PotatoCountry.com • February 2018 Western focus. National impact.
Crop Protection Essentials
Potato Expo Market Report Potato Business Summit
w w w . Po t a t o co u n t r y . c o m
Vol. 34 No. 2
PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Phone: (208) 520-6461
Country Western focus. National impact.
Table of Contents
February 2018 4
contacts Dave Alexander ...........................dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Publisher, Advertising
Denise Keller ..............................editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor
Andy Jensen.......................................... www.nwpotatoresearch.com Insect Identification
Jeff Miller .....................................................jeff@millerresearch.com Disease Identification
Finding a Way
Bruce Huffaker ................................................. napmn@napmn.com
Potato Expo Turns 10
Market Report
Dale Lathim ............................................................... dale@pgw.net
12 It’s a Really Big Deal
Potato Growers of Washington
Brian Feist ...................................brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com
Potato Business Summit
Operations Manager, Advertising
13 Spudnik Celebrates 60 Years 15 Taters are Trending
EDITORIAL INFORMATION Potato Country is interested in newsworthy material related to potato production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com.
Potatoes USA
16 Crop Protection Essentials
ADVERTISING For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, copy submission, mailing, contract conditions and other information, call Dave Alexander at (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com.
20 Tri-State Releases Two New
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at www.potatocountry.com or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444.
Buyers' Guide
Potato Varieties
25 Federal Crop Insurance Helps Diverse and 26
Specialty Farms
Potato Country magazine (ISSN 0886-4780), is published eight times per year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. It is produced by Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444
An Integrated Approach and Storage Management
30 Will Prices Increase to Accommodate
Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.
Editorial Board
Acreage Expansion?
Potato Growers of Washington
Bill Brewer
chris Voigt
Spudnik shows off its AirSep technology at the annual Spudnik Customer Appreciation Night. See story on page 13.
A crop duster sprays for blight in eastern Idaho. See the Crop Protection Essentials Buyers' Guide on page 16. Photo by Fred Rehrman. Potato Country
Executive Director
Washington State Potato Commission
Oregon Potato Commission
(509) 765-8845
(503) 239-4763
Departments
On The Cover
2
Executive Director
February 2018
14 19 22 22 24 28
Insect Quiz Disease Quiz In the News Calendar New Products Market Report
Nina Zidack
Frank Muir
Jim Ehrlich
Montana Seed Potato Certification
Idaho Potato Commission
Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
Director
(406) 994-3150
President/CEO
(208) 334-2350
President/CEO
(719) 852-3322
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Bob Hesse BobHesse@Suberizer.com 206.669.7500
Potato Expo Turns 10
Finding a Way Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher
Potato Expo speaker Merril Hoge implores attendees to "find a way" in his inspiring keynote.
T
en years ago, the National Potato Council (NPC) held a series of meetings in different locations and even in different months. The NPC realized it needed a single, coordinated event, one where all the meetings could be held consecutively and at the same location. John Keeling, Hollee Alexander and the rest of the NPC staff started planning the first Potato Expo in 2008, and the timing could not have been worse. The world economy was in freefall, gripped by the Great Recession of the late 2000s. But spurred on by the need to save the NPC and its growers time and money, the NPC staff had to find a way. They pulled it off; the first Potato Expo took place in San Antonio in January 2009. Fast forward to January 2018, and the NPC is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Expo. The event’s keynote speaker was Merril Hoge, a former potato worker, former professional football player, cancer survivor and former ESPN analyst. Hoge grew up in southeast Idaho, moving irrigation pipes on a potato farm, and attended Idaho State University. He played in the NFL for 10 years, using an intense
Lyla Davis and Kent Price with Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association enjoy the trade show at Expo. Glenda Murray, senior executive chef with Lamb Weston, takes a swipe at competitor Brooke Brantley, director of culinary with McCain Foods.
The Eye at Potato Expo uses an array of technology to live stream interviews to Facebook and YouTube. Here, the “Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert (left) chats with Mark Klompien, United Potato Growers of America CEO.
Potato Expo brings attendees from all over the world. Caroline Sawatzky traveled from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Orlando to display seed varieties from Parkland Seed Potatoes Ltd.
Tom Young with Food Defend demonstrates how the company’s FruitGard product kills pathogens and reduces post-harvest decay.
desire and will, rather than raw skills, to succeed. Hoge’s mantra “find a way” is the essence of his “work harder” and “do more” philosophy. It’s the same work ethic Hoge – and the NPC – continues to employ today.
New Ideas, Cool Ideas
The World Potato Congress is going to the birthplace of potatoes next May. Representing the international potato center in Lima, Peru are Vivana Infantas (left) and Amalia Perochena.
Greg Warren promotes Amvac’s new insecticide/ nematicide ReTurn XL. Warren says there will be good supply this coming season
Like Hoge, the NPC never stops trying to improve. Always embracing technology and looking to add new and creative elements to Expo, the NPC debuted “The Eye” this year. The Eye brought Expo into homes and onto cellphones worldwide via live streaming on Facebook and YouTube. Another new addition this year was the Innovation Hub, showcasing new products and methods that were chosen from a survey emailed by NPC. This helped ensure attendees could see and hear presentations in which they were truly interested. Tommy Roach with Nachurs, one of the speakers chosen to present on the Innovation Hub stage, said he thought that the Hub really added to the event and liked that it was right on the exhibit floor. In addition to Roach’s presentation on improving yield and quality through potassium, Hub topics
The Innovation Hub, new this year at Expo, gives attendees another opportunity to learn.
Potato Expo ranged from irrigation to bio-pesticides and diseases to precision ag. Similar to the Innovation Hub, the breakout sessions featured a wide range of speakers and topics. While not a new idea, it really is the essence of Expo – a place to learn. The sessions are tailored specifically to the chip, fresh, process and seed markets. Sixteen sessions were crammed into one afternoon, with researchers and industry experts providing insight. Gord Penner with Kroeker Farms in Manitoba said he took in most of the breakout sessions and thought they were “quite good” and an improvement from last year. In its third year, the Spud Nation Throwdown has quickly become a crowd favorite. Half a dozen chefs competed over two days to prepare the best potato recipe to be fed to blindfolded judges. The finals came down to R.J. Harvey, global marketing manager at Potatoes USA, and Dianna Fricke, director of culinary and corporate chef at Simplot. In the end, judges named Fricke as the 2018 Top Spud. Potatoes USA CEO, Blair Richardson, presented Fricke with a championship belt worthy of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Diana Fricke, director of culinary and corporate chef at Simplot, displays laser focus preparing her winning dish during the Spud Nation Throwdown Cook-off. Later, she displays her championship belt in a tour of the tradeshow floor. Hot plates make their way to the judges in the Spud Nation Throwdown.
Exhibit Floor
The exhibit floor is another attendee favorite, this year filled with 159 booths. Emerson and Jackson Ball, the new owners of Kool Jet, were attending their first Expo. Emerson Ball said having a booth at the Expo provided an opportunity to hear valuable ideas and input from previous Kool Jet customers. Jackson Ball added that he was impressed by the “very high quality” of the leads attained at the show. Matt Ohl with Jet Ag said “The trade show was excellent. There were a lot of growers and a lot of opportunity there. It’s something we’ll go back to every year and have a booth.”
Networking
Perhaps the best thing about Potato Expo over the years has been the people that attend. “The Expo has become a reunion of friends. It’s nice to reconnect with those I haven’t seen in the past year,” said Debra Fitzgerald with ISK Biosciences. Fitzgerald, who has attended and 6
Potato Country
February 2018
In its third year, the Spud Nation Throwdown always draws a crowd. Alexandra Grimm with Potatoes USA (standing) helps blindfolded judges find their plates.
the value of your potato harvest.
