November 2023 Badger Common'Tater

$28/year | $2.50/copy | Volume 75 No. 11 | November 2023

THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY

ANNUAL SEED ISSUE

USE A FIGHTER PILOT Strategy for Soil Health WEEDING OUT HARMFUL GENES To Breed Better Potatoes GUMZ FARMS UNDERTAKES Large Expansion & Remodel 2023 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED Seed Potato Growers Directory NAVIGATING THE RISKS & Rewards of Solar Leases Fall colors and golden certified seed potatoes are a match made in heaven on Rine Ridge Farms in Bryant, Wisconsin.

INTERVIEW:

DAN RINE

Rine Ridge Farms Inc.

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On the Cover: The fall colors were on full display during the final day of harvest on Rine Ridge Farms, in Bryant, Wisconsin. Dan Rine runs the 65-inch Lenco picking up Mackinaw certified seed potatoes that his father, Ken, in the tractor at right, had laid down with the windrower in nice, neat rows for him. Dan says he enjoys looking north from the farmstead at the hardwood tree line during the fall of the year.

8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: Dan Rine, owner and president of Rine Ridge Farms in Bryant, Wisconsin, stops harvesting long enough to take a closeup look at the Mackinaw certified seed potatoes windrowed by his father, Ken. The fourth-generation farming operation has gained a reputation for growing and promoting new chip varieties of certified and foundation seed potatoes. This year, all of them are round, white chippers.

DEPARTMENTS: ALI'S KITCHEN.................... 85 AUXILIARY NEWS............... 84 BADGER BEAT.................... 50

26

32

58

GUMZ FARMS EXPANDS PACKING SHED & MORE

NOW NEWS

MARKETPLACE

Fifth generation has come back to work on the farm

Producer-Led Watershed Protection Group hosts tour of Feltz Family Farms

Spudly spreads “Powered By Wisconsin Potatoes” message to new audience

FEATURE ARTICLES: 20 46 64 76 4

NEW PREDICTIVE METHOD: Better way to select parents for fresh potato varieties A VALUABLE RESOURCE: 2023 Wisconsin Certified Seed Potato Growers Directory HOW THE U.S. AIR FORCE fighter pilot strategy can help improve your soil health RISK FACTORS INVOLVED in taking land out of production and signing solar leases

BC�T November

EYES ON ASSOCIATES......... 82 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6 NEW PRODUCTS................ 68 NPC NEWS......................... 54 PEOPLE.............................. 42 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6 POTATOES USA NEWS........ 80 SEED PIECE........................ 44 WPIB FOCUS...................... 78

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

Vice President: Andy Verhasselt Secretary: Sally Suprise Treasurer: Paul Salm Directors: Melissa Heise, Ethan Olson, Scott Scheer, Morgan Smolarek & Brandon Taylor Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Matt Mattek Vice President: Jeff Suchon Secretary/Treasurer: Clover Spacek Directors: Charlie Husnick & Andy Schroeder Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Heidi Schleicher Vice President: Datonn Hanke Secretary/Treasurer: Becky Wysocki Directors: Jody Baginski, Erin Meister, Dakotah Smiley & Misti Ward

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.

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

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

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

Subscription rates: $2.50/copy, $28/year; $45/2 years.

Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years.

Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com.

The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands.

BC�T November

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MARK YOUR

Calendar JANUARY 2024 8-9

POTATOES USA WINTER MEETING Austin Convention Center Austin, TX

10-11

POTATO EXPO 2024 Austin Convention Center Austin, TX

FEBRUARY 6-8

2024 GROWER ED CONFERENCE & INDUSTRY SHOW Holiday Inn Convention Center Stevens Point, WI

26-3/1

2024 NPC WASHINGTON SUMMIT Washington Marriott at Metro Center Washington, D.C.

MARCH 26-28

62nd ANNUAL WPS FARM SHOW Experimental Aircraft Association grounds Oshkosh, WI

MAY 18-21

NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION SHOW McCormick Place Chicago, IL

JUNE 21

WSPIA SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF OUTING Bass Lake Golf Course Deerbrook, WI

23-26

12TH WORLD POTATO CONGRESS Adelaide, South Australia

JULY 10

2024 PUTT-TATO OPEN GOLF OUTING Lake Arrowhead Golf Course Nekoosa, WI

11

HARS FIELD DAY Hancock Agricultural Research Station Hancock, WI

31

RARS FIELD DAY Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station Rhinelander, WI

AUGUST 23-26

6

WISCONSIN FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Country/Rock Fest Grounds Cadott, WI BC�T November

Planting Ideas Generational family businesses are one of my

favorite aspects of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry, and getting out to meet the families, especially during the fall harvest season, is honestly a perk of the job. I received a phone call from Pauly Cieslewicz of Sand County Equipment, who asked me to stop by the dealership in Bancroft to check out a new Lockwood 774 Air Harvester.

And while you can read all about the Air Harvester in “New Products” herein, I wanted to share the above photo of Paul’s son, Jarod, who works alongside his dad, as well as Jarod’s wife, Mindy, and their twins, Hattie (on Jarod’s lap) and Kolten (on Mindy’s). Tell me that isn’t a cute photo.

In interviewing Dan Rine of Rine Ridge Farms for this issue, I asked if I could come out to Bryant to take some pictures of harvest. He said, sure, but I’d better visit that day because they were finishing up for the season. So off I went, driving north of Antigo on a gorgeous autumn day with the tree leaves nearing peak color. I not only captured some great photos for the interview, but I also got to know Dan and his dad, Ken, a little better and had a chance to learn about the family farm. With a reputation for growing and promoting new chip varieties of certified and foundation seed potatoes, Rine Ridge Farms has a storied, multigenerational history dating back to the 1920’s. The photos and story made for a nice feature inside.

Feltz Family Farms, a fifth-generation dairy operation, has become an institution in the Stevens Point area. Owned and operated by Ken and Jackie Feltz, it’s their children, Taryn, Jared and Jake, along with Jared’s wife, Jenna, and Jake’s wife, Amanda, who are carrying the farm and well-known dairy store into the sixth generation. On October 4, a Producer-Led Watershed Protection Group known as the Central Wisconsin Farmers Collaborative hosted a hay wagon tour of Feltz Family Farms (a member farm) and visited the Little Plover River to see progress on the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project. See “Now News” to learn more.

Another feature in this issue covers a large expansion and remodel at the Gumz Farms storage and packing facilities, in Endeavor. Recently, the fifth generation has come back to the farm to continue building the operation.

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

Joe Kertzman

Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com

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NAME: Dan Rine TITLE: Owner and president COMPANY: Rine Ridge Farms Inc.

Interview DAN RINE,

LOCATION: Bryant, WI

owner and president, Rine Ridge Farms Inc.

HOMETOWN: Bryant

By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater

YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: One year, “because I just bought out my dad [Ken] as owner of the farm.

Otherwise, I was president and co-owner for 12 years prior to that.”

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: “In 1988 and ’89, I fought forest fires in Montana for the U.S. Forest Service. Otherwise, I’ve been on the farm my whole life.”

SCHOOLING: Antigo High School ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Grower member of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, and previously sat on the SpudPro Committee AWARDS/HONORS: FS Farm Bureau (Servco FS) “Young Farmer of the Year,” and “Father of the Year” for Langlade County in 2019 FAMILY: Wife, Sheila, married for 30 years; two daughters, Rachel (28) and Lauren (23); and granddaughter, Ava, who will be 3 years old in November and another grandchild due in April HOBBIES: Snowmobiling, hunting, and going on trips with my wife 8

BC�T November

With a reputation for growing and promoting new chip

varieties of certified and foundation seed potatoes, Rine Ridge Farms of Bryant, Wisconsin, has a storied, multi-generational history dating back to the 1920’s.

“My great-grandpa, Adolph Rine, started the farm in the 1920’s. It was a dairy farm until 1946,” explains Dan Rine, president and owner of Rine Ridge Farms Inc. “Back then, he grew hay, oats, and corn. That was Dad’s grandpa, so I represent the fourth generation on the farm.”

“Vern was my grandfather, a carpenter by trade, but he also

farmed the land,” he remarks.

“Looking out my window here,” Dan says, “I’m reminded that we were in the maple syrup business from my great-grandfather’s time all the way up until 1988.”

“The farm was incorporated in 1972,” he relates. “We grew chip stock, but we a hard a hard time finding customers and selling potatoes off

the field—we had no storage at that time—so my dad, grandpa and uncle started moving into the seed business.”

In 2011, Dan purchased his uncle Gary’s shares of the farm, and this last year, bought out his dad, Ken. “Dad is supposed to be looking at retirement,” Dan relates, “but he’s here. He was here all morning. Dad likes to golf, though, and has other hobbies that he enjoys.”

Are you strictly a certified seed potato grower or also a chip grower?

Our certified and foundation seed potatoes are chipping varieties, so we sell to chip growers.

What varieties are you currently growing? We’re raising Lady Liberty, Mackinaw, Lamoka and Bliss, the latter a brand-new variety this year.

We’re known for growing new chip varieties of seed potatoes, and this year, all of them are round, white chippers.

Where is your customer base located? We’re selling to New York, Michigan, Canada—those are our Above: Pictured holding freshly harvested Mackinaw certified seed potatoes, Dan Rine represents the fourth generation of Rine Ridge Farms in Bryant, Wisconsin.

three biggest potato markets, and we send some spuds to Colorado.

We don’t do any trucking. Our customers at the other end send trucks out to us.

The most popular varieties of these world-class hybrids are going fast.

At one point, you were shipping seed to Brazil. Do you still have customers in South America? No, we haven’t done business there in quite a few years. We were trying to get involved continued on pg. 10

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 9

in exports and sent some potatoes to Egypt and Brazil.

Peter Joyce, a consultant for Potatoes USA, was trying to get trade going, and my dad and Peter got along well.

When Brazil first expressed interest in importing potatoes, we had just finished harvesting.

How did you get to be experts in seed potatoes for the chip market?

By studying new varieties that chip and yield well. We start varieties by buying mini tubers. It may take up to four years before we have them to sell to our customers. Some turn out and some don’t.

They wanted them packaged in burlap bags, and there’s no telling what happens to potatoes on a cargo ship for two months in the heat. In fact, I just recently saw a map of all kinds of cargo ships stuck in Panama, with some sitting for two months already, waiting to get through locks and the canal.

We’re always looking for the better variety. It’s like fishing, if you wait to

Dad and Uncle Gary switched over to seed potatoes, and we always try to dabble in the newest varieties. We were one of the very first to grow Lamoka, as well as Pike, and now Lady Liberty (NY152). Now we’re one of the first ones offering Bliss.

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hear that the fish are biting, you’re already too late. You need to be there catching them.

How many acres does the farm encompass? We are farming 800 acres total, with 200 in potatoes, 200 acres of snap beans, 300 planted in corn, 50 acres of peas and 50 in sugar beets.

We grow vegetables for processing, including snap beans for Seneca Foods, and we harvest peas for the old Bonduelle Americas, which changed its name to Nortera.

Our corn goes to Spring Breeze Dairy here in Bryant for silage, and sugar beets also go to dairy farmers. continued on pg. 12

Above: Ken Rine pulls a WR 420 CamCo windrower using a John Deere 7230 tractor during potato harvest on Rine Ridge Farms in Bryant, Wisconsin.

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Interview. . .

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I don’t remember how many acres the farm started with, but we went from growing 120 acres of potatoes to 320 acres. Now we’ve backed the potatoes off to 200 acres.

What rotation are you on for potatoes and processing vegetables?

We work on a three-year rotation with vegetables, so corn, then potatoes, and snap beans and peas

come on top of the potato ground.

We grow 200 acres of corn in back-toback years, and sugar beets come in wherever land is available.

How about row spacing? Some guys use 36-inch spacing, and some 34.

We used to space our rows 34 inches apart, and now moved down to 32 inches to get more seeds per acre.

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How has the harvest been for you this year? Harvest was great for us.

We happened to get out before the rain hit this last week, on the 23rd of September, and we finished up the previous day. A lot of guys digging now are having a hard time.

It doesn’t seem like the ground likes to dry up here anymore.

This is the best yield we’ve had, and probably the highest we’ll ever see—just under 600 bags an acre for one variety. The way we worked this summer, we deserve it. Without rain, we spent a lot of time irrigating.

We called a neighbor before we started digging potatoes and told him we’d have an extra bin for storage if he wanted to use it. Before we were Above: Dan Rine (left) says, even though his father, Ken (right), is looking toward retirement, he still regularly shows up to lend an experienced hand on the farm.

done harvesting, I had to call him back and tell him we already filled it. The yield was that high.

What are your biggest challenges on the farm and some of the lessons you’ve learned from the land? Employees—labor is our biggest issue. As far as learning the land, you find out where your low spots are, and try to dig those potatoes first when they’re ready to go. You harvest the good spots last.

“We’re always looking for the better seed potato variety. It’s like fishing, if you wait to hear that the fish are biting, you’re already too late. You need to be there catching them.”

–D an Rine, Rine Ridge Farms, Inc.

You also learn what parts of the field are most fertile and change your spacing with less spacing where you have real fertile ground, and thus more seed in the ground there rather than on dry corners or in sandy spots.

Is Bryant a hotbed for seed potatoes? Bryant’s silt loam, or Antigo silt loam to be exact, is good soil, and we have cooler weather here versus further south in the state, so we can grow our potatoes, dig them out and put them into storage without having to have refrigeration.

