health manuals.

Information about the potato soil health project, including experimental plans and sampling protocols, presentations and extension documentation can be found at our project website, https:// potatosoilhealth.cfans.umn.edu/.

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NPC News Potato Growers Select 2020 NPC Leadership Raybould elected National Potato Council’s first female president On January 16, at the National Potato Council’s (NPC) 2020 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Britt Raybould of Rexburg, Idaho, was elected to serve as NPC’s 2020 President and to lead the council’s Executive Committee.

Raybould serves as chief financial officer of Raybould Brothers Farm.

She previously served the NPC Board as First Vice President and Vice President of the Legislative and

N V S

She is the third generation of the Raybould family to serve as NPC President and the first female president in NPC’s 72-year history.

As president, Raybould will host the 2020 NPC Summer Meeting in Boise, Idaho, June 24-26. The Executive Committee holds office for one calendar year.

NPC delegates also approved:

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• Dominic LaJoie of Van Buren, Maine, as First Vice President and Vice President of the Environmental Affairs Committee • R.J. Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, as Vice President of the Legislative Affairs Committee • Jared Balcom of Pasco, Washington, as Vice President of the Trade Affairs Committee • Bob Mattive of Monte Vista, Colorado, as Vice President of the Finance and Office Procedures Committee • Ted Tschirky of Pasco, Washington, as Vice President of the Grower Outreach and Industry Research Committee The 2019 President, Larry Alsum of Friesland, Wisconsin, will continue to serve on the Executive Committee as the Immediate Past President.

The 2020 Executive Committee will meet at the Potato D.C. Fly-In, February 24-27, in Washington, D.C., to continue their work for the industry.

Above: The 2020 National Potato Council Executive Committee is, from left to right, R.J. Andrus, Jared Balcom, Bob Mattive, Britt Raybould, Dominic LaJoie, Ted Tschirky and Larry Alsum (immediate past president).

This includes leading more than 150 growers and industry partners to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress, staff and key administration officials to communicate industry priorities.

Policy issues to be addressed this

year include trade, agriculture labor reform, nutrition, access to crop protection tools and research for potatoes.

The National Potato Council represents the interests of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative,

regulatory, environmental and trade issues. The value of U.S. potato production is over $3.7 billion annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly.

NPC Welcomes Phase One Agreement Industry hopes signing brings new export opportunity to China On January 15, the National Potato Council welcomed the signing of the Phase One Agreement reached between the United States and China

by President Donald J. Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at the White House.

The agreement is expected to reduce tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of American farm, energy and manufactured goods.

“The U.S. potato industry welcomes the signing of this Phase One

Agreement and hopes it will bring new opportunities for the export of United States fresh and processed potatoes to China,” says Larry Alsum, immediate past president of the National Potato Council.

The U.S. potato industry comprises a total annual value of $3.7 billion and exports 20 percent of its overall crop to international markets.

China is currently a top 10 export market for potatoes, primarily in processed products. With a

combination of competitive tariffs and enhanced market access, China could become a top five market in the future.

“This signing, coming on the heels of the new Japan Free Trade Agreement and the anticipated ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, creates trade momentum for our industry and sets the stage for future increased market access that may result in substantial gains for U.S. growers,” says Jared Balcom, NPC vice president of trade affairs.

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People

Andrew Selenske Passes Away Pioneer contributed to the growth of the Wisconsin potato industry Andrew H. Selenske of Wisconsin Rapids died Friday, November 29, 2019, at the Wisconsin Rapids Care Center. Age 79, Andrew was born November 19, 1940, in the Town of Antigo to Peter and Louise (Boelter) Selenske. He grew up on a dairy farm on the Antigo Flats.

Andrew married Theresa Bricco on March 17, 1973, in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Andrew was a pioneer in contributing to the growth of the Wisconsin potato industry, and for many years, he owned and operated his own potato business.

During that time, Andrew was also a volunteer mediator for farm families facing financial difficulties.

After moving to Wisconsin Rapids, he became self employed as a real estate broker. Andrew was a devoted member of the Sacred Heart/St. Alexander Knights of Columbus, as well as a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his family. Andrew was a loving husband to his surviving wife and a devoted father of four children, Laura (Steven) Kaul of Bear Valley, David (Silvia) Selenske of Milton, Diane (David) Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Nicole (Rafal) Gorski of Fox Island, Washington; a son-inlaw, Charles Schroeder of Oshkosh; 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Andrew Selenske 1940 – 2019

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He is also survived by three brothers, Ronald Selenske of Coloma, Robert (Cindy) Selenske of Westfield and William Selenske; and three sisters, Jean Harbor of Neenah, Bonnie Rasmussen of Antigo and Betty Hetto

of Antigo. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Schroeder, and two brothers, Richard and Charles Selenske.

A private memorial service was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in

Nekoosa. Rev. John Swing officiated.

Burial took place at St. James Cemetery in White Lake, Wisconsin.

Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home assisted the family.

AbbyBank Announces Board Appointment AbbyBank welcomes new member, Patrick Trinko, to its Board of Directors. Patrick graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from GMI Engineering & Management Institute in Michigan. He also completed PreMed at the University of WisconsinEau Claire.

Patrick’s family owns and operates Shawano Ambulance, which maintains five ambulances and has a station that is staffed 365 days a year and serves nine townships, three villages and the City of Shawano.

Patrick comes to AbbyBank as an accomplished business leader and immense community supporter.

He is currently the President of the Shawano County EMS Association; a member of the ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano Trauma Committee; Northeast and Northcentral Wisconsin Technical College EMS Advisory Committees; Bellin Memorial Hospital Chest Pain Committee and the Stroke

Committee; Shawano Community School District Safety Committee and President of the Vilas County Improvement Company Board of Directors.

Patrick was a director for State Bank until October 2019, when the transaction was completed with AbbyBank.

When Patrick is not working or volunteering, you will find him spending time with his wife, Liz, and his children, McKenzie and Parker.

Like many in Wisconsin, he enjoys outdoor activities like snowmobiling, boating and hunting.

“We are very pleased to have Patrick join the AbbyBank Board of Directors.

We are confident that Patrick’s knowledge of Shawano and Gresham markets will enable us to effectively serve our growing customers base,” states Craig Stuedemann, CEO of AbbyBank.

AbbyBank is an independent, community-owned bank with

Patrick Trinko joins the AbbyBank Board of Directors.

assets of $545 million, serving our customers and shareholders with offices in Abbotsford, Appleton, Gresham, Medford, Shawano, Wausau and Weston. continued on pg. 36

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People. . .

continued from pg. 35

Paschke to Serve as Promotions Director The Minnesota Certified Seed Potato Growers Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Perry Paschke to serve as promotions director for the group, reports President Randy Schmidt.

A native of Oslo, Minnesota, Perry began his career in the potato industry as a teenager employed by the renowned seed grower, Earl Mallinger.