One of the keys to a successful season is keeping your eye on the task at hand while also looking ahead. We’re here to help you push what’s possible with a planned approach, agronomic insights and a portfolio of products designed to control yield-robbing diseases, invasive weeds and insects. Let’s Grow Smart together and get more, acre after acre, season after season. Talk to your BASF Authorized Retailer or visit agproducts.basf.us
Always read and follow label directions. Grow Smart is a trademark of BASF Corporation. © 2017 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved. APN 17-SPC-0009
Potato Expo sponsored all 10 events, added that she is inspired by the increasing number of women she has seen join the potato business and attend Expo through the years.
Flawless Organization
While most of the NPC staff has changed since 2009, Keeling and Alexander were then and are now the driving force behind Potato Expo. Even though it constantly evolves and changes, each Expo seems to come off flawlessly and offer more than the last. The 11th Potato Expo is set for Jan. 9-11, 2019, in Austin, Texas.
Potato Expo organizer Hollee Alexander finds a way to keep improving the event.
Mike Machurek (left) with Industrial Ventilation Inc. and keynote speaker Merril Hoge both played football at Idaho State University and in the NFL.
For attendees looking for a pick-me-up, the Marrone Bio Innovations booth had the answer: espresso brewed to order.
The NUTRI-CAL Difference Unlocking The Key To Calcium Visit our Web site: www.nutri-cal.com INCREASES OVERALL POTATO YIELD
PROVIDES LONGER STORAGE QUALITY • REDUCES INTERNAL DEFECTS AND WEIGHT LOSS
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Potato Country
February 2018
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Potato Expo
Hillary Winn staffs the FMC booth at the trade show.
Ryan Locke touts the benefits of Bayer’s crop protection portfolio on the trade show floor.
The pressure to move on to the next round is seen on these chefs’ faces as they compete in the Spud Nation Throwdown Cook-off.
Growing Quality Seed For 50 Years!
Left to right: Sid, John, Jonathan, Carl, Nick and Cliff.
LINE Selected: Russet Burbank, Umatilla, Teton Russet, Dakota Russet, Clearwater
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SCHUTTER SEED FARM 25 Wytana Rd., Manhattan, MT 59741 Sid: (406) 539-6478 John: (406) 580-6446 Nick: (406) 539-6125 Cliff: (406) 580-6818
10
Potato Country
February 2018
Cheered on by his co-workers at Potatoes USA during the finals of the Spud Nation Throwdown, global marketing manager, R.J. Harvey, prepares his dish.
Potato Business Summit
It’s a Really Big Deal Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher
Attendees fill the room at the Potato Business Summit, held Jan. 9 in Orlando, Fla.
Jesse Ausubel with The Rockefeller University speaks about the positive effect precision agriculture and biotech has had and will continue to have. Crop inputs, acreage and water use will continue to drop while outputs increase.
T
o sum up the Potato Business Summit that takes place the first day of Potato Expo every year, we are stealing a line from Mark Klompien, president of United Potato Growers of America: “It’s a really big deal.” While Klompien was referring to the lack of affordable trucking in the industry, it’s still an appropriate sentiment for the Summit. The Business Summit brings in speakers with great insight into the potato industry and sets the tone for Expo. This year, 375 people attended the standingroom event, and another 300 people watched via live stream. The Summit is unique at Expo in that there is nothing else going on during that time. Attendees can fully focus on some of the industry’s most compelling topics: precision agriculture, fresh market profitability and the continuing strong market for fries – to name just a few. Attendees were invited by text message to rate this year’s Summit immediately following the event. The results were an outstanding 4.4 out of five stars. That rating would be a really big deal for any conference. If a product was rated 4.4 on Amazon, we’d click “buy it,” and it’s high enough to guarantee we’ll be attending in 2019. If you missed it live, the presenters’ slides and videos are available at www.potatobusinesssummit.com. 12
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February 2018
Mike Smith with Lamb Weston talks about the financial impact of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) on the process market. He says 18 percent of orders and 59 percent of menus include French fries. Fries are the most popular food at QSRs and also the most profitable item on menus. Mark Klompien with United Potato Growers of America says he considers fresh-market prices fair for yellows, reds and russets. Shifting gears to the lack of trucking options, he goes on to say he has heard of shippers not being able to get a truck at any price.
Ross Johnson with Potatoes USA says that contrary to what growers may have heard, the 10-pound bag is not dead. Consumers want choice, and we live in a world of “both” not “either/or.” Than Hartsock with John Deere, which recently purchased Blue River Technology, says artificial intelligence (AI) robotics is coming to the farm soon. John Deere’s See and Spray technology will use cameras and AI to only spray weeds, and not the crop. This technology can reduce the use of chemicals by up to 90 percent.
Spudnik Celebrates 60 Years Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher
The annual Spudnik Customer Appreciation Night in Blackfoot, Idaho, attracts over 1,000 people every year to see the company’s products, tour the manufacturing facility and enjoy a catered barbeque. Held Jan. 16 this year, a very special guest attended: co-founder Carl Hobbs. Hobbs shared the story of Spudnik’s first 60 years. In the early 1950s, Hobbs and his brother, Leo, were working for Blackfoot potato grower Albert Longhurst. Getting potatoes out of storage was back-breaking work, and the Hobbs brothers were tired of manning the shovels. They came up with the idea of a swinging boom, telescoping scooper, and Longhurst told the inventive brothers they could build one if they used parts from derelict machines around the farm. The scooper worked, and Longhurst Machine in Blackfoot started selling the scoopers commercially in 1957. Longhurst decided to go back to farming and gave the brothers the chance to buy the company in 1958. “We were working for wages of $300 per month and didn’t have two nickels to rub together,” Hobbs said. He hit the road with the scooper, and in two weeks had more orders than Longhurst had gotten all winter. Those orders were enough to secure funding, and the Hobbs brothers were able to purchase the company. “That showed how good the machine was,” Hobbs said. In 45 years, Spudnik never “had any red ink,” according to Hobbs, and the company grew every year. His proudest moment was partnering with and eventually selling his company to Grimme in 2002, which continues to operate Spudnik. In 2011, Spudnik debuted its AirSep harvester, capable of separating rocks and dirt clods from potatoes before they go into storage, and it has become the company’s foundation offering. Spudnik also sells scoopers that are very close in design to the original machine, as well as crop carts with year-around versatility, even-flow bins and more. Spudnik co-founder Carl Hobbs spends his retirement time split between St. George, Utah, and Island Park, Idaho.
Attendees at Spudnik’s annual customer appreciation event get the lowdown on the company’s crop carts.
Canela Russet Mesa Russet Rio Grande Russet Colorado Rose
Russet Norkotah 3 Purple Majesty Russet Norkotah 8 Mountain Rose
www.coloradocertifiedpotatogrowers.com
PotatoCountry.com
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Insect Biology Quiz Dr. Andy Jensen
B
This material is provided courtesy of Andy Jensen, Ph.D., Manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium. For more information, visit www.nwpotatoresearch.com.
A
Friend or Foe?
Most potato fields are home to many species of insects and related arthropods. Some of these are pests of the crop, while some are beneficial to the crop through their predation of pests. It’s worthwhile to do a little review on which is which. Looking at these photos, is each a pest (foe) or a predator (friend)?
