Potato Country February 2020

From the Ground Up

PotatoCountry.com • February 2020 Western focus. National impact.

For the Advertiser Index click here Potato Expo • Global French Fry Supplies Tight • WSPC Potato Summit

SUBERIZER HAS YOU

Y O U R C O M P L E T E P O T A T O S T O R A G E. WITH CURVE STORAGE + AIREVERYWHERE FLOOR Turn-key storage systems that are engineered for maximum efficiency. That’s what to expect from Suberizer. As a proven industry leader in raw product storage, our commitment to innovation has revolutionized the way raw products are stored. Suberizer storage systems ensure optimum performance – minimizing loss, while maintaining quality, for a maximum return.

When storage performance matters, turn to Suberizer.

suberizer.com |

|

MADE IN THE USA

What’s under your crop is under your control.

You can’t see nematodes, but you can protect from their damage. Use Velum® Prime to protect your root and tuber crops from damage caused by nematodes.

Long-lasting and wide-spectrum nematode protection that also suppresses Early blight, Early dying and White mold.

Convenient in-season chemigation application.

Innovative chemistry: not a restricted use product.

Effectively manages nematodes, leading to an average increased yield of +41 CWT/A1 with an average increase in profits of $279/A.2

For more information, visit www.VelumPrime.com.

Trial conducted by Miller Research, Acequia, Idaho, 2015.

Average price per CWT based on USDA Crop Production 2017 Summary Report.

1

2

© 2019 Bayer Group. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Velum are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. CR0119VELPRMB031S00R0

w w w . Po t a t o Co u n t r y . c o m

Vol. 36 No. 2

PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Phone: (208) 520-6461

Country Western focus. National impact.

Table of Contents

Contacts Dave Alexander ...........................dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Publisher, Advertising

Denise Keller ..............................editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor

Andy Jensen.......................................... www.nwpotatoresearch.com

February 2020

Insect Identification

Jeff Miller .....................................................jeff@millerresearch.com Disease Identification

Bruce Huffaker ................................................. napmn@napmn.com

6 From the Ground Up

Market Report

Dale Lathim ............................................................... dale@pgw.net

Wanders Farms

Potato Growers of Washington

Brian Feist ...................................brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

10 Looking Ahead

Operations Manager, Advertising

WSPC Potato Summit

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.

12 Ohio Mashes Nevada Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

14 Uncovering Health Benefits of Potatoes Alliance for Potato Research and Education

16 Compelling Creations

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.

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.

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.

Potato Expo 2020

It is produced by Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444

20 Crop Protection Essentials

Copyright 2020. 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.

Buyers' Guide

Editorial Board

26 In the Fight Against Acrylamide, Potatoes Are out Ahead Potatoes USA

28 Global French Fry Supplies Tight Market Report

Obama is a new high-yielding, very early maturing variety shown by Plant Grow Harvest at the 2020 Potato Expo, held Jan. 14-15 in Las Vegas.

See more new and improved products from Potato Expo starting on page 16.

On The Cover The Wanders family grows 500 acres of potatoes in Idaho.

Pictured from left are Derek Wanders, Jerome Wanders and Dustin Wanders. See the story on page 6. Photo by Angie Rader

4

Potato Country

February 2020

Gary Roth

Chris Voigt

Executive Director

Executive Director

Washington State Potato Commission

Oregon Potato Commission

(509) 765-8845

(503) 239-4763

Departments 19 22 23 24 30

New Products Insect Quiz Calendar In the News PGW Column

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

There’s only one move

to checkmate .

For a winning potato season, you have to be strategic. You are not only combatting diseases like Early blight and White mold for today, but also fighting them for years to come. With Luna Tranquility® fungicide, you get an additional mode of action with rotational and tankmixing capabilities, allowing you to better manage resistance. So, fight diseases year in and year out with Luna Tranquility.

Learn more at LunaPotatoGamePlan.com. © 2020 Bayer Group. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Luna, and Luna Tranquility are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. CR1219LUNNAAB001S00R0

Wanders Farms

FROM THE GROUND UP Story by Denise Keller, Editor Photos by Angie Rader

F

or Jerome Wanders, becoming a farmer was an uphill battle, but one worth climbing. Farming was in his blood, he says. But without land to inherit, he had to build a farm from scratch. Now farming alongside his two sons, the growers are focusing on what will keep their family farming for generations to come.

A Family Farm

Having immigrated to Idaho from the Netherlands in 1968, Jerome Wanders grew up on his family’s dairy farm, graduated from college in 1978 and went to work for Simplot Soil Builders (now Simplot Grower Solutions) for 22 years.

He worked with potato growers as a crop advisor, lending expertise on fertilizer and chemicals, but still had the desire to farm.

He began growing potatoes on the side in the early 1990s, renting land and beginning to build Wanders Farms from the ground up. In 2001, he left Simplot to farm full time. And in 2009, he and his wife, Teresa, bought a 1,000-acre farm in Payette, Idaho. The 2008 housing market crash had resulted in reasonably priced land, Jerome recalls. He converted the dryland farm into an irrigated farm and used that as equity to buy more land near home in Caldwell, Idaho.

Jerome and Teresa’s two sons, Derek and Dustin, joined the farm after graduating from college. Derek earned an agribusiness degree at the University of Idaho and came on board in 2010. Dustin earned a business degree at The College of Idaho in 2007 and then returned to the farm.

Today, the Wanders family farms 2,000 acres of row crops, split equally among potatoes, sugar beets, wheat and corn.

Potato acreage includes Ranger Russet, Clearwater Russet and Dakota Russet, grown mostly for processing and some for the fresh market. Jerome and Dustin team up to manage the Caldwell farm,

6

Potato Country

February 2020

Dustin Wanders gets a bird’s-eye view of the 2019 crop while running the piler.

to find a balance between pest control, crop injury and expense. “You can try to save a dime, but you might lose a dollar, so that doesn’t work, either.”

The growers are also hoping to find a happy medium in terms of seed spacing.

They have been trialing changing seed spacing from 9 inches to 8 inches for their Dakota Russets in order to achieve the size profile desired by the processor.

“You want to make the processor happy to get the contract, but you have to stay profitable and see the return on that amount of seed if it’s really paying us back,” Derek says, explaining that the change will entail increased costs for seed, trucking and equipment wear.

Wanders Farms changed the seed spacing for its other process varieties from 10 inches to 9 inches a couple of years ago. Varieties grown for the fresh market continue to be planted at 10 to 11 inches. The growers bought a Lockwood air-cup planter three years ago, which they say has increased the accuracy of seed spacing.

Dustin Wanders operates the piler at a potato cellar in Wilder, Idaho.

while Derek tends to the crops in Payette and New Plymouth. Teresa handles payroll and workers compensation administration, as well as making sure the harvest crew has everything it needs, from parts and safety equipment to refreshments and snacks.

Teresa and Jerome Wanders, along with their son Derek, take a quick break during harvest.

A Happy Medium

For the Wanders family, maintaining a successful growing operation often requires striking a balance. When managing pests and diseases in the field, Jerome is mindful of the potential tradeoffs that can come with controlling a pest.

“There’s plenty of chemistry out there to take care of a problem, but you have to have a happy medium. If you put too much on and hurt the crop, you have a clean field, but you have to make sure you have a good crop, too,” Jerome says, drawing from his days as a crop advisor PotatoCountry.com

7

Wanders Farms The American Dream

Despite the challenges in farming, it’s a lifestyle the Wanders family wouldn’t trade. They enjoy the entrepreneurship and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with harvesting each crop.

