Potato Country February 22

Potato Expo 2022

PotatoCountry.com • February 2022 Western focus. National impact.

Advertiser Index Bayer .......................... 2 Nutri-Cal ................... 11 Colorado Seed.......... 31 Oro-Agri .................... 32 Forte ......................... 18 Schutter Seed ........... 23 Greentronics ............. 21 Skone Irrigation ........ 28 Group Ag .................. 21 SpudEquip.com ........ 31 Idaho Crop ................ 15 Stukenholtz ............... 29 Lake Seed ................ 30 Teton Seed ............... 22 Liphatech .................... 5 The Potato Podcast Lockwood ................... 5 Sponsored by Micro-Trak ................ 23 Miller Chemical ......... 26 Montana Seed .......... 13

Crop Protection Essentials Back to Basics in Storage Ventilation Disease Hits Harder When It Strikes Early Bruise Prevention: Cultivar Considerations

A

Force in the

Field

The Bayer family of products is powerful, especially when used together. Combined, they create an agronomic force field around your crops, providing protection during the first 75 days when potatoes are most susceptible to pests and diseases. Safeguard your potatoes against nature's harmful pests and diseases with the Bayer 75-Day Integrated Pest Management program. Visit BayerPotato75DayIPM.com to learn more.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Leverage ® 360 is a restricted use pesticide. Not all products are registered in all states and may be subject to use restrictions. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Check with your local dealer or representative for the product registration status in your state. Admire,® Bayer, Bayer Cross, Emesto,® Leverage,® Luna Tranquility,® Minuet,™ Movento,® Oberon,® Scala,® Sivanto,® and Velum ® are trademarks of Bayer Group. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.BayerCropScience.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. ©2022 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

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

Vol. 38 No. 2

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

Contacts

Country Western focus. National impact.

Table of Contents

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

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

Andy Jensen.......................................... www.nwpotatoresearch.com Insect Identification

Jeff Miller .....................................................jeff@millerresearch.com

February 2022

Disease Identification

Ben Eborn ........................................................ napmn@napmn.com Market Report

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

6 Potato Expo Returns

Potato Growers of Washington

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

Potato Expo 2022

Operations Manager, Advertising

10 Cowboys Corral the Golden Flashes Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

12 Crop Insurance: Exploring the Options 14 Crop Protection Essentials Buyers' Guide

18 Bruise Prevention: Cultivar Considerations 22 Disease Hits Harder When It Strikes Early 24 National Fry Processors Trial Takes a New Shape Potatoes USA

26 Back to Basics in Storage Ventilation What is a High-Performance Storage?

28 How Many Potatoes Will US Growers Plant

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.

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.

It is produced by Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444 Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group.

For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.

Editorial Board

in 2022?

Market Report

Gary Roth

Chris Voigt

Competitors in the Simplot Potato Sack Race strive for the end zone finish line.

Read all about the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on page 10.

On The Cover Colorado potato grower Roger Mix (left) and NPC President Dominic LaJoie from Maine visit at the Potato Expo Food Truck Festival.

See the story on page 6.

Potato Country

February 2022

Executive Director

Washington State Potato Commission

Oregon Potato Commission

(509) 765-8845

(503) 239-4763

Departments 13 Disease Quiz 20 Insect Quiz 21 Calendar 25 In the News

Nina Zidack

Jamey Higham

Jim Ehrlich

Montana Seed Potato Certification

Idaho Potato Commission

Colorado Potato Administrative Committee

Director

President/CEO

President/CEO

25 New Products 30 PGW Column 30 Advertiser Index

4

Executive Director

(406) 994-3150

(208) 334-2350

(719) 852-3322

All Our Greatest Hits Now Come in 50-lb. Bags Learn More at Liphatech.com/Rozol50 Rozol Rockin’ Rebate

Always read and follow label instructions.

Rozol Vole Bait, Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait Burrow Builder Formula, and Rozol Ground Squirrel Bait are Restricted Use Pesticides.

PotatoCountry.com

5

Potato Expo Returns

By Bill Schaefer

F

ollowing nearly two years of the ongoing Covid pandemic, selfimposed quarantines and accompanying government restrictions, the National Potato Council (NPC) held its 2022 Potato Expo in Anaheim, California, on Jan. 5-6.

The NPC was forced to change its 2021 Expo, scheduled to be held in Dallas, to a virtual event. The Anaheim Expo represented an attempt by the NPC to begin a return to public gatherings.

Chair of the 2022 Expo was Britt Raybould of St. Anthony, Idaho.

Raybould is also a past president of the NPC. “Given the circumstances in which we were trying to pull off a live event after the disruptions of the past two years, it was great to see everybody come together and have it be as successful as it was,” Raybould said following the conclusion of the Expo.

Planning for the Expo proceeded with cautious optimism despite the December impact that the Omicron variant of coronavirus had on travel plans across the nation.

“I would say from that standpoint, we did incredibly well,” Raybould said. “We had a really supportive group of folks who were willing to participate and to

A scouting dog from Nose Knows Scouting circles a display, sniffing and finding the one can that holds a diseased potato.

show their support for our industry. The cancelations we had were due to people just physically not being able to get there because of the weather.”

On the floor of the Expo, NPC President Dominic LaJoie, of Van Buren, Maine, said that it was important to get the event back on track.

“Obviously, we’re excited to get the Expo back up and running,” LaJoie said.

“[We’ve had] very good support from all our sponsorships, and all our booths and companies that have invested time and money to come here had a lot of positive feedback the last couple of days, which is encouraging. So we’re excited to keep this Expo moving forward.”

He said that the Expo represents an opportunity for vendors and growers to get together annually to see and

The 2022 Potato Expo begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the Anaheim Convention Center.

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Potato Country

February 2022

hear about the latest trends and newest developments.

“There’s a lot of new technology coming; there’s a lot of things that are happening so fast in the industry, and this show really puts it out there for growers to make decisions on the upcoming growing season to maybe try some of this new stuff. It’s all focused on saving growers money,” LaJoie said.

LaJoie expressed guarded optimism that hopefully the pandemic will soon be just a distant memory in the nation’s rearview mirror.

“We’re looking forward to next year, and hopefully we’re on the other end of this virus and can return to normal,” he said. “I think for the industry, it’s a critical show and support of growers and vendors, and sponsorship is critical at this time, especially after what we’ve been through the last two years.”

Raybould said that this year’s Expo experience could be a harbinger of future large public meetings.

“I think this event was a demonstration of what large gatherings like this might look like going forward,” she said.

“Where you plan and do everything that’s within your control to pull off an in-person event but recognize that there may be things that may come up that are outside of your control.”

Byron Duffin, president of Double L Manufacturing, based in Burley, Idaho, said that it was good to have the Expo but frustrating at the same time due to the almost daily changes in the Covid landscape.

“I think the frustrating thing is that there’s still so many things, one day we’re good to go and the next day, ‘oh, Covid’s taken over again.’ It’s just frustrating,” he said.

