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On the Cover: What’s green, blue, and red all over? A New Holland TV 6070 tractor cultivating a bright-green sweet corn crop under blue skies at Brooks-Schardt Farms in Markesan, Wisconsin, is a fine example. “I have a couple Garford cultivators, English models, one is high-tech with cameras transmitting to a computer on the tractor,” says Allan Brooks, this issue’s interviewee.
Allan Brooks of Brooks-Schardt Farms says he is not loyal to one tractor brand over another and has a variety of red, green, and blue implements. Here, a John Deere 6150R is pictured with a Garford row-crop cultivator at the home farm in Markesan, Wisconsin. Allan has been farming the silt loam soils of three townships in Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties since 1968. He’s proud to say that all his land stretching eight miles in two directions is owned.
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I’ve been wondering what Mitch Bushman has been up to since his retirement from Bushmans’ Inc., a respected potato producer and brokerage in the town where I live and raised my family, Rosholt, Wisconsin. I knew Mitch from church and the potato industry, and he always had a smile and a kind word. I had heard he was spending winters in Arizona, golfing and relaxing. Well, maybe, but not entirely.
Mitch’s dad, Jerry Bushman, a Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame member, still stops in Bushmans’ Inc. when he’s not wintering in Florida, and I enjoy when he calls or invites me over to the office. I got a phone call from Jerry while I was on a spring break vacation with my wife and daughter, in Puerto Rico, and I had limited text and phone minutes, so I didn’t get back to him right away. When I returned from vacation, we talked on the phone, and he enthusiastically told me about a day he spent volunteering in Mesa, Arizona, with Mitch, and what his son has been up to over the past couple years—and it’s not all golf!
Mitch found a way to give back to the Arizona community where he and his wife, Dawn, live in the winter months by driving truck and volunteering at the Resurrection Street Ministry, which is what he’s doing in the image above. For the complete story, see “Now News” in this issue.
Another person who’s passionate about what he does is Charlie Higgins of Norika America and Higgins Farms. Charlie wrote the feature article “Ethiopian Families Depend on the Potato for Food,” that appeared in the March 2023 issue of the Badger Common’Tater about the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Project Fund that provides plantlets of new diseaseresistant potato varieties to farmers in that country each year.
Among his many jobs, Charlie also works as a part-time contractor for Potatoes USA on chip variety development. It is in that realm that he penned the story herein regarding “Hard Facts on Chip Varieties” and a huge effort that is underway to find a better chipping potato. Lamoka, he notes, chips beautifully in June after a long winter of storage but doesn’t fare well in storage. Read the full story in this issue and enjoy.
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NAME: Allan Brooks
TITLE: Manager
COMPANY: Brooks-Schardt Farms, LLC
LOCATION: Markesan, WI
HOMETOWN: Plainfield, WI
YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: On the same farm since 1966
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: n/a
SCHOOLING: Tri-County High School, Plainfield, and University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Bachelor of Science in agriculture, majoring in soil science
ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Board for six years as a vegetable grower, served on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Grower Security Ad Hoc Committee, and Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Ripon, Wisconsin
AWARDS/HONORS: Thirty-one years attending the National No-Till Conference
FAMILY: Wife, Janet; son, Bradley; daughter, Melissa; and six grandchildren
HOBBIES: Looking at new machines and production ideas
8 BC�T May
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
the school bus in front of the old milkhouse at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS), Hancock, Wisconsin, where the office is currently situated.
“Back then, the area had a lot of dairy farms, and even though the forward research was in vegetable production, there was still unirrigated work being done for dairy,” Brooks explains.
Allan’s father, Gilbert Brooks, served as superintendent of HARS from 1946-1955, at which time he bought land and built a house in Plainfield. There, he began growing green beans, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers for Redgranite Pickle Company.
The house, which is now torn down, was located where James Burns & Sons Farms land is now.
“Dad commuted to the farm in Plainfield for a year or so before he resigned his position at HARS,” Allan relates. “He worked with 35-40 professors at the time, and when
I went to college, I met many of his cohorts.”
“One of them told me that when my dad resigned his position, half of them thought he might make it in vegetable production and the other half thought he was crazy,” Allan says. “About three years after Dad resigned, he was paying more in income tax than he was taking home in salary.”
Eventually, the farm began to show profit. “My folks both grew up in Berlin, and they had relatives here. They took a lot of their earnings, bought additional property down
When Allan Brooks was in first grade, he waited forAbove: The beautiful aerial photograph shows Brooks-Schardt Farms, LLC, in Markesan, Wisconsin. Allan Brooks poses in front of one of several of the farm’s planting tractors, a John Deere 410 8RX.
here in 1964, and in 1966, began farming this land while continuing to grow crops up in the Central Sands,” Allan details.
“In 1968, we moved to the farm’s current location between Markesan and Ripon, in Green Lake County,” he says. “It’s like two different worlds. There are pluses and minuses to both locations.”
“When real wet and rainy, you want to be in the sands, and when dry, we like it here,” Allan explains. “Sandy soils are much more favorable to root crop production. The processors I work with have operations in both locations. No area is the epitome.”
Allan has been farming the silt loam soils of three townships in Green Lake and Fond du Lac counties since 1968. He’s proud to say that all the land, stretching eight miles in two directions, is owned, and none rented.
“The last land I bought was in 2020.
I’m 75 years old, and my wife wants me to slow down. In 2018, I bought 114 acres, and in 2020, I bought 40, so I’m slowing down,” Allan jests. With just two other full-time employees—the neighbor’s grown sons, Alex and Allen Glover—he practices a no-till method of raising vegetables and some cover crops.
Tell me about silt loam and why it’s a good soil. Historically, Plano and loam soils are considered some of the most productive in the state, particularly before there was irrigation or fertilization. We take the same tact as the 4H organization—we make the best better.
Do you have any favorite memories of growing up on the farm? I always liked it. In 1963, my dad and I were featured in John Deere’s “The Furrow Magazine.” My dad had three John Deere 4010 tractors. He was a forward-thinking, progressive farmer at that time. The publication outlined
I was a sophomore then and grew up with a new generation of John Deeres. My dad wanted me to go to college. He, of course, had gone, but I knew if I didn’t go, he wouldn’t have accepted me on the farm.
He said, “I want you to take a look at the rest of world, and if you choose to come back, you’ll be more satisfied.”
I liked farming and wanted to stay with it. It took me five-and-a-half years to get a four-year degree. I was also working on the farm. I only spent one weekend out of five-and-a-half years down in Madison.
Left: Allen Glover operates the John Deere 8310RT pulling a Case IH 335 VT vertical tillage machine “scratching in some cover crop” on Brooks-Schardt Farms, LLC.I understand you grow a little over 2,000 acres of vegetables. What types and how many acres of each? We have 1,500 acres of sweet corn this year; 205 acres each in peas and snap beans; 304 acres of lima beans; 24 acres planted with barley; and probably 20 acres of winter wheat, the latter two of which I’m growing because I use them for seed. I grow cover crops for seed. We use our own bin-run seed.
I also have 40-plus acres of field corn planted in an area where Alex’s brother and dad grow on shares. We’re doing field corn and soybeans
over there on rotation, and some of it is organic soils.
I end up with more acreage of crops because of double cropping. I grow for Seneca, and down here we can have non-irrigated double-crop green beans, but Seneca wants to play it safe and requires irrigation. In all, I have 12 pivots on 10 high-cap wells. I also grow 192 acres of field corn.
On rotation, we grow sweet corn with a cover crop for three years, and vegetable legumes—either peas double-cropped to green beans or lima beans, which are about a 90-day crop, so that’s a one-shot deal.
Lima beans have their own problems. There’s a lot more risk involved in weed control, and because of the additional time they’re out there, more potential problems.
What rotation are you on? We’re on a four-year rotation, or three years for non-legume crops, and I have an area west of Little Green Lake, more hilly land, and that’s where field corn is being produced.
Are most vegetables for canning or processing, and if so, for what companies? I always use the term ‘processing,’ and that includes canning and freezing. Most of the vegetables end up at Lakeside Foods, and the majority are frozen. Seneca is green beans, and that’s all canned.
I understand you use no-till practices on your farm. Can you give me a brief explanation of the practice and why you prefer it? “No-tillers” think we’re tillage people, and tillage people think we’re no-tillers.
I’m looking at a tillage operation to control weeds, so we run very shallow in firm, undisturbed soil where I’m planting.
We do cultivate, and the only thing we use tillage for is weed control. If we have a rank cover crop, I make sure we can cultivate that field.
I have a couple Garford cultivators, English cultivators, one is high-tech with cameras transmitting to a computer on the tractor, to a side shift unit. All the operator needs to do is go between rows, and the cultivator stays on track, side to side. Does it take special planters, or what do you need to do to accomplish your no-till goals? No, but I utilize all the attachments that I can. Today, planters are designed much better
than they were 40 years ago. With attachments and adjustments, you can make a planter do what you desire.
A farmer south of here has a custom planter shop, and he has generally touched all the planters around here. I decided that, rather than investing more money in my existing planters, to have one built.
He started with a Harvest International bar and row tiller and put every conceivable precision planting attachment on there. Now, Precision Planting came out with a unique row cleaner, and we’re going to add that.
