Friendly faces greeting visitors to the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth during 2025 Potato Expo are University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson and Amanda Gevens, Administrative Director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program.
On the Cover: University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson and Amanda Gevens, Administrative Director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program, take time each year to attend Potato Expo. There, they greet visitors to the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth, answer questions and generally tout the program and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. For that, they deserve a front cover and a big “thanks.” By the way, Amanda is holding a loaded baked potato served for lunch.
According to Heath Anderson, general manager of the Construction & Agriculture Division for Fairchild Equipment, JCB and Mahindra (with the Mahindra 2670 tractor shown) are the dealership’s two main manufacturers of construction and ag equipment, including skid steers, wheel loaders and excavators. Fairchild also carriers the Polaris ProXD line of utility vehicles, and partners with attachment and implement brands such as Erskine, MDS, and Berlon.
WPVGA Board of Directors:
PresideNt: Charlie Mattek
Vice PresideNt: JohN Bustama Nte
Secretary: Alex Okray
Treasurer: WeNdy Dykstra
Directors: Mike BagiNski, Ra Ndy Fleishauer, JohN HopFeNsperger, Josh KNights & J.D. Schroeder
Wisconsin Potato Industry Board:
PresideNt: Heidi Alsum-Ra Ndall
Vice PresideNt: ANdy Diercks
Secretary: Nicola Carey
Treasurer: Keith Wolter
Directors: JohN FeNske, Rod Gumz, Jim Okray, Eric Schroeder & Tom Wild
WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors:
PresideNt: Matt SeleNske
Vice PresideNt: Etha N OlsoN
Secretary: Morga N Smolarek
Treasurer: Paul Salm
Directors: Melissa Heise, Brady Patoka, Scott Scheer, Sally Suprise & Bra NdoN Taylor
Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement
Association Board of Directors:
PresideNt: JeFF SuchoN
Vice PresideNt: Charlie HusNick
Secretary/Treasurer: Mitch Mattek
Directors: ANdy Schroeder & CloVer Spacek
Wisconsin Potato Growers
Auxiliary Board of Directors:
PresideNt: Heidi Schleicher
Vice PresideNt: Dakotah Smiley
Secretary/Treasurer: Sama Ntha Cypher
Directors: Jody BagiNski, Misti KiNNisoN, JeNN a SuchoN & EriN Meister
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 providing technology and information resources.
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MARK YOUR Calendar Planting Ideas
A friend half-jokingly asked me recently if Spuds MacKenzie, the bull terrier character used in 1980’s Bud Light commercials, ever makes appearances at any potato trade shows. We had been catching up with each other, and I’d mentioned having been out of state for a week at Potato Expo in Orlando, Florida. I told him, no, Spuds MacKenzie doesn’t show up for potato shows, but that the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) has a mascot named “Spudly” who is “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes,” and I emailed him the image at right. Now that I see the picture, it looks like Spudly is in much better shape than me, and I should start eating more potatoes.
Speaking of Potato Expo, Wisconsin made a good showing, January 9-10, with several WPVGA grower members and Associate Division companies attending and having booths at the 17th annual event. We weren’t the only ones—Potato Expo has broken attendance records the last couple years, with the 2025 rendition attracting more than 200 exhibitors and 2,170 attendees, the second largest in the show’s 17-year history. Potato Expo 2024 broke all attendance records in Austin, Texas. That’s not bad considering this year’s show was originally slated to be in Las Vegas, but the National Potato Council had to pivot last minute, with less than a year to prepare, and move it to the Orlando World Center Marriott because the hotel and casino in Nevada went under construction. See complete coverage of the 2025 Potato Expo, including lots of photos, in this issue.
With this being the February Equipment/Supplies edition of the Badger Common’Tater, I interviewed Heath Anderson of Fairchild Equipment. Heath didn’t start out in agriculture, nor does he have a farming background, but he has taken to the industry and thrived in his role as general manager of the Construction & Agriculture Division of Fairchild Equipment. The materials handling and ag equipment dealership serves Wisconsin, Minnesota, Northern Illinois, North Dakota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Hear Heath’s story inside, and why he went from being a middle school teacher to his position at Fairchild Equipment.
Another fascinating feature article herein details how several hundred million seeds from thousands of plant species live inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, in Norway, and how it evokes epic imagery and just a little controversy. The author describes the vault and its contents. 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
N1435 Cty Rd D
Antigo, WI (715) 623-2689 farm@sbfi.biz johnt@sbfi.biz
NAME: Heath Anderson
TITLE: General manager, Construction & Agriculture Division
COMPANY: Fairchild Equipment
LOCATION: Bloomington, MN
HOMETOWN: Palmer, Massachusetts, and currently residing in Minneapolis
YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: Two PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: General manager, national accounts, for Crown Equipment Corporation
SCHOOLING: Northland International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Volunteering time and resources within nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities
FAMILY: Wife, Heather, and twin 16-yearolds, Heston and Hattie
HOBBIES: E-biking, kayaking, and traveling with family
Above: General manager of Fairchild Equipment’s Construction & Agriculture Division, Heath Anderson says, like Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable growers, the second-generation materials handling company is also family oriented. Anderson remarks, “To see different generations making an impact while carrying on the family name really motivates our team to help where we can along the way.”
Interview
HEATH ANDERSON
general
manager, Construction & Agriculture Division Fairchild Equipment
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
Though Heath Anderson is only in his second year at Fairchild Equipment, he was familiar with the company “as they were a Yale dealer when I started with Crown Equipment Corporation back in 2008.”
“I handled the Green Bay market along with the Upper Peninsula [U.P.] portion of Michigan,” Anderson relates, “and Fairchild Equipment was a major presence in those markets.”
Founded in 1985, Fairchild Equipment is one of the premier materials handling, construction
and agricultural equipment dealerships in the Midwest, serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Northern Illinois, North Dakota and the U.P. of Michigan.
It has grown from a five-person operation to currently having over 300 employees, now under the leadership of Gary Fairchild’s son, Chad, who is open to the possibilities for growth and expansion while maintaining operations as a familyowned business.
Heath, can you give me a little history of the company in your own words? Our founder, Gary Fairchild, handled some select accounts when I was in the northern Wisconsin and U.P. of Michigan territory, and in talking to customers, I was always impressed with their loyalty to Fairchild Equipment.
They expressed the fact that Gary would always do the right thing for the customer, whether it was addressing service needs or working through equipment specifications that needed adjustments.
That’s how he was able to grow the company from a five-person operation to over 300 employees serving customers in five states and representing over 50 trusted equipment brands, along with bringing the right people into the right positions within the company, departments, and locations.
Above and Right: When it comes to brands like JCB, Fairchild Equipment not only offers tractors, skid steers, backhoes, forklifts and telehandlers, but also parts and service in support of the machinery.
What is your own background, history and progression within Fairchild Equipment? I started in the education field and was a middle school teacher of social studies and math.
While I enjoyed the teaching portion and opportunity to impact students’ lives, the politics of working through red tape of administration agendas continued on pg. 10
and the lack of interest from some teachers in critical roles made me decide to look for other potential opportunities.
I had a close friend who was able to get me into a sales role in the electrical distribution industry and from there I was hooked on potential opportunities within the sales field. I ultimately ended up in the material handling industry.
I worked for Crown for over 14 years and spent most of that time in the national accounts group, starting as a national account representative, followed by a national account manager role, and I then finished my time up as general manager of national accounts, with most of my team based out of the Midwest.
As I started looking for some more opportunities to be involved in volunteering and seeing what my
wife, Heather, was doing with her nonprofit organization, the timing was right to look for options that would decrease travel and allow me to be involved in some more diversified areas.
Chad Fairchild and I talked briefly about some opportunities, and the more I talked with Heather regarding it, the more I became excited about the potential to join Fairchild Equipment.
I ended up coming on board in March of 2023, completely new to the construction and agriculture industries, but I have been surrounded by some extremely strong people in all our departments. They have patiently let me get up to speed in each category so I can understand where our true needs are as we continue to grow in the market.
Above: In addition to tractors, skid steers and other equipment under the Mahindra line, Fairchild Equipment carries attachments such as mowers, tillers, and other accessories growers need.
What has convinced you to stay and make a career of it? I’ve known Chad Fairchild, Fairchild Equipment’s CEO, for over 25 years. We played soccer against each other back in the day and we also share a lot of mutual friends from soccer and from the Green Bay area.
When I was talking with Chad, he really sold me on the growth opportunity for these industries through sales, rental, parts, and service.
I think the fact that we share the same family values and have a passion to create a positive culture within the company were the biggest reasons that pushed me over the
Above and Right: More than 200 of Fairchild Equipment’s 300 employees are strategically located across the state of Wisconsin so that the company can provide field service throughout the state. The Stevens Point team is photographed on location in 2024.
edge to join Fairchild Equipment and jump into the construction and ag markets.
I’m extremely happy where I am now and plan to finish my career working here at Fairchild Equipment.
Are JCB and Mahindra the main brands you offer to Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers and associated businesses, or if others, what manufacturers?
JCB and Mahindra are the two main manufacturers we work with for construction and agricultural equipment.
While they do offer a wide selection of equipment, we also partner with some other strategic attachment and implement brands such as Erskine, MDS, and Berlon.
Fairchild also carries the Polaris Commercial ProXD line of utility vehicles, which some of our construction and agricultural
“Like any great football game, we’ve stayed committed, tackled every challenge head-on, and given it our all—values instilled by our founder, a former Cardinals football player, Gary Fairchild, and carried on by his son, Chad, who now leads the company.”
– Heath Anderson
customers also use. Plus, we have over 40 other brands of material handling equipment available through our industrial equipment division.
What types of agricultural equipment do you offer growers under the brands? In our Wisconsin market, under the Mahindra and JCB equipment lines are a variety of types of equipment, from tractors and skid steers to wheel loaders,
excavators, and more. We also offer many types of attachments to go with them—mowers, tillers, and any other accessories that growers would need.
Talk about manufacturing quality, and why you take pride in what Fairchild Equipment offers. We take pride in offering brands like JCB and Mahindra, which are known for their manufacturing quality.
continued on pg. 12
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Then, after the sale, our product support teams take pride in quickly resolving any issues that not only satisfy the customers’ needs but also meet the standards that Fairchild Equipment expects from our employees and vendors.
One of our core values is “Customers for Life”–we want to know if there is an issue because we will fix it, and that’s why our customers become partners for life.
Fairchild Equipment specializes in forklifts and material handling equipment, but is the agricultural umbrella wider than that, and with what implements? Tractors?
Fairchild Equipment has a long history of success in the material handling equipment field, especially with forklifts, though the range of material handling equipment offered is much broader, including rail car movers, yard spotters, professional floor cleaning equipment, industrial vacuums, and more.
The agricultural umbrella has been experiencing significant growth, which we expect to continue. Implements offered under our agricultural umbrella include tractors, skid steers, backhoes, telehandlers,
The Mahindra Model 8090 utility tractor with a 4-cylinder turbocharged, intercooled diesel engine and air-conditioned cab is mainly used for agricultural applications.
and more.
Because of this growth, we’ve been able to add dedicated space at several of our branch locations to show our available agricultural equipment, stock more parts, and provide more in-shop equipment service work, which has been very exciting for us.
We expect this growth to continue as we work to bring on more technicians and product support team members
throughout our footprint.
Do you offer both new and used equipment, and is equipment rental a part of the operation? We offer all three of these options. While new equipment tends to be a large percentage of these options, we do run into a lot of low usage needs where used equipment makes more sense for our customers from a cash flow standpoint, so Fairchild maintains a large inventory of both new and used equipment.