From there, Perry spent 30 years serving the industry as a Minnesota Department of Agriculture potato inspector doing field inspections during the summer and shipping point inspections during the winter and spring months.

He also played a key role in the

post-harvest grow out operations in Florida and Hawaii. He retired from the department in 2016.

Minnesota certified seed potato growers have been supplying highquality seed distributed throughout North America and the world for over 100 years.

In 2019, growers certified over 75 different varieties. A complete list of the varieties can be found at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.

Perry has institutional knowledge of the industry. Look for him at your favorite potato trade show this winter!

Perry Paschke will serve as promotions director for the Minnesota Certified Seed Potato Growers Association.

The Hancock Agricultural Research Station wishes you a great 2019 crop and storage year!

Also, a big Thank You!

Hancock Ag Research Station N3909 County Rd. V, Hancock, WI 54943 Tel. (715) 249-5961 Email: hancock@cals.wisc.edu

We want to thank many businesses and individuals who in 2019 contributed time and resources for the success of our research and outreach activities. We are thankful for your generosity as you help us sustain our research farm and Storage Facility activities. Among these are: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

36 BC�T February

AgRay Inc. AMVAC Chemical Corp.

Bacon Construction Bayer Coloma Farms Case IH Program Farmers Implement LLC Gramma Miller’s Granny’s Greenery Heartland Farms McCain Foods MWFPA Medius Ag Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Nutrient Ag Solutions Paul Miller Farm Potatoes USA Roberts Irrigation Syngenta Vantage North Central Waushara County Master Gardeners Willis Family WPVGA WVPGA Associate Division

Young Growers Encouraged to Spread Their Wings Leaving the potato farm for school or work and eventually returning has its benefits

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Does absence from the potato farm make the heart grow fonder?

In talking to young potato and vegetable growers, most were encouraged to find their own paths before deciding on a career in farming.

Like the proverbial mother bird pushing her chick from the nest to fly, 20-to-30-something potato growers say their parents encouraged them to work off the farm or attend college or tech school before making any life decisions.

“I wasn’t required, but strongly encouraged to explore options in schooling after high school, in any Above: Wendy Dykstra, chief operating officer of logistics and maintenance for Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin, says, though she is happy she came back to the farm, she’s also thankful that her mom and dad recognized there are valuable lessons to be learned outside of a family business.

field I desired,” says Curtis Gagas of Gagas Farms in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

“I knew I’d probably stay on the farm, so I looked into tech school programs, but ended up going with a UW-Madison [Farm & Industry] Short Course.”

Gagas, who holds a certificate in crop and soil sciences, says, “I’m glad I attended school and went with the short course. They offer one- or two-

year programs that run from late November through March.”

“It works out excellent for kids who want to go to school and continue working on the farm,” he explains.

“Getting a taste of college life is also an interesting, fun experience.”

Though Gagas recognizes the benefits of having kids work off the farm for a period of time, like learning responsibilities such as being on continued on pg. 38

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Young Growers Encouraged to Spread Their Wings. . . continued from pg. 37

time, gaining a work ethic, following orders from supervisors and practicing time management, he also points to downsides.

“On the other hand, I feel these core

responsibilities are already ingrained in farm kids,” he says. “Companies know that farm kids can work and are probably some of the best employees they’ll come across.”

COMPETING OFFERS “So, when the time comes for the kids to leave the farm, the family may have a hard time competing with wages and benefits they can receive elsewhere,” he proposes.

“Also, you are constantly learning about farming, at any age in your life, just by farming,” Gagas points out. “Any time away from the farm, you may be missing out on lessons needed in the future.”

Daughter of Larry Alsum, Wendy Dykstra received a Master of Professional Accountancy degree from the University of WisconsinWhitewater. She serves as chief operating officer of logistics and maintenance for Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin.

“I oversee our logistics and Left: J.D. Schroeder (top center) of Schroeder Brothers Farms in Antigo, Wisconsin, says his parents expected the kids to go to college, and then left the choice of returning to the farm up to them. J.D. is shown in the tractor during potato hilling with his wife, Hannah, their son, John Winston (left), and daughter, Ellie (in Mom’s arms).

Right: Curtis Gagas, who holds a certificate in crop and soil sciences, says he wasn’t required, but strongly encouraged by his parents to explore options in schooling after high school, in any field he desired.

38 BC�T February

maintenance teams, continue to work closely with the accounting team and work with the Alsum leadership team to strategically guide the business forward,” she says.

“I feel so blessed to be working alongside my dad and sister [Heidi Alsum-Randall] and so many other great people within the Alsum companies,” Dykstra remarks. “It is rewarding to be part of this incredible industry with so many hard-working individuals who grow and supply nutritious potatoes.”

Dykstra didn’t always work for Alsum Farms & Produce. Her education helped her land an internship and eventual full-time position as an auditor for Grant Thornton LLP, a large accounting and advisory firm.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with and see inside operations from clients across a number of industries,” she says.

20-02 Badger Common'Tater .5page “I do agree with, and strongly

Above: Alex Okray (left), chief financial officer of Okray Family Farms, says he gained a lot by moving away from home for a few years and being off on his own. He’s shown sharing information about his family’s potato operation with Jeff Endelman (right), who leads the potato variety development program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

encourage, getting experience outside of the family business.”

Dykstra worked in the Alsum Farms 1 2020-01-07 11:03 & Produce packing shed and later

AD (7x5).v1.outlines.pdf

helped in the office during high school and college.

AM

“Growing up, my parents always continued on pg. 40

BC�T February 39

Young Growers Encouraged to Spread Their Wings. . . continued from pg. 39

encouraged me to do my best, apply myself in school and find a job one day that I would enjoy and be passionate about,” she relates.

LESSONS TO LEARN “Both of my parents went to college, so it seemed natural for me to plan for, but I was also encouraged,” Dykstra says. “I am thankful my dad recognized there are valuable lessons to be learned outside of a family business.”

J.D. Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms in Antigo, Wisconsin, says his parents expected the kids to go to college, and then left the choice of returning to the farm up to them.

Schroeder is not completely sold on the idea of college being for everyone, even though he is on the Antigo School Board. He cites a book he recently read titled Case Against Education, by Bryan Caplan, a professor of economics at George Mason University.

Caplan argues that students are right when they think about school, “When am I going to use this?” He suggests education is 80 percent signaling and 20 human capital, the human capital being useful things they learn in school, like reading and basic math.

“Much of the rest of what we learn is not useful,” J.D. says, quoting the book. “When we get nonprofessional degrees, we are signaling to employers our intelligence, conformity and how hard we work, along with our attention to detail.”

“However, if you really want to be good at something, you have to know a lot about the field [domain knowledge],” Schroeder says, explaining the author’s viewpoint.

“With that said, I loved school,” he remarks. “College and law school were much more enjoyable than high school.”