Does this take away from the profitability of the farm? No, I view it as a way to enhance profitability
through the reduction of tillage. When we started farming down here, Green Giant had the most leased land in the area. In addition to company farms, there was a hoard of contracted growers.
In the Green Giant contract, there was a line asking if your plan was to plow in the fall or spring of the year. You were supposed to check the box that said “fall.” That’s what they wanted.
We came down, plowed in the spring, and then didn’t plow again after that. My dad got a visit from the field man, and you could tell he was uneasy, shifting from one foot to the other. He said they told him up in Ripon that he had to come see us, and there’d be no more contracts if we didn’t plow in the fall.
My dad was clever and asked, “Did
you ever try it? Why make decisions before you see the results?” He went back and left us to handle our operation that year. We made mistakes, but we were beating the yields of company farms. It was the epitome of production.
The next year, they wanted us to be under contract. We had four farms then, and the Green Giant people pre-filled in the contracts, marking “fall” in the boxes asking when we planned to plow. We didn’t do any plowing that year, not in spring or fall.
The only thing we do for vegetable harvest, in the headlands where you exit the field, the loading areas, there is compaction. We simply look at those areas and loosen them up if they need it.
If we don’t use cover crops, fields don’t grow out as well. We’re saving time and machinery. We use herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers,
but soil manipulation and cultivation are part of our weed control program.
What other technologies does Brooks-Schardt Farms take advantage of for increased production and yield? That planter was a huge step in the right direction. Two of my pivots have Lindsey VRI (variable rate irrigation), and if I replace pivots in other areas, they will be VRI pivots.
Down here, we don’t get the kind of irrigation response as they do in the sands, but Lakeside Foods gives us a bonus for irrigating sweet corn. I have unirrigated and irrigated lands. This soil is not as uniform as one might think. There are inclusions, and inclusions will start to stress when very dry.
The processors take care of the harvesting, and they’ll jump on the
continued on pg. 14
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“I’m 75 years old, and my wife wants me to slow down. In 2018, I bought 114 acres, and in 2020, I bought 40, so I’m slowing down.”
– Allan Brooks , Brooks-Schardt Farms, LLC
irrigated land, picking it early. They have a lot of competition and quality is huge to them.
There’s not a lot of irrigation down here, so they have me purposely scatter my plantings throughout the season with sweet corn so they can harvest early if they need to.
This soil gets a little stickier. They work with me and help watch the irrigation scheduling so I’m OK when it comes time to harvest.
I bought a BBI Sniper pull-type spinner fertilizer spreader last spring with a 120-foot spread and six sections on each side. It will walk itself down and spread perfectly
down to 10 feet on each side, but the sides don’t have to be even. One side might be 60 feet long, and the other might be 10.
It has an onboard scale that controls chain speeds and the spinner speed, as well as movable drop pans, and the computer in that spreader is awfully powerful.
What do you like about farming in Markesan, Wisconsin? Relative to growing up, it’s different. Our soil holds more water, so irrigation has different parameters than in the sands. Wind erosion is not really a factor here, but up there, blowing sand could damage crops.
Any disadvantages to the area? The wetter it gets, the more challenging it becomes. It’s not that you can’t do it. But if we get rain, we often can’t get back into the field a half-a-day or a day later like they can in the sands. Though we’re limited by rain, we can practice no-till techniques because the soil is firmer. That helps in harvest because the water filtrates and we can get back in quicker.
At first, when everyone else was tilling in the area, and we weren’t, the processors realized we could harvest sooner. Today, most people here employ limited tillage techniques.
What are your biggest challenges? I think economics will be a real challenge going forward with high interest rates and costs. I just ordered a sprayer for next year with new technologies on it—the same brand of sprayer and the same width as one I bought three or four years ago, and it’s double the money it was back then.
In 2022, I bought a new tractor. At that time, through John Deere, when you signed, they guaranteed and locked in a price and terms. They said it would be about a year before I got it. A year later, I was sitting down signing papers, and in one year, the price had gone up $60,000.
What do you consider your biggest
successes? Everything is incremental. We’re using machinery more efficiently. But more importantly, when my dad passed away, neighbors came to the visitation, and a few of them said, “Do you know your dad taught us how to farm differently than what we had been?”
We were considered radical back then. Today we’re not. I thought that was a real compliment. It’s changed that much in 50 years.
Would you encourage others to go into vegetable farming? I think that what you need, like my employee, Alex, for example, unless you have a lot of capital, you need to partner with someone.
We’re working on a transition process. Alex is my right-hand man. He’s been with me since he wasn’t quite 14 years old. He’ll have a part of this; we’re working toward that. You have to love it. If the person doesn’t love farming, they better not even think about it. Even after that, they need someone they can work with and are comfortable with, and it’s a two-way street.
My daughter, Melissa, and son-inlaw, Paul Schardt, are now partners. They haven’t been running the farm but acquiring knowledge. They do recordkeeping, and my son-in-law is learning as much as he can.
My daughter has a double major from UW-Madison in agronomy
and horticulture, and my son-in-law is an electrical engineer at IBM in Rochester.
You’re a long-time member of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. Why is that important to you? My father was a member for ages, and because he had a membership, I wasn’t a member for years.
I want to support some of the legislative-type initiatives, and the knowledge I’m gaining through the Badger Common’Tater is high-end. Sometimes the WPVGA will sponsor educational meetings that I attend. I enjoy a lot of those opportunities.
In addition to Alex and Allen, do you employ others such as seasonal workers? Alex and Allen are pretty much full time, and I have a couple of retired fellows who like to grind stones and cultivate. I have equipment that eats stones so that they don’t hurt the equipment. We
can grind up stones on glacial till. I have grandsons—my son’s kids—one who is a graduate in the computer field and the other who goes to college. During the summertime, they’ve each come out to help. We start before they can in the morning, and they quit early, but they help.
What are your hopes for the future of Brooks-Schardt Farms? I hope that my son-in-law and daughter take hold of it and enjoy it as much as I am. My son-in-law welcomes this; he likes challenges. It’s a process.
They’re looking to maintain it, and I still enjoy it. As long as I can be a part of the farm, I want to help them be more successful.
Alex and Allen like to do the things it takes to get a crop in the ground and take it through to harvest. They’re happy and they sure like the best of technologies.
Above: Lakeside Foods sweet corn harvest is in full swing, September 2021. Image courtesy of John Schomburg, Roven Farms Photography
Finding a better chip variety amounts to clearing about 100 hurdles. Wisconsin potato growers desperately need a variety better than Lamoka because of its propensity to rot in storage.
Lamoka chips beautifully in June after a long winter of storage, but how can growers get it to store until June?
Jeff Endelman, an associate professor in the University of WisconsinMadison Department of Horticulture, who leads the potato variety development program, and 11 breeders from other universities are examining about 1,000 crosses every year to try to find something better than Lamoka.
A lot of dollars are at stake. Nationwide, an estimated $10 million is lost to diseases in chip potato storages every year.
The first hurdle a new selection must jump over is chip defects. Consumers want perfect chips with no brown defects. Of course, the chips need to be a perfect whitegold color. Consumers do not want any bitterness in their chips, so glycoalkaloid levels must be low.
Above: Participants in the 2019 Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Member Development Program visit the Storage Research Facility at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station to learn about chip trials conducted there. Troy Fishler (back center), who was named HARS superintendent in 2020, leads the discussion.
Despite many hurdles, a huge effort is underway to find a better chipping potato
“If a variety becomes commercially accepted, it is like a winning football team and brings royalty income into a breeder’s university.”
– Charlie Higgins, Potatoes USA
Growers must be able to make a profit growing any new variety, so yields need to be as high or higher than Lamoka. The true yield is how many pounds a grower can sell after a long storage period. Growing costs have inflated so much that yield is more critical than ever.
Chip growers banded together 15 years ago to organize a nationwide trial program to better attack this problem. All growers contribute 3 cents per hundredweight to the national marketing and research organization, Potatoes USA.
KEEP PRICES LOW
Processors are also under pressure from consumers to keep prices low. Consumers don’t want chips that are too oily, and processors don’t want to waste any expensive frying oil, so the higher the solids, the less oil it takes to fry the chips.
is the biggest challenge for growers. Lamoka has some resistance to common
which great asset.
Hard Choices and Hard Facts on Chip Varieties . . . continued from pg. 17
High solids, or high specific gravity, are one of the first hurdles breeders select for.
The size of the tubers is critical to chip processors. One processor told me, “If every tuber was exactly the size of a baseball [3 inches], it would be perfect.”
Peeling loss and scraps lost during slicing is a problem for processors because they already have paid for the potatoes when they unloaded them.
Tubers that are too big make chips that break, and spuds that are too small lose too much in peeling loss. A perfectly round tuber slices best. One excellent selection was recently turned down by a processor because it produces too many blisters in the chips that become crumbs in the bottom of the bag.
Disease is the biggest challenge for growers. Lamoka has some resistance to common scab, which is a great asset.
Pink rot is one of the first problems to show up in storage. Pink rot and pythium leak can start a cascade of bacterial soft rot with the potential to change a storage into a pile of stinky liquid.
BLUP rating for all years evaluateda
Bacterial Soft Rot costs the chip industry millions of dollars each year. Lamoka is susceptible.
