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.
ADVERTISING SALES
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Email address changes/corrections to: brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444. 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 Copyright 2024. 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.
The Idaho Potato Commission cautions people not to be duped by knock-off potatoes.
In its latest TV commercial, the Idaho Potato Commission humorously highlights the growing problem of knock-off potatoes by showcasing imposters peddling imposter spuds – urging viewers to look for the “Grown In Idaho® ” seal. The ad is running nationally on popular networks including TBS, TNT, Food Network, Discovery, HGTV, ID, Animal Planet, and TLC. Additionally, it can be seen on streaming platforms like Discovery+, Hulu Live, and Sling.
View the spot anytime at IdahoPotato.com
2025 Buyers’ Guide
There are a lot of moving parts involved in growing and marketing a potato crop - from needing the right products to protect your crop from pests and pathogens to having the right equipment to efficiently navigate the season. For most growers, packers and shippers, this translates into a constant to-do list, shopping list and wish list.
Whether your list has you searching for a new harvester or just some innovative irrigation equipment, you’ll find an extensive list of suppliers in Potato Country’s 2025 Buyers’ Guide. Think of the following pages as your rolodex of resources available to help you enjoy a successful season, from seed to storage.
FERTILIZERS & GROwTh PROMOTERS
Diamond K
1720 S Red Hills Dr Richfield, UT 84701 (435) 896-8870 www.diamondkgypsum.com
Tom Tankersley Sales Manager tom@diamondkgypsum.com
Aqua-Drive is a non-ionic surfactant designed to improve soil wetting and penetration of treated irrigation water. It reduces the surface tension of water to as much as 60%, allowing water to flow into the soil profile.
JH Biotech, Inc.
4951 Olivas Park Dr. Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 650-8933
130 S 100 W Burley, ID 83318 (208) 678-2610 www.redoxgrows.com
Redox Bio-Nutrients focuses on sustainable plant nutrition. Each Redox Bio-Nutrients product has been scientifically developed to address specific plant needs in four key areas: Abiotic Stress Defense, Soil Health, Root Development and Nutrient Efficiency.
CROP INPUTS
Regen Ag Nation
25094 Homedale Rd Wilder, ID 83676 (208) 861-1233
regenagnation.com Agriculture is changing....Learn or be left behind!
Bayer 800 North Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63167 (866) 99-BAYER
www.CropScience.Bayer.us Velum Rise
Corteva Agriscience
Indianapolis, IN www.corteva.us Vydate C-LV insecticide/ nematicide, Salibro nematicide
JH Biotech, Inc.
4951 Olivas Park Dr. Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 650-8933
info@jhbiotech.com Innovation for a greener earth
Vive Crop Protection (208)248-4387
www.vivecrop.com ndrake@vivecrop.com Averland FC nematicide
BAGGING & PACKAGING
Ellips USA
P.O. Box 601
Wenatchee, WA 98807 (206) 915-4926
john.albert@ellips.com www.ellips.com
Internal defects have nowhere to hide with world-leading Ellips TrueSort™ technology. It precisely analyses the internal quality of each potato and detects a multitude of defects at incredible speed such as internal browning, flecking, glazing, freeze damage, dry matter, hollow hearts and more.
Fox Packaging
Aaron Fox
2200 Fox Drive
McAllen, TX 78504 (956) 682-6176
Fax: (956) 682-5768
info@foxbag.com www.foxbag.com
Sustainable packaging that enhances your product visibility on retail shelves.
Fox Solutions
Aaron Fox
2200 Fox Drive
McAllen, TX 78504 (956) 682-6176
Fax: (956) 682-5768
info@foxbag.com www.foxbag.com
Automation for complete fresh produce packing equipment lines, offering streamlined operation solutions and quality.
E q UIPMENT
Greentronics LTD.
75 Arthur Street North Elmira, ON N3B 2A1 (519) 669-4698
www.greentronics.com RiteWeight In-line Conveyor System
Haines Equipment, Inc.