C
D
ANSWERS, PAGE 30
For a FREE CertiďŹ cation Directory, email Dr. Nina Zidack at potatocert@montana.edu
Uncompromising Standards, Generation after Generation. We have the seed for you! www.montanaspud.org
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Potato Country 167820MonPot13h.indd 1
February 2018 9/18/17 11:45 AM
Potatoes USA
Taters are Trending
Research Confirms Demand, Versatility Drive Potato Usage By RJ Harvey, Global Foodservice Marketing Manager, Potatoes USA
A
recent attitudes and usage study conducted by Technomic confirmed that potatoes are still high in demand among consumers. In fact, three out of four consumers stated that they prefer dishes that contain potatoes over those without. This demand is driving chefs and restauranteurs to menu more potatoes in more ways. Sixty-two percent of chefs and foodservice managers said demand and versatility are the top reasons to include potatoes on menus. Potatoes have a deep menu penetration rate, meaning they appear on more menus than not. Roughly 97 percent of foodservice menus contain potatoes, and they are appearing at just about every day part. With the convenience of frozen potato products from hash browns to tater barrels and fries, chefs are finding new and exciting ways to boost sales and liven up menus by incorporating some new global flavors into America’s favorite potato dishes. Whether it’s slow-braised beef bulgogi and kimchi on top of crispy fries cooked in duck fat or tater barrels tossed in buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese and ranch, the familiarity of potatoes provides a comforting platform for patrons to branch out and try flavors perhaps not so familiar. Chefs are discovering that the different formats of potatoes open a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Compared to two years ago, potato usage has increased in every menu category. From desserts to center-of-the-plate entrees, chefs have found new avenues to incorporate potatoes into their favorite dishes. Dehydrated potato products, for example, have been found to be the perfect addition to recipes that need to be gluten free. Potatoes are being used as a substitute for bread crumbs in fried appetizers or
entrées and are even being folded into breads and doughs to make lighter and moister dishes. When asked how likely they are to use potatoes in future dishes, 94 percent of chefs stated either “extremely” or “somewhat likely.” That is fantastic news for potato growers and processors, alike. Labor and food costs remain top of mind for foodservice managers. As such, the need to do less with more is increasing demand for convenience products and “speed-scratch” recipes. The demand for speed-scratch cooking comes from a majority, with 65 percent of dishes made on site in restaurants. Operators know it’s important to have a predominant feeling of “fresh prepared” on site, but business constraints can keep that from being a reality, so there is a reliance on speed
scratch. This may be a potato flatbread that comes in premade but is topped with house-made sauces and fresh-grilled meats for an amazing fresh tostada. Or perhaps it’s Hasselback potatoes that come in fully cooked and just need a quick crisp in the oven and are then topped with smoked salmon, chives and crème fraiche. Two of the most enticing reasons for including potatoes on menus are demand and versatility. Consumer demand drives business, and in the foodservice industry, almost nothing is guaranteed. Having consumers that prefer potato dishes means restaurants must include them on their menus to please their patrons. But in order to avoid menu fatigue and being categorized as boring, innovation must be top of mind for the potato industry.
Advanced Decay Control
SOLUTIONS • 15+ years of proven results for post harvest disease control • Spray biological fungicide onto spuds going into storage • Controls fusarium dry rot and silver scurf diseases
• PATENTED post harvest chemistry for year round storage sanitation • Apply as a thermal fog into potato storages • Kills and reduces bacteria and fungal spores on contact
Both Products are WSDA Organic Certified
Partner with Jet Harvest Solutions for your potato sanitation storage needs
Longwood, FL 32791 • 1-407-523-7842 • 1-877-866-5773 • www.jetharvest.com PotatoCountry.com
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Crop Protectio Marrone Bio Innovations www.marronebio.com Amplitude Bio-fungicide
Amplitude bio-fungicide controls white mold on potatoes, as well as Rhizoctonia and Pythium on onions. Amplitude is an advanced bio-fungicide offering growers a sustainable mode of action to control white mold and a broad range of other fungal and bacterial diseases in many crops including potatoes and onions.
Vive Crop Protection www.ViveCrop.com
AZteroid Fc Fungicide, Bifender Fc Insecticide
New AZteroid FC fungicide and Bifender FC insecticide from Vive Crop Protection are the first fertilizer-compatible products for potato growers. AZteroid FC can be mixed right in the fertilizer tank to provide broad-spectrum disease control, clean up the soil around the growing plant and improve tuber quality, even when disease seems low. Bifender FC insecticide mixed with starter fertilizer creates a larger “safety zone” around the seed piece and tuber, free from wireworms, rootworms, flea beetles and white grubs. AZteroid FC and Bifender FC use the Allosperse Delivery System, which helps crop protection products blend easily with liquid fertilizers. They can stay mixed with fertilizer for days, with easy application in the field – even in cold weather – with no crystallizing or clogged screens and no end-of-season tank cleanout.
FMC
www.fmccrop.com Beleaf, coragen, Exirel, Rovral, Ethos
FMC has an expanded portfolio offering a full lineup of products to help protect potato growers’ crops. Beleaf 50 SG insecticide helps control both piercing and sucking insects. Coragen insect control handles immature and adult stages of key lepidopteran pests, delivering fast and long-lasting control to rapidly paralyze insects after application. Exirel insect control offers unique, cross-spectrum activity to rapidly cease feeding and protect foliage and developing potatoes. FMC also offers Rovral brand 4 flowable fungicide with a distinctive mode of action and excellent control of white mold and early blight, as well as Ethos XB insecticide/ fungicide, which offers the broadest spectrum of defense against soil insect pests and diseases such as Rhizoctonia, Pythium and Fusarium.
AMVAC Chemical Corporation www.amvac-chemical.com
ReTurn Xl Insecticide/Nematicide
AMVAC Chemical Corporation recently announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Rotam North America to market and sell ReTurn XL insecticide/ nematicide. With the active ingredient oxymyl, ReTurn XL provides control of nematodes, leafhoppers, potato beetles, and other sucking and chewing insects. It includes twoway foliar and soil systemic activity for above- and below-ground protection, making it an excellent pest management option for potato growers. Below ground, ReTurn XL controls Columbia root-knot, lesion and stubby root nematode. Above ground, it provides secondary insect control and is compatible with potato psyllid control programs. It also suppresses purple top and zebra chip diseases and does not cause secondary pest flares. Potato growers can further extend the crop protection benefits of seed treatments and in-furrow applications by applying ReTurn XL. 16
Potato Country
February 2018
on Essentials Verdesian Life Sciences www.vlsci.com
Verdesian Life Sciences makes farming more efficient, more sustainable and more profitable by developing nutrient use efficiency and management technologies to enhance crop uptake, reduce nutrient losses to the environment and improve yields. As a 4R Nutrient Stewardship Partner, Verdesian is committed to researching and developing environmentally sustainable products.
NovaSource
www.novasource.com linex 4l Herbicide
An additional mode of action for battling resistant weeds is available after NovaSource received a Special Local Need label for pre-emergence application of Linex 4L to potatoes in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Linex 4L (linuron) is a urea-based Group 7 herbicide delivering a different mode of action than many common herbicides. Using Linex 4L for pre-emergence application in potatoes breaks the cycle of continual product use and can result in better control of resistant weeds, including hairy and eastern black nightshade, common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, kochia and other grasses. Using Linex in a pre-emergence application also enables greater flexibility in-season.