Bacterial Soft Rot costs the chip industry millions of dollars each year. Lamoka is susceptible.
challenges breeders of potential new chip varieties to look for resistance to storage diseases.
TUBER INOCULATIONS: BACTERIAL SOFT ROT, P. carotovora, carotovora
Bacterial Soft Rot costs the chip industry millions of dollars each year. Lamoka is susceptible.
North Dakota State University
For Lamoka, in the tables above and on the previous page, “MS” means moderately susceptible, and “MR” stands for moderately resistant. Lamoka tests moderately resistant to pythium leak.
TUBER INOCULATIONS: BACTERIAL SOFT ROT, P. carotovora, carotovora
Potatoes USA also screens for Dickeya, fusarium dry rot and southern rot. There is not enough budget to screen for many other diseases that are critical to the chip industry such as mop top virus and zebra chip, or resistance to the viruses.
Potential new chip varieties are also screened for stem end chip defects. This is a response to the environment causing a defect in the chips. A heavy rain followed by hot nights will cause some varieties to have too many chip defects to process.
A huge hurdle is bruise. Sometimes chip selections look good until they are piled 18 feet deep in a commercial bin where pressure bruise shows up.
A link between high solids and bruise makes it difficult for breeders to select for high specific gravity without increasing the bruise potential. Several breeding programs use black
spot bruise screening.
There are other hurdles that a selection must clear before it can become a commercial variety used by the chip industry. Each company performs their own qualification tests in their processing plants.
University breeders have a lot of financial investment in their advanced selections and a good deal of emotional investment. Some breeders become very protective of their babies if their selections clear most of the early hurdles.
If the data is not clear and some trials contradict others, it is confusing. If a variety becomes commercially accepted, it is like a winning football team and brings royalty income into a breeder’s university.
Potatoes USA, the growers, processors, and breeders have worked together to develop a
• Yi Wang et.al., USDA -ARS, University of Wisconsin
• Yi Wang et.al., USDA-ARS, University of Wisconsin
bruise screening are performed on advanced selections before they can become varieties.
All this data is available to everyone at https://potatoesusa.medius.re/.
Kay, the image above is the one where it looks like the words “Figure 1” are hiding behind the caption beige. If you could somehow white out or delete Figure 1, that would be great. Thanks.
nationwide screening program. Early selections must excel through the Early Generation Selection Trial; National Chip Processing Trials Tiers 1 and 2; SNAC Chip Trials; and then largescale NexGen Trials where full semi-truck loads are run through chip processing plants.
A huge hurdle is bruise. Sometimes chip selections look good until they are piled 18 feet deep in a commercial bin where pressure bruise shows up.
Ninety-nine percent fail. Also, pathology, stem end, scab, and
There are no perfect varieties. Every new variety seems to stumble on at least one hurdle. Lamoka is a good chip variety, but a huge effort is being made to find a better selection.
For farmers and researchers, a field is often like a giant chemistry set. The timing and amounts of different fertilizers to supply nutrients can interact with each other, the soil, and crops.
For example, potassium, an essential macronutrient for crops, is often applied to a field in the form of potassium chloride. Potassium and nitrogen are the two nutrients that crops need in abundance.
Past research has documented an uptake between chloride and nitrate, a form of nitrogen that crops take up. In crops like potatoes, which are high in potassium, chloride and other salts have been shown to reduce what is called tuber specific gravity.
Specific gravity is a quality evaluation metric used by the potato industry, and higher specific gravity increases crop value. A lower tuber specific gravity means a potato will hold more water.
While many potatoes are sold to make foods like French fries, excess water in potatoes means more time in the fryer to become crispy. Not only is this expensive, but the fries
Above: Potatoes emerge in mounded rows at the study site, in Hermiston, Oregon. The study focused on examining the timing of potassium chloride absorption in potato fields. After potatoes are harvested, the stems and leaves are usually left in the field. This can increase the risk of elevated chloride in the soil but is avoided by applying potassium chloride in the fall. Photo courtesy of Sarah Light
Left: In crops like potatoes, which are high in potassium, chloride and other salts have been shown to reduce tuber specific gravity.
may also absorb more fat during frying.
Sarah Light, an agronomy farm advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension, led a study on the timing of potassium chloride in potato fields. Her work was published in “Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment Journal,” a publication of the American Society of Agronomy, and Crop Science Society of America.
In the study, the researchers applied three different potassium fertilizers at three separate application times during the season.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Potassium chloride is the most common and inexpensive potassium fertilizer. They also used sulfate of potash and sulfate of potash magnesia.
They applied these fertilizers to different research plots 210 days before planting (fall), 14 days before planting (spring), and 35 days after planting.
They found that the fall application did not increase chloride in the plants. The researchers believe that this is because the chloride leached below the root depth by the time the potatoes were planted 210 days later. However, the potassium was left in the soil to be taken up and used by the potatoes as they grew.
“Fertilizers are soluble salts, and leaching is the process of draining salts from the soil,” Light explains. “Especially in low rainfall areas, high salt content in the crop rootzone, known as soil salinity, is a top reason that fields can become unfarmable.”
Although they did find higher chloride in some of the aboveground parts of the potato plant from spring and inseason applications, it did not greatly impact nitrogen levels.
They also found no significant continued on pg. 22
– Sarah Light, agronomy farm advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension
difference in yield or quality, such as specific gravity, between the three fertilizer timings in their study. The study indicated that chloride accumulates more in the stems and leaves of the potato plant, and not in the potatoes themselves.
ELEVATED CHLORIDE?
However, after potatoes are harvested, the stems and leaves are left in the field. The chloride isn’t removed from the field and may increase the risk of elevated chloride in the soil for future seasons.
In this study, chloride leached below the rootzone when applied in the fall.
“Potato plants will take up chloride when it is available, and chloride will accumulate in plant tissue until potato harvest,” Light states.
“Though specific gravity was not affected by treatment in this research,” she adds, “if elevated plant chloride is of concern, applying potassium chloride in the fall is a way to reduce chloride uptake. This is because it has time to travel, or leach, deeper into the soil.”
Light, who conducted this research while a graduate student at Oregon State University, says that she and
her team were pleased to find that chloride can travel below the potato root zone, even in a low rainfall area. This provides a way for farmers to minimize the risk of lower quality potatoes.
“Optimizing our fertilizer applications is always a high priority in agriculture,” Light says. “It’s important to understand plant, soil, and nutrient dynamics in order to continue to optimize our production
systems and improve efficiencies.”
The research was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, with support from Compass Minerals.
Don Horneck, Oregon State University Extension agronomist, began this project before passing away in 2014. Dan Sullivan, also with Oregon State University, worked with Light on the study from 2014 onward.
State-of-the-art Exploration Center, to open this year, has raised 70 percent of its overall goal
On April 5, 2023, Food + Farm Exploration Center Interim Executive Director Kathleen O’Leary encouraged members of the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee to add an additional $10 million in funding in the 2023-2025 Capital Budget to move the Exploration Center, in Plover, one step closer to completion and opening in 2023.
Wisconsin has a rich agricultural history, and the goal of the Exploration Center is to help citizens understand how their food is grown and the importance of agriculture to the state. This world-class facility will provide hands-on learning opportunities and workforce development training for students as well as the public.
“This will be an investment in the future of agriculture, education, and workforce development,” O’Leary told committee members.
“The Exploration Center will provide collaboration with area growers, processors, food manufacturers, all levels of educational institutions from K-12, technical colleges and the University of Wisconsin system to plant the seeds for the next generation of the agricultural workforce,” O’Leary added.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and the development of the next generation of the agricultural workforce are the primary focuses of the Food + Farm Exploration Center. There will be onsite and classroom curriculum consistent with the state’s STEM initiatives.
Through its programs, the Exploration Center hopes to engage students by showing them why a career in agriculture can be rewarding as well as the vast opportunities available to them.
On April 12, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), along with its members, also encouraged state legislators to add more funding in the state budget to help complete the construction for the Food + Farm Exploration Center.
“With the Food + Farm Exploration Center’s location in the heart of our state, this state-of-the-art facility will give Wisconsinites and visitors alike a chance to learn about the importance of multi-generational farm families and industry leaders like those members of the WPVGA,” said Tamas Houlihan, executive director of the association.
“The impact of the center will be felt across Wisconsin as it creates connections between the public and one of our state’s most important industries—agriculture,” Houlihan added.
The Food + Farm Exploration Center will create new jobs and increase tourism into the state of Wisconsin and Portage County.
The Food + Farm Exploration Center, which will be 50,000 square feet, is located on 24 acres and includes more than 16,000 square feet of hands-on learning space, 5,000 square feet of conference and indoor event space, 40,000 square feet of outdoor event space, and four acres of agricultural teaching fields. For more information or to join the effort, visit www.FoodandFarm.us, or contact Malorie Paine, marketing and communications manager, 715-4964020, mpaine@fftf.us.
Above: Food + Farm Exploration Center
Interim Executive Director Kathleen O’Leary encouraged members of the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee to add an additional $10 million in funding in the 2023-2025 Capital Budget to move the Exploration Center, in Plover, one step closer to completion and opening in 2023.
Experience in trucking and perishable food distribution met a ministry need
“We’ve been blessed in so many ways, and our agricultural industry has played a huge role in it, and I was looking for an opportunity to give back,” says Mitch Bushman, who retired from Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, Wisconsin, a respected potato and vegetable producer and brokerage firm.