“There’s nothing romantic about farming. It is what it is,” Jerome says.

“It’s hard work and it’s long hours, but you try to look for your rewards in the long run as far as income and what you’ve accomplished. It’s something you want to be able to enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it.”

Through farming, Jerome has been able to pursue the American dream and build a livelihood for his family. He’s thankful that his parents immigrated to the U.S. and that his dad taught him a strong work ethic. While Jerome remains humble, his boys are proud of their dad. Derek has taken notice of Jerome’s commitment to reinvest in the business through the years.

The crew at Wanders Farms harvests a field of Clearwater Russets in Parma, Idaho.

Growing Quality Seed For 50 Years!

Left to right: Sid, John, Jonathan, Carl, Nick and Cliff.

LINE Selected:

Russet Burbank, Umatilla, Dakota Russet, Clearwater

 Derived

from Meristem Culture Uniform and High Producers  Rigid Sanitation Program in Field and Storage  Long Rotations on Isolated Fields  Modern Air and Humidity Control in All Storages  All available Seed Generation II & Generation III  A beautiful, smooth crop  Very

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

8

Potato Country

February 2020

Derek Wanders cleans mud and debris off the star rollers on the harvester.

“It’s set an example that it doesn’t matter if you make a lot of money, you have to think into the future, where you can put that money to work to improve the efficiencies on the farm. It’s set an example of how to build something,” Derek shares. “He didn’t have anything, and he built it from nothing.”

Dustin has also seen his dad lead by example by prioritizing work, instilling a work ethic in the next generation. Dustin admits he didn’t see Jerome’s vision for the dryland farm in Payette, but is proud to be part of building Wanders Farms to what it is today.

“It was his vision that got us here – that combined with the lessons we’ve learned along the way,” Dustin says. “It gives us some pride to be a part of and see what he built and see how we helped him get there in the latter half. I’m glad he had that vision because now that it’s come to fruition, it’s something we can try to keep going and maybe see other little visions of our own.”

As the Wanders family looks ahead, Jerome and Teresa would like to move toward retirement as their sons prepare to take the reins.

“I feel kind of proud of what we’ve built up,” Jerome concedes. “I’d like to see it continue and see the boys have an opportunity to make something out of it.”

The growers are optimistic, but also acknowledge the difficulties family farms will continue to face when competing with corporate farms. Jerome advises his sons to pay attention to the details and to look for opportunities to grow and to improve the efficiency of operations.

Derek and Dustin add that the keys to future success will be to also maintain a good working relationship with processors and buyers and to produce a quality crop.

“I think the small family farm can still provide good quality product for processors,” Jerome agrees. “The family farm is the backbone of this country.”

Dustin Wanders inspects freshly harvested spuds at the trans-loading site.

PotatoCountry.com

9

Looking Ahead F

rom soil health to politics and policy, the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) 2019 Potato Summit covered a large range of topics in two days. Close to 100 attendees, including potato growers, processor reps, researchers, WSPC commissioners and staff, attended the event Dec. 10-11 near Spokane, Washington.

Speakers visiting from Washington D.C. and Denver as well as industry experts from closer to home brought updates on issues important to the industry.

Attendees heard from speakers such as lobbyist Randy Russell, Hudson Riehle with the National Restaurant Association and John Toaspern with Potatoes USA. The event also allowed time for a group discussion during which growers had an opportunity to express their opinions and needs, as well as a special viewing of the season seven premiere of the “Washington Grown” television show.

Organizers also used an online tool to conduct an informal survey of growers’ interests and priorities. When asked about pests and diseases of concern, rising to the top were Potato virus Y (PVY),

Hudson Riehle with the National Restaurant Association shares statistics and trends from the restaurant industry.

Verticillium, nematodes, Fusarium and Pythium. Growers identified the three most important research areas to be breeding/variety development, bruise and alternatives to fumigation.

Top state issues for Washington growers included increasing water availability, paid

Cast and crew from Washington Grown gather with WSPC Potato Summit organizers and speakers at a special viewing of the season seven premiere of the television series. Pictured from left are Ian Loe, producer, NXNW; Chris Voigt, WSPC executive director and co-executive producer of Washington Grown; Gen O’Sullivan, vice president of communications and marketing, Crop Life America; Kristi Gorenson, host, Washington Grown; Dave Tanner, producer, NXNW; Ryan Rowe, videographer, NXNW; Kara Rowe, co-executive producer of Washington Grown, NXNW.

family leave reform, and to a lesser extent, ag overtime rule reform and maintaining Snake/Columbia River dams and water infrastructure from those systems.

Federal issues deemed important were increasing water availability, maintaining Snake/Columbia River dams and water infrastructure from those systems, and to a lesser extent, increasing funding for water infrastructure and developing and maintaining potato export markets.

WSPC staff says the event imparted a lot of important information to the Washington potato community and provided WSPC staff with a good perspective of growers’ concerns to help guide the direction of the WSPC.

Services Provided: Millwright Crane Services 3D Scanning & Design Custom Fabrication Certified Welders

509-368-9666

CutAboveEnterprise.com

10

Potato Country

February 2020

No One Tracks Root Crop Yields Like We Do Our technology will make your farm equipment more intelligent and accurate than ever before.

Rite Yield

The RiteYield system adds convenience and accuracy by automatically collecting GDWD IRU DOO WKH YDULRXV ȴ HOGV YDULHWLHV and test plots. • Measures yields once per second • Fits most harvesters • Optional Tilt Sensor for greater accuracy • GPS connectivity NEW!receiver Greentronics now offers integration with • User friendly John Deere 2630 displays! Contact us for details.

As a leader in precision agriculture systems we oer unique solutions speciďŹ cally designed with the root and vegetable producer in mind.

For more information visit greentronics.com or contact us at 519-669-4698

Stay on target

Precision application control Don’t miss your shot at a great crop. Micro-Trak’s advanced measuring, monitoring, and control systems deliver the accuracy and dependability you need to hit your business goals.

Check out our full range of products at micro-trak.com.

PotatoCountry.com

11

Ohio Mashes Nevada Photos by Allen Thayer

I

magine you place an order for one serving of French fries at your favorite fast food restaurant, and when your order is placed in front of you, that one serving turns into over 2,000 servings of fries. This is the kind of return on investment the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) generates with its title sponsorship of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

The Bowl is an annual success story for the IPC, and this year’s battle between Ohio and Nevada was no different. Played on Jan. 3, the Ohio Bobcats beat the Nevada Wolf Pack 30-21.

But the real winner was the IPC and the potato industry as a whole, as the game is really a four-hour reminder to over a million viewers that spuds should be on their daily menus.

Perfectly-cooked fries drop out of Simplot’s portable fryer unit during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

The famous blue turf at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, features a huge potato-centric logo at midfield during the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

For a FREE Certification Directory, email Dr. Nina Zidack at potatocert@montana.edu

Uncompromising Standards, Generation after Generation. We have the seed for you! www.montanaspud.org

12

Potato Country 167820MonPot13h.indd 1

February 2020 9/18/17 11:45 AM

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl generates over $1 million in economic impact to the city of Boise and surrounding communities.

Simplot’s portable fryer unit cooks free French fries for fans at every Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The machine is capable of producing up to 8,000 servings per hour.

Spuddy Buddy is the top-ranked college football bowl mascot in America, according to SBNation.

From left, Miss Idaho Grace Zimmerman, Frank Muir with the IPC and Miss Idaho’s Outstanding Teen Kaila Yacuk greet fans before the game.