Duffin said that it’s time to resume public gatherings.

“It’s good to get back out and get the ball rolling again,” he said. “The NPC was good and we had some good business. We were able to have some good conversations on what’s going on in the industry and the world.”

With the national show wrapped up, Duffin said that the staff at Double L will be on the road for the next six weeks attending various state conferences.

Bayer presents an impressive booth at Potato Expo.

PotatoCountry.com

7

Potato Expo

Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council (NPC); Randy Russell, president of the Russell Group; and RJ Andrus, vice president of legislative affairs for the NPC, discuss the 2022 federal policy outlook for the potato industry during a breakout session at the Potato Expo.

Jeff Miller of Miller Research, based in Rupert, Idaho, debuted a video about the Potato Association of America and gave a presentation on managing dry rot in Clearwater Russet, at the Expo.

“The reason I went is I felt the things they (NPC) did were adequate,” Miller said. “I feel like we’ve taken the precautions we need to, and let’s move on.”

The trade show floor hosted over 160 booths this year.

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Potato Country

February 2022

Chef RJ Harvey, culinary director at Potatoes USA, hosts a cooking demonstration while Gail Mattive and Bob Mattive work on a potato dish.

To conclude the first day of the Potato Expo, attendees enjoy an outdoor beer garden sponsored

by Corteva.

From left, Erena Connon, Kayla Dome and Kim Breshears staff the Potatoes USA booth.

Baked potatoes with all the fixings were on the lunch menu both days at Potato Expo.

Washington potato growers visit the Amvac booth on the trade show floor.

SQM booth staffers talk with potato growers in Anaheim.

PotatoCountry.com

9

Cowboys Corral the Golden Flashes Photos by Allen Thayer

I

n an offensive explosion that featured many big plays and set records for team rushing and total rushing yards gained, the University of Wyoming Cowboys topped the Kent State University Golden Flashes 52 to 38 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Wyoming freshman quarterback Levi Williams was named the game’s MVP, throwing for a touchdown, running for 200 yards and scoring four more touchdowns on the ground.

The nationally televised game was played on Dec. 21, a sunny day with the temperature topping out at 40 degrees at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Two million people watched the high-scoring game on ESPN. The game has been, and continues to be, a marketing windfall for the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), the sponsor of the game. The IPC leverages every opportunity available to promote Idaho potatoes and the “Grown in Idaho” seal.

Flash, the scowling Kent State University mascot, watches the game.

Simplot, always a huge sponsor of the event, arranged a potato sack race, featured the company logo on the goalpost nets, and cooked and served fries for attendees at the game.

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Potato Country

February 2022

Kent State University cheerleaders root for their Golden Flashes.

Product mentions include: • ESPN television and radio ads • Video board announcements • Idaho potato logos on the Boise State University signature blue turf, in the end zones, and on the sidelines and fences • Multiple mentions by the sportscasters calling the game • Game-day program advertising with the IPC logo on the cover and a severalpage spread The game has helped launch the careers of several NFL players, including quarterbacks Zach Wilson from Brigham Young, Josh Allen from Wyoming and linebacker Khalil Mack from the University of Buffalo.

Details on the 2022 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will be available mid-year.

View more photos at www. potatocountry.com/2021-potato-bowl.

Game MVP Levi Williams celebrates with his coaches and team.

Spuddy Buddy, named the number one college football mascot by ESPN and SBNation, cheers during the game.

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl trophy awaits the game winner, University of Wyoming, who vanquished Kent State University 52-38.

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11

Crop Insurance: Exploring the Options

By Ben Thiel, Director, Risk Management Agency, USDA

S

ummer 2021 was unprecedented in how hot and dry it was. How did your crops fair? The yields and quality for crops produced on dryland this year might not have been very good. Perhaps some crops under irrigation looked good, but others didn’t. The lack of moisture and record high temperatures made for tough growing conditions for many crops in the Pacific Northwest. Depending on your location and crops grown, you might have experienced similar challenges.

The question that I would pose is what if this year isn’t the worst we will see for extreme weather risk? Would you be able to financially withstand consecutive loss years like 2021 with your current level of crop insurance? If your farming operation relies on irrigation water, how comfortable do you feel about having an adequate water supply next year or in

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February 2022

future years if current conditions persist?

For various reasons, some producers don’t use crop insurance or buy only bare minimum coverage. The majority of producers who do utilize crop insurance probably have settled into a familiar pattern of the same form of insurance from year to year.

However, I believe your crop insurance agent would be willing to discuss other options that could be available to improve your risk management in future years. A crop insurance agent is also available to those who are new to crop insurance. It doesn’t hurt to review costs with an agent and explore the type of risk you would like to cover with crop insurance. Crop insurance agents and insurance companies don’t compete for your business by price but rather by service. Exploring options for additional

coverage can be as simple as increasing your coverage level or inquiring about adding additional insurance policies such as Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO). The sales closing date, which is the last day to purchase insurance, can vary by crop and county.

To see what crops are insurable in your county and the respective dates, visit webapp.rma.usda.gov/apps/ actuarialinformationbrowser. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA service centers and online at www. rma.usda.gov/en/information-tools/agentlocator-page. To learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net, visit www.rma.usda.gov.

Know Your Potato Diseases

Disease Identification Quiz Dr. Jeff Miller Dr. Jeff Miller, a plant pathologist, is the president and CEO of Miller Research, Rupert, Idaho.

He can be contacted by phone: (208) 531-5124; cell: (208) 431-4420; jeff@millerresearch.com

A

B

At harvest, you see that the stem ends of some of the tubers are affected by some type of dry decay (Photo A). The affected tissue is dehydrated and shriveled. However, you also find some that have a soft, watery, jelly-like rot (Photo B). A close-up look of the tubers with the wet rot is shown in Photo C. What is affecting these tubers?

Should you have used a crop protection product to protect against this?

Answers Page 27

C

PotatoCountry.com

13

Crop Protection Essentials AMVAC

www.amvac.com iNvigorate

iNvigorate is a biological product from AMVAC’s Green Solutions portfolio that unlocks critical soil nutrients for the plant to prosper by building an enriched crop nutritional environment and diverse microbiome to promote healthier soils. iNvigorate promotes availability and absorption of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. It also improves fertilizer utilization and increases yields for potato growers.

BASF

www.basf.com Endure Fungicide

Using Endura fungicide to protect a potato crop is just plain smart.

In fact, it’s what BASF would call a “no brainer.”

Endura fungicide by BASF is backed by an 18-year proven track record as the most effective protection against white mold.

Bayer

www.bayerpotato75dayipm.com 75-Day IPM Potato Portfolio

The Bayer family of products is powerful, especially when used together. When combined, they create an agronomic force ¬field around potatoes, providing protection during the ¬first 75 days when potatoes are most susceptible to pests and diseases.