Mitch found a way to give back through the Resurrection Street Ministry in Mesa, Arizona, a nonprofit organization that collects food donations from local grocery stores and distributes meals across Mesa and the Phoenix valley to ensure no one in the community goes hungry. In addition to what amounts to a food bank that distributes fresh food and supplies, the organization offers free non-emergency rides to
the community, operates a mobile food truck giving out hot meals to the needy, and veteran and senior services.
“I began volunteering three years ago,” Mitch says. “I started coming down here for the winter, searched
for volunteer work, and found this truck driving position. I like to drive trucks, so I gave it a try.”
Mitch’s dad, Jerry Bushman, a member of the WPVGA Hall
continued on pg. 26
of Fame, joined him on a recent day of volunteering.
“Once we had our route for the day, Mitch drove the truck to Wal-Mart, Trader Joe’s, Target, and AZ International Market,” Jerry says. “In all, we picked up pallets of goods ranging from groceries and perishables to garden seeds.”
“At one store, the food that was reaching its expiration dates was pushed out in grocery carts,” he says. “We re-boxed and loaded it onto the truck from there, everything from dozens of eggs to hot dogs, pre-cut salads, dried fish, and pre-wrapped frozen meats.”
“You take it all back to the mission, and somebody wants it,” Jerry relates. “Our day consisted of about 12 pallets of food that would have otherwise been dumped.”
Mitch estimates that the Resurrection Street Ministry serves meals to between 100-200 families per day, or 50,000 a year, which equates to 150,000 meals a year if there are an average of three members in
each family.
“The founder, Bill Berry, started about 17 years ago, and his first passion was helping the veterans,” Mitch explains. “Then he expanded to the homeless, shuttered, and needy of the community.”
“The ministry also runs a box program. One day a week, on Thursdays, they go to an elementary school, and when school gets out, the parents can grab a box of food to go home with them,” he adds.
Above: In addition to donating his time, Mitch Bushman saw a need for a new truck for the Resurrection Street Ministry and took up a collection among friends. To date, he’s raised $72,000 toward a 2018 Kenworth 26-foot refrigerated box truck. Mitch is 90 percent of the way to his goal of paying for the truck in full. If anyone would like to help him out, please email mitchellbushman@ gmail.com.
Mitch is also helping his adopted charity in another way. “The trucks they’re driving are 2001 models that have around 350,000 miles on them and are falling apart,” he relates.
“I took it upon myself, knowing how many friends I have who are blessed and generous, to start campaigning for donations,” Mitch says, “and we’re buying the ministry a 2018 Kenworth 26-foot refrigerated box truck.”
“So far, I’ve raised $72,000,” he notes. “It only has 97,000 miles on it and comes with a two-year warranty from Ryder with preventative maintenance. The ministry will have zero expenses for two years, and they’re super excited.”
Mitch is 90 percent of the way to his goal of paying for the truck in full. If anyone would like to help him out, please email mitchellbushman@ gmail.com.
Allied Cooperative of Adams, Wisconsin, and ProVision Partners Cooperative, Marshfield, are pleased to announce their members have voted in favor of a merger of the two cooperatives. The positive vote paves the way for a consolidation, which will be effective on October 1, 2023.
The plan of merger was first introduced to respective members through a letter mailed in January 2023. Voting members received ballots and informational packets via mail in early March, and meetings were held March 14-15.
The ballots were due and counted on March 31. “We are very pleased with the result of today’s votes,” said Rob Larson, Provision Partners chief executive officer (CEO), who is set to
take the reins of the new company upon consolidation.
“Our members have recognized the opportunities that a combined cooperative can provide, and we are eager to move forward together as one stronger unit,” he added.
“This opportunity combines two likeminded, successful cooperatives in a way that allows us to diversify our businesses through size and scale to meet our member and customer needs today and well into the future,”
Larson stated.
Tim Clemens, CEO of Allied Cooperative, said, “The combination of our two cooperatives presents substantial opportunity for synergies, resulting in enhanced value for our member owners.”
“It will allow us to reduce duplicate efforts while gaining operational efficiencies and allowing our employees to grow and develop,” Clemens continued.
continued on pg. 28
“We share a commitment to our members, employees, and the communities we serve. Together we look forward to growing our cooperative, as well as better meeting the expanding needs of our members and protecting member equity,” he said.
After a long and successful career,
Clemens has also announced his plans to retire. He will continue with the cooperative during the transition in a consultant role, helping to ensure a smooth transition.
The company has announced that it does not anticipate workforce reductions. It plans to continue operations at each of its current locations, with the main office
located in Adams and satellite offices throughout the trade territory.
“Team members from Allied Cooperative and ProVision Partners Cooperative will be working together over the next couple of months to create an integration plan that will focus on providing a smooth transition for our respective customers and our employees,” Larson said. “We do expect to introduce positive changes that build upon the best of our combined organizations.”
The name of the new company has not yet been determined. The combined co-op will have over 600 employees and serve customers from east to west across Central Wisconsin. Cooperative business leaders estimate that the combined organization’s sales will be approximately $570 million. Equity held by members of both co-ops will transfer dollar for dollar into the new cooperative. There will be equal representation on the boards of directors from each co-op, with six members from each board.
Allied Cooperative’s roots date back to 1918. Its services include agronomy, grain, LP, refined fuels, hardware, tires, auto parts, country stores, and convenience stores. It currently has operations in Adams, Blair, Galesville, Mauston, Melrose, Mindoro, Necedah, Plainfield, Plover, Tomah, West Salem, and Wisconsin Rapids.
ProVision Partners’ roots date back to 1912. Its services include agronomy, feed, grain, LP, refined fuels, country stores, convenience stores, automotive service, and lawn care.
It currently has operations in Arpin, Auburndale, Black Creek, Black River Falls, Chili, Colby, Fairchild, Granton, Hixton, Humbird, Luxemburg, Manitowoc, Marshfield, Merrillan, Northfield, Pittsville, Seymour, Stratford, Unity, Warrens, and West Salem.
Are you a Wisconsin farmer or forestland owner who improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.
Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Wisconsin, the $10,000 award is presented annually with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication
to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.
In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners can nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.
sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
The application deadline date is August 1, 2023. Applications must be emailed to award@ sandcountyfoundation.org.
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.
“A commitment to conservation is truly worth recognizing and
A true partner is defined by those they support. That’s why at Compeer Financial we’re defined by you — your hopes for the future as well as your needs today. With a variety of rate, term and payment options for farms of any size, our operating loans give you access to funds when you need it. And our team leverages industry expertise to provide innovative financial solutions that support your growth. So whether you need an experienced lender or a trusted financial services provider you can count on, we’re ready. DEFINE
continued from pg. 29
celebrating,” says Kevin Krentz, Wisconsin Farm Bureau president. “I encourage farmers to apply or nominate someone who deserves this special recognition for their continued conservation efforts.”
“As a national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust [AFT] celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners,” says John Piotti, AFT president and CEO.
“At AFT, we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people, and this award recognizes the integral role of all three,” he notes.
“Dairy farmers have a proud legacy of nurturing and protecting their land and animals, while continually
seeking innovative, sustainable farming practices that enable them to be an environmental solution,” says Chad Vincent, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin CEO.
“The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the dairy farm families we represent are proud to again sponsor the Leopold Conservation Award,” he
ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” says Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and CEO.
examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land
The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Wisconsin is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Culver’s, Compeer Financial, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
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The first Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2006. Joe and Christy Tomandl of Medford received the award in 2022.
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In mid-April, Wisconsin’s traveling billboard attended its first event in several months. And this time, there was a new driver in the seat.
The vehicle had been being serviced for some extensive repairs at MidState Truck Service, Inc., Plover, since August 2022.
When the doors opened for community members at an Earth Day celebration hosted by the Boston School Forest in Plover, on April 23, 2023, George Neuber (pronounced Ny-ber) welcomed them with a gentle heart and smile.
Neuber was born in Rhinelander but spent a good share of his childhood in Appleton after his parents moved there from the north woods. Then, when he was a junior in high school, his parents moved to Chilton on his dad’s parents’ farm.
The 35-acre farm started as a dairy operation but, eventually, his grandfather raised pigs. After high school, Neuber signed up for evening classes at Fox Valley Technical College, in Appleton, where he learned about welding, electricity, and diesel engines.
He began his professional career as a truck driver, hauling fuel for a local oil dealer. Eventually, he embarked on a cross country truck driving opportunity for a company out of De Pere.
Then, to be home more often,
Neuber got a job making cheese for Foremost Farms, a position he held for 10 years. He was a 2nd shift supervisor and cheesemaker of provolone, mozzarella, and various flavors of string cheese.
He and his wife, Jessie, were married in 1975. They raised four kids in a home built on a portion of land at his grandfather’s farm, the same one where Neuber grew up himself.
Their oldest son, Seth, lives in New Jersey with his wife and two kids, Tressie and Sam. Son Nathan lives in Green Bay and third-eldest son, Matthew, lives in Appleton with his wife and two kids, Mason, and Liberty. Their youngest child and daughter, Amber, lives in Appleton with her husband and three boys, Joseph, Wyatt, and Connor.
