Eyes on Associates

By WPVGA Associate Division President Julie Cartwright, Jay-Mar, Inc.

Blessings as we bid farewell to the 2023 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show and prepare for another crop year. This month’s column will be a little abbreviated in lieu of a full report on the Industry Show in the March issue.

The primary topic of conversation around this time last year in the crop production realm was the exponentially high fertilizer prices. Thankfully, those high price trends from last year are beginning to correct for this year.

Many factors are coming into play. In the potash market, for example, Russia was not a player last year. This year, the country is again trading in potash. Having Russian product in the pipeline is putting pressure on domestic and Canadian suppliers and driving prices down to more tolerable levels.

As a retail fertilizer professional, it is nice to bring a little more optimistic message to my growers!

Mark your calendars. The 4th Annual Sporting Clays Shoot hosted by the Associate Division of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Wausau Skeet & Trap Club.

Since the Associate Division has held that event for three years, we took a long look at it during our December meeting. We wanted to do due diligence, as with any event, and make sure that it fulfilled our mission statement. We also wanted to make sure that the format, location, and food were as good as we could possibly make them.

The overwhelming response was that the event should be left as it stands. The changes that we made in the format this year successfully accommodated additional participants. Our event was full, there was no waiting list, and existing participants had little to no delays between shooting stations.

Thanks again to everyone who attended and sponsored our sporting clays outing! We look forward to a great event again next year.

As I write what is likely my secondto-last column as president of the

In the potash market, Russia was not a player last year. This year, the country is again trading in potash. Having Russian product in the pipeline is putting pressure on domestic and Canadian suppliers and driving prices down to more tolerable levels.

WPVGA Associate Division, I am reflecting on some highlights of my four years on this board. I am proud of all the ways that we have given back to the industry.

We have been able to support the expansion project of MidState Technical College and the groundbreaking of the Farming for the Future Foundation, both historical advancements in education for our agricultural community.

We contributed to the new wrap on the Spudmobile. Our board also spearheaded the Sporting Clays outing, a new social/fundraising event that has only grown in popularity.

I have experienced first-hand the dedication, cooperation, and support of everyone involved. It has truly been a privilege to be a part of the WPVGA Associate Division during this dynamic time! Thank you!

Julie Cartwright WPVGA Associate Division President