From the University of WisconsinMadison, Schroeder holds an 40 BC�T February

Potatoes are harvested, in 2019, at Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wisconsin.

agriculture business management degree, a political science degree and a certificate in business. He also has a law degree from the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. “I practiced law full-time for two years prior to coming back to the farm, and I use that law degree occasionally on the farm, but I am happier to avoid any situations that would require it,” he says.

PRACTICAL COURSE STUDIES Schroeder errs on the side of practicality. “If I could do it again, and I knew I was coming back to the farm, I would have taken some welding classes in high school or electrical, robotics or truck repair classes,” he states.

“I would have reduced my choir and foreign language classes down to the minimum college acceptance criteria, and maybe picked up an agronomy major at Madison at the same time,”

Schroeder remarks.

“My cousin, Luke, spent his first year at UW-La Crosse and then transferred to the short course at UW-Madison to learn more specific farming skills,” he relates.

“He could work during planting and harvest while going to school,” Schroeder says. “That seems like a smart choice when he knows he wants to farm, and he is increasing that domain knowledge.”

Schroeder stresses that growers learn a lot of background knowledge and practical skills on the job. “I have learned a ton from my family members, our great employees and the UW extension specialists, and I am still learning from them every day,” he says.

Going to college after graduation is something Alex Okray of Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wisconsin, always

wanted to do. There was no push from his parents, though they were supportive and happy he wanted to continue his education.

isn’t always fun, but I’m aware that there are certain benefits that come along with working for your family’s business,” he states.

“As far as returning to the farm, they encouraged me to join the business, but I never felt forced into it,” Okray says.

Dykstra says she looks at her college degree as helping to lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning she’s yet to achieve.

“My parents wanted me to do whatever I wanted in my life, but they also wanted to make sure I knew that the farm was a very special and rare opportunity that not many people get,” he remarks.

Though Okray recognizes higher education as a great path, he indicates having no problem with someone choosing to go straight into the family business, “as long as they have the right attitude.”

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY “Treat it as you would any other job,” he suggests. “Work hard, hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for what needs to be done.”

“I’m glad I chose to go to school before working for the farm,” says Okray, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. “I really feel like I gained a lot by moving away from home for a few years and being off on my own.”

Okray currently takes care of the company financials and human resources, areas that align with what he studied in college, and says he enjoys those parts of the business.

“Of course, being a family member, I try to get involved in everything that’s going on. Anyone who works for their family business needs to know how the whole operation works,” he says.

Outside of his main job responsibilities, Okray spends time working in the packing shed, driving potato trucks, listening in on sales calls and discussing strategies with the managers and owners.

“I am happy that I decided to work for the farm. It’s a job, and the work

and friends,” she says.

“I feel the degree I earned was just an intro to farming,” Gagas concurs.

“You learn everyday being in the fields, much better than you do by textbook and pictures.”’

“I don’t regret going to school, but the best education is on-the-job experience, in my opinion,” he adds, “and that goes for any profession.

Nobody will ever stop learning.”

“We all have so many opportunities to learn everyday through school, onthe-job training, colleagues, family

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Now News Valley Irrigation Receives VRI Patent Technology uses algorithms to determine in-field sprinkler locations Valley® Irrigation, a Valmont® company, is pleased to announce that it has recently received a patent for a new and better way for growers to implement Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI).

invented the technology, which is an innovative way of translating a Variable Rate Irrigation prescription into control commands used to operate the VRI valves on the center pivot.

Patent no. 10,440,905, a “System and Method for Irrigation Management using VRI Ray Casting Algorithms within Irrigation Machine Workflows,” covers the use of ray casting algorithms to determine the locations of sprinklers in relation to one or more management zones within the field.

The invention makes it easier and faster for growers to manage their irrigation in response to the varying needs of the crop. As the inventor, Fischman received a plaque and a monetary award.

Valley Senior Irrigation Product Application Specialist Kevin Fischman

“The numerous patents Valley receives are additional evidence that the company is the irrigation technology leader,” says Senior Director, Innovation & Intellectual

Property, John Kastl. “We are dedicated to advancing the science of precision irrigation and to delivering new, better solutions to help growers be more efficient.”

About Valley Irrigation Valley Irrigation founded the center pivot irrigation industry in 1954, and the brand is a worldwide leader in sales, service, quality and innovation.

With historical sales of more than 250,000 center pivots and linears, Valmont-built equipment annually irrigates approximately 25 million acres around the world. Valley Irrigation remains dedicated to providing innovative, precision irrigation solutions now and into the future. For more information, please visit www.valleyirrigation.com.

SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group.

42 BC�T February

Celebrate 10 Years of Baby Potato Innovation Bite-size potato category leader launches “My Tasteful Selections” campaign Welcome to 2020! The Tasteful Selections team is excited to share milestone news with retail and foodservice customers as well as consumers everywhere.

Tasteful Selections is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! Through positive partnerships, dedication and hard work, Tasteful Selections has evolved to its market-leading position as a grower and domestic and international supplier of baby potatoes.

Over the next nine months, consumers can join the celebration as Tasteful Selections revisits and celebrates each year of growth. The Tasteful Selections team will provide the inside scoop of the Tasteful Selections journey through personal stories, prizes and a special “10th Day Giveaway.”

In the first month of the celebration,

Tasteful Selection reflected on the partnerships that helped the company become what it is today.

Throughout the 10-year campaign celebration, consumers have multiple chances to win bite-size potatoes and prizes!

In the first month, consumers could win an electronic fondue set to share with friends, an oil and vinegar infusion set to pair with their potatoes and an herb scissor set for any occasion.

INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY Tasteful Selections will also be launching the “10th-day Instagram Giveaway,” giving away free potatoes on the 10th of every month.

“As partners, we share the same goal of delivering our customers the freshest, highest quality bitesize potatoes through year-round production,” says Bob Bender,

president and general manager of Tasteful Selections.

“Over the last 10 years, we have been fortunate enough to build the best team of individuals in the industry to help us carry out this challenge. We care deeply about the product you put on the table and we want it to be a positive and flavorful experience each and every time,” Bender remarks.

In line with the partnership theme, Tasteful Selections will be working with a new partner in the kitchen—Michelle Smith from “The Whole Smiths.” Michelle joins the celebration by creating a new bitesize potato recipe for all to enjoy.

Help Tasteful Selections Celebrate 10 years by visiting TastefulSelections. com for details.

continued on pg. 44 BC�T February 43

Now News. . .

continued from pg. 43

Krisztina Dommer

Mary Horton

Melissa Olsen

KerberRose Announces New Shareholders KerberRose is pleased to announce several new Shareholders, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

members and clients,” Dommer adds.

“I am thrilled for this next chapter in my professional career!”

New Shareholders are: Krisztina Dommer, CPA, governmental accounting and auditing; Mary Horton, CPA, small business and individual tax and accounting; Melissa Olsen, PHR/SHRM-CP, human resources; Greg Pitel, CPA, state and local government auditing; Anthony Powers, AIF/CFP/CRPS, wealth management; and Mike Stratman, CPA, tax and business advising.