George and Jessie resided at the same house for 26 years and then moved back to Rhinelander where Neuber fulfilled a dream of building his own house himself.
After he moved back to the north woods, he started working at the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Seed Potato Farm as an equipment operator. With this position came duties of maintenance, repairs, and helping in other areas as needed. He retired from the farm in 2020 but went back to help during busier seasons like harvest.
Neuber says he is excited to “meet all the young people that are interested in where their food comes from, as most generations today don’t come from farms like they did years ago.” Neuber adds that he’s looking forward to “listening to what visitors are interested in and what they want to know” when they come inside the Spudmobile.
Congratulations, George! We appreciate having you on board at the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association and look forward to working with you.
Hello, everyone. It’s May, that wonderful time of the year when there are never enough hours in the day. I hope planting is going well for everyone and that whatever version of the game plan you’re on looks something like the one you started with.
The WPVGA Associate Division had a productive meeting in April. Every year, we fund a few grants for “non-profit organizations involved in research, marketing, and educational activities targeted for the betterment of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry.” We budget $16,000 for these grants annually.
We reviewed the grant proposals received this year and were able to fund a large portion of the requests. We funded a thermal printer for the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification
Program, a cone-bottom feed tank for a greenhouse at the Lelah Starks Elite Foundation Steed Potato Farm, and a spray monitor for the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station.
We also partially funded expenses toward a tractor guidance system for the Hancock Agricultural Research Station, and for Dr. Walt Stevenson to attend the 2024 Potato Expo on behalf of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association.
The Associate Division Board has
finalized some details for the upcoming 2023 Putt-Tato Open. The annual golf outing is right around the corner, on July 12, at Bullseye Golf Club in Wisconsin Rapids. We have a solid base for some raffle prizes, but their number will increase as we receive more donations.
If you haven’t already, consider becoming a sponsor. This event is full of good fun and fellowship. Sponsorship information has been mailed out to our Associate Division members, or you can contact Julie Braun at 715-623-7683 or email jbraun@wisconsinpotatoes.com.
A few months ago, an idea was shared about generating enthusiasm for the potato industry among young people by inviting students to attend the WPVGA Grower Education Conference & Industry Show. The Associate Division Board agrees that anything we can do to expose and excite a potential labor force is important. We have formed a subcommittee comprised of growers, board members, and researchers that met in late April. Stay tuned for more to come.
I wish everyone good luck this month getting everything accomplished. It’s hard work, but this is what we love, and that alone makes it worthwhile.
Matt Selenske WPVGA Associate Division President The WPVGA Associate Division is finalizing details for the upcoming Putt-Tato Open golf outing, July 12, at Bullseye Golf Club in Wisconsin Rapids. Representing Compeer Financial at the 2022 Putt-Tato Open were, from left to right, Cathy Schommer, Andrew Schulenburg, Dan Kendall, and Ty Rohloff.
Ask 10 different farmers to put a value on their land base, and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Even so, most farmers will agree that having access to and control of the land they farm is key to its success. How can each farmer legally protect his or her interests and rights in the acreage they operate?
Arguably, a farmer can best control a piece of land when it is owned. A farmer might obtain ownership of land through an arms-length purchase, an agreement with a friend or neighbor, or through a succession or estate plan.
Whatever the process, the farmer who is acquiring the property should be clear about exactly what land rights he or she is obtaining.
Is the land encumbered by any liens or mortgages? Are there any existing leases? Is there good access to the property? Are there any easements that exist or are needed to farm the land, and will those easements transfer to the new owner?
A buyer can research and mitigate some of these issues by obtaining and carefully reviewing a title insurance policy or the documents recorded with the Register of Deeds.
Above: Wisconsin boasts about 14.2 million acres of farmland according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, but many farmers are keenly aware that those acres are changing hands and uses all the time.
While the 2017 Census of Agriculture showed that about 60% of farmland in the United States is owneroperated, what about farmers who do not own the land they farm? How can those farmers protect the land on which they operate?
For land that farmers are currently operating, a written lease is beneficial in clarifying the rights and obligations of both the tenant and the landlord. Under Wisconsin law, an oral lease is only enforceable for one year; any agreement longer than one year must be written. Despite this rule, the parties may establish a periodic tenancy (a year-to-year arrangement) by allowing the tenant to remain in possession of the land and accepting rent for it.
In Wisconsin, an agricultural periodic tenancy may not be terminated prior to the end of the lease or with less than 90 days’ notice before the end
of the lease year. Different rules apply if the lease is less than one year. Rather than leave it up to the statutory default, farmers are wise to work out written lease agreements with their landlords to clearly define the length of a lease, rent, special property maintenance or rights, and a termination provision.
It is wise to rent on enforceable, agreed upon terms between the parties rather than rely on the legislature or a judge to fill in the blanks.
Farmers who are interested in purchasing the land they currently operate (or wish to operate in the future) might also consider negotiating other rights to the property, such as an option to purchase or a right of first refusal.
As ownership begins to transition from one generation of landlords to another, having these rights in place can give the farmer the first opportunity to purchase a property if and when it transfers.
The parties should carefully discuss what will trigger such a right (any transfer of the property, only a proposed sale, or simply the grantee’s right to exercise the option); any limitations on the terms of the right (consider pricing, timelines, or seller financing); and whether the right is specific to an individual or if that individual may assign the right to a related party or entity.
An attorney can help draft and record these options or rights to ensure they are enforceable.
Tenants may be hesitant to ask their current landlord for additional rights for fear of implying a lack of trust, but a great relationship with a landlord today does not guarantee a great relationship with that individual’s heirs or purchasers in the future.
Finally, the above options for owning or controlling land used in a farm operation are a good start, but each
of these should also be reviewed as part of a succession plan for the operation.
Making sure the legal documents name the proper legal party (the
those rights correctly.
Wisconsin boasts about 14.2 million acres of farmland according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, but
“The farm’s financial success may depend on your rights to the land, and it can be imperative to document those rights correctly.”
– Attorney Kelly Wilfert, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
has focused on the elucidation of the interactions between seed potato generations, at-plant fungicides, and cover crops with the potato microbiome, and seed or soilborne diseases.
The findings of this project will contribute to the knowledge of microbiome impacts of potato production inputs typically utilized for disease management. New information is expected to enhance effective disease management strategies to maintain and improve soil health in potato systems.
This University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison Plant Pathology and Soil Science work was funded in large part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s
coordinated agricultural project titled “Enhancing Soil Health in U.S. Potato” (#2018-51181-28704).
The National Potato Soil Health Project was established to address two related issues with soil health in potato cropping systems across the country: (1) despite the frequent use of fumigation in most farms, pressure from soil-borne diseases is increasing over time; and (2) at the same time, soil productivity is declining.
Overall, the project objectives are to determine how best to measure soil health in potato cropping systems, identify the tools (cover crops, soil amendments, rotation schemes) that best enhance both soil health and tuber production, and communicate our findings to potato growers.
The project is wrapping up its final year with a wealth of data from field systems. A second iteration of the project with new, yet related objectives is in development.
Figure 2: Fungicides did not have a significant impact on marketable yield of Russet Burbank potato, however, there was a trend of higher yields with the use of in-furrow treatments rather than seed treatments, suggesting that the source of inoculum was residual in the soil rather than on seed.
Computerized Control Systems
Figure
Figure 3: Maxim MZ (fludioxonil and mancozeb) provided the highest Shannon Diversity, or measure of relative importance of the number of abundant species/types in a given environment, of bacterial communities across all fungicide treatments. Seed-applied fungicides trended toward greater Shannon Diversity values than the in-furrow fungicides.
Figure 2. Fungicides did not have a significant impact on marketable yield of Russet Burbank potato, however, there was a trend of higher yields with the use of in-furrow treatments rather than seed treatments, suggesting that the source of inoculum was residual in the soil rather than on seed.
Refrigeration • Humidification • Ozone
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did not have a significant impact on marketable yield of Russet Burbank potato, however, there was a trend of higher yields with the use of in-furrow treatments rather than seed treatments, suggesting that the source of inoculum was residual in the soil rather than on seed.
Potatoes • Onions
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Recently, lead collaborators of the project worked to summarize the fieldwork from eight states participating in the research. A poster 1-800-236-0005
Figure 3. Maxim MZ (fludioxonil and mancozeb) provided the highest Shannon Diversity, or measure of relative importance of the number of abundant species/types in a given environment, of bacterial communities across all fungicide treatments. Seed-applied fungicides trended toward greater Shannon Diversity values than the in-furrow fungicides.
Figure 3. Maxim MZ (fludioxonil and mancozeb) provided the highest Shannon Diversity, or measure of relative importance of the number of abundant species/types in a given environment, of bacterial communities across all fungicide treatments. Seed-applied fungicides trended toward greater Shannon Diversity values than the in-furrow fungicides.
Badger Beat. . . continued from pg. 37 found at https://potatosoilhealth. cfans.umn.edu/ offers a nice summary of the outcomes.
Key points include the following:
i) There was no one soil health indicator that was consistently associated with yield.
ii) Of the measured parameters, verticillium had a dominant (negative) effect on yield.
iii) Understanding relationships between soil health indicators and potato yield might require a more sophisticated modeling approach.
iv) Further progress needs to include microbial community analysis to determine if a particular community structure supports yield and has antagonistic effects on disease.