Heath Anderson (second from left) is shown with 2023 Monster Jam World Finals champion Tristan England (center) in front of the JCB Digitron monster truck. The truck was designed in conjunction with the JCB engineering team and inspired by the company’s iconic construction equipment.
From left to right, Jeff Martens, Dave Fox, and Matt Smazal golfed for Team Fairchild Equipment at the 2023 Spud Seed Classic, a fundraiser for the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association.
On the rental side of the business, we usually see seasonal needs as a large part of our customer requests and try to understand what we should keep on hand in our branches to satisfy the requirements of our customers and their applications.
Does Fairchild service equipment, and go out into the field for growers if they have problems, and if so, how important is that aspect of the business? Service is the
cornerstone of our business from my perspective. Our field technicians are the face of Fairchild Equipment to our customers, and I view them as key players in making us successful as a company.
While the field technicians are integral to the hands-on portion of customer service, we also have an extremely strong group of knowledgeable people at our branches who are capable
the
of troubleshooting items over a phone call. This can potentially save time and money for our growers who value uptime during their busy seasons.
continued on pg. 14
Above: Is it a coincidence that Mahindra tractor models are barn red? Perhaps not, as
agriculture segment is a large part of the company’s (and Fairchild Equipment’s) business.
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Contact: Jim or John
How has Fairchild Equipment been able to expand and still retain a family atmosphere? From our humble beginnings in 1985 as a team of five offering a single forklift brand in Green Bay, to now serving five states with a range of world-class material handling brands, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. But, like any great football game, we’ve stayed committed, tackled every challenge head-on, and given it our all—values instilled by our founder, a former (St. Louis) Cardinals football player, Gary Fairchild, and carried on by his son, Chad, who now leads the company.
They’ve stayed true to the company’s founding values: Family, Safety Always, Customers for Life, Employer of Choice, and Active in our Communities.
Where are most of the company’s 300 employees located? More than 200 are strategically located across the state of Wisconsin so that we can provide field service throughout the state where our customers are located.
How big a part of the business is agriculture, and what other businesses do you serve? Agriculture is a sizable part of our operation, especially in Wisconsin. With such a wide variety of equipment available, we serve a range of businesses, from home builders to landscaping companies, warehouses, and retail companies, to name a few.
What does Fairchild Equipment offer that maybe similar competitors might not? We offer a unique combination of brands and types of equipment compared to our competitors, with an ability to serve all types of implement needs, whether it is purchasing, leasing, renting, training, servicing or parts that our customers require. We provide parts and service for many
brands of agricultural equipment. What do you enjoy about servicing the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers? Our customers give us an opportunity to be employed daily. The farming community is a hardworking group, to say the least, and always enjoyable to do business with.
We are interested in hearing about how their season is going and enjoy the opportunity to be part of it, whether it is providing the parts they need to maintain equipment or helping provide maintenance or repair services for them.
The agriculture community is also very family-oriented in many cases, like we are, so to see different generations making an impact while carrying on the family name really motivates our team to help where we can along the way.
What do you most enjoy about your position? I think the most enjoyable part of this position has been the ability to assemble a team and refine our offerings to even better serve the
Fairchild Equipment general manager of the Construction & Agriculture Division, Heath Anderson says, “One of our core values is ‘Customers for Life’–we want to know if there is an issue because we will fix it, and that’s why our customers become partners for life.”
needs of our customers and what I would like to see as representation for Fairchild Equipment.
We had some exceptional pieces in place already when I came on board, and it has been exciting to fill in the remaining pieces that can move us to the next level.
Are you mechanically inclined, and if so, do you get to keep your hands dirty? I don’t think I’ve ever heard my name in the same sentence as “mechanically inclined.” I do consider myself a very hard worker, though, and I am probably the person who you see behind the scenes getting the grunt work done or cleaning up after the mechanically inclined and skilled workers have completed their tasks.
What do you see as Fairchild
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Equipment’s position, or how has the company positioned itself in the ag industry? I feel that we have really positioned ourselves to be a key vendor to our ag customers.
With that being said, we will continue looking for opportunities to increase the number of technicians and product support team members we have on hand, as we know there are always new potential customers in our territories that we want to be ready to serve.
Where else would you like to see the company expand or improve? I would like to see us continue to grow within the agricultural industry by staying committed to our company values and focus on serving all our customers’ needs–having the
Above: The JCB 3TS-8T track skid steer is a compact loader with a telescopic boom for reaching high and far, thus accessing hardto-reach areas.
right piece of equipment for their requirements, whether they are looking to purchase or rent, and then supporting them with parts and service.
What do you hope for the future of Fairchild Equipment? My goal for our group is to continue bringing on the right people and really focusing on the culture that makes us a great resource for our customers and a great place to work.
A strong team within our sales, rental, service, and parts groups along with a heavy customer service focus is what I view as success
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Industry Flocked to Florida for 2025 Potato Expo
Show hits consistent stride with event being the second largest in event’s 17-year history
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
For two years running, Potato Expo has broken attendance records, with the 2025 event, January 9-10, in Orlando, Florida, attracting more than
200 exhibitors and 2,170 attendees, making it the second largest in the show’s 17-year history. Potato Expo 2024 broke all attendance records
in Austin, Texas.
Originally scheduled for Las Vegas, when the contracted hotel in Nevada went under construction, the National Potato Council, which plans the event each year, pivoted, and with just under a year to prepare, landed the Orlando World Center Marriott to play host in 2025.
Potato Expo is the largest conference and trade show for the potato industry in North America, bringing together U.S. and international growers, manufacturers, suppliers, industry experts, and value chain partners all under one roof.
The industry throws its full weight behind the show, with Potatoes
Left: The second-busiest Potato Expo in its 17-year history included plenty of Breakout Sessions covering topics relevant to the industry, such as a presentation by Mike Conway, director of strategic accounts and global operations for Nutrien Ag Solutions, titled “Potatoes & Progress: Applying Future Fertilizer Insights and Technologies to Today’s Farms.”
USA holding its Winter Meeting in conjunction with Potato Expo, in the same venue and for three days leading up to the event.
Affiliated business gatherings include the National Fry Processing Meeting, Potato Sustainability Alliance General Meeting, the Alliance for Potato Research & Education (APRE) Board
Meeting, and the National Chip Program Grower Meeting.
Providing full Potatoes USA reports during the Winter Meeting are the Consumer; Retail; Market Development/Foodservice; Culinary; Finance & Policy; Production Research; Communications;
continued on pg. 18
Above: Lucas Wysocki, chairman of the United Potato Growers of America (UPGA), welcomed a packed hall to the annual Potato Business Summit, a comprehensive economic and market analysis of the global and North American potato industry. Others from Wisconsin who have chaired the UPGA in its 20-year history are Russell Wysocki, Dick Okray and Brian Bushman. In addition, Louis Wysocki was a founding member of the UPGA.
and Nutrition & Health committees; as well as the Seed Task Force.
Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer Kim Breshears said global demand for potatoes is expected to remain strong in 2025 and beyond, with a shifting dietary focus toward convenient, ready-to-eat foods due to urbanization and population growth.
Thanks to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, Potatoes USA has funding to explore export markets and expansion opportunities. One grant alone was for $6,500,000.
CULINARY IMMERSIONS
Just of few of the focused marketing initiatives Potatoes USA has undertaken over the past year include Innovation Sessions; educational webinars; Culinary Immersions, including one in New Orleans and another in Denver, in the Spud Lab—the first non-professional medical program to train culinary medicine professionals; and a Food Ovation event in Sand Valley, Idaho, to meet with food operators.
With a mission to “Strengthen Demand for Potatoes,” Potatoes USA’s goal is to “Get more people eating more potatoes in more ways.”
To achieve that goal, the national marketing and research organization is focused globally on Gen Z, using social media, online influencers and “AmbassaTaters” to reach targeted audiences.
Team Potato held a contest and selected one “Speedy Spud” runner to race in a handmade potato costume at the event of their choice. The first-ever Speedy Spud—Izzy Aguiar—competed in the Dallas Half Marathon, taking eighth place in her age group with a time of 1 hour, 39 minutes.
Potatoes USA chefs Aurora Hollenbeck and R.J. Harvey were able to land a meeting with Starbucks executives and present a couple potato-centric recipes as potential afternoon snack menu items.
Above: Monica Heath (left) and Wendy Dykstra (right) gave a Finance & Policy Committee report during the Potatoes USA Winter Meeting, which took place prior to Potato Expo and in the same venue.
“Just to get in the door at the secondlargest restaurant association in the United States is monumental,” Chef Harvey said. “We’re waiting with bated breath to see if we’ll have a potato offering at Starbucks.”
Potatoes USA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Blair Richardson challenged the Culinary Committee to have a recipe go viral, and one that was posted recently and is now on https:// potatogoodness.com got more than 1 million online views.
“In the last year, we’ve probably implemented more programs and initiatives than we ever have in the
Jay Warner (left) of Warner Packaging and Russell Wysocki (right), Wysocki Family of Companies, talk shop with Sarah and Daniel Mueller (center) of Volm Companies during the 2025 Potato Expo.
In his presentation “AI’s Impact on the Potato Industry,” Ron Green, founder and chief technology officer of KUNGFU.AI, explored the groundbreaking intersection of AI and agriculture, saying technology is reshaping the landscape of the potato industry.
past,” Richardson said. “AI [artificial intelligence] was a leap of faith, but we are the first commodity board in the U.S. to successfully create our own AI system, and we have a strong case to patent it.”
PROACTIVE AI
The team at Potatoes USA is using AI to scan social media and other news outlets for misinformation about potatoes and generate draft responses containing facts about the vegetable’s health benefits. The drafts are reviewed by the marketing team before being shared with editors and social media.
Richardson introduced Cedric Porter, owner and managing editor of World Potato Markets, saying, “I consider Cedric to be the foremost expert on international trade.”
In his overview of the global potato market, Porter mentioned that some of the industry’s largest processing plants—McCain Foods, Simplot and Agristo—are planning expansions in the United States.
During the Potato Expo media breakfast early Thursday morning, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles stated, “Attendees matter to us, but the substance of the event counts. Every segment of the complex industry is here. We’re thrilled by what we see on the Potato Expo show floor.”
Just prior to the opening of Potato Expo each year is the wellattended Potato Business Summit, a comprehensive economic and market analysis of the global and North American potato industry.
The Potato Business Summit is a joint effort between the United Potato Growers of America (UPGA), United Potato Growers of Canada, and Potato Marketing Association of North America (PMANA).
Lucas Wysocki, chairman of the UPGA, welcomed a packed hall for the Potato Business Summit. Others
continued on pg. 20
“AI [artificial intelligence] was a leap of faith, but we are the first commodity board in the U.S. to successfully create our own AI system, and we have a strong case to patent it.”
– Blair Richardson Potatoes USA CEO
2025 Potato Expo . . .
continued from pg. 19
from Wisconsin who have chaired the UPGA in its 20-year history are Russell Wysocki, Dick Okray and Brian Bushman. In addition, Louis Wysocki was a founding member of the UPGA.
Dale Lathim, executive director of PMANA, said, “I’ve been a part of all 35 of these Potato Business Summits, and this is some of the best information you’ll get anywhere in one spot.”
SUMMIT PRESENTATIONS
Presenters at the 2025 Potato Business Summit included Micah Scanga, business manager for AMVAC; Steve Nicholson of Rabobank, who gave his anticipated annual Economic Outlook; Porter who presented a European Market Update; and Breshears who provided a Consumer/Frozen Market Overview.
Steve Elfering of 1,4GROUP suggested potato storage solutions for growers/ shippers/packers, and UPGA President and CEO Mark Klompien rounded out the offerings with a “Fresh Potato Market Outlook.”