If it’s 5-10 degrees cooler here than south of us, it makes a difference.

We have storage capacity for 120,000 bags of potatoes.

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What have you personally gotten better at in your years of farming?

Managing people and putting them in key positions where I think they can handle the job.

I’m also better at talking to our clientele. I never used to have to do that years ago. I don’t mind talking to clientele, or people in general.

You need communication skills to be successful. I don’t know what’s going to happen with this next generation who are walking next to each other or sitting in a vehicle texting.

I also learned enough in my time to design our potato storage. I told the contractors how I wanted the storage continued on pg. 14

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Interview. . .

continued from pg. 13

laid out, how to design it, and then they built it.

We start storing potatoes in September, and the last load will be shipped out at the end of May

or first part of June.

How has technology or machinery progressed in your time on the farm?

Because of updated equipment, we can plant potatoes and grade them

Above: Dan Rine runs the 65-inch Lenco during the last day of the 2023 potato harvest on Rine Ridge Farms.

out so much faster than we used to, and not only updated but bigger equipment.

We went from, years ago, a portable grader that was 12 inches wide and had to be pushed up to a pile of potatoes, and then you’d push it up to the next pile. Now, we have a permanent grader that is 4 feet wide and runs with a skid steer. It has holding tanks, so you don’t have to stop if you don’t want.

I can remember when there were cows here on the farm, and just old Farmall H’s and M’s that sufficed as high-horsepower tractors. Nowadays, equipment is so many times bigger.

When my dad and Gary were farming, they were hauling bags out to the field and people were picking potatoes by hand. They used a onecontinued on pg. 16

14 BC�T November

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Interview. . .

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row digger that picked them up and laid them back down on the ground.

Where would you find labor to do that nowadays, right?

Now, we’re using a 65-inch Lenco harvester. We harvest 12 rows using a four-row Lenco and two fourrow windrowers. We’ve gone from tractors and wagons to tandem-axle trucks hauling stuff off the field.

We use a six-row Lockwood Air Cup potato planter, mostly for the accuracy of it. I believe it is the best out there. One year, some of our clients came to visit. We picked up the back of planter for them, held a seed piece up there, and they said, “You’re getting like 99 to 100 percent accuracy.”

It’s probably not the fastest planter out there, nor the newest by any means, but it’s accurate.

to, assuming it’s not the busy season, versus having a job where you have to be there all the time.

What do you like most about growing seed potatoes? I like farming. I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t farming.

I like planting in the springtime and, two weeks later, watching the crops grow. You can see little shoots coming up, and then you wait all season long, monitoring the plants, hoping for a good crop and that Mother Nature will leave you alone.

Assuming each day is different, is there a favorite part of your day—something you enjoy doing —or a favorite spot on the farm?

I like standing here on the farm in the fall of the year, looking north at our hardwood ridge, especially now that the leaves are turning.

Hopefully you see the rewards of a good crop, which makes it all worthwhile.

Do you have many long-term employees? Besides my dad, Rich has I like farming because I have the been here 12 years. Right now, I have Badger Common'Tater 1 2023-10-11 2:21 pm besides freedom11-23 to take time off when(7.25x2.25).v2.pdf I want three full-time employees

16 BC�T November

Above: Dan and Sheila Rine stand by the Rine Ridge Farms sign, with the snow on the trees, bushes and ground making for an idyllic setting.

myself and my dad. During planting season, I’ll have four or six seasonal employees, and come digging season, 12 part-time employees.

It’s getting harder to find help. I keep putting ads in the paper, but most come to me through word of mouth.

Some of my parttime employees do a better job of hiring than anybody.

They tell their friends that we’re pretty good people to work for here.

What are your plans for the farm in the future? I don’t have anyone to

leave the farm to, but I’d like to retire by the time I reach age 65.

Anything on your wish list for the farm? I hope someone takes it over and can make it prosper for themselves.

Anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add? I want to give one last shout out to my dad, Ken, and Uncle Gary.

They taught me a lot about farming.

As I was growing up, my grandpa, Vern, showed me how to do things.

That’s how I ended up where I am.

In high school, when I was done with my classes at the end of the day, I came home and worked. Pretty much everything I have, I worked for. I don’t know what’s going to happen with this younger generation. I can’t see into the future.

People keep complaining that prices are so high, but if you’re forced to pay so much for workers, it’s a vicious circle.

DEFINED BY

Above: Rine Ridge Farms has grown and evolved since the first picture was taken in the late 1940’s or early ’50s up until 2016, with the latter image representing the operation much as it is today.

We sold potatoes in the ’70s for more per pound than we do now. We have a bigger yield now, though. Back in the 70’s, if you had 200 bags an acre, you were doing well. But now, with the one variety I mentioned earlier, we got almost 600 bags an continued on pg. 18

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BC�T November 17

Interview. . .

continued from pg. 17

acre this year. We’ve been known for experimenting with new varieties.

What about the farm makes you most proud? I am proud that we can start these new seed potato varieties.

Hopefully they take off. We’ve been known for that.

My dad has always taught me to say what you mean and then do it, have that type of attitude. Don’t beat around the bush. You don’t need to lie to customers. All that does is come back to bite you.

You need to have integrity in this business.

Above: Mackinaw certified seed potatoes are sorted and stored at Rine Ridge Farms, in Bryant.

It’s a great family-oriented industry.

My wife was on the potato Auxiliary Board, she is co-leader for one of the associated volunteer groups selling baked potatoes at the Wisconsin

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State Fair, and both my daughters have helped there over the years, as well. My girls were also Ms. Tater Tots and are pictured in the Spudmobile.

Below: Dan Rine says he enjoys looking north from the farmstead at the hardwood tree line during the fall of the year when the colors change, and there’s no denying the beauty as another harvest comes to an end at Rine Ridge Farms.

BC�T November 19

Weed Out Harmful Genes to Breed Better Potatoes A new predictive method has shown a better way to select parents for fresh potato varieties

By James Ashworth as sourced from the Natural History Museum of the United Kingdom (https://www.nhm.ac.uk/), and reprinted with permission from Paul van Eijck and PotatoPro.com (https://www.potatopro.com/) An unprecedented look at potato genetics could help tackle world hunger. A new predictive method has shown a better way to select parents

for fresh potato varieties, offering a blueprint for greater potatoes and a way to speed up the production of higher-yielding varieties.

A new study looking into the genetics of one of the world’s most important crops is anything but small potatoes.

While other important carbohydrate crops such as maize and rice have shown significant yield improvements since being domesticated, potato yield increases have remained stubbornly low.

Unlike grasses and grains, potatoes are vegetatively reproduced and grown as clones, meaning that undesirable traits pass unchanged from one crop generation to the next.

By studying the nightshade family, of which the potato is a part, an international team of scientists have been able to predict the presence of over 350,000 gene variants that are Above: Potatoes are one of the most important crops in the world, but it is exceedingly difficult to cultivate new varieties.

20 BC�T November

holding potato breeding back.

CHALLENGE OF POTATOES Potatoes are a member of one of the largest genera of flowering plants in the world, known as Solanum, which contains over 1,200 species and includes other important food crops such as tomatoes and eggplants.

PLANT GENETICS They hope that by better understanding the plant’s genetics, researchers will be more equipped to breed new varieties of potato that can help feed the world and improve food security.

While different species of wild potato grow across Central and South America, the ones we generally eat were first domesticated in what is now southern Peru and northern Bolivia.

Dr. Sandra Knapp, an expert in the nightshade family at the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom, is a co-author of the new research.

She says, “Potato breeding has always been challenging, because the genetics are very complex, making traditional crossing difficult.”

“This research is the first baby step of a very long process,” Knapp says, “allowing plant breeders to identify candidates that could one day be the ancestors of new potato varieties that grow more vigorously or are perhaps more resistant to disease.”

New research could offer a blueprint for better potatoes and a way to speed up the production of higher-yielding varieties.

The findings of the study were published in the journal “Cell” (https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/ S0092-8674(23)00405-1).

The arrival of colonial powers later spread the plant across the world, making it a household staple and one of the four most important carbohydrate sources in the human diet.

Its success in becoming one of the most widely cultivated crops on Earth belies how difficult it is to improve through plant breeding. continued on pg. 22

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Weed Out Harmful Genes to Breed Better Potatoes. . . continued from pg. 21

The breeding of other crops, such as maize, uses intercrossing of populations to introduce genetic changes that are estimated to result in a 1% rise in yield every year. For potatoes, there’s been very little change.

“Potato breeding is difficult because it is a clonally reproduced crop, so new potatoes are grown from pieces of old ones,” Knapp explains.

DELETERIOUS MUTATIONS “That means they have accumulated lots of deleterious mutations, which impact their health and growth and cannot easily be gotten rid of using traditional breeding methods,” she says.

The other complicating factor is that potatoes are tetraploid, meaning they have four sets of chromosomes.

In contrast, most plants and animals are diploid and have two sets of

There is a huge range of potato species from across South America, but the ones we eat are descended from those first domesticated in southern Peru and northern Bolivia.

chromosomes.

Potatoes are also self-incompatible, so they cannot pollinate themselves,

which is the usual method for creating inbred lines to develop new varieties. All this means that traditional breeding methods that work on other crops are difficult to reproduce in potatoes.

The Holy Grail of potato breeding would be to produce a diploid plant that could be used in traditional crossing to produce what is known as an elite inbred line.

By repeatedly interbreeding populations of plants, this would produce a strain of potato that has multiple copies of the same version of every gene.

These strains, known as homozygous inbred lines, would allow breeders to produce potatoes with desirable qualities more quickly and easily.

POTATO GENETICS The initial step in producing better potatoes is to understand the state of their genetics.

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For this, the team used a technique known as genomic evolutionary rate profiling, which looks for evolutionarily constrained areas in a plant’s genome to map and predict continued on pg. 24

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Weed Out Harmful Genes to Breed Better Potatoes. . . continued from pg. 22

harmful mutations in important regions for plant survival.

The team turned to taxonomists like Knapp and her colleagues, who have a detailed knowledge of the potato’s relatives.

“We helped the team understand the relationships between members of the nightshade family, grounding their research in genetic and evolutionary reality,” Knapp details.

“While it may not sound like it,” she adds, “understanding the family tree of these plants is fundamental to the project, because without that information, all of the genetic predictions come undone.”

The goal is that, by identifying the deleterious genes in potatoes, farmers and breeders will be able to breed new, resilient strains of the crop.

In total, the profiling inferred the presence of 367,499 harmful gene variants in the potato genome.

Above: It is hoped that by identifying harmful genes in potatoes, farmers and breeders will be able to breed new, resilient strains of the crop.

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This information was then used to assess sets of diploid potatoes, which could be used to create inbred lines and then start breeding new potato varieties.

The scientists were surprised to find that, to breed more resilient potatoes, less vigorous, slowergrowing parents were the best option.

BREEDING BAD TRAITS OUT These plants were more likely to be homozygous for harmful versions of genes, which makes it easier for the traits to be bred out of the plants.

This is curious, because usually the most vigorous plants are selected by breeders as parents for inbred strains.

“Potato breeding has always been challenging, because the genetics are very complex, making traditional crossing difficult.”

– Dr. Sandra Knapp

“It’s counterintuitive to use less vigorous potatoes to create better parental lines for future potato breeding, but it’s a really interesting finding,” Knapp says. “These new predictive methods could potentially accelerate potato breeding.”

Using the new technique, the researchers believe that they can now be around 25% more accurate at predicting which potato types will make the best candidates for breeding tomorrow’s potatoes.

Knapp says this shows the importance of carrying out basic botanical research, which has sometimes been overlooked in the past.

“This research demonstrates that the work we do at the museum in understanding biodiversity has farreaching implications for many things that can’t be anticipated at the outset,” Knapp remarks.

“Taxonomy has become increasingly important for many crops as researchers look to find out more about their wild relatives,” she says.

“Studying wild relatives can boost the genetic diversity of crops and find useful genes that might help them overcome today’s serious environmental challenges, such as climate change,” Knapp concludes.

BC�T November 25

Gumz Farms Expands Packing Shed

A grower, shipper and packer of potatoes and onions, Gumz Farms of Endeavor, Wisconsin, has been undertaking a large expansion and remodel at its storage and packing facilities. The new storage is climate controlled and allows for a high-quality crop and extended season.

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Gumz Farms has been undertaking a large expansion and remodel at its Endeavor, Wisconsin, packaging facility to better serve customers and meet growing demand.

With an average increase of 10% in annual sales, the expansion increases existing capacity by approximately 40%.

Its packing facility, storage capabilities, and sustainable growing practices allow Gumz Farms to provide high-quality produce in a timely manner, year-round, to its customers.

Owners Richard and Roderick Gumz represent the fourth generation of family farmers. More recently, the fifth generation has come back to the farm to continue building the operation.

Specifically, Rod’s son, Jason, and Richard’s daughter, Jacalynn, have begun working full-time at the growing, packing and shipping operation.

Jacalynn has been concentrating on production and is responsible for precision agriculture and potato agronomy. Jason is working in the

shed and helping with systems and technology.

“Being 4th generation, there is a responsibility to carry on from the third and to leave it in better shape for the 5th generation,” Rod says.

“We are excited to see what the future holds.”

POTATOES & ONIONS Gumz Farms specializes in growing and packing potatoes and onions.