With the Bayer 75-Day Integrated Pest Management Program, growers can safeguard their potatoes against nature’s harmful pests and diseases, as well as help create a successful harvest and higher yield potential.

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February 2022

Disinfecting Services LLC www.disinfectingservices.net Harvest 6.0

Harvest 6.0 is an EPA-registered and OMRI-listed versatile sanitizer and disinfectant that utilizes two powerful active ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid.

Both of these elements working together strengthens the product’s ability to eliminate and protect against fungus and bacteria in a combination that is both effective and environmentally friendly.

This is one of the strongest disinfectants on the market labeled for potatoes, onions and other crops including seed potatoes. It is also an effective disinfectant for equipment and cleaning storage facilities. Harvest 6.0 helps to control bacterial soft rot, ring rot, early blight, Fusarium dry rot, silver scurf and late blight.

GroPro Corporation www.groproag.com Vigilance Nematicide

One of GroPro’s flagship innovative products is Vigilance Nematicide, the company’s answer to farmers’ desire to have an effective and safe nematode control solution all while gaining higher yields and quality. Vigilance Nematicide not only protects roots with complete life-stage control of nematodes but also gives no stress to the whole plant.

Trials show that potato plants treated with Vigilance are visibly healthier. Vigilance Nematicide is proven effective in multiple nematode species, capable of giving great results in all soil structures, tank compatible with fertilizers and other materials, safe on beneficial microbes and cost-effective. It is also a good fumigation replacement option.

PotatoCountry.com

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Crop Protection Essentials Liphatech

www.liphatech.com Pest Control Products

Liphatech has a long history of advancing the science of rodent management through research and product innovation. Combining advanced technology with high levels of customer service and technical support, Liphatech delivers solutions that allow growers, landowners and certified applicators to achieve cost-effective management of rodent populations. With over 50 years of combined hands-on knowledge and experience, the Liphatech ag team can provide tips and tools to manage ground squirrels, pocket gophers, rats, mice and voles.

Liphatech specializes in servicing agricultural field and animal health markets with a product line that includes FastDraw, Revolver, Rozol, Hombre, BootHill, Cannon and Renegade rodenticides, as well as Aegis tamper-resistant bait stations. Bait formulations include soft bait, treated grains, manufactured mini-blocks, bulk pellets and pellet-place-packs.

Rozol is a restricted use pesticide.

NovaSource

www.novasource.com Sectagon & Linex

Sectagon soil fumigant (metam sodium) is an important tool for producing high quality, high value potato crops. When facing soil-borne pests, Sectagon provides effective, economical suppression of weeds, diseases and nematodes. Sectagon can be applied using soil injection, soil bedding or chemigation methods.

Recent field studies by NovaSource to track product movement in the soil have uncovered useful insights into best use practices for Sectagon, including the importance of moisture in the soil profile at the time of application to enhance product efficacy.

For potato growers facing resistant weeds, Linex is a valuable Group 7 herbicide (linuron). The overuse of certain herbicides has led to the spread of dozens of biotypes of resistant weeds such as kochia, lambsquarter, pigweed and nightshade.

Linex provides broad-spectrum control of dozens of tough grasses and broadleaf weeds while providing a different mode of action versus ALS-inhibitor (Group 2) or triazine-based (Group 5) herbicides. Using Linex as a pre-emergence alternative can enable greater flexibility to apply a different mode of action for in-season use.

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Oro Agri

www.oroagriusa.com ORO-RZ

ORO-RZ adjuvant improves the efficacy of soil-applied pesticides and nutrients. When tank mixed with pre-emergent herbicides, it improves soil hydraulic conductivity, even in hydroscopic soils, to move the herbicide solution into soil pore spaces to lay down a uniform barrier of herbicide protection.

ORO-RZ, when applied with nutrients such as Nanocal, distributes the application uniformly throughout the soil profile, boosting efficient uptake by the root system.

Syngenta

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/products/azterknot AZterknot Fungicide

AZterknot is the industry’s first three-way fungicide that combines the benefits of a biological with the performance of chemistry and the ease of Allosperse. The fungicide delivers systemic, broad-spectrum, preventative control of key diseases. It induces the plant’s natural defenses to improve plant health and increase stress tolerance, and in turn, improves quality and yield.

AZterknot contains two powerful modes of action, Group 11 and Group P5, for smart resistance management. The product mixes well with liquid fertilizers, hard water and other crop inputs, even in low-volume solutions.

AZterknot contains azoxystrobin and Reynoutria sachalinensis extract and the Allosperse nano-polymer delivery technology.

Delivering groundbreaking disease control, AZterknot promotes better plant health and greater return on investment.

PotatoCountry.com

17

Bruise Prevention: Cultivar Considerations

By Rabecka Hendricks, Nora Olsen and Mike Thornton, University of Idaho

T

here are many management decisions that need to be made prior to planting, during the growing season, at harvest and into the post-harvest season to grow a quality potato crop. Of all these considerations, how to handle cultivarspecific management decisions can be one of the most complex. Each cultivar has specific management considerations for optimizing growth, handling and storing.

Research programs are dedicated to assessing management responses to help promote success of the cultivar prior to being released commercially. When a new cultivar is released, documents become publicly available that explain the cultivar’s growing, handling, and storing capabilities and susceptibilities. One aspect of these management guidelines

focuses on bruise management. Bruise management is important for every cultivar to achieve the highest quality.

Bruise management strategies focus on three main components: drop heights, cushioning equipment and tuber pulp temperature. Within a cultivar, these components can dictate if a bruise will develop on a potato.

Two major bruises that can occur from handling operations are blackspot bruise and shatter bruise. Blackspot bruise is a darkened area underneath the skin that occurs when intercellular membranes rupture, causing a black discoloration.

Shatter bruise occurs when cells break apart and cut through the skin, forming a visible crack. Blackspot bruise tends to occur from less forceful impacts, whereas

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Potato Country

February 2022

208.970.0091

shatter bruise occurs from more forceful impacts. Shatter bruises are entry points for pathogen invasion, leading to diseases such as Fusarium dry rot and Pythium leak.

There has been a lot of research dedicated strictly to understanding the fundamental variables associated with drop heights and bruise, but there is a gap on how specific cultivars will respond to varying impact heights or force.

Study Results, Recommendations A recent study by the University of Idaho set out to examine how six cultivars would respond to varying impact forces. Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Clearwater Russet, Dakota Russet, Teton Russet and Umatilla Russet were impacted using a device, which dropped a 100-gram steel weight from a 3-, 7- or 12inch height to deliver a uniform impact on both the bud and stem ends of a stationary potato (pulp temperature of 48 degrees Fahrenheit). Tubers were impacted, stored at 70 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours, and then evaluated for blackspot bruise presence and severity, as well as shatter bruise incidence.

