PotatoCountry.com • March / April 2020 Western focus. National impact.
Does Early
Planting Pay Off?
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Potato Expo Growth Essentials Spudnik’s New Tradition
POTATO INDUSTRY H I G H L I G H T S
POTATO VOLUME INCREASES
RECORD EXPORT SALES JULY 2018 –JUNE 2019
$1.82
OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS
+2.3% +2.8%
1
BILLION
AMERICA’S
17%
POTATOES
BROCCOLI
TO INCREASE
FOR FRIES
International Volume 3
FAVORITE VEGETABLE
26% OFFERINGS CONTINUE
Domestic Volume 2
14% TOMATOES
POTATOES
ARE ON
11%
4
9%
CORN
SWEET POTATOES
83
%
OF ALL FOODSERVICE
MENUS
DOMESTIC + EXPORTS S A L E S
80% © 2020 Potatoes USA. All rights reserved.
20% 1. Trade Stats Northwest. 2. Domestic data as IRI. 3. Data for internatinal data as Trade Stats Northwest. 4. Potatoes USA. “2019 Consumer A&U Quantitative Report.” January 2019. 5. Data as Datassentials, Potato Trends, February 2019.
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MADE IN THE USA
w w w . Po t a t o Co u n t r y . c o m
Vol. 36 No. 3
PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Phone: (208) 520-6461
Country Western focus. National impact.
Table of Contents
March/April 2020
Contacts Dave Alexander ...........................dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Publisher, Advertising
Denise Keller ..............................editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor
Andy Jensen.......................................... www.nwpotatoresearch.com Insect Identification
Jeff Miller .....................................................jeff@millerresearch.com Disease Identification
8 Does Early Planting Pay Off?
Bruce Huffaker ................................................. napmn@napmn.com Market Report
Washington-Oregon Potato Conference
Dale Lathim ............................................................... dale@pgw.net
12 The Week Potatoes Took Over Vegas Potato Expo 2020
Potato Growers of Washington
Brian Feist ...................................brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Operations Manager, Advertising
14 Generational Strength
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.
18 Oregon Picks Best of the Best
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.
22 Growth Essentials
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.
National Potato Council
Oregon Potato Commission
Buyers' Guide
24 Potatoes Fuel Runners on Rock ‘n’ Roll Course Potatoes USA
28 New Tradition
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 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.
Editorial Board
Spudnik Ag Summit
36 Global Potato Trade: A Growth Engine for the Industry? Market Report
Gary Roth
Chris Voigt
Executive Director
Executive Director
Washington State Potato Commission
Oregon Potato Commission
Potato Expo attendees listen to one of the “Potato Talks,” a series of presentations covering potato production. See the story on page 12.
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On The Cover
Departments
Seed is often planted within 24 hours of being cut. This can increase the risk of microbial decay and reduced stand establishment. See the story on page 8. Photo by Bill Schaefer
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25 26 32 35 38
New Products Disease Quiz In the News Calendar PGW Column
Nina Zidack
Frank Muir
Jim Ehrlich
Montana Seed Potato Certification
Idaho Potato Commission
Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
Director
(406) 994-3150
President/CEO
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Washington-Oregon Potato Conference
Does Early Planting Pay Off? Story and photos by Denise Keller, Editor
T
he early bird may not always get the worm. The effects of early planting and best management practices for seed were the focus of a well-received presentation at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference, held Jan. 21-23 in Kennewick, Washington. Presenter Rick Knowles, a professor of horticulture at Washington State University, discussed the ways in which planting date affects crop growth and development, yield and quality.
Best Practices for Seed
Knowles opened the session by addressing recent issues with decreased stand establishment, saying that growers sometimes blame poor stand establishment on a bum seed lot. “That could be true, but we find more often than not, that isn’t true,” Knowles
Rick Knowles, a professor of horticulture at Washington State University, continues to field questions following his presentation on the effects of early planting.
explained. “It’s more likely how the seed was handled by both the seed grower and especially by the commercial grower, the cutting operation and the planting operation.” Too often, seed is planted within 24 hours of being cut, which can be a recipe for disaster, Knowles said. Planting too soon after cutting increases the risk of microbial decay and reduced stand establishment, especially when planted early in the spring in cold, wet soil. Doing so inhibits the initial wound response and subsequent development of a suberized closing layer. Explaining the physiology of wound response, Knowles said that wound healing produces superoxide radicals that are powerful antimicrobial agents, as well as hydrogen peroxide with its disinfectant properties. Interfering with the process increases the susceptibility of seed to decay.
Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO, brings the latest updates from Washington D.C. to growers at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference.
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Potato Country
March / April 2020
team looked at planting dates between April 1 and April 29 for four cultivars: Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Clearwater Russet and Umatilla Russet. The growing season was kept constant at 147 days. In short, they found that planting date affects the total time needed for a crop to mature, with later plantings finishing in fewer days than earlier plantings due to quicker plant establishment and exposure to more growing degree days. On the flipside, early planting results in delayed emergence because seed is planted into colder soils. And the crop is exposed to less heat during the season, giving plants less time to develop. At the end of its 147-day season, the early-planted crop had greener vines, indicative of the immature crop below. Knowles reminded growers that the degree of vine senescence is a key factor to consider when choosing a harvest date. Planting date will affect the timing of tuber maturity at season end and thus reducing sugars and postharvest retention of process quality. The tubers from the Dan Chin with the Oregon Potato Commission (right) adds the finishing touches to a baked potato for Ken Frost with Oregon State University.
Translating the science into management practices, Knowles said seed growers should condition seed by bringing the temperature up to around 42 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 days to two weeks before shipping. This gears up the seed’s metabolism to respond to wounding and primes it for sprouting. He then reminded commercial growers to allow freshly cut seed to dry and begin to go through the initial wound response, which results in a suberized closing layer, before planting. Wait at least 48 to 72 hours after cutting, holding seed at 48 to 52 degrees with airflow, and then plant in soil above 45 degrees.
Gary Roth, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission (OPC), makes his debut at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference after taking over for former OPC president, Bill Brewer, last May.
Effects of Early Planting
Transitioning to the second half of his presentation, Knowles covered new research on how planting date affects the outcome of a crop. In a three-year trial, Knowles and his PotatoCountry.com
9
Washington-Oregon Potato Conference earlier plantings had higher reducing sugars coming out of the field and built up more sugars during storage compared to the later-planted crop, Knowles reported. Considering that early-planted crops require more time for tubers to reach a physiological maturity that will store well, researchers tweaked the trial in 2019 to also evaluate the effects of extending the growing season for the early-planted crop to 168 days. This extra time in the ground was needed to adequately mature tubers for prolonged storage. However, extending the season also involved managing crop inputs, such as water and pesticides, longer and did not translate to increases in yield. “While early plantings are necessary to get all the acres planted, growers should be prepared to manage earlier-planted crops later to achieve optimum maturity for full-season storage,� Knowles concluded.