Nicholson said, “Growers have always produced enough food to feed everyone in the world. You have a calling to feed people. But politics,
population, distribution and price are challenges. Birthrates are going down. I’m more concerned about that than whether we can feed 10 billion people by 2050.”
“In agriculture, we benefit from free trade,” Nicholson continued. “Where does the President’s power begin and stop with tariffs? Immigration is also a huge issue. We need that labor in the ag industry.”
He went on to state that the U.S. dollar is showing strength against nearly all currencies and the economy is strong, but it’s going to cost the European Union, Brazil, Japan and Canada to buy our goods.
“It’s a very delicate balancing act
we’re in,” Nicholson stated, “but there are good signs. Inflation is down under 3% now, and income is up. Consumer spending is up, and unemployment is historically very low. We’re still producing 200,000 jobs a month.”
Over the course of Porter’s Potato Business Summit presentation, he introduced David Prior Hope, chief technology officer (CTO) and founder of Vibe, a London-based company that has developed the world’s first
Above: Steve Tatro (left) of T.I.P., Inc. stopped to visit WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education Dana Rady (right) at the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth during Potato Expo.
A popular featured speaker at the Potato Business Summit each year, Cedric Porter, owner and editor of World Potato Markets, provided a European market update for attendees of the meeting.
It was all in the family at Potato Expo for the Suchon’s of Bushman’s Riverside Ranch, including, from left to right, Jeff, Sandy, Jenna and Jared, who drove to Orlando from Wisconsin.
Above Left: “The Happy Potato Showdown” cooking competition teams included 2024 Top Spud, Mike Carter (second from right) of Bushmans’ Inc., and his teammate Shelley Olsen (right), L.J. Olsen, Inc., versus Becky Eddy (second from left), University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Colin Szawlowski (left) from Valley Spud LLC, against a third team comprised of Grant Morris, Schneider Farms, and Adam Weber of Weber Farms. Potatoes USA Executive Sous Chef Aurora Hollenbeck stands behind them overseeing the competition.
Above Right: Enjoying themselves at the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) & WPVGA Chip Committee annual reception are, from left to right, Craig Uhlenbrauck and Guy Kiser of Miron Construction, and John Pluta and Matt Sipiorski from Excel Engineering.
1,4GROUP CEO Steve Elfering, who is on the Potatoes USA Promotion Board and chairs the Communications Committee, discussed “Advances in Potato Storage & Treatment” at the Potato Business Summit.
Need stacking power?
textile fiber from potato harvest waste, specifically the stems of plants.
“We’re changing potato stems into textile thread for the clothing industry,” Hope explained. “By 2030, the demand for eco-textiles is expected to exceed supply by 133 million tonnes. We believe the answer lies in ag commodities, specifically potato stems.”
POTATO TEXTILE FIBERS
“We calculated that 150 million tonnes of stems are discarded annually. We can turn them into
textile fibers and meet sustainability targets. We’ve already partnered with Grimme to develop the first potato stem harvester,” he added. “Growers have reported no land or field damage.”
“We’ve raised $2.8 million in funding and are building a pilot production facility,” Hope concluded.
In addition to an exhibition hall filled with exhibitors, Potato Expo has always featured expert speakers and addressed issues top-of-mind for industry professionals, including educational and business-oriented
From
to
at the Wisconsin Seed and Chip Reception are Munevver Dogramaci, USDA-ARS, Laura Shannon, University of Minnesota, Jeff Endelman, University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison, and Becky Eddy, UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Unal
sessions held on three stages—the Expo Stage, Potato Pavilion, and Cultivation Stage.
Breakout sessions, panel discussions,
Dan Kendall of Compeer Financial Services had his name called as the lucky winner of a Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes shirt during the Seed and Chip Reception.
From left to right, University of Wisconsin (UW) Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson, Larry Alsum of Alsum Farms & Produce, and Bruce Anderson, Atticus, LLC, pause for a photo in front of the Wisconsin Certified Seed Potatoes booth at Potato Expo.
Above Left:
left
right
Above Right: Tom Bulgrin (left) and Jacalynn Gumz (second from right) of Gumz Muck Farms, visit with Tim Schrank (second from left) of Nichino America, and
Karabulut, INTI Logistics, at the Seed and Chip Reception.
“Potato Talks” and keynote addresses run concurrently with the trade show for two full days.
In his presentation, “AI’s Impact on the Potato Industry,” Ron Green, founder and CTO of KUNGFU. AI, explored the groundbreaking
intersection of AI and agriculture, saying technology is reshaping the landscape of the potato industry.
“Until now, we’ve overpromised and underdelivered on AI,” Green admitted. “Modern AI can do amazing things that mimic human
intelligence. But as AI is to a brain, a jet is to a bird.”
continued
Above: Gathered at the Wisconsin Seed and Chip Reception are Nate Bolton (left) and Jay Warner (right) of Warner & Warner, Inc., with Jason Blenker (second from left), Wysocki Family of Companies, and Paul Salm (second from right), BMO Harris Bank.
He then went on to explain an AI system’s ability to learn, plan, and schedule, and summarized machine learning, deep learning, robotics and “automated reasoning.”
Where AI is currently being utilized in the potato industry is in identifying plant stress, estimating potato yields, and fighting misinformation, such as the AI system the company created for Potatoes USA to scan social media and other news outlets for misinformation about potatoes and generate draft responses.
During a grower panel titled “The Future of Technology in Potato Production,” Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the National Potato Council, Tom Ryan, president of RD Offutt Company, Steve Gangwish, president and CEO
of CSS Farms, and Josh Reeves, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Walther Farms, also explored cutting-edge technologies transforming potato production.
PREDICTIVE AI
“What’s gotten me most excited about AI,” Ryan said, “is that we’ve moved from reporting data to being more predictive, which prevents losses and helps savings. The speed in which AI is evolving is exciting for such things as managing individual varieties in individual fields.”
In “Treat Them Early, Treat Them Right,” Chad Reynolds, North American sales manager for 1,4GROUP, discussed potato storage management strategies and proactive approaches to understanding varieties and how each of them store.
Right: The 2025 Potato Expo attracted more than 200 exhibitors, including Allan Equipment Manufacturing Ltd. from Canada, and 2,170 attendees.
Reynolds went over late nitrogen applications, harvest conditions that affect potato physiology, dormancy management tools, and optimal storage crop protection applications.
“After harvest, potatoes are still living, breathing things. Understand what’s going on with your potatoes before they get to storage,” he suggested, “and understand that the first 30-45 days in storage are when quality issues occur—sprouting, pressure bruising, and shrinkage through respiration, among others.”
One group of panelists was more than happy to report on “Maintaining and Enhancing Export Market Access for U.S. Potatoes.”
“We’re no long talking about opening Mexico to the U.S. fresh potato market, but rather maintaining and enhancing access,” Quarles said. The National Potato Council CEO was joined by Breshears, Matt Lantz, senior vice president of global access for Bryant Christie, and Luis Moreno, CEO of Grupo PM.
Left: Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Tamas Houlihan (left) chats with Randy Fleishauer, Plover River Farms Alliance, Inc., at Potato Expo.
Chad Reynolds, North American sales manager for 1,4GROUP, presented “Treat Them Early, Treat Them Right” covering potato storage management strategies and proactive approaches to understanding varieties and how they store.
“Now we’re building demand for U.S. potatoes in Mexico,” Quarles added. “This was one of the longest-running trade disputes, in attempting to get the market open, in U.S. history.”
Breshears said, “I don’t see any reason why we can’t double potato exports to Mexico in the next five years. We saw 63% growth in our second year sending fresh potatoes
to Mexico. The opportunity is great and Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. is ideal. Our next market access issue is Japan.”
POTATO TALKS
Breakout sessions and Potato Talks covered topics such as trade; tariffs; neonicotinoid use and regulation;
Above: In a Friday afternoon Breakout Session titled “Maintaining and Enhancing Export Market Access for U.S Potatoes,” panelists discussed steps being taken every day to increase demand for potatoes in Mexico and the importance of keeping the market open into the future. The panelists are, from left to right, Matt Lantz, senior vice president of global access at Bryant Christie; Potatoes USA Chief Marketing Officer Kim Breshears; Luis Moreno, CEO of Grupo PM; and National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles.
continued from pg. 25
dietary guidelines and federal nutrition program regulations; late blight; advancing germplasm improvement in the U.S. with true potato seed breeding; glyphosates; and the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of the Endangered Species Act.
Direct tuber testing was discussed as a viable option for seed certification, as were topics such as succession planning, the U.S. ag labor policy, and building bridges between agriculture and consumers.
“The Happy Potato Showdown” cooking competition on the Expo Stage, hosted by Chefs Harvey and Hollenbeck and sponsored by The Little Potato Company, was a popular attraction, pitting teams against each other who cooked potato dishes
before a live audience and a panel of judges.
Teams included the 2024 Top Spud, Mike Carter of Bushmans’ Inc., and his teammate Shelley Olsen of L.J. Olsen, Inc. versus Becky Eddy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Colin Szawlowski of Valley Spud LLC, against a third team comprised of Grant Morris, Schneider Farms, and Adam Weber of Weber Farms.
The winners—Carter and Olsen— used their culinary expertise to create a delicious dish that included a bed of sauteed onions and peppers topped with mashed Little Potato Company Creamer potatoes and garlic butter shrimp, then drizzled with hot honey and melted butter.
To work off some of the potatocentric food at Expo, runners and casual walkers participated in the Potato LEAF (Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation) 5K Fun Run supporting efforts at “growing people who grow potatoes.” One runner completed the 5K in full potato costume regalia.
The fun didn’t stop there, as the 2025 Potato Expo included numerous networking opportunities, such as the “Flock to Florida Welcome Reception,” Kick-Off Reception with a live auction to benefit Potato LEAF, daily happy hours, beer gardens, baked potato and salad bars, “Totally Tater Trivia” and an “Anchors Aweigh After Party.”
The Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association & WPVGA Chip Committee held their annual reception at the Orlando World Center Marriott following Potato Expo, Thursday evening, with refreshments, door prizes, crackers, cheese and shrimp appetizers, networking and fun.
University of Wisconsin (UW) Professor Emeritus Walt Stevenson once again did the honors of emceeing the event and announcing winners of door prizes.
Potato Expo serves as a forum to foster collaboration between national and state potato associations, as well as the rest of the industry.
Potato Expo 2026 will be held January 6-8 at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas.
Stress Mitigation Products Create a Buzz in the Industry
Fastest-growing classification of ag tech inputs helps crops grow despite abiotic and biotic stresses
By Noel Currie, president, Currie Chemical Company
I speak with a lot of ag product companies, startups, and tech transfer companies each year. Some of these conversations are very interesting and turn into impactful information for my growers. Some are not great ideas, like liquid sunglasses for plants.
Stress mitigation products are gaining traction and creating a lot of buzz in the industry. The products are formulated to make crops work and grow better, even in times of environmental stress (abiotic) as well as biotic stress, such as when disease and/or insects are present.
How can we use plant physiology to our advantage? Stress and growing crops go hand in hand. Often the only stress that we are familiar with is the stress that growers feel when growing crops in difficult times.
One of the biggest issues growers deal with are crop stresses caused by factors beyond their control— drought, excess water, disease and insects, or even poor seed.
Above: Currie Chemical Company and ATC Labs have tested yeast extract and organic acid products. Both work on potatoes and grain. They work best with multiple doses, show a big impact when there is crop stress, and produce higher yields, even when there is no stress.