Mary Horton, CPA, will be promoted to shareholder from senior manager in the Sister Bay location. Horton specializes in providing tax and accounting services for small businesses and individuals and has been part of the KerberRose team for 10 years.

Krisztina Dommer, CPA, will transition from senior manager in the Shawano office to shareholder. Dommer has more than 15 years of governmental accounting and auditing experience and has been with KerberRose for one year.

Dommer credits her decision to partner with KerberRose to the company’s culture. “KerberRose’s culture and core values mirror my personal values, making this opportunity a good match,” she says.

“I am committed to ensuring the core values of KerberRose are upheld as I interact with all KerberRose team 44 BC�T February

“KerberRose’s family-like culture and team environment make my partnership with the firm feel like home,” Horton says. “In my years with KerberRose, I have been given the opportunity to increase my involvement in my community, which I have found very rewarding.”

“As a member of the KerberRose team, I have been given the ability to learn and grow professionally in many ways,” she adds.

EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES Previously the human resources manager of KerberRose, Melissa Olsen, PHR/SHRM-CP, will become shareholder-in-charge of human resources.

During her five years with KerberRose, Olsen has empowered employees to rise within their profession and engage in company culture, while also providing human resource-focused consulting services to local businesses.

Olsen views the inclusion of a human resources professional on the shareholder team as “a testament to KerberRose’s commitment to firm culture and employee experience.”

“KerberRose strives to create a work environment of open communication, support and trust, a place where teamwork is encouraged, hard work rewarded and every employee makes a difference,” Olsen comments on KerberRose’s culture.

Also joining KerberRose as a shareholder in Shawano is Greg Pitel, CPA. Pitel has 15 years of state and local government audit and advisory experience and specializes in providing services to governmental entities.

“I am excited to join KerberRose, as our commitment to people, both within our firm and in our client relationships, aligns with what

Greg Pitel

Anthony Powers

Mike Stratman

I believe is a recipe for success,” Pitel says.

years, Stratman has worked in public accounting for more than 20 years.

Anthony Powers, AIF/CFP/CRPS, president of KerberRose Wealth Management, will also become a shareholder. Powers has more than 20 years of experience in finance and tax and has a long relationship with the firm.

Throughout his career, Stratman says he has enjoyed his opportunity to work with closely held businesses from a variety of industries as a consultant on tax, accounting, payroll and business planning.

advisor, combining the expertise of a leading regional firm with the convenience, familiarity and passion of a local provider.

He relates, “Something unique is that I started working for the firm when I was seven or eight years old.

I cleaned the Shawano office in high school and worked for the firm doing tax preparation after college.”

SERVING CLIENTS “I chose to partner with KerberRose because I believe that investments and taxes can’t be looked at individually and clients are best served coordinating their investment and tax strategies,” Powers notes.

“An investment firm partnering with an accounting firm allows experts from both aspects of a client’s financial life to work together, which makes their life easier,” Powers says.

Lastly, Mike Stratman, CPA, will transition from his current position as senior manager in Green Bay to shareholder. A member of the KerberRose team for the last three

continued on pg. 46

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Now News. . .

continued from pg. 45

John Deere Earns Pair of AE50 Awards Winning products are recognized for ingenuity in development John Deere was recently presented with two AE50 Awards for outstanding innovations that improve production agriculture.

Every year, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) recognizes the 50 most innovative product-engineering designs in the food and agriculture industry with its AE50 Awards, as chosen by international engineering experts.

Winning products are recognized for ingenuity in product development, and for saving producers time, costs and labor while improving safety.

director of production and precision agriculture for John Deere.

“No one in the industry invests more in research and development than John Deere, and we remain committed to that strategy,” Dawson adds. “Our engineers take great pride in creating new technology and products to benefit our customers.”

Introduced last fall, the LS475 is a liquid application system option for John Deere’s F4365 High-Capacity Nutrient Applicator.

• N500C Series Air Drill

The high-capacity liquid application system is purpose-built for ag service providers and large-acre producers who want application rate-volume flexibility. It gives them the ability to cover a large number of acres during short application windows while minimizing soil compaction and disturbance.

“AE50 Awards reaffirm the innovative spirit of our employees and illustrate John Deere’s commitment to bring those linked to the land the most useful, high-quality products possible,” says Joel Dawson,

Designed in collaboration with Hagie, the LS475 Liquid System features a 2,000-gallon tank that can be rapidly filled at 300 gallons per minute and a 90-foot, seven-section auto-fold boom mounted to the F4635 High-

This year, John Deere received AE50 awards for the following agricultural innovations: • LS475 Liquid System

46 BC�T February

Capacity Nutrient Applicator.

The other AE50 Award was presented to John Deere for its N500C Series Air Drill that gives operators easy meter access, the latest in integrated technology for improved seed placement accuracy, and control and confidence to help them do the best seeding job possible for cereals, canola, soybeans and other crops.

New technologies added to the N500C Air Drills include John Deere ActiveCal™ tank scales for on-thego seeding calibration from the cab, RelativeFlow™ blockage for row-torow seed-flow monitoring, TruSet™ down force control from the cab, and the SeederPlus™ app for convenient calibration of meters and weight monitoring for tank scales.

Detailed information about these award-winning products and features can be found at JohnDeere.com.

Above: John Deere offers a Liquid System option for its F4365 High-Capacity Nutrient Applicator that showcases a large 2,000-gallon tank.

Marketplace

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education

WPVGA Websites Receive Upgrades At almost 10 years of age, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) websites are getting updated, though not all of the changes will be immediately obvious.

For the last several years, WPVGA has been administering four websites, namely a consumer site (eatwisconsinpotatoes.com), a trade site (wisconsinpotatoes.com), an environmental stewards site

(wisconsinfarmers.org) and a fourth site for the Spudmobile (wisconsinspudmobile.com).

address some of the challenges the industry faced regarding water use at the time.

It was about a decade ago that the consumer and trade sites received a complete design makeover by TMA Peritus of Madison.

A couple years after that, in 2014, the Wisconsin Spudmobile debuted at Farm Tech Days along with a website featuring the vehicle, event request forms, dates of appearance and images in the gallery so the public could become acquainted with Wisconsin’s Traveling Billboard.

Around that same time, two other public relations firms created and designed the Wisconsin Farmers: Environmental Stewards site to

While each site has served the Association quite well in this timeframe, many of the occurring continued on pg. 48

Above: About a decade ago, the consumer website, eatwisconsinpotatoes.com, received a complete makeover. Though another redesign is not necessary, to keep a positive user-friendly experience, a programming code update and a few other upgrades are being made to the site.

Left: Instead of having a separate website for the Wisconsin Spudmobile, the wisconsinspudmobile.com content will be built completely into the consumer site, eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

BC�T February 47

Marketplace. . .

continued from pg. 47

changes and updates are a direct result of needed maintenance to the sites, especially related to the code.