SunRain shows off one of its newest varieties, Angelina.
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Potato Country
March / April 2020
Mark Hammer with the Washington State Potato Commission dishes up some broccoli to top off a baked potato at the conference’s potato bar lunch.
Jon Osborne with Extreme Industrial Coatings (left) explains the benefits of the Rocket Valve, an upgrade for the Lockwood Air Cup potato planter.
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The Week Potatoes Took Over Vegas Story and photos by Bill Schaefer It’s a popular refrain: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
But when Potato Expo 2020 came to Las Vegas this January, a lot that happened in Vegas found its way back to the nation’s farmland. With two days of Innovation Hub seminars, panel discussions and break-out sessions, the Spud Nation cook-off and the inauguration of the National Potato Council’s (NPC) new podcast, whether you’re a potato grower, researcher, consultant, exhibitor or director of a state organization – or just a fan of Elton John and Billy Joel – Potato Expo 2020 was a jackpot of non-stop information and entertainment. There was almost unanimous consent among attendees that the primary benefit of attending Potato Expo is time spent meeting most of their customers in one place.
“One of the main reasons we come to the expo is to connect with our customers, but also to look for new and emerging technologies,” said Michigan seed grower Ben Sklarczyk. “So between the Innovation Hub and the trade show floor, we gain a wealth of knowledge of new up-and-coming information that can benefit us and our customers, as well.” With a total of 189 exhibitors on the trade show floor and 2,019 registered attendees, this year’s Potato Expo set new records in both categories. The 12th annual Expo continued to evolve and grow into an even larger and better event that brought together all the diverse segments of the global potato industry under one roof. “The main thing we appreciate is face recognition and seeing our customers and the potential to see a new guy, also the ability to take in the latest trends,” said
Chef Jeff Henderson (right) takes a selfie with chef Rock Harper at the Spud Nation Throwdown. Henderson, a chef and TV host, hosted the fifth annual spud-inspired cook-off. Harper, the winner of season three of “Hell’s Kitchen,” earned first place in the Spud Nation Throwdown for his dish featuring Patatas Bravas.
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March / April 2020
Rob Giesbrecht, owner of Pillar Butte Seed in Aberdeen, Idaho. “You’re under one roof, you’re able to see all the different aspects of what makes the industry work.” Harry Strohauer, a multi-state potato grower from La Salle, Colorado, said that he attends Potato Expo “because it’s the one place where everybody in the potato industry comes. It’s actually very hectic here, but that’s what’s great and exciting about it: the interaction with all the people you work with and deal with all through the year.” Strohauer said that he found the expo’s breakout sessions give him an opportunity to catch up on the latest rules and regulations being promulgated. “So many times we’re busy doing what we do, and at least here’s a venue to catch up on some of the things that we can educate ourselves on,” he said. In Potato Expo 2020’s waning hours,
Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO, gives an interview in front of the John Deere exhibit on the trade show floor.
Kam Quarles, National Potato Council CEO, assessed the overall success of this year’s event. “Not only was this the largest expo we’ve ever had both in attendees and exhibitors, we did a good job of keeping attendees engaged and interacting with exhibitors and each other on the trade show floor,” Quarles said. “I think the breakout sessions were extremely informative as well as the Potato Talks on the main stage, and of course the (Spud Nation) Throwdown is always a great event.” Quarles pointed to two signature events that highlighted this year’s expo. One was the “Eye on Potatoes” podcast that was inaugurated at the expo, and the second was the introduction of Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (LEAF) to fund and promote young leadership in the potato industry. “We’re looking at new ways of communicating with all segments of the industry, particularly our member/ grower base,” Quarles said in developing the podcasts. “We recorded 10 or so podcasts here on the expo floor,” he said. “The podcast allows you to have a
Technology and digital expert Erik Qualman discusses the habits that effective leaders use to thrive in today’s digital era during the keynote luncheon.
more thoughtful discussion about really important complicated topics that you just can’t do in a newspaper article. It’s that kind of long-form discussion where people can really get into a topic. There are a lot of great experts, from agronomists to international trade experts to nutrition consultants, who really make a difference in their segments.” The “Eye on Potatoes” podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast apps, and they’re free to subscribe and download.
Speaking about Potato LEAF, Quarles sees the new foundation as an important funding mechanism for the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) and a benefit to the industry’s future through the development of the next generation of leaders. With this year’s Potato Expo receding in the rear-view mirror, NPC is already planning Potato Expo 2021 at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 6-7, 2021.
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Generational Strength Story and photos by Bill Schaefer
B
ritt Raybould would prefer to not discuss glass ceilings. Though she is the first woman president in the 72-year history of the National Potato Council (NPC), Raybould would rather focus on the fact that she is the third member of her family to serve a one-year term as NPC president. Following in the steps of her grandfather, Dell Raybould, 1978 NPC president, and her father, Jeff Raybould, 1997 NPC president, Britt Raybould ascended to the grower organization’s presidency at the 2020 NPC annual meeting in January in Las Vegas. Growing up on the family farm and being the third Raybould to lead the NPC is an example of the generational strengths that can be found in the history of the potato industry and Idaho agriculture, she said. “I think it points to the fact of how much of the potato industry really does focus on family,” Raybould said. “A lot of the longer-term operations are family operations. It’s not to say others haven’t come in and started something and have gotten it going without having a family tradition, but I think it points to the fact that within the potato industry, there’s a strong family element.”
Following in Her Family’s Footsteps
Raybould Brothers Farms (RBF) is a textbook example of that strong family element. Britt Raybould is the chief financial officer (CFO) at RBF. Together with her younger brother, Jaren Raybould, an RBF owner/operator, their father and grandfather and three full-time employees, they manage the daily operations of the farm. Temporary employment during harvest results in an additional 25 to 30 seasonal workers,
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Potato Country
March / April 2020
Britt Raybould speaks with Mike Wenkle, NPC COO, prior to the NPC annual banquet.
mostly high school and college students. The Rayboulds grow Russet Norkotah and Russet Burbank potatoes for the fresh market on just over 800 acres, along with 1,400 acres of grain and 150 acres of alfalfa in Madison and Fremont counties. Potatoes that don’t meet fresh-grade standards are sold to the Idahoan dehy plant for processing. Not only has Raybould followed in her grandfather’s footsteps as NPC president, she was elected to succeed him as the Idaho State Representative in District 34, House Seat B in the 2018 election. Her legislative responsibilities include serving on three House committees: Appropriations; Environment, Energy and Technology; and Resources and Conservation.