We are seeing different weather patterns lately. In our local area, we’ve had drought or near-drought conditions for three of the past five years. And one of the years that did not experience drought had significant rain at the wrong time, causing significant stress to the crops. In the potato industry, we have been battling seed diseases that we have not experienced in the past. It seems like there is more and more stress all the time.
It is difficult to know what to do, and even more difficult to learn how another class of products works.
RESEARCHING & TRIALING
ATC Labs of CCC (Currie Chemical Company) has been researching and trialing stress mitigation products
for our growers over the past few years. We wanted to know how the products work and the best ways to utilize them in our agricultural system. Geeks like me enjoy learning this stuff and explaining it.
The easiest way to explain how stress mitigators work is with an analogy. If a plant was a car, stress mitigators would warm up the car on a cold day (or cool it down on a hot day). Just like starting a car makes it more comfortable and warms up the fluids, stress mitigators do that to crops.
Applying stress mitigation products gets the plants warmed up, starting biological systems necessary to be ready for faster growth and making compounds that initiate the plant immune system.
Once all warmed up, the plants are ready for crop stress such as drought, heat, insects, disease and more. Even if the crop does not have stress, the products are formulated to improve yield and quality.
Stress mitigation products are made up of substances known as elicitors. Elicitors are low-molecularweight, plant-active molecules. They activate sensor molecules and cells in plants and jumpstart physiological responses that improve plant health and awaken the plant immune system.
Elicitors differ from plant hormones, which are of high molecular weight and impact plants at a higher, less regulated fashion, and in very specific plant cells. Stress mitigation elicitors are effective in far more and different cells than hormones, with more controlled effect.
Examples of Elicitors in plant biology
• Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and
salicylic acid (SA), both of which induce systemic acquired resistance to many pathogens
• Chitosan, a molecule found in crab and other crustacean shells that activates plant cell receptors to protect against insect damage
• Coronatine, a bacterial toxin that acts like jasmonic acid
• Jasmonic acid and methyl jasmonate, a biochemical cascade that results from environmental stresses
• Pectin, which releases small fragments called oligogalacturonides (OGs) when a plant cell wall is damaged, thus triggering the plant’s defense mechanisms
• Yeast extract, a combination of compounds from the yeast metabolism that activates plant cell receptors and increases plant defenses
Simply stated, stress mitigation
Left: Even if no stress is experienced during the season, the positive impacts of stress mitigation products on a crop like potatoes include more productive plants and increased yields and quality. Photo courtesy of Specialty Potatoes & Produce
Right: Stress mitigation products are formulated to make crops work and grow better, even in times of environmental stress (abiotic) as well as biotic stress, such as when disease and/or insects are present.
products work to mitigate stress. In plant biology, there are several physiological responses to stresses that start plant defense cascades and make biochemical molecules that allow the plant to do several things better under stress:
• Pump water
• Increase plant cell growth and rate of growth
• Increase the uptake of nutrients
• Work better within the environment they are living
Biologists have known plant defense cascades exist for years. They have also known that providing certain molecules to a plant at specific times will initiate plant defense cascades. When these cascades begin naturally from a stress, they usually happen when the abiotic stresses have already had a significant negative impact on the plant and crop.
Products have now been developed that can be applied on a large scale. When applied in the field during the growing season, they allow the plant defense cascades to be started earlier
than under normal conditions.
Applying the products allows positive responses to begin before seasonal stresses occur. They make stress less impactful. If no stress is experienced during the season, the positive impacts on the crop will include more productive plants and increased yields and quality.
ATC CCC has tested yeast extract and organic acid products. Both work on potatoes and grain. They work best with multiple doses, show a big impact when there is crop stress, and produce higher yields, even when there is no stress.
The yeast extract product works well at high application rates of 1/2 to 1 gallon per acre. The organic acid product works well in smaller rates of 2-4 ounces per acre. Both are similarly priced per acre.
Knowing about this class of products and how they work, and applying them, mitigates crop stress and potentially some of the farmer’s own stress of growing crops.
BEST POSSIBLE CROP
These compounds and our ability to use them alter the crop’s physiology to our advantage, a benefit that has been unavailable to production agriculture until recently. Utilizing them is a way of making sure the best crop possible emerges, even during times of stress.
Applying these products, with or without crop stress, increases yield and quality. With the unknowns of crop growing and weather, it is good to have tools to combat the issues.
The yeast extract and organic acid products showed a yield increase of 6-8%. At an increase of 7% with a crop yielding 400 hundredweight (cwt.) per acre, it equates to a net gain of 28 cwt. per acre. At $10 per cwt., the yield increase results in revenue of $280 per acre. The most expensive stress mitigation product we tested was at a cost of $14 per acre, and thus a 20 to 1
“In the potato industry, we’ve been battling seed diseases that we have not experienced in the past. It seems like there is more and more stress all the time.”
– Noel Currie, president, Currie Chemical Company
return. That is significant.
The financial impact of these products is not just an increase in yield. During a drought year, one of the biggest losses that growers experience comes when the fertilizer applied is not used by the crop. The use of stress mitigators allows the plant to use nutrients that would otherwise be wasted during a drought.
Now you understand how to positively impact your crop physiology using stress mitigators.
This means you can proactively use the elicitors to lessen negative impacts of abiotic stresses.
By not using this class of products, you are choosing to be at the whim of drought, disease, and insect pressure with no proactive way of managing these stresses.
For more information, contact ATC Labs, Currie Chemical Company, attention Noel Currie, noel@ curriecompany.com, 207-768-0681, or office: 207-768-0781.
Potatoes USA News
The Changing Conversation Around Starch
For years, starchy foods like potatoes, corn, and lima beans have gotten a bad rap, despite recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to include five cups a week of starchy vegetables in a balanced diet.
But new evidence highlighting starch’s health benefits is helping change the conversation.
Enter resistant starch. Resistant starch, which is found naturally in potatoes, is a type of carbohydrate
that is resistant to digestion by human digestive enzymes, like dietary fiber.
Although additional studies are needed to corroborate these findings, emerging research in both animals and humans suggests that resistant starch may help us feel full, favorably impact blood lipid and blood glucose levels, and increase good bacteria in the colon. Resistant starch is highest in potatoes that have been cooked and cooled.
These promising findings have sparked considerable interest, resulting in rising media coverage. For example, the New York Times published an in-depth explanation of resistant starch, describing how it can be increased in potatoes after they are cooked and cooled.
Starch also emerged as one of the most prominent topics in potato news coverage in July-September 2024, according to media data tracked by Potatoes USA.
Starch has always been a topic in potato media coverage, but only in the past six months did starch reports become more consistently positive. The increasing volume and positive sentiment were driven by favorable coverage of resistant starch. The topic has also seen an increase in mentions
Above: People watching their blood sugar can include starchy vegetables like potatoes in their diet. The key is focusing on portion size, making carbs about one-quarter of your 9-inch dinner plate.
on social media throughout 2024.
Hopefully this information has gotten you excited for more conversations about starch. Here’s a quick guide to some frequently asked questions:
“Are starchy foods bad for me?”
No! The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that we get five cups of starchy vegetables per week. There’s also a specific type of starch called resistant starch found in potatoes that may provide a host of benefits like increasing our good gut bacteria.
“Don’t potatoes cause weight gain?” No. A medium potato (5.3 oz.) has just 110 calories and zero fat, along with many other important nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C. If you’re trying to lose weight or avoid weight gain, great news—research demonstrates that people can eat potatoes and still lose weight.
Even better, potatoes have a special type of starch called resistant starch that might help you feel full longer, which may help you eat less.
“Shouldn’t I avoid potatoes if I’m watching my blood sugar?”
People watching their blood sugar can include starchy vegetables like potatoes in their diet. The key is focusing on portion size, making carbs about one-quarter of your 9-inch dinner plate.
You can also pair carbs with protein and good fats at meals for better blood sugar management. One more piece of good news is that potatoes, especially ones that have been cooked and cooled like in potato salad, have resistant starch, which may positively affect blood sugar.
02-25 Badger Common'Tater (7.25x4.75).v3.pdf
Above: A medium potato (5.3 oz.) has just 110 calories and zero fat, along with many other important nutrients like potassium, fiber and vitamin C.
PEOPLE Andrea Kelling Passes Away
Love of her life, Keith, enjoyed successful UW Extension and research career
Andrea “Andi” Kelling, age 78, of Middleton, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away at home on Saturday, November 30, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on December 3, 1945, in Antigo, the daughter of Wyman and Priscilla (Georgson) Suits.
Andrea attended Madison West High School and went on to obtain a degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin (UW). While at the UW, she met the love of her life, Keith Kelling.
A member of Bethel Lutheran Church since 1959, Keith and Andrea were married at Bethel on June 15, 1968. Andrea joined Keith in Panama City while he was stationed in Panama with the U.S. Army.
Especially early in their marriage, Andrea was the family “CEO,” as Keith was starting his Extension and research career at UW-Madison. They welcomed two children: Kari Engelke, in 1976, and Kurt Kelling, in 1982.
Andrea devoted her career to serving others through the Red Cross as a social worker and Middleton High School as a library assistant. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and always cheering in the stands for the kids’ sporting events and other important milestones. Most recently, she enjoyed cheering on granddaughter, Zoe, at her hockey and lacrosse games.
BOAT RIDES WITH KEITH
Andrea liked spending time at their Rhinelander cottage with family and friends and treasured her boat rides and time fishing with Keith. She and Keith enjoyed traveling and visiting over 350 sites run by the National Park Service, including all the named National Parks in the continental United States.
She had a passion for growing African violets and nurtured a collection of over 130 plants. She was an active member of the Sundowners African Violet Club. Andrea was an
Andrea S. Kelling
December 3, 1945 – November 30, 2024
avid Badgers sports fan and loved attending UW football, basketball, and men’s and women’s hockey games.
She is survived by her husband, Keith Kelling; children, Kari (Reed) Engelke and Kurt (Christine) Kelling; granddaughter, Zoe Engelke; and cousin, Kermit (Debbie) Suits.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Wyman and Priscilla Suits.
A visitation and memorial service were held at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Madison, on December 10, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carbone Cancer CenterPancreatic Cancer Research, https:// cancer.wisc.edu/; Bethel Horizons, https://bethelhorizons.org/; or Second Harvest Food Bank, https:// www.secondharvestsw.org/.
The family would like to thank Dr. Monica Patel and the amazing UW Health team; and Calista, Rose, and the wonderful aides from Agrace who took such loving care of Andrea.
Dr. Charles Higgins Retires
Norika America agent says he’s “just farming grandkids now”
Dr. Charles Higgins has been doing all those things for the better part of the past 50 years. He’s become so well-known throughout the industry, simply saying “Charlie” during a conversation is usually enough to establish Higgins as the person being referenced.
While Higgins’ contributions to the potato industry aren’t done yet, his time farming potatoes and running businesses is just about over. That includes overseeing Higgins Farms Inc. in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, and Norika America LLC, a North American-based distributor of German potato breeder Norika’s varieties.
“I sold my property; I’m just farming grandkids now,” Higgins says with a chuckle. He is looking forward to spending more time with family and working on the Ethiopian Food Project he founded with his wife and grower friends.
“He’s an unassuming treasure trove of knowledge,” Potatoes USA Director of Research John Lundeen says of Higgins. “When you pick up the phone and call Charlie, you’re going to learn something.”
As a longtime consultant to Potatoes USA on potato variety trials, Higgins has worked closely with Lundeen on numerous projects over the years. In fact, Lundeen said one of his first road trips on the job when he joined Potatoes USA five years ago was to Navajo Mesa Farms near the Colorado-New Mexico border.
No matter the subject, Lundeen knows he can call Charlie. “I mean, he’s just Charlie. He doesn’t brag about himself or his knowledge base,” Lundeen says.