The University of Ohio marching band takes a photo with the Big Idaho Potato Truck before the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in January.

PotatoCountry.com

13

Alliance for Potato Research and Education

Uncovering Health Benefits of Potatoes

By Mitch Kanter, Chief Science Officer, Alliance for Potato Research and Education

P

otatoes are a nutritional powerhouse providing an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium (more than a banana!). In fact, compared to many other popular fruits and vegetables, potatoes provide the best nutritional value per dollar in the produce aisle. Even so, potatoes continue to be mischaracterized and misrepresented by vocal researchers and influencers who continue to uphold dated assumptions largely supported by observational research.

Unlike controlled trials, which investigate a specific cause (e.g. eating potatoes) and effect (e.g. heart health) usually over a shorter time period, observational studies investigate general associations between behaviors (e.g. food intake, exercise, lifestyle) and outcomes over a longer period. Cause and effect cannot be determined via observational evidence alone, but when contextualized with controlled trials, stronger links between potato consumption and health outcomes can be uncovered.

To help build a stronger foundation of scientific knowledge and challenge these misinformed potato health perceptions, the Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) was founded in 2011.

APRE is a not-for-profit organization comprised of U.S. and Canadian potato growers and processors dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of the role white potatoes play in promoting the health of all people. While adhering

14

Potato Country

February 2020

to strict research integrity guidelines, APRE has invested more than $4.5 million in research grants, resulting in 30 studies and six publications to date.

Findings from the six published studies are beginning to refute misinformed perspectives on potato health benefits held by some researchers and influencers.

New Research Findings, New Potato Applications

While most of the APRE-funded research is still being conducted, recent findings are beginning to show new applications and uses for potatoes, specifically for athletes looking for a whole food fuel source, and for people trying to better control their blood sugar through diet.

It’s well accepted that optimal physical performance requires highquality nutrient-dense carbohydrates and proteins. While there are many commercial, processed products available for athletes, APRE is investigating if potatoes, a whole food source of carbohydrates, can have the same performance benefits before, during and after exercise as commercial products.

There are currently six APRE-funded studies dedicated to this area underway and one publication. Results from that study showed that potatoes can be as effective as sports gels, and better than just consuming water, for endurance during a timed cycling trial. Future studies will investigate other components of potatoes (e.g. protein) and the impact on sports performance.

Another novel area of exploration focuses on a unique type of carbohydrate

found in potatoes: a fiber-like compound called resistant starch (RS). While all potatoes contain some RS, heating then cooling potatoes before eating significantly increases the amount of RS present. As its name implies, RS is not fully digested in the gut and is associated with myriad benefits, including supporting a healthy gut microbiome, helping to manage body weight by keeping people fuller longer and supporting normal blood sugar control, to name a few. Most studies use RS extracted from corn/maize and other grain sources like oats and beans. To date, few studies have looked specifically at the health potential of potato RS. To better identify the benefits of potatoes’ unique RS profile, APRE is currently funding four studies (three human, one animal), two of which have been published. Findings from these studies show that RS from potatoes could help curb adverse health issues associated with high-fat meals and improve the body’s response to blood sugar immediately after a meal.

Beyond revealing potatoes as a source of quality carbohydrates that can have a positive impact on health outcomes, research findings can also identify new ways to use and market potatoes.

Moreover, APRE’s research program can catalyze exploration around specific potato ingredients – such as RS and potato carbohydrates and protein – for use in product formulations as a novel way to develop healthier, more nutritious foods and supplements.

We encourage the potato industry to use these studies in marketing and promotions, to get engaged and learn more. All studies mentioned in this article can be found at www.apre.org.

There, you’ll also find more information on potato nutrition and the APRE research program and can sign up for our newsletter to keep updated on the latest research on potatoes. If you or your company would like to learn more about supporting APRE research, send an email to info@apre.org.

PotatoCountry.com

15

Compelling Creations T

he 12th Potato Expo, held Jan. 14-15 in Las Vegas, was the largest one yet. A record 2,019 attendees and 189 trade show booths made for a successful event.

We took a look around the trade show and found some new products and programs as well some updates on others that we think could impact the industry.

In-Furrow Elatus, New Vibrance Ultra

Glenn Letendre explains to visitors at the Syngenta booth that Elatus can now be applied in-furrow across the U.S. and that it is cleared for MRLs.

Syngenta’s Elatus fungicide can now be applied in-furrow and is cleared for MRLs for Rhizoctonia control across the U.S. Growers are often faced with cold, damp conditions during spring planting, conditions ideal for Rhizoctonia. Rhizoctonia can impact germination and crop stand and affect yield and quality. The disease can only be controlled at planting, so the option of applying Elatus in-furrow is a terrific advantage for growers, according to Syngenta.

Vibrance Ultra Potato is a new Syngenta liquid seed treatment that does not contain an insecticide. It contains a combination of three fungicides and gives growers the option of applying an insecticide later on in the season

Orka wireless sensors are designed to help conveyor operators reduce bruising and the associated losses.

Orka Wireless Potato Node

This new plastic potato node measures shock, vibration, rotation, tilting and temperatures that spuds are subjected to as they travel on conveyors. With this tool, conveyor operators can reduce bruising and the associated losses.

The Orka’s Wireless Potato Node provides reports, data recording and realtime charts and has a wireless range of 0.6 mile.

Greentronics Cloud Service

Greentronics says its conveyor scales are now more useful with the addition of a new cloud service.

Data collected by the scale is saved in the cloud and is available on phones and PCs. Reports detail how many pounds of potatoes have been packed, the varieties and the fields from which they were harvested. The processed data goes into a map that not only shows how much weight has been put into the cellar, but also how much of the cellar is filled.

Real-time updates available every hour show how conditions have changed in the cellar.

With the addition of a temperature sensor, hotspots in the pile can be identified. As potatoes are pulled out of the cellar, a map shows where the hotspots may have been. Problems can then be traced back to the conditions at the time the spuds were stored.

16

Potato Country

February 2020

Greentronics shows off a custom-made mini-conveyor that displays the total weight the conveyor has moved.

V+M Solution

Bayer promotes a combination of its Velum Prime and Movento as providing season-long nematode protection. Velum can be applied infurrow or by chemigation at planting, followed up later in the year by Movento.

Bayer reps say growers have been reporting that the products’ ease of use has saved time and headaches. Less protective equipment is needed for these products, translating to quicker applications, and reps say yield increases as high as 8,200 cwt have been seen.

Monte Sorensen, a Bayer product manager, shows the results of roots protected from nematode damage with V+M Solution, which is an application of Velum Prime at planting for nematode control followed by Movento insecticide to boost plant health and yields.

New Varieties

Three beautiful new varieties are available from Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association.

Columbine Gold and Vista Gold are both for the specialty fresh market and feature tantalizing gold flesh.

Columbine has a dark purple skin and matures very early. Vista offers medium-early maturity and has a high yield potential.

The third new variety, Rocky Mountain Russet, is dual purpose, with fresh market and processing potential.

The late-maturing variety has a high percentage of U.S. No. 1 tubers.

Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association displays three new varieties at Potato Expo in Las Vegas. Pictured from left are Rocky Mountain Russet, Columbine Gold and Vista Gold.

Oro Agri Potato Trifecta, New App

Oro Agri debuted its Trifecta program last year and has received good feedback from growers.