Outdated code was beginning to impact the functionality of each site.

Given the age of the sites, and in order to keep a positive user-friendly experience, WPVGA decided to move forward with updating the code along with a few other adjustments that will also make administration more convenient.

For starters, while the functionality of the trade and consumer sites will improve through updated code, the actual design is changing very little.

CLASSY WEB DESIGN When designed, all sites were created with a clean and simple, yet classy appearance that has stood the test of time. Therefore, starting from scratch wasn’t immediately necessary.

Tallest Tree Digital is based in New Hampshire but has roots in the Midwest. The company is not only updating the PHP code (programming language) of the trade and consumer sites, but also helping to consolidate four sites down to two.

Instead of having a completely separate “Wisconsin Farmers: Environmental Stewards” site,

Above: Rather than a completely separate “Wisconsin Farmers: Environmental Stewards” website, this content will be built into the consumer site.

this content will be built into the consumer site.

Examples of this content are “meet the grower” articles, stewardship and multi-generational family farms information, responsibility and the Healthy Grown program, and ways growers are advancing sustainability.

to the consumer site as well.

Finally, the Healthy Grown portal will be fully integrated into the trade site and will feature new and improved functionality on the forms as growers who participate in the program prepare to use the portal for the second year.

Additionally, instead of having a separate site for the Wisconsin Spudmobile, that content will also be built completely into the consumer site.

The public will still be able to request the vehicle, see its upcoming appearances and view images of the vehicle at various events. And because of the vehicle’s popularity, this consolidation is likely to assist with continued increases in traffic

The goals of all changes are to keep functionality and navigation simple, maintain a professional appearance and provide ease in administration while also ensuring each site is up to date with the latest requirements.

WPIB Focus

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Month

Jul-18

Aug-18

Sep-18

Oct-18

Nov-18

Dec-18

Jan-19

Feb-19

Mar-19

Apr-19

May-19

Jun-19

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,631,620.99

1,724,518.33

1,223,827.03

2,489,512.74

2,711,563.12

2,010,017.18

11,791,059.39

Assessment

$114,203.25

$125,436.11

$95,267.11

$199,179.55

$216,890.04

$160,823.98

$911,800.04

Aug-19

Sep-19

Oct-19

Nov-19

Dec-19

Month

Jul-19

Jan-20

Feb-20

Mar-20

Apr-20

May-20

Jun-20

Year-to-Date

CWT

1,737,634.84

616,558.70

888,994.00

2,231,926.08

2,407,229.71

2,076,049.78

9,958,393.11

Assessment

$139,082.75

$42,984.69

$77,501.87

$178,514.78

$192,575

$166,306.75

$796,965.84

48 BC�T February

New Products LOCKWOOD Announces the Mobile TANK™

Potato handling unit is perfect addition to any pre-storage cleaning system LOCKWOOD Manufacturing® announces the launch of the Mobile TANK, continuing the company’s commitment to innovation in the potato equipment industry and boosting its 2020 product lineup.

The Mobile TANK continues the trend of self-contained mobility in potato handling offered by LOCKWOOD. While this impressive new piece of equipment, coming in 2020, is designed to complement LOCKWOOD’s already efficient VACS Mobile™ and VACS-8, the Mobile TANK is a perfect addition for any pre-storage cleaning system.

This new piece of equipment provides a controlled flow of product, allowing growers to maximize efficiency during harvest.

“The Mobile TANK is the industry’s most agile potato handling unit,”

says Michael Nilson, chief engineer and business unit director for LOCKWOOD Manufacturing. “This unit exceeds both industry standards and customer expectations with regards to transport and setup time reduction.”

Completely contained on a customized semi-trailer, the Mobile TANK is 100 percent hydraulically powered by two wet kits and incorporates an intuitive touch screen user interface, making operation simple, but powerful. Plus, set-up time is minimal.

SET UP IN MINUTES “The Mobile TANK can be moved from location to location at posted highway speeds, and because of

the telescoping elevator, is set up and operational in minutes,” Nilson explains.

With efficiency and product handling top-of-mind, LOCKWOOD strategically designed the Mobile TANK unloading belt with varying speed control, manually adjustable by the operator to customize the cleaning equipment requirements.

Even more, the tank discharge utilizes a baffle to minimize pile roll and surging. This maintains a consistent flow into the cleaning device elevator, maximizing efficiency. Having no internal baffles means minimized product bruising. continued on pg. 50 BC�T February 49

New Products. . .

continued from pg. 49

No detail was overlooked, from complete machine illumination for safety and night operation to the holding tank designed to reduce product bruising and skinning, all while allowing complete unloading and reducing build up.

LOCKWOOD continues to set the standard for innovation in the potato equipment industry.

LOCKWOOD’s new Mobile TANK is another impressive innovation to complement the existing industry leader—the VACS MOBILE. Watch for the Mobile TANK at upcoming trade shows and talk to your local

authorized LOCKWOOD dealer to learn more.

LOCKWOOD manufactures highquality, reliable potato planters, windrowers, harvesters and handling

equipment. To learn more about LOCKWOOD equipment, please contact one of our potato specialists at 800-247-7335, or by visiting www.lockwoodmfg.com.

OMEX Offers Potato Growers Nutrient Booster

Calcium management experts debut Cell Power SLYCE to increase soil-available fertility Climate-change resilience and addressing the challenge of “getting more from less” will be some of the biggest challenges facing farmers as we enter the 2020s, so it’s no surprise to find crop protection companies beginning to focus on products that can help growers deliver on their obligations.

A product from calcium management experts OMEX® Agrifluids USA should particularly interest potato growers planning out the new season.

Cell Power® SLYCE®, a complex liquid formulation derived from calcium nitrate and humic acid, promises headline benefits of increased soilavailable fertility and faster nutrient release.

The formulation promises to boost the crop’s ability to counter stress and disease, and more efficiently deliver calcium, which plays a crucial role in plant structure above and below ground, more than any other standard source.

“Cell Power SLYCE works both on the plant and the soil,” explains Mike 50 BC�T February

Williams, CEO at OMEX Agrifluids USA. “It’s especially potent when applied following a granular fertilizer such as DAP, MAP or KCI, allowing a much faster and more efficient release of their components.”

SOIL ORGANIC MATTER “But it also increases the soil organic matter,” Williams adds, “helping to promote its buffering power, nutrient and water-holding capacity, and aeration levels, as well as helping to regulate soil pH.” Research shows how beneficial fungi thrive within an optimum pH range and soil structure, generating enzymes that can increase macro element availability.

“Within the plant itself, calcium is vital for good vigor, rapid shoot and root development, and nutrient transport,” Williams says.

“But Cell Power SLYCE also promotes rapid development of chlorophyll, the essential component in photosynthesis, and mobilizes potassium absorption, which plays a key role in regulating the plant’s

stomata—its respiratory mechanism,” he expounds.