Juggling Jobs
Raybould credits the support of her family and the NPC staff for helping her juggle three jobs. “I need to give full credit. It’s my dad and brother that are doing the day-today operations along with our really hardworking folks who are with us throughout the year. “I’m very lucky to be surrounded by a lot of supportive people,” Raybould said. “The staff at the NPC is fantastic. We were very lucky to find such a solid combination in Kam (Quarles) and Mike (Wenkle) to take on that new leadership role within the organization.” In June 2019, Kam Quarles became the new CEO of the NPC and Mike Wenkle took on the newly created
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National Potato Council position of chief operations officer. “We’ve had a leadership transition, and we’re sort of engaged in resetting NPC,” Quarles said. “Trying to set the organization up to a place where it’s going to be a vibrant source of ag advocacy in the nation’s capital.” Quarles said that Raybould’s youth and communications background are a great fit with the NPC’s recent leadership transition and coincide with the NPC’s use of new communication tools such as the “Eye on Potatoes” podcast series. “She’s got a lot of good common sense ideas on how to expand the use of technology, how to create an NPC that is an attractive place for younger leaders to come work,” Quarles said.
Finding Her Way Back to the Farm
After growing up in St. Anthony, Idaho, Raybould earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in English at Boise State University and a master’s degree in professional communications from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. During college, she was non-committal about her future on the family farm. “I wasn’t 100 percent sure I was going to come back,” she said. “I had degrees in communications, and I was working in corporate marketing.” For Raybould, it was a classic example of absence makes the heart grow fonder. After working in marketing for seven years, she made the decision to return to the family farm in 2007. “It was just over a period of time when I decided that this was something that I hadn’t realized I was as invested in and was interested in coming back to,” she said. “I would still come back here during potato harvest and be around for some of the busier times of year,” she said. “But
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Potato Country
March / April 2020
Britt Raybould and Shawn Boyle, Idaho Grower Shippers Association president and general counsel, enjoy the break between NPC meetings.
what really struck me is when I’d been working in an office setting for a number of years and it was really difficult for me to describe what I did for people.” She found that she missed the elemental satisfaction that comes from production on the farm. It’s not that the office work wasn’t satisfying, but she rediscovered that sense of accomplishment that comes from working on the farm with her family. “When I went to the farm, there was this really clear outcome,” Raybould said. “You worked the land. You harvested the crop. You had this very visible, very clear outcome for all the hard work that you put into it. It was really surprising to me how much more fulfilling I found the farming side of things.” It’s a calculated balancing act for Raybould with her legislative responsibilities demanding the majority of her time right now, followed by her commitment to the NPC and then the family farm. “I’m primarily focused on the legislature when we’re in session. It’s what’s happening in terms of priorities, so it gets the lion’s share of my attention,” she said. “Come April, May, I’ll shift back and most of my attention will go back toward the farm and most of my responsibilities that I have there.”
Setting Goals for the NPC
As Raybould settles in to lead the NPC through 2020, she has set two goals for the coming year. She wants to encourage greater participation from growers of her generation and make sure that they know their voices are being heard. “We’ve managed to accomplish a lot for an organization of our size, and I’d like for us to continue being successful going forward. But in order to do that, we need to make sure that the folks who are my age are coming in, are participating, are learning the ropes and are a part of things,” she said. With the growing consolidation of farms resulting in fewer farmers, it’s imperative for the future success of the NPC that the new generation of potato growers actively participates in the organization. “We want them there for as much time as they’re willing to be there,” Raybould said. “And in partnership with that, the idea of making sure that people know and appreciate that the NPC is still a growerled and grower-driven organization.” While it’s a safe bet that Raybould does not lack for things to do and currently is concentrating on her dayto-day legislative commitments, she is looking forward to the NPC summer meeting in Boise this June 24-26.
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Oregon Picks Best of the Best
A
handful of select potato breeders and growers now have bragging rights after earning some hardware in the 10th annual Goodness Unearthed Best Oregon Potato Contest. Taking the top spots this year were: • Chipping category: Waneta from Gold Dust and Walker Farms • Russet (fresh) category: AO06191-1 from Oregon State University (OSU) • Russet (processing) category: Alturas from Walchli Farms • Russet (processing) category runner-up: AO02183-2 “Lazarus” from OSU • Red category: Modoc from Baley-Trotman Farms • Yellow category: Elfe from Chin Farms • Specialty category: Deliciae from Easy Growing, LLC Winners were announced Jan. 22 at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference in Kennewick, Washington. But the process started back in early December 2019, when farmers from across Oregon, retailers, researchers, professional chefs and culinary students gathered in Vancouver, Washington. “This is an exciting day for Oregon potatoes and a multifaceted opportunity to help tell the story that Oregon growers produce some of the best potatoes in the world,” said Gary Roth, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, which sponsors the contest. In the contest, potato growers and breeders enter potatoes in one of six categories. About a dozen chefs and culinary students prepare the potatoes and judge them on appearance, aroma, taste and texture.
“When we started this, the chefs didn’t realize there was that much difference between a russet potato or a red potato or a yellow potato,” said Dan Chin, a potato grower from the Klamath Basin and a member of the Oregon Potato Commission. “They thought a potato is a potato. Once they started this, they realized there is a big difference in varieties.” The contest is the brainchild of Chef Leif Benson, who pitched the event to the commission 11 years ago as a way to educate chefs on the multiple flavors available in potatoes. “In the culinary world, you learn two things about potatoes,” Benson said. “You learn that potatoes are either waxy or mealy. And, in the practical world, you bought a box of russet potatoes, you cooked them and that was it. “This takes it to a whole other level,” he continued. “When you are tasting these potatoes side by side, you find there are dramatic differences in the flavor, the texture, the moisture, the appearance of potatoes depending on where they are grown, how they are grown, the variety and so on.” Chin, who has entered several winning potatoes over the years, said the contest provides multiple benefits for growers, as well. “As a grower, we want to produce the best potatoes we can for the consumer,” Chin said. “So, as these tests roll out, you can say, ‘well, this variety here met the high specs. It looks good, tastes good and cooks well.’ So, if it grows well in my field, it is a variety I will probably produce.” Brian Charlton, interim director of the Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center in Klamath Falls, Oregon, said the contest helps OSU screen varieties in its potato breeding program. “If at an early stage we know we have something that is offflavor, then we can discard that instead of wasting research dollars
The nearly 50 entries in this year’s Goodness Unearthed Best Oregon Potato Contest are scored by more than a dozen credentialed chefs from across the state.
