Potato Country January 2024

PotatoCountry.com • January 2024 Western focus with national impact for 40 years

Hard Work

Pays Off

ADVERTISER INDEX Agri-Stor ............................. 35 Ag World Golf Classic ............ 4 All Star ............................... 36 Arnold Seed........................ 31 Bayer .................................... 2 BC Seed .............................. 30 Colorado Seed .................... 17 Edmonton Potato Growers . 11 Greentronics....................... 24 Idaho Crop.......................... 17 IPC........................................ 9 Industrial Ventilation, Inc ..... 5 Lake Seed ........................... 21 Lockwood ........................... 14 Montana Seed .................... 22

Noffsinger .......................... 15 Nutri-Cal............................. 23 Parkland ............................. 21 Potato Growers of Alberta .. 16 R&H Machine ..................... 21 Skone Irrigation .................. 32 SpudEquip.com .................. 13 Streich & Assoc. ................. 15 Stukenholtz ........................ 33 The Potato Podcast Sponsored by Vive .........24, 31 Titan Steel .......................... 12 Verbruggen......................... 25 Washington Summit ........... 29

PLUS:

Western Seed Reports Montana Seed Seminar How Many Potatoes Will Growers Plant in 2024?

Potato Country Turns 40

TABLE OF CONTENTS Vol. 40 No. 1 PO Box 333, Roberts, Idaho 83444 Telephone: (208) 520-6461 Circulation: (503) 724-3581

PotatoCountry.com

Country Western focus. National impact.

JANUARY 2024

6 Hard Work Pays Off 11 Western Seed Reports 18 Potato Country Turns 40 22 Managing Risk

EDITOR

Denise Keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

OPERATIONS MANAGER, ADVERTISING Brian Feist brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING

Dave Alexander dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com

INSECT IDENTIFICATION

Andy Jensen www.nwpotatoresearch.com

DISEASE IDENTIFICATION

Jeff Miller jeff@millerresearch.com

MARKET REPORT

Ben Eborn napmn@napmn.com

Montana Seed Potato Seminar

26 Precision Ag Essentials Buyers' Guide

POTATO GROWERS OF WASHINGTON Dale Lathim dale@pgw.net

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

30 Without a New Farm Bill for the Future, Specialty Crops Will Be Stuck in the Past National Potato Council

32 How Many Potatoes Will Growers Plant in 2024?

Market Report

Potato Country is interested in newsworthy material related to potato production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com.

ADVERTISING SALES

For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, etc., call (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at: potatocountry.com/subscribe 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 2023. 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.

EDITORIAL BOARD 1997: The Washington State Potato Commission booth at the Washington Potato Conference.

See more pics from the Potato Country archives on page 18.

ON THE COVER

DEPARTMENTS

Trever Belnap is no stranger to hard work. He currently has three jobs: production manager for Hamer Farms, general manager for Ball Brothers Produce and co-chair of the Potatoes USA Research Committee.

16 In the News

See story on page 6.

34 Advertiser Index

20 Disease Quiz 24 Insect Quiz

Chris Voigt

Gary Roth

Executive Director Washington State Potato Commission (509) 765-8845

Executive Director Oregon Potato Commission (503) 239-4763

31 Calendar 34 PGW Column Nina Zidack

Director Montana Seed Potato Certification (406) 994-3150

Jamey Higham President/CEO Idaho Potato Commission (208) 334-2350

Jim Ehrlich

President/CEO Colorado Potato Commission (719) 852-3322

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Not all products are registered for use 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. Bayer, Bayer Cross, Emesto,® and Velum® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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. ©2024 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

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PotatoCountry.com

5

Hard Work Pays Off Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher

Trever Belnap with Hamer Farms grows 1,500 acres of potatoes, along with alfalfa, mustard, wheat and corn. He also manages the farm’s packing shed and is co-chair of the Potatoes USA Research Committee.

T

rever Belnap will be the first to tell you that hard work does, indeed, pay off. As the production manager for Hamer Farms in Hamer, Idaho, and the general manager of Ball Brothers Produce in Lewisville, Idaho, Belnap puts in a full day. And he recently added yet another job: co-chair of the Potatoes USA Research Committee.

The Man and the Committee

Trever Belnap grew up working for both paternal and maternal grandparents on their farms. Always a tireless worker, he found himself working on one local farm or another on days off and during vacation time from high school and college. He often worked two jobs, days on one farm and nights planting spuds on another. Belnap worked for his fatherin-law for over 20 years at Hamer Farms before stepping into his current role, now a partner on the farm and at the shed, both entities commonly owned by the partners.

Potatoes USA appointed Belnap as cochair of the research committee in 2023.

He considers this particular committee a good fit for himself because his educational background is in science.

This committee doesn’t conduct research, but acts as a stakeholder that helps steer funding for studies.

Studies include searching for new potato varieties that can be adapted for different conditions such as drought and for more disease resistance.

“As time marches on, you have to be constantly researching and looking for what’s the next treatment that’s going to manage disease X. You have to be forward-looking because what’s going to happen when we get a disease there is no treatment for? We don’t have a crop,” Belnap says.

The research committee also helps

6 Potato Country • January 2024

The only noise in Hamer, Idaho, in the fall is the rumble of an occasional potato harvest truck.

look for varieties that will produce a better potato chip, are more resistant to bruising, will store better, have better color and will be easier to manage for growers. The committee is made up of growers across the U.S. in order to

Trever Belnap checks on a truck during harvest in Hamer, Idaho.

represent various production regions equitably.

“My concerns in Eastern Idaho may be a little different than my friend’s in Pennsylvania because of growing conditions and the soil and different

things,” Belnap says. “But there are always pieces and parts where we as growers in the United States can find common ground, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Belnap says his group looks to fund

This Exeter Engineering optical sorter uses AI for decision-making.

PotatoCountry.com

7

BALL BROTHERS PRODUCE projects that will benefit potatoes in the U.S. in general because “the whole point of Potatoes USA is to increase the demand and marketability of U.S. potatoes.”

The Farm

Ronald, Leland and Vernon Ball, the original Ball brothers, started raising sheep and growing potatoes in Eastern Idaho in 1942. A packing shed was added, and eventually, the family business was bought out by sons of the brothers. Now the third generation is doing the same, and some of the fourth generation also works at the operation.

Belnap is one of the owners of Hamer Farms, which grows 1,500 acres of spuds, along with alfalfa, mustard, wheat and corn. They also have a sheep and cattle operation, just like the founding brothers did.

Ball Brothers makes efficient use of the plant’s limited space.

Hand sorters make a final quality check at Ball Brothers Produce.

8 Potato Country • January 2024

Our latest TV spot offers an amusing warning on why you should always look for the Grown In Idaho seal. ®

An all-new TV campaign has launched for Idaho potatoes that suggests serving anything ®

other than Idaho potatoes could have disastrous consequences. When the host of a dinner party lets her guests know that none of the potatoes she’s serving are from Idaho, chaos and hilarity ensue. The spot will begin airing nationwide in November on Fox News, CNN, Headline News, Food Network, ESPN, HGTV, History, TNT, The Weather Channel, TBS and AMC, as well as Discovery+ streaming network.