“But if you go to him and say, ‘Charlie, tell me how seed multiplication works,’ or ‘Charlie, tell me about this disease,’ ‘Charlie, tell me about the defects in this potato,’ ‘Charlie, tell me who the players are in the industry,’ ‘Charlie, what’s the
will remain a part of the operation as a consultant.
continued on pg. 34
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Above: Dr. Charlie Higgins (right) stands by his grandson, Tell Chapman. Higgins has managed Norika’s varieties for North American distribution since 1994. Though retiring, he
Photo courtesy of Charlie Higgins
history of the chip trial system?,’ he’s always been a go-to [resource] about everything in the industry,” Lundeen remarks.
Higgins’ story is too grand to give all aspects their due justice. In addition to owning and operating Higgins Farms with his daughter and sonin-law, some other key roles and accomplishments include:
• Higgins earned a Ph.D. in plant breeding and seed production from Colorado State University in 1981.
• From 1969 to 1971, Charlie and his wife, Judy, served as Peace Corps volunteers in Ethiopia. It was there that Higgins saw firsthand the famine and struggle to procure food that became a global story during the 1980s, resulting in the pop music phenomenon, “We Are the World.”
Higgins’ Peace Corps experience laid the foundation for his later work in helping to establish and manage the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project in the early 2000s. This continues to supply Ethiopian farmers with disease-free potato seed of improved varieties.
• He has served as technical consultant and advocate for the National Chip Program (NCP) since 2007. Higgins has been instrumental in growing the NCP, says Alyssa Green, who works with Lundeen at Potatoes USA. His efforts include presenting at multiple conferences every year, traveling to visit growers, and making countless calls and connections to get varieties into production. “He’s a logistics whiz,” Green explains.
• Early in his career, Higgins served as an agronomist for the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico for 11 years. He worked with a team to develop a 70,000-acre irrigation project.
• Higgins has done extensive agronomic consulting work during his career, including for Frito-Lay International in Mexico, Thailand, China, Australia, and Venezuela. He also consulted with many potato chip growers, including Heartland Farms, Walther Farms, and others.
• Charlie served as agent for Norika, a German potato breeding company,
BINFRONT BARRIERS
and for Irish Potato Breeders.
For Norika varieties, when Higgins began managing in 1994, it was a $4,000-a-year endeavor. Under Higgins’ watch, sales grew over the years, and he and Norika created a co-owned LLC called Norika America in 2007. By 2023, it had grown into more than a $750,000-a-year business.
While Higgins’ home base was the San Luis Valley, his work with Norika and Potatoes USA’s chip trials allowed him to work closely with seed growers throughout North America, from Maine's Aroostook County to Washington State. Some of those farms are now being run by grandchildren of his original partners.
“I see Charlie as like the grandfather of the potato industry,” says Jason Walther, leader of Walther Farms, a multi-state operation based in Michigan. Walther Farms is a major producer of chip and table stock potatoes that Higgins has served in consultation.
“Charlie’s knowledge of every facet of the industry is incredible—agronomy, physiology, pathology, logistics, equipment, storage, handling, economics, and even the human leadership aspect of it,” Walther remarks. “There aren’t many people
Chris Long, longtime head of the Potato Outreach Program in Michigan, is the new manager of Norika’s potato varieties for North America.
with such a comprehensive view.”
Higgins adds, “No one is an independent expert in all things ‘potato.’ I have been privileged to work with the best potato pathologists, potato breeders and physiologists in the world.”
As philanthropic as Higgins is with his time and resources, he balances it with a keen business sense. Disease pressure continues to drive breeding efforts, but Higgins knew decades ago that better virus-resistant varieties would also be a necessity, which is why he saw Norika as a good opportunity.
Also, German consumers demand excellent flavor in potatoes. Norika varieties have the best flavor and
texture in the business.
FASTEST-GROWING CATEGORY
“When we started, yellow varieties were 1% of the market, maybe less,” Higgins recalls. “Now, it’s probably 10%. The Norika varieties have claimed a big part of that. Yellow flesh varieties are the fastest-growing category in the fresh potato market.”
Higgins says that trying out new varieties is a risk, and he quickly credits all the seed growers who went out on a limb.
“I think many of them have been rewarded with profitability,” he states. “The whole spectrum of seed growers is especially valuable. They’re friends and customers. All the seed growers are important to us.”
Tom Schmidt Passes at Home
Taking over Higgins’ role for Norika America LLC will be Chris Long, the longtime head of the Potato Outreach Program at Michigan State University.
The potato industry has benefited greatly by Charie Higgins’ leadership, passion, and hard work, Long says.
“Charlie will still be plenty involved in consulting,” he adds. “I’ve always valued partnerships and relationships with the growers. Ultimately, my goal has always been, and will continue to be, to make them more profitable.”
Among Long’s goals will be to elevate the Norika brand, as well as add to its digital assets, like online databases and website development. Long can be reached at chris@norikaamerica. com, or 517-275-1649.
Partner in Guenthner Farms also served on the WSPIA Board of Directors
Thomas W. “Tater” Schmidt, age 69, of Antigo, died on December 6, 2024, at home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was born on February 25, 1955, in Antigo, a son of the late Horace and Rose (Parilek) Schmidt.
Tom graduated from Antigo High School, in 1973, and then attended North Central Technical College to receive his welding degree. He started his career at Hammer Blow and then Lockwood.
He was then a welder/machinist for Drott Manufacturing Company, later known as J.I. Case, in Wausau. While working in Wausau at night, he also farmed for Dwayne Guenthner during the day.
When J.I. Case closed its Wausau location, Tom became a partner in Guenthner Farms Inc. with Dwayne and Bill Guenthner. On weekends, Tom also hauled fuel for Draeger and Wagner for many years. Tom worked with his father for S&S Farm Service selling dairy supplements
across Wisconsin.
For five years, Tom was on the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, his last year serving as president. He also served on committees for the Farm Service Agency and Langlade County Tractor Pull Association.
Tom enjoyed riding his HarleyDavidson motorcycle. He had a passion for farming and his combine harvester. His weekends were spent up north hunting, snowmobiling, fishing and just spending time with friends and family. Tom had a heart of gold and was willing to help anyone, any time of the day, no matter what was going on.
Tom loved farming with his son, Nathan, and grandkids. Tom’s grandkids were the joy of his life. He enjoyed baking treats with them and was so proud to watch them both show their cattle and pigs at county fairs.
Survivors include a son, Nathan (Ashly) Schmidt of Antigo; two
Thomas W. Schmidt
February 25, 1955 – December 6, 2024
grandchildren, Conway and Aspen “Popple” Schmidt; two sisters, Patrica Below of Oshkosh and Linda Wacker of Portland, Oregon; a brother, Dale (Amy) Schmidt of Clovis, New Mexico; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Visitation and a funeral service were held on December 14 at the Bradley Funeral Home, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating.
Now News
Agristo Chooses to Build
in North
Company doubles down on international expansion
Founded in 1986, family-owned Belgian potato processor Agristo has announced that the company is building its first U.S. production site in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Having already ventured outside of Europe with a flake line in India, Agristo’s sights were set on America, having already established a strong presence in the U.S. market and significantly increasing its private label segment market share.
Dakota
in Europe
In recent months, Agristo collaborated closely with growers in Wisconsin and North Dakota to test potato varieties that meet the processor’s high standards, and those partnerships have strengthened the company’s ties to the region and solidified its commitment to sustainable growth.
Grand Forks was selected as the location for a U.S. production site due
& the United States
to several key factors. Like Wisconsin, the state is home to a strong agricultural community and deep expertise in potato farming, offering valuable collaboration opportunities with local stakeholders.
North Dakota’s vast agricultural land and favorable growing conditions proved ideal during extensive tests of potato varieties. These trials demonstrated exceptional potential
for optimal crop yield and quality. Additionally, the expansive land and development-friendly policies in the region provide ample room for future growth, aligning perfectly with Agristo’s ambition to expand as market demand continues to rise.
$450 MILLION INVESTMENT
The Grand Forks site represents an initial investment of at least $450 million in the first phase alone. This investment reflects Agristo’s strategy of reinvesting earnings into projects that drive long-term value, supporting innovation, expansion, and strong partnerships.
The potato processor’s approach isn’t just about expansion, but also in creating shared value. Its reinvestments help the company build sustainable production sites and foster meaningful collaborations with stakeholders.
Each project Agristo undertakes strengthens its ability to meet global demand while creating lasting benefits for the communities where the processor operates.
Groundbreaking for the North Dakota facility is set for 2025, with plans to commence operations by the summer of 2028. This investment is expected to create 300-350 direct jobs and stimulate indirect investments in agriculture and supply chains, boosting local and regional economies.
The milestone underscores the company’s resilience, ambition, and dedication to making a positive impact globally. As Agristo continues to grow, the potato processor remains committed to creating value for customers, communities, and partners through sustainable practices and delicious potato inspired products.
For more information, visit www. agristo.com.
RPE, LLC Supports Food Banks
RPE, LLC announces the results of its October campaign to combat food insecurity, which allowed consumers to vote on which food banks should receive a share of $10,000 in donations.
The campaign page attracted significant engagement, with over 14,000 unique views, reflecting the community’s commitment to making a difference.
The top five food banks receiving
donations are:
• MANA Foodbank – Asheville, North Carolina ($5,000)
• Food Bank of Alaska – Anchorage, Alaska ($3,000)
• Feeding Tampa Bay – Tampa, Florida ($1,000)
• Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin ($500)
• Second Harvest Foodbank of
Northeast Tennessee – Kingsport, Tennessee ($500)
RPE extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and helped raise awareness about food insecurity. This campaign underscores our commitment to supporting communities across the nation and ensuring that local food banks receive the resources needed to help families during the holiday season and beyond.
Projects Awarded That Strengthen Food Supply Chain
USDA & Wisconsin announce grants to create new revenue streams for producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces that it has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to award $23.2 million for 30 projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI).
The 30 Infrastructure Grants and previously announced 41 Equipment Grants total 71 projects in Wisconsin funded through RFSI to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain while strengthening local and regional food systems.
“These infrastructure projects being funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program will build strength and resilience in Wisconsin’s food system, diversify agricultural markets, create new revenue streams for small and mid-sized producers, and provide economic opportunities for local communities,” says USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt.
“The USDA is grateful for Wisconsin’s support,” she adds, “strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”
“Wisconsin’s farmers, producers,
and our agricultural industries are a critical part of the state’s economic success and help make sure we’re getting food to tables, grocery stores, restaurants across our country and the world over,” says Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.
Above: Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative in Waupaca will build out its existing warehouse and trucking fleet and optimize distribution routes to collaborate with and link together sub-hub, or smaller on-farm and tribal aggregation initiatives across the state.
continued on pg. 40
“I’m incredibly grateful these investments will help strengthen our supply chains,” Gov. Evers stresses, “and bolster economic opportunity and resilience across our state.”
Examples of funded Infrastructure Grant projects:
• Doudlah Farms Organics, a farmerowned processing enterprise in Evansville, Wis., will increase the state’s capacity to warehouse, clean, package, and distribute organic ingredients such as specialty grains, corn, and beans.
Its RFSI-funded 20,000-foot processing facility will benefit an estimated 550 local and regional agricultural producers by reducing barriers to market entry; improving aggregation and distribution capacity for organic, value-added
products.
• Nasonville Dairy operates a cheese plant in Marshfield, Wis., that currently processes 510 million pounds of milk per year from 171 central Wisconsin farms.