The incidence of blackspot bruise and shatter bruise was greatly influenced by impact height in all cultivars examined. This relationship allowed each cultivar to be categorized by relative bruise susceptibility at each height (Table 1). Even at the 3-inch drop height, Clearwater Russet and Dakota Russet were moderately susceptible to blackspot bruise development. Therefore, additional management practices, such as monitoring for appropriate pulp temperatures during handling, may become more critical to integrate into a bruise management program for these two cultivars. An effective way to reduce blackspot bruise incidence for Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Teton Russet and Umatilla Russet would be to lower the impact height or the impact force

Table 1. Bruise susceptibility levels at three impact heights

Blackspot bruise susceptibility1 Impact Height Cultivar 3 inches 7 inches Russet Burbank Low Moderate

12 inches High

Shatter bruise susceptibility2 Impact height 3 inches 7 inches 12 inches Low Low Moderate

Clearwater Russet

Moderate

Moderate

High

Low

Low

Moderate

Dakota Russet

Moderate

Moderate

High

Low

Low

Low

Ranger Russet

Low

Moderate

High

Low

Low

Moderate

Teton Russet

Low

Moderate

Moderate

Low

Low

High

Umatilla Russet

Low

Moderate

Moderate

Low

Moderate

Moderate

Blackspot bruise susceptibility scale includes blackspot bruise incidence and average severity rating. The severity scale is on a 1 to 4 scale. The formula is (percentage of blackspot bruise*severity rating)/4. Bruise susceptibility scale is from 0 to 100 with 0 being the least susceptible and 100 being the most susceptible. Categories were determined by low, moderate or high blackspot bruise severity with 0 to 33 being low, 34 to 66 being moderate, and 67 to 100 being high.

2 Shatter bruise susceptibility was categorized by shatter bruise incidence; low = ≤10 percent, moderate = 11 to 25 percent, high = ≥26 percent.

1

during handling operations.

Teton Russet had low shatter bruise susceptibility until the impact height reached 12 inches, suggesting this cultivar has a critical failure point in the ability to resist shatter bruise. Lowering impact heights would be a good management strategy for shatter bruise when handling Teton Russet. For Umatilla Russet, shatter bruise susceptibility was moderate at 7

inches impact height, whereas the rest of the cultivars were low. This higher susceptibility suggests Umatilla Russet is more susceptible to shattering at lower impacts than the other cultivars examined.

In any harvest and handling operation, aiming to minimize physical impacts to the potatoes and knowing the susceptibility of the cultivar to

Blackspot bruise occurs when the impact of a potato tuber against an object damages cells in the tissue just beneath the skin without breaking the skin. The damaged tissue turns dark gray to black.

those impacts can help identify areas where there is greater risk for bruise development. Some cultivars, such as Clearwater Russet and Dakota Russet, need additional attention to minimize blackspot bruise. When handling multiple cultivars, bruise management strategies need to be adapted for each cultivar to ensure the highest quality.

Shatter bruise results when impacts cause cracks or splits in the potato tuber skin, which can serve as entry points for pathogens and lead to disease.

PotatoCountry.com

19

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

Many kinds of insects find their way into potato tubers in the field and sometimes in storage. Some insects found in tubers are tuberdestroying pests, some are there to feed on fungal and bacterial organisms rotting the tuber, and some are there for unknown reasons.

Knowing the identity of insects in tubers can help us understand what may have gone wrong during the growing season and how to avoid the problem in the future. For example, seeing and recognizing tuberworm damage after harvest indicates that in-season monitoring for tuberworm adults may have been inadequate, and/or late-season crop management allowed tuberworm damage.

The photos below illustrate four examples of tuber-inhabiting insects and their respective damage. What insect is represented in each photo, either as its damage, its appearance in life, or both?

Answers Page 27

20

A

C

B

D

Potato Country

February 2022

Calendar

Feb. 10

Miller Research Potato Pest Management Meeting Historic Wilson Theatre Rupert, Idaho www.millerresearch.com

Feb. 28 – March 3 2022 NPC Washington Summit

Washington Marriott at Metro Center Washington D.C. www.nationalpotatocouncil.org

Mar. 7-10

Potatoes USA Annual Meeting

Denver, Colo.

Chelsea Madix, chelsea@potatoesusa.com

The Post Harvest Professionals www.groupag.com

208.356.7800

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21

Disease Hits Harder When It Strikes Early

By Allan Landon, Idaho Sales Representative, Syngenta

D

isease has a significant impact on yield and quality potential when it strikes potatoes early in the season.

Disease spreads when contaminated seed comes in contact with healthy seed, either through the handling or planting process, or from contact with contaminated soils. Given that opportunity for infestation, at-plant disease protection greatly increases the opportunity for a healthy, uniform crop stand to drive high yield and quality potential.

A strong start to the season is possible by combining a sound seed handling process with proven planting practices and a robust seed treatment that provides at-plant protection.

Here are four things to consider when selecting a seed treatment.

Activity on Key Diseases

Choosing a seed treatment with activity on the major diseases affecting the early planting stages of development is critical. This prevents growers from having to use different products to control different diseases.

CruiserMaxx Potato Extreme and CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato seed treatment offer protection against Fusarium dry rot and Rhizoctonia for improved stand uniformity and increased plant vigor while reducing the opportunity for silver scurf.

Insect Control

Early-season control of Colorado potato beetle, aphids, flea beetles, leafhoppers and psyllid provides peace of mind to growers in the hectic first days

Teton Seed...

Discover PEAK Performance In Your Crop

208-456-0904

Russet Burbank • Ranger Russet Northwest Norkotah 90, 111, & 218 Norkotah 278 & 296 • Jorde Norkotah • Teton Russet

Arnold Farms Seed Potatoes, LLC Skyline Farms Contact Fred at 208-313-1399 or tetonseed@silverstar.com 22

Potato Country

February 2022

with a new crop. Push the first in-season insecticide application later in the season by providing early-season protection, which is beneficial to your crop and your wallet.

Multiple Modes of Protection

Seed treatments with multiple modes of action increase the disease spectrum, provide robust control and manage for resistance.

CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato seed treatment has multiple modes of action acting on the same targeted diseases for crop protection. By having three different fungicides and a strong insecticide in the mix, growers can be confident their crops are protected throughout planting season – from seeds to young plants.

Easy Application

Uniform application of the seed treatment is critical for consistent disease control. Unlike dusts, liquid seed treatments offer easier handling and provide improved seed coverage that remains on the seed from treatment to planting.

Used at low use rates and water volumes, CruiserMaxx Potato Extreme and CruiserMaxx Vibrance Potato include a drying agent that allows the potato to suberize earlier, drying four times faster than products without a drying agent.

Fight back against yield-robbing diseases and insect pests by choosing quality seed and protecting it immediately.

Growing Quality Seed For 50 Years!

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

LINE Selected:

Russet Burbank, Umatilla, Clearwater, Mountain Gem

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SCHUTTER SEED FARM 25 Wytana Rd., Manhattan, MT 59741 Sid: (406) 539-6478  John: (406) 580-6446 Nick: (406) 539-6125  Cliff: (406) 580-6818

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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.