See it for yourself at IdahoPotato.com PotatoCountry.com

9

BALL BROTHERS PRODUCE

The Shed

Belnap says the Ball Brothers packing plant is small compared to many other operations. But that hasn’t stopped him from employing the latest technology to improve efficiency, including artificial intelligence (AI). Ball uses an AI-enabled Exeter optical sorter on the packing line that sorts by size and quality, kicks out exterior physical defects and finds interior problems like hollow heart, using x-ray.

The Exeter catches only about 50 percent of problem spuds because Belnap is running at high speed.

Employees catch the rest of the culls, but it takes less staff than it did before the optical sorter was put online.

Ball Brothers already uses a robotic palletizing arm, but future plans call for a robot with multiple arms that will pluck culls from the line before bagging. These robots are available now, but Belnap thinks this technology is still a year or two away from being truly effective. When he does invest in more AI equipment, even less human intervention will be needed, but Belnap doesn’t think he’ll ever fully give up having people check spuds before final packing. So far, he has found no substitute for the human eye.

Belnap is quick to acknowledge the contributions and hard work of Ball Brothers employees and thereby, the packer’s success. At least half of the crew has worked for Ball Brothers for more than five years.

A combination of automation and smart management has made and kept Ball Brothers profitable.

By keeping expenses low and running at peak efficiency, the company’s overhead stays very low, according to Belnap.

“We can fully utilize everything and don’t have wasted equipment or people.

Our cost per hundredweight is lower,” he says.

Though Belnap has never been afraid of hard work to get things done, sometimes even more work is accomplished by working smarter.

10 Potato Country • January 2024

Trever Belnap checks on the box erector, one of several machines increasing throughput at Ball Brothers Produce.

Ball Brothers supplies Super Chix and other restaurants with spuds for fries.

WESTERN SEED REPORTS

Colorado Seed Potato Crop

By Andrew Houser, Colorado Potato Certification Service

C

olorado had a fairly cool spring in 2023, and temperatures did not warm up until the middle of June in the San Luis Valley. However, once it warmed up, it got pretty hot! It was not uncommon for temperatures to reach the low 90s through the end of June and in July during the peak of summer (which is pretty warm for south central Colorado!).

Certified seed potato growers began killing vines in late July and continued through early - mid August, limiting potential spread of virus by late-season aphid flights. Overall, crop yields have hovered around average. The post-harvest test is taking place on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, again this year.

Colorado certified seed potato acreage was down from 8,151 acres in 2022 to 7,836 acres in 2023. The 2023 accepted certified acreage after summer field inspections was 7,149 acres. Rejections were primarily caused by Potato virus Y (PVY)/mosaic and blackleg. Total potato acreage in the San Luis Valley was 52,278, up from 49,804 acres in 2022.

The top six certified varieties in Colorado are: Russet Norkotah selections (1,926 acres), Reveille Russet (851 acres), Centennial Russet (481 acres), Soraya (475 acres), Canela Russet (433 acres) and Teton Russet (268 acres). An official 2023

certified seed directory is posted online at http://potatoes.colostate.edu/programs/ potato-certification-service/crop-directory.

All seed lots imported into Colorado

are required to undergo a post-harvest test, a lab test for PVY-N, and a lab test for late blight to comply with the Colorado late blight quarantine.

Early-generation seed grows near San Acacio, Colo. Photo by Andrew Houser, Colorado Potato Certification Service

Our isolated northern location along with our group of 10 experienced growers have been producing exceptional seed potatoes with increased energy and the lowest possible disease levels for over 60 years.

Our longevity and historical performance have made us a valued resource and seed potato supplier to growers across North America and the world.

With over 100 varieties including main crop and specialty selections, we invite you to give us a call to discuss how we can help you make this growing season the best one yet.

Contact us to discuss how we can help make this year’s crop the best it can be.

Toll Free: 1 (800) 362–9791

(780) 447-1860 • darcyo@epg.ab.ca Edmonton Potato Growers 12220 – 170 Street, Edmonton, AB T5V 1L7 PotatoCountry.com

11

WESTERN SEED REPORTS

Idaho Seed Potato Crop

By Alan Westra, Idaho Crop Improvement Association

T

he 2023 Idaho seed potato crop got off to somewhat of a slow start with slightly delayed planting in cooler than normal temperatures. Late spring frosts were also an issue in some areas of the state. Growing conditions improved going into July and remained good for the rest of the growing season.

Seed potato acreage eligible for final certification totaled 34,154 acres, a 13 percent increase over the previous season. Not including proprietary genetics, this acreage represents 103 varieties, selections and advanced clones. Ten varieties account for more than 80 percent of the total acres, with Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah (all strains), Ranger Russet, Clearwater Russet and Alturas continuing as the dominant varieties.

12 Potato Country • January 2024

Seed health is good. During summer inspections, the number of seed lots with visually detectable levels of Potato virus Y (PVY) was similar to that observed in 2022 and remains well below the 10-year average of 7.4 percent. Blackleg levels were normal, and there were no detections of potato leafroll or bacterial ring rot. Seed quality going into storage was reported as excellent. Generally, the 2023 seed potato crop can be described as having a more variable set and size profile compared to 2022. Yields are reported as average to good.

The 2023 Idaho Certified Seed Potato Directory can be accessed at www. idahocrop.com or by contacting the Idaho Crop Improvement Association Idaho Falls office.

A crew plants potatoes in Idaho, a common sight each spring. Photo by Angie Rader

Montana Seed Potato Crop

By Nina Zidack, Montana Seed Potato Certification

M

ontana’s 2023 seed potato harvest was completed in mid-October with near-perfect harvest conditions. Most seed potato growing areas experienced wetter than normal conditions in June and average temperatures and precipitation in July and August. The northwest growing areas were the exception with both warmer and drier conditions.

Growers are reporting excellent quality with very strong yields and a nice size profile. Montana certified 10,610 acres for the 2023 crop. Russet Burbank maintains its top ranking at 3,353 acres, but is down 7 percent from 2022. Clearwater Russet acreage had a very dramatic increase of 20 percent and is now at 1,910 acres.