“This increases the crop’s ability to cope with stress situations such as hot weather and drought,” Williams concludes.

About OMEX Agrifluids USA OMEX® is a dynamic group of companies operating throughout the world. OMEX USA specializes in complex liquid formulations for use on a wide range of crops. OMEX USA works closely with American Farmers to understand the crop’s health needs, from fertilizers to crop protection products.

Potatoes USA News

What Fuels in Vegas Finishes Strong in Vegas!

From November 14-18, potatoes were a headliner in Las Vegas. As the official performance vegetable of the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series, potatoes were front and center for athletes and their families from all around the world who descended upon Las Vegas for the largest race on the docket.

In total, the Potatoes Performance Team was able to make an impression on nearly 60,000 people throughout the event, which included an Expo,

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and 5k (kilometer), 10k, half- and full-marathon races.

For four days, athletes and their friends and families visited the Potatoes Fuel Performance booth, located on the Expo floor, where runners are instructed to get their race packets.

At the booth, athletes learned about using potatoes as performance fuel while also sharing their countless stories of potato love and appreciation.

Left: Potatoes broke ground and became the first fresh food ever to be sampled on a Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series course during a race. Thirty-thousand runners passed by the Potatoes Fuel Station on the famed Las Vegas Strip, and over 10,000 athletes sampled boiled and salted potatoes to help them finish the race strong.

Right: Thousands of samples of potato poppers—small boiled and salted potatoes— were given out to the crowd and athletes during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series in Las Vegas, November 14-18.

Badger Common’Tater

THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

continued on pg. 52

Subscribe Today!

Whether you are a grower, industry partner or simply enjoy rural life, sign up to receive this prestigious publication in print version, delivered direct to your mailbox for $22/year (12 issues). wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe BC�T February 51

Potatoes USA News. . . continued from pg. 51

Thousands of samples of potato poppers were given out to the delight of the crowd, many of whom took away recipe books and tips and tricks on how best to incorporate potatoes in their active lifestyles.

For the main event, potatoes broke ground and became the first fresh food ever to be sampled on a Rock ’n’

Roll Marathon Series course. Thirtythousand runners passed by the Potatoes Performance Fuel Station on the famed Las Vegas Strip and over 10,000 athletes sampled boiled and salted potatoes to help them finish the race strong.

On the course, potato love was contagious with many runners

excitedly yelling “Potatoes!” as they ran by, and some even stopping to take selfies at the fuel station to celebrate their love for spuds.

To continue the success of this initiative, the Potatoes Rock ’n’ Roll Performance Tour will continue with stops in Washington, D.C., Nashville and San Diego throughout the year!

Japan Slashing Tariffs on U.S. Potatoes in 2020 The limited U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement came into effect on January 1, 2020, immediately eliminating the 4.3 percent tariff on U.S. fresh chipping potatoes as well as lowering Japan’s tariffs on U.S. frozen French fries to 4.25 percent (from 8.5 percent) and on U.S. dehydrated potato flakes to 13.3 percent (from 20 percent).

Further reductions will follow on April 1, 2020, then annually each April until

tariffs on U.S. frozen and dehydrated flaked potatoes are entirely removed in April 2021 and 2028, respectively.

Importantly, the tariff reductions secured align with those Japan provides to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other nations in the TPP-11 (Trans-Pacific Partnership) agreement, and with the European Union (EU) in the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement. The tariff concessions level the playing field

with these competitors.

Japan is the U.S. potato industry’s largest export market, with exports totaling over $350 million in the past year. It is estimated that, with the elimination of the current tariffs, U.S. exports to Japan could soon expand by an additional $150 million.

For information on market access issues, please contact Amy Burdett, Amy@PotatoesUSA.com.

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52 BC�T February

Breeding for Late Blight Resistance

Identifying disease-resistant genes is integral to improved potato production

By Jeffrey Endelman and Grace Christensen, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Hari Sharan Karki and Dennis Halterman, USDA Agricultural Research Service (Madison, Wisconsin) Disease management is an important and complex component of potato production.

Figure 1 shows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics for fungicide use in Wisconsin, in 2016, which is the most recent year available.

The percent of acreage treated with different fungicides is shown by the gray bars on the left axis, and the average number of applications is shown via the blue line on the right axis.

Nearly the entire Wisconsin potato continued on pg. 54

Above: Dr. Jeffrey Endelman provides updates on the Wisconsin potato variety development program for attendees of the 2019 Hancock Agricultural Research Station Field Day. Right: Figure 1. USDA statistics indicate 2016 fungicide usage in Wisconsin.

BC�T February 53

Breeding for Late Blight Resistance. . . continued from pg. 53

crop was treated with chlorothalonil (e.g., Bravo, Echo, Initiate) to control late blight, and on average, nine applications were made.

Before fungicides were widely available, U.S. and Canadian potato production was more dependent on breeding to manage late blight and other diseases.

Through trial and error, breeders in the late 19th and early 20th centuries identified domesticated landraces and wild relatives of potato from Latin America that, upon crosspollination with commercial varieties, produced resistant offspring.

By the 1950’s, scientists began to identify different “R” genes based on how resistance to different pathogen isolates was inherited.

GENE-FOR-GENE MODEL This pattern of disease resistance, known as the “gene-for-gene” model,

Figure 2. Payette Russet (left) is highly resistant to the US-23 strain of late blight. This greenhouse experiment was conducted inside the Biotron facility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

has been observed in many different plant-pathogen systems.

The first set of potato late blight R genes, which were derived from the

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Mexican species Solanum demissum, were simply named R1, R2, etc.

Eventually, a more informative naming scheme was developed in which both the pathogen and plant host are included.

For example, three late blight R genes have been identified in the wild relative Solanum bulbocastanum, which are named Rpi-blb1, Rpiblb2 and Rpi-blb3, because “pi” are the initials of the pathogen (Phytophtora infestans) and “blb” is an abbreviation for the wild species.

It was largely forgotten then until the R8 experiment in 2018, where it was used as a resistant control. Even as plants were dying all around it, Payette showed almost no signs of disease (Figure 2).

At the time, no one knew which R gene or genes were in Payette. To figure that out, in early 2019, we challenged nearly 100 offspring of Payette (crossed to a susceptible parent) with US-23.

We used a detached leaf assay, which uses less space and can be repeated more quickly than the whole plant assay shown in Figure 2.

There was a very clear difference between resistant and susceptible offspring (Figure 3), which were present in about equal numbers, indicating the presence of a single R gene that is designated “Rpi-pay.” continued on pg. 56

In 2016, the DNA sequence of the R8 gene was published by a research group in the Netherlands who also showed that Missaukee and Jacqueline Lee—two resistant varieties from Michigan State University—contained R8.

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers had already been using the two varieties for crossing to introduce resistance, and from the R8 sequence, we now had the possibility of developing a DNA marker to track R8 in breeding populations.

As part of a research project funded by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, we designed a marker and confirmed that it was a reliable predictor of R8.