Using the company’s adjuvant Oro-RZ with an in-furrow fungicide or insecticide helps achieve good coverage around the seed piece through improved soil penetration and distribution of pesticides. The second step of the Trifecta is a treatment of Nanocal calcium, followed by Wetcit, Oro Agri’s adjuvant for foliar spraying.

One grower reported to the company that the 50 acres on which he tested the Trifecta program were the only potatoes he grew that did not have hollow heart.

Oro Agri also has a new app, found on the App Store and Google Play. The app features product literature, labels, videos and contact information and explains the company’s technology and benefits.

Oro Agri’s new phone app features contacts, a cost comparison calculator and links to product videos.

PotatoCountry.com

17

Potato Expo 2020

Steven Broscious and Curtis Rainbolt explain the benefits of new BASF Provysol fungicide to Potato Expo attendees.

BASF Provysol

Provysol is a brand new fungicide that recently received full federal and state registrations. The product is billed as being highly effective for early blight and uses a new class of chemistry called Group 3. Group 3 products are rarely used on potatoes, so Provysol provides a valuable fungicide resistance tool, according to BASF. Provysol has long residual control. The product can be used earlier in the season when the canopy is not fully developed. This provides protection on the lower part of the canopy, which is difficult to access later in the year, even with good spraying techniques.

Research has also shown higher yields when using the product.

Potato LEAF

The National Potato Council (NPC) has formed a new nonprofit foundation that will be the funding vehicle to support its Potato Industry Leadership Institute. Every year, 25 to 30 young leaders participate in the program and then, ideally, go on to become involved with potato industry organizations such as the NPC or Potatoes USA. The new foundation, the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (LEAF), will ensure that such efforts continue.

Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, takes a break at the LEAF-sponsored Meet-Up Lounge.

The lounges and coffee bars were new to Expo this year, designed to keep attendees at the trade show.

18

Potato Country

February 2020

New Products

Lockwood Rolls out Mobile Tank

Lockwood Manufacturing has added the Mobile Tank to its 2020 product lineup. The potato handling unit is designed to be an addition to any pre-storage cleaning system. The equipment provides a controlled flow of product, allowing growers to maximize efficiency during harvest.

Contained on a customized semi-trailer, the Mobile Tank is 100 percent hydraulically powered by two wet kits. The Mobile Tank can be moved from location to location at posted highway speeds and because of the telescoping elevator, can be set up and operational in minutes, according to the company.

The unloading belt has varying speed control, manually adjustable by the operator to customize the cleaning equipment requirements. The tank discharge utilizes a baffle to minimize pile roll and surging. This maintains a consistent flow into the cleaning device elevator. The holding tank is designed to reduce product bruising and skinning while allowing complete unloading and reducing buildup.

Visit www.lockwoodmfg.com.

ICL Promotes 4-in-1 Fertilizer

Polysulphate is a multi-nutrient, natural fertilizer from ICL that supplies four plant nutrients: sulphur, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Polysulphate is derived from polyhalite, a naturally occurring mineral mined by ICL in the UK. It is said to have a low carbon footprint, and it is OMRI listed for organic use.

Being a natural crystal, it has a unique dissolution pattern, which releases its nutrients gradually. As the nutrients are released, they provide a continuing fresh source to the growing potato crop. According to the company, this pattern matches the uptake timing of nutrients by potato plants and minimizes the risk of loss of sulphate by leaching.

Polysulphate is low in chloride, minimizing the risk that chloride poses to the potato crop. It has a low salinity index and neutral pH and does not affect soil pH, according to ICL. Applying Polysulphate to a potato crop is designed to increase yields and tuber size and improve skin finish and dry matter.

Visit www.polysulphate.com.

PotatoCountry.com

19

Crop Protectio Agri-Stor Companies www.agri-stor.com SmartBlock

SmartBlock is a post-harvest sprout inhibitor that achieves extended sprout control in stored potatoes. It can be fogged directly into potato storage units. SmartBlock works great alone, but can also be combined with other sprout inhibitor products. It effectively burns off “peeping” or even fully-sprouted tubers and restores dormancy.

Agri-Stor is an experienced SmartBlock applicator.

BASF

www.agriculture.basf.us/crop-protection/products/provysol.html Provysol Fungicide

Provysol fungicide from BASF is an isopropanol azole for potatoes that provides effective and longer-lasting control of early blight, brown spot and black dot. Its unique molecular structure and steady translocation help growers control diseases now and for years to come. Potato growers can confidently utilize Provysol fungicide as a foundational element of their spray program and as part of a long-term strategy to maintain the yield, quality and marketability of their crops.

BioSafe Systems

www.biosafesystems.com BT NOW Insecticide

BioSafe Systems has released a new insecticide. BT NOW is an aqueous, biological insecticide labeled to control various lepidoptera pests in a wide variety of crops, including potatoes. Its formula consists of bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk) strain EVB-113-19, a new variation of the Btk bacterium that targets the lepidoptera insect while remaining easy on many beneficials and pollinators. This specialized Btk strain makes BT NOW an effective resistance management tool that is compatible with many commonly used pesticides, fertilizers and adjuvants.

BT NOW contains insecticidal endotoxins called Cry toxins that disperse in the pest’s digestive tract. These toxins bind to the insect’s midgut receptors, immediately disrupting and paralyzing certain digestive functions. Within hours following application, the effected young lepidoptera pests will cease feeding and will die from starvation two to five days later.

OMEX

www.omexusa.com Cell Power Zynergy

NEW

A synergistic fertilizer containing copper, zinc and a blend of organic acids appears to benefit late blight control in potato crops, according to a series of trials undertaken by specialist agronomy supplier OMEX Agrifluids.

Two years of trials with the nutrient formulation Cell Power Zynergy appear to back up anecdotal evidence that long suggested an important role for copper and zinc in improving the activity of certain fungicides, referred to as the synergy effect. By increasing the bio-availability of these crucial elements, OMEX has created a formulation that boosts the plant’s own biodefense mechanisms, with particular strength against Phytopthora, the fungus responsible for late blight. The product is especially valuable within integrated crop management programs, where it offers protectant activity similar to mancozeb, according to OMEX USA. 20

Potato Country

CELL POWER® ZynergyTM

February 2020

on Essentials Decay Control Storage Solutions Jet Harvest Solutions www.jetharvest.com

JETAG

BioSave

Jet-Ag

• Jet-Ag PATENTED post harvest is a peroxyacetic acid (PAA) broad-spectrum fungicide, bactericide and algaecide. The Jet-Ag special chemistry forsuperheats year round patented process and produces a special fog, which is the vaporization of the solution into the air.

Thisstorage patentedsanitation process of super-oxides and hydroxyl radicals kill all microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and • Apply as a thermal fog viruses, as Rhizopus into such potato storagesrot and black rot, on contact.

Fogging Jet-Ag provides broad-spectrum efficacy against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, • Kills and reduces bacteria yeast, andspores food spoilage andmolds fungal on micro-organisms. The product acts as a surface sanitizer and produces a dry fog, contact keeping potatoes dry. Its desiccant action dries wounds and sets skin. Treatment takes about four hours.

• 20+ years of proven results for post harvest disease control • Spray biological fungicide onto spuds going into storage www.novasource.com • Controls fusarium dry rot and silver scurf diseases

NovaSource Sectagon-42

Sectagon-42 soil fumigant is an important tool for producing high-quality, high-value potatoes.

When controlling soil-borne pests is key, Sectagon-42 provides effective, economical suppression of weeds, diseases and nematodes. These soil pests can build up between harvests and rob fields of their full yield potential.