Oregon State University’s Brian Charlton (left) and Sagar Sathuvalli (center) accept awards in the Goodness Unearthed Best Oregon Potato Contest. Oregon Potato Commission executive director Gary Roth (right) presented the awards at the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference Jan. 22.
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Potato Country
March / April 2020
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Best of the Best and time to move something through the system that we know is not going to have much success,” Charlton said. “Secondly, once we understand some of these (taste) profiles biochemically, then we can perhaps understand how those traits are passed on genetically with crosses, which can help us further refine that system,” he said. OSU potato breeder Vidyasagar Sathuvalli added that the university utilizes blind tasting in its breeding program, but the blind tasting doesn’t provide nearly the depth or sophistication of analysis of the commission’s contest. “In our blind tasting, people say, ‘this taste’s good and this doesn’t taste good,’” said Sathuvalli. “But this contest actually breaks down quality into different categories, and chefs are the most qualified to understand flavor.” OSU varieties, incidentally, have done quite well in recent years. In addition to this year’s wins, OSU also earned top prize last year in the russet and specialty potato categories. “The benefits of this contest are multifaceted,” Roth said. “There are scientific benefits. There is information sharing and consumer education about the health and wellness of potatoes. And there are the promotional aspects, where more people learn about the high quality of Oregon-grown potatoes.”
Chefs analyze potatoes for taste, texture, appearance and aroma at the 10th annual Goodness Unearthed Best Oregon Potato Contest.
Washington State University
Department of Horticulture: Potato Physiologist The Department of Horticulture at Washington State University is seeking a candidate who will become a core member of our potato research and extension team in the role of Potato Physiologist. This tenure-track, 12-month faculty position as Assistant or Associate Professor is located on the WSU-Pullman campus and begins during June/July 2020, as negotiated. Responsibilities: Developing a nationally and internationally recognized research program in the general areas of pre- and postharvest physiology of potato, including storage management, variety development, and crop growth and development with the goal of enhancing the productivity and quality of potato; Collaborating with departmental and interdepartmental faculty, university researchers, and USDA ARS scientists, especially those aligned with the Northwest Potato Variety Development Program; Establishing rapport with industry and communicating program results to stakeholders; Seeking and securing extramural research funding; and Contributing to scholarly literature, teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. Required: Ph.D. in horticulture or related plant science discipline at time of hire, evidence of ability to lead and manage a research program focused on potato physiology, demonstrated record of scholarly accomplishments in basic and applied plant physiology commensurate with career level. (Candidates applying for this position at the associate professor rank must have an equivalent of 6 years of experience in an assistant-rank position or equivalent position(s) with an established record of accomplishments in program leadership, scholarship and extramural funding commensurate with the associate rank). Screening of application materials begins March 9, 2020 open until filled. To apply visit: https://www.wsujobs.com/postings/50330. Applications must include the following materials: 1) a cover letter of application addressing, in distinct sections, all the required and preferred qualifications for the position (including your areas of expertise and research interests), 2) a statement of vision and goals for the position that describes how your program would serve the needs of the Pacific Northwest potato industry; 3) a current curriculum vitae, 4) electronic copies of graduate program academic transcripts, and 5) names and contact information for four professional references. Reference letters will be requested for the finalists. For questions about the position contact: Dr. Mark J. Pavek, Chair, Search Committee: 509-335-6861, mjpavek@wsu.edu. For additional information on Washington State University, CAHNRS or the Department of Horticulture, visit wsu.edu, cahnrs.wsu.edu and horticulture.wsu.edu. EEO/AA/ADA
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Potato Country
March / April 2020
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Growth Actagro
www.actagro.com/products Structure and Katalyst
Structure has been a key phosphorus tool for farmers for over 20 years, with particular success in some of the most phosphorus challenging soils in the world. Phosphorus availability and mobility allows Structure to protect phosphorus from soil tie-up, and researchers and farmers have seen better phosphorus movement from a soil application. Longer-lasting and more mobile phosphorus allows farmers to use less product and create operation efficiencies. Apply Structure at planting to deliver highly available phosphorus to the plant and stimulate tuber set, giving your potatoes a jumpstart. Katalyst is a highly available potassium form (potassium acetate) reacted with a unique carbon extraction that has yielded highly plant-available potassium. Research has shown the improvement of plant permeability via both root and leaf (plant availability) with Katalyst. Katalyst is a chloride-free, liquid potassium, making it easy to incorporate into any nutritional program, as it can be applied directly to soil, in-furrow, foliar or through an irrigation system. Katalyst blends well with any fluid source and can be mixed with other macronutrients. Apply at tuber bulking to increase tuber size and quality.
Agro-K
www.agro-k.com Sysstem-Advance
Sysstem-Advance is a micronutrient-based foliar phosphite fertilizer designed to improve root mass and foraging capacity by enhancing the natural root exudate process that plants use to free up and extract soil-bound nutrients. Sysstem-Advance benefits the plant’s natural “root flushing” activity, allowing it to extract more nutrients and moisture from the soil and increasing efficiency and effectiveness of soil-applied fertility programs. SysstemAdvance helps increase calcium uptake into the tuber through the stolon and tuber root hairs, improving tuber quality and storability, and aids in the reduction of bruising.
AgroLiquid
www.agroliquid.com Pro-Germinator, Sure-K, Kalibrate, Micro 500
Effective management of nutrients is critical for potato production, as tuber quality and yield are directly impacted by source, quantity and timing of nutrient applications. Growing healthy potato crops must also be balanced with an economical fertilizer program. AgroLiquid took all of these considerations into account when developing its liquid potato fertilizer. Agro-Liquid’s combination of Pro-Germinator, Sure-K and Kalibrate, as well as Micro 500, increases tuber number, size and quality. With flexible application and slow-release technology, potato crops receive essential potassium where it is most effective, and they are able to utilize the nutrients throughout their growth cycle. As potassium breaks down in the soil, it can bond with other soil ions and becomes unusable to plants. Pro-Germinator, Sure-K and Kalibrate potato fertilizer programs are designed to solve this problem with protective polymer chelants, allowing the potassium to release slowly to the plant roots. More potassium available to the plant encourages the growth of larger tubers, while using less fertilizer. 22
Potato Country
March / April 2020
Essentials ICL
www.polysulphate.com Polysulphate
Polysulphate is a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing four nutrients: sulphur, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Polysulphate is derived from polyhalite, a natural mined mineral. It has a low carbon footprint, and it is OMRI listed for organic use. Being a natural crystal, it has a unique dissolution pattern, which releases its nutrients gradually. As the nutrients are released, they provide a continuing fresh source to the growing potato crop. This pattern matches the uptake timing of nutrients by potato plants and minimizes the risk of loss of sulphate by leaching. Polysulphate is low in chloride, minimizing the risk that chloride poses to potato crops. It has a low salinity index and neutral pH and does not affect soil pH. Global trials have shown a good response of potatoes to Polysulphate, which is designed to increase yields and tuber size and improve skin finish and dry matter.