P.O. Box I, 20 Carrington Street Avoca, NY 14809 (607) 566-2234
We design and install a variety of vegetable handling and potato processing equipment. From single machines to full vegetable handling & grading systems. Dealers for Tong Engineering and Nicholson Machinery
Distributor for Allround, Upmann, Meconaf, Taneco, IPLA and INTEC
SyMACH Palletizers
315 27th Ave NE
Minneapolis MN 55418 (612) 760-8864
tim.bos@bwpackaging.com www.symach.nl/en/ Specialists in potato palletizing, pallet wrapping, and conveying systems
ThorPack
W6788 5th Avenue Road
Bryant, WI 54418 (715) 627-7333
www.thorpack.com
Adjustable automatic master potato baler
Van Doren East Wenatchee 10 NE Cascade Ave East Wenatchee, WA 98802 (509) 886-1837
www.vandorensales.com Custom Produce Handling Solutions
Yakima, WA 1211 Alder St #100
Union Gap, WA 98903 (509) 469-9006
Grand Rapids, MI 5311 Plainfield Ave. NE Ste. A Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (616) 316-3980
Van Doren North Inc. 120 Carion Rd Kelowna, BC V4V 2K5, Canada (778) 480-6880
Just High Quality Potatoes.
Make early-season applications of AZTERKNOT® FUNGICIDE for the ultimate increase in potato quality and yield! AZterknot helps your plants to grow healthier, stronger, and better withstand diseases and environmental stressors... All in a hassle-free application! No Stress. No Headaches.
Bring on less stress next planting season... Come
2025 Buyers’ Guide
E q UIPMENT
BAGGING & PACKAGING (CONT.)
Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions Inc.
North America Sales & Service Center
Visitors: 5804 Road 90 Suite D Pasco, WA 99301
Mail: 5426 North Road 68 Suite D122
Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 531-7350 info@verbruggenusa.com www.verbruggen-palletizing.com
Verbruggen is a worldwide supplier of palletizing, wrapping and product handling solutions for bags, crates and cartons.
yakima Label
1601 W. Pine Street Yakima, WA 98903 (509) 955-8400
josh@yakimalabel.com
www.yakimalabel.com Custom packaging labels
COVERS
E-Z Tarp
6 South 1000 West Blackfoot, ID 83221 (208) 684-3734
www.ez-tarp.com
The automatic truck tarper
hARVESTERS hARVESTING
Volm Companies
Antigo, WI 1804 Edison St Antigo, WI 54409 (800) 253-4737 info@volmcompanies.com volmcompanies.com
Idaho Falls, ID 3721 W 65th S Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-0600
Pasco, WA 5702 Industrial Way Ste 101 Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3437
Fresno, CA
3440 S East Ave Ste 104 (800) 253-4737
Monte Vista, CO 1100 S County Rd 3 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 (719) 852-5315
Brantford, CAN 173 Garden Ave
Brantford, Ontario N3S 0A7 (905) 648-7300
Greentronics LTD.
75 Arthur Street North Elmira, ON N3B 2A1 (519) 669-4698
www.greentronics.com
RiteTrace automated track and trace system. Records and tracks loads from known field locations to known storage locations. Included HarvestView software generates Field and Bin maps with reports by load, field, and date. Integrates with Greentronic’s RiteYield yield monitor, specially developed for root crop and vegetable harvesters. Both systems are available to run on displays from John Deere and Trimble, allowing users to view a yield map and other details in real time. Free demo program.
Lockwood Manufacturing
(800) 247-7335
www.lockwoodmfg.com
Planting, Handling, and Harvesting Equipment
Mayo Mfg. (800) 223-5873
sales@mayomfg.com
mayomfg.com
Potato piling, conveyor lines, grading, wash and shipping systems
Milestone 395 West Hwy 39 Blackfoot, ID 83221 (800) 574-1852
www.Milestone-Equipment.com
Lockwood Manufacturing (800) 247-7335
www.lockwoodmfg.com Planting, Handling, and Harvesting Equipment
Monosem Inc. 1001 Blake St. Edwardsville, KS 66111 (913) 438-1700
Potato piling, conveyor lines, grading, wash and shipping systems
Milestone 395 West Hwy 39 Blackfoot, ID 83221 (800) 574-1852
www.Milestone-Equipment.com
Spud Equipment
Bruce: (208) 390-5920
Evan: (208) 757-8481
Max: (701)740-7574
www.SpudEquip.com
Trinity Trailer MFG., Inc. 7533 S. Federal Way Boise, ID 83716 (800) 235-6577
www.trinitytrailer.com
Manufacturing the EagleBridge™ and EagleBed™ for 50 years.
Western Trailers
251 W Gowen Rd. Boise, ID 83716 (888) 344-2539 www.westerntrailer.com
Our isolated northern location along with our group of 10 experienced growers have been producing exceptional seed potatoes with increased energy and the lowest possible disease levels for over 60 years.