PotatoCountry.com
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Crop Protection Essentials Jet Harvest Solutions www.jetharvest.com Jet-Ag
Jet-Ag is a peroxyacetic acid (PAA) broad-spectrum fungicide, bactericide and algaecide. The Jet-Ag special patented process superheats and produces a special fog, which is the vaporization of the solution into the air. This patented process of super-oxides and hydroxyl radicals kill all microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses, such as Rhizopus rot and black rot, on contact. Fogging Jet-Ag provides broad-spectrum efficacy against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, yeast, molds and food spoilage micro-organisms. The product acts as a surface sanitizer and produces a dry fog, keeping potatoes dry. Its desiccant action dries wounds and sets skin. Treatment takes about four hours.
Gowan Company www.gowanco.com Zing! Fungicide
Zing! Fungicide is a premix protectant fungicide combining zoxamide and chlorothalonil in an easy-to-use liquid SC formulation. The combination of zoxamide and chlorothalonil works to enhance the performance beyond each individual product. These products have been successfully controlling diseases for several years in the labelled crops with no documented resistance in the field. Zing! Fungicide provides excellent control of key diseases like early blight, late blight, downy mildew, anthracnose and more. Registered for use on potatoes, onions, cucurbits and tomatoes, Zing! is an excellent choice, adding multi-site, multi-mode of action to your resistance management program.
Certis USA
www.certisusa.com lifeGard WG Bio-fungicide
Recently awarded Best New Biological Product by the international Agrow Awards, LifeGard is the first bio-pesticide that works exclusively by inducing resistance to diseases, including fungi and some viruses, including Potato Virus Y in seed potatoes. Its value in potatoes is as a supplement to disease management and fungicide resistance management programs in mixtures or rotations with conventional fungicides and bactericides. When applied as a preventive measure before disease onset, then included in one or more subsequent applications, LifeGard has been shown to maintain high levels of disease control with fewer fungicide sprays. LifeGard can be used on conventional and organically produced potatoes. It is residue exempt, has a four-hour restricted-entry interval (REI) and zero-day pre-harvest interval (PHI).
BASF
www.agriculture.basf.com Serifel Bio-fungicide
Serifel bio-fungicide is a protective biological fungicide that exhibits broad-spectrum disease control and a novel mode of action. When used as part of an integrated disease management program, Serifel bio-fungicide provides conventional growers with a unique solution to address challenges in the food production value chain. It has a favorable toxicological and environmental profile for users, the environment and consumers. 18
Potato Country
February 2018
Dr. Jeff Miller
Know Your Potato Diseases
Disease Identification Quiz Tubers which have been in storage for several months can show symptoms of black dot (caused by Colletotrichum coccodes) and silver scurf (caused by Helminthosporium solani). Can you identify which photos are examples of silver scurf and which photos are of black dot?
B A C
D
F E Dr. Jeff Miller, a plant pathologist, is the president and CEO of Miller Research, Rupert, Idaho. He can be contacted by phone: (208) 531-5124; cell: (208) 431-4420; jeff@millerresearch.com
ANSWERS, PAGE 25 PotatoCountry.com
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Tri-State Releases Two New Potato Varieties By Vidyasagar Sathuvalli, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University
The Northwest Potato Variety Development Program, or Tri-State Program, has released two new potato varieties, Castle Russet and Echo Russet, for the Pacific Northwest potato industry.
Castle Russet is a new variety that is extremely resistant to all strains of Potato Virus Y. Photo courtesy PVMI.org
Castle Russet
Castle Russet is a medium- to latematuring variety with high full-season yield of oblong-long, heavy-russeted tubers with higher dry matter content and cold sweetening resistance than those of standard potato varieties.
Echo Russet has high protein, high specific gravity, light fry color, low acrylamide levels, and few internal and external tubers defects. Photo courtesy PVMI.org
Spudequipment.com Pilers 1999 Milestone 36” belt, 230 V 3ph, Remote 1993 Spudnik 550 36” x 50’ Refurbished 1992 Spudnik 525 30” x 48’ Conveyors 2006 Spudnik 1200 SC 36” x 30’ 230V 3ph w/hyd tip dwn 3- 2002 Spudnik 1205 SC 30” x 30’ 230 V 3ph 1998 Spudnik TC 36/42/65 230 V 3ph 10- 93 Double L 809 SC 30” x 38’, 3ph 93 Double L 808 SC 30” x 25’, 3ph 94 Milestone TC 30/36 x 60’, 3ph – 2 92 Milestone SC 30” x 30’ reconditioned 90 Spudnik 1200 HC 30”x 30’ 230V 3ph 1989 Spudnik 1200 TC 30”/36”x 65’ 230V 3ph Dirt Elim./Sizer 03 Spudnik 995 72” BC Peg Belt, Finger rolls, sizer, 3ph 2002 Milestone MSDES 72” 230 volt 3ph 97 Spudnik 995 60” DE/Sizer 3ph 1996 Milestone MSDES 72” 3ph 94 Spudnik 900 Sizer 72” 230V 3ph Vsp pulley’s 89 Milestone 72” Belt, Finger Rolls, Sizer, Table 1ph Dirt Eliminators 2006 Double L model 907 72” 3ph 99 Milestone 60” Finger rolls, Table, 3ph 98 Milestone 48” Finger rolls, Table, 3ph 89 Spudnik 950 72” BC, fingers, Belt Table, 3ph 94 Double L 806 DE 44” 230 volt 3ph 87 Spudnik 900 48” 220 volt 1ph 87 Better Built 42” 220 volt 1ph 76 Spudnik 900 48” sorter Rock/Clod/Eliminators
2012 Harriston Clod Hopper 4240 x 4-96”drums 2007 Harriston Clod Hopper 240 x 2 -96” drums 2000 Harriston Clod Hopper 200 x 2-80” drums 1995 Harriston Clod Hopper 200 x 2-80” drums 1994 STI 1260 Sand Machine
Even Flows 2016 Milestone 100cwt with pup 2000 Spudnik 1800 600cwt 1993 Spudnik 1800 600cwt Shop built 150 cwt Stingers 1994 Double L 30” x 12’ belt 1993 Spudnik 30” x 8’ belt 1988 Spudnik 2200 30” x 10’ BC fingers x 2 Beds 3- 2017 Spudnik 4400 beds 24’ PTO 2013 Logan LP22’ bed combo EZ Tarp 2011 Logan LP24’ bed PTO 2009 Logan LP 24’ bed PTO 2012 Logan LP 20’ combo 2007 Ag Bulk Bed 20’ Combo pto/elec Red 1998 Spudnik 20’ Combo 1998 Double L 801 20’ dual drive 1996 Spudnik 2100 bed 26’ PTO Trucks 2007 Sterling 13spd MB 425hp, no bed, frame for 22’ bed, has PTO. 1994 Freightliner FLD120 60 series motor, 13spd w/2010 Logan LP22’ bed Electric over hydraulic 1991 Volvo/white L10-280hp cumm. motor, Spicer 7spd, 1999 Double L 801 Bed 20’ combo/ dual drive 1999 IH Auto with Spudnik 24’ bed PTO 2007 Sterling MB 425hp, 10spd, Spudnik 22’’ bed Combo 2006 Mack 8LL Logan LP24’ bed PTO 2003 Mack 8LL Spudnik 4400 bed 24’ PTO Trailers 2011 STC 4 axle 53’ trailer PTO & Electric 2003 Red River 2axle 45’, pto, full swing door, plastic liner, chain oiler, solid belt 2002 Trinity 3 axle 49’ w/31” chain full swing door 2001 Trinity 2 axle 42’, 25” chain, PTO & Elec.