OMEX
www.omexusa.com Cell Power Slyce
A new product from Omex Agrifluids USA promises to help growers protect crops from extreme weather patterns, while meeting the public’s expectation to “get more from less.” Cell Power Slyce is a liquid formulation containing calcium nitrate and humic acid. Offering increased soil-available fertility and rapid nutrient release, it boosts crops’ defense against stress and disease. In trials, it provided efficient calcium delivery, crucial for plant structure above and below ground. Cell Power Slyce is designed to work on the plant and in the soil. Applied after granular fertilizers such as DAP, MAP or KCI, it allows faster, more efficient release of their components. Increasing soil’s organic matter, Slyce enhances nutrient, water-holding and aeration capacities, while helping to regulate soil pH, allowing beneficial fungi to thrive. Cell Power Slyce promotes chlorophyll development and mobilizes respiratory-essential potassium, boosting crop resilience against hot weather and drought stress.
Redox Chemicals, LLC www.redoxchem.com Root Rx
RootRx is a reacted nutrient product containing proprietary botanical extracts. Root Rx promotes the production of anti-oxidants in the plant to help manage environmental oxidative stress. In managing environmental oxidative stress, the plant can overcome a variety of stress events and maintain cell wall integrity and superior plant growth, allowing the plant to increase in crop quality and yield.
Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. www.cropvitality.com Crop Vitality
Crop Vitality nurtures crop life by delivering sulfur-based liquid plant nutritionals for the agriculture industry. For over 100 years, Crop Vitality has served customers by enhancing crop potential through innovation, research and development of sustainable, scalable fertilizers.
PotatoCountry.com
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Potatoes USA
Potatoes Fuel Runners on Rock ‘n’ Roll Course By Jill Rittenberg, Global Marketing Manager, Potatoes USA
P
otatoes are the official performance vegetable of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series for the second year in a row. Last year, runners heard the “potatoes fuel performance” message. This year, runners are fueling with potatoes on course at the largest Rock ‘n’ Roll races in Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Nashville and San Diego. November 2019 marked the big debut for potatoes on course at the Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, the largest event in the series. For the three days leading up to the marathon, athletes and their supporters visited the Potatoes Fuel Performance booth in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Health & Fitness Expo. There, they learned about using potatoes as a performance fuel and shared their love for America’s favorite vegetable. Thousands of potato samples were distributed at the expo, along with nutritional information and guidance on how to incorporate potatoes into an active lifestyle. For the main event, potatoes broke ground and became the first real, fresh
food to be provided to runners during a Rock ‘n’ Roll race. Stationed at the 10th mile on the Las Vegas Strip, the Potatoes USA team could not keep up with demand as runners streamed by to get their potatoes. Over 10,000 athletes fueled with boiled and salted potatoes to help them finish the race strong. The runners were excited to have a real food energy source on course. As the official performance vegetable, potatoes were front and center of athletes from around the world. Between the runners, their families and their friends, the potatoes fuel performance message made an impression on nearly 60,000 people throughout the four-day event. Potatoes will fuel athletes on course at three additional Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons in the coming months. To further harness the growing appreciation and awareness of potatoes for athletic performance, athletes are joining Team Potato. Team Potato is a community of athletes of all levels who are dedicated to performing their best, both in their workouts and in everyday life. New members are eager to be a part of a supportive and informative athletic group. Team Potato offers irresistible perks to its members, like chances to win
training opportunities and trips to Rock ’n’ Roll marathons. To join the growing community, go to www.teampotato.com. The “Potatoes. Real Food. Real Performance.” movement continues to take hold as people see how they can benefit from the power of potatoes. Every day, more consumers around the world are learning about how potatoes can give them the energy to perform their best. Between the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series partnership and Team Potato, the band of potatoes for performance advocates is growing. The word is quickly spreading about how nutrientdense potatoes are a top choice for fueling an active lifestyle. Industry members are encouraged to get involved and help spread the word about the performance benefits of potatoes. Visit www.growers. potatoesusa.com to get the tools you need to help amplify the message, including information on how to sponsor or host a local event, as well as campaign materials. Contact jill@potatoesusa.com for additional information or support.
For a FREE Certification Directory, email Dr. Nina Zidack at potatocert@montana.edu
Uncompromising Standards, Generation after Generation. We have the seed for you! www.montanaspud.org
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Potato Country 167820MonPot13h.indd 1
March / April 2020 9/18/17 11:45 AM
New Products
New Device Stops Equipment Remotely
Smart Ag LLC has developed a patent-pending Wireless Safety Stop to shut off electrical equipment from up to 6,500 feet away. The aftermarket device is meant to keep farmers and their workers productive and safe. It gives users greater control over their equipment and helps them improve their daily work processes to operate more efficiently, according to the company. The unit ties directly into existing interlock systems and will stop the entire production line with the touch of a button. Users can move the portable Safety Stop from one piece of farm, processing plant or warehouse equipment to another by unplugging, moving the magnetic base and relocating. Double M Ag and Irrigation is a stocking distributor for the new Wireless Safety Stop. Visit www.doublemsupply.com.
Company Cuts Into Market With New Slicer
FAM recently unveiled its new V-belt slicing machine, the Volantis. The machine is suited for the transverse slicing of a large range of vegetables in slices, shreds and square pieces. It is designed for precise cutting of elongated and oblong products such as potatoes and carrots. The machine can be fed manually or by a feeding system. The wide infeed channel will align long, slender products toward the slicing wheel. The more than 2-meters-long infeed section contributes to a better orientation of the product and will align it to prevent it from tumbling while it is fed into the slicing wheel, according to the company. The combination of the high speed of the knives and the unique cutting method is designed to produce uniform slices with a smooth surface while minimizing breakage and ragged ends, thus increasing the shelf-life of products. Visit www.fam.be/en/machine/volantis.