Raising 40% of Wisconsin’s yellow onions and over 1,200 acres of potatoes, it is the largest producer of onions and red and yellow potatoes in the state.

“We have added some automation equipment to increase our pack capacity in the shed,” Rod says. “Over the years, we have increased our production of both potatoes and onions. This necessitated an increase in our storages and pack shed.”

“We have had multiple additions to our pack shed over the years to increase capacity and are guesstimating that the latest addition will give us the potential to add 40% to our production capacity,” he details.

In addition, Gumz Farms is constructing another storage building—its fourth in the last five years.

“The new storage is climate controlled and allows for a highquality crop and extended season,” Rod stresses. “We pack both onions and potatoes year-round, and by having modern storages, we are able to provide quality more consistently.”

Over the years, Gumz Farms has improved its production practices using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and participating in the Wisconsin Healthy Grown program, resulting in higher yields and more consistent production, besides increasing acreage.

“It’s important to continue to make investments in buildings, equipment, technology, and people.”

– Roderick Gumz, Gumz Farms LLC

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Gumz Farms Expands Packing Shed . . . continued from pg. 27

By having a supply on the farm, and produce in the pack shed, Gumz Farms is not relying on trucks for incoming product, according to Rod. “We can be more reliable and control the quality better,” he says.

IDEAL LOCATION “We are in a great location to serve

a large part of the U.S.,” Rod adds.

“We have seen sales increase, and by adding automation equipment, we can get more done without adding people or hours. Manual labor will get tired at the end of the day. Wellmaintained equipment keeps going and going.”

Run with Confidence All Year Long

Labor shortages have affected Gumz Farms like everywhere else, but the multi-generational family farm has been able to keep good people.

“Labor is always a priority. We have done some things on the farm to keep and attract people that have resulted in positive results,” Rod says.

“We are only looking for a couple key people now.”

It seems like, with all the additions, that perhaps efforts to diversify and grow the Gumz Muck Farms operation have paid off. continued on pg. 30

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Adobe: Gumz Farms owners Roderick (second from left) and Richard Gumz (second from right) represent the fourth generation of family farmers. More recently, the fifth generation has come back to the farm to continue building the operation. Specifically, Rod’s son, Jason (left), and Richard’s daughter, Jacalynn (right), have begun working full-time at the growing, packing and shipping operation.

Jacalynn has been concentrating on production and is responsible for precision agriculture and potato agronomy. Jason is working in the shed and helping with systems and technology.

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Gumz Farms Expands Packing Shed . . . continued from pg. 28

Gumz Farms has added automation equipment like the Verbruggen VPM-10C palletizer to increase pack capacity in the shed.

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By adding automation equipment, Gumz Farms can get more done without adding people or hours.

Above: In addition to growing and packing over 1,200 acres of Healthy Grown potatoes, Gumz Farms raises 40% of Wisconsin’s yellow onions and is the largest producer of onions and red and yellow potatoes in the state.

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“We feel that if we stop growing, we will go backwards,” Rod says.

“It’s important to continue to make investments in buildings, equipment, technology, and people.”

“It certainly has been a lot of work and risk,” Rod allows, “but so far, so good. We are never complacent and always looking for ways to improve or to make it better. It’s challenging at times but rewarding most of the time.”

“We feel we have been given an opportunity and have been fortunate enough to work with great people,” he concludes, “from suppliers to customers to employees.”

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BC�T November 31

Now News

Central Wisconsin Farmers Collaborative Hosts Tour Producer-Led Watershed Protection group visits member farm, Feltz Family Farms On Wednesday, October 4, the Producer-Led Watershed Protection group known as the Central Wisconsin Farmers Collaborative hosted a hay wagon tour of one of its member farms, Feltz Family Farms, in Stevens Point, and visited the Little Plover River to see progress

on the Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project (LPRWEP).

During the hay wagon tour, Ken Feltz of Feltz Family Farms described his dairy operation, which includes 680 milking cows and 40 black angus steers. Attendees learned about manure management, rotational • Atlantic • Goldrush • Snowden • Norkotah • Silverton • Superior • Reveille

grazing, and cover cropping practices.

Ken, his wife, Jackie, two sons, Jared and Jake, and a few employees run the dairy, and have 10 robots to help milk cows. The farm incorporates 750 acres of corn and alfalfa, along with a four-acre apple orchard, four acres of pumpkins and 120 acres of woodlands.

All cow manure is moved by a sand auger to a station where the sand is washed and manure dried. All water used on the farm is pumped to a separator for washing the sand, with the dairy making every attempt to reuse water wherever and whenever possible. continued on pg. 34

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Above: During a hay wagon tour of Feltz Family Farms, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Ken Feltz describes his dairy operation, which includes 680 milking cows and 40 black angus steers. Feltz says he has been composting the solid portion of his manure, which has the benefits of preventing wind erosion and adding carbon/humus to the soil. He said that when he improves soil quality, there will also be an improvement in water quality.

Above: Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA) Executive Director Tracy Hames points out wetland restoration areas along the Little Plover River. Hames has more than 30 years of experience protecting, restoring, and managing wetlands and floodplain areas in intensively agricultural landscapes. He brings a watershed-level perspective on hydrologic solutions to the agricultural and conservation issues facing this region.

Above: Among the practices that have been employed in the Little Plover River watershed is the filling of drainage ditches, which has improved the quantity and quality of the water.

Feltz Family Farms utilizes rotational grazing on 66 acres along the Little Plover River. The farm plants cover crops on all its corn ground while also utilizing minimum-till practices on over 500 acres.

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Now News. . .

continued from pg. 33

Feltz says he’s been composting the solid portion of his manure, which has the benefits of preventing wind erosion and adding carbon/humus to the soil. He said that when he improves soil quality, there will also be an improvement in water quality.

In six weeks, Ken’s team can turn raw cow manure into an odorless solid, similar to a phosphorus fertilizer, by using a press and pressure to squeeze out the liquid, at which point sawdust is mixed in with the dry manure.

LITTLE PLOVER RIVER On the hay wagon ride to the Little Plover River, Wisconsin Wetlands Association Executive Director Tracy Hames described practices that have been employed in the Little Plover River watershed to increase the river flow, improve aquatic health, enhance habitat, improve surface and groundwater connections and water retention, and improve quality of life.

The LPRWEP is a multi-party

Ken Feltz of Feltz Family Farms says he’s been composting the solid portion of his manure.

In six weeks, Ken’s team can turn raw cow manure into an odorless solid, like a phosphorus fertilizer, by using a press and pressure to squeeze out the liquid, at which point sawdust is mixed into the dried manure.

collaboration convened by the Village of Plover and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) to improve the health of the Little Plover River.

Portage County Land Conservation Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) make up the core team of project advisors.

The Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation,

A mere five miles long and located at the base of a moraine, the Little

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Plover River is a Class 1 trout stream.

Yet, there have been decades of controversy surrounding it and whether there is reduced water flow because of agricultural practices, village wells or weather- and landscape-related issues.

Since the project started, the Little Plover River has been regularly flowing above the minimum 4cfs (cubic feet per second) rate as set by the DNR as the public rights stage.

The project team has been thinning out forest through pine and oak management, cutting trees that are not part of the historic landscape; filling in a large agricultural drainage ditch at the head of the river; dealing with the river form through channel improvement; decommissioning a high capacity well; and working on prairie and wetland restoration.

The LPRWEP convened a team of fishery, floodplain, and forestry experts from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to help design and implement restoration and management practices, improve channel structure, and reconnect the Little Plover River to its historic floodplain.

who care about the land, without regulation. It’s the only way it works, voluntarily.”

There is great need to solve water resource issues in the Wisconsin Central Sands area, and the LPRWEP is leading the way in that effort.

Just as growers took the lead along the Little Plover River, all producerled watershed groups across the state are taking the lead on sustainable practices and without

continued on pg. 36

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Potato and vegetable grower Myron Soik & Sons agreed to sell approximately 60 acres of land to the Village of Plover, land that has since been converted from irrigated agriculture to wetlands and upland prairie.

“These are voluntary practices that farmers alongside a diverse group of people are undertaking,” Hames says, “a group of people coming together

At the end of the hag wagon tour, attendees enjoyed delicious fruit of the farmer’s labor—fresh ice cream courtesy of the WPVGA and Feltz Family Farms. They also had the opportunity to watch robots milk cows, view calving pens, and check out a petting zoo. There were pumpkins in season at the farm, along with a corn maze.

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RIVER FLOW The team physically narrowed the channel itself, and upon doing so, the river immediately started to become deeper by 1.5 to 2 feet. The river bottom has been changed, too, from sand to gravel.

Feltz Family Farms utilizes rotational grazing on 66 acres along the Little Plover River. The farm plants cover crops on all its corn ground while also utilizing minimum-till practices on over 500 acres.

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BC�T November 35

Now News. . .

continued from pg. 35

Fairchild Equipment Expands in Marinette

Facility to support business communities in Northern Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Fairchild Equipment is proud to announce the opening of its new facility in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Since opening its first Marinette location at 2815 Mary Street, in 1992, the company has experienced tremendous growth, leading to the need for a larger facility.

Effective October 1, 2023, all operations are now conducted out of the new location at 2505 Biehl Avenue.

“We are excited to be taking this step to help us continue to support the business communities in Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan,” says Fairchild Equipment Chief Executive Officer Chad Fairchild.

“It has been our commitment to those businesses and their trust in us that have allowed us to become a major supplier of material handling equipment, parts, service, and fleet management for Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” he says.

This new facility marks the fourth expansion since 2020 in Fairchild Equipment’s network of locations throughout the Midwest. It will better accommodate the expansive product line Fairchild Equipment offers, which includes warehouse and material handling equipment as well

as engineered storage solutions and fleet management services.

CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE “Our team’s commitment to our mission of creating ‘Customers for Life’ in this area is what has allowed us to grow to another level,” Fairchild states. “We are confident that our new facility will help us even better serve our customers and provide the best possible service.”

The new facility is triple the size of the previous one. It features a showroom and a variety of new, used, and rental equipment in stock. It also boasts a larger parts department, helping customers to get the parts they need faster.

With a larger service department,

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customers will also be able to get their equipment serviced more quickly.

“We are excited to be able to offer our customers a larger facility with more services and products,” says Mark Stammer, director of sales for Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois. “We want to thank the companies that have entrusted us with supplying and maintaining their material handling equipment over the years.”

“We look forward to continuing to provide industry-leading support to our current customers,” he concludes, “and to the new customers who choose to partner with us in the future.”

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

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

For more information, visit: www.fairchildequipment.com. continued on pg. 38

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Now News. . .

continued from pg. 36

Kenya to Host 2026 World Potato Congress

This marks a first for the globally significant event to be held in Sub-Sahara Africa The World Potato Congress (WPC) Inc. is pleased to announce that Nairobi, Kenya has been chosen as the site for its 2026 World Potato Congress. The proposed theme for this event is “Developing Global Potato Partnerships for Enhanced Food Systems, Food Security and International Trade.”

The WPC is expected to draw potato industry colleagues and partners from all over the world. It will be the first time this globally significant biennial business event will be held in SubSahara Africa.

The successful bid, led by National Potato Council of Kenya and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, was supported by the council’s many public and private

38 BC�T November

sector partners.

The partners include, but are not limited to, International Potato Centre, SSA (CIP), Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, KenInvest, Pest Control Product Board, Kevian Kenya Ltd., Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), Bayer East Africa and Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable

Agriculture.

Potatoes are the second most important food crop, after maize, in Kenya and play an important role in food security, poverty eradication, and economic development.

Yet, Africa faces a great challenge with food security as population growth continues at a fast pace. The potato crop has substantial room for

improved yields, better utilization, and increased incomes along the whole value chain.

ENDING EXTREME POVERTY As per the bid committee, “Holding the Congress in Kenya will contribute towards ending extreme poverty in all forms in Africa. Besides contributing towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, the congress will provide valuable educational opportunities in promoting sustainable agriculture.”

“It will provide opportunity for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, especially for youths and women in the sector,” the bid committee concludes.

Kenya prides itself as a mature and vibrant hospitality industry with a globally renowned world-class chain of hotels offering first class conference and accommodation facilities.

The country has an established

information and communication (ICT) infrastructure, which is among the leading in the continent in terms of coverage and network connectivity in sea, road, and air transport.

The 2026 World Potato Congress is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates in Nairobi for the week, stimulating the local tourism economy. Besides the trade show component and congress, Kenya has a lot to offer delegates traveling to the three-day event in late July 2026.

TECHNICAL TOURS Plans are in place for a pre-conference golf tournament and networking reception. Post-conference activities will include technical tours to large seed and potato growing operations, researcher presentations, visits to packers and processors, and an opportunity for delegates to visit one of Kenya’s many national parks.

Delegates wishing to extend their stay will have the opportunity to witness the 8th Wonder of the World, the world’s largest wildebeest migration,

which occurs in the months of July and August.

The Kenyan people are known for their hospitality and rich cultural diversity, and the bid committee looks forward to ensuring all delegates leave Kenya with long-lasting business relationships and friendships.

Peter VanderZaag, president of the World Potato Congress, states, “I am excited that Kenya will host the 13th World Potato Congress in 2026.

Kenya is centrally located and a leader in both potato research and development in East Africa.”

“I am confident that this congress will increase the profile and capacity for the potato value chain in this region,” he adds, “as well as provide an opportunity for networking, investment, and trade relationships across the entire potato sector.”