Crossovers/Wind rowers 2011 Spudnik 6160 Six row 2008 Spudnik 6140 Four Row LH 2008 Spudnik 6140 Four Row RH 2007 Double L 851 Four row 2003 Lockwood 5000 Four Row LH 1995 Lockwood 2000 Two Row RH 1993 Lockwood 2000 Two Row LH Harvesters 2014 Lockwood 574 2012 Lockwood 474 CR 2009 Spudnik 5640 2008 Lockwood 474H 2005 Spudnik 6400 2002 Double L 853 2000 Double L 873 1994 Logan 90 series two row Seed Cutters 2013 Better Built 72” 2011 Milesetone 72” 2000 Milestone 60” 1994 Milestone 48” Treaters 2011 Better Built 10’ x 10” 1989 Better Built 10’ x 8” Planters 2014 Lockwood 6 row Pick 36”row Fertilizer 2010 Lockwood 6 row Air Cup 36” 2009 Harriston cup planter 8 row pull loaded 34” 2009 Lockwood 6 row Pick 34” Mechanical 2007 Grusse Bed planter 4 row low acres 2005 Grimme GL 6 row 34” hyd. 2005 Lockwood 6 row Pick 36” 2003 Kverneland 3300 Six row 34” 1994 Logan Four Row cup 36” 1993 Logan Six Row cup 36”
Planter/Tare/Piler 1990 Milestone Utility PIler 16” 1975 Milestone Utility Piler 12” Shop Built 18” x 18’ Water Dammers 2017 Logan Yield Pro 6 row 1993 Ag Engineering Six Row 1991 Ag Engineering Four Row Hyd reset Shredder/Vine Beaters 2014 Newhouse 2520 eight row 2001 Newhouse 4 row tire roller 1992 Ace 4 row steel rollers Warehouse/Packaging Tilt belt Warehouse Even flow 600cwt 8’6” x 26’ x 14’ 30” belt 230 V 3ph Odenburg Halo 1000 40” optical grader 2yr use Odenburg Halo 1500 60” optical grader rebuilt 2016 Odenburg Halo 2000 80” optical grader 2yr use 2011 Tong & Peel Roll Sizer 4 drop large volume, gently used Exeter 10 lane sizer with laser camera sizing 2012 Daumer CB 67 Wicket bagger 2012 Kwik Lok 865 Bag closer 2004 Daumer PA 25D Auto Weighing Machine Stainless 1997 Daumer PA 25 Auto Weighing Machine Even Flow 10’ W x 7’ T x 29’L 750 cwt 18” tilt 18” discharge 2001 Tri Steel Conveyor 18” x 9’ 2013 Tri Steel Elev. Conv 12” x 21’ flights 2000lb Tote filler single and double shop built Miscellaneous 2015 Great Plains 7329 DH Tandem Disk 29’ 2011 Brandt 13 x 70 swing Auger 2009 Wishek 714 NT 30’ Disc 2011 Great Plains 5317 Turbo Chisel John Deere 24’ Folding Drills 6” Landoll 2230 Disk 26’
Bruce: (208)390-5120 | brucen@tristeelmfg.com Evan: (208)757-8481 | evann@tristeelmfg.com
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Potato Country
February 2018
R ITE T RACE Advanced Track & Trace System
Tracks from known locations in the field to precise layers and areas in storage
NEW!
Castle Russet is extremely resistant to all strains of Potato Virus Y (PVY), corky ringspot disease caused by tobacco rattle virus and potato mop top virus. Compared to Russet Burbank, Castle Russet has greater resistance to Fusarium dry rot, common scab, and most internal and external defects, although it is susceptible to hollow heart and possesses moderate to high levels of glycoalkaloids. Castle Russet has moderate dormancy with good fry quality when stored between 40 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Castle Russet’s high late-season yields of U.S. No. 1 tubers, tippy appearance and good culinary qualities make it a suitable candidate for fresh market production.
Echo Russet
n Modular design to suit any size operation. n Straightforward components are easy to install. n Integrates with Greentronics yield monitor.
Fully-automated traceability solution. Generates detailed Field and Bin Maps. Click on loads to pop up details and reports. n Provides clear links between field and storage g track quality characteristics and provide transparency to buyers and processors. n Provides data for efficiency analyses and a variety of management reports. n
from FIELD
FI E
Echo Russet, named after the city Echo in Umatilla County, is a mediumto late-maturing variety with long, large russeted tubers. Total yields are similar to those of Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet; however, Echo Russet LD produced significantly greater yields than Russet Norkotah. Echo Russet produced significantly greater U.S. No. 1 yields when compared with the standard varieties. Echo Russet has high protein, high specific gravity, light fry color, low acrylamide levels, and few internal and external tubers defects. Echo Russet also needs lower fertilizer inputs compared to the standard varieties. The variety is resistant to Fusarium dry rot, Pectobacterium (syn. Erwinia) soft rot and common scab. Echo Russet exhibits moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt, early blight, PVY, potato leafroll virus, potato mop top virus and corky ringspot.
EASILY TRACE loads from field to storage
fr o m
to TRUCK
to DETAILED MAPS
to STORAGE
The preponderance of resistances to major diseases gives Castle Russet and Echo Russet great potential for organic production and sustainable farming systems.
519-669-4698•greentronics.com
In the News
South Korea Reopens Market for PNW Table-Stock Potatoes
The South Korean government has reopened its market for table-stock potatoes from Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The market had been closed since July 2012 due to technical concerns. Since that time, the U.S. potato industry worked with USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the South Korean government to address the issues raised by Korea. Exports from the Pacific Northwest will need to follow the new guidelines established by the two governments. The market for U.S. table-stock potatoes is controlled by an annually expanding quota. The 2018 level is 3,583 metric tons. The South Korean chipping potato market remains open for Pacific Northwest potatoes. Adjustments to the existing chipping potato protocol to Korea occurred in conjunction with publication of the new table-stock agreement. U.S. exports of chipping potatoes to Korea have reached over $8 million annually in recent years. Efforts are underway to have additional states approved for export to Korea.
Calendar Feb. 21-22 Understanding Soils and Plant Nutrition
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Western Laboratories Parma, Idaho western@westernlaboratories.com
••
July 22-26 Potato Association of America Annual Meeting Boise Centre Boise, ID www.uidaho.edu/PAA2018
•
Editor’s note: To have your event listed, please email Denise Keller, at editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com. Please send your information 90 days in advance. 22
Potato Country
February 2018
Feb. 26 – March 1 Potato D.C. Fly-in
Capital Hilton Washington, DC hillaryh@nationalpotatocouncil.org
•
Mar. 12-15 Potatoes USA Annual Meeting Hilton City Center Denver, Colo. chelsea@potatoesusa.com
WSPC Produces Ag Safety Video
Photo courtesy Taco Bell Corp.
Taco Bell Adds Nacho Fries to Menu
Taco Bell has added Nacho Fries to its menu nationwide after successful testmarket runs in California and West Virginia. Mexican seasoning spices up the spuds, which are served with a side of warm nacho cheese. The menu item will be available for $1 for a limited time.
Siddoway Selects Sales Associate
Paul Ellsworth has joined Siddoway Inc. and Disinfecting Services in Rexburg, Idaho, as a sales and service associate. Ellsworth will be involved in the sales and marketing of the services provided by Siddoway Inc. and its sister company, Disinfecting Services. Siddoway Inc. has been selling seed potatoes and providing commercial seed cutting for 31 years. Disinfecting Services has been providing storage disinfecting services and applying disinfectants on stored potatoes for 23 years.