Ranger Russet ranks third at 1,284 acres,

PLANTERS

2002 Kverneland 3300 Cup 6 row 36” Pull type, Hyd. Drive 2017 Lockwood 6 row Air Cup 36” pull type, hyd drive 2011 Lockwood 6 row Air Cup 34” semi mount hyd drive 2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6 row pull Type 2008 Spudnik 8080 Pull type cup, 8 row, 36” 2007 Spudnik 8060 hyd. Drive, 36”

SEED CUTTERS

2017 Milestone 6020 60” 3ph 2012 Milestone 72” 230 volt 3ph 1994 Milestone model 60” 230 volt 3ph

TREATERS

2016 Excel 10” liquid and dry treater 230V 3ph 1991 Better Built CDT10- 8” Cannon Duster 1994 Better Built CDT10- 8” Cannon Duster 2007 Milestone MSLT36” Liquid Treater 2005 Milestone MSLT42” Liquid Treater 2002 Milestone MSBD36 Duster

WATER DAMMERS/ POWER HILLER

2019 Ag Vantage 8 row 36” 2014 Logan 8 row Yield Pro 36” folding wings Water Dammer Milestone 6 row Water Saver 36” spacing 2000 Struik 4ZF90 Inter Row Power Hiller 4 row 36”

PILERS

and Umatilla acreage is fourth at 878 acres. Alturas rounds out the top five processing russets at 607 acres. Overall, Norkotah selections make up 1,414 acres, and Texas 278 line has the highest acreage at 603. Texas 296 and Colorado 3 have similar production at 281 and 270 acres, respectively, followed by Texas 112 (195 acres), standard Norkotah (45.67 acres) and Northwest Norkotah (18 acres). Specialty varieties including reds, purples, yellows and fingerlings make up a small portion of Montana seed potato production at 289 acres. Chip varieties are a minor component of total production with Lamoka, Atlantic and Snowden combined at 173 acres.

SCOOPERS

2013 Logan Scoop Pro 30” 480 Volt 3ph 2014 Mayo model 180 30” 230 Volt 3ph 1990 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph 1982 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph

TRUCKS

2004 Kenworth W900 M11 Cum 350hp 15speed Tran. Spudnik 26’ bed 1998 Volvo 13spd cummins 400hp Tri Drive, Spudnik 22’ Bed

BULK BEDS/BOXES/ SELF UNLOADING

1994 Double L model 801 20’ Elec.

1982 Double L model 801 20’ Elec.

1997 Logan 90series 20’ 1985 Logan 20B Electric 20’ 1996 Spudnik 2100 PTO only 1994 Spudnik 2100 Combo 1992 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric 1990 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric 1990 Spudnik 2100 26’ Electric 1986 Spudik 2000 20’ electric

CROSSOVERS/WINDROWERS 2015 Double L 6560 36” bed 6 row 2009 Double L 951 34” bed 4row 1996 Double L 851 36” bed 4 row 2017 Lockwood 554 36” bed 4 row LH 2019 Spudnik 6140 32” rows R&L discharge 2007 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row RH 2005 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row 2004 Spudnik 6140 34” bed 4 row LH

Seed potatoes bloom at Arcadia Ag in Dillon, Mont., on July 14, 2023. Photo by Nina Zidack, Montana Seed Potato Certification

COLLECTORS & STINGERS/PUPS

2019 Spudnik 1600 Collector 60” belt, 1-42”, 2-36” stinger/pups 2015 Logan Collect Pro Cart 48” belted chain, dirt belts, 2 -30” Logan belt stinger/pups 2007 Double L 833 30” Belt Chain only 2015 Double L 832 36” BC with fingers 2013 Logan STGT 36” Telescopic 230 V 3ph

CONVEYORS TELESCOPIC

New in stock: 2023 Logan 42” x 100’ 230 Volt 3ph Milestone 30”/36” x 60’ Tel. Conv.

480 volt 3ph 1996 STI 30” x 70’ 3ph Tel. Conv.

CONVEYORS STRAIGHT

Spudnik Model 1205 30” x 25’ 230 Volt 3ph Spudnik Model 1200 30” x 15’ 230 Volt 3ph Spudnik Model 1205 30” x 40’ 3ph x 5

SIZER ONLY

2017 Milestone 48” 480 Volt 3ph 2004 Spudnik 925 84” 230 Volt 3ph 1998 Spudnik 925 72” 230 volt 3ph 1998 Spudnik 925 72” 1ph 1996 Spudnik 925 72” 3phase

DIRT ELIMINATOR W/SIZER

1997 Double L 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer 2010 Milestone 60” sizing table only w/acorns, quick adjust arms 1994 Milestone 72” Dirt Elim. Sizer, 2 – 24” x 12’ stingers 2011 Spudnik 96” 990 BC Elev.

Reverse roll table, sizing table, split picking, cross out conv.

2004 Spudnik 995 DES 72” Q A Dirt & Size roll tables, split picking 230 volt 3ph.

2002 Spudnik 72” DE belt elev

DIRT ELIMINATOR ONLY

2000 Double L Model 878 80” BC hopper, fingers, BC picking table 3ph.

1997 Double L 807 Dirt Elim. 62” Belt Chain feed, Urethane finger rollers, belt table, 3ph 2017 Milestone 96” 480 3phase 2006 Spudnik 925 72” 3phase 2006 Spudnik 995 72”Finger rollers, ellis table, Belt Chain table 230 Volt 3 phase 1990 Spudnik 950 72” 230 volt 3phase

ROCK/CLOD/AIR ELIMINATORS

2013 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph 2011 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph 2003 Harriston 240 Clod Hopper 3ph 2001 Harriston 200 Clod Hopper Ellis table 1ph

EVEN FLOWS/ SURGE HOPPER

2012 Double L 968 1000cwt 1992 Spudnik 1800 600cwt 480 volt 3ph 1992 Spudnik 1800 600 cwt 480 volt 3ph

DIRT TARE PILER

2018 Spudnik 1115 30” Gas & Elec. drives 1985 Spudnik model 1100 Tube loader 20’

MISC.

48” x 15’ Custom Built Potato Brusher Shop built Tire roller w/ water tank, 6 row and 4 row Ace Roll over Hyd. Reset Plow 5 bottom 2020 Logan Barrel Washer for little potatoes Belly Dump Unloader attachment for Scooper Evenflows: 1200 cwt, 900 cwt, 400 cwt Greentronics Scale Kerian 60” sizer

1998 Double L 831 36” x 49’ Belted chain, remote 3ph HARVESTERS 1996 Double L 831 36” x 49’ Belt Chain, 2020 Double L 973 36” bed 4 row po remote 3ph 2018 Double L 7340 36” bed 4 row 1996 Double L 831 36” x 49’ All belt 3ph 2014 Lockwood 674 36” bed 4 row 1990 Double L 813 30” x 49’ Belt chain 3ph 2012 Lockwood 474H 4 row 1998 Milestone 36”x 48’ 3ph 2004 Spudnik 6400 4 row 34” 1991 Spudnik 550 36” x 48’ Belt chain, 2001 Spudnik 5625 36” bed 2 row remote 3ph NOT COMPLETE LIST CALL OR CHECK 1987 Spudnik 550 30” x 48’ Belt Chain, PREMIUM USED EQUIPMENT remote, 3ph QUICK & RELIABLE PURCHASE 1987 Spudnik 550 30” x 48’ all belt, 3ph BRUCE: (208)390-5120 | BRUCEN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • EVAN: (208)757-8481 | EVANN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • MAX: (701)740-7574 | MAXW@TRISTEELMFG.COM

SPUDEQUIP.COM

PotatoCountry.com

13

WESTERN SEED REPORTS

Oregon Seed Potato Crop

By Tami Brown, Oregon Seed Certification Service

O

regon Seed Certification Service accepted 3,277 acres of seed potatoes for certification in 2023. This increased Oregon’s 10-year average to 2,691. The potatoes continue to be spread throughout the state. Oregon is lucky to have so many areas perfect for seed potato production. Disease levels have remained low, and there were no rejections for any reason. Oregon

gained one grower in Baker County, but has not regained the two growers who left certification due to water issues. Several lots could not be accepted due to Potato virus Y (PVY) levels in the seed planted.