Save the date! The 12th World Potato Congress, in Adelaide, Australia, is June 23-26, 2024. continued on pg. 40

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Office: (715) 623-6348 Aaron Kakes: (715) 216-5281 • Josh Mattek: (715) 216-0595 BC�T November 39

Now News. . .

continued from pg. 39

Biome Makers Wins 2023 AgTech Breakthrough Award Annual awards program honors worldwide innovation in ag and food technologies Biome Makers, a leading agtech company in soil health analysis and microbiome technology, announces it has garnered the “AgTech Data Analytics Solution of the Year” award in the 4th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets today.

With the world’s largest taxonomic database of microorganisms of

40 BC�T November

14 million, Biome Maker BeCrop® Technology provides soil health intelligence and recommendations.

Integrating advanced genomics, microbial network science, and machine learning, the technology analyzes the entire soil microbiome and provides ecological insights.

BeCrop offers invaluable insights into specific functions performed by microorganisms, enabling farmers, crop advisors, ag input manufacturers, and retailers to make data-driven decisions for over 180 crops across 45 countries, ensuring

optimal soil health.

Through the robust BeCrop Portal, user-friendly reports break down complex microbiome network properties into visual illustrations of soil functions.

This equips growers and consultants with actionable insights to save costs, mobilize the existing nutrients reservoir, predict disease risks in time to act, and select the most effective inputs based on the soil microbial profile.

The company uses proprietary DNA sequencing workflow and intelligent computing to monitor the most relevant bio-indicators. BeCrop connects soil needs to agricultural inputs and illuminates the path toward regenerating soils.

IMPROVED CROP YIELDS “BeCrop delivers insights that can

This year’s program attracted more than 1,750 nominations from over 15 countries throughout the world.

drive improved crop yields, provide better recommendations, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance water conservation practices,” says Adrian Ferrero, Biome Makers chief executive officer and co-founder.

“BeCrop is a reliable source of soil health intelligence and recommendations that makes it our ‘AgTech Data Analytics Solution of the Year’ winner,” says Bryan Vaughn, managing director of AgTech Breakthrough.

“Our 2022 impact report showcased a 20% reduction in agrochemical fertilizers and a 15% increase in agricultural carbon sequestration for farmers utilizing BeCrop,” Ferrero adds.

“Thank you to AgTech Breakthrough for understanding that our technology sets the standard for soil health assessment. With BeCrop, we are revolutionizing agriculture and paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient food system,” he says.

The mission of the annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industry’s most comprehensive analysis and

evaluation of agricultural and food technology categories, including Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based agricultural technologies, farm management, indoor farming, food quality, data analytics and more.

“As we face the loss of one-third of arable soil worldwide, BeCrop shines,” Vaughn states. “BeCrop plays a pivotal role in transforming agriculture for a more sustainable future by empowering the industry to leverage comprehensive soil data and AI to understand the critical role of soil microbiomes in food production.”

For more information, please contact Jamie Nix, jamie.nix@biomemakers. com, 202-912-0976.

Bushman’s Riverside Ranch Specializing in Silverton and Caribou Russets

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Contact: Jeff Suchon, Farm Manager 715-757-2160 office • 715-927-4015 cell

Or call Jonathon or John E. Bushman: 715-454-6201 715-454-6201 BC�T November 41

People nitrogen, fertility and Ruark Named First Wisconsin Potato ofsoilconducting health research on potatoes and processing vegetable crops for and Vegetable Grower BCS Chair the benefit of the potato-vegetable

New chair position helps ensure university is able to continue supporting the state’s potato producers Matt Ruark, professor, and extension specialist in the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Department of Soil Science, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Grower BCS Chair at the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS).

This new chair is designed to bolster the research program of a CALS faculty member working on potatoes and/or vegetables, and the environmental and economic impacts of these crops. The appointment runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2028.

The chair was established by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) to help ensure the ongoing strength of UW’s potato research program and the university’s ability to support the state’s potato producers.

The “BCS” in the name honors Larry Binning, David Curwen and John 42 BC�T November

Schoenemann, UW professors who made outstanding contributions in these areas.

Ruark’s selection as chair recognizes his extensive work on nitrogen management. His research and extension efforts focus on optimizing nitrogen use in potato production and reducing nitrate leaching to groundwater.

He has developed data sets that can be used to provide recommendations on nutrient management and identify future opportunities for improvement. Ruark is also actively involved in addressing sustainability and water quality goals in grain and dairy production systems, and he is the faculty advisor for the UW Discovery Farms program.

“We are pleased by the selection of Dr. Matt Ruark for this chair,” says Tamas Houlihan, WPVGA executive director.

“Dr. Ruark has a long track record

industry,” Houlihan concludes, “and we are excited to help support future discoveries and innovations from his program.”

Above: UW-CALS Dean Glenda Gillaspy (left) looks on as WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan places a medallion around the neck of UW Soil Scientist Dr. Matt Ruark, recognizing him as the first Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Grower BCS Chair. Ruark is a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Soil Science. Through his research and outreach efforts, Ruark focuses on optimizing nitrogen use in potato production and reducing nitrate leaching to groundwater. The BCS Chair was established by the WPVGA and the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board in honor of the contributions of UW-Madison professors Larry Binning, David Curwen, and John Schoenemann (hence “BCS” in the name). The UWCALS Investiture Ceremony took place on September 26 in the Great Hall of Memorial Union, in Madison. Other faculty members honored were Samer Alatout (Buttel-Sewell Professorship); Julie Dawson (Clif Bar and Organic Valley Chair in Plant Breeding for Organic Agriculture); Amanda Gevens (Fritz Friday Chair in Vegetable Production Research); Richard Hartel (William C. Winder Professorship in Food Science); and Anita Thompson (Patrick Walsh and Noreen Warren Endowed Professorship).

Dennis Baginski Passes Away He took over the family potato farm, in 1984, and had operated Riverview Farms Dennis L. Baginski, of Antigo, died on September 11, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old.

Dennis was born on October 6, 1947, in Antigo, Wisconsin, a son of Leon “Sam” and Evelyn (Pokrzewinski) Baginski. He married Kathleen Ann Mertens on October 23, 1971, at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Antigo.

A graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1965, Dennis was also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farmer’s Short Course, in 1966.

Dennis served in the United States Army from January 24, 1968, to October 14, 1970. He served in Vietnam from August 1968 to March 1970, earning the rank of Army Specialist 5.

He took over the family potato farm in 1984, having operated Riverview Farms until 1997. For over 30 years, he was an over-the-road truck driver, having worked for Prince Brothers Trucking, Volm Bag Company, and Karl’s Transport.

As Dennis Baginski Trucking Company, he was an owner/operator for Wausau Carriers, and Pioneer Transport and B&D Motors, both in Merrill.

Dennis was a member of Saints Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church, the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662 of Antigo, SparksDoernenburg America Legion Post 3, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, and a lifetime member of the Leland-Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2653.

HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS He enjoyed golfing, bowling, mowing his yard, going to Texas with his wife, breakfast with his friends at Two Angels Family Restaurant, and spending time with his family. He was famous for making homemade potato chips and had his own custom

combining business.

He had the privilege of going on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, in 2019.

Dennis will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; two sons, Bruce (Jody) Baginski and Brian (Hope) Baginski; two grandchildren, Hannah (Justin Maus) Baginski and Gabby Baginski; and two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Anna Maus.

He will also be deeply missed by a sister, Darlene Anderson; two brothers, David (Bonnie) Baginski and Daniel (Barbara) Baginski, all of Antigo; and a sister-in-law, Jean (Mike) Van Boekel. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother and father-in-law, Marie and Raymond Mertens.

A funeral mass was held on September 16, at Saints Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church, with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Military Honors took place at the church following the mass.

Dennis L. Baginski October 6, 1947 – September 11, 2023

Visitation was at the Bradley Funeral Home with Antigo veterans standing honor guard. A parish wake service was held, as well as an Elks Lodge of Sorrow Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, 225780 Rib Mountain Drive, #234, Wausau, WI 54401.

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SEED PIECE Syngenta Unveils Seeds R&D Innovation Center

It’s the latest addition to company’s stable of 150-plus similar worldwide facilities Reprinted with permission from Rhonda Brooks, thedailyscoop.com, and Farm Journal

Syngenta officials like to say genetic gain for U.S. farmers is underway in its global seed genetics research and development facilities 365 days a year.

It’s not just talk. This June, the company unveiled an 88-acre, 100,000-square-foot Seeds Research & Development Innovation Center in Malta, Illinois, roughly an hour west of Chicago. The center is the latest addition to Syngenta’s stable of 150plus similar facilities based around the world.

“This facility allows us to demonstrate new technology in the environment in which we’re going to deploy our products,” says Judd Maxwell, corn product placement lead.

He adds that new seed hybrids and varieties can take upwards of 15 years to develop and introduce to farmers’ fields. Maxwell expects

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Above: Syngenta’s Seeds Research & Development Innovation Center in Malta, Illinois, brings the company’s work closer to the farmers it serves in practical ways.

Image courtesy of Rhonda Brooks

the new facility will help Syngenta shorten that timeframe.

Warren Kruger, head of Syngenta field crops seeds development for North America, says the Malta facility brings the company’s work closer to the farmers it serves in practical ways.

SEAT AT THE TABLE “We want to make sure that growers can touch, feel and see the research and development innovation that we’re doing,” Kruger said during the event. “So, we’re going to work together, we’re going to invite farmers here to have a seat at the innovation table.”

With the new facility, Syngenta officials say they will be able to transform the development and placement of corn hybrids, soybean varieties and other seed products through farmer- and industry-partner collaborations.

Some of the research now underway at the facility is focused on improving germplasm performance; launching stacked, next generation, differentiated traits;

and demonstrating regenerative agriculture cropping systems.

“One of the key things about Malta is it enables us to take the discovery work we do at Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, and scale that up for our biotechnology pipeline,” says Charles Baxter, global head of regulatory and product safety, “so we can translate those lab results into field results and promote the best traits and technology to give to the grower.”

Syngenta’s U.S. research and development headquarters are based in Research Triangle Park.

The company also has a trait introgression facility in Napa, Idaho, which it opened in 2019.

Maxwell concludes that the new Malta facility isn’t the end of the company’s investment in North America. “It’s just another key milestone in our journey,” he stresses.

Above: A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of the new Syngenta Seeds Research & Development Innovation Center in Malta, Illinois. Warren Kruger, head of Syngenta’s field crops seeds development for North America, did the ribbon-cutting honors.

With him, from left to right, are Erik Fyrwald, chief executive officer, Syngenta Group; Eric Boeck, regional director of North American seeds; Trevor Hohls, global head of seeds development; and Justin Wolfe, president of global seeds. Image courtesy of Rhonda Brooks

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2023 WISCONSIN CERTIFIED SEED POTATO GROWERS DIRECTORY Above: Certified seed potatoes are planted at Wild Seed Farms, Inc., of Antigo, Wisconsin.

PRIMARY BUSINESS PHONE NUMBERS ARE BOLD-FACED. BAGINSKI FARMS, INC. N3474 County H, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Farm (715) 627-7753 Fax (715) 623-5412 Out of State (888) 446-7753 Mike Baginski (715) 627-7838 Mike Baginski Cell (715) 216-1240 Email mike@baginskifarms.com Website www.baginskifarms.com Baby Boomer, Colomba, Goldrush, Modoc, Norland (Red Selection), Plover Russet, Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, Silverton, Superior BULA POTATO FARMS, INC. Shipping Address: W8376 County Road K, Elcho, WI 54428 Billing Address: W11957 Highland Road, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Warehouse (715) 275-3430 Office/Warehouse Fax (715) 275-5051 Dennis Cell (715) 216-1614 Adam Cell (715) 216-1613 Farm Email bulaseed@frontiernet.net Dennis Email: dennis@certifiedseedpotatoes.com A08433-4STO, Caribou Russet, Lady Liberty (NY152), Lakeview Russet (W9433-1Rus), Norland (Dark Red Selection), Mackinaw, Plover Russet (W9133-1Rus), Portage Russet (W13A11229-1Rus), Reveille Russet, Silverton, Umatilla Russet, Vanguard Russet, Yukon Gold BUSHMAN’S RIVERSIDE RANCH, INC. N8151 Bushman Road, Crivitz, WI 54114 Farm (Crivitz, WI) (715) 757-2160 Jeff (715) 927-4015 Jon (715) 454-6201 Fax (715) 757-2243 Email jssuchon@gmail.com Caribou Russet, Portage Russet (W13A11229-1Rus), Silverton 46 BC�T November

CETS, LLC ASTRO TUBERSTM N77 W24677 Century CT, Sussex WI 53089 Office (262) 246-1799 Fax (262) 246-1762 Cell (262) 391-4705 Website: www.cetstech.com EAGLE RIVER SEED FARM LLC Clover Spacek, General Manager 4334 Chain of Lakes Road, Eagle River, WI 54521 Eagle River Warehouse (715) 479-8434 Fax (Eagle River) (715) 479-8792 Clover Cell (715) 218-9173 Clover Email clover.spacek@wfc.ag Bliss- NY163, Colomba, Christel, Frito-Lay Varieties, Lamoka, Lady Liberty, Mackinaw, Modoc, Norland (Dark Red Selection-Z), MSW474-1, MSZ242-13, Paroli, Petoskey, Silverton, Snowden, Tessa, Umatilla FLEISCHMAN, DAVID FARMS N2568 Cty Hwy HH, Antigo, WI 54409 Office (715) 623-6353 Cell (715) 216-2343 Fax (715) 627-0183 Email davidfleischmanfarms@gmail.com Goldrush, Mercury Russet, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Russet Norkotah, Silverton, Superior, Yukon Gold FRITO-LAY, INC. 4295 Tenderfoot Rd, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Stephanie Nordquist (715) 365-1648 Cell (620) 791-8808 Frito-Lay Varieties GALLENBERG FARMS, INC. W7932 Edison Road, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm (715) 623-7018 Roy Gallenberg (715) 216-0983 John Gallenberg (715) 623-2295 Email rgallenberg@hotmail.com Goldrush, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Red Prairie (W8405-1R), Superior