Sectagon-42 can be applied using soil injection, soil bedding or chemigation methods. The application requirements for soil fumigants are complicated, so NovaSource advises growers to read the label and consult with a crop advisor or local government agency for more information.

1-407-523-7842 • 1-877-866-5773 • www.jetharvest.com

Syngenta

Both Products are WSDA Organic Certified

www.syngenta.com Elatus Fungicide

Potato growers will find Elatus fungicide to provide enhanced, early-season control of soil-borne diseases. The application of Elatus in-furrow at planting for the control of Rhizoctonia, black dot and silver scurf, has been shown to suppress Verticillium levels (2ee label recommendation).

Use as a management tool in combination with the use of resistant potato varieties, fertility and irrigation management (optimum phosphorus and potassium soil concentrations and avoiding water stress after flowering), crop rotation (green manure crops) and fumigation for best results.

Vive Crop Protection www.vivecrop.com

Your days of clogged nozzles and gummed-up lines are over. Say bye-bye to bulky and expensive equipment. Say yes to fewer passes over the field and hassle-free performance from Vive Crop Protection products. They contain the Allosperse delivery system, a revolutionary delivery system in a jug. It’s new technology that changes how proven active ingredients behave in the spray tank.

Vive products with Allosperse include AZteroid FC 3.3 azoxystrobin fungicide, new Xyler FC metalaxyl fungicide, Bifender FC bifenthrin insecticide, new Averland FC abamectin insecticide and new Midac FC imidacloprid insecticide.

PotatoCountry.com

21

Insect Biology Quiz

This material is provided courtesy of Andy Jensen, Ph.D., Manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium. For more information, visit www.nwpotatoresearch.com.

Dr. Andy Jensen

Potato growers and consultants sometimes notice large populations of plant-feeding insects on sagebrush (Artemisia species) and rabbitbrush (Ericameria species) in uncultivated land near their fields, as seen in the examples here. They wonder whether these insects can pose a threat to potatoes or other crops.

Questions: 1.True or False: The aphids that feed on sagebrush and rabbitbrush can also feed on and damage potatoes.

2.True or False: Caterpillars damaging the growing tips of sagebrush and rabbitbrush are also a threat to potatoes.

3.Name one important benefit that diverse insect communities on sagebrush and rabbitbrush can provide to crops like potatoes.

Sagebrush and rabbitbrush host many species of aphids, and these aphids can be extremely abundant.

This photo shows a commonly seen genus, Obtusicauda.

22

Potato Country

February 2020

Sagebrush and rabbitbrush also host many species of caterpillars and similar chewing and gall-making insects.

Answers on page 25

Calendar

PVX GIII

Feb. 24–27

l RUSSET BURBANK l RANGER RUSSET l UMATILLA RUSSET

SEED INC.

Potato D.C. Fly-in

Capital Hilton, Washington, DC Hillary Hutchins, hillaryh@nationalpotatocouncil.org

Mar. 9-12

Potatoes USA Annual Meeting

The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver, Colo.

Chelsea Madix, chelsea@potatoesusa.com

l On-farm tissue culture laboratory and greenhouse facility for nuclear seed production l 4 year rotation on clean fields l Strict sanitation program throughout l Modern storage and handling facilities l Rigorous Spray Program

We are dedicated to providing you with consistent high quality, high yielding seed that you can depend on year after year.

You are always welcome to visit our farm.

Let us show you what our program can do for you.

June 2

Ag World Golf Classic

Canyon Lakes Golf Course, Kennewick, Wash. www.agworldgolf.com

June 4

Ag World Golf Classic

The Links at Moses Pointe, Moses Lake, Wash. www.agworldgolf.com Editor’s note: To have your event listed, please email Denise Keller at editor@columbiamediagroup.com.

Send your information 90 days in advance.

David

Dan Tim

Tim Dan

Pat

Dan, Dave, Pat and Tim Lake

(406) 253-3638 (office), (406) 676-2175 (fax) e-mail - spudman@ronan.net 35822 Spring Creek Road l Ronan, MT 59864

Spudequipment.com Pilers

2007 Milestone 42” all belt, 230 3ph remote 2000 Wemco 36” all belt, 480 3ph, remote 1998 Milestone 36” all belt, 230 3ph, remote 1995 Double L 831 36” x 49’ BC 3ph Remote 1994 Davis 36” BC x 40’ 220 volt 1ph 1991 Spudnik 550 30” BC, 3ph Remote 1991 Max 430 30” x 55’ 3ph 230 volt belt chain elev.

1985 DL 813 30” BC 3ph 1980 Spudnik 450 36” 3ph BC Remote Mayo 30” Van Loader

Scoopers

1989 Spudnik 24” Spudnik 24” Van Unloader

Stingers

2016 Logan Trac Pro Telescopic 36”/42” x 6’ Tel. 2014 Logan Trac Pro 10’ x 30” x 10’ belt 3ph Double L 832 BC 30” fingers

Conveyors - Telescopic

Sizers/Eliminators

2000 Spudnik 925 72” 3ph 480 V 2000 Double 878 DE 78” 3ph flip down 72” sizer 1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer

Dirt Eliminators

2000 Spudnik 900 60” 230 volt 3ph hang on tare 97 DL 807 62” BC with 3 stingers 3ph 1990 Double 806 Collector 44” 2-pups

Rock/Clod/Eliminators

2017 Spudnik 72” Multi Sep/ Air Sep 2015 Lockwood Air Vac 2014 Spudnik 991 72” Multi Sep /Air Sep 2007 Harriston Clod Hopper 240 model 3ph 1998 Harriston Clod Hopper 200/80” 230 Volt 3ph 1994 STI 1260 Sand Machine

2015 Spudnik TC 1255 36” x 85’ 230 V 3ph 2012 Logan TC 42” x 100’ 480 V 3ph 1998 Spudnik TC 36”/42”/60’ 3ph Refurbished 1990 Double L 810 30” x 50’ 3ph 230 volt 1986 Spudnik 1200 TC 30” x 55’ 220 volt single phase

Even Flows & Crop Carts

Conveyors - Straight

2011 Logan LP22 Electric 2001 Double L 20’ Combo Dual drive 1998 Double L 22’ Combo EZ Tarp Dual Drive 1998 Double L 22’ Combo EZ Tarp Dual Drive 1995 Double L 801 20’ updated Dual Drive 1986 Logan 20’ new paint & planetary gearbox

2015 Spudnik 1205 36” x 40’ x (8) 230 V 3ph 2012 Logan SC 42” x 40’ x (6) 480 V 3ph 2014 Logan SC 42” x 30’ Hyd Tip 480 V 3ph Spudnik 1200 17’ x 30” 3ph Spudnik 1200 29’ x 30” 3ph Spudnik 1200 30’ x 30” 3ph Spudnik 1200 33’ x 30” 3ph Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph (10) Double L 808 30” x 20’ 3ph

2016 Milestone 100cwt, Stinger, tilt belt 2016 Mayo Surge 72” discharge 2- BC Stingers 1996 Double L 860 600 cwt 3ph Bijlsma Hercules Con 200 Receiving Hopper

Beds

Trucks

2007 Sterling 13spd MB 425hp, no bed, frame for 22’ bed, has PTO 2001 Freightliner F80, Cum 5.9L 225 hp 9sp Rd Ranger 1996 IH 466DT Auto, Logan 20’ bed w/EZ Tarp 1995 IH 466DT 9sd w/Logan 90 series 20’ bed 1990 IH Cat 9spd w/Logan 90 series 20’ bed

Crossovers/Wind Rowers

2008 Double L 851 50/50/ 45 2003 Lockwood 5000 Four Row LH 50/50/50 1998 Double L 851 Four Row RH 50/50/45

Harvesters

Planter/Tare/Piler

Shop built 24” x 30’ hyd 40mm belt chain

Water Dammers

2015 Ag Engineering 4 row Hyd Reset 5 shank 2009 Logan 6 row Yield Pro Water Dammer 2006 Spudnik 8060 Cultv. Bed Shaper Diker Milestone 6 row Water Dammer

Shredder/Vine Beaters

2017 Baselier 8 row inter row power hiller 2002 Newhouse P1952 Tire Roller 36” 1986 Loftness 4 row 36” Steel rollers

MISC.