The planting season was much better than in 2022. Most growers were able to plant on schedule. Unlike previous years, Oregon only had a couple days of smoke in some areas from wildfires, which appears to have helped

some areas with increased yield.

Clearwater Russet was the number one variety produced in Oregon for the third year in a row. Lamoka, Frito-Lay varieties, Ciklamen and Gala remained in the top five for this season. A complete listing of the varieties and acres produced and field readings can be found at http://seedcert. oregonstate.edu/potatoes.

Seed potatoes grow in this field in eastern Oregon. Photo by Jeff McMorran, Oregon Seed Certification Service

14 Potato Country • January 2024

Washington Seed Potato Crop

By Benita Matheson, Washington State Department of Agriculture

A

total of 3,320 acres of seed potatoes entered certification during the 2023 growing season. This is a 416-acre decrease from 2022. Acreage decreased due to one grower exiting the certification program.

The total acres planted include 155 different potato varieties, ranging in size from partial-acre plots to 68-acre fields.

Most seed lots are smaller than 20 acres and include numbered clones, table stock, processing and heirloom varieties. Top varieties grown included Ciklamen (488 acres), Russet Burbank (315 acres) and Chieftain (259 acres). A complete report on seed lots is posted at www.agr.wa.gov/ services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/ plant-permits-and-certification-programs/ seed-potato.

Harvesting was complete by the end of October. Yields were high with very good tuber quality and very few oversized tubers. Weather was conducive for a smooth harvest with relatively mild weather and occasional late-season rains.

Very little precipitation occurred during the actual growing season, resulting in very dry soil and requiring irrigating killed/shredded fields immediately prior to harvest. Although a very dry growing season, plants maintained vigor throughout and were healthy on inspection.

Washington State Certified seed growers submitted seed lot samples for the post-harvest test that is continuing in Hawaii.

Certified seed potatoes grow in the Whatcom County seed potato isolation district in western Washington. Photo by Kay Oakley, WSDA

Streich and Associates, Inc.

All Varieties • Virus Tested Generation II & III Montana Seed Potatoes Specializing in:

Russet Burbank, Umatilla and Clearwater Modern seed potato facilities Environmentally controlled storage

Steve Streich • 406-253-2276 Paul Streich • 406-253-0642 www.montanaseedpotatoes.com

955 Columbia Falls Stage • Kalispell, MT 59901 spudtruck@montanasky.net PotatoCountry.com

15

IN THE NEWS

IPC Introduces New Member, Leaders

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is starting the new year with a new member and new leaders. Mike Telford with Sun Valley Seed has been selected to serve a three-year term on the commission. Paul Saito with McCain Foods and Mark Darrington with Big D Farms are stepping up to serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

The nine-member commission also includes Daren Bitter with Bittersweet Farms, Brett Jensen with Brett Jensen Farms, Brian Jones of Sun Valley Potatoes, Mark Duncanson with Basic American, Bryan Wada with Wada Farms, and Eric Jemmett with J&S Farms. Representing Idaho potato growers, shippers and processors, the commissioners help drive the IPC’s marketing and research programs and guide the brand’s overall direction.

Mike Telford

Paul Saito

Mark Darrington

Researchers Receive $6 Million to Evaluate Neonicotinoid Alternatives

POTATOEH

Experience the vigour of the north. With colder winters and long summer days, Alberta Seed Potatoes are the best choice for a higher yielding potato crop.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a research team a $6 million grant to find ways to control potato pests without the use of neonicotinoids. The team is made up of entomologists, potato breeders, social scientists, economists and extension specialists across the U.S. The researchers will test commercially available and experimental non-neonicotinoid insecticides and evaluate how effectively they control key pests and how friendly they are to beneficial insects and the environment. The project also includes plans to create an interactive map to help growers predict when crops will be at risk of pest pressure.

In addition, the research team will work to develop and test potato cultivars that are resistant to insects.

The grant provides funding for three years with the possibility of additional funds to follow.

Ideal climate, profitable results.

Check out the seed directory at

albertapotatoes.ca

11/18-62054-2

16 Potato Country • January 2024 62054-2_PGA_2018_Seed_EH_Print_3-5X4-75_a2.indd 1

2018-11-09 1:12 PM

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

Seed Growers: 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

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PotatoCountry.com

17

Potato Country

Turns 40

1997: Steve Otto of Monte Vista, Colo., and Steve Higgins of Burley, Idaho, attend the Idaho Ag Expo.

P

otato Country is celebrating 40 years in circulation after publishing its first issue in 1984. As we begin our 40th year, we take a look back at other memorable moments from the year that started it all… 1984.

2001: Craig Horn, Kevin Brodin and J.W. Cox visit in Idaho.

2017: Lorry Pitcher with Rabo AgriFinance and RoLynne Hendricks with Cooper Norman visit at Potato Expo in San Francisco.

18 Potato Country • January 2024

• The first Apple Macintosh PC hit store shelves with a price tag of $2,495.

• Los Angeles hosted the 1984 Summer Olympics, which featured new events including synchronized swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, windsurfing and the women’s marathon.

• “Ghostbusters,” “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” “Gremlins,” “The Karate Kid” and “The Terminator” all premiered in theatres, with “Ghostbusters” ranking as the year’s highest grossing movie.

• “When Doves Cry” by Prince, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner, “Say, Say, Say” by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins and “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins led the Billboard Hot 100.

• U.S. President Ronald Reagan was re-elected to a second term after receiving the electoral votes from 49 of the 50 states.

• The L.A. Raiders won the Super Bowl, the Detroit Tigers clinched the World Series, and the Boston Celtics were named NBA champions.

1984 By the Numbers

1999: From left, Ed Macy, Dwight Macy and Marvin Marjama share a cup at the Washington Potato Conference.

• Year-end Federal Reserve interest rate: 10.75% • Average annual income: $21,600 • U.S. minimum wage: $3.35 • New house: $86,730 • Monthly rent $350 • Gallon of gas: $1.10 • Dodge RAM 50 truck: $8,995 • Chevrolet Corvette: $23,392 • Movie ticket: $2.50 • U.S. postage stamp: $0.20

Join us on a walk down memory lane in the upcoming issues of Potato Country. We will look back at the potato industry during the last 40 years, starting with these pictures from past western potato shows.

2017: Dan Lake addresses attendees at Potato Expo in San Francisco.

2001: Carl Hobbs, owner of Spudnik, displays a new planter.

1996: The Idaho Potato Conference trade show booths attract a crowd.