GP VENTURES, INC. N3120 Western Ave PO Box 320, Antigo, WI 54409 Office (715) 623-7877 Fax (715) 623-7127 Jim Kennedy (715) 623-7877 Email gpci.office.assistant@gmail.com Agata, Fontane, Frito-Lay Varieties, Jelly, Malou, Petoskey, Snowden

HARTMAN FARMS, INC. N2846 County HH, Antigo, WI 54409 Michael Hartman Home (715) 623-7083 Michael Hartman Cell (715) 219-1802 Todd Hartman (715) 610-6477 John Hartman (715) 216-2059 Goldrush, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Russet Norkotah, Superior

GUENTHNER FARMS, INC. N4653 Chillie Rd, Antigo, WI 54409 Farm (715) 627-7683 Bill Guenthner (715) 627-2792 Tom Schmidt (715) 216-1953 Fax (715) 627-0507 Langlade, Paroli, Red LaSoda 10-3

KAKES FARMS, LTD. W8539 Kakes Road, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm (715) 623-6348 Aaron Kakes Cell 715-216-5281 Josh Mattek Cell 715-216-0595 Email: kakesfarms@outlook.com Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Hodag, Lady Liberty, Mackinaw, Snowden

HAFNER SEED FARMS, INC. W8243 County B, Bryant, WI 54418 Office/Warehouse (715) 623-6829 FAX (715) 623-4203 David Hafner (715) 216-1473 Kevin Hafner (715) 216-1606 Brad Hafner (715) 216-1603 Email khafner1@hotmail.com Atlantic, Goldrush, Lady Liberty, Reveille Russet, Russet Norkotah, Silverton, Snowden, Superior

KOHM AND SPYCHALLA, LLC N4244 Hwy 52, Antigo, WI 54409 Dr. Barbel Kohm (715) 623-5773 Dr. James Spychalla (715) 216-7449 Atlantic, Paige, Red LaSoda 10-3 continued on pg. 48

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5818 Fire Lane Rhinelander, WI 54501 Office: 715-272-1192

Sowinski Trucking, LLC has sanitary equipment for your transportation needs. dispatch@sowinskifarms.com BC�T November 47

2023 Seed Directory. . . continued from pg. 47

MATTEK, J. W. & SONS, INC. N5798 Star Neva Rd, Deerbrook, WI 54424 Farm/Office (715) 623-6963 Fax (715) 627-7245 Jim Mattek (715) 623-7391 John Mattek (715) 623-6864 Jim Mattek Cell (715) 216-0599 Email jwmattek@gmail.com Atlantic, Bliss-NY163, Frito-Lay Varieties, Lady Liberty (NY152), Lamoka, Mackinaw, Manistee, Petoskey, Pike, Silverton, Snowden MYTHIC FARMS/VERMONT VALLEY 4628 CTH FF, Blue Mounds, WI 53517 Jesse Perkins 608-212-7816 Email jesse@mythicfarm.com Website www.mythicfarm.com Adirondack Blue, Adirondack Red, Austrian Crescent, French Fingerling, German Butterball, Goldrush, Kennebec, Magic Molly, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Peter Wilcox, Red Gold, Red Pontiac, Red Prairie (W8405-1R), Superior, Yukon Gold NORTHERN SAND FARMS 11263 Cty Hwy M, Crandon, WI 54520 Stan Bula (715) 889-2911 Email stan.bula76@gmail.com Website www.norhternsandfarms.com

48 BC�T November

Adirondack Blue, Adirondack Red, Austrian Crescent, German Butterball, Kennebec, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Magic Molly, Oneida Gold (W6703-1Y), Red Pontiac, Silverton, Viking, Yukon Gold RINE RIDGE FARMS, INC. W8132 County O, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm/Office (715) 627-4819 WATS (888) 853-5690 Fax (715) 627-4810 Ken Rine (715) 623-6791 Ken Rine Cell (715) 216-0760 Dan Rine Cell (715) 216-0765 Email rinerdg21@gmail.com Bliss-NY163, Lady Liberty (NY152), Lamoka, Mackinaw SCHROEDER BROS. FARMS, INC./SCHROEDER FARMS, LTD. N1435 County D, Antigo, WI 54409 Office/Farm (715) 623-2689 Fax (715) 627-4857 (715) 627-7022 North Warehouse John T. Schroeder (715) 216-0174 Pete Schroeder (715) 216-0177 Robert Schroeder (715) 216-0169 Eric Schroeder Cell (715) 216-0186 Pete Email farm@sbfi.biz John T Email johnt@sbfi.biz Eric Email eric@sbfi.biz

Atlantic, Auburn Glow, Bliss- NY163, Blushing Belle, Frito-Lay Varieties, Goldrush, Lamoka, Mackinaw, Manistee, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Plover Russet (W9133-1Rus), Prairie Sun TT08-024/20, Russet Norkotah Sel 8, Russet Norkotah TX296, Silverton, Snowden SEIDL FARMS, INC. N5677 Chillie Road, Deerbrook, WI 54424 Farm/Office (715) 623-6236 Fax (715) 623-4377 Art Seidl (715) 623-6236 Jeff Fassbender (715) 216-4433 Ryan Fassbender (715) 219-2014 Atlantic, Goldrush, Manistee, Plover Russet (W9133-1Rus), Reveille Russet, Russet Norkotah, Snowden SOWINSKI FARMS, INC. - CERTIFIED SEED 4698 Tenderfoot Road, Rhinelander, WI 54501 Paul Sowinski (715) 272-1192 John Hein (715) 550-9010 Farm/Office (715) 369-3225 Fax (715) 369-3226 Email sfiseedfarm@gmail.com Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Lady Liberty, Manistee, Mackinaw, Snowden SUNNYDALE FARMS, INC. W9751 County I, Bryant, WI 54418 Farm (715) 627-7401 Mike Shafel Cell (715) 216-4531

Email sunnydaleseed@yahoo.com Atlantic, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Red Prairie (W8405-1R), Snowden, Superior, Yukon Gold TREMBLING PRAIRIE FARMS, INC N2575 County Road B, Markesan, WI 53946 Fax 920-394-3926 John Bobek 920-295.9072 Email john@tremblingprairiefarms.com Alegria, Norland (Dark Red Selection), Norland (Red Selection), Purple Majesty, Red Prairie WILD SEED FARMS, INC. W9797 Cherry Rd, Antigo, WI 54409 Warehouse/Office (715) 623-3366 Fax (715) 623-5245 Tom Wild Cell (715) 216-1223 Dan Wild Cell (715) 216-1225 Email wildseed@antigopro.net Atlantic, Frito-Lay Varieties, Red LaSoda 10-3 WIRZ, INC. N3581 Wirz Lane, Antigo, WI 54409 Office-Angel Wirz (715) 627-7739 Fax (715) 627-4523 Mobile (715) 350-9165 Email wirzinc@yahoo.com Website www.wirzinc.com Atlantic, Lamoka, Manistee, MegaChip, Snowden

Goldrush • Russet Norkotah • Manistee Atlantic • Snowden • Reveille

BC�T November 49

Badger Beat The Future of Post-Harvest Winter Grow-Out

What will post-harvest certified seed potato testing look like years from now?

By Brooke Babler, assistant director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP), and Dr. Amanda Gevens, professor, Extension specialist, and department chair, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology, as well as interim administrative director of the WSPCP

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Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) inspectors assess the foliage of plants generated from seed tuber samples in the growout for symptoms associated with

diseases such as Potato Virus Y (PVY) and Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV).

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Amanda Gevens (right) congratulates Brooke Babler (left) for being presented with the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA) Leadership Award at the 2023 WSPIA Annual Meeting. Presented by Roy Gallenberg, the award recognizes Brooke’s outstanding service and leadership to the Wisconsin seed potato industry. Brooke and Amanda are the authors of this month’s Badger Beat column.

or varietal mixture that would be of concern when certifying seed lots.

PVY has been, and persists as, the disease of focus during post-harvest inspections. This disease requires accurate detection as the percent PVY infection dictates certification classification.

With the constant dynamism of potato varieties, coupled with evolving PVY strains, inspectors are continually challenged by latent PVY infection during visual inspections.

The need for serological testing to accurately detect PVY is vital to maintain high quality seed lots not only in Wisconsin, but across all seed producing regions.

The molecular-based, enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) became widely accepted across certification agencies to detect virus levels in not only PVY latent varieties, but also other varieties of interest.

VISUAL INSPECTIONS & ELISA The combination of visual inspections and ELISA has continued to be the standard of post-harvest testing, but we are now facing new challenges that require researchers to reevaluate what the post-harvest winter growout may look like in the future.

The WSPCP, along with several other U.S. certification programs, performs its post-harvest grow-outs at Twin Bridge Farms, Waialua, Hawaii. This is an excellent location to perform the grow-out due to stable temperatures, the assistance of trained farm staff, and excellent PVY symptom development.

A disadvantage to the current system is the ever-increasing costs, tuber dormancy breaking concerns, availability of future land to rent, delays in growers receiving their postharvest results, and concerns about continued support by Twin Bridge Farms in years to come.

been looking at alternative ways to perform the post-harvest testing without traditionally growing seed tubers in a field setting.

A greenhouse grow-out is a feasible option, however, it is difficult to justify building a greenhouse that would only be utilized for a short window of time, and it can be challenging procuring the square footage needed in already established structures.

It is also a significant undertaking to grow seed tuber samples in a greenhouse with potential staffing, space, time, and funding limitations.

These unknowns could delay growers receiving their post-harvest results on a year-to-year basis. In lieu of the above-mentioned grow-out options, research has focused on dormant tuber testing with two molecularbased methods being trialed by various certification agencies.

In the past decade, researchers have

continued on pg. 52

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Badger Beat. . .

continued from pg. 51

PVY IMMUNOCAPTURE PCR This method, spearheaded by Dr. Nina Zidack and Dr. Alice Pilgeram at Montana State University, utilizes techniques from the traditional ELISA assay where PVY-specific antibodies are used to capture PVY and then a real-time PCR assay is performed using PVY specific primers.

Currently, only PVY is detectable via PVY immunocapture PCR (IC-PCR), but ongoing research is focused on expanding this diagnostic method to include detection of Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV), Potato Mop Top Virus (PMTV) and PLRV. FLINDERS TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES (FTA) CARD PCR METHOD This method, spearheaded by Jason Ingram, M.S., and Melanie J. Filiatrault, Ph.D., U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, consists of smashing tuber cores onto FTA cards, and then

52 BC�T November

extracting RNA/DNA from the cards and testing for potato pathogens via real-time or conventional PCR with validated primers.

Although this method allows for diagnostic testing of multiple potato pathogens, including viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, it is time consuming to core and smash potato cores onto the FTA cards.

Research focused on increasing sample processing efficiency is currently underway.

As part of the upcoming postharvest winter grow out, WSPCP is performing a large-scale research project to directly correlate PVY infection percentages of seed tuber samples detected by IC-PCR, ELISA, and visual inspection.

There are nearly a hundred 400-tuber winter test samples included in this study. Approximately two-thirds

Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP) staff load an Immunocapture PCR plate with smashed seed potato cores in a general extraction buffer.

of the winter test samples will be collected at harvest, stored at room temperature for three weeks, and then four cores will be excised from each tuber and tested via IC-PCR in 10-tuber composite samples.

Once cored, the winter test samples will be gassed and shipped to Hawaii to be included in the grow-out. The remaining one-third of the winter test samples will have four cores taken from each tuber immediately following harvest, followed by storage at room temperature for three weeks.

ELISA, and visual inspection; and 5. If it would be beneficial to develop and implement a hybrid postharvest model that utilizes IC-PCR. The WSPCP is committed to supporting research in this area of innovation in partnership with other potato certification agencies. We are collectively working towards the common goal of providing accurate, timely and cost-effective post-harvest results.

Above: Smashed seed potato tuber cores are shown on an FTA card. Four cores are taken from each tuber and the FTA card holds cores from 25 tubers. FTA cards are left drying for two hours before being sent to the WSPCP diagnostic lab.

We are excited to share the results of this study at its completion and are interested in hearing the thoughts of Wisconsin seed growers regarding dormant tuber testing and how it may change current post-harvest grow-out practices.

Another four cores will be taken after the three-week period and then winter test samples will be gassed and shipped to Hawaii to be included in the grow-out. Visual inspections and ELISA testing will be completed on all winter test samples that are part of this study.