2010 Double L 973 Galaxy table, return flow Grimme DR1500 2 row 2- pintle belts 2012 Double L 965 3 row, w/Multi-sep table 2005 Lockwood 474 50/56/56/56/50

Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Mayo Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Harriston 12 row Marker Semi mount Shop Built 12 row Marker 3point

Seed Cutters

Warehouse/Packaging

2014 Better Built 460 -60” 1ph 1996 Milestone 48” 1993 Milestone 36”

Treaters

2017 Excel 10” combo liquid & dust 2015 Milestone 36” Liquid Treater 2013 Better Built CDT 10’x 10” dust auger 1996 Milestone 36” Duster

Planters

2009 Harriston cup planter 8 row pull loaded 34” 2007 Gruse Bed planter 4 row off set hitch 2005 Harriston model 4016 cup, Raven Controller 36” 2005 Lockwood 6 row Pick 36” 2000 Grimme 8 row 34” row rear steer 1995 Kverneland 3300 6 row 34”

Mayo 1000 cwt warehouse Even flow with tilt conveyor Mayo 24” x 53’ Telescopic Van Loader conveyor Mayo 30” Elevating conveyor to Van Loader Kerian 60” sizer Portable Washer with brushes, pumps, holding tank on wheels.

2012 Kwik Lok 865 Bag closer 2- Milestone Screw Sizers with belts with feed conveyor Fishbein Sewer Newlong Sewer DS-9C Northwest Bagger Agpak poly bagger Ernst roll sizer 72” Volm Pak 8000 w/ carousel Vanmark Peeler

Bruce: (208)390-5120 | brucen@tristeelmfg.com Evan: (208)757-8481 | evann@tristeelmfg.com PotatoCountry.com

23

In the News

Big Idaho Potato Truck Gears up for 2020 Tour

The Big Idaho Potato Truck will soon hit the road for its 2020 tour after traveling 35,350 miles promoting Idaho spuds last year. During its eighth season on the road, the 4-ton spud participated in 54 scheduled events in 50 cities in eight months.

Highlights ranged from the First Ever 16th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to an event at Ryan Seacrest Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.

In its eight years on the road, the truck has logged approximately 248,000 miles and attended events in 701 cities. Originally planned to be a oneyear promotion for the Idaho Potato Commission’s 75th anniversary, the Big Idaho Potato Truck continues to be the commission’s most successful marketing campaign to date.

The 2020 tour schedule will be posted at www.bigidahopotato.com in early February.

Industry Launches Potato LEAF to Grow Leaders

Potato growers and allied industry partners have introduced a new initiative designed to shape future generations of industry leadership. The Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation (LEAF), a new 501(c) (3) organization, was created to provide tools, training and support to develop growers and industry members as leaders.

Potato LEAF supports the cultivation of future leaders through three key programs: leadership development, educational training and advancement opportunities.

Specifically, growers and industry members will learn what it takes to become effective communicators, influencers and decision makers for the industry. Future leaders will be taught how to broaden their understanding of key opportunities, practices and challenges affecting national potato production. And participants will build their industry network through opportunities for collaboration with grower-leaders from around the country.

The Potato LEAF governing body includes chair Shelley Olsen of LJ Olsen Inc. in Othello, Washington, and voting directors RJ Andrus of Idahoan Foods, Gregg Halverson of Black Gold Farms, Dan Moss of Moss Ag/Arrowhead Potato Company and Richard Pavelski of Heartland Farms. Non-voting directors include Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO; Blair Richardson, Potatoes USA CEO; and Shawn Boyle, Idaho Growers Shippers Association president and general counsel.

24

Potato Country

February 2020

Minnesota Seed Association Hires Director

The Minnesota Certified Seed Potato Growers Association has welcomed Perry Paschke as its new promotions director.

A native of Oslo, Minnesota, Paschke began his career in the potato industry as a teenager working for a seed grower. He then spent 30 years working as a Minnesota Department of Agriculture potato inspector doing field inspections during the summer and shipping-point inspections during the winter and spring. He also played a key role in the postharvest grow-out operations in Florida and Hawaii. He retired from the department in 2016.

R ITE T RACE Advanced Track & Trace System

Media Calls Potatoes Good Carb

NBC Better published an article titled “5 seemingly unhealthy foods that are actually good for you,” in which Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian and contributor to NBC Better, noted potatoes at the top of her list. She wrote about the nutrients of potatoes, including fiber and potassium, and the beneficial resistant starch they contain.

Sally Kuzemchak, a registered dietician and contributor to WebMD, wrote an article titled “Potatoes are Making a Comeback.” She wrote about the addition of potatoes to the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and Whole 30 plans, key nutrients in potatoes and healthy ways to prepare them.

Know Your Insects Answers

Tracks from known locations in the field to precise layers and areas in storage

NEW!

EASILY TRACE loads from field to storage 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 page 22)

from FIELD

FI E

1. False. Sagebrush and rabbitbrush aphids are very host plant-specific LD and cannot feed on potatoes. In fact, most species living on these shrubs rarely produce winged forms and are rarely caught in traps. fr o m

to TRUCK

2. False. Like the aphids, almost all these caterpillars are host plantspecific and cannot damage potatoes.

3. Abundant plant-feeding insects in native plant communities lead to buildup of beneficial insects such as ladybird beetles, damsel bugs, lacewings and many other organisms that feed on or infect insects that damage potatoes Fostering large numbers of such beneficials can contribute to biocontrol of pests in crops.

to DETAILED MAPS

to STORAGE

519-669-4698•greentronics.com PotatoCountry.com 25

Potatoes USA

In the Fight Against Acrylamide, Potatoes Are out Ahead

By Ben Harris, Research Associate Manager, Potatoes USA

In

the years following acrylamide’s infamous rise to fame – helped along by a lawsuit leveled against four fry and chip makers – the potato industry has risen to the challenge and made substantial headway in addressing the issue. All told, we’ve reached meaningful reductions in acrylamide levels, the result of concerted research and development between breeders, growers and processors.

The National Fry Processor Trials (NFPT), overseen by Potatoes USA, is

26

Potato Country

February 2020

a program that has fostered just these sorts of partnerships. It also helped to fundamentally shift the status quo in potato breeding. In its March 2016 acrylamide guidance document, the FDA allows that while “development and commercialization of new potato varieties is a lengthy process, [it] may ultimately provide the most effective solution for acrylamide reduction.”

While the FDA’s report offers no surefire recommendation for fixing this protraction, the NFPT, in a way, does.

Through a multi-tiered trial system that maximizes efficiencies and minimizes costs, the program has effectively halved the typical breeding timeline, allowing

for the discovery and advancement of new varieties that tackle the acrylamide question.