Our longevity and historical performance have made us a valued resource and seed potato supplier to growers across North America and the world.
With over 100 varieties including main crop and specialty selections, we invite you to give us a call to discuss how we can help you make this growing season the best one yet.
Contact us to discuss how we can help make this year’s crop the best it can be.
Eltopia, WA 99330 (509) 297-9292 www.bookerauction.com
CONSULTING LABS
Potato Inspections
Ag World Support Systems PO Box 1696 Moses Lake, WA 98837 (509) 765-0698 www.AgInspections.com
The Leader In Ag Inspection Services
Stukenholtz Laboratory Inc. P.O. Box 353, 2924 Addison Ave. E Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 734-3050; (800) 759-3050 www.stukenholtz.com
MISC .
FINANCE
Pinion Global 6125 Sky Pond Drive Suite 200 Loveland, CO 80538
Judah Cofer
970.685.3425
Judah.cofer@pinionglobal.com www.pinionglobal.com
Pinion is a global leader in food and agriculture consulting and ‘Top 100’ U.S. accounting firm. With roots dating back to 1932, the firm is embedded in helping the food-supply chain from policy to plate. Pinion provides specialized agribusiness advisory in tax and accounting, USDA farm programs, farm financial management, succession planning, land and water management, sustainability, and more
Trinity Capital
7533 S. Federal Way Boise, ID 83716 (833) 659-2203
Gumz Farms is a 4th Generation farm that is proud to offer Wisconsin grown yellow and red onions and red and yellow potatoes. We are your Midwest connection and pack produce year round.
Potandon Produce LLC 1210 Pier View Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 524-1900 www.potandon.com
Exclusive marketer of Green Giant fresh potatoes and onions.
Vee’s Produce (320) 393-7066
www.veesproduce.com
Potato Sales
John Alstrup john@veesproduce.com
Servicing the US and Canada with year-round supply of potatoes. Also, featuring Brown Bag Potatoes, our Earth-friendly, 1-% compostable/ recyclable 5# potato package.
Left to right: Sid, John, Jonathan, Carl, Nick and Cliff.
2025 Buyers’ Guide
STORAGE
BINS
Inter Agra
+48 501 671 888
www.interagra.com
sales@interagra.com
The world leader in agriboxes production. Global door-to-door delivery.
ChEMICALS FOR STORAGE
1,4GROUP, Inc.
2307 E. Commercial Street Meridian, ID 83642 (800) 881-0823
info@14group.com www.14group.com
1,4GROUP, Inc. is a leading supplier of innovative dormancy and sprout inhibiting products for the potato storage industry worldwide. In collaborative efforts with leading university researchers and private industry, we are dedicated to continued development of new and improved post-harvest chemical applications. From the harvest of your crop to your customer's dock, you'll find a complete family of complimentary treatments that protect the quality and condition of your potatoes. Visit our website for more information.
Agri-Stor Companies
(208) 733-7000
www.agri-stor.com
Crop Protection Products and Services
Sanitizer and Disinfectants, Storage Treatments
GroupAg (208) 356-7800
info@groupag.com
www.groupag.com
GroupAg is a full service post-harvest company, including potato storage ventilation and post-harvest chemical applications. GroupAg can help create and maintain ideal conditions while maximizing the value of the crop through storage and shipping processes. GroupAg represents and distributes the following: 1,4 Group, Decco, BioSafe Systems, BTU Ventilation, Forte Humidifiers, Johnson Thermal Systems, A-TEC Indirex, and Chief Agri.
Industrial Ventilation, Inc.
723 E. Karcher Road Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 463-6305
www.ivi-air.com
Restrain
Emily Merk
Sales Manager North America (509) 318-0148
www.restrain.io
Restrain Accumulator seed treatment
CONSTRUCTION / STORAGE BUILDINGS
Titan Steel (208) 793-0892
www.titansteelidaho.com
Authorized builders for Varco-Pruden and Meridian
REFRIGERATION / MONITORING / CONTROL PANELS
Agri-Stor Companies (208) 733-7000
www.agri-stor.com
Agri-Star Storage Control Panel with App Gellert Ventilation and Refrigeration Equipment
Forte Humidifiers (208) 970-0091
info@groupagproducts.com
Forte Humidifiers are proven to be the most cost-effective solution for achieving ideal humidity levels in potato storages. While being offered at a fraction of the cost of current market alternatives, Forte Humidifiers produce a superior fog quality and allow for more adaptable installations. All Forte Humidifiers have been carefully designed and constructed with materials that resist corrosion from water and acids, thus can double as chemical applicators.