Our goal of this study is to determine: 1. If IC-PCR can accurately detect PVY in dormant tubers compared to traditional visual inspections and ELISA; 2. If IC-PCR can be standardized and accepted as a valid diagnostic test across all U.S. certification agencies; 3. If seed tuber samples need to be stored at room temp for three weeks before IC-PCR is performed; 4. The variability between 400-tuber samples collected from the same seed lot when tested with IC-PCR, BC�T November 53

NPC News

Anti-Ag Amendments Defeated in House

Disastrous proposal intended to undermine commodity checkoff programs In the last week of September, the National Potato Council (NPC) joined more than 100 national and state agricultural groups in opposition to an amendment introduced by Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) to the House FY (Fiscal Year) 2024 Agriculture Appropriations Bill intended to undermine or eliminate commodity checkoff programs.

Checkoffs, including Potatoes USA, are industry-funded and -led organizations that exist to promote agricultural products and support America’s growers and ranchers.

During floor debate, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-Pa.) strongly argued against the amendment, saying that checkoffs “are voluntarily created by producers, for producers, and they don’t receive taxpayer dollars for any of their activities, or for USDA oversight of their activities.”

Thanks to strong opposition raised by farm groups, the amendment was soundly defeated by a rollcall vote of 49-377. Attention now turns to the Farm Bill negotiations, where Rep. Spartz has indicated her desire to include anti-checkoff language in that legislation.

“The Spartz amendment was just the latest attempt to shut down or severely limit the activities of growerfunded and -led agricultural research and promotion boards,” says R.J. Andrus, NPC president.

VITAL AG RESEARCH “NPC will continue to fight against any and all attempts to undermine vital agricultural research and impair promotion programs,” Andrus adds, “particularly in highly competitive foreign markets.”

The potato industry also united in its opposition to an amendment to the FY24 Ag Appropriations Bill introduced by Rep. Gottheimer

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(D-N.J.) that would have struck a longstanding bipartisan provision that requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat potatoes equally to other vegetables in accessing the school breakfast program.

Current regulations require the serving of other vegetables before potatoes and limit their overall access in the school breakfast program.

For six years, the Agriculture Appropriations Bill has maintained a bipartisan provision that prevents the USDA from enforcing limitations on potatoes in accessing the school breakfast program.

Thanks to the opposition voiced

by NPC and the state potato organizations, the Rep. Gottheimer amendment was ruled not in order by the House Rules Committee, preventing it from being considered on the House floor.

“Given their low cost and flexibility, the U.S. potato industry is committed to ensuring that potatoes remain a key part of school nutrition professionals’ breakfasts for children across the country and served with other vegetables to encourage healthy eating,” says NPC vice president of Legislative Affairs Dean Gibson. continued on pg. 56

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continued from pg. 54

Potatoes Are a Vegetable!

Kam Quarles, chief executive officer of the National Potato Council, provided oral testimony during a September 12, 2023, hearing of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

This panel of nutrition and public health experts informs the federal government’s next update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), which lays the foundation for federal nutrition and feeding policy for the next five years.

In his testimony, Quarles stressed that the DGAs should not pick winners and losers among vegetables but should encourage all Americans to consume more vegetables to meet the federal government’s recommendations.

56 BC�T November

Above: In testimony given during a hearing of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, National Potato Council Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles stressed that starchy vegetables should not be lumped with grains, a vastly different food group.

He also urged the committee to reject a proposal to lump starchy vegetables in the same category as grains, noting that “starchy vegetables and grains

are two vastly different food groups that play distinctly different roles in contributing nutrients to the diet.”

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Marketplace

Spudly Videos Spread “Powered

by Wisconsin Potatoes” Message

New videos promote versatility of the true superfood and why potatoes should be included in all your meal preparations

By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education Wisconsin potatoes power performance!

part of any meal, snack, or dessert, and they naturally have vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that a body requires to function at its best.

They are one of the few vegetables with the ability to successfully be

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Add the fact that they’re free of fat, gluten, cholesterol, and sodium, and you have yourself a true superfood!

While all this may be common knowledge for some, there are still plenty out there who are unfamiliar with the superhero qualities potatoes possess, not to mention all the ways to prepare them.

Enter Spudly.

The Wisconsin potato industry’s beloved mascot is in the kitchen again, and potatoes are still his pride and joy.

Top Left: Spudly reaches for some baked potato nachos to satisfy his cravings and showcase one of many ways to prepare Wisconsin potatoes during the production of four new videos, on September 14, in Fall River, Wisconsin.

Top Right: Spudly proudly holds a pan of roasted red Wisconsin potatoes, one of his featured dishes in the new set of videos that will be released November 1.

This time, instead of trying to cook dishes himself, Spudly is elaborating not only on the health benefits potatoes naturally provide, but also on how they can power performance.

In this next series of four videos, Spudly will be promoting Wisconsin potatoes as a superfood, their versatility, why they should be included in all meal preparations, and the benefits they possess when it comes to exercise and living the healthiest life possible.

WEAVING IN CREATIVITY Each video weaves in creativity at its best as Spudly interacts with 8-yearold Hailey Lindner and 5-year-old Brinley Lindner, both daughters of Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin, and Christine’s husband, Russell, in one of the episodes.

Christine and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Director of Promotions Dana Rady also make an appearance

in the same video during a yoga scene.

Like last year, the videos will be released at specific times throughout the year with a social media ad campaign surrounding each one.

These newly produced assets will once again point toward WPVGA’s consumer website and be targeted

Above: Spudly is meal-prepping again and looking for something other than another week of chicken and broccoli!

to consumers in the Waukesha area.

The goal? Interact more with Millennials and Gen Z, encouraging them to buy and look for Wisconsin continued on pg. 60

BC�T November 59

Marketplace. . .

continued from pg. 59

potatoes when they shop. Waukesha is not only a suburb of Milwaukee, but also very “foodie” and family oriented.

The videos will also be uploaded to the www.eatwisconsinpotatoes/ spudly page after release and “boosted” on WPVGA’s social media pages.

Producing new videos doesn’t mean the ones from last year will be retired. Since those assets are timeless and still valuable in creating brand awareness, they will be pushed out to consumers in the Madison area.

Madison is an ideal location since it’s urban, outside of the immediate potato-growing area, at the heart of the state’s legislative process and home to many of the younger generations we are trying to reach.

60 BC�T November

HIGHLY BENEFICIAL Last year’s campaign and introduction to Spudly as more of a voice for the Wisconsin potato industry proved highly beneficial. The number of visitors who clicked onto

Above: Which one to choose? Spudly has so many good options of delicious Wisconsin potato dishes, he doesn’t know which to dig into first. We have a feeling he’ll choose them all.

www.eatwisconsinpotatoes.com increased exponentially.

Above: Spudly takes a break from playing tag with 8-year-old Hailey Lindner (left) and 5-year-old Brinley Lindner (right), both daughters of Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms and Produce, during production of the new videos.

Above: Spudly gives a heartfelt “thumbs up” over a Wisconsin potato dish during filming of his new set of videos, on September 14, in Fall River. continued on pg. 62

BC�T November 61

Marketplace. . .

continued from pg. 61

And as the campaign progressed, analytics showed they were staying on the site for longer periods of time.

This is all fantastic news in terms of bringing and keeping Wisconsin potatoes at the forefront.

The campaign in Madison with last year’s assets kicked off on October 1. The videos were all about Spudly cooking in the kitchen with WPVGA Promotions Committee Chairman

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Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms, in Plover.

Despite Spudly’s best efforts, he experienced a plethora of mishaps and just couldn’t quite get it right.

This is part of what added to the humor of each video as Lee acted more and more frustrated with Spudly’s errors. You can see these videos anytime on www. eatwisconsinpotatoes.com/spudly.

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The first of the next four videos will be released on November 1. As was the case last year, the videos and social media ad campaigns will be strategically spread out during the year.

So, when you see it on WPVGA’s website and/or boosted post, “like,” share and comment away. The more we can collaborate on getting the word out, the more successful the campaign will be.

Get ready for another wild ride this year as the momentum keeps going for Wisconsin potatoes!

Top Left: The video production crew takes a moment to pose with Spudly after recording four videos. Pictured in the back row are, from left to right, Liz Matzke of Midwest Family Madison, Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms and Produce, WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady, and Ryan Ebert of Ebert Photo, in Fort Atkinson. In the front Row (left to right) are Brinley Lindner, Spudly, and Hailey Lindner.

Top Right: Spudly is working hard on his yoga moves! He poses with WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady (left) and Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms and Produce (right) during the production of the exercise video, on September 14.

IT ALL STARTS WITH A STRONG SOIL FOUNDATION.

AMVAC is dedicated to developing high-performance crop inputs that strengthen your soil and your potato crop. With an effective mix of products for every stage and season, the AMVAC potato portfolio is ready to go to work in your fields.

See the whole portfolio at amvac.com/potatoes.

©2023 AMVAC Chemical Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Vanguard Corporation. All rights reserved. American Vanguard, AMVAC and respective logos are trademarks owned by AMVAC Chemical Corporation.

A Fighter Pilot Strategy for Soil Health

How the U.S. Air Force’s four-step OODA Loop strategy can help improve your soil What do farmers and fighter pilots have in common? Each must operate complex machinery, adapt to unpredictable situations, and make

quality decisions.

health and fertility.

Operating without data is like flying blind, especially when it comes to soil

“Improving soil health takes time and knowledge,” says Kate Chamberlin, business analyst for AgSource.

“Testing soil health gives us data to inform fertility programs, tillage practices, cover crops and even carbon markets.”

When you’re a member,

YOU’RE AN OWNER Just as you own your business and reap the rewards of your hard work, member-owners benefit from the credit union’s financial growth and success.

The U.S. Air Force’s OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) Loop was designed to help pilots make rapid decisions. Once you complete the OODA Loop, you start again.

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You can use the same four-step strategy to make data-driven decisions for soil health. For soil health, that loop starts at the beginning of each soil sampling cycle.

Above: Testing soil health provides data to inform fertility programs, tillage practices, cover crops and even carbon markets.

OODA LOOP FOR SOIL HEALTH Step 1: Observe To operate effectively, you must understand your surroundings. If you want to improve your soil’s quality, you need to observe three main categories: • Chemical – macronutrients (NPK—nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), micronutrients, organic matter, soil pH and soil carbon • Physical – compaction, soil texture and water-holding capacity • Biological – living elements in the soil such as macro- and microorganisms like earthworms and beneficial microbes, respectively “Historically, soil testing focused on the chemical and fertility components of soil health,” says James Friedericks, Ph.D., quality and research director for AgSource. “Now these tests measure chemical, biological and physical functions, giving us more data to understand soil quality.”

James Friedericks, AgSource quality and research director, recommends collecting soil samples in the fall after harvest or in the spring before planting, but whichever is chosen, staying consistent from year to year.

Kate Chamberlin, AgSource business analyst, says by collecting the right soil health data, when you join a carbon program, you can prove your carbon stock.

• CO2 respiration to measure microbial activity in the soil

• Physical components – soil compaction, particle size, water holding capacity

• Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to evaluate nutrient availability

continued on pg. 66

Step 2: Orient The orientation step relies on taking an unbiased look at a real-time snapshot of your soil. This means sampling, and specifically, conducting a soil health test alongside your standard fertility soil sample to manage soil health.

Unlike traditional grid sampling, which is used for precision fertilizer applications, you only need one or two composite samples representing different areas of a field for a soil health measurement.

SAMPLING PROCEDURE “For the chemical and biological components of soil health testing, we use a similar sampling procedure as a traditional soil sample, utilizing a standard 6-inch soil probe,” Friedericks explains. “The physical components and carbon stock measurement require a soil sample from a larger core.”

Soil health tests provide measurements such as: BC�T November 65

A Fighter Pilot Strategy for Soil Health . . . continued from pg. 65

• Water-soluble extractions to review the forms of nutrients most easily utilized by plants • Orthophosphate P – the watersoluble form of phosphorus “We recommend collecting the sample in the fall after harvest or in the spring before planting,” Friedericks suggests. “Whichever timing you choose, staying consistent each year is important for best results.”

CARBON BENEFIT Soil health testing can also be useful if you are interested in participating in carbon markets. The test provides data to show carbon sequestration in your fields.

“We’re committed to helping you collect the right data so that when you join a carbon program, you can prove your carbon stock,” says Chamberlin.

66 BC�T November

“Testing soil health gives us data to inform fertility programs, tillage practices, cover crops and even carbon markets.”

– Kate Chamberlin, business analyst, AgSource Step 3: Decide As you review your soil health test results, it is important to know the actionable steps you can take, from tillage to fertility and liming.

One common example is if your test reveals low organic matter. Adding a cover crop to your rotation can improve organic matter over time.

As soil organic matter increases, so does its water-holding capacity and the overall durability of the soil.

You can fine-tune your plan by

consulting with your local agronomist or lab.

Step 4: Act This is where the rubber meets the road for your decision-making. After you take action, you get to see the outcomes of your decisions. From there, it is time to start the OODA Loop again for next season.

“Improvement doesn’t happen overnight, but by consistently benchmarking through soil health testing, you’ll be able to evaluate

the improvements you’re making,” Friedericks says.

HOW TO GET STARTED “It’s good to start with a field that has room for improvement and compare it to a field or location that you know is more productive,” Friedericks stresses. “If there’s an opportunity to compare to the corner of a pivot or a fencerow, somewhere that isn’t cultivated, you can get a more accurate assessment of what’s possible.”

AgSource is a broad-based agricultural service cooperative specializing in laboratory testing and value-added dairy management information. AgSource has become a leader in agricultural and

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AgSource strives to increase research and development of improved management decision tools, working together for the overall benefit of our members and customers, and the agriculture industry.