(800)328-9613 Micro-Trak.com Trakmail@Micro-Trak.com PotatoCountry.com

23

Potatoes USA

National Fry Processors Trial Takes a New Shape

By John Lundeen, Research Director, and Alyssa Green, Research Communications, Potatoes USA

T

he National Fry Processors Trial (NFPT) works to identify potato variety candidates that are ideal for the industry, with strong agronomics and great processing characteristics. NFPT membership includes frozen potato processors, state grower associations, growers and university breeders. The program has seen some success; Caribou Russet is among those varieties making a splash in the system. Varieties go through different levels of the system called “tiers” to examine their promise in comparison to standard varieties, exploring their potential before reaching the market.

Historically, in October after harvest, NFPT holds an annual field day in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, so that members can provide an initial evaluation of candidates in Tiers 1, 2 and 3 of the NFPT variety trials. Then, in January, members meet again to make their final decisions on which candidates will move forward to the next step of the trialing system.

However, when the pandemic hit, a new evaluation practice was adopted to keep the program robust and on schedule. The field day consists of examining each variety, including the ability to touch, hold and physically examine the tubers without constraint.

Brad Halladay, lead engineer at Medius.

Re, previously adopted an online model in which members gained the ability to view images of potatoes and evaluate

Participants evaluate the National Fry Processors Trial varieties in East Grand Forks, Minn., in October.

24

Potato Country

February 2022

the appearance of each variety in the trialing system. To avoid losing exterior evaluation data and keep the evaluation system consistent from previous years, modifications were made to display more information to provide users with the same digital experience they had grown accustomed to without the ability to be onsite with the potatoes.

While different, this new system keeps the trialing channel afloat.

Darrin Haagenson of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Services (USDA-ARS) was key to this operation, opening his facility to lay out and photograph the different varieties. Additional praise goes to the trial cooperators for harvesting and gathering initial data for evaluation to streamline the process.

In October 2021, NFPT had a critical decision to make: to keep the field day online, avoiding cutting out evaluators as travel constraints linger, or to bring back the traditional model of in-person tuber evaluation. While members were in favor of an in-person experience, many members, who historically participate, were still unable to join this in-person experience.

In turn, members of NFPT developed a new hybrid model for evaluation.

Members who were able to participate in the East Grand Forks in-person evaluation had the opportunity to evaluate the potatoes in their typical capacity, and those restricted by travel maintained the opportunity of participating through photographs and online data. Internal data, including factors that affect a potato’s viability for fry processing, were available online for both categories of evaluators to view. With the success of this hybrid approach, it is looking like NFPT just created a revamped field day model for years to come.

In the News

USDA Ups Potatoes USA’s Export Promotion Funding

Potatoes USA’s Market Access Program (MAP) funding from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) increased for the 2022-2023 marketing year.

Potatoes USA has received $5,242,949 in new MAP funding for the coming marketing year.

This money, combined with additional funding from other FAS programs, will allow promotional efforts in target markets to have an even greater impact, according to Potatoes USA. The funding from the Market Access Program will be utilized in 15 targeted international markets, including one market new to the MAP portfolio: the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Marketing activities funded by MAP include foodservice and retail promotions, education and technical training for the trade, menu development work, trade merchandising, U.S. potato recipe development, and nutrition education for consumers.

Lender Predicts Profits

Northwest Farm Credit Services’ 12-month profitability outlook calls for a profitable year for contract potato producers; open potato returns are projected to be slightly profitable. The drivers behind the predictions include low inventories, strong demand for remaining stocks and rising input costs.

Operations with non-contracted potato acres face challenging decisions as the higher cost of production will encourage some producers to shift acreage to other commodities. Fuel and fertilizer cost increases will be offset by favorable prices and strong demand, according to the lender’s January report.

New Products

Syngenta Introduces Post-Harvest Fungicide

Potato growers facing post-harvest diseases now have a new option for protecting their crop during storage.

Archive post-harvest fungicide from Syngenta is a pre-mix fungicide designed to combat the major storage pathogens that threaten a potato crop.

The fungicide, now registered for use in potatoes, combines two unique modes of action for more broadspectrum disease control and built-in resistance management. Fludioxonil (FRAC Group 12) is a phenylpyrrole fungicide that provides proven control of storage diseases such as Fusarium dry rot. Azoxystrobin, a Qol fungicide (FRAC 11), effective against all four classes of fungi, brings another mode of action against Fusarium and provides control of silver scurf.

Visit www.syngenta.com.

Key Technology Upgrades Digital Sorter

Key Technology has introduced its VERYX 2.0 line of digital sorters suitable for French fries and other potato products. The machines feature a new mechanical layout, next-generation LED illumination, enhanced laser scanner technology and new powerful software driven by artificial intelligence. VERYX 2.0 eases use, reduces operating costs, and improves the accuracy of foreign material and defect removal to optimize product quality and maximize yield, according to the company.

The product line includes belt- and chute-fed sorters of various sizes, configurable to address a range of product applications and production capacities. The sorters can be equipped with cameras, laser sensors and/or hyperspectral imaging technology to identify the color, size, shape, structural composition and biological properties of each object.

Visit www.key.net.

PotatoCountry.com

25

Back to Basics in Storage Ventilation What is a High-Performance Storage?

By Ken Young, Director of Product Quality, Agri-Stor

I

recently came across a news story about a newly constructed, state-ofthe-art potato storage. It was a good article. You could feel the excitement and pride shared by the new owner and the builder who was also quoted in the write-up. Potato growers everywhere would envy this storage. It promised to deliver everything a pile of potatoes would ever need to make it through the storage season in great condition. I have visited this storage, and it really is a nice building with good controls – plenty of bells and whistles. But I’ve had to ask myself if this storage is designed for high performance.

What are the qualifications of a “highperformance” storage ventilation system?

Can those qualifications be verified? Are traditional storages too archaic to function well? Do they just point fans toward the pile and hope the air gets where it needs to go? What criteria are used to compare storages with different ventilation system designs?

The goal of the Agri-Stor ventilation system is high performance. I like to think of performance as something that can be measured. In his book, The Effective Executive, business author Peter Drucker famously states that “if you can’t measure something, you can’t manage it.” His book obviously refers to success in business management – and I doubt he knew about or wrote about potato storages – but the principle applies

wherever performance must be evaluated.

It is impossible to evaluate success if there are no metrics.

Successful ventilation systems need to be measured to verify they’ll be able to create and maintain a uniform climate within an acceptable range. Performance can be assessed with just a handful of specific measurements which, of course, have an acceptable range of variation.

That being said, the better the system, the tighter the climate controls. Specifically, I want to be able to evaluate performance in the following key areas: • Ventilation rate • Temperature control • Humidity control • Post-harvest crop protection applications / purge ability • Automated control

Ventilation Rate

Sponsored by:

The ventilation system needs to deliver precisely the right volume of air at precisely the right speed in a uniform fashion.