Gellert Company
(208) 736-7000
www.gellert.com
Post Harvest Storage Equipment: Refrigeration, Ventilation, Humidification and Controls
Industrial Ventilation, Inc.
723 E. Karcher Road Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 463-6305
www.ivi-air.com
Kenyan Collaboration
Could a seed potato researcher from Kenya provide key disease-resistant germplasm for the next generation of Idaho potatoes? And in a quid pro quo arrangement, could Idaho researchers provide Kenya with new potato varieties to provide greater yield, nutritional value and profitability to Kenya’s potato industry?
Only time and thousands of potato trials will provide the final answers to both questions. In the meantime, three researchers continue their efforts at the University of Idaho’s Research and Extension Center in Aberdeen, Idaho.
Kenyan potato breeder John Onditi has traveled over 8,000 miles from Mount Elgon, Kenya, to work with USDA-ARS research scientists Rich Novy and Jonathan Whitworth at Aberdeen in a joint effort to develop new potato varieties with genetic resistance to potato cyst nematodes (PCN), late blight, <<<Potato virus Y>>> (PVY) and <<<Potato virus X>>> (PVX).
Onditi is the sole potato breeder in the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization, a government agency. He has just completed the first year of a twoyear research grant allowing him to work with Novy and Whitworth in Aberdeen. He, his wife and their four children moved to Aberdeen in 2023.
“I have a contract for two years, post-doc contract for two years,” Onditi said. “The title of my project is ‘Breeding Processes of PVY and Potato Cyst Nematode.’ I work in the PVY- and the PCN-resistant breeding program here. My personal objective of joining this is because I enjoy working on PVY and because the virus is one of the major problems in my country. Farmers don’t understand how to eliminate the virus, and I feel like because farmers don’t have a good understanding on how to eliminate the viruses, the cyst nematode, I’ve been feeling that one of the best ways that African farmers can be helped is to give them resistant varieties.”
Exchanging Germplasm
Novy has been a research geneticist for 25 years, and Whitworth has worked for 21 years as a plant pathologist at the Aberdeen facility. Working together, they have taken genetic samples of potato varieties around the world to incorporate in the potato breeding program in Aberdeen.
The majority of potato varieties grown in Kenya are Unica, Dutch Robjn, Shangi and Sherekea.
“The most popular variety is called Shangi. It is a cream flesh, cream skin with pink eyes, slightly oblong,” Onditi said.
“From my perspective as a breeder, it’s always good to bring in a new infusion of diverse material. And in breeding for potato cyst nematode, we have brought in germplasm from South America, Europe and New Zealand, and the reason is the incorporation of potato cyst nematode resistance into the russet market class,” Novy said. “And so that’s where it’s good – for example, with John bringing germplasm and varieties in from his work in Kenya.”
Whitworth sees similar advantages in the cooperative arrangement.
“His help to our program is some access to new germplasm and the ability to get some of our material out in a wider
area because we have a pretty diverse germplasm base,” Whitworth said. “We have a lot of resistances that are in there, just to get those out to other parts of the world. The exchange of germplasm is a direct benefit to the potato industry, and it just helps worldwide.”
There are no russet varieties currently grown in Kenya, but Onditi expressed a desire to introduce russet varieties in Kenya because of their large size and nutritional value. The problem, according to Onditi, is acceptance by Kenyan growers of the brown-skinned russet.
“Farmers would need to be educated to understand that russet skin, even if it doesn’t look so cosmetic, what matters most is if you can produce a big potato that can feed a family, can feed your people, it is a good thing so we don’t have to care so much about the skin,” he said.
According to Whitworth, Onditi’s research runs parallel with their PCN and virus research, thereby providing both Kenya and the U.S. with mutual benefits.
“The connection here is because we are a breeding program that is working on PVY resistance and potato cyst nematode resistance, because it’s an issue in both countries, and in the U.S., we have the cyst nematodes quarantined to a very small area and very well
Kenyan potato researcher John Onditi (left) and USDA-ARS plant pathologist Jonathan Whitworth inspect samples of potatoes to be grown out and tested for Potato virus Y.