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To learn more about what measurements are included in a soil health test and how they can help your farm, contact your local agronomist, or visit https://agsource. com.

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New Products RPE Introduces Burbank Reserve Potato

New variety possesses the ability to transform meals into memorable culinary experiences Introducing the Burbank Reserve, a remarkable gem in the world of potatoes that effortlessly marries the qualities of casual and fine dining restaurant excellence.

Originating from the Pacific Northwest, this extraordinary variety is now accessible to retailers and consumers through the steadfast commitment of Farmer’s Promise, a well-known champion of quality.

“The Burbank Reserve is presented with pride by the West family of Nuto Farms, a fourth-generation farming institution nestled in the bustling heart of Rice Lake, Wisconsin,” says Rachel Atkinson-Leach, vice president of Brand & Category Excellence for RPE, Inc. “We invite you to savor this culinary sensation at your very own table; our Farmer’s Promise to you is that the Burbank Reserve possesses the remarkable ability to transform everyday meals into unforgettable culinary experiences,” Atkinson-Leach states. continued on pg. 70

68 BC�T November

Certified Research Chef Chris McAdams says Burbank Reserve potatoes transform into a sumptuous, fluffy mashed potato dish.

New Products . . . continued from pg. 68

The Burbank Reserve, a limited supply treasure, comes packaged in 5- and 10-pound poly bags, reflecting its exclusive nature. The eagerly anticipated new crop is ready for enjoyment.

CULINARY PROWESS Certified research chef, Chris McAdams, raves about the culinary prowess of this variety that transcends cooking platforms.

“Its versatility shines as it effortlessly transforms into a sumptuous, fluffy mashed potato dish. Whether fried or baked, the Burbank Reserve’s skin delights in a crisp and flavorful revelation, harmonizing with the creamy and airy flesh, crafting an unrivaled symphony of taste and texture that truly captivates the palate,” shares McAdams.

Farmer’s Promise, RPE’s renowned nationwide commodity potato brand,

leads the pack as the fastest-growing potato brand in the United States.

Beyond providing a delightful array of russet, red, yellow, white, organic, and Idaho potatoes available in a variety of convenient sizes—ranging from 3- to 50-pound cartons—the brand forges a unique connection between consumers and the dedicated farmers who cultivate their potatoes.

With an offering that encompasses not only individual packs, but also value-added single and tray packs, Farmer’s Promise is a testament to RPE’s commitment to quality and transparency.

To discover more about the diligent potato growers spanning the nation, explore https://farmerspromise.com.

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a reputation as a produce industry innovator. RPE provides value in new and exciting ways, most especially as a solutions provider helping retail customers grow their categories.

Delivering potato and onion category growth with best-in-class products and strategies, RPE collaborates with customers on rigorous product and culinary development as well as innovative brand and sustainable packaging solutions.

Category and E-commerce insights allow RPE to align solutions with consumer shopping trends and customer assortment strategies to maximize sales at the retail level.

RPE is an industry leader with reliable year-round Idaho russet, red and yellow commodity, non-Idaho russet and bite-size potato supplies, packed and distributed for customers as part of its private label programs, as well as in proprietary Tasteful Selections® bite-size potato and Farmer’s Promise commodity brands.

About Farmer’s Promise: Farmer’s Promise, proudly brought to you by RPE, is the nation’s fastest growing potato brand. We are proud multi-generational farmers who recognize that consumers of produce are hungry, and not just for great, healthy food to feed their bodies, but also for the knowledge to feed their minds.

Consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it gets from the field to their fork. They want to know how different varieties work, what makes them healthy, and how they are selected, prepared, and best enjoyed.

For consumers who are seeking connection and empowerment in the preparation and enjoyment of potatoes and onions for their family meals, Farmer’s Promise offers great potato and onion products as well as the knowledge of how to use them with confidence. In essence, we’re serving up confidence. continued on pg. 72

SAME FIELDS,

HIGHER YIELDS.

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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.

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AndersonsPlantNutrient.com Nutrien - Great Lakes is an authorized retailer of PureGrade Liquid Fertilizer. ©2022 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. PureGrade and GoldStart are registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc.

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

New Products . . . continued from pg. 70

Sand County Equipment Debuts LOCKWOOD® 774 With a 72-inch air head, the harvester handles more volume and offers improved potato cleaning Sand County Equipment of Bancroft, Wisconsin, is proud to introduce potato growers to the LOCKWOOD

774 Harvester featuring a 72-inch air head for more volume and improved cleaning, saving time and money.

The 774 Air Harvester features a new 10-inch touchscreen control system with joystick, wider rear cross and side elevator for increased volume, and a higher capacity full swing boom for truck loading efficiency.

There are numerous side-elevator and full-width cleaning table options, and the 774 Air Harvester comes with dual LOCKWOOD high-efficiency fans for increased air flow using less power.

“Cost efficiency of the 774 is huge,” says Pauly Cieslewicz of Sand County Equipment. “It’s not self-propelled, we’re harvesting faster, cleaning the potatoes much better and running 12 rows through it.”

P O Box 267, Monte Vista, CO 81144 ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com Lyla@ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com (719) 274-5996

72 BC�T November

“The dual blowers are producing more CFM’s [cubic feet per minute] than any machine in the market today and using less horsepower to do it,” Cieslewicz details. “The 774 Air Harvester also comes with a complete secondary Extreme table that goes across the entire rear of the machine, so it has a 12-foot-wide cleaning table. There’s a cleaning table prior to the air head, too.”

LEVELING AXLE SYSTEM “LOCKWOOD built a custom leveling axle system that keeps the air head level, and the digger bed tilts to stay level to the ground,” he adds. “The hump of the airshaft raises up when going downhill or down when going uphill.”

The boom also automatically levels to the axle, and the LOCKWOOD 774 Air Harvester includes a 5,000 psi (pounds per square inch) wheel drive that will physically push the tractor.

“The versatility of the machine is unmatched,” Cieslewicz says. “When we went from harvesting Creamer potatoes for The Little Potato Company to Russet Burbanks, we switched from a 36-millimeter (mm) primary with a 32 mm secondary to a 45 mm primary, and the transition was seamless.” continued on pg. 74

Above & Opposite page: The new LOCKWOOD 774 Harvester offered now by Sand County Equipment of Bancroft, Wisconsin, features a 72-inch air head for more volume and improved cleaning, saving time and money. Creamer potatoes for The Little Potato Company are being harvested on Helbach Farms of Amherst, Wisconsin.

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New Products . . . continued from pg. 73

Sand County Equipment was involved with the design of the machine, which was made specifically for the rocky soil of the area around the Central Sands and throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

The amenities equate to improved cleaning along with industry-leading visibility for the operator. Options include a wheel drive and vine chopper for next-level harvesting.

Petoskey, Snowden, Malou Jelly, Agata, Fontane 715-623-7877

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For more information, contact Sand County Equipment, attention Paul Cieslewicz, POB 228, Bancroft, WI 54921, 715-335-6652, cheryl@ sandcountyequipment.com.

Above: Posing on the new LOCKWOOD 774 Air Harvester are Jarod Cieslewicz of Sand County Equipment with his wife, Mindy, holding their twins, Hattie (on Jarod’s lap) and Kolten (on Mindy’s).

Navigating the Risks & Rewards of Solar Leases Taking land out of production and the risk factors involved should be top considerations

By Attorneys Eric Johnson and Andrew Lorenz, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C. As the pursuit of sustainable energy gains momentum, farmers are presented with an intriguing opportunity or risky proposition:

the prospect of leasing their land for solar energy projects.

These arrangements, commonly known as solar leases (or similarly

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solar easements), offer a unique blend of benefits and risks that growers must carefully consider.

In this article, we’ll delve into the intricate landscape of solar leases, shedding light on the potential advantages and legal pitfalls that farmers should be vigilant about.

Benefits of Solar Leases Solar leases offer a range of enticing benefits to farmers. These benefits include: • L ucrative Rent: Often exceeding the profitability of traditional farming, the rent payments derived from solar leases can inject a significant stream of passive income into a farmer’s balance sheet.

• L ong-Term Security: Solar leases typically extend over a considerable duration, providing a potentially stable source of income that outlasts the seasonal fluctuations of

traditional agriculture.

• Ownership Retention: Unlike selling land for solar projects or other reasons, solar leases allow farmers to retain ownership, ensuring that they have the option to either revert to traditional farming or to explore other uses of the land in the future.

• Succession and Retirement: Solar leases can serve as a succession strategy for growers, presenting an avenue for securing income to support future generations or as a retirement option.

• Promotion of Sustainable Energy: Though modern growers farm sustainably and are some of the best stewards of the land, by partnering with solar energy companies, they play a further role in promoting sustainable energy solutions and contributing to a greener future.

“While the benefits of solar leases may be compelling, farmers must navigate a landscape of potential risks.”

– Attorneys Eric Johnson and Andrew Lorenz, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C. burden of sudden income loss and potential land restoration costs.

• Bankruptcy of Solar Company: If a solar company goes bankrupt, farmers may find themselves stuck with unwanted solar equipment installed on their land as well as other modifications including roads, fences, transmission lines and other components that supported the solar project.

• L and Restoration and Removal Costs: The process of restoring the land to its original condition after the solar project ends can be expensive and complex, raising questions about who bears these costs if left unaddressed in the initial lease.

•C onstruction Liens: The involvement of third-party contractors hired by solar continued on pg. 78

Navigating the Risk Terrain While the benefits of solar leases may be compelling, farmers must navigate a landscape of potential risks: • Lack of Track Record: Some solar companies might lack an established track record, raising concerns about their financial stability and operational reliability.

• Lease Agreements Favoring Solar Companies: Solar companies will likely propose leases that are heavily skewed in favor of themselves. If farmers fail to negotiate more favorable terms, they may be left with little bargaining power and potential vulnerabilities.

• Termination Rights: Solar companies often retain the right to terminate leases at any time, for any reason, and without further liability. Agreeing to such terms leaves growers with the potential

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BC�T November 77

Navigating the Risks & Rewards of Solar Leases . . continued from pg. 77

companies to install facilities carries the risk of these contractors placing construction liens on the farmer’s property in case of unpaid fees. This situation could potentially lead to foreclosure proceedings and pose a threat to the farmer’s ownership of the land.

• Well Maintenance: High-capacity wells that cease operation during a solar project might need to be removed or sealed, impacting future water access and usage when the solar project ends.

• Assignment of Interest: Solar companies may be authorized to assign their interests in the lease without the farmer’s consent, potentially transferring the lease to unrelated entities with differing backgrounds and financial support.

• Confidentiality Constraints: Solar companies generally require a confidentiality agreement, limiting disclosure of financial and other lease terms, preventing farmers from discussing such terms with similarly situated neighbors.

• Fixed Compensation Over Time: While compensation might seem strong today, fixed terms could

potentially lose value over the life of a lease.

• Partial Land Usage: Farmers might find portions of their land used for accessory aspects of the solar project at lower rent rates, impacting their ability to fully utilize the land.

• Taking Land Out of Production: Solar leases take land, whether temporarily or permanently, out of agricultural production, leaving less acreage to farm and thus feed the world.

A Balancing Act for Farmers As farmers explore the world of solar leases, they’re faced with opportunities and potentially tricky challenges ahead.

While the allure of lucrative passive income and sustainable energy is undeniable, growers must approach these agreements with prudence and legal insight.

By partnering with experienced legal professionals, farmers can ensure that their interests are safeguarded, risks are mitigated, and the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future remains well illuminated.

Ruder Ware’s legal team has experience in managing solar leases and aiding farmers and other stakeholders in effectively navigating the complex topic of solar agreements and other legal issues connected to farming.

WPIB Focus

Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison

Month

Jul-22

Aug-22

Sep-22

CWT

1,672,188.74

1,652,461.65

1,253,802.65

4,578,453.04

Assessment

$133,812.37

$132,196.95

$100,304.10

$366,313.42

Month

Jul-23

Aug-23

Sep-23

CWT

1,313,762.07

1,528,723.01

977,118.59

3,819,603.67

Assessment

$105,353.00

$122,297.83

$78,169.48

$305,820.31

78 BC�T November

Oct-22

Oct-23

Nov-22

Nov-23

Dec-22

Dec-23

Jan-23

Jan-24

Feb-23

Feb-24

Mar-23

Mar-24

Apr-23

Apr-24

May-23

May-24

Jun-23

Jun-24

Year-to-Date

Year-to-Date

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Potatoes USA News Hot off the Press!

Potatoes USA tracks spuds that have made the news Hot off the press—here’s a sampling of recent media coverage highlighting potatoes’ nutritional benefits and creative preparations.

Well + Good: How To Make 2-Ingredient Gut-Friendly Potato Chips in the Microwave This article (https://www. wellandgood.com/microwavepotato-chips/) tells readers how to make delicious, nutritious DIY (do it yourself) potato chips at home. As the author shares, “Pair it with a side of … dipping sauces, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.”

Daily Meal: Grilled Potato Salad Is A Must-Try If You're Not A Fan Of Mayo The Daily Meal offers a great alternative to folks who aren’t fans of mayonnaise but still want to enjoy this summer classic—Grilled Potato Salad (https://www.thedailymeal. com/1372704/grilled-potato-saladwithout-mayo/).

SFN Today: Changing the Couch Potato Narrative Potatoes USA Chief Executive Officer Blair Richardson sat down with SFN (Southern Farm Network) Today to talk about changing perceptions on potato nutrition. Visit https:// py | Volume 75

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sfntoday.com/potatoes-usa-changingthe-couch-potato-narrative/.