The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) is in the final stages of production on an agriculture safety video specific to the potato industry. The video will be provided to Washington state potato growers to be used for worker safety training. The video, which focuses on safety protocols for harvest and seed-cutting operations, reviews safety procedures for working near equipment and vehicles; reminds workers to be fully alert, take breaks and know their physical limits; and covers appropriate clothing for working conditions. Matthew Blua, WSPC director of industry outreach, is spearheading the project in order to help employers provide worker safety training. Although the potato industry is relatively safe, he says, working in close proximity to machinery presents the possibility of accidents and injuries. “There could be many, many thousands of employees that had an opportunity to work in those circumstances and they’re just fine, but that one out of many thousands is the accident that we want to keep from happening,” Blua says.
Drexel Chemical Company Announces New Hire, Retiree
Drexel Chemical Company has hired Josh Elmore as western regional sales representative. Drexel, located in Memphis, Tennessee, manufactures insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, growth regulators, nutrients, adjuvants and surfactants. Elmore will be responsible for sales in Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. He earned his agronomy degree from New Mexico State University in 2017 and will be based in the Fresno, California, area. Meanwhile, the company is wishing Jim Corder well in his retirement from the company. He’s ending a more than 50-year career in the crop protection industry, including eight years handling Drexel’s western U.S. business.
Virus Tested Varieties • Gen III UMATILLA RUSSET VISTORS • Gen III RUSSET BURBANK WELCOME Reed: (406) 249-1767 ~ Thane: (406) 370-3044 Only 5.5 hours away from the Tri-cities PotatoCountry.com
23
New Products
A Weather App for Farmers by Farmers
A new smartphone application that promises to make growers’ lives easier is now available. Available on the App Store and Google Play, SetPoint Agriculture is a customizable weather application designed specifically for the agriculture industry. Users select locations, and then set custom weather alerts for each location. When the weather triggers an alert, users are notified by push notifications sent directly to their phones. Users can subscribe to five or 10 locations and set alarms based upon selected parameters including dew point, humidity, rain accumulation and wind speed. Visit www.setpointweather.com.
FARM MANAGER WANTED Black Gold Farms has a Farm Manager position available at its Rhodesdale, MD location. This position is being added to accommodate the upcoming relocation of the current manager. Responsibilities include: Coordinating & leading employees; compiling records on the crops; procuring quality land; creating schedules for planting, crop input applications, irrigation, equipment readiness & harvesting; directing harvest operations, conducting off-season activities, and managing the farms budget. Production agriculture & management experience is required. A bachelor’s degree in ag or related field is desired, as well as experience in equipment management, irrigation, basic agronomy, budgeting, record keeping & Microsoft software programs. Potato experience is not necessary. Black Gold has an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) program with company match, paid time off & incentive. Relocation assistance may be provided if necessary. Apply online at www.blackgoldfarms.com/employment.php or email resume to: employment@blackgoldfarms.com
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Potato Country
February 2018
Key Technology Debuts Digital Sorter
Key Technology has introduced the VERYXB210, a high-capacity digital sorter. The machine can be used for wet and frozen potato strips, specialty potato products and potato chips. With an inspection area over 80 inches wide, the belt-fed sorter maximizes throughput on high-capacity lines. The sorter offers a production capacity in excess of 50,000 pounds of product per hour, depending on the application. It features advanced detection technology and an innovative system architecture that improve sorting accuracy. Recognizing objects’ color, size, shape and/ or structural properties, VERYX sorters remove foreign material and product defects to improve product quality while virtually eliminating false rejects to increase yields, according to the company. Visit www.key.net/products/veryx.
Brookside Agra Adds Humates to Product Line
Brookside Agra is now offering dry and liquid humates. Humates are a naturally occurring material rich in humic and fulvic acids, amino acids and sugars. Humates are said to store nutrients in the soil and then allow for better nutrient uptake by the plants. This helps boost soil microbial populations, increase water retention and reduce erosion. Brookside Agra’s humates, which contain 12 percent concentration of beneficial humic and fulvic acids, are all-natural and OMRI certified for organic use. The product can hold 10 times its weight in water when mixed in the soil profile. As a result, crops require less irrigation, can better utilize natural moisture from rainfall and experience less stress during drought conditions, according to the company. Contact Tony Arro at tony.arro@brookside-agra.com.
Federal Crop Insurance Helps Diverse and Specialty Farms Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Insures All Farm Revenue Under Single Policy
F
armers with highly diverse farms, who grow specialty commodities and sell to direct or specialty markets now have access to a crop insurance policy to meet their needs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policy, which is a revenue-based policy that provides coverage for all commodities on the farm grouped together. “The Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy is unique in that it encourages and supports farm diversification,” said RMA acting administrator Heather Manzano. “As part of this policy, individual commodity losses are not considered; it is the overall farm revenue that determines losses.” WFRP is available for farms with specialty or organic commodities (crops and livestock), or those marketing to local, regional, farm-identify preserved, specialty or direct markets. The policy requires two or more commodities to meet the
diversification requirements. RMA has an estimated liability of almost $185 million for potatoes covered under the WFRP policy in 2017. “In 2017, there were nearly $2.6 billion in Whole-Farm Revenue Protection liabilities nationwide. That means producers are becoming more familiar with the policy and are using it,” Manzano said. The WFRP policy, available in all 50 states, covers organically-grown insurable crops, as well as revenue from all commodities produced on the farm, including animals, animal products and commodities purchased for resale. Producers can purchase coverage from 50 to 85 percent, and the policy can be tailored to fit different operations up to $8.5 million in liability. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. The Risk Management Agency consistently looks
for ways to make crop insurance more effective and accessible for producers. The availability of WFRP is a reflection of this effort. “Here at the Risk Management Agency, everything we do is for producers and to ensure the sustainment and growth of the agriculture industry,” Manzano said. “As the industry expands and diversifies, we need to be creating crop insurance products alongside them.” For more information about WholeFarm Revenue Protection, visit www.rma. usda.gov/policies/wfrp.html. For more information about the Risk Management Agency, visit www.rma.usda.gov. Producers interested in learning more about WholeFarm Revenue Protection should visit their crop insurance agent. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Growers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.
Know Your Disease Answers (from page 19)
It is often difficult to distinguish between black dot and silver scurf on tubers. One way to be sure is to incubate tubers at high relative humidity (>95 percent) in the dark at relatively warm temperatures (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 14 days. These conditions induce the formation of fungal structures on the tuber surface, which are more easily identified with the aid of a hand lens or other source of magnification. Photo A: Black dot on a purple variety. The tan-colored area is the infected area. Sclerotia can be seen with magnification. Photo B: Black dot on a russet variety. The small, visible black dots are the sclerotia of the Colletotrichum coccodes fungus. Photo C: Silver scurf on a russet variety. Under magnification, the black areas appear fuzzy with small spores (conidia) attached to fungal growth. They often look like little Christmas trees. The production of spores requires incubation at high humidity. Photo D: Silver scurf on a red variety. These potatoes have not been incubated under high humidity, and the spores are not visible. The lesions can look very similar to the black dot lesions in Photo A. On light-skinned varieties such as these, the surface often has a slightly silver appearance, hence the disease’s common name. Photo E: Both silver scurf and black dot on a russet variety. The silver scurf lesions are the darker black lesions primarily on the left side of the tuber, and the black dot lesion is the larger brownish-gray lesion on the right side of the photo. This tuber has been incubated under high humidity, causing the silver scurf fungus to produce spores. This gives the lesions a darker appearance. The small black sclerotia are visible with magnification in the black dot lesion. Photo F: Black dot on a white variety. The lesions are a dark-brown color, and small, black sclerotia can be seen in the lesion. www.millerresearch.com PotatoCountry.com
25
An Integrated Approach and: STORAGE MANAGEMENT . . .