PotatoCountry.com

19

DISEASE IDENTIFICATION QUIZ

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

Can you tell the difference between white mold and gray mold? Give it a try in the quiz this month! Which of these photos are gray mold, and which are white mold?

A

B

C

D

E

F

20 Potato Country • January 2024

Answers Page 25

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21

Managing Risk Story and photos by Brian Feist

T

he 58th annual Montana Seed Potato Seminar was held in Missoula, Montana, on Nov. 7-9, 2023. The agenda was chock full of speakers ranging from leaders of Potatoes USA and the National Potato Council to representatives of Vive, BASF and Miller Chemical.

Among the noteworthy speakers was Gary Secor, a professor of plant pathology at North Dakota State University. Secor was one of the first people to conduct testing for the Montana Seed Certification Program when it was started. Secor spoke about Dickeya and Pectobacterium biology and risk management. This was after seminar organizer Nina Zidack introduced Secor, saying “he’s one of the oldest guys around and he’s working on the newest diseases.”

Secor started his presentation talking about the causes of Dickeya and Pectobacterium, but quickly moved on to how to manage the risk of these diseases.

“Research is great, but growers want management options,” Secor said.

One of the best ways to reduce Dickeya is to start with good seed. Secor said the industry has a good standard

22 Potato Country • January 2024

Nina Zidack and Jason Kimm prepare to address attendees in Missoula.

Gary Secor with North Dakota State University (left) takes a question from fellow presenter Russell Groves with the University of Wisconsin at the Montana Seed Potato Seminar.

UN LO

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assay for detecting Dickeya in seed lots: stem cores and peel + PCR. Dickeya is not spread by seed handling and cutting, but it can spread in the field to adjacent tubers. A major problem is that Dickeya infection may remain latent in seed potato tubers for at least two years and not result in disease expression after planting. Researchers are still not completely sure where Dickeya is coming from, according to Secor. There may be several sources of Dickeya that need to be identified, such as ornamentals, flower bulbs, weeds and water. It seems that Dickeya as a cause of seed decay and blackleg is declining in importance in the U.S., Secor said.

Pectobacterium can cause soft rot disease alone but most often is a pathogen of other diseases such as late blight, pink rot, ring rot and dry rot. It can cause meltdown of potatoes in storage; the warmer it is, the faster the meltdown. Soft rot requires two conditions: an entry site (injury or another disease) and free water. If growers can control those two factors, they can control soft rot.

Secor ended his talk with this list of ways to reduce Pectobacterium: • Don't harvest seed potatoes when it’s wet, cold or hot.

• Reduce/avoid harvest wounds and injuries.

• Provide conditions for wound healing in storage.

• Avoid frost damage.

• Manage other diseases that predispose tubers to soft rot.

• Use lots of air and cool temps in storage if soft rot is present.

• Remember that wet tubers make the neighbors wet and soft rot spreads.

• Handle seed potatoes gently to avoid injuries that are infectious.

• Do not plant when it is wet, cold or hot.

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23

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.

The diversity of insects to be found in potato fields can be confusing. Some are pests, some are helpful biological control agents (a.k.a. beneficials), and some do no harm nor good, just stopping by potatoes on their way elsewhere or after harvest of their preferred crops.

Below are three insects that can be abundant in Northwest potato fields. They are all about 1/8-inch long.

A

1. Two of these are beneficials; one is usually a transitory visitor. Which is which?

2. What are these insects?

3. What is a favorite food of the beneficials?

B

C Answers Page 31

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Listen on:

ThePotatoPodcast.com 24 Potato Country • January 2024

KNOW YOUR DISEASE ANSWERS (FROM PAGE 20)

Photos A and F are gray mold lesions, and photos B, D and E are white mold lesions. Photo C was somewhat of a trick; the infected stem in that photo has symptoms of both white mold (on the left) and gray mold (on the right).

White mold is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus survives as small, hard, black structures called sclerotia. They look like small mouse droppings. (One is visible in Photo C and looks like a small, round, black dot covered in white “hair” almost in the center of the photo.) These sclerotia produce small mushroomlike structures called apothecia that release spores into the air. The spores get caught on flowers and leaves. When the flowers or leaves die and fall on the ground, the spores can germinate and grow into the dead tissue, and from the dead tissue to the living tissue. Photo E shows the remnant of a dead leaf on top of a young white mold lesion.

With both diseases, the stems can break or crack easily, as shown in Photos D and F. Fungicide management for these two diseases differs. Fungicides with pyrimethanil as the active ingredient have typically been the most active against gray mold. For white mold,

fungicides containing fluopyram (e.g.

Luna Tranquility, Luna Pro), boscalid (e.g.

Endura), pydiflumetofen and fludioxonil (e.g. Miravis Prime), and fluazinam (e.g.

Omega) are most effective.

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Potato stems infected with the white mold fungus may also show signs of white fungal growth. This is the hyphae of the fungus.

Gray mold is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The life cycle of this fungus is not as well-known as the white mold fungus. Unlike the white mold pathogen, the spores of the gray mold fungus can directly infect living plant tissue. Wounds and lesions caused by other pathogens can increase the possibility of infection. Lesions caused

by B. cinerea can look similar to white mold lesions. Like the white mold fungus, the hyphae from the gray mold fungus can be seen on stems, as in Photo A, the right side of Photo C, and Photo F. However, the hyphae are gray.

Unlike the white mold pathogen, when the vines are pulled back, you may see a puff of gray “smoke.” The “smoke” is actually the release of thousands of fungal spores into the air.

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25

PRECISION AG ESSENTIALS BUYERS' GUIDE Agri-Stor Companies agri-stor.com

Agri-Star Control Panel

The Agri-Star Control Panel is essential to having control over every aspect of the storage environment. Its adaptability to each application makes it a great fit for many post-harvest products in storage. The panel is perfect for potatoes, onions and even honeybees. The panel controls everything from humidity and refrigeration to heat, airflow, temperature and carbon dioxide levels.

Users will have peace of mind with 24/7 access via an intuitive app. When paired with Gellert’s climate control equipment, the Agri-Star Control Panel is unmatched in its ability to extend the life and quality of products in storage.

Greentronics

greentronics.com

Yield Monitor

Greentronics yield monitors are designed for root crop and vegetable harvesters. The system is built around one or more load cells, which are installed in a conveyor to measure the weight of the crop as it passes on the belt.

Once installed and calibrated, the harvester operator chooses the field name and sets the swath width. The operator does not need to interact with the yield monitor while harvesting.

Growers use yield maps to study and manage variability in their fields and generate report cards on their progress. By applying breakeven points, yield maps can indicate areas with profit and loss and help make decisions about inputs, population density, crop rotation, cover crops, drainage, leveling and so on.

HarvestEye

harvesteye.com

Harvest Monitoring Tool

HarvestEye has launched the newest version of its machine-learning-driven root crops insights tool. Fitting to harvesting or grading equipment, HarvestEye is a low-cost method to deliver performance data on the size, shape, quality and mapping variability of root crops.