The rest of this article highlights a few elements of our collaborative UW-Madison Plant Pathology and Soil Science work that benefited from the guidance of several UW researchers, including myself, co-authors
Dr. Matt Ruark and doctoral student Afona Irabor, as well as Dr. Richard Lankau and Emeritus Professor Ann MacGuidwin of Plant Pathology.
We studied the effects of conventional fungicides and biological fungicides on black scurf caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Russet Burbank tuber yield, and the composition of root-associated bacterial communities (an important contingent of the microbiome).
Figure 1 lists the fungicides we tested, with the blue-filled rows indicating the conventional fungicide treatments and the green-filled rows indicating biological fungicide treatments.
While we did not have significant differences in yield resulting from our fungicide treatment schemes (Figure 2), we did see a trend of increased yield with in-furrow treatments including our biologicals. Maxim MZ (fludioxonil and mancozeb) provided the highest Shannon Diversity, or measure of the relative importance of the number of abundant species/types in a given environment, of bacterial communities across all fungicide
treatments (Figure 3).
Seed-applied fungicides trended toward greater Shannon Diversity values than the in-furrow fungicides. Bacterial diversity was not impacted differently by conventional or biological fungicides (Figure 4).
The composition of bacteria was impacted differently by conventional compared to biological fungicides (Figures 5 and 6), with actinobacteria and proteobacteria most abundant across all treatments.
We have much more to learn about the function of these bacterial groups associated with potato root systems. Cover crops are planted between growing seasons primarily to protect the soil from erosion and nutrient losses. Additionally, cover crops can be strategically utilized to contribute to the soil in anticipation of an impending nutrient-demanding crop.
Figure
38 BC�T May
In Wisconsin and other northern states, cover crops are typically established in the late summer or fall after harvest and before spring planting of the following season’s crops.
The primary goals of a cover crop govern the choice of crop species. In potato systems, growers select cover crops based on their ability to reduce wind and water erosion, prevent nutrient loss, and suppress pests, weeds, and soilborne pathogens. There are three main types of cover crops: grasses, grown to reduce erosion and build soil organic matter due to their extensive root systems; legumes, for adding biologically fixed nitrogen to the soil; and broadleaf nonlegumes, usually crops in the Brassicaceae family, which help increase crop and soil microbial diversity, and are often used as green manure.
Effective cover crops grown in
Wisconsin have included grasses such as barley, oat, rye, and wheat; legumes like red clover and hairy vetch; and brassicas such as canola, radish, and turnip.
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However, we observed, interestingly, that rye and clover planted in mixtures lower biomass than their single-species treatments (Figures 8 and 11).
increasing biodiversity, improving soil structure and tilth, supplying and recycling nitrogen, and managing pests, weeds, and diseases.
Although there were no significant cover crop effects on potato black scurf, resulted in the lowest incidence of black scurf (Figure 13).
Cover cropping provides several benefits to soil and plant health, including reducing soil erosion, building soil organic matter,
Overall, our results suggest the need for careful decisions when selecting potato production systems in the Central Sands of Wisconsin.
Cover crops can be grown as monocultures or multi-species mixtures. Since a single cover crop continued on pg. 40
species cannot offer a complete set of soil and plant health benefits, planting multi-species cover crop mixtures has been suggested to deliver a diverse combination of agroecosystem services based on the traits of individual species.
However, difficulty in establishing a cover crop following harvest in some regions is among the significant challenges to enhancing soil health in potato cropping systems.
A field trial conducted at the UW Hancock Agricultural Research Station, Hancock, Wisconsin, evaluated the growth of three cover crops, winter canola (Brassica napus
L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and winter rye (Secale cereale L.).
With the cover crops grown in monocultures and multi-species mixtures planted in the fall preceding potato, the field trial showed that clover biomass, plant height, and canopy cover were highest in monocultures than in multi-species treatments (Figures 8, 9 and 10).
Canola and clover provided the lowest and highest canopy cover, respectively (Figure 12). Canola also produced the lowest amount of biomass (Figure 7).
However, we observed, interestingly, that rye and clover planted in mixtures containing canola produced
significantly lower biomass than their single-species treatments (Figures 8 and 11).
Although there were no significant cover crop effects on potato black scurf, the clover and rye cover crop treatments resulted in the lowest incidence of black scurf (Figure 13). Overall, our results suggest the need for careful decisions when selecting cover crop species, cultivars, and mixtures for potato production systems in the Central Sands of Wisconsin.
Next Steps
1. Assess the impacts of cover crop species (canola, clover,
mixture containing the brassica winter canola.
Figure 12:
the percent of green cover for all cover crop treatments. Note that winter canola and red clover produced the lowest and highest percent green cover, respectively.
lowest and highest percent green cover, respectively.
rye, canola-clover, canola-rye, clover-rye, canola-clover-rye, and fallow); cover crop functional type (brassica, legume, grass, mixture, and fallow); and cover crop diversity (no cover crop, singlespecies, two-species mix, threespecies mix) on the assembly of microbial communities colonizing potato soil and rhizosphere.
Figure 13.
is black scurf incidence on Snowden potato cultivar across no significant difference, clover and rye resulted in the lowest black scurf
Figure 13: Shown is black scurf incidence on Snowden potato cultivar across cover crop treatments. Although there was no significant difference, clover and rye resulted in the lowest black scurf disease incidence.
2. Investigate whether there is a correlation between these effects on microbial community assembly and potato health/yield.
Soil health investigations are complex and rich with data! From our work in Wisconsin alone, we have generated an enormous amount of information to explore. We will continue to share our findings from our work,
as well as from the work of the larger collaboration.
1. Assess the impacts of cover crop species (canola, clover, rye, canola rye, and fallow); cover crop functional type (brassica, legume, grass, diversity (no cover crop, single-species, two-species mix, three-species communities colonizing potato soil and rhizosphere.
2. Investigate whether there is a correlation between these effects health/yield.
We may be able to have our “cake” of high yields with low disease and “eat it, too” with healthy soils, but we have a ways to go to enhance our understanding of the role and impact of all the measurable parameters in the potato agroecosystem.
Soil health investigations are complex and rich with data! From our work enormous amount of information to explore. We will continue to share work of the larger collaboration.
We may be able to have our “cake” of high yields with low disease and “eat to go to enhance our understanding of the role and impact of all the measurable
Shown Figure 12. Illustrated is the percent of green cover for all cover crop treatments. Note that winter canola and red clover produced the Illustrated isBiome Makers Inc., a global SoilTech leader, announces updates to the most advanced biological soil analysis: BeCrop®. Growers used to have to wait until after the growing season to determine the success of their crops, but now BeCrop provides an overview of the current soil performance, adding a biological dimension to the world of soil testing.
BeCrop is the first digital SoilTech platform delivering a functional cropspecific analysis of the microbiome based on its genetic information. The technology digitizes the microbial biology of the soil and offers userfriendly data-fueled insights on the farm’s underground bioactivity.
BeCrop translates complex ag data about the microbiome into simplified reports that provide comprehensive, actionable results, optimizing inputs and farm operations.
This groundbreaking technology is the standard for soil testing and is paving the way for soil health, sustainable farming, and ecosystem restoration across the world.
Biome Makers offers the most cutting-edge technology and continues to invest in research and development to bring the best solutions to the market.
The BeCrop 2.0 update includes enhancements to the bioinformatics algorithm, which facilitates a deeper understanding of the soil microbiome networks. The outputs are reflected in the final reports through a Soil Quality Index, new bacteria and fungi ratios, and Ectomicorryza and Arbuscular ratios that hold a powerful link to carbon sequestration. Reports are accessible using any
device through the property application—the BeCrop Portal App where consumers can locate all sample information such as Farm Maps, soil Microbiome Explorer Tools, and detailed reports.
BeCrop provides a meaningful explanation of soil function, health, and biodiversity in agriculture and indicates a baseline of field health by crop and soil type.
With revolutionary biological soil testing like BeCrop, customers can now understand the microbial communities underground and improve the overall development of their land.
Biome Makers is committed to continually improve BeCrop and support soil health management and sustainable farming practices, mitigate climate change, and ensure quality soil and food for generations to come.
For more information, contact marketing@biomemakers.com.
Biome Makers
Founded in California’s Silicon Valley in 2015, Biome Makers has distinguished itself as one of the foremost global SoilTech leaders, providing a standard in soil analysis.
Biome Makers connects soil biology to decision-making processes in agriculture to benefit farmers and reverse the degradation of arable soils, encouraging carbon sequestration and fighting climate change.
Biome Makers currently operates labs across the globe and caters to customers on more than four continents. Built on industry-leading precision AgTech expertise, Biome Makers takes a data-driven approach to decoding the soil microbiome and promoting soil health worldwide.
Bayer is excited to introduce Luna® Pro fungicide. Luna Pro is a premium premix fungicide that provides both foliar and soilborne disease control in potatoes.
The newest addition to the Bayer potato portfolio utilizes prothioconazole, a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) foliar fungicide, and fluopyram, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide.
DMI’s work by hindering the growth of certain fungi on a cellular level, which helps to improve overall plant health and increase yield potential. Luna Pro is the first DMI-containing foliar fungicide offered by Bayer for potatoes.