Richardson shared, “There’s been a lot of misperceptions about health and nutrition related to potatoes, and what we found in the research that’s been conducted globally from many different researchers is that a

potato is a wonderful, nutrient-dense vegetable, and it’s America’s favorite vegetable.”

“So, if you’re going to enjoy something and you want to get those nutrients to people,” Richardson suggests, “you should let them eat what they love, and that’s a potato.”

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Whether you are a grower, industry partner or simply enjoy rural life, sign up to receive this prestigious publication in print version, delivered direct to your mailbox for $28/year (12 issues). wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe

Tasting Table: 17 Ways To Use Potato Chips In Recipes This article (https://www.tastingtable.

com/1367647/ways-use-potato-chiprecipes/) provides creative ways to use potato chips to help “savory and

sweet breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and appetizers go from bland to crave-worthy.”

In Case You Missed It

Watch the recording “Expanding Global Access to U.S. Potatoes” On August 16, Matt Lantz, Bryant Christie Inc. vice president for global access, gave a presentation to the potato industry on international trade issues facing U.S. potato exports.

With one in every five rows of U.S. potatoes going to exports, these trade issues are a leading priority for the industry.

marketing manager, talked about the international marketing activities that drive demand for U.S. potatoes across the globe.

The key markets featured on the webinar include Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, China, South Korea, and Costa Rica.

If you have any questions about the webinar or Potatoes USA international marketing programs, please contact Tiffany Kocir, Tiffany@ PotatoesUSA.com.

After discussing work being done to expand access for U.S. potatoes across the globe, Tiffany Kocir, Potatoes USA global foodservice

Follow this link to view the webinar now: https://drive.google.com/ file/d/1_PN4H80Wby3ahpU8eRpi8IM22-U29DT/view?pli=1.

About the Speakers Matt Lantz is the vice president for global access at Bryant Christie

Inc. (BCI). As the lead on trade policy issues, Matt works to open foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and addresses international agricultural policy concerns on behalf of BCI’s clients, including Potatoes USA. For over 20 years, Matt has worked to resolve phytosanitary, sanitary, tariff, labeling, and food additive issues in numerous countries.

Tiffany Kocir is Potatoes USA’s global foodservice marketing manager.

Tiffany, who joined Potatoes USA in 2019, currently leads the foodservice marketing activities domestically and abroad.

WE PARTNER WITH YOUR

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As agriculture has evolved, the nature of the industry has become more complex and regulated. At Ruder Ware our attorneys act as legal counsel for producers and businesses providing products and services for the agriculture industry, and partner with a client’s current trusted advisors, such as accountants and lenders. Contact us today to see how our team approach yields the best results for your farm or business.

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BC�T November 81

Eyes on Associates

By WPVGA Associate Div. President Matt Selenske, Allied Coop’s Pest Pros Division

Hello, everyone. As I write

this, we have finally gotten some more seasonable fall weather. I think everyone throughout September and early October was getting tired of the 75-85-degree temperatures. Higher temperatures certainly made for a

more challenging harvest.

At our last WPVGA Associate Division Board Meeting, we reviewed the 2023 Putt-Tato Open golf event financials. We were able to generate over $21,000, and for a one-day fundraiser, that is not too shabby!

Thank you to all who participated, and a special thanks to those who sponsored the event. The funds are used toward scholarships, funding for researcher requests, and other special projects that benefit the industry.

Time was spent planning the upcoming 2024 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, which will take place February 6-8 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, in Stevens Point.

We nailed down a few details, including the menu, and prices for lunches, dinner, and trade show booth space. We voted to allow current exhibitors to keep their preferred booths and locations regardless of whether their company is bought or under new ownership, rather than those with new names or owners falling back on the waiting list for booths.

Thanks to event, dinner, and hole sponsors, as well as attendees, and mulligan and raffle ticket sales, the 2023 Putt-Tato Open golf outing generated over $21,000, with funds used toward scholarships, researcher requests, and other special projects that benefit the industry.

Playing for Team Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems at the 2023 Putt-Tato Open are, from left to right, Brad Knights, Gary Preboski, Dale Nelson, and Tim Goodwin, with Karen Rasmussen (back left) and Julie Braun behind them at the WPVGA hole where they sold raffle tickets and doled out drinks for golfers.

82 BC�T November

We are also trying to get more traffic through the trade show. We voted to start the show a half hour earlier and will strategically place coffee and doughnuts near the aisles to accommodate the new opening time.

It’s always important to find the right balance between the time allotted

for attendees to visit the Industry Show and Education Conference.

proceeds go to the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship.

The Grower Education Conference & Industry Show agenda will be available in December, as well as a list of sponsorship opportunities.

Consider becoming a sponsor to promote your business and help make this show successful.

It’s amazing how much work and planning goes into organizing an event like this. Thank heavens for Julie Braun, executive assistant for the WPVGA. Her hard work makes this much easier. In fact, I have sent her at least six texts as I am writing this column to make sure I am getting it right. Thank you, Julie!

Also, consider donating items for the silent auction, from which all

Time was spent during the WPVGA Associate Division Board Meeting planning the upcoming 2024 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, which will take place February 6-8 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, in Stevens Point.

Have a good Thanksgiving, everyone, Until next time,

Matt Selenske

WPVGA Associate Division President

HANDLING We can talk all day about our high quality machines for storage and handling but…

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TOLSMAUSA.COM BC�T November 83

Auxiliary News

By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA

Hi folks! Welcome back to

Auxiliary News. I’m excited to introduce you to our second new Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board member, Erin Meister.

I asked Erin to tell us a bit about herself, so I’ll let her take it away: “Hi there! My name is Erin Meister, and I am looking forward to stepping into a more integral role within the potato and vegetable industry here in Wisconsin.

“I am from a small town in Nebraska and went to school at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. I graduated with a degree in math and education, intending to teach high school math. I started my first full-time job with Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru), in 2006, which eventually moved me to Stevens Point, in 2008.

“I only planned on staying in Wisconsin for a couple of years, but managed to fall in love with the culture, people, and landscape of small-town Wisconsin. After eight years with Cru, I started working at Sentry Insurance.

LIFE HAPPENS “Then life really got wild in 2014. I went on a blind date with a young crop duster from Plover, got married to him a year and a half later, had three children (Emmaline-6, William-5, and Annalise-2), bought into the business of Reabe Spraying Service, in 2017, left Sentry and am now helping run the business office out of our airstrip facility, located just south of Plover.

“I enjoy running, love cooking and

84 BC�T November

New to the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors, Erin Meister (right) poses on a Bucky Badger statue with her children, from right to left, Emmaline-6, William-5, and Annalise-2. Erin enjoys running, loves cooking and baking healthy food for her family, volunteers with her mom’s ministry at Woodlands Church, in Plover, and likes scouting for birds to hunt on the drive to drop off her kids at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, in Wisconsin Rapids.

baking healthy food for my family, volunteer with the mom’s ministry at Woodlands Church, in Plover, and like scouting for birds to hunt on the drive to drop off our kids at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Wisconsin Rapids.

latter of whom was featured in the “Auxiliary News” column of the September 2023 issue. We are so happy to have them both on the Board with us!

“I am hopeful I can learn to support the growers in our area along with educating myself, and others, about the importance of local agriculture and eating healthy!”

In next month’s article, we’ll be talking all things Harvest Fair.

I hope you all enjoyed getting to know Erin and Dakotah Smiley, the

Thanks, everyone. See you next time.

Datonn

Vice president, WPGA

Ali's Kitchen Potato Dish Is Perfect for Thanksgiving!

Hearty Hash Brown Camembert Tartiflette features potatoes, onions, wine, and cheese Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary A Tartiflette is a hearty potato dish originating from the French Alps. It’s basically a baked gratin of potatoes, onions, wine, and cheese, all drenched in garlic and cream, and cooked to perfection.

We’ve adapted the classic French recipe to fit our household, and while our version is not traditional, it is

most definitely a family favorite.

This dish is also ideal for when you’re hosting guests and prefer to prepare food in advance. You can store the assembled Tartiflette in the refrigerator for a couple of days and simply pop it into the oven to bake when needed. continued on pg. 86

INGREDIENTS: Hash Brown Camembert Tartiflette • 2 tsp. butter • 1 large onion, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup dry white wine • 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup whole milk • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 2 lbs. hash brown potatoes • 8 oz. block of camembert (or brie) cheese, cut into thin slices • salt and pepper to taste BC�T November 85

Advertisers Index

Ali's Kitchen . . . continued from pg. 85

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or casserole pan and set aside.

Heat the butter in a large frying pan and sauté the onions over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until they begin to caramelize. Add the wine to the pan of onions, turn the heat up, and deglaze the pan with the wine for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the wine to be cooked down to about half.

Place the thyme, cream, milk, and garlic into the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Stir in the potatoes and season with freshly ground black pepper.

Place half the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, top the potatoes with half the sliced cheese.

Top the cheese with the remaining potatoes and then layer on the rest of the cheese.

Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the Tartiflette is golden brown and bubbling.

Serve while hot.

Enjoy!

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

86 BC�T November

Advanced Farm Equipment........................ 79 Ag World Support Systems......................... 66 AgCountry Farm Credit Services................. 27 Allan Equipment........................................... 2 AMVAC....................................................... 63 Badger State Irrigation............................... 29 Baginski Farms Inc...................................... 34 Big Iron Equipment..................................... 11 Binfront Barriers......................................... 44 Broekema Conveyor Belts.......................... 38 BTU Ventilation........................................... 22 Bula Potato Farms, Inc................................ 62 Bushmans’ Inc.............................................. 3 Bushman’s Riverside Ranch........................ 41 C&D Professional Insurance Services......... 30 Colorado Certified Potato Growers Assoc.... 72 Compeer Financial...................................... 17 CoVantage Credit Union............................. 64 Dagen Heritage Farms................................ 72 Eagle River Seed Farm.................................. 5 Energy Edge................................................ 54 FMC ........................................................... 37 Gallenberg Farms....................................... 36 GP Ventures LLC......................................... 74 Hafner Seed Farms, Inc............................... 32 Hammer-Lok................................................. 8 Heartland Ag Systems . .............................. 48 Insight FS.................................................... 43 Jay-Mar, Inc................................................... 9 John Miller Farms....................................... 23 J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc.............................. 21 Kakes Farms Ltd.......................................... 39 KerberRose................................................. 56 Lockwood Mfg............................................ 19 McGowan Rice Construction...................... 10 MetLife Investment Management.............. 26 Mid-State Truck Service.............................. 14 Montana Potato Advisory Committee........ 68 National Potato Council . ........................... 55 Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Inc..... 58 Noffsinger Mfg............................................ 53 Norika America, LLC................................... 57 North Central Irrigation.............................. 45 North Dakota State Seed............................ 65 Nutrien Ag Solutions.................................. 13 Nutrien Ag Solutions Great Lakes............... 71 Okray Family Farms.................................... 51 Parkland Potato Varieties........................... 59 Riesterer & Schnell..................................... 28 Rine Ridge Farms........................................ 76 Roberts Irrigation . ..................................... 40 Ron’s Refrigeration..................................... 50 Ruder Ware................................................ 81 Rural Mutual Insurance.............................. 18 Sand County Equipment............................. 69 Schroeder Brothers Farms............................ 7 Schutter Seed Farm.................................... 31 Seidl Farms................................................. 49 Solanum International................................ 67 Sowinski Farms, Inc.................................... 47 Sunnydale Farms........................................ 24 Swiderski Equipment.................................. 60 Symach Palletizers/Barry-Wehmiller.......... 77 T.I.P............................................................. 88 ThorPack, LLC............................................. 20 T-L Irrigation Inc.......................................... 15 Tolsma USA................................................. 83 Vantage North Central................................ 25 Vine Vest North.......................................... 12 Vista Financial Strategies, LLC..................... 35 Volm Companies......................................... 16 Warner & Warner, Inc................................. 61 Wilcox Agri-Products.................................. 33 Wild Seed Farms......................................... 52 World Potato Congress............................... 75 WPVGA Subscribers.................................... 80 WPVGA Support Our Members.................. 86 WSPIA......................................................... 87 Yara North America.................................... 73

You’d be healthier, too, if you spent your winters in Hawaii.

• While all state seed potato association 100% of Wisconsin Seed theirpotato foundation lots, some do not win • While all all state seed • While state seed potatoassociations associationswinter winter test test 100% of Wisconsin Seed of their certified seed lots. theirtheir foundation lots, some dodonot winter test 100% 100% of Wisconsin Seed foundation lots, some not winter test 100% Potatoes must be winter of their certified seed lots. of their certified seed lots. does, and this assures you Potatoes must bebe winter • Wisconsin Potatoes must winter •for Wisconsin does, and tested to be eligible • Wisconsin does, andthis thisassures assures youget getonly only the the top-quality seed.you tested to be eligible for tested to be eligible for top-quality seed. top-quality seed.

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WISCONSIN WISCONSIN Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. WISCONSIN CERTIFIED Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. CERTIFIED Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, Inc. P.O. Box 173 • Antigo, WI 54409 • 715-623-4039 • www.potatoseed.org POTATOES CERTIFIED P.O. Box 173 • Antigo, WI 54409 • 715-623-4039 • www.potatoseed.org SEEDSEED POTATOES

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