EPA Approves Syngenta Seed Treatment
Vibrance Ultra Potato seed treatment from Syngenta recently received EPA approval for use in potatoes. The product includes three complementary fungicide treatments to protect seed pieces. The all-in-one liquid formulation is meant to provide broadspectrum protection against key seedand soil-borne diseases. It’s also said to bolster resistance management because each active ingredient provides a different mode of action. Mandipropamid (FRAC Group 40) protects against the infection or spread of seed-borne late blight during the cutting or handling of potato seed pieces and is also meant to suppress pink rot. Difenconazole (FRAC Group 3) protects against Fusarium dry rot seed decay. Sedaxane (FRAC Group 7) is active against seed-borne silver scurf seed decay, as well as seedling blight and damping off caused by Rhizoctonia species. Visit www.syngenta-us.com/seedtreatment/vibrance-ultra-potato.
Fertilizer Company Puts Product to the Test
Sul4r-Plus, LLC, a provider of agricultural fertilizer products, recently announced field trial results of its Sul4rPlus fertilizer. The fertilizer is an in-demand granular calcium sulfate engineered to provide improved crop yield. The company uses a patented process to create dust-free, uniformly sized granules designed to meet the industry’s increasing demand for higher yields. The immediately-available and seasonally-sustained release of sulfate and calcium matches crop uptake, according to the company. The product was included in a recent field trial on potato crops. The company reports that in multiple tests, Idaho potatoes showed yield increases of approximately 10 cwt and a two-thirds reduction in hollow heart disease when using 100 pounds per acre of Sul4r-Plus fertilizer during or prior to tuber initiation. Visit www.sul4r-plus.com. PotatoCountry.com
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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
Late blight was present in many potato producing areas of North America in 2019. Which of the photos represent potential sources for late blight in 2020?
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A - Volunteer potatoes in a sugarbeet field
B - Tomato plants in a garden box (photo courtesy Dr. Rick Parker)
C - Spring wheat
D - Fall-bedded potato rows in winter
E - Potato cull piles
F - Potato seed in storage
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Answers Page 33
Spudequipment.com Pilers
2007 Milestone 42” all belt, 230 3ph remote 2000 Wemco 36” all belt, 480 3ph, remote 1998 Milestone 36” all belt, 230 3ph, remote 1994 Davis 36” BC x 40’ 220 volt 1ph 1991 Double L 811 30” belted chain, remote 1991 Spudnik 550 30” BC, 3ph Remote 1991 Max 430 30” x 55’ 3ph 230 volt belt chain elev. 1989 Spudnik 550 30” belted chain, remote 1985 DL 813 30” BC 3ph 1981 Spudnik 450 36” 3ph 36mm BC 1980 Spudnik 450 36” 3ph BC Remote Mayo 30” Van Loader
Scoopers
1992 Spudnik 24” 3ph/ Trailer 1989 Spudnik 24” 1ph /Trailer Spudnik 24” Van Unloader
Stingers
2016 Logan Trac Pro Telescopic 36”/42” x 6’ Tel. 2014 Logan Trac Pro 10’ x 30” x 10’ belt 3ph Double L 832 BC 30” fingers Spudnik 2200 all belt 36” x10’
Conveyors - Telescopic
2015 Spudnik TC 1255 36” x 85’ 230 V 3ph 1990 Double L 810 30” x 50’ 3ph 230 volt 1986 Spudnik 1200 TC 30” x 55’ 220 volt single phase
Conveyors - Straight
2015 Spudnik 1205 36” x 40’ x (8) 230 V 3ph 2012 LoganTP SC 42” x 40’ x (6) 480 V 3ph 2010 Logan TPSC 36” x 40’ x (4) 480 V 3ph Spudnik 1200 17’ x 30” 3ph Spudnik 1200 29’ x 30” 3ph Spudnik 1200 30’ x 30” 3ph Spudnik 1200 33’ x 30” 3ph Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph (10) Double L 808 30” x 20’ 3ph
Sizers/Eliminators
2000 Spudnik 925 72” 3ph 480 V 2000 Double 878 DE 78” 3ph flip down 72” sizer 1999 Spudnik 995 72” DE rolls, peg /blower, acorn sizing 480 Volt 3ph 1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer
Dirt Eliminators
2000 Spudnik 900 60” 230 volt 3ph hang on tare 97 DL 807 62” BC with 3 stingers 3ph 1990 Double 806 Collector 44” 2-pups
Rock/Clod/Eliminators
2017 Spudnik 72” Multi Sep/ Air Sep 2015 Lockwood Air Vac 2014 Spudnik 991 72” Multi Sep /Air Sep 1998 Harriston Clod Hopper 200/80” 230V 3ph 1994 STI 1260 Sand Machine
Even Flows & Crop Carts 2016 Milestone 100cwt, Stinger, tilt belt
Beds
2012 Logan LP22’ bed Elec. Dual drive 1995 Double L 801 20’ updated Dual Drive 1984 Logan SB20 Electric
Trailers
Trinity 53’ 3 axle All Stainless new bin 25” chain Trinity 53’ 4 axle All Stainless new bin 25” chain
Trucks
2007 Sterling 13spd MB 425hp, no bed, frame for 22’ bed, has PTO 2002 Mack EZ350 10spd 4.17 Ratio 2012 Logan LP24 PTO 1999 Mack EZ350 10spd 4.17ratio 2012 Logan LP24 PTO 2001 Freightliner F80, Cum 5.9L 225 hp 9sp Rd Ranger 1996 IH 466DT Auto, Logan 20’ bed w/EZ Tarp 1995 IH 466DT 9sd w/ Logan 90 series 20’ bed 1990 IH Cat 0spd w/ Logan 90 series 20’ bed
Crossovers/Wind Rowers 2008 Double L 851 50/50/ 45 2003 Lockwood 5000 Four Row LH 50/50/50 1998 Double L 851 Four Row RH 50/50/45 1992 Lockwood 2000 two row 1984 Logan 2 row BC
Harvesters
2018 Double L 7340 2010 Double L 973 Galaxy table, return flow Grimme DR1500 2 row 2- pintle belts 2012 Double L 965 3 row, w/Multi-sep table
Seed Cutters
2014 Better Built 460 -60” 1ph 2000 Better Built 46520 60” 3ph 1996 Milestone 48” 3ph 1994 Milestone 60” 3ph 1993 Milestone 36”
Treaters
2017 Excel 10” combo liquid & dust 2013 Better Built CDT 10’x 10” dust auger 2010 Milestone 42” liquid treater 1996 Milestone 36” Duster
Planters
2009 Harriston cup planter 8-row pull loaded 34” 2007 Gruse Bed planter 4 row off set hitch 2004 Harriston model 4016 cup, Raven Controller 36” 2005 Lockwood 6 row Pick 36” 1996 Kverneland 3200 dry fert. 4 row 34” 1995 Kverneland 3300 6 row 34”
Planter/Tare/Piler
Shop built 24” x 30’ hyd 40mm belt chain
Shredder/Vine Beaters/ Power Hiller 2017 Baselier 8 row inter row power hiller 2002 Newhouse P1952 Tire Roller 36” 1986 Loftness 4 row 36” Steel rollers
Water Dammers
2009 Logan 6 row Yield Pro Water Dammer Milestone 6 row Water Dammer
MISC.