When it came time to confirm the resistance phenotype, however, none of the clones with R8 had much resistance in our greenhouse assay against US-23, which is the main strain of late blight in Wisconsin and other states.

A SILVER LINING Fortunately, there was a silver lining to this experiment. In 2015, the Pacific Northwest breeding program released a new fry processing variety called Payette, which was reported to have resistance to several strains of late blight.

We had an opportunity to observe Payette for several years in the National Fry Processing Trial and used it as a parent for crossing in 2015.

BC�T February 55

Breeding for Late Blight Resistance. . . continued from pg. 55

Each offspring was also genotyped using a microarray chip containing 21,000 DNA markers.

MEMBER OF THE FAMILY When the marker data were combined with the resistance data, we discovered that Rpi-pay was located in the same genomic region as a family of previously studied R genes, and further research confirmed that Rpi-pay is a member of this family.

We also serendipitously discovered that one of the markers on the microarray is diagnostic for Rpi-pay, and this marker is being adapted for routine breeding use in 2020.

Just as pathogen populations can evolve resistance to fungicides when a single mode of action is used too heavily, a similar phenomenon can occur with plant R genes.

Good stewardship of R genes means

Figure 3. A detached leaf assay was used to evaluate offspring of Payette Russet for resistance versus susceptibility to late blight. Each leaf comes from a different clone.

that varieties with a single R gene should not be grown on large acreage without any chemical protection.

However, it should be possible to safely reduce the number of fungicide applications, and this topic

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Another strategy to mitigate the risk of resistance breakdown is to focus on R genes that recognize essential pathogen genes.

For example, Rpi-blb1 (also known as RB) recognizes a gene present in every strain of P. infestans that we have tested.

GENE STACKING Eventually, our goal is to stack multiple R genes in a single potato variety, each of which interacts with a different gene in the pathogen.

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DNA markers are essential to stacking R genes because the presence of a second or third R gene may not be possible to detect phenotypically.

Acknowledgments This research has been financially supported by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, PepsiCo Global R&D, and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Support from the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station is gratefully acknowledged.

56 BC�T February

Auxiliary News

By Devin Zarda, vice president, WPGA

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! I hope you are staying warm, not suffering from cabin fever and are enjoying the quieter time during winter. Well, it’s quieter if you’re not a seed farmer who is ramping up for shipping season! But I digress. I want to chat about an event we have coming up shortly.

Annually, the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary runs multiple baked potato booths. The first one continued on pg. 58

All smiles while working the baked potato booth at the 2018 WPS Farm Show are WPVGA Executive Assistant Julie Braun (left) and Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program Senior Inspector Clover Spacek (right).

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that always comes to people’s minds is the booth at the Wisconsin State Fair because that runs for 11 days, requires assistance from more than 150 people and is how we generate most of the capital that we use to fund our outreach programs.

The second baked potato booth we run is at the WPS Farm Show.

The 2020 WPS Farm Show, March 31-April 2, is held at the Experimental Aircraft Association Grounds in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This event has been running for more than five decades, but our baked potato booth hasn’t been there for quite that long.

During the WPS Farm Show, we offer baked potatoes with assorted toppings, homemade French fries and drinks.

Even though our booth at the WPS

Farm Show doesn’t jump into the collective minds as quickly as the booth at the Wisconsin State Fair, this event is just as important to the Auxiliary because it helps spread the word that Wisconsin grows some fabulous potatoes and helps us raise the funds necessary to run our programs.

Because the WPS Farm Show can overlap with spring breaks for different schools, we sometimes struggle finding enough people to assist with the running the booth.

Here are some other important details that you might want to know: • Shifts run from 9 a.m.-3 or 4 p.m., depending on the day.

• We generally need five or six people in the booth at any time, so if you have a group of people,

that’s wonderful!

• We ask that volunteers are at least 15 and a half years old and supervised by an adult.

If you meet these criteria and are interested in working in our baked potato booth, please contact the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association office at 715-623-7683. I promise, it’s always a fun time working in any of our booths!

I also want to thank Cliff and Carole Gagas for their continued assistance at the WPS Farm Show. They are the oil to this machine that makes everything run smoothly. Thank you again for everything you do!

Until next time,

Devin

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Eyes on Associates

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

Greetings, everyone.

I hope the new decade is off to a positive start for you.I am always amazed at how fast time seems to go, but this time of year especially.

It certainly keeps me out of trouble, and I hope the same is true for you.

With the 2020 WPVGA Grower Education Conference & Industry Show in the books, I’d like to sincerely thank you for your involvement in this event. It is always one the highlights of the year for us at the Associate Division, and we are very proud of the participation we continue to get year after year from the industry. Thank you again!

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Division Board of Directors to bid farewell to those who have served their terms and elect new members to serve in their place. Let me thank the outgoing board members for their service and contributions.

Nick Laudenbach and Sally Suprise have done an outstanding job on the board and will be missed. As I am writing this column before the Grower Education Conference &

Industry Show, I will look forward to reporting on the rest of the show next month.

ANNUAL REPORT As a board, it is our annual goal and responsibility to support, foster and promote causes that benefit the industry. 2019 was no exception to that, and I would like to make you all continued on pg. 60

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Eyes On Associates. . . continued from pg. 59

aware of some of the major industry projects that we made donations to this year: • $10,000 contribution to the 2019 National Potato Council Summer Meeting in Wisconsin Dells • $20,000 for new Spudmobile wrap • $10,000 for legislative campaigns • $2,500 toward the WPVGA Member Development/Leadership Training Program • $15,000 earmarked for grants, scholarships and other projects In the last 18 months, the Associate Division has donated over $90,000 to the industry.

Over the past six years, the Associate Division has donated more than $250,000 to worthy industry causes!

Events such as the Industry show, Putt-Tato Open golf outing and new trap shooting event are how we

raise funds as a division to support all these great industry causes. The Associate Division will continue to support our industry in any way we can and looks forward to doing so.

I will close this month by once again reminding everyone that the WPVGA Associated Division will be hosting its first annual sporting clays shoot in the fall of 2020. The event will take place in October this year in a location to be determined.

I am extremely proud to be involved, not only in this division, but within our tremendous industry. The generous support we receive from our industry continues to amaze me.

Vendors and growers are encouraged to attend. I will be providing more information as is becomes available, but please plan to attend this exciting and new event.

SPECIAL INDUSTRY It is important for all of us to understand that this is unique and appreciate how special our industry really is. Thank you to our associate members and growers for all your support and participation.

If anybody has questions, comments or concerns about any of our events, please share your ideas with an Associate Division member. Thank you for reading, and remember, perfect is what you make it, so good luck in making 2020 a perfect year.

Without you, none of this would be possible. Next time you see one of our board members, please thank them for their efforts and time volunteered. Without them, the events and initiatives would likewise be impossible.

Stay warm and see you next month.