The dairy’s new cold milk separator system funded by the RFSI Infrastructure grant will allow the plant to process an estimated 25 million more pounds of milk each year into five new value-added products including sweet cream.
• Red Door Family Farm in Athens, Wis., will construct a packing shed and cold storage facility to package and store its organically grown vegetables as well as those of 20 other farms.
The purchase of a refrigerated truck
wholesalers, retailers, and food access organizations such as Feeding America and Marathon County Hunger Coalition.
• Seasonal Harvest in De Pere, Wis., will strength its food aggregation hub by upgrading inventory management software, purchasing its first two delivery vehicles, and constructing a shared wash/pack facility.
These upgrades will alleviate some of the logistical challenges of aggregating product from an increasing number of very small farms, some of which have no access to potable water or clean packing space.
As a result of this grant, Seasonal Harvest will be able to procure from additional underserved farms to serve its growing community of customers, including the Green Bay Packers.
• The Stockbridge-Munsee Community in Bowler, Wis., will construct a facility to process and store food such as Lenape beans, Mohican corn, and indigenous squash grown on its tribal farm as part of a strategic plan to protect and promote local food and community self-governance.
This project is part of a set of proposals coordinated by the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition (GLIFC) designed to form a statewide network of mid-supplychain infrastructure-supporting economic opportunities for underserved producers across the state.
• Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative in Waupaca will build out its existing warehouse and trucking fleet, optimizing distribution routes to collaborate with and link together sub-hub, or smaller on-farm and tribal aggregation initiatives across the state.
This improvement will benefit an estimated 250 local and regional producers. The improved aggregation infrastructure will be used to focus distribution efforts to distressed communities, schools, and early childhood education programs, and smaller-scale grocery and food service buyers.
The awarded funding is part of $420 million available through the RFSI grant program to build capacity
within the middle of the supply chain and support local and regional producers. It is funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
Through this program, AMS has entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies, commissions, or departments responsible for agriculture, commercial food processing, seafood, or food system and distribution activities or commerce activities in states
Potato Exports to Mexico Keep Rising
Volume of U.S. fresh potatoes up year-over-year, USDA reports
By Tom Karst, The Packer
U.S. fresh potato exports to Mexico continue to soar, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade data shows. For the 12-month period from October 2023 to September 2024, the USDA reported that U.S. fresh potato sales to Mexico were $134.9 million, or about 41% of the value of total U.S. fresh potato exports for the period.
Total U.S. fresh potato exports for the period were down 1% in value but up 2% in volume, according to the USDA.
The volume of U.S. fresh potatoes sent to Mexico was up 55% for the October through September period, while the value of U.S. potato exports to Mexico was up 21%.
Canada was the second-largest market for U.S. potatoes, claiming $68 million of U.S. potatoes, down 32% in value from the previous year.
Following are the top markets for U.S. potato exports for October 2023 through September 2024, with percentage change in value compared with a year ago:
• Mexico — $331.9 million, up 21%
• Canada — $68 million, down 32%
• Japan — $19.3 million, down 8%
• Taiwan — $15.1 million, down 12%
• Honduras — $15.1 million, down 8%
• South Korea — $15.1 million, down 16%
• Dominican Republic — $13.5 million, up 106%
• Philippines — $12.2 million, up 24%
• Guatemala — $9.9 million, up 74%
• Malaysia — $4.8 million, up 16%
• The Bahamas — $3.4 million, up 15%
• Costa Rica — $3.1 million, up 19%
• Singapore — $2.6 million, down 3%
or U.S. territories.
For more information, visit the AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage at https://www.ams.usda. gov/services/grants/rfsi. The status of each state and territory’s RFSI program is available on USDA’s State Grant website, https://www.ams. usda.gov/services/grants/rfsi/rfsirfa-status.
For the 12-month period from October 2023 to September 2024, U.S. fresh potato sales to Mexico were $134.9 million, the USDA reports.
By Claudia Solis-Lemus,
Leveraging Certification Data for Enhanced Seed Potato Production
Developing bioinformatic tools is key to harnessing technology & improving seed certification practices
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison; and collaborators: 1. Xiaoyang Wang, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and Department of Statistics, UW-Madison; 2. Haoming Chen and Elaine Wu of the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and Department of Computer Science, UW-Madison; 3. Renee Rioux, BASF Morrisville, North Carolina (formerly of UW-Madison Department of Plant Pathology); 4. Amanda Gevens, Department of Plant Pathology, UW-Madison; and 5. Russell Groves, Department of Entomology, UW-Madison
The Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) was founded in 1913 and is one of the premier seed certification programs in the United States.
the United States and Canada, as well as in other countries.
Remaining at the forefront of research in seed potato pathology and mini tuber production is critical to the reputation and sustainability of the WSPCP and to the Wisconsin seed potato industry.
For more information, contact Claudia Solis-Lemus, solislemus@wisc.edu
The program developed from a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the state’s seed potato growers and continues to succeed today because of this longstanding partnership.
Above: Claudia Solis-Lemus, Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and Department of Plant Pathology, UW-Madison, was awarded a competitive grant from the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association to research the “Development of Bioinformatic Tools to Leverage Certification Data for Enhanced Seed Potato Production.”
to assess health and varietal purity parameters.
Roughly 80,000 acres of potatoes can be planted from the seed grown in Wisconsin annually. Seed produced from the state is grown throughout
The WSPCP generates significant amounts of crop quality data through annual summer field inspections and a post-harvest winter grow-out in which a representative subset of seed tubers is grown in warmer climates (currently Hawaii) during the winter
References Frost KE, Groves RL, Charkowski AO. Integrated Control of Potato Pathogens Through Seed Potato Certification and Provision of Clean Seed Potatoes. Plant Dis. 2013 Oct;97(10):1268-1280. doi: 10.1094/PDIS-05-13-0477-FE. PMID: 30722175.
Figure 1: This is a screenshot of a visualization tab for the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program’s “Potato Seed Dashboard.” Visiting https://potato-seed-dashboard.wid.wisc.edu/, the user will input inspection data, select the term (Summer and/or Winter), the specific diseases to plot (MOS=Mosaic Virus, LR=Leaf Roll, MIX=Mixture [foreign variety], ST=Spindle Tuber Viroid, BRR=Bacterial Ring Rot), the state, and the potato variety. 42 BC�T February
These data are used for making certification decisions, completing the plant health form that accompanies each seed potato lot, and for modifying crop management practices for individual growers, but there are additional uses that are not yet realized.
At present, the data are manually entered into a database but receive limited further application once the necessary reports are generated.
A 2013 paper by former WSPCP Director, Dr. Amy Charkowski, leveraged program data to evaluate various trends in seed certification— this was well-received and informative (Frost et al, 2013).
VISION 2025 COMMITTEE
At the national level, there is a Seed Certification Vision 2025 committee that seeks to raise awareness of challenges in seed potato production and investigate potential avenues to harness new technology to improve
seed certification practices.
Big data analytics and application are critical tools for any industry, and this work, which facilitates collaboration between the WSPCP and UW-Madison’s big data experts, will allow us to be at the leading edge of introducing these tools to seed certification.
Leveraging these data and analytical tools, we will be able to readily assess trends and respond quickly if concerning patterns are detected.
Here, we introduce the Potato Seed Dashboard (https://potato-seeddashboard.wid.wisc.edu/), a userfriendly open-source web app with data visualization and analytic tools for the seed potato certification data. Currently, the web app is not publicly available and is only accessible by people affiliated with UW-Madison. However, after an initial trial period, our tools will be available for use by inspectors to know which types of issues are of high risk in any given year or lot and be more attuned to these concerns.
We further expect that we will be able to provide specific information to individual growers, in a confidential manner, and that this will provide useful insights, which may assist in management decisions.
The tools we develop will significantly simplify data visualization and analysis for the end-user, making readily available what was once only possible through extensive analysis.
While the focus is on seed certification, the greater Wisconsin potato industry will benefit from these research efforts because improvements in seed potato production practices will trickle down to benefits for all commercial growers sourcing seed from within the state.
For more information, contact Claudia Solis-Lemus, solislemus@wisc.edu.
References Frost KE, Groves RL, Charkowski
AO. Integrated Control of Potato Pathogens Through Seed Potato Certification and Provision of Clean Seed Potatoes. Plant Dis.
Cole Lubinski of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program inspects potato plants during the post-harvest winter grow-out in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Brooke Babler
Auxiliary News
By Dakotah Smiley, Vice President, WPGA
50 Years Strong: Celebrating the Auxiliary’s Legacy
Key achievements in the second decade include expanded educational outreach
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA), a milestone in promoting agriculture, fostering community, and advocating for healthy lifestyles.
In this five-part series, we’ll explore the history and impact of the WPGA, decade by decade. Here, in the second installment (see the January 2025 issue for Part 1), we highlight the organization’s evolution from 1985-1995, a period of innovation and expanded outreach.
The Second Decade: 1985–1995 During its second decade, WPGA met the challenges of shifting
cultural and dietary trends headon. As fast food and convenience meals gained popularity, potatoes faced misconceptions as unhealthy and inconvenient. The Auxiliary responded with new strategies to educate the public and support Wisconsin’s potato industry.
Key achievements of the second decade include:
• Expanded Educational Outreach: WPGA launched the “Team Up to Unmask Potato Secrets” program, a family-focused curriculum for middle schoolers that highlighted potato nutrition, history, and environmental stewardship.
• State Fair Revamp: The Auxiliary redesigned its baked potato booth at the Wisconsin State Fair, celebrating its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The booth became a favorite stop for fairgoers, emphasizing the versatility of potatoes.
• National and International Representation: Gerri Okray broke barriers as the first woman elected
The “Team Up to Unmask Potato Secrets” program was part of a curriculum to educate middle schoolers about Wisconsin potatoes.
The 1985 Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors included, first row, left to right, Treasurer Ruth Danczyk, President Anita Polzin, Vice President Debbie Wolter, and Secretary Elaine Kizewski; and in the second row, left to right, Pat Jilek, Arlene Malek, Kathie Baginski, Barb Pavelski, and Frances Gallenberg.
to the National Potato Board and represented the Auxiliary on an agricultural delegation to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
• Community Engagement: Auxiliary members, alongside mascot Penelope Potato, made appearances at trade shows,
schools, and community events to educate the public and promote Wisconsin potatoes as a nutritious, delicious choice.
• Publishing Success: The “AllAmerican Potato Cookbook” gained nationwide recognition, with members like Gerri Okray spotlighted in media as champions for the potato industry.
The WPGA’s dedication during this decade reinforced its commitment to promoting potatoes, supporting farmers, and educating the public.
Stay tuned as we explore the
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BUILT TO HANDLE POTATO COUNTRY
Left: Arlene Malek and Anita Polzin (left and right, respectively, behind the booth) promote Wisconsin potatoes at the 10th Annual Agri-Business Breakfast. There, they talked with visitors to the booth about the nutritional value of potatoes and their importance in an everyday diet.
Right: Early on, the Auxiliary created a mascot, Penelope Potato, to help educate youngsters like this group of Boy Scouts about the merits of potatoes.
Auxiliary’s continued growth and impact in the 1990’s and beyond!
Until next time,
Dakotah
Gerri Okray was a strong supporter of the Auxiliary’s cookbooks and author of the Badger Common’Tater “What’s Cookin’” column. This photo is from a 1991 Cooperative Partners magazine article that discussed her position as the first woman to serve on the National Potato Board, in 1989.
Badger Beat
Nitrogen Uptake and Allocation in Goldrush
How much nitrogen is needed to set the plant up for success?
By Matt Ruark and Larissa Correia, Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
One of the biggest questions we have with nitrogen (N) management for potato is how much N is needed to set the plant up for success. The research results presented here are from N rate trials on Goldrush potatoes between 2015 and 2017 at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station.