To verify performance of the ventilation system, measure speed at the discharge holes with a handheld anemometer. It should be uniform across all the discharge holes. If the discharge holes cannot be accessed, measure air speeds at the duct entrances. Again, ensure uniformity in every duct. Run this test at the upper and lower fan operating speeds.

Temperature Control

Listen on: ThePotatoPodcast.com 26

Potato Country

February 2022

The internal temperature should be maintained consistently within a few tenths of a degree of the temperature setpoint.

First, routinely verify the accuracy of all internal and external temperature sensors using a calibrated thermometer.

Use a handheld thermometer to verify the temperature of the air in the duct entrances, preferably while the system is running. Check the pulp temperatures of

potatoes near the ducts. Finally, review the history logs in the control panel. The plenum temperature history log will show the level of variation in air temperature going through the produce.

Humidity Control

The relative humidity of the delivered air should be maintained within a couple of percent of desired levels.

This is more difficult at high relative humidity (greater than 90 percent) – not because high humidity is difficult to maintain, but because RH sensors are not as reliable at the high end. Still, verify plenum humidity with a handheld sensor in the plenum (again, while the system is running). As before, consult the control panel history log for signs of significant variation.

Post-Harvest Crop Protection Applications / Purge Ability

The ventilation system must have the ability to remove the gases generated from the produce respiration. It must also be able to apply and circulate post-harvest crop protection applications effectively.

In potato storages, especially, I carry a CO2 sensor since many are not equipped.

It’s important to verify that levels fall below the established upper limits in the plenum and over the pile. Gases will settle when the fans are off, so this test is best performed while the system is running. History logs should be reviewed for any evidence of large deviations from acceptable conditions.

Automated Control

The system should be able to automatically make adjustments in order to maintain the desired climate. The system should be able to communicate remotely with operators and be controlled remotely.

Automated control isn’t a measurement, but can be assessed by asking a few simple questions.

• Does the history log show significant variations in the above key metrics?

• As the system changes modes and adjusts to changing outside weather conditions, does the internal climate struggle to remain constant?

• Is the control panel easy to use?

Know Your Insects Answers (from page 20)

Photo A is an example of baby potatoes harvested with extreme active wireworm infestation. Two larvae can be seen in this tuber. This kind of wireworm damage, causing degradation of an entire tuber, is unusual and possibly a result of crop management specific to baby potatoes.

Photo B is of a tuber damaged by tuberworm larvae.

Tuberworm tunnels are usually immediately beneath the skin and are filled with the droppings of the caterpillar(s).

Photo C shows a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) found in large tunnels in a tuber taken from storage. It is not known what this beetle was doing in the tuber, but a reasonable guess is that it was simply using the potato as a place to hide, taking advantage of tunnels created by another insect.

Photo D is an example of unusual wireworm damage. This was in Russet Norkotah, and numerous tubers were infested with wireworm at harvest despite pre-season soil fumigation.

Most wireworm damage occurs during tuber growth and is healed over by harvest time. This at-harvest wireworm damage may have been exacerbated by a long delay between vine-kill and harvest.

• How responsive is the app or desktop software?

• Am I getting enough information remotely to be helpful?

In essence, whether it’s an old storage or a new, shiny one, performing routine inspections to “measure what matters” is key to maximizing the money spent on storage costs. Most of the time, even poorly functioning storages can be improved with a few strategic component upgrades or modifications. It really is all about controlled climate and design.

The Agri-Stor team works hard to combine properly engineered designs, certified ventilation components and scientifically supported best practices.

Recent technological advances in storage design are exciting. The Agri-Stor team is committed to designing high-performance storages that meet the demands of produce storage in a variety of climates.

Know Your Disease Answers (from page 13)

These are all symptoms of a physiological problem known as jelly end, also known as translucent end, sugar end and glassy end. These tubers have a relatively low starch and relatively high sugar concentration on the affected portion of the tuber. This cannot be controlled with the use of pesticides.

The development of jelly end is influenced by environmental stresses such as high soil temperature, periodic soil moisture deficits and an imbalance of nitrogen fertilizer. Early-season stress can cause these symptoms on the stem or stolon end of the potato, and late-season stress can cause these symptoms on the bud end of the tuber.

Information for this quiz came from “Review of the Sugar End Disorder in Potato” by Asunta Thompson, Steve Love, Joseph Sowokinos, Mike Thornton and Clinton Shock, published in the American Journal of Potato Research in September 2008.

If you are not a member of the Potato Association of America, I encourage you to join at www.potatoassociation. org/membership. Membership provides access to great information on the latest potato research.

PotatoCountry.com

27

Market Report

How Many Potatoes Will US Growers F

actors affecting 2022 potato acreage are mixed. Growers have many things to consider when making planting decisions for this year’s potato acreage.

Some of the major factors include current and projected potato prices and prices for alternative crops, projected production costs, contract volumes, irrigation water supplies, the pandemic and crop rotations.

In this article, we review some of the key factors influencing 2022 planting decisions.

Alternative Crop Prices

Extremely strong prices for the 2021 potato crop could encourage growers to plant more acres to potatoes in 2022. The average Idaho Russet Grower Return Index from October to the first part of December is $10.46 per cwt, up 62.9 percent from $6.42 per cwt a year earlier.

On the other hand, alternative crop prices are stronger than they have been in several years. USDA reports that the national all-wheat price averaged $7.90 per bushel during October versus $4.98 per bushel a year ago, a 58.6 percent increase. All-barley and malting barley prices are up 13.7 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively. Alfalfa prices are up 26 percent across the country, at $213 per ton. Corn prices have jumped 39.1 percent, to $5.02 per bushel, while soybean prices have risen 23.6 percent, to $11.90 per bushel.

Strong prices for alternative crops, coupled with rising input costs, could encourage growers to plant fewer acres to potatoes in 2022. The signals are mixed.

Table 1. A four-year history of U.S. potato acerage by state, along with the year-to-year

US Planted Potato Area, 2018-2021 (Thousand Acres)

Idaho Washington North Dakota Wisconsin Maine Colorado Michigan Oregon Minnesota California Florida Nebraska Texas Total Acreage Year/Year Change

2018 315.0 160.0 74.5 69.0 49.0 55.3 50.0 45.0 44.0 38.5 22.0 19.5 18.0 959.8 -2.1%

February 2022

2019 310.0 165.0 73.0 71.0 52.0 51.3 50.0 43.0 46.0 40.5 26.0 20.5 15.0 963.3 0.4%

2020 300.0 155.0 72.0 69.0 51.0 54.0 46.0 45.0 42.0 29.0 21.0 19.0 15.5 918.5 -4.7%

2021 315.0 160.0 76.0 71.0 54.0 53.0 50.0 45.0 42.0 30.0 21.0 19.0 15.0 951.0 3.5%

2020/21 Change 5.0% 3.2% 5.6% 2.9% 5.9% -1.9% 8.7% 0.0% 0.0% 3.4% 0.0% 0.0% -3.2% 3.5%

Table Table2. 2

Alternative Crop Price Changes, 2020-21

Idaho GRI All Wheat All Barley Malt Barley Alfalfa Corn Soybeans

2020 $6.42 $4.98 $4.74 $4.98 $169.00 $3.61 $9.63

2021 $10.46 $7.90 $5.39 $5.39 $213.00 $5.02 $11.90

Change 62.9% 58.6% 13.7% 8.2% 26.0% 39.1% 23.6%

SW Idaho Potato Production Costs per Acre, 2020-21

Seed Fertilizer Chemicals Custom Irrigation Machinery (fuel, lube, repairs) Field Labor Sorting Other Operating Interest Total Operating Costs per Acre Potato Country

Potato production costs are expected to increase significantly in 2022. Table 3 shows the estimated 2020 and 2021

percentage change.