Kenton Mehlberg

WPVGA Associate Division President

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Ali's Kitchen

Usher in March with Hearty Irish Stew Made using potatoes, carrots and tender beef, St. Patrick would be proud Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Ah, March is a few short weeks away, the month that brings us hope that warmer weather will soon be here and ushers in the promise that planting season is just around the corner. And, it’s the month of Saint Patrick’s Day! I’m not one to celebrate by donning shamrock earrings or drinking green beer, and I’ve been known to wander through an entire St. Patty’s Day without a stitch of green on

my person (Fun Fact: Did you know that blue was the color originally associated with St. Patrick?).

However, I will gladly celebrate the day by preparing a delicious, hearty Irish stew filled with potatoes, carrots and tender beef to show you that I’m not a complete fuddy-duddy (um, wait, does the fact that I use a phrase like fuddy-duddy actually make me one?).

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Ingredients: Irish Beef Stew • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 pound beef stew meat (cut into inch cubes) • 4 cups beef broth • 1 cup water • 1 cup of Guinness beer • 1/2 cup red wine • 2 bay leaves • 1 tablespoon dried thyme • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 3 large russet potatoes (peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes) • 1 medium onion (roughly chopped) • 4 medium carrots (peeled and cut into ¼-inch bite-sized rounds) BC�T February 61

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Ali's Kitchen. . .

continued from pg. 61

DIRECTIONS In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, pepper and salt. Add the beef and toss to coat well with the flour mixture.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot. Add the beef a few pieces at a time, being careful to not overcrowd and cooking in batches if needed. Cook until the beef is nicely browned on all sides (this will take about five minutes per batch).

Add the beef broth, water, Guinness, red wine, bay leaves, thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a very slow simmer.

Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours, until beef is tender.

Add the potatoes, onions and carrots to the beef stew and simmer

62 BC�T February

uncovered until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more.

Remove and discard the bay leaves, skim the top of the pot to remove any excess fat from the stew and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Find more recipes at www.LifeOnGraniteRidge.com

Advanced Farm Equipment, LLC..... 2 AgCountry Farm Credit Services..... 5 Baginski Farms Inc........................ 15 Big Iron Equipment....................... 27 Chippewa Valley Bean Co. ........... 13 Compeer Financial........................ 21 David J. Fleischman Farms............ 59 Fencil Urethane Systems.............. 14 Gallenberg Farms......................... 22 Hancock Agricultural Research Station......................... 36 Heartland AG Systems.................. 17 Jay-Mar, Inc................................... 30 John Miller Farms......................... 11 J.W. Mattek................................... 52 Kartechner Brothers..................... 24 Kitchen Farms Inc......................... 62 Lockwood Mfg.............................. 29 Mid-State Truck............................ 28 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc................................. 32 Norika America, LLC..................... 54 North Central Irrigation................ 31 North Dakota State Seed.............. 38 Nutrien Ag Solutions.................... 58 Nutrien Ag Solutions Great Lakes.63 Oasis Irrigation............................. 64 Omex USA..................................... 45 Oro Agri.......................................... 3 Progressive Ag.............................. 25 Riesterer & Schnell....................... 61 Rine Ridge Farms............................ 9 Roberts Irrigation ......................... 41 Ron’s Refrigeration....................... 35 Rural Mutual Insurance................ 26 Sand County Equipment............... 23 Schroeder Brothers Farms.............. 7 Sunnydale Farms.......................... 60 Swiderski Equipment.................... 33 ThorPack....................................... 56 T.I.P............................................... 57 Vantage North Central.................. 55 Vine Vest North............................ 37 Volm Companies........................... 39 WPVGA Subscribers...................... 51 WPVGA Support Our Members.... 42 WSPIA........................................... 34

SAME FIELDS,

HIGHER YIELDS.

GREAT LAKES nutrienagsolutions.com

Central Sands Plainfield, WI

Including PureGrade® Liquid Fertilizers in your program will ensure your crop has the nutrients to reach its full potential.

PureGrade Liquid Fertilizers include both Low-Salt Starters and Low-Salt Foliars, and are compatible with MicroSolutions EDTA Chelated Micronutrients. Contact Nutrien-Great Lakes, leaders in high leverage crop fertility programs, to learn more about PureGrade Liquid Fertilizers and MicroSolutions Micronutrients.

FEATURES • • • • • •

Chloride free Near neutral pH 100% water soluble Trouble-free Non-corrosive Low rates per acre

AVAILABLE PRODUCTS 7-25-5 GoldStart®

3-18-18 GoldStart

17-0-4-7

9-18-9 GoldStart

10-10-10 GoldStart

Custom Mixes

5-15-15 GoldStart

5-18-10-1 GoldStart

20-0-0-8 Nitro-S

6-24-6 GoldStart

Chelated Micronutrients

0-0-30 Pot Carb

Nutrien-Great Lakes also handles a full line of humic and biological products. Custom mixes available upon request.

Nutrien - Great Lakes 5053 County 420-21st Road | Gladstone, MI 49837 Contact AndersonsPlantNutrient.com Nutrien - Great Lakes is an authorized retailer of PureGrade Liquid Fertilizer. ©2018 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. PureGrade and GoldStart are registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc.

Marc Marenger | Cell: 906-280-5500 | Email: marc.marenger@nutrien.com Wally Eagle | Cell: 906-399-4818 | Email: walter.eagle@nutrien.com

P.O. Box 327 Antigo, WI 54409

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

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

SMARTEST. SMARTEST.

STRONGEST. STRONGEST.

Technology I Precision Application I Decisions

Design I Dealer Network I Parts & Service

Technology I Precision Application I Decisions

Design I Dealer Network I Parts & Service

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LEADING, NOT FOLLOWING. Others consistently try to imitate, but always fail to duplicate. We’ll help you solve your greatest challenges with the most innovative

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by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s will lead to fail to help®you solve your greatest challenges withinnovations the most innovative reduce downtime and increase your peace of mind. Season after season.

tomorrow’s success. products and technology. Irrigate with confidence as you simplify your irrigation management, Talk to your local Zimmatic ® by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s innovations will lead to

reduce downtime and increase your peace of mind. Season after season. tomorrow’s success.

Talk to your local Zimmatic ® by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s innovations will lead to tomorrow’s success.

2017Lindsay.

Lindsay.All Allrights rights reserved. reserved. Zimmatic Zimmatic and ©©2020 and FieldNET FieldNETare aretrademarks trademarks ororregistered its subsidiaries. subsidiaries. registeredtrademarks trademarksof ofthe theLindsay Lindsay Corporation Corporation and its

© 2017 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic and FieldNET are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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IRRIGATION LLC

IRRIGATION LLC IRRIGATION LLC

N6775 5th Avenue Plainfield, WI 54966 IRRIGATION LLC N6775 Avenue N6775 5th5th Avenue Plainfield, WI WI 54966 Plainfield, 54966 715-335-8300 N6775 5th Avenue Plainfield, WI 54966