1998 Mayo 4730-16-3050 Telescopic Hopper Unloader Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Mayo Scooper belly dump unloader attachement Harriston 12 row Marker Semi mount Shop Built 12 row Marker 3point
Warehouse/Packaging
2017 EDP Electro Bagger Model: EB-2218-DF Mayo 1000 cwt warehouse Even flow with tilt conveyor Mayo 24” x 53’ Telescopic Van Loader conveyor, Mayo 30” Elevating conveyor to Van Loader Kerian 60” sizer Portable Washer with brushes, pumps, holding tank on wheels. 2012 Kwik Lok 865 Bag closer 2- Milestone Screw Sizers with belts with feed conveyor Fishbein Sewer Newlong Sewer DS-9C Northwest Bagger Agpak poly bagger Ernst roll sizer 72” Volm Pak 8000 w/ carousel Vanmark Peeler
Bruce: (208)390-5120 | brucen@tristeelmfg.com Evan: (208)757-8481 | evann@tristeelmfg.com PotatoCountry.com
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Spudnik Ag Summit
NEW TRADITION Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher
S
pudnik, in Blackfoot, Idaho, has been making a lot of changes lately. The equipment company recently expanded its manufacturing facility, more than doubling its size. On Jan. 1, acquisition of Blackfoot-based STC Trailers became official, and on Jan. 20-21, a new tradition started, the Spudnik Ag Summit. Spudnik has had an annual open house for years, giving tours and serving a barbeque dinner to industry folks after the Idaho Potato Conference and Ag Expo closed for the night. The evening was a way of giving back and thanking customers. The new Ag Summit format is a two-day happening that includes networking with others in the potato industry, educational seminars and the opportunity to see the company’s innovations firsthand.
Acquisition, Expansion
Spudnik displays the 6740 SpiralSep harvester at the company’s new facility.
Logistics and transportation are an ever-increasing need for potato growers, and higher volumes of commodity handling are needed. This necessity
The AirSep harvester has been a huge success for Spudnik.
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March / April 2020
made the acquisition of STC Trailers by Spudnik an easy decision and one that its salespeople and dealers are excited about. Sales director Corey Steidley said that the company used to build trailers, and given the need, wanted to get back into the business. It is a product that adds to and complements its current business. “Our customer base has been demanding us to get back in the trailer business,” Steidley said. The expansion of the Spudnik facility gives the company roughly 80,000 square feet of assembly hall and new paint booths. A new fabrication area adds another 90,000 square feet. The new space will give employees more room to work and make their jobs safer, too.
About 70 percent of what Spudnik sells has some form of customization on it, and the expansion will also have bays to accommodate this custom work. This willingness to modify designs and innovate solutions for growers’ needs is primarily what has fueled the growth at Spudnik. Thirty five engineers are on staff, developing new products and helping clients customize.
Speakers
The Spudnik Ag Summit featured speakers from GroupAg, the University of Idaho, Spudnik and Grimme Group, the parent company of Spudnik. Franz-Bernd Kruthaup with the Grimme Group in Europe, gave a presentation on the international potato outlook. Kruthaup said China is the largest producer of potatoes worldwide, with 99 million tons. Even though China produces more potatoes than anywhere else, the country is still increasing its
Spudnik has some of the largest brakes and lasers in the Pacific Northwest, including this new 400-ton CNC press brake.
PotatoCountry.com
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Spudnik Ag Summit potato imports, as well. He sees good growth potential there for exports from the U.S. The second largest producer of potatoes worldwide is India, with 44 million tons. India’s consumption is also going up. Kruthaup mentioned that in India, most growing operations are actually very small farms. So small, in fact, that Grimme is making specialized equipment for India that fits on the fields. Kruthaup also gave some insight on the European Union (EU). He pointed out that due to restrictions on chemicals, growers in the EU have come up with many different methods of dealing with unwanted plants. These include thermal burning, electric desiccation, vine pulling and undercutting. All of these methods are more costly than traditional chemicals, like those used in the U.S., but offer new opportunities for equipment manufacturers to create equipment to assist in these operations. Overall, Kruthaup feels that potato operations are only going to grow and become more interconnected, which will provide an opportunity for everyone in the potato industry to grow their businesses.
Community Values
Spudnik is a huge contributor to the Blackfoot economy, currently employing 350 people, with plans to add another 75 to 100 in the next year due to the expansion. On the first evening of the
New paint booths, 10-ton cranes and work bays for custom work are part of Spudnik’s expansion.
Ag Summit, Spudnik held a career night. This gave local jobseekers a chance to see the facility and an opportunity to network with the team to explore career prospects at the company. Much like the idea of giving back to customers at its original open houses and now the Ag Summit, Spudnik makes sure to devote time and resources to the local community and charities. Camp Magical Moments is a free camp for children ages 7 to 13 with cancer in Swan Valley, Idaho. The camp was the beneficiary of a Spudnik donation of over $11,000. The Blackfoot Community Pantry, a local food bank, is also a recipient of Spudnik’s generosity. Departments in the company compete to collect the most food. This year, the company collected
Franz-Bernd Kruthaup with the Grimme Group gives a presentation to attendees at the Spudnik Ag Summit in January.
6,000 pounds of food for the charity, which feeds as many as 450 families and 1,500 people.
In for the Long Haul
Emma Forrey, Spudnik’s marketing specialist, said that the Ag Summit was a success. Over 1,100 people visited the facility during the two days. Expect the Ag Summit to coincide again with the Idaho conference in 2021 and beyond. This makes it possible to visit both events with one trip to eastern Idaho, and that will help make this event a surefire new tradition on many peoples’ schedules. Plus, the free barbeque tradition from the original open houses will continue, and that always makes for a packed and happy house.
GaryDee VanOrden adjusts a machine at Spudnik.