1.

A four-year history of U.S. potato acreage by state, along with the year-to-year percentage

Table Table 3.

3

28

Production Costs

2020 $406 $446 $646 $134 $134 $174 $293 $90 $134 $96 $2,552

2021 $362 $638 $787 $155 $134 $192 $337 $92 $150 $109 $2,956

Change -10.7% 43.0% 21.8% 15.7% 0.5% 10.0% 15.0% 1.6% 12.7% 13.6% 15.8%

Plant in 2022? operating (direct) costs for southwestern Idaho. There were significant cost increases last year for fertilizer, fuel, chemicals and labor. Similar, or larger, increases are expected for the 2022 crop.

Fertilizer supplies are tight, and prices for most products have more than doubled in the past year. Fuel and chemical prices continue to climb. Labor costs and operating interest also are likely to continue upward with rising inflation.

Table 3 only shows operating costs.

Ownership (indirect) costs are on the rise, as well. Machinery and equipment depreciation has been increasing with rising equipment costs. Land rents have been receiving upward pressure as crop prices and farmland values have increased.

Rapidly rising production costs and the uncertainty of product availability may cause growers to reconsider potato acreage expansion in 2022.

Other Factors

There are several other factors that could affect the 2022 U.S. potato acreage.

First, processing contract volumes are likely to increase following two years of tight raw product supplies. Both domestic and export demand for French fries and other frozen products has been extremely strong. Frozen product imports from European processors have been record large. Strong finished product prices will encourage fryers to expand production in 2022 so they can maintain or expand their market share.

Second, irrigation water supplies could play a hand in the 2022 potato area. Last year’s drought has drawn down storage water supplies to critical levels.

This winter’s mountain snowpack will determine if reservoirs will be refilled.

Limited water might discourage potato acreage expansion, while a good water year could do the opposite.

Third, the pandemic remains a risk to both growers and processors.

Finally, crop rotation requirements

By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News

typically prevent wide year-to-year swings in potato acreage. Shifts in acreage on a statewide basis are often more variable than the change in acreage on a national level. Year-to-year changes are typically less than 5 percent.

Summary

There are several factors to consider when making planting decisions this year.

Potato prices have been much stronger

this year than they have been in the past; however, prices for alternative crops have also been strong. Rising production costs will continue to squeeze profit margins. Even with exceptional crop prices, the profit margins could be slim unless growers monitor costs closely.

Other factors such as contract volumes, irrigation water supplies, the pandemic and crop rotations will play into planting decisions this spring.

KEY POINTS • Rising input costs and limited product availability may limit this year’s planted potato area.

• Strong potato prices could encourage growers to expand potato production in 2022; however, strong prices for alternative crops might have the opposite effect.

• Crop rotation requirements, contract volumes, irrigation water supplies and the pandemic are also factors to consider when making 2022 planting decisions.

Editor’s note: To contact Ben Eborn, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: P.O. Box 176, Paris, ID 83261; (208) 525-8397; or email napmn@napmn.com.

Agricultural Consulting & Testing • Soil Testing • Irrigation Scheduling • Feed Analysis • Contract Research • Tissue Testing • Pest Management

• Field Research • Grid Sampling • Variable Rate Fertilization • International Testing • Agronomic and CCA Seminars • Nematode Testing

Contact: Paul Stukenholtz, Consulting Agronomist

Crop Consultants: JP Kruckeberg • Bart Kunz • Cameron Brower Antone Christensen • Wess Gibson • Cody McCoy • Kevin Victor

www.stukenholtz.com 208-734-3050 • 800-759-3050

PO Box 353 • 2924 Addison Ave E. • Twin Falls, ID 83301 PotatoCountry.com

29

Potato Growers of Washington

Investing in Good Seed a Must in 2022

By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington

B

elieve it or not, planting time is just around the corner once again.

As the cost of production continues to inflate at a dizzying pace, every decision you make for the upcoming crop becomes more crucial every day.

One decision that absolutely cannot be overlooked is the quality of your seed.

It is very hard to have a good crop without starting with good seed. I know that every seed grower thinks they have the best seed and most commercial growers think they have the best seed sources. Both of those may be true for most years, but this year will be unlike any other year we have faced.

The 2021 potato crop throughout the western two thirds of North America was impacted by excessive heat and drought, which resulted in lower yields and lesser quality. This was not only a factor in the commercial crop, but also the seed crop.

While commercial growers increase plantings to help refill the potato pipeline as well as take advantage of new market opportunities, the smaller seed crop will be in even higher demand. As you know, in past years when the seed crop has been tight, potatoes were shipped as seed that no one would

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consider using in a year with an ample seed supply. Just imagine what it might be like this year as the market is tighter than we have seen in decades.

Because of this tight supply situation and the rising cost of production on seed farms, potato seed will be commanding a higher price, especially for spot market purchases. With the overall cost of production rising as much as it is for all potato growers, it may be tempting to save dollars anywhere possible.

Please do not give in to the temptation of saving a few dollars on your seed. I have rarely come across a good field of potatoes at harvest time that was planted with questionable seed.

Even though the contract price for potatoes destined to be processed into frozen potato products in the Columbia Basin is up 20 percent this year, growing costs are up as well. Your risk as a grower will be approximately $1,000 per acre more than it was this past year. Your reward for having a good crop will be higher than it has ever been, but your risk on the downside of yield and quality will also be higher than it has ever been.

Because of this risk factor, growers really need to bounce back with an at least average crop in 2022. Start the season off right with the best seed you can obtain.

l RUSSET BURBANK l RANGER RUSSET

Bayer .......................... 2 Montana Seed .......... 13

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

Colorado Seed.......... 31 Nutri-Cal ................... 11

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.