Story and photos by Bill Schaefer
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
POTATO EXPO
JANUARY 9-10, 2025
ORLANDO
Rich Novy, USDA-ARS research geneticist, and Kenyan potato researcher John Onditi stand next to a pair of Unica potato plants from Kenya being used to crosspollinate with other potato varieties and potentially create a new potato variety.
IRRIGATION
controlled,” Whitworth said. “But we still have to develop resistant varieties, so we can exchange germplasm between his program and our program here, and we can help them get resistant varieties, and then he can bring some of those Kenyan varieties over here to increase our germplasm base to make it more diverse.”
Considering Kenyan Conditions
Two key differences between the two countries and their respective potato programs is the length of the growing season and the amount of sunlight plants receive during the growing season.
DIKERS/ CULTIVATORS/RIPPERS
2005 Spudnik 9060 Cult. Shaper diker
2004 Spudnik 9060 Cult. Shaper diker
1990 Ag Engineering tillage master 6 row 13 shanks hyd reset basket rollers Brent 7 shank disc ripper
WAREHOUSE Ernst 48” sizer Mayo Water Recycler
Kenya is bisected by the equator. As such, it averages 12 hours of sunlight daily year round, and it has two growing seasons annually. The first growing season runs from April planting to August harvest, with the second season planting in October and harvest in January or February.
IRRIGATION
In Idaho, there is one growing season and the maximum amount of sunlight is over 15 hours at the summer solstice.
In an attempt to acclimate potato plants from Idaho to the Kenyan growing season, Onditi has selected 100 potato hybrids from Aberdeen and sent 200 true potato seeds (TPS) of each variety, a total of 20,000 TPS, to be grown at his research facility in Kenya.
“Because we have a diverse germplasm here, we’ve gone through it and picked out the ones that have the right characteristics for resistance and also have the agronomic attributes that he thinks will do well in Kenya. Then they’ll grow those out and select them and start new breeding lines,” Whitworth said.
“Right now, out of the work we’ve been doing, out of the collaboration, we are going to be sending 100 families of the crosses with virus resistance, potato cyst nematode resistance and also late blight resistance crosses,” Onditi said. “They are going to be grown and selected under Kenyan conditions with the expectation that we are going to get resistant varieties from this material that we collected from a wide variety of potato germplasm from different regions of the world. This is going to be very useful to Kenya.”
and Movers, Conveyors, Flumes, Bulk Hoppers and Loaders, Sizers, Stonepickers, Washers
Streich and Associates, Inc.
All Varieties • Virus Tested Generation II & III
Montana Seed Potatoes
Specializing in:
Russet Burbank, Umatilla and Clearwater
Modern seed potato facilities
Environmentally controlled storage
Steve Streich • 406-253-2276
Paul Streich • 406-253-0642 www.montanaseedpotatoes.com
955 Columbia Falls Stage • Kalispell, MT 59901 spudtruck@montanasky.net
CALENDAR
Jan. 9-10
Potato Expo
World Center Marriot Orlando, Florida www.potato-expo.com
Jan. 22-23
Idaho Potato Conference and Ag Expo
Pond Student Union Building and ICCU Dome Pocatello, Idaho
Kristy Mayer, kristym@uidaho.edu
Jan. 28-30
washington-Oregon
Potato Conference
Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, Wash. www.potatoconference.com
Feb. 24-28
NPC washington Summit Hilton Washington DC National Mall the Wharf Washington D.C. www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
CHROME ALLOY WEAR PARTS
Lamb weston Closes French Fry Plant
Lamb Weston permanently closed its French fry plant in Connell, Washington, on Sept. 30. The closure came after the company announced its results
University of Idaho to hire Nematologist
The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has raised more than $3.2 million from stakeholders to create an endowment named after U of I nematologist Saad Hafez, who retired at the end of October. According to the university, the endowment will help the university attract a true global leader in nematology to replace Hafez. Annual distributions from the endowment will be used at the discretion of the new faculty member for graduate student and research support.
PCR PACKAGING
PCR packaging offers substantial environmental and economic advantages, making it a valuable initiative for companies seeking to minimize their carbon footprint. By diverting waste from landfills and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, PCR materials contribute to a cleaner environment and support sustainable practices.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
hires Executive Director
Tara Artho is the new executive director of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee (CPAC). She takes over for Jim Ehrlich, who retired in October.