Here we evaluate vine biomass and N uptake at 45 and 75 days after emergence (DAE). At both 45 and 75 DAE, there is a clear effect of N on vine biomass, although there is an
18-25% reduction in vine biomass itself between those two time points (Figure 1)
However, across that same 30 days, there was a much larger decrease
Above: Matt Ruark discusses potato soil health during the 2023 Hancock Agricultural Research Station Field Day. Image courtesy of Troy Fishler
in N uptake in vine biomass (lbs. N/ acre), where a 45% reduction was observed (Figure 2).
In general, peak N uptake in the vines occurs 65-80 days after planting. The 45 DAE time point in this study is about 65 days after planting (occurring in late June). So, the 30 days between late June and late July are of extreme importance for crop productivity.
The vines have essentially maximized their biomass by late June and then spend the next month translocating N to the tuber. Tuber biomass increases as much as 400% during this period, with total N uptake in the tuber increasing by over 200%.
But maximizing vine biomass at 45 DAE does not necessarily translate to maximizing yield. Our result would
Figure 1: Vine biomass at 45 days after emergence (DAE) (in blue) and at 75 DAE (in orange) for Goldrush potatoes (averaged across three growing seasons).
Figure 1. Vine biomass at 45 days after emergence (DAE) (in blue) and at 75 DAE (in orange) for Goldrush potatoes (averaged across three growing seasons).
suggest there is a limit.
In our data, biomass and N uptake increased with N rates up to 350 lbs. N/acre. But on average, yields were maximized across the three years with N rates between 225 and 250 lbs. N/acre.
Using a rate of 250 lbs. N/acre as a goal to obtain between 500 and 600 hundredweight (cwt.)/acre works well, especially when 140 lbs. N/ acre is in vine biomass 45 days after emergence. Additional research trials are being conducted to assess if 140 lbs. N/acre in vine biomass is truly the optimal amount of N uptake for this yield range.
Just for fun, we also graphed the N uptake in vine biomass versus total yield for every plot across the three-year study (Figure 4). We had to log-transform the data to allow for proper statistical evaluation and determined an R2 of 0.26 between those two variables.
This suggests that 26% of the variation in yield is connected to vine N uptake at 45 days after emergence. Considering all the things that can influence total yield at the end of the year, having one variable account for that much variation was quite surprising.
We haven’t exactly created a predictive model by any means, but it’s clear there is some value in knowing the total N in vines (as lbs. N/acre). Additionally, this data would support the current recommendation of 250 lbs. N/acre, especially when applied between planting and 45 DAE.
Figure 4: The chart, on right, shows N uptake in vine biomass versus total yield for every plot across the three-year study. The data was log-transformed to allow for proper statistical evaluation and determined an R2 of 0.26 between those two variables. This suggests that 26% of the variation in yield is connected to vine N uptake at 45 days after emergence.
Figure 1. Vine biomass at 45 days after emergence (DAE) (in blue) and at 75 DAE (in orange) for
(averaged across three growing seasons).
R² = 0.9543 R² = 0.9596
Niitrogen rate (lb-N/ac)
Figure 2. Nitrogen uptake in vines at 45 days after emergence (DAE) (in blue) and at 75 DAE (in orange) for Goldrush (averaged across three growing seasons).
Using a rate of 250 lbs. N/acre as a goal to obtain between 500 and 600 hundredweight (cwt.)/acre works well, especially when 140 lbs. N/acre is in vine biomass 45 days after emergence. Additional research trials are being conducted to assess if 140 lbs. N/acre in vine biomass is truly the optimal amount of N uptake for this yield range.
Figure 2: Nitrogen uptake in vines at 45 days after emergence (DAE) (in blue) and at 75 DAE (in orange) for Goldrush (averaged across three growing seasons).
But maximizing vine biomass at 45 DAE does not necessarily translate to maximizing yield. Our result would suggest there is a limit.
In our data, biomass and N uptake increased with N rates up to 350 lbs. N/acre. But on average, yields were maximized across the three years with N rates between 225 and 250 lbs. N/acre
Figure 3 Potato yield in cwt./acre for N rates of 25 lbs./acre to 350 lbs./acre in 2015 (blue), 2016 (orange) and 2017 (gray) for Goldrush. This data would support the current recommendation of 250 lbs. N/acre.
Figure 3: Potato yield in cwt./acre for N rates of 25 lbs./acre to 350 lbs./acre in 2015 (blue), 2016 (orange) and 2017 (gray) for Goldrush. This data would support the current recommendation of 250 lbs. N/acre.
Just for fun, we also graphed the N uptake in vine biomass versus total yield for every plot across the three-year study (Figure 4). We had to log-transform the data to allow for proper statistical evaluation and determined an R2 of 0.26 between those two variables.
= 165.58ln(x) - 930.73
= 0.2642
This suggests that 26% of the variation in yield is connected to vine N uptake at 45 days after emergence. Considering the things that can influence total yield at the end of the year, having one variable account for that much variation was quite surprising.
We haven’t exactly created a predictive model by any means, but it’s clear there is some value in knowing the total N vines (as lbs. N/acre). Additionally, this data would support the current recommendation of 250 lbs. N/acre, especially when applied between planting and 45 DAE.
Figure 4. The chart shows N uptake in vine biomass versus total yield for every plot across was log-transformed to allow for proper statistical evaluation and determined an R2 of 0.26 variables. This suggests that 26% of the variation in yield is connected to vine
NPC News
Nathan Gonzales to Provide Political Report
Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections will share analysis of campaigns
As the Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections, Nathan Gonzales provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for the U.S. Senate, House, governors, and President of the United States. He also co-hosts the Inside Elections Podcast and is an elections analyst for CQ Roll Call.
Gonzalez will return to the National Potato Council (NPC) Washington Summit, February 24-28, at the Hilton Washington, D.C., to provide a nonpartisan, data-driven analysis of the 2024 elections and a look ahead to 2025.
NPC’s annual Washington Summit provides a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.
Throughout the week, participants hear from the nation’s top political and policy experts, welcome NPC’s new officers and grower leaders, meet with members of Congress representing potato-growing states and districts, and unite as an industry in “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill!”
The 119th Congress Convenes
Members of the new U.S. Congress were sworn in on January 3, 2025. Following the convening, House members held an election for Speaker of the House, wherein previous Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was
reelected by a vote of 218-215-1.
In the U.S. Senate, Republican leader John Thune (SD) and Democrat leader Chuck Schumer (NY) announced their committee assignments. As anticipated, Sen. John Boozman
During the 2025 NPC Washington Summit, attendees will advocate for issues such as keeping potatoes in federal nutrition programs, promoting free and fair-trade agreements, and protecting tax policies that support the long-term health of family-owned farming operations.
Check out the full Washington Summit agenda by visiting https:// www.nationalpotatocouncil. org/2025-agenda/.
(R-AR) will serve as the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will serve as the Ranking Member.
Additionally, Sens. Jim Justice (R-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Adam Schiff (DCA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) will join the Agriculture Committee in the new Congress.
Global Seed Vault Evokes Epic Imagery and Controversy
Several hundred million seeds from thousands of plant species live inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
By Adriana Craciun, professor of English and the Emma MacLachlan Metcalf chair of humanities, Boston University, The
Two-thirds of the world’s food comes today from just nine plants: sugar cane, maize (corn), rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil-palm fruit, sugar beet and cassava.
In the past, farmers grew tens of thousands of crop varieties around the world. This biodiversity protected agriculture from crop losses caused by plant diseases and climate change.
Today, seed banks around the world are doing much of the work of saving crop varieties that could be essential resources under future growing conditions. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, in Norway, supports them all. It is the world’s most famous backup site for seeds that are more precious
than data.
Tens of thousands of new seeds from around the world arrived at the seed vault on Svalbard, a Norwegian
Conversation
archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, in mid-October 2024. This was one of the largest deposits in the vault’s 16year history.
Above: Seed banks around the world are doing much of the work of saving crop varieties that could be essential resources under future growing conditions. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway supports them all. Photo courtesy of USDA, public domain
Global Seed Vault Evokes Epic Imagery and Controversy. . .
continued from pg. 49
And on October 31, crop scientists Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin, who played key roles in creating the Global Seed Vault, received the $500,000 World Food Prize, which recognizes work that has helped increase the supply, quality or accessibility of food worldwide.
The Global Seed Vault has been politically controversial since it
CUSTOMIZED FINANCING
opened in 2008. It is the most visible site in a global agricultural research network associated with the United Nations (U.N.) and funders such as the World Bank.
These organizations supported the Green Revolution—a concerted effort to introduce high-yielding seeds to developing nations in the mid-20th century. This effort saved millions of
people from starvation, but it shifted agriculture in a technology-intensive direction.
The Global Seed Vault has become a lightning rod for critiques of that effort and its long-term impacts.
SCIENTIFIC SEED RESEARCH
I have visited the vault and am completing a book about connections between scientific research on seeds and ideas about immortality over centuries. My research shows that the Global Seed Vault’s controversies are in part inspired by religious associations that predate it.
Unique operations need unique solutions.
But these cultural beliefs also remain essential for the vault’s support and influence, and thus, for its goal of protecting biodiversity.
Several hundred million seeds from thousands of species of agricultural plants live inside the Global Seed Vault. They come from 80 nations and are tucked away in special metallic pouches that keep them dry.
The vault is designed to prolong their dormancy at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) in three icecovered caverns inside a sandstone mountain. The air is so cold inside that when I entered the vault, my eyelashes and the inside of my nose froze.
The Global Seed Vault is owned by Norway and run by the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre. It was created under a U.N. treaty governing over 1,700 seed banks, where seeds are stored away from farms, to serve as what the U.N. calls “the ultimate insurance policy for the world’s food supply.”
This network enables nations, nongovernmental organizations, scientists and farmers to save and exchange seeds for research, breeding and replanting. The vault is the backup collection for all these seed banks, storing their duplicate seeds at no charge to them.
The vault’s arctic location and striking appearance contribute to both its public appeal and its controversies.
Svalbard is often described as a remote, frozen wasteland. For conspiracy theorists, early visits to the Global Seed Vault by billionaires such as Bill Gates and George Soros, and representatives from Google and Monsanto, signaled that the vault had a secret purpose or benefited global elites.
ECOTOURISM & RESEARCH
In fact, however, the archipelago of Svalbard has daily flights to other Norwegian cities. Its cosmopolitan capital, Longyearbyen, is home to 2,700 people from 50 countries, drawn by ecotourism and scientific research—hardly a well-hidden site for covert activities.
The vault’s entrance features a
artwork glows in the long arctic night and draws many tourists.
Because of its mission to preserve
ALL NEW! MORE BANG. LESS BUCKS.
Singled out based on its location, appearance and associations with biblical myths such as the Flood, the Garden of Eden and the apocalypse, the vault has acquired a public meaning unlike that of any other seed bank.
One consequence is that the vault often serves as a lightning rod for critics who view seed conservation
as the latest stage in a long history of Europeans removing natural resources from developing nations. But these critiques don’t really reflect how the Global Seed Vault works.
The vault and its sister seed banks don’t diminish cultivation of seeds grown by farmers in fields. The two methods complement one another,
and seed depositors retain ownership of their seeds.
Another misleading criticism argues that storing seeds at Svalbard prevents these plants from adapting to climate change and could render them useless in a warmer future. But storing seeds in a dormant state mirrors the plants’ own survival strategy.
Dormancy is the mysterious plant behavior that “protects against an unpredictable future,” according to biologist Anthony Trewavas. Plants are experts in coping with climate unpredictability by essentially hibernating.