Forte ......................... 18 Oro-Agri .................... 32 Greentronics ............. 21 Schutter Seed ........... 23 Group Ag .................. 21 Skone Irrigation ........ 28 Idaho Crop ................ 15 SpudEquip.com ........ 31 Lake Seed ................ 30 Stukenholtz ............... 29

David

Dan Tim

Tim Dan

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

30

Potato Country

February 2022

Pat

Liphatech .................... 5 Teton Seed ............... 22 Lockwood ................... 5 The Potato Podcast Sponsored by Micro-Trak ................ 23 Miller Chemical ......... 26

Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association “Quality as High as our Mountains” RUSSET VARIETIES: Russet Norkotah S3 Russet Norkotah S8 Rocky Mountain Russet Silverton Russet Rio Grande Russet Canela Russet Mesa Russet Mercury Russet Fortress Russet Crimson King COLORED VARIETIES: Columbine Gold Colorado Rose Rio Colorado Red Luna Purple Majesty Masquerade Mountain Rose Vista Gold

Lorem ipsum

SIZER ONLY

2003 Double L 813 30” x 49’ belted chain, dirt cross, 220 volt 1ph, remote 2000 Wemco 36” all belt, 480 3ph, remote 1993 Spudnik 550 36’’ 1ph belted Chain, remote 1993 Spudnik 525 30” 3ph, remote, Belt Chain 1988 Double L 813 30” 1ph Belt chain 1987 Spudnik 550 30” Belt Chain, 230 V 3ph 1985 Spudnik 450 Piler 36” 3ph all belt Remote 1982 Spudnik 500 Piler 30” x 45’ 230 volt 3ph 1981 Spudnik 400 Piler 30” x 45’ 220 volt 1ph

2011 Mayo 72” quick adj., Dirt Rolls & sizing 1991 Spudnik 910 60” 3ph 480 volt

DIRT ELIMINATOR W/ SIZER Spudnik 60” DE belt elev., rolls, peg belt blower, sizer rolls, picking table 2011 Mayo 72” DE, Sizer 3ph 2010 Milestone MSDS 60” DE, Sizer, Clod drums 230 V 3ph 2000 Double 878 DE 78” 3ph flip down 72” sizer 1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer 1994 Milestone 72” Dirt Elim. Sizer, 2 – 24” x 12’ stingers

SCOOPERS

1990 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph 1984 Spudnik 100 24” 1ph 1982 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph 1993 Double L 837 24” 3ph

DIRT ELIMINATOR ONLY

STINGERS

1989 Spudnik 1200 Tel. Conv. 30” x 50’ Hyd. Drive & steer 1993 STI 30” x 75’ 3ph Tel. Conv.

1989 Double L 810 Tel. conv. 30” x 50’ 3ph 1987 Double L 810 30” x 50’ 3ph

S

CONVEYORS - STRAIGHT

BEDS

ROCK/CLOD/AIR ELIMINATORS 2015 Lockwood Air Vac 8, 480 Volt 3ph 2013 Harriston 4240 Clod Hopper 3ph (DMP) 2011 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph peg belt blower & Ellis table 2004 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph 1994 Harriston Model 200 Clod Hopper 1 ph

EVEN FLOWS

1994 Milestone 45cwt 3ph VFD tilt belt 1986 Milestone 90cwt 30”Elev. Auto fill 3ph VFD Davis 450 cwt Evenflow dual spudnik drive, 230 volt 3ph

TREATERS

1998 Spudnik model 2100 Bed 24’ White PTO only 1998 Double L 801 Electric dual drive Red, tarp 1984 Logan SB20’ electric 2021 Allan 6 row rebuild RH 2015 Allan 6 row LH 2006 Allan 6 row LH 1982 Logan 2 row

C .

IP

HARVESTERS

Grimme SE 75-30 1 row, pintle belts cleaning W/ bunker 2012 Lockwood 474H 2010 Lockwood 784H 2009 Spudnik 6400 2010 Double 953 2009 Double L 953 2007 Double L 853 2005 Lockwood 474H 2005 Spudnik 6400 bunker 2000 Double L 873 2001 Spudnik 6400 1996 Double L 853 1996 Lockwood 4640 4 row 1997 Lockwood 4620 2 row

SEED CUTTERS

2001 Milestone 60” 230 volt 3ph reconditioned 2000 Better Built 46520 60” 3ph

2008 Milestone 42” Duster 1996 Milestone 36” Duster

M O

CROSSOVERS/WINDROWERS

U Q

1997 DL 807 62” BC with 3 stingers 3ph 1987 Spudnik 60” belt hopper, fingers, BC table 3ph 1984 DL 806 44” BC with 2 stingers 3ph 1986 DL 824 36” BC with 1 stinger 1ph 1986 Spudnik 900 48” 220 V 1ph

E D

U P

CONVEYORS - TELESCOPIC

Zapata Seed Company Worley Family Farms SLV Research Center San Acacio Seed Salazar Farms Rockey Farms, LLC Pro Seed Price Farms Certified Seed, LLC Palmgren Farms, LLC Martinez Farms La Rue Farms H&H Farms G&G Farms Bothell Seed Allied Potato Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association P. O. Box 267 Monte Vista, CO 81144 ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com Lyla@ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com (719) 274-5996

PILERS

2014 Logan Trac Pro 10’ x 30” belt 3ph 2012 Spudnik 2200 10’ x 36” belt 3ph x 2 2010 Logan Trac Pro 12’ x 36” Belt 3ph 2002 Spudik 2200 30” 1998 Mayo Collector side shift Conv.36” x 20’ w/ 2 Belt stingers 230 volt 3phase Double L 36” x 12’ all belted chain 3ph Double L 832 BC 30” fingers 1984 Spudnik 2200 Belt 30” x 8’ 3ph x 2

Seed Growers:

PLANTERS

2020 Checchi Magli 4 row used but like new 2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6 row pull 2012 Harriston 6 row cup,36”, pull, dry fert, Allan Press wheels.

2007 Lockwood 6 row pick Hyd drive 2004 Spudnik 8060 Cup 6 row 36” Grimm 6 row cup 36” w/ Fert. Allan Press Wheels - PEI 1996 Lockwood 6 row pick mechanical 1995 Kverneland 4 row 3200 – 36”

PLANTER/TARE/PILER

New Logan 36” Tare Piler 3ph VFD 2009 Logan Trac Pro 30” planter filler Hyd lift, swing, tip 2002 Double L model 815 planter filler 24” Hyd lift, swing, tip Lockwood L24 1500 All belt Tare piler 3ph

WATER DAMMERS

2004 Spudnik 9060 cultivator, bed shaper, props

MISC.

2020 Logan Barrel Washer for little potatoes Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Mayo Scooper belly dump unloader attachment

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Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph TRUCKS Double L 808 30” x 25’ 3ph 1999 Mack 350 13spd, 2011 Logan 24’ Bed Spudnik 1200 30” x 40’ 3ph x 4 PTO Spudnik 1200 30” x 30’ 3ph x2 BRUCE: (208)390-5120 | BRUCEN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • EVAN: (208)757-8481 | EVANN@TRISTEELMFG.COM

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