Since the NFPT’s inception in 2011, Potatoes USA has worked closely with 12 leading breeding institutions in the U.S. to amass a large pool of genetic material, tapped to create and commercialize clones that demonstrate consistently lower acrylamide than legacy varieties.

Take the 2019 cohort of Tier 3 (final stage) NFPT clones as an example: all nine potatoes registered lower process (or “QSR”) acrylamide levels compared to the check, with the best of the bunch producing fully 410 ppb less.

The NFPT has served to build the broad coalitions and breeding network needed to mitigate acrylamide. But it will take more than the initiative of breeders and companies to continue to chip away – no pun intended – at acrylamide.

Countless others outside of NFPT play an equal, if not greater, role in this collective effort. For one, the degree to which a crop is predisposed to the chemical is in large part for growers to determine. Studies have shown that optimal tuber maturity has a strong influence on reducing sugars, the primary culprits in acrylamide synthesis. This means that management decisions that may affect maturation – from irrigation and fertilizer application to planting date – control not only yield and quality at harvest time, but also the chemical reactions that occur, much later, in the fryer.

As far as our industry’s response to acrylamide goes, there is much in which to take pride. Though the FDA never laid out mandatory practices, nor set maximum allowable levels for the chemical, we’ve opted to confront the problem head on – and by and large, we’ve succeeded in doing so. Sure, there’s work still to be done, but sit back and savor what’s already been accomplished (www.fda.gov/food/ chemicals/survey-data-acrylamide-food): if anything, it should make whatever potato dish you choose for your dinner table all-the-more satisfying.

DRIVE RESULTS with EASY APPLICATION and PROVEN CONTROL Vive products contain trusted active ingredients, powered

by Allosperse® – the revolutionary delivery system in a jug.

Simply the best mixing products available. n

AZteroid® FC 3.3 for rhizoctonia

n

Bifender® FC for wireworm and rootworm

n

NEW Xyler™ FC for pink rot and pythium leak

n

n

TREATED WITH AZTEROID FC 3.3 Average yield increase

UNTREATED UNTREAT

20.4 cwt/ac

NEW Midac™ FC for Colorado potato beetle and aphids NEW Averland™ FC for Colorado potato beetle, psyllids and mites

vivecrop.com © 2019 Vive Crop Protection Inc. Always read and follow label instructions before buying or using Vive Crop Protection Inc. products. Bifender and Averland are Restricted Use Pesticides. Allosperse, AZteroid, Bifender, Averland, Midac and Xyler are trademarks of Vive Crop Protection Inc.

ViveCropProtection - Potato - PotatoWorld Feb20 - 7.375x4.875.indd 1

2019-12-16 9:33 AM

PotatoCountry.com

27

Market Report

Global French Fry Supplies

M

ajor French fry producing countries shipped 6.572 billion pounds of French fries to countries outside of their local trading zones during the year ending Sept. 30, 2019. Those exports exceeded year-earlier movement by 2.4 percent.

During the previous five years, global French fry trade had been growing at a 6.2 percent annual rate. Last year’s trade was limited by a poor European potato crop and capacity constraints in North America. Crop problems in North America and Europe are likely to limit the growth in export sales again during the 2019-20 marketing year.

Supply Limitations

While data on U.S. potato production appear to have several discrepancies, the overall supply situation that has emerged will not support significant growth in 2019-20 French fry exports. Columbia Basin processors will have more raw product to use than they had for the 2019 crop, but production fell short of pre-season plans. Some of the available potatoes are being shipped to other growing areas where supplies are short.

Fryers expected Idaho yields to remain strong. They didn’t. In addition, up to 10 percent of the Idaho processing crop was damaged by frost. That combination left processors short of contract potatoes.

They were able to make up for some of the difference by purchasing potatoes originally slated for sale on the table potato market. In the Midwest, North

28

Potato Country

February 2020

Dakota growers may have left as many as 5,000 acres of processing potatoes in the ground. Yields on the Wisconsin potato crop were down, due to extremely wet weather throughout the growing season.

However, Wisconsin may have more usable raw product than it had a year ago, when frost took a major toll on the quality of its 2018 crop. Maine growers also have a larger potato crop than they did in 2018.

However, Maine processing plants won’t be able to make up for the shortages in other parts of the country.

Canadian growers produced 106.6 million cwt of potatoes during 2019. That is 4.1 million cwt more than the 2018 crop, a 4 percent increase. Unfortunately, that increase fell substantially short of industry plans, particularly in the Prairie Provinces. Both Cavendish Farms and the J.R. Simplot Compnay have new processing facilities that needed more raw product to meet their production goals.

Growers added acreage in conjunction with those plans. Unfortunately, adverse growing and harvest conditions thwarted any production increase. Manitoba’s 2019 potato crop fell 3 percent short of the 2018 crop. The Alberta crop was down 0.2 percent. In addition, a portion of the potatoes harvested in the Prairie Provinces are at risk of breaking down in storage, due to wet and cold conditions during harvest. Growers in the Maritime Provinces were able to produce 8.7 percent more potatoes in 2019 than they did in 2018. However, Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) potato crop is only 737,000 cwt larger than the 2017 crop. That year, PEI’s major processor had to import potatoes from as far away as Alberta.

This year, any potato imports will have to come from either New Brunswick or Maine, as Alberta has no extra potatoes to spare. Overall, processing plants in eastern Canada may not have many more potatoes to use this year than they used from the 2019 crop – certainly not enough to make up for the shortfall in the Prairie Provinces.

Information on European potato production remains fluid. Potato crops

in the five nations that produce virtually all of the EU’s external French fry exports, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, appear to be up about 6.5 percent from the disastrous 2018 crop. In 2018, potato production in those countries fell 19.7 percent short of the record 2017 crop. Processors were able to limit the decline in OctoberSeptember external French fry exports to 5.2 percent by tapping carryover supplies from the 2017 crop, as well as by pulling potatoes away from other industry sectors and jumpstarting the 2019 harvest. By the end of the season, pipeline supplies of finished product were empty. The extra production in 2019 may allow for some rebound in offshore exports. However, the 2019 potato crop is still about 14.4 percent below the 2017 record. That will be a limiting factor for French fry production and exports.

Strong Demand

We believe that the global market for French fries continues to grow about 6.2 percent per year. Supply constraints during 2018-19 resulted in some demand going unfilled. That hole is believed to have created pent-up demand that the industry needs to fill in the coming years.

If our growth estimate is accurate, global markets need about 7.4 billion pounds of finished product during 2019-20 to cover demand. That is 10.2 percent more than the industry shipped to those markets during 2018-19. Given the supply conditions outlined above, it is difficult to believe that fryers will be able to cover that demand.

Sales volumes for Lamb Weston, the only publicly traded French fry producer, tend to confirm the strong demand for French fries. That company reports that its sales for the quarter ending Nov. 24, 2019, increased 10 percent, relative to year-earlier volume. While a fourth of the increase is attributed to acquisitions and additional trading days, that leaves a 7.5 percent increase in the company’s sales, including both domestic usage and exports. Based on plant locations,

Tight Lamb Weston’s raw product supply situation appears to be better than that of its North American competitors.

Nevertheless, it will be difficult for the company to maintain that growth rate for the remainder of the marketing year.

Challenges for the other fryers will be even greater.

Anticipated Consequences

How will processors deal with this year’s raw product supply shortage? They are likely to test pipeline minimums for finished-product inventories. To the extent possible, they also will purchase raw product originally intended for other uses.