Artho grew up on a farm in the Texas Panhandle and earned a bachelor’s degree in radio, TV and film communications from the University of North Texas. She worked in radio production in Dallas for nearly a decade before returning to agriculture. After two years as the communications and PR director for the Texas Grain and Feed Association, she was promoted to president/CEO of the association.
Experience the vigour of the north. With colder winters and long summer days, Alberta Seed Potatoes are the best choice for a higher yielding potato crop.
Ideal climate, profitable results.
In her new position with the CPAC, Artho is excited to learn more about the potato industry and explore Colorado’s San Luis Valley.
Check out the seed directory at albertapotatoes.ca
Potato Country Turns 40
is the 40th anniversary year of Potato Country’s first issue and it was a wild one. Insane global conflict, crazy hurricanes and wacky elections ran on newspaper front pages and magazine covers this year.
It’s December and it’s time to turn the page and look forward to a new year. 2025 news magazine covers will most certainly feature wild weather and war, but hopefully we will be spared pictures of election mayhem.
The covers of Potato Country throughout the last 40 years may be tame and boring compared to news magazines, but if you or your older relatives were pictured on one, Onion World covers are just as iconic as Time’s Person of the Year.
Have a look at these covers we gathered from years past. You could have a tie to them. And may your 2025 be productive, fruitful and sane.
1999: From left, Glen Ireland, Bob Smith, Brad Smith and Jim Smith plant Shepody seed at Outback Ranches in Pasco, Wash.
1999: Warren Mason (left) and Don Sleight with AgriNorthwest pose during planting in the Horse Heaven Hills near Prosser, Wash.
1999: From left, Richard, Dwight, Mike and Ed Macy of Macy Ranches grow seed in Culver, Ore.
2001: Ron Fode with Fode Farms in Moses Lake, Wash., was one of over 25 growers forced to scramble when their processor went bankrupt, leaving them with worthless contracts on already planted spuds.
2001: Dennis Johnson, professor of plant pathology, works in the Washington State University lab.
2002: Dan Smith with Blue Ridge Farms in La Grande, Ore., makes the cover.
2000: From left, Porky Thomsen, Reid Reimann and Ron Reimann with T&R Farms grow east of Pasco, Wash.
2000: Eli Wollman with the Warden Hutterian Brethren shows off his new pivot control panel east of Othello, Wash.
2002: Ken Veltkamp harvests seed potatoes in Manhattan, Mont.2003: Nick Schutter (left) stands with shop foreman Josh Schaper on the Schutter Seed Farm in Manhattan, Mont.
Flock to Florida for Potato Expo 2025
By Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Theheart and soul of the U.S. and international potato industry are poised to relocate – at least for a week this winter – to sunny Orlando, Florida. On Jan. 9-10, 2025, the Orlando World Center Marriott will be the epicenter for industry professionals looking to connect, learn and lead. If you haven’t attended before, Potato Expo will be your chance to join over 2,000 of your peers at the largest potato industry conference and trade show in North America.
Since the National Potato Council started Potato Expo nearly two decades ago, it has grown to become internationally renowned as the top destination for networking within the potato community. Coming off the heels
of record-breaking attendance at Potato Expo 2024 in Austin, Texas, this January’s event will once again bring together growers, suppliers, industry experts and value chain partners for two-plus days of learning, business development and networking.
why Attend Potato Expo 2025?
Potato Expo offers attendees and exhibitors unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you’re a grower, supplier or industry expert, this is your chance to:
• Connect with industry peers: Engage with fellow professionals, build new business partnerships and discover potential customers.
• Collaborate and innovate: Share ideas and explore solutions to common challenges and exchange insights on emerging trends and market dynamics.
To thrive in today’s competitive landscape, staying updated with the latest research, regulations and market trends is crucial. Our educational sessions help you do just that. This Expo, we’re offering at least 33 diverse sessions across three stages. We’ll also be pleased to welcome keynote speaker Jack Uldrich, who will provide actionable insights into AI, biologicals and the future of farming – all topics that our attendees identified as top areas of interest to them and their businesses.
As always, attendees will be able to meet with exhibitors showcasing products and services designed to optimize your operations:
• Boost efficiency by discovering the latest technologies.
• Maximize output with the next generation of potato production tools.
• Connect with top suppliers and forge valuable partnerships.
Enhance your Expo Experience
Get ready for an exciting lineup of events that showcase industry camaraderie and community spirit, including:
• Cooking demonstrations to inspire your culinary expertise.