Following more than five years of research, development, grower trials and input from across global supply chains, HarvestEye has made significant upgrades to the product’s hardware and software capabilities. Version 2.0 is a significant evolution for growers and packers seeking better monitoring tools for crop variability to maximize yield and enhance planning. The refreshed software and hardware in the 2.0 system will deliver faster crop measurement and processing, leading to improved accuracy of detections and data reported to its online portal. The more powerful software will also enhance HarvestEye’s capabilities to operate more effectively in challenging environments, such as low evening sun.

26 Potato Country • January 2024

Industrial Ventilation Inc. (IVI) ivi-air.com

Imperium Storage Control Panel

IVI’s Imperium storage control panel directs optimal conditions for stored potatoes. Users can precisely control airflow, carbon dioxide, humidity and more and easily retrieve valuable historical data to aid in setting parameters. This powerful system for potato storage protection offers straightforward operation right at the user’s fingertips. The IVI app allows for off-site monitoring and control.

The Imperium storage control panel is made in the U.S.A. under the supervision of the engineers behind the innovations. The company’s eye is always on improvement and technological advances, driven by growers’ needs in working with IVI’s service and sales team.

Lockwood Manufacturing lockwoodmfg.com

774 Harvester

New for 2023 is a 10-inch color touchscreen and joystick cab control system for Lockwood’s recently released 774 Harvester. Featuring a high-resolution picture (1280 x 800), it is completely customizable to fit growers’ needs. Growers will be more efficient operators with the ability to have what they need in front of them on the screen with adjustments that can be made on the screen and joystick. Complete with backlighting for easy viewing during the day, it is also dimmable for easy viewing at night. This new platform will provide further growth and development for all of Lockwood’s cab control systems.

Logan Potato Equipment loganpotato.com

Logan Evenflow Tub

The new 2024 Logan Evenflow Tub offers a number of new upgrades with innovative designs for metering a consistent, continuous flow to downstream planting or post-harvest equipment.

The 54-inch elevating conveyor and 36-inch to 72-inch discharge belt sizes offer a large range of throughputs while utilizing new features like efficient electric drives for conveyors and externally mounted carry-up and carry-back rollers for easy replacement. The machine has many options for customizing to each operation and is designed heavy for long-lasting use. If operators are looking for a high quality machine priced very competitively, the Logan Evenflow Tub is the answer.

Picketa Systems picketa.com

LENS Plant Analysis Tool

The Picketa Systems LENS (Leaf-Evaluated Nutrient System) is a portable realtime plant analysis tool that estimates the nutrient content for 13 key macro and micronutrients in plant samples. The LENS is currently calibrated to evaluate potato and corn plant tissue, but Picketa Systems is working on expanding its capabilities to support a broader range of crops including canola and onion. Adding this new technology to their workflow, growers can conjure up precise, personalized care for their crops with confidence, nurturing them to reach their full potential. Not only does this new method eliminate the need to send samples to laboratories, saving growers critical time and money, but being able to gather nutrient data sooner will allow growers to make proactive adjustments to fertilization and irrigation regimes, leading to healthier yields and more sustainable practices.

PotatoCountry.com

27

PRECISION AG ESSENTIALS BUYERS' GUIDE Restrain restrain.io

Ethylene Sprout Control & Seed Treatment

Restrain is the manufacturer of a unique generator that converts ethanol into ethylene gas for the control of sprouts in potatoes and onions. Used in over 40 countries, the technology has been proven effective to control sprouts in long-term storages. The process is safe for storage managers, leaves no residue and is an effective sprout control for potatoes, onions, shallots and garlic.

Restrain also offers a seed potato treatment called Accumulator that increases the stem numbers, yield and profit.

The product has recently gained an organic label in Canada and is working on an organic label in the U.S.

Symach

symach.nl/en

Palletizing Equipment

Symach has a long history of palletizing potatoes and innovating to provide customized modular designs to guarantee a high stacking rate with maximum flexibility. From 50-pound bulk and paper master bags to complex Octabins, Symach handles all customers’ palletizing needs.

The company also offers options to stabilize the pallet at the end of the line, including wrapping and double stacking, and palletizing within the margins of the pallet to ensure ease of loading during the shipping process.

Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions

verbruggen-palletizing.com/palletizer-machines/vpm-14

Palletizer VPM-14

When it comes to reliability, speed, consistent stacking and secure pallet wrapping, Verbruggen’s VPM 10-14 series of palletizers have all of the bases covered. Specializing in stacking difficult products (like potatoes), Verbruggen offers four-sided electric compression collars, articulating in-feed conveyors for maximum efficiency, and an enclosed stacking chamber with top and bottom compression to ensure a perfect stack every time.

Verbruggen’s “combi” units allow for high-speed stacking of boxes and bags with the same machine. Users can switch between products with the touch of a button. Automatic pallet de-stacking and slip sheet placing, inline high-speed wrappers and standalone wrappers are all available options. New in 2023, Verbruggen also offers bin filling for potato applications.

Verbruggen offers stateside service, parts and after-sales support.

Engineering, installation and commissioning are all performed directly by Verbruggen specialists.

28 Potato Country • January 2024

2024 NPC WASHINGTON

SUMMIT FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 1, 2024 WASHINGTON MARRIOTT AT METRO CENTER, WASHINGTON, D.C.

STANDING UP FOR POTATOES ON CAPITOL HILL NPC’s annual Washington Summit provides a forum for potato industry members to discuss, define, and advocate for the policy priorities impacting their businesses and protecting their ability to farm.

• Hear from the nation’s top political and policy experts • Welcome NPC’s 2024 officers and grower leaders • Meet with members of Congress representing potato-growing states and districts • ...and unite as an industry in Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill!

NATIONALPOTATOCOUNCIL.ORG PotatoCountry.com

29

NATIONAL POTATO COUNCIL

Without a New Farm Bill for the Future, Specialty Crops Will Be Stuck in the Past

By Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

A

t the expiration of every Farm Bill, U.S. agriculture unifies around a common message: “We need a new bill.” In general, a majority in the House and Senate even agree that a bipartisan bill that addresses the needs of both producers and consumers and provides long-term certainty is a positive for the country.

Unfortunately, that’s about where the agreement ends. As we enter the new year, the challenges that led to a House Speaker being removed also precluded bringing a 2023 Farm Bill to the House floor. Now our attention is focused on a 2024 Farm Bill (fingers crossed!).

The new year won’t solve the math of either the House or Senate. The tiny majorities for the Republicans in the House and the Democrats in the Senate require bipartisanship to move legislation. Unfortunately, certain factions are operating as if they have a 30- or 40-seat majority. Reality does not support those beliefs.

In November, Congress was able to come together to pass a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, lasting through Sept. 30, 2024. In doing so, they fully funded a number of key “orphan” programs that ran dry when the bill

expired on Sept. 30, 2023.

The four leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees released a joint statement on the Farm Bill extension: “As negotiations on funding the government progress, we were able to come together to avoid a lapse in funding for critical agricultural programs and provide certainty to producers.