Some of that product is likely to move from the Pacific Northwest to destinations in the upper Midwest and in the Canadian Prairies. Fryers will be reluctant to take on new business, which will increase pent-up demand for finished product in future years. Some second-tier customers may have to be placed on allocation.

Finally, processors will want to ramp up production of the 2020 crop as quickly as possible. Limited supplies of Shepody seed will slow that process during the first half of July, but we expect a push for a quick start of the Ranger Russet harvest in the Columbia Basin – perhaps as early as mid-July.

Potato growers should use prudence as they market potatoes to processors and table potato buyers this year. Current prices are good, and they may move higher as supplies tighten. Nevertheless, holding out for the peak price is risky.

Processors will continue buying potatoes as long as they see a need and as long as they can justify the price. However, once they have covered the gap in raw product needs for the storage season, the buying will stop. In the past, we have seen growers turn down offers in excess of $200 per ton in hopes of a higher price, only to settle for $50 a ton because that was the best that they could get after the fryers pulled out of the market. The table potato market may support higher prices this year, but waiting until the very end of the storage season to settle on a price is seldom a good strategy for growers.

By Bruce Huffaker, Publisher North American Potato Market News

HUFFAKER'S HIGHLIGHTS • Raw product supply limitations are likely to hold

global French fry sales below trend growth for the second consecutive year.

• Potato crops in both North America and Europe were substandard in 2019. North American production did not increase enough to cover this year’s processing capacity expansion. European production remained 14.4 percent below the 2017 record.

• Pent-up demand will prompt fryers to ramp up early potato production in 2020.

• Growers should not wait until the last minute to price potatoes from their 2019 crop.

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

A Balancing Act

By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington

W

eighing the needs of individual members is a challenge every organization faces. At Potato Growers of Washington (PGW), we have to not only weigh the needs of the larger growers with the smaller ones, but also balance the needs and risks involved in the out-of-field contracts versus grower storage. It has always appeared that we have been able to balance these needs very well. But the past two crop years have exposed even greater divides in totally new areas.

Bruise free is the hottest topic whenever potato growers in the Columbia Basin get together. We all have our theories as to why the bruise-free numbers, and subsequently the huge incentive dollars riding on this attribute, have been precipitously declining for many growers the past three crop years. However, no one really has an answer or a solution. One of the contributing problems to this is that not everyone has been experiencing declining numbers. So because the majority of growers have seen their profit margins shrink to lows that I never thought we would see in the Basin, the outcry for making major changes to the contract echoes through nearly every conversation I have with growers. On the surface, this seems

POTATO STORAGE STEEL BUILDINGS

CUSTOM STEEL BUILDINGS & COMPONENTS

PACIFIC BUILDING SYSTEMS ENGINEERED & MANUFACTURED IN OREGON SINCE 1962 • TEMPERATURE CONTROL • LIGHTING CONTROL • HUMIDITY RANGE • VENTILATION

BULK & BOX STORAGE DESIGN SOLUTIONS

REQUEST A QUOTE

800-727-7844

pbsbuildings.com 30

Potato Country

February 2020

like a no-brainer as something has definitely changed.

However, on the flipside of this conversation are the growers who have not seen their bruise-free numbers decline. They do not want to give up any of the money they have been earning on the incentive, nor do they want to give up their advantage over other growers in terms of where they fall on the processors’ quality matrix.

A new division in grower needs appears to be developing in the difference in yields between the north and the south basin.

The southern basin growers have a longer growing season and have historically experienced higher yields. But with some of the newer varieties, the yield variance is becoming even greater.

Plus, with two new lines being added in the south basin and one in the central basin over the past five years, the majority of the additional contracted acres have come in the south basin. This additional volume on the higher-yielding ground further pushes the Basin average yield of each variety up even more. For years, the north basin growers have questioned the “average” yield we use in negotiations as they rarely, if ever, see those yields, much less experience them as an average.

With a more pronounced gap in yields, we are starting to hear rumblings of north basin growers wanting a contract separate from the south. While I fully understand and appreciate the sentiment, the implementation of two separate contracts becomes a nightmare as to where you draw the line between the two growing regions. There is not a clear-cut area where yields suddenly change; it is more of a gradual decline as you move north. The south basin growers will tell you they are not making as much money as they would expect, but most of them will probably agree that they need less of an increase than that for which the north basin growers have been clamoring. With no real way to set up two separate contracts, this balancing act just becomes more of challenge.

Along this same line, there have been more rumblings by the McCain and Simplot growers that they are not receiving nearly enough money for their potato contracts because the price is set

by Lamb Weston and its growers who have far more volume in the higher-yielding southern basin and fewer bruise-free issues.

The reason I bring all this up is to show you that the PGW board of directors has a tough and often thankless job to do in negotiating a reasonable contract for all growers. While we know that we cannot make all growers happy with a contract settlement, we have to remain focused on what is fair for the majority of the growers and the industry as a whole. I think we have done a very good job of this over the years, and our new voting structure puts in place the mechanisms to do an even better job going forward.

So please, the next time you hear growers grumbling and thinking they have the solutions to problems they are experiencing on their farms, stop and think about the juggling act that goes into arriving at a contract and think about what all may be broken for other growers if an individual problem is fixed.

With the increased demand for equipment, the need for more space prompted the expansion of SPUDNIIK Equipment’s main manufacturing facility. In addition to the expansion of facilities, SPUDNIK is expanding the range of logistics equipment offered with the acquisition of STC Trailers LLC. The SPUDNIK Team has worked day and night to provide new solutions to help our growers be successful in their efforts to feed the world.

For more information about SPUDNIK Equipment, visit www.SPUDNIK.com

The scientific explanation.

Calcium is a required element for tuber development.

A calcium deficiency in plants results in dividing cells being unable to stay bound together. This causes poor quality potatoes such as reduced size, growth cracks and hollow heart.

ENCOURAGE NANOCAL is a unique formulation of calcium carbonate. ®

®

Typical calcium soil additives have particle sizes of up to 200 microns, too big to be readily absorbed by roots.

NANOCAL is milled to less than one micron. This greatly expands the calcium surface area, and allows an order of magnitude more particles in solution, providing a denser field of calcium particles for uptake.

Foliar-applied calcium does not translocate to tubers.

The only efficient way to move calcium into developing tubers is through root and tuber uptake. Soil-applied NANOCAL’s particle size allows immediate movement into the meristematic region of growing roots.

Soil-applied NANOCAL calcium particles are immediately available to developing tubers.

Benefits of improved calcium uptake at tuber initiation include: • Dramatic reduction in hollow heart • Improved shelf life and storability • Better uniformity at maturity • Increased firmness • Increased yield

Learn more at oroagriusa.com

ENCOURAGE NANOCAL is a proprietary trademark of Oro Agri Inc. Always read and follow label directions.

Advertiser Index Hotlinks Click on the Advertiser to Jump Straight to Their Ad

EQuIPMENT

POTATO SEED

Agri-Stor

Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association

Crary Lockwood Cut Above Greentronics - Rite Trace Greentronics - Rite Yield Industrial Ventilation, Inc

Idaho Certified Seed Potatoes Lake Seed Montana Seed Schutter Seed

Micro-Trak Pacific Building Systems

CROP INPuTS

Skone Irrigation Inc

Bayer - Luna

SpudEquipment.com

Bayer - Velum

Spudnik

Oro-Agri

Suberizer

Vive Crop Protection

MARKETING

TESTING

ThePotatoPodcast.com

Stukenholtz