The combination of two proven active ingredients, fluopyram (FRAC group 7) and prothioconazole (FRAC group 3), offers a strong defense against early blight, white mold, and other key potato diseases.
The addition of prothioconazole provides a second mode of action with rotational flexibility and increased resistance management.
Luna Pro utilizes a combination of systemic active ingredients that provides protection throughout the plant, helping growers deliver excellent crops to market.
“Luna Pro is a powerful potato fungicide that helps growers fight against problematic diseases that
threaten their yield potential,” says Ryan Allen, Bayer U.S. product manager for fruit and vegetable fungicides and biologics.
“We’re excited to add Luna Pro to the highly effective 75-Day IPM portfolio offered by Bayer,” Allen adds, “as a new solution for potato growers.”
To learn more, visit www.LunaPRO.us.
National Potato Council (NPC) Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles and Jaime Castaneda with the U.S. Dairy Export Council joined Agri-Pulse for its weekly “Newsmakers” show to offer their thoughts on trade issues facing their industries and the Biden Administration’s efforts to promote trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture producers.
The episode also includes an interview with U.S. Department of Agriculture Trade Undersecretary Alexis Taylor, who discussed the latest on negotiations with Mexico over genetically modified corn as well as the markets the department has identified as its next trade mission targets.
To watch the episode, visit: https:// www.agri-pulse.com/media/videos/ play/975.
On Thursday, April 6, President Joe Biden vetoed a bipartisan effort to overturn the Administration’s “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) regulation.
The joint resolution of disapproval, which was endorsed by the National Potato Council and many others throughout U.S. agriculture, had been passed by the U.S. House and Senate with significant bipartisan support from both parties.
The White House had previously announced the President’s intention to veto the resolution, which currently does not have the twothirds majority support in both chambers to overturn the veto.
In his veto statement, President Biden said the WOTUS regulation “provides clear rules of the road that will help advance infrastructure projects, economic investments, and agricultural activities, all while protecting water quality and public health.”
“While not unexpected, the veto of this bipartisan effort is disappointing,” said NPC Vice President of Environmental Affairs Bob Mattive. “At the very least, we hope the Biden Administration will reflect on this bipartisan congressional rebuke and reconsider this tremendously broad overreach of the federal government’s authority over every farm ditch in America.”
On January 18, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published the Biden Administration’s long-expected WOTUS rule, which reverts law to the Obama Administration’s era of federal jurisdiction to regulate navigable waters under the Clean Water Act, including wetlands, ephemeral streams, and ditches.
During the 2023 NPC Washington Summit, attendees advocated for the joint resolution of disapproval of the WOTUS rule due to its unnecessarily broad and negative impact on farmers and the entire U.S. agriculture industry.
Cybersecurity issues have become mainstream news over the last several years, with increasing attention being paid to scams and attacks that are causing significant losses to businesses.
It doesn’t matter about the size of the organization—large enterprises to smaller organizations are being targeted so that cybercriminals can make money.
Above: Greg Gatzke is president of ZAG Technical Services, an agribusiness information technology provider and consulting firm. The technology needs of agribusiness are unique. From farm to retail, warehouses to production lines, no two businesses are the same.
It is crucial for agribusinesses to have a plan in place for when technology
In fact, 46% of all cyber breaches involve businesses with less than 1,000 employees, according to Verizon, while 61% of smallto medium-sized businesses (SMBs) were the target of an attack.
Statistics like these remind us that being prepared for technology breaches and failures has never been more important than it is today. But many small businesses don’t have cybersecurity measures in place: 51%, in fact, according to a survey from Digital.com. So where can you begin?
For fresh produce companies, organizations are out there that help map out best practices no matter the size of an agribusiness.
The ProduceSupply.org (https:// producesupply.org) Cybersecurity Council recently released Cybersecurity Best Practices for Produce Suppliers based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) that are tailored to fit the needs of this market.
Here are five actionable best practices to adopt that can set you apart and help you prepare for, protect against, and recover from a cyberattack:
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
MFA is a process that authenticates the identity of a person through two or more methods before allowing access to specific applications or accounts.
It works like this: Login with your password/username and receive a code directly to your phone or email to verify it’s you.
Not only does it add an extra layer of protection for your accounts, but it can also help you meet compliance requirements for securing cyber insurance.
The regular maintenance you would perform on manufacturing or harvesting equipment helps
keep them up and running and dependable. Similarly, patching a technology system helps systems keep running, too.
Patching is essentially like covering a hole that’s been identified as a way for outsiders to get into your system, and thereby, your network. The patch keeps hackers from exploiting a flaw in the software, mitigating risk to your data.
Software companies find vulnerabilities and flaws regularly and issue patches that help close these gaps so that criminals can’t exploit them.
Keeping up to date on these patches is critical for protecting the company from spending a lot of money now on preventive maintenance versus a significant amount of expenditure recovering from a cyberattack down the road.
Train Your End Users
You can have the best, most cutting-
Above: Computer systems and networks fail for all sorts of reasons. From inadequate maintenance (patching) to old equipment not being replaced, to cybercrime.
edge security solutions available, but all it takes is one of your users clicking on a bad link within an email to allow ransomware or other malware onto your company network.
User training is the key to keeping your networks secure. Set up regular training and workshops that help employees recognize (and flag) a criminal attempt to gain access to
continued on pg. 48
Use Chameleon, Impact and Foam Cutter every time you spray to ensure the best results from your pesticide application. Don’t take chances with cheap, “soapy” surfactants.
Chameleon: Scientifically formulated to maximize the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals.
Impact: Promotes better tuber development by breaking soil clods, breaking hardpan and loosening the soil. Impact also prevents dry pockets in the hill by enhancing water infiltration.
Foam Cutter: A concentrated defoamer that saves tank fill up time and prevents pesticide spillage.
your systems, such as phishing.
Phishing is a type of social engineering where an attacker sends a fraudulent email claiming to be from someone reputable to gain access to sensitive information, install malware, or get passwords/ credentials.
When a company’s systems go down from a ransomware attack or other outage, the fastest way to get back to work is to have a backup for quick recovery.
Engaging in multiple backups of work each day ensures that the company doesn’t lose 24 hours of accounting, traceability, and quality assurance data in its information technology (IT) systems.
Create an Incident Response & Business Continuity Plan
Computer systems and networks fail for all sorts of reasons. From inadequate maintenance (patching) to old equipment not being replaced, to cybercrime. It is therefore important to plan for how to ensure the business keeps running.
With an Incident Response Plan, the question is, “What are the steps the IT Team will take to recover systems, and in what order?”
When engaging in Business Continuity Planning, the question becomes, “While the IT Team recovers the systems, how does the company continue to do business without computers?”
In agriculture, the bottom line is you “can’t stop producing,” and when a company is reliant on technology, it’s crucial to have a plan in place for when systems go offline.
The goal of technology systems for all agribusinesses is to make you more competitive, give you more information for better decisionmaking, and enable processes and automation to make you more profitable.
Security of your information technology needs to be resolved first so you can realize a true competitive advantage. This is about building your technology’s competitive advantage on a solid foundation and starting with these five steps can help.
ZAG Technical Services, Inc. (ZAG) is an award-winning IT consulting firm and managed services provider (MSP) specializing in network infrastructure, security, disaster recovery, virtualization, cloud computing services, and remote access.
ZAG enables clients to succeed with digital transformation solutions by delivering even greater value in IT assessments, consulting, managed services, and support.
Headquartered in San Jose, California, and with offices in Salinas, and Meridian, Idaho, ZAG is the premier provider of information technology for Western agribusinesses. Find out more at www.zagtech.com.
“In agriculture, the bottom line is you ‘can’t stop producing,’ and when a company is reliant on technology, it’s crucial to have a plan in place for when systems go offline.”
– Greg Gatzke, president, ZAG Technical Services
On March 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducted a swearing-in ceremony for 30 producer members and two importers to join the Potatoes USA Board of Directors during its Annual Meeting.
In a display of commitment to the potato industry, the USDA appointed
16 new members and reappointed 16 members to the Board to serve three-year terms, expiring February 28, 2026.
Alex Caryl, branch chief of the Market Development Division of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s Specialty Crops Program, officiated the swearing-in ceremony.
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.
Above: Alex Caryl (front left) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture swears in new Potatoes USA Board members during the Board’s Annual Meeting. New board members from Wisconsin include J.D. Schroeder (third from left in turquoise shirt) of Schroeder Brothers Farms, Antigo, and Charlie Husnick (to J.D.’s left/readers’ right in maroon shirt) of Baginski Farms, Antigo.
The nomination process for board members is conducted annually. Candidates are proposed by the industry and appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture after a thorough review.
The 2023 Board showcases an ensemble of 93 members, with representation from growers, importers, and one public member, reflecting the organization’s commitment to a broad spectrum of knowledge and experience in the industry.
The Potatoes USA Board of Directors is the guiding force behind the organization’s efforts to promote and support the potato industry. Tasked with setting strategic goals and objectives, the Board allocates resources to various initiatives such as marketing, research,
and education.
Additionally, the Board monitors the performance of these programs, adjusting as necessary to ensure their effectiveness and impact for the potato industry, including growers, processors, and other stakeholders.