By Bob Hesse, Director of Research and Development, Suberizer Current potato storage designed, engineered, and constructed based on An Integrated Approach, provides Storage Management airflow confidence. This revolution in airflow assurance is due to: 1. Evolvement in storage engineering to precisely associate airflow and pressure losses; coupled with, 2. The AirEverywhere Under-floor concrete air distribution system; and therefore provide, 3. The ability to accurately and analytically measure the airflow from the Mixing Chamber in the fanhouse to product in the Storage Bay.
TYPICAL STORAGE PROPOSALS
Historically, typical storage proposals, which are not based on An Integrated Approach, present system equipment specifications by specifying supply airflow at a “stated” static pressure. Once the storage system is turned-on the system delivers airflow from the Mixing Chamber to the Storage Bay based on the system capability and the resistance to air flow, whether the storage has been designed, engineered, and constructed based on An Integrated Approach, or not. This is one of the most completely overlooked airflow issues: Typical proposal specifications do not consider actual airflow restrictions and actual storage airflow operational details. Do you want to know, with assurance, the airflow delivered to product in the storage bay, or cover it up? Actual airflow measurement often shows that airflow is significantly less than expected! A complete, thorough airflow measurement presents actual airflow from the Mixing Chamber delivered to the Storage Bay. As mentioned above, airflow and pressure losses in a storage which includes concrete under-floor air distribution, can precisely measure actual airflow delivered to product in the Storage Bay.
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Potato Country
February 2018
THE STORAGE MANAGER’S TASK
Four issues are fundamental: 1. A complete appreciation of the product in storage (condition of the product to manage); 2. The weather, especially associated with the crop being brought into storage; and, 3. Careful attention to weather, supply air temperature, and supply air humidification during suberization, the first few weeks in storage. 4. Absolutely know the airflow the storage can deliver, from an accurate airflow measurement, and place a NOTICE in each control panel that summarizes the system airflow performance. When a storage manager has airflow assurance from an accurate, complete storage airflow assessment, appropriate Storage Management can be optimized. The storage manager knows what he has to work with, especially when problems at harvest challenge storage management. A complete appreciation of these four factors, allow storage management to properly adjust airflow, and consequently minimize operating costs, and also maximize product out of storage.
STORAGE AIRFLOW MEASUREMENT
Accurate airflow measurement can only be accomplished with the storage bay empty. Clean product placed in storage will have minimal resistance
to airflow through the pile. That simply means storage management is dealing with the highest available airflow in a storage. Therefore, a thorough, accurate, and complete airflow assessment of your empty storage, before harvest, determines the maximum airflow you will have available. Any product placed in storage at harvest that includes dirt, mud, vines, or product infected spuds that break-down will generate resistance to airflow through the pile, and therefore less airflow than measured with the Storage Bay empty.
EVERY YEAR IS DIFFERENT
Furthermore, storage requirements for product from every field often vary; and product in every storage bay can be significantly different. When a storage manager has airflow assurance from an accurate, complete storage airflow measurement, the storage manager knows what he has to work with, especially when problems at harvest challenge storage management.
IT’S ALL ABOUT AIRFLOW
If product placed in storage is clean, disease-free, and harvested under ideal conditions, respiration is low, the product supply airflow requirement is remarkably low.
THE FIRST FEW WEEKS IN STORAGE
The first few weeks product is in storage are crucial: Regardless whether product is considered to be in storage for a “short term” or “long term”, Supply Air Relative Humidity during the first few weeks product is in storage has everything to do with minimizing weight loss and maintaining product quality. With reference to the chart below. the red portion, associated with Respiration Rate, the first month or so, shows the effect Supply Air Relative Humidity has on Respiration Rate. As mentioned-above, this is crucial, since the first weeks product is in storage the stage is set for the weight loss: • Initial Respiration Rate is significantly affected by Supply Air Relative Humidity, • Initial Respiration Rate sets the stage for Suberization, • Suberization sets the stage for minimal weight loss and quality losses, • Suberization sets the stage for maximizing profit out of storage.
During the 50 years of “Potato Storage Evolution”, in order to address losses during storage, proposed supply air for newly constructed potato storage increased from roughly 8 or 10 CFM per ton to 12, 15, 18, or 20, and today, 25 CFM per ton, and even 30 CFM per ton is regularly proposed.
THE IRONY
Without An Integrated Approach, increased supply airflow is always accompanied with higher airflow losses. Higher airflow velocity is associated with pressurelosses and restrictions to airflow. Again, typical proposal specifications never consider actual airflow restrictions. Consequently, the “proposed” higher supply airflows, are corrupted between the Mixing Chamber in the fanhouse, and the Storage Bay product. An Integrated Approach addresses airflow design, engineering, and construction!
BENEFITS OF AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Engineering design, and construction details based on An Integrated Approach for potato storage simply minimizes restrictions to airflow and, consequently assure the proposed airflow is delivered to the storage bay, and uniformly distributed to the product in the storage bay by a properly-designed AirEverywhere Floor.
THIS CHART IS THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED ON THE WEB
IT’S ALL ABOUT STORAGE MANAGEMENT ! The first few weeks are ALL ABOUT SUBERIZATION! This is one of the Least-appreciated aspects of DETAIL Storage Management. AN INTEGRATED APPROACH IS ALL ABOUT AIRFLOW ! PotatoCountry.com
27
Market Report
Maintaining a Balanced Potato
G
rower returns on russet table potatoes are exceeding production costs for the first time since the 2013 crop. Returns on red and yellow table potatoes also are respectable, though they are down from year-earlier levels. Processors are scrambling to find enough raw product to keep their customers supplied until the 2018 harvest gets underway. Chip potatoes are the only industry sector where demand for open potatoes appears to be limited. Even there, growers are likely to find a home for the extra potatoes. The challenge for the industry will be to maintain a reasonable balance between potato supplies and demand through the remainder of the 2017 crop year and throughout the 2018 crop year. Does the industry have enough potatoes to maintain the current usage pace for the remainder of the 2017-crop storage season? Will processors overreact to this year’s production shortfall by contracting for too many potatoes from the 2018 crop? Will new processing lines be able to run at capacity, or will the ramp-up take longer than anticipated? How many potatoes will table potato growers plant? How far will yields exceed or fall short of the long-term trend? The answers to those questions will go a long way toward determining market behavior during the next 18 months.