• Fun Run and auction benefiting the Potato Leadership Education Advancement Foundation.
• Networking events like lunch and happy hour in the Expo Hall, beer garden and the closing party— perfect opportunities to relax and build connections.
Don’t be left out in the cold (literally). And bring the whole family! Not only is the Orlando World Center Marriott a stone’s throw away from Disney World and tons of other family attractions, the hotel itself has amenities like pools, spas and a championship-level golf course that will provide a much-needed warm weather break during the winter.
Potato Expo 2025 in Orlando promises to be an unforgettable experience, empowering you to drive your business forward. Visit potato-expo.com to register, book your stay and plan your Expo schedule. Join us as we make strides in the potato industry together. We can’t wait to see you in Florida!
2024 Crop Potato Supply
Potato production is down from last year in several of the major processing regions of North America. Europe’s 2024 potato crop is expected to increase, relative to the previous year. In this article, we explore the North American and European frozen processing potato supply situation and its potential impact on frozen product sales and consumption.
realized, the 2024 potato crop would be 0.6 percent larger than the fiveyear average. In the Columbia Basin, production will likely fall 8 to 9 percent below the 2023 crop. Growers and processors indicate that the quality and size of this year’s main potato crop is average. There is more variation in the storage crop than usual, which may be due to the extensive heat during July and
"Though production is down from last year in Idaho and the Columbia Basin, raw-product supplies should be sufficient to run U.S. plants near capacity this year."
US Supply Situation
U.S. potato production (as of press time) is expected to fall by approximately 4 percent, relative to the 2023 crop. If
August. On the other hand, both yields and quality for earlier-harvested potatoes were above average.
Idaho growers planted 5,000 fewer acres than they planted in 2023, according to USDA estimates. Reports from growers across Idaho suggest that this year’s potato crop is mixed. Overall, growers indicate that yields are close to, or below, the five-year average. If our forecast is accurate, Idaho’s production could fall 2 to 3 percent short of the 2023 crop. It would be Idaho’s second largest potato crop since 2019.
Frozen processing supplies are expected to be on budget in the Midwest processing states. Midwest growers experienced mostly favorable harvest conditions this year. Growers in Minnesota and North Dakota report slightly above average yields, while Wisconsin’s yields are down from the 2023 crop. Recovery rates also could be down in Wisconsin due to quality issues caused by excessive rain early in the growing season.
Maine should have an ample supply of potatoes for processing. The state experienced nearly ideal growing and
harvest conditions, though the potato crop needed a little more late-season rain to finish bulking. Yields are down slightly from the 2022 record. Growers and processors are pleased with the quality of this year’s crop.
Though production is down from last year in Idaho and the Columbia Basin, raw-product supplies should be sufficient to run U.S. plants near capacity this year.
Canadian Supply Situation
Canada is expected to produce its second largest potato crop on record, behind the 2023 crop. Raw-product supplies for frozen processing are expected to be down from last year’s bumper crop. We expect combined production in Alberta and Manitoba to fall 10 to 11 percent below the 2023 crop. In the eastern part of the country, production is expected to increase in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Quebec. However, frozen processing supplies could still be tight in Prince Edward Island. The eastern provinces have avoided many of the quality issues that plagued the 2023 crop. Recovery rates will be up from last year. Despite the downturn in potato production, Canadian fryers should have enough raw product to operate plants at capacity through the 2024-25 processing season. U.S. fryers may not need to import Canadian potatoes for frozen processing this year due to ample supplies in most of the processing states.
European Supply Situation
Growers in the EU’s top five French fry exporting countries – Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Poland – planted more potatoes this year than they did in 2023. Current estimates are that the five major exporting countries planted a combined 2.4 million acres of potatoes this year, 6.9 percent more than they planted in 2023, according to “World Potato Markets,” a European publication. The EU’s MARS crop monitoring service expects yields to fall short of 2023 levels in Germany,
Situation
the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland. However, they are projected to match the 2023 average yield in France. Based on those acreage and yield estimates, the top five European exporting countries are expected to produce 833.5 million cwt of potatoes for the 2024 crop. That is 30.2 million cwt more than those countries produced in 2023, a 3.8 percent increase. October rain slowed harvest progress across much of Europe, especially in Belgium, but conditions improved during the first few weeks of November.