New Board Members
• Jim Corneillie, Arizona
• Trever Belnap, Idaho
• Ben Josephson, Idaho
• David Mundt, Idaho
• Jeff Irving, Maine
• Eric Makarewicz, Michigan
• Sander Dagen, Minnesota
• Tom Nilson, North Dakota
• Dave Masser, Pennsylvania
• Rhonda Kleyn, Washington
• Blake Underwood, Washington
• Levi Underwood, Washington
• Jake Wardenaar, Washington
• Charlie Husnick, Wisconsin
• John D. Schroeder, Wisconsin
• Aron Derbidge, importer member
• Kamren Koompin, Idaho
• Ryan Moss, Idaho
• Andrew Porath, Idaho
• Justin Searle, Idaho
• Jennifer Gogan, Maine
• David Fedje, North Dakota
• Casey Folson, Minnesota
• Jess Blatchford, Oregon
• Troy Sorensen, Nebraska
• Steve Barrett, Texas
• Juan Martinez, Washington
• Dennis Wright, Washington
• Michael Carter, Wisconsin
• Josh Knights, Wisconsin
• Kevin Schleicher, Wisconsin
• Kathy DeVries-Ruehs, importer member
Team Potato kicked off the new year with its first Strava Challenge. Strava, the app that turns fitness tracking into a social experience, was the perfect platform for this event, and the results prove it.
The Potato Power Up Challenge encouraged everyday athletes to exercise for 620 minutes during the 28 days of February. This wasn’t just a random number—the 620 milligrams (mg.) of potassium found in a 5.3-ounce skin-on potato served as educational motivation for participants.
Over 100,000 people signed up for the challenge, and 75,000 people completed it. Together, they powered an astounding 1.8 million hours of exercise and covered 14 million miles, all fueled by potatoes!
Cycling emerged as the most popular activity during the challenge, followed by running and various other workouts. The event attracted male and female participants from all
50 states.
Leaning into the challenge’s theme, people learned about the potassium in a potato* and its many benefits on the Strava app and social media. This event positioned the potato as a nutritious vegetable that delivers performance benefits. The challenge had an incredible impact,
quadrupling the number of official Team Potato members.
Don’t miss out on the action. Visit https://potatogoodness.com/teampotato/ to join the potato-fueling community and learn more. Make sure to join the team on Strava as well.
*620 mg. potassium in a 5.3-ounce skin-on potato.
Hello,
With the WPS Farm Show being held March 28-30 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary once again set up its annual baked potato and French fry booth at the event. It’s definitely a fan favorite!
I had the pleasure of working in the booth a bit, and I always love to see how many people light up when
we’re handing them their delicious baked potatoes or extra cheesy French fries.
If you haven’t been able to attend the WPS Farm Show in the past, stop by next year and visit us at the booth in the food tent. There’s quite a selection of Wisconsin-based goodies, so you definitely won’t leave hungry.
We would like to thank all our volunteers that helped in the booth, and a huge thank you to Cliff and Carole Gagas for doing such a great job putting everything together and making sure it all ran smoothly. You both are the best!
Until next time, Datonn
Vice president, WPGA
Left: From left to right, Sheila Rine, Patty Hafner, Cliff and Carole Gagas, and Marie Reid team up to serve baked potatoes and French fries on behalf of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary at the WPS Farm Show.
Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Financial Officer Karen Rasmussen (left) and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board Director Devin Zarda serve French fries, one with all the toppings, at the French fry and baked potato booth during the 2023 WPS Farm Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Auxiliary member Carole Gagas is seen in the background.
Below: This capable crew working the baked potato and French fries booth at the WPS Farm Show includes, from left to right, Missy Ward, Cliff and Carole Gagas, Justin Isherwood, Denise and Lonnie Firkus, and Brittany Bula.
Following 16 years of dedicated volunteer service to the World Potato Congress, Inc. (WPC), John Griffin will be stepping down from his role as president of the Board. He has been involved with the WPC Board of Directors since 2007, serving in various capacities.
Griffin has played an integral role in the growth and development of the non-profit organization over his many years of service, and the WPC Board of Directors wishes him well as he continues to focus on his potato operations in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
In his place, Griffin is pleased to announce that Dr. Peter VanderZaag will step into the role of WPC president and chief executive officer.
Dr. VanderZaag has served the WPC since 2013, initially as an international advisor and then as a director. He played a key supportive role in developing the programs for the past three congresses in China, Peru, and Ireland.
VanderZaag, along with his daughter, Ruth, and son-in-law, Nick, owns and operates Sunrise Potato, a large potato farming operation in Canada (www.sunrisepotato.com).
He has served numerous roles in international potato research and
development with the International Potato Center and as a visiting professor at Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, China.
Griffin states, “Peter has positively impacted national potato programs in Asia and Africa with focus on developing new improved varieties, novel seed potato production, and crop management. His knowledge of the potato crop is recognized worldwide.”
WPC is pleased to announce Dr. Nora Olsen as the new vice president of
the World Potato Congress. Dr. Olsen is a professor and potato specialist with the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho.
Nora has co-authored and presented hundreds of university extension and scientific presentations and publications. She was the first female president of the Potato Association of America. She has been with the WPC as a director since 2014, and during these years has been instrumental in launching the webinar series.
The WPC is also pleased to have Brian Douglas accept the nomination of director to the Board. Brian’s knowledge and experience through years of service to WPC as the general manager will be an excellent asset in ensuring continuity as we move forward.
The Board of Directors looks forward to working with Dr. VanderZaag, Dr. Olsen and Brian Douglas in their new leadership positions.
Save the dates for the 12th World Potato Congress, June 23-26, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia.
Dr. Peter VanderZaag will step into the role of World Potato Congress president and chief executive officer.
Baked potatoes in this recipe are loaded with fresh baby spinach and meaty mushrooms
Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary
During a sleepless night not too long ago, I randomly wondered about the origins of the baked potato. I’m told this is an odd thing for one to Google at 2 a.m., but I learned some interesting tidbits in those early morning hours.
According to historian Andrew Martin, it is difficult to narrow down one exact person in time who came
up with the delicious idea.
Martin writes, “There is no known specific ‘a-ha’ moment when the baked potato was ‘invented.’”
He continues, “The simplicity of the tuber roasting in the embers of a fire or the back of an oven was incredibly rudimentary and likely to continued on pg. 54
Spinach and Mushroom
Baked Potatoes
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 cups cremini mushrooms, chopped
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
have been around far longer than we might imagine. Given its popularity in various regions of the world, it would be difficult to pinpoint exactly who had the initial idea.”
Martin says that, in England, the baked potato has been a common food for centuries.
“At one time in the 19th century, they were hawked by street vendors, especially ‘selling like hotcakes’ in the colder months, which coincided with their harvesting schedule,” he explains.
“Buyers used the spuds as convenient hand warmers by stuffing the piping hot ‘jacket potatoes’ in their coat pockets for warmth before ultimately eating them,” Martin notes. “It was once estimated that 10 tons of baked potatoes were sold daily in London at the height of this craze.”
Here is our family’s latest version of the baked potato. This one is loaded with fresh baby spinach and meaty mushrooms, then topped with a bit of creamy feta.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a fork, poke holes around each
potato (this will help the heat to escape while baking).
Wrap each potato in tin foil and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until you can easily pierce through the cooked potatoes with a fork. When the potatoes are nearly finished baking, begin preparing the mushroom spinach filling. In a skillet, add coconut oil, garlic, cremini mushrooms and a pinch of salt.
Cook on medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (approximately 2-3 minutes).
Slice open baked potatoes and fill with mushroom and spinach mixture. Top each potato with a bit of feta cheese.
Serve while hot. Enjoy!
Friday, June 16, 2023
Bass Lake Country Club
W10650 Bass Lake Road
Deerbrook, WI 54424
Deadline for sponsorship commitments to be included in June Badger Common'Tater: May 5, 2023*
DINNER SPONSOR $2,500
• Company name/logo on two banners placed in prominent areas
• Company name/logo on dinner ticket & one beverage cart
• Company name and logo in Badger Common'Tater
• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
• Registration and dinner for four golfers
LUNCH SPONSOR $2,000
• Company name/logo on one banner and lunch ticket
• Company name/logo on one beverage cart
• Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater
• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
• Registration and dinner for four golfers
GOLDRUSH SPONSOR $1,500
• Company name/logo on one banner
• Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater
• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
• Registration and dinner for two golfers
CONTACT KAREN RASMUSSEN for more details (715) 623-7683
Make checks payable to WSPIA
*We WILL accept sponsors after this date.
MAIL PAYMENT TO: WSPIA, P.O. Box 173 Antigo, WI 54409
SILVERTON SPONSOR $1,000
BUSHMAN’S RIVERSIDE RANCH
• Company name/logo on one banner
• Company name/logo in Badger Common'Tater
• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
• Registration and dinner for one golfer
SUPERIOR SPONSOR $500
• Company name/logo on one banner, in Badger Common’Tater and verbal recognition and name on sign at event
OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSOR $300
• Company name on hole sign
• Rights to occupy a hole on the course and provide giveaways*
*If alcohol is being served, it must be purchased through the golf course
• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
BASIC HOLE SPONSOR $200
• Company name on hole sign
• Verbal recognition and name on sign at event
Since 1998, this tournament raised over $166,000, which was donated to Wisconsin potato research
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