This extension is in no way a substitute for passing a five-year Farm Bill and we remain committed to working together to get it done next year.”

Historically, the Farm Bill has been legislation that can generate bipartisan cooperation. We hope and expect that Congress will hold to that precedent and pass a new bill that meets the future challenges for American growers and supports the needs of global consumers.

Over the past year, we at the National Potato Council have personally met with House and Senate Ag Committee leaders and key staff to communicate the need for a Farm Bill that benefits specialty crop growers and continues research, trade, nutrition and other programs that support the long-term health of the U.S. potato industry. Each five-year Farm Bill creates the foundation for countless federal programs and policies, and we are committed to working with our allies in Congress to get the next Farm Bill right.

Before those Congressional meetings took place, NPC negotiated

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with our colleagues as a co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA). This national coalition of over 200 organizations advocating for U.S. specialty crops has delivered billions of dollars in Farm Bill programs since it began nearly 20 years ago. Thousands of hours of negotiations under the SCFBA banner were necessary before our industry reached agreement on enhancements to U.S. agriculture policy. NPC is committed to ensuring this powerful coalition remains unified, as it represents a diverse sector of U.S. agriculture with a farm gate value of $64.7 billion. If we can maintain our cohesion, this coalition’s diversity becomes a political strength that reaches into every corner of the country with a direct line to consumers.

Throughout 2023, members of Congress in both the House and Senate took action on SCFBA recommendations by introducing bills intended to be incorporated into a new Farm Bill.

Those bills seek to enhance specialty crop producers’ access to vital risk management tools, expand market opportunities, protect from pest and disease threats, deliver cutting-edge research and prioritize Americans’ nutrition.

Through our efforts that began at the Potato Expo in Anaheim, California, in January 2022, we continue pushing for a Farm Bill designed for the future.

Delivering on that promise will enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crop growers and provide nutritional benefits for consumers they serve.

Join us at NPC’s 2024 Washington Summit, Feb. 16-March 1, where we’ll communicate our support for a bipartisan Farm Bill and other key policy priorities with your elected representatives on Capitol Hill and the Biden administration.

Learn more and register to attend at www.nationalpotatocouncil.org.

KNOW YOUR INSECTS ANSWERS (FROM PAGE 24)

1. Photo A is the visitor. Photos B and C are the beneficials.

Seed Without Compromise

2. Photo A is a false chinch bug. Photos B and C are two different species of big-eyed bug.

3. Aphids are a favorite food of bigeyed bugs, but they feed on many other small insects and insect eggs, as well.

CALENDAR Jan. 10

Potato Business Summit

Austin Convention Center Austin, Texas www.potatobusinesssummit.com

Jan. 10-11

Potato Expo 2024

Austin Convention Center Austin, Texas www.potato-expo.com

Jan. 17-18

Russett Burbank Ranger •Clearwater Teton Russet Norkotahs 278, 296 & Jorde Strain Northwest Norkotahs 111 & 218

www.ArnoldSeed.com Jeremy: 208-313-2875 • Eric: 208-313-5422

10308 North Highway 32 • Felt, Idaho 83424 •office@arnoldseed.com

Idaho Potato Conference and Ag Expo

Pond Student Union Building and Holt Arena Pocatello, Idaho Kristy Mayer,kristym@uidaho.edu

Jan. 23-25

Washington-Oregon Potato Conference Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, Wash. www.potatoconference.com

Sponsored by:

Feb. 6-8

Southern Rocky Mountain Ag Conference Ski Hi Regional Event Center Monte Vista, Colo. www.agconferencesrm.com

Feb. 26-29

NPC Washington Summit

Washington Marriott at Metro Center Washington D.C. www.nationalpotatocouncil.org Editor’s note: To have your event listed, please email Denise Keller at editor@ columbiamediagroup.com. Please send your information 90 days in advance.

Listen on: ThePotatoPodcast.com PotatoCountry.com

31

MARKET REPORT

How Many Potatoes Will Grow G

rowers have several things to consider when making planting decisions on 2024 potato acreage. Some of the factors include contract volumes, current and projected prices, production costs, prices for alternative crops, crop rotation and irrigation water supplies.

Growers also might want to consider past scenarios. Before 2023’s estimated 8.9 percent year-over-year production increase, U.S. potato production had increased by 8 percent, or more, 17 times during the 74 years since 1950.

Ten of those 17 years were followed by a downturn in the total U.S. planted area. The percentage reduction ranged from 0.3 percent to 11.3 percent, with a median drop of 7.1 percent. On the other hand, growers planted more ground to potatoes during the other seven years.

The percentage increase ranged from 0.8 percent to 17.2 percent, with a median expansion of 3.8 percent. Past years with similar production patterns may provide some insight into 2024 planting decisions. In this article, we review the situation and explore three historical scenarios that followed similar production increases.

The Current Situation

The production increase of 2023 followed a four-year (2019-2022) downturn. U.S. production dropped by 7.7 percent from 2018 to 2022, even

32 Potato Country • January 2024

though acreage only fell by 4.6 percent during that period. Though the yearto-year slide was gradual, the overall decline was substantial. It supported record prices during the past two years.

In response to strong prices and contract volume increases, U.S. growers planted 48,000 more acres to potatoes during 2023. Most of the growth came in Idaho, where growers increased their planted area by 35,000 acres. However, several other states also contributed to the expansion. Colorado, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon and Wisconsin each planted approximately 2,000 acres more to potatoes in 2023.

Maine and Florida planted 1,000 more acres. In addition to the acreage increase, the national average yield jumped to 452 cwt per acre, from 438 cwt per acre in 2022. The acreage and yield combination resulted in a 434.2 million cwt potato crop (according to USDA’s November estimate), up 8.9 percent from 2022 production. It is the largest U.S. potato crop since 2000. The supply surplus has caused prices to plummet. The Grower Returns Index (GRI) for Idaho russets (as of press time) has averaged $9.95 per cwt, down from $20.80 per cwt a year ago.

2001: Reduced Planted Area by 10.6 Percent

U.S. potato production increased by 8.5 percent in 2000. That exceeded the 1999 potato crop by 37.2 million cwt. The Idaho GRI averaged $2.67 per cwt for the 2000-01 marketing year. In 2001, growers cut their planted area by 131,300 acres, or 10.6 percent, in response to the below-breakeven prices. The 2001 crop totaled 401.9 million cwt, down 15.3 percent relative to the previous year. The large reduction was partially due to lower yields in nearly all the major growing areas. It was the smallest potato crop since 1993. The steep drop in production caused prices to skyrocket. The Idaho GRI averaged $8.66 per cwt during the 2001-

02 marketing year, up 224.3 percent from a year earlier.

However, the cycle was quickly repeated in 2002; strong prices once again encouraged U.S. growers to expand acreage by 52,500 acres. Production for the 2002 crop climbed by 5.8 percent, to 425.4 million cwt. The Idaho GRI dropped to $4.84 per cwt during the 2002-03 marketing year, a 44.1 percent decline.