Supply Uncertainties
USDA reports that growers had 264.2 million cwt of fall potatoes in storage
on Dec. 1. That is 8.8 million cwt less than they held at the same time in 2016, a 3.2 percent decline. Evidence suggests that the stocks numbers may be inflated, particularly in the upper Midwest. Usage has fallen short of last year’s pace, but questions remain as to how much the industry needs to cut back during the next six months, which industry sectors need to make the cuts and how much buyers intend to rely on a quick start to the 2018 harvest to mitigate the impact of the 2017-crop shortfall. Current market prices for table potatoes indicate either that the demand structure for potatoes has changed over the past four years, or that USDA’s stocks data are overstated. Reported Dec. 1 stocks are 0.6 percent lower than they were for the 2014 crop. However, reported fresh potato shipments for the 2017 crop fell 0.9 percent short of the 2014 pace. Processing use was down 6 percent, while chipstock movement declined 9 percent. Shifts in the regional distribution of stocks might be affecting prices. Stocks in the Pacific Northwest are 2.6 percent below 2014 levels while stocks in the upper Midwest are up 2.9 percent. However, that is not sufficient to support this year’s price premiums relative to the 2014 crop. Average russet shipping point prices are running between 19 percent and 36 percent higher than they were for the 2014 crop. Red potato prices are up 31 percent. Yellow potato prices are only up 7 percent,
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Potato Country
February 2018
but that increase comes despite a 36 percent increase in movement. If USDA has overstated this year’s potato stocks, the market for open potatoes could be explosive during the next six months. On the other hand, if the stocks data are accurate, an early spring, together with heavy planting of early potatoes, could encourage growers to move storage potatoes more quickly than normal, which could drag prices down.
Acreage Increase
Potato acreage almost certainly will increase in 2018. Processors will be gearing up production on new processing lines throughout the Northwest. They are contracting for extra potatoes to fill that capacity. Observers believe that those lines will require close to 6,000 acres more potatoes in the Columbia Basin and up to 15,000 acres in Idaho. In addition, we expect processors to contract for more early potatoes to mitigate the supply shortfall from the 2017 crop. A combination of factors prompted dehydrators to cut back on field-run contracts in 2017. Those decisions resulted in a raw-product supply shortfall for dehydrators. If history is any indication, dehydrators may contract for more field-run potatoes than they need in 2018, as they overreact to the current supply shortfall. Added to that, table potato production is profitable this year, and potatoes are offering much better returns than competing field crops. The combination of those factors will make it difficult to keep potato supplies in a profitable balance with demand for the 2018 crop. Yields are the wild card for potato pricing. Yields have been in a relentless uptrend since World War II. Nevertheless, deviations around the trend are significant enough to create shortages and surpluses. Over the past 20 years, yields have ranged between 15 cwt per acre below the trend and 15 cwt above the trend. That is roughly +/- 15 million cwt, about 3.5 percent of production. Shifts of that
Market in 2018 magnitude have proven to be sufficient to result in wide swings in prices for open potatoes.
Risk of Overproduction
In addition to yield risk, potato markets face the potential for challenges in the demand category. As noted earlier, processors could overreact to this year’s supply shortfall by contracting for too many potatoes. They have several options when that happens. They can use the extra potatoes to reduce raw product needs from the next crop, they can divert the extra potatoes to the table potato market, or they can move the surplus to cattle feed or other alternative markets. Like any rational player, the processors pick the option that offers the best return or minimizes losses. When potatoes are diverted to the fresh market, they depress open market prices. That usually creates a bigger problem for table potato growers than for processors or their growers, as table potato growers tend to have more exposure to the open market. New processing lines add to the uncertainty for 2018 pricing. Fryers are contracting for raw product to fully utilize those lines. If it takes longer than anticipated to ramp up that production, some of those potatoes could work their way into the fresh market or need to be disposed of in other ways. In either case, they have the potential to weigh on prices for open market potatoes. The uncertainties surrounding 2018crop supplies and demand make it imperative that table potato growers exercise caution with their planting plans. Current prices are a signal that the market needs more table potatoes during the coming year. However, changes in contract volumes could free up enough potatoes to meet most, if not all, of those needs. Even if contract volumes do not exceed usage requirements, processors are unlikely to buy as many open potatoes as they purchased from the 2017 crop. The potential for returns on table potatoes to fall below production costs for the 2018 crop is substantial.
By Bruce Huffaker, Publisher North American Potato Market News
HUFFAKER'S HIGHLIGHTS • Supply uncertainties will keep potato markets on edge for the next six months. • Potato acreage will be up in 2018. o Processors are increasing contract volumes. o Strong fresh market prices, relative to prices for competing crops, will encourage an increase in table potato acreage. • The risk for overproduction is high. o Processors are unlikely to buy as many open potatoes from the 2018 crop as they purchased from the 2017 crop. o Processors’ contract volumes might exceed needs. o Production intended for the table potato market is likely to be up. • Yield swings have a major impact on potato prices. Editor’s note: To contact Mr. Huffaker, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: 2690 N. Rough Stone Way, Meridian, ID 83646; (208) 525-8397; or e-mail napmn@napmn.com.
PotatoCountry.com
29
Potato Growers of Washington
Will Prices Increase to Accommodate Acreage Expansion? By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington
L
amb Weston’s most recent announcement of a plant expansion in Hermiston, Oregon, caught most of us in the industry off guard. We have been hearing how strong sales and pricing of frozen potato products have been over the past few years. But with the Boardman, Oregon, expansion coming online in 2014 and the ribbon cutting of the new Richland, Washington, expansion just a few months ago, I expected we would not see another Lamb Weston line go in until a few others were fully operational. This includes Simplot’s new plant in the Columbia Basin, McCain’s expansion in Burley, Idaho, and Cavendish Farms’ new plant in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Many people in the industry have been wondering where the potatoes will come from to supply the previously announced plants, and now we have another announcement. If you go back and read my column in the September/October 2017 issue of Potato Country, I stated in the final paragraph that “there is plenty of land available in the Columbia Basin for not only the currently planned expansions, but additional projects, as well.” The point I made then, and I still feel is 100 percent accurate, is that the land will only become available if the industry is willing to restore the contract
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price to levels of profitability that keep potatoes as the king of crops in the Basin. When the new Richland production line and the other announced lines in the Basin are operational, they will require approximately 750,000 tons of potatoes that will be contracted on more than 20,000 additional acres of cropland. Some of this production will come from land recently purchased by current growers; however, a large percentage of this new volume will need to come from leased land and from growers who are not currently growing contract potatoes. To get this leased land and these new contract growers, the contract price will need to have margins that are significantly higher than current margins and close to levels that worked very well for growers and processors for many years. Those profit levels remained stable for more than a decade in which the industry weathered the storm of massive fluctuations in currency, the Atkins and other low-carbohydrate diets calling out fries as being “unhealthy” and industry overcapacity. With that in mind, those same profit levels should be more than acceptable in the current market dynamics of demand growth both in export and domestic markets, record price increases, more stability in world currencies and slightly more favorable press and sentiment toward frozen potato products and health. This is a very exciting time to be in the potato industry. While the Columbia Basin has always been the epicenter of the frozen potato processing industry, we are now seeing the most rapid growth in terms of new processing capacity that has occurred in the past 50 years. This is the grower community’s opportunity to help decide its destiny for the next several decades. The demand for additional contracted potatoes and new growers shifts more of the pricing dynamics in the grower’s favor. We need your support to maximize this opportunity to restore profitability to potato contracts.
Know Your Insects Answers (from page 14)
Photo A: Friend – This is a common species of ground beetle, most of which are generalist predators. Photo B: Friend – This is a parasitic wasp, this one having developed inside (and killed) a caterpillar in a potato field.
David
Dan Tim
Tim Dan
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Potato Country
February 2018
Pat
Photo C: Foe – This is a false chinch bug, which feeds on plant foliage by sucking sap. This bug is not a typical pest of potato, but sometimes migrates into potato fields in large numbers when neighboring crops are harvested. Photo D: Friend – This is a larva of a midge in the family of flies called Cecidomyiidae. Many of these pink or red maggots are predators of aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.
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