HEDGING THEIR BETS
Seed dormancy allows plants to hedge their bets on the future, and the Global Seed Vault extends this state for decades or longer. While varieties in the field may become extinct, their banked seeds live to fight another day.
In 2017, a delegation of Quechua farmers from the Peruvian Andes traveled to Svalbard to deposit seeds of their sacred potato varieties in the vault. In songs and prayers, they said goodbye to the seeds as their “loved ones” and “endangered children.”
“We’re not just leaving genes, but also a family,” one farmer told Svalbard officials.
The farmers said the vault would protect what they called their “indigenous biocultural heritage”—an interweaving of scientific and cultural value, and of plants and people, that for them evoked the sacred.
People from around the world have sought to attach their art to the Global Seed Vault for a similar reason. In 2018, the Svalbard Seed Cultures Ark began depositing artworks that attach stories to seeds in a nearby mine.
Pope Francis sent an envoy with a handmade copy of a book reflecting
Above: The Global Seed Vault was created under a U.N. treaty governing over 1,700 seed banks, where seeds are stored away from farms, to serve as what the U.N. calls “the ultimate insurance policy for the world’s food supply.” This network enables nations, nongovernmental organizations,
“While
– Adriana Craciun, professor of English and the
MacLachlan Metcalf chair of Humanities, Boston University
on his message of hope to the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japanese sculptor Mitsuaki Tanabe created a 9-meter-long steel grain of rice for the vault’s opening and was permitted to place a miniature version inside.
Seeds sleeping in Svalbard are far from their home soil, but each one is enveloped in an invisible web of the microbes and fungi that traveled
with it. These microbiomes are still interacting with each seed in ways scientists are just beginning to understand.
I see the Global Seed Vault as a lively and fragile place, powered not by money or technology, but by the strange power of seeds. The World Food Prize once again highlights their vital promise.
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Eyes on Associates
By WPVGA Associate Div. President Matt Selenske, Allied Coop’s Pest Pros Division
Hello, everyone. I hope your February is going well. By the time you read this, the 2025 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show will be behind us, and it will be time to get the ball rolling on the 2025 growing season. Although this month seems like a continuation of meetings and planning sessions, it will be spring before we know it.
In our January WPVGA Associate Division Board Meeting, we finalized
some last-minute details for the Industry Show and the Annual Board Meeting, the latter of which took place on Wednesday, February 5, before the second day of the Industry Show.
Three of our board members were up for re-election, Morgan Smolarek, Sally Suprise, and Brady Patoka, all of whom have been great assets on the Board.
At the January board meeting, we
also wrapped up the financials from our Sporting Clays Shoot, in October. We had 28 teams, just shy of our goal of 30. It was a successful event, as we raised over $5,000, after expenses. This money goes back into the industry to help fund research projects and honor special requests. Thank you to all who participated!
At the Annual Board Meeting, we evaluated the WPVGA’s Student Education and Career Development
Event.
The students were treated to a special introductory session, enjoyed research and agribusiness presentations at the Grower Education Conference, and explored the booths and learned of potential future employment opportunities during the Industry Show.
Our goal is to highlight careers in the industry and attract fresh faces to become the next generation of potato and vegetable agribusiness professionals.
Have a great rest of your winter, and until next month!
Matt Selenske
WPVGA Associate Division President
Representing the Ascendance Truck Centers team at the 2024 Sporting Clays Shoot are, from left to right, Scott Worzella, Tia Leonhard, Jay Weidman, and Lance O’Brien. The successful event raised over $5,000, after expenses, money that goes back into the industry to help fund research projects and honor special requests.
Over 100 Years of Tradition
The nation’s first seed potato certification program established in Wisconsin in 1913. Strong partnership with the University of Wisconsin.
New Products
Swiderski Equipment Adds Massey Ferguson Sprayer
500R Series Self-Propelled Sprayer offers a new level of control and easy-to-operate technology
Swiderski Equipment is excited to announce that it is now offering the Massey Ferguson 500R Series SelfPropelled Sprayer to inventory on the company’s dealership lots.
This entry-level solution offers a new level of control over spraying, with a balance of easy-to-operate technology in a tractor-style cab. Operators can easily jump behind the wheel and get to work!
The friendly design includes easily accessed maintenance points, booms that require no lubrication and a “recirculate to tank” feature with no end-cap cleanouts. This sprayer offers a more competitive price point with a
smaller tank of 740 to 860 gallons at max capacity.
Swiderski Equipment knows it can be difficult to justify buying a large sprayer for a farming operation, and often that means waiting for a custom applicator to spray for the grower. With the Massey
EVERY POTATO COUNTS
You want the best of both worlds. Speed to deliver maximum capacity and accurate defect detection to maintain consistent quality. Inspect the entire surface and look inside each potato to get the best out of every batch. More info? Please contact:
John Albert Rowan Parmenter john.albert@ellips.com r.parmenter@ellips.com (206)915-4962 (425)495-3378 www.ellips.com
FergusonSprayer, there’s no more waiting!
Owning a Massey Ferguson sprayer offers unmatched flexibility to apply product at the best possible time, maximizing yields and reducing waste. Swiderski is excited to offer this sprayer model, especially for
By offering both the Massey Ferguson Sprayer Series and the New Holland Guardian Sprayer Series, Swiderski Equipment is positioned to be able to meet everyone’s needs, from small farms to larger operations.
For more information about the Massey Ferguson 500R Series Sprayer, please reach out to a Swiderski
Equipment precision solutions specialist, visit one of the Wisconsin dealerships in Mosinee, Wausau, Thorp, Antigo, or Waupaca, or go to https://www.swiderskiequipment. com.
Agritein, LLC Introduces BF4 ™: A Novel Agricultural Input
Innovative seaweed, amino acid and microbial formulation drives exceptional yield and quality smaller farms.
Agritein, LLC has announced the launch of BF4 TM, a patent-pending, regenerative and sustainable agricultural input designed to enhance plant and soil health while delivering higher yields and improved returns on investment.
BF4 combines a powerful blend of seaweed extract, a proprietary amino acid complex and beneficial
microbials, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and beneficial bacteria and fungi, to stimulate natural plant growth processes, improve nutrient efficiency and boost microbial activity in the rhizosphere.
Backed by university and field trials, BF4 consistently delivers measurable results, including enhanced plant
Rear Wheel
Box Fillers
Combi Units
Enduro Harvester
quality, optimized nutrient use and increased yields.
FLEXIBLE & EASY TO USE
Designed as a flexible “tag-along” input, BF4 is pH-neutral and compatible for tank mixing with
Untreated Treated
Above: Agritein has trialed BF4 Beyond Fertilizer™ extensively on corn, soybeans, sugar beets, sugarcane, potatoes, and pasture hay with impressive results.
fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. “The strategy was to create a highly effective input that fits the farmers’ operations,” says Agritein CEO John Morrow. “BF4 typically is applied in two applications, either one in furrow application and one foliar application or two foliar applications. A standard
application is 8 ounces of BF4 per acre.”
PROVEN RESULTS IN THE FIELD
In a recent 32-acre field trial conducted by the internal agronomy team of a leading potato producer, BF4 demonstrated its remarkable impact. Applied to an unirrigated Russet Burbank potato field in Maine, BF4 increased payable yield by 52 hundredweight (cwt.) per acre compared to the grower standard.
Officially founded in 2023, Agritein has spent the last seven years refining the formula for BF4. The product has undergone rigorous testing in university and grower trials across various crops, including corn, soybeans, sugar beets, sugarcane, potatoes, cotton, commercial vegetables and pasture hay, consistently delivering
outstanding results.
For additional information, visit www. agritein.com or email sales@agritein.
com before February 28, 2025 to locate a distributor near you and take advantage of “early bird” discounts.
DISHING IT UP WITH DANA
Your Valentine Will Love
Chocolate Potato Chip Bark
Creamy scalloped potatoes with rosemary, garlic & nutmeg are another Valentine’s Day treat
Column and photos by Dana Rady, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
If given the choice between a nonchocolate treat and any type of chocolate, my mom will choose chocolate every time. My mom is a chocolate lover to the core.
Growing up, sweets were a staple in my family. Besides my mom, my two grandmothers were particularly good at baking. So, it was assumed there would be some dessert (many of which included chocolate) served at every family function, holiday, and weekly formal Sunday dinner.
You can imagine my shock when Eric and I started dating and I learned that he detests chocolate. I recall looking at him dumbfounded and asking, “How is that even possible?”
After our wedding (his dislike of chocolate was not a deal-breaker), I saw him preparing for his first hunting season, and of all things, I noticed him grabbing a Snickers bar.
I asked who it was for, and he nonchalantly said, “myself.”
Perplexed, I said, “But you don’t like chocolate!” He responded that “the chocolate on a Snickers
bar is different from other chocolate,” a point he maintains to this day, 13 years later. Are you confused? Yeah, me too.
chocolate” may not be Eric’s preference, but it is a big part of our culture during the month of love, which also happens to be known as “Potato Lovers Month.” That’s why
this recipe is one worth making for your potato-loving valentine.
CRUNCHY, SALTY & SWEET
It combines two all-time favorites— crunchy, salty chips and sweet, creamy chocolate. It’s also super quick and easy and is great with any flavor of chocolate!
Mine was delicious with three different flavors (dark chocolate, white chocolate, and salted caramel chocolate.) I love the blend of flavors and the unique color once I swirled the melted chips together.
Topped off with salted potato chips, and voila! Guaranteed, your valentine will appreciate the homemade gift that looks (and tastes) like it came
from a chocolatier.
If you’re like my husband who generally stays away from chocolate, skip dessert and focus on this delicious scalloped-potato recipe instead. Your valentine will love this dish, too!
The creaminess and flavors of nutmeg and garlic combined with the pungent aroma and taste of rosemary make it the perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or not.
And as far as Eric is concerned, I’ve come to appreciate that he doesn’t like chocolate. That means there’s more for me!
DIRECTIONS
Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, just until they start to melt.
Stir until smooth.
Line a 9x13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer. Scatter crushed potato chips over the chocolate.
Allow chocolate to set for 15-20 minutes or until hardened.
Break into pieces and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
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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.
DIRECTIONS
Peel the potatoes, then slice into 1/8-inch-thick slices. This can be done more easily using a mandolin or vegetable slicing attachment on a food processor. If using a knife, aim for thin and even slices.
In a medium pot over medium-low heat combine the cream, rosemary sprig, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, being careful not to bring to a boil. The cream will infuse with the flavor of the herbs, becoming fragrant.
Add prepared potatoes to the cream for 10-15 minutes.
Once they start to get tender, strain the potatoes.
Brush the bottom of a shallow casserole dish (approximately 2-3 inches tall) with butter.
Drain the potatoes and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
Shingle the potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the buttered dish.
Spoon an even layer of cream over the potatoes. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, then another layer of cream. Repeat this step until all the potatoes and cream have been used.
To save time, the potatoes can be poured into the dish all at once followed by the cream. Arrange the top layer of potatoes for a nice presentation.
Cover the scalloped potatoes with a piece of aluminum foil, place into
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with
Rosemary INGREDIENTS:
4 lbs. yellow or russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8” thick
4 cups heavy cream
1 rosemary sprig (thyme, sage, marjoram, etc., can be subbed)
6 garlic cloves, crushed
½ tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated
2½ Tbsp. sea salt
1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, optional
a preheated 325° oven for 60 minutes. While baking, the cream might bubble over. Place a baking sheet under your casserole dish to catch drips.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Optionally, you may choose to add some chopped rosemary to the top of the potatoes.
SAME FIELDS, HER YIELDS.
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.