1995: Reduced Planted Area by 1.5 Percent

U.S. production jumped by 9.6 percent in 1994 to 430.3 million cwt. That exceeded the 1993 crop by 37.8 million cwt. The Idaho GRI averaged $4.55 per cwt during the 1994-95 marketing year.

In 1995, U.S. growers planted 18,600 fewer acres to potatoes than they did the previous year, a 1.5 percent reduction. In addition to the minimal acreage reduction, the national average yield fell by 5.1 percent to 334 cwt per acre. The 1995 U.S. potato crop totaled 405.7 million cwt. That fell 24.6 million cwt, or 5.7 percent, short of year-earlier production. Stronger prices came as a result of the production downturn. The 1995-96 marketing year average Idaho GRI climbed to $7.85 per cwt, up 72.5 percent from the previous year.

1991: Increased Planted Area by 1.3 Percent

In contrast to the 2001 and 1995 scenarios, U.S. growers expanded potato acreage in 1991. At 358.3 million cwt, the 1990 potato crop exceeded year-earlier production by 27.2 million cwt, or 8.2 percent. The Idaho GRI averaged $5.51 per cwt during the 1990-91 marketing year. Growers planted 15,900 more acres to potatoes in 1991, a 1.3 percent increase. However, the U.S. average yield jumped to 317 cwt per acre, from 301 cwt in 1990. The acreage and yield increases boosted the 1991 potato crop to 378.9 million cwt. That exceeded year-earlier production by 20.5 million

wers Plant in 2024? cwt, or 5.7 percent. The Idaho GRI fell to an average of $3.62 per cwt during the 1991-92 marketing year, down 34.3 percent from the previous year.

Conclusion

In 2001 and 1995, growers reduced acreage following large production increases. They responded by planting 1.5 percent to 10.6 percent less ground to potatoes. If U.S. potato growers respond similarly to the current market situation, they may reduce acreage for the 2024 crop by 15,000 to 102,000 acres. If the U.S. yield returns to trend (460 cwt per acre), which is statistically most likely to occur, that could still lead to a 2.3 million cwt increase in production if the planted area is only reduced by 15,000 acres. On the other hand, if growers planted 102,000 fewer acres to potatoes in 2024, at trend yield, total production would fall to 396.5 million cwt. That would result in an 8.7 percent downturn in potato production, which would be the largest reduction since 2001. A drop of that magnitude is unlikely and probably not necessary to support stronger prices.

On the other hand, growers might choose to follow the 1991 scenario and increase the 2024 planted area (that has occurred in seven of the 17 past similar situations). Trend yields and increased acreage would likely push prices well below current levels.

Planting decisions for the upcoming crop year could be complex. The current situation appears to be similar to past production expansions. Open-market potato prices have struggled to find a bottom so far this year. They are below breakeven levels for many producers. The current market may discourage growers from planting open-market potatoes. In addition, contract volumes for the 2024 crop could be trimmed substantially.

However, if history repeats itself, there is only a 59 percent chance that growers will reduce acreage in 2024.

By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News

KEY POINTS • Record prices and contract volume increases encouraged U.S. growers to plant 48,000 more acres to potatoes during 2023.

• Improved yields and increased acreage resulted in the largest U.S. potato crop since 2000, up 8.9 percent from 2022 production.

• 2023’s supply surplus has caused open-market prices to plummet; the Idaho GRI is down 52.2 percent from a year ago.

• In the past, growers have responded to similar production scenarios by reducing acreage 58 percent of the time, while they planted more potatoes 42 percent of the time.

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

33

IN THE NEWS POTATO GROWERS OF WASHINGTON

Stability

By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington

O

ver the years, I have been asked many times why pre-season contracts are so important to the frozen potato products industry. The answer comes down to just one simple word: stability.

Stability on pricing is important

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for both growers and processors. By negotiating pre-season contracts, both sides know the price they can expect to pay or receive based on the quality of the crop. For processors, that is vital in that they have anywhere from five to nine months between reaching a final contract price and actually taking delivery of potatoes on the new contract.

This gives them plenty of time to adjust their pricing to accommodate any price

contracts that are negotiated at a stable rate rather than riding the price rollercoaster of other commodities, even including fresh potatoes.

Growers need similar stability in that they need to know that they have a known market for the potatoes they produce before they even plant them.

The cost to grow potatoes has become so expensive that very few growers have the economic willpower to grow any

Growers need similar stability in that they need to know that they have a known market for the potatoes they produce before they even plant them. changes they need from their customers and allows them to make decisions on future capital improvements.

For growers, price stability of preseason contracts is the mirror image of what it is to the processor in that growers know what the expected financial return will be and they can make decisions on what costs they can put into the crop.

And if the contract is done far enough in advance, it gives them a chance to forward buy as many of their inputs as possible.

But stability in the potato industry goes well beyond the obvious implications of price. Processors could choose to not do a pre-season contract, but then they would be at the mercy of buying whatever potatoes were grown that year at whatever price the open market commanded. They would lose all control over which growers they wanted to receive potatoes from and what varieties and volume they wanted from each.

Over time, processors know what quality of potatoes they can expect from each grower, and they have adjusted their grower base and product mix to leverage that knowledge. Having a consistent, stable supply of potatoes is one of the things that make the Columbia Basin the best growing region in the world to process frozen potato products. This could not be done without pre-season

substantial volume of open potatoes.

Knowing exactly which variety their processing customer wants takes the guesswork out of the equation and allows them to better line up quality seed for future years.

After going through the hyperinflation that we all experienced over the past three growing seasons, the stability that we seem to have reached for the next couple of crop years in terms of both price and volume should help both sides hold on to the gains that each has made during this time and prepare us well for the expansions that are beginning to take place.

As I say in all my conversations with people new to the industry, I believe the frozen potato processing industry in the Columbia Basin is the most symbiotic business relationship that exists anywhere. Growers have tens of millions of dollars invested in specialized equipment and storages that can only be used to grow potatoes. Processors have hundreds of millions of dollars invested in plants that can only be used to process potatoes. As the industry has consolidated, both sides need the other at unprecedented levels. The only way this can be sustainable is stable pricing on stable volume done through preseason potato contracts.

Every potato counts.

Quality Storage Yields Quality Potatoes

Everything we’ve done SINCE 1960 has been driven by our desire to maximize the quality of your product during the storage season. We have proven, innovative solutions to help you maintain the best climate in your storage environment.

Our in-house Research and Development Department continues to produce new technology to help you reach higher profit margins at the end of storage season. We have your equipment, controls, and design!

Since 1960 Southern Idaho 208.733.7000

Washington 509.349.7000

Eastern Idaho 208.785.7000

Colorado 719.850.3017

Western Idaho 208.733.7000

Alberta, CAN 403.715.6960

agri-stor.com

(801) 225-4199, www.allstarmfgllc.com, allstarmfgllc@gmail.com

Come See Us at the Following Events:

National Potato Expo, Austin, TX Eastern Idaho Ag Expo, Pocatello, ID Washington-Oregon Potato Conference, Kennewick, WA International Crop-Expo, Grand Forks, ND