Impact on French Fry Sales
North American fryers were unable to significantly expand global French fry sales during the past 12 months, even though there was a surplus of raw product available. North American fryers shipped 0.1 percent more frozen potato products to offshore markets during the year ending Aug. 31 than they did a year earlier. Though North American potato production is down from last year, raw product supplies appear to be more balanced with processor demand than they were during the 2023-24 processing season.
EU frozen product sales were held back by raw product supply constraints last year. EU exports were down 3.6 percent during the year ending Aug. 31. However, production is up for the 2024 crop. Both North American and European fryers could produce more French fries and other frozen potato products during the 2024-25 processing season.
Though global French fry exports were down during the 12 months ending Aug. 31, demand growth has been relatively steady. Global exports have grown by an average of 4.1 percent per year during the past 10 years. Raw product supplies should be adequate in the major processing regions for a 1 to 3 percent increase in sales. However, market constraints and global economic uncertainty may hold production and sales from the 2024 crop below our estimate.
By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News
KEy POINTS
• Raw-product supplies for frozen processing should be more balanced with processor demand in the Pacific Northwest than they were last year. Production is on budget in the Midwest processing states and in Maine.
• Though production is down from last year in Alberta and Manitoba, French fry plants should have enough raw product to run at capacity. Production and quality are up from last year in the eastern provinces.
• Potato production in the top five European French fry producing countries is expected to increase, relative to the 2023 crop.
• Global French fry sales could increase slightly during the next 12 months, given the raw product supply situation in both North America and Europe.
Accounting for Labor Costs in Potato Contracts
By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington
The topic I hear most often from growers when talking about cost of production or the challenges they face almost always starts with one word: labor.
Labor has become a major driver in the inflation that growers have been experiencing. Losing the agricultural overtime exemption had a huge direct impact. But simultaneously, the hourly base pay for most employees took a huge jump in the past three years as the supply of available workers declined well below the demand. So what was once a minimal, stable line item in most budgets has ballooned to the point of being one of the biggest drivers in our increasing cost of production.
Obviously, labor is most intensive during planting and harvest. Whether direct hiring or going through an ag labor service, many growers simply cannot find enough warm bodies, let alone experienced workers, to do the necessary tasks. This requires either hiring workers who are less skilled at higher pay or buying new technology designed to reduce or eliminate many of these seasonal jobs.
Potato equipment manufacturers have stepped up and designed some pretty amazing ways to incorporate air separation tables on harvesters and crop carts. The downside to this new technology is cost. The cost to equip an operation with this new technology can be well over $1 million for each set of equipment. This is just for the specialty potato equipment. It does not include the three or four tractors needed to pull the equipment through the field.
While the new technology works very well in most conditions, there are still times that it cannot fully replace human workers. In those cases, growers must utilize traditional workers and transloading equipment. Last-minute setups like this in the middle of harvest are even more expensive.
One of the first growers to switch to the new air separation harvesters and crop carts told me that while his investment was huge, he did it not just because he couldn’t find enough good help; there were times that he was unable to find any workers for some tasks. Whether growers decide to stay
with traditional technology and as much seasonal labor as they can get or switch to the new technology, the fact is growing costs continue to rise, and labor – or replacing labor – has become a major line item that will be one of our biggest talking points in negotiations this year.
Another way that labor is becoming more expensive involves wait time during harvest. It has always been very expensive when a harvest crew must sit and wait for any reason. But now that labor rates are so high and overtime can kick in before the end of the week, that cost can jump another 50 percent. And growers are becoming more aware of just how much time is spent waiting for processing company-dispatched trucks to arrive.
Contracts are negotiated based on historical averages. Historically, growers’ hourly labor rates were much lower than today, and processors seemed to run at much more predictable and consistent levels each day. It is very inefficient for a grower to prepare equipment and labor for a 40-load day and then at the last minute be informed that it will only be 1015 loads that day. It would be bad enough if those 10-15 loads all came at once and then the crew could go home or do another necessary task around the farm. However, in most cases, those 10-15 loads are metered out over a standard 12-hour shift. Now the cost per load harvested has shot up tremendously and is way beyond what is budgeted for either in negotiations or, for those on custom harvest rates, the per acre reimbursement.
We have been hearing these complaints louder and louder the past couple of years, and this will also be a major point of discussion this year in our negotiations.
While I have covered a pair of major talking points we have for this year, please let us know what hot button issues you have with the contracts. We are always open to suggestions and want to hear your input.