In the News
OSU Entomologist Earns IPM Award
Oregon State University entomologist Silvia Rondon has received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management from the Entomological Society of America (ESA). The award recognizes outstanding contributions that have a direct relation to integrated pest management (IPM). Rondon is a professor and extension entomology specialist at OSU Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Her areas of expertise are pest management, insect distribution, population dynamics, insects-plant interactions, biological control and chemical control. Rondon works on various cropping systems including potatoes, onions and carrots. She is currently working toward improving management of Lygus bugs, leafhoppers and other pests affecting irrigated crops. Rondon earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in entomology at the Agraria University in Lima, Peru, and her Ph.D. in crop sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She then worked as a postdoctoral associate in the horticulture department at the University of Florida before joining OSU in 2005. Rondon is particularly honored to be recognized by the ESA because her mentor who brought her to the U.S. is a past recipient of the award, and Rondon is one of two women to ever have earned the award.
Certis USA Adds Sales Rep in Mountain Region
Jason Downs has joined Certis USA as the newest member of the bio-pesticide company’s team of sales representatives. Downs will serve customers as the sales manager in the mountain region, which includes Idaho, Eastern Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota. Downs will focus on connecting growers and retailers to solutions within the company’s portfolio for use on potatoes, onions and specialty crops. In the past, Downs worked for Horizon Ag Products, Keithly-Williams Seeds and as a farm manager in California, where he managed pesticide programs and implemented safety protocols.
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Key Technology Acquires Herbert Solutions
Key Technology, a designer and manufacturer of digital sorting, inspection, conveying and other processing equipment, has acquired Herbert Solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Herbert serves the root crop and fresh produce markets with sorting, washing and handling products. Herbert Solutions will become a product brand within Key’s overall portfolio of vegetable products.
Volm Expands Offerings
Volm Companies, Inc. has announced that its partner, Manter International BV, has acquired shares of Solidtec. Solidtec has been manufacturing gantry-style palletizing systems for fresh produce and other markets since 1999. The merger results in a more cohesive process for customers wanting a single source for packaging and end-of-the-line solutions, according to Volm. Volm will complement its portfolio of palletizing offerings with both robotic and now conventional palletizing systems. Volm has been manufacturing custom robotic palletizing solutions since the company opened its Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, facility in 2016. All companies will continue to operate independently.
President Trump Signs USMCA into Law
President Donald Trump has signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade pact into law. The agreement is expected to stabilize the U.S. potato export markets of Canada and Mexico by both eliminating the threat of retaliatory tariffs and precluding the loss of tariff benefits previously provided by NAFTA. The president of the National Potato Council called the USMCA “one of the most significant trade pacts in decades.� Canada is the second largest export market for U.S. potatoes with over $300 million in sales annually. Mexico is the third largest export market for U.S. potatoes with over $250 million in annual sales.
Fox Packaging Promotes Lucas Fox
Lucas Fox is the new director of operations at Fox Packaging. In his new role, Fox will oversee production activity across all operation departments and work alongside the executive board. Since joining Fox Packaging in 2014, Fox has been credited with developing and improving efficiencies within the company through various roles, including superintendent of maintenance and production manager. He is part of the third generation of Fox Packaging. His grandfather, Kenneth Fox, founded the company more than 50 years ago, and his father, Keith Fox, is company president.
Know Your Disease Answers (from page 26)
The volunteer potatoes in Photo A can be a source for the late blight pathogen (Phytophthora infestans) to survive the winter. However, volunteers are only a threat if late blight was present in that field the previous season. If volunteers are not removed from the field, they can serve as a waypoint for late blight since they are usually not protected by fungicides active against late blight. Tomatoes (Photo B) can also be a source. Tomatoes are sometimes overlooked, but have been responsible for epidemics in the past. This is one source potato growers have little control overs ince gardeners can bring in tomatoes from many different sources. Spring wheat (Photo C) is not a host and the late blight pathogen cannot grow on wheat. However, potato volunteers (Photo A) can potentially grow undetected in wheat fields and the volunteers can be a source, as discussed above. The late blight pathogen typically cannot produce spores that are able to survive in the soil in the absence of a host plant. Thus, soil (Photo D) is not considered a source of late blight. However, this could change. It is critical to submit disease samples for evaluation in order to monitor thestrain or genotype of the pathogen. The late blight pathogen can be one of two mating types. If both mating types are present, sexual reproduction can occur. The result is a hard-walled spore (oospore) capable of surviving in the soil for several years. Cull piles (Photo E) can also be a source of overwintering. Infected tubers inside cull piles may be insulated from freezing temperatures. If tubers in the cull piles sprout, the late blight pathogen can grow and sporulate from infected tubers, infect sprouting tissue, and then spread to nearby potato fields. Many states have laws regarding the destruction of cull piles by certain times of the year. Potato seed (Photo F) can also be a source. Seed tubers are typically stored at cooler temperatures, and infected tubers may not completely break down. When the seed is warmed and then cut, the pathogen can sporulate and spread to the cut surface of healthy tubers. Tubers infected from the previous year typically decay and do not produce an infected plant. However, healthy seed tubers which get exposed to pathogen spores during the cutting process can become infected, and late blight can develop from these seed tubers. Seed treatments can be effective in limiting the spread of seed-borne late blight. Treatments with mancozeb (many products), cymoxanil (e.g. Curzate), fenamidone (e.g. Reason) and mandipropamid (e.g. Revus) are effective. PotatoCountry.com
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In the News
IPC Teams up with Football Player to Promote Potatoes
The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) recently teamed up with football player and Idaho native Taysom Hill for a four-month social media campaign. Hill, who was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, plays for the New Orleans Saints. In 2019, he played five positions for the team, from quarterback to wide receiver to running back, earning the nickname “the human Swiss Army knife.” The IPC compares Hill’s versatility to that of a potato. In their promotion, Hill and the IPC posted photos on their social media accounts and hosted giveaways for fans to win autographed footballs and jerseys. The posts have reached more than 1 million people nationwide, according to the IPC.
EPA Redefines WOTUS
The EPA has rolled out the Navigable Waters Protection Rule to replace the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule introduced in 2015. The new ruling identifies four categories of waters that are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. Of interest to the agriculture industry, it also defines what waters are not subject to federal control, including most farm and roadside ditches, prior converted cropland, and farm and stock watering ponds. Agriculture organizations are welcoming the changes, saying the EPA’s newly issued rule provides more clarity for farmers and appears to be based on common sense.
NPC Names 2020 Leadership
The National Potato Council (NPC) has a new leadership team in place for 2020. Britt Raybould of Rexburg, Idaho, was elected as NPC’s new president during the organization’s annual meeting in January in Las Vegas. NPC delegates also approved the 2020 Executive Committee, which includes Dominic LaJoie, Van Buren, Maine, first vice president, Environmental Affairs; R.J. Andrus, Idaho Falls, Idaho, vice president, Legislative Affairs; Jared Balcom, Pasco, Washington, vice president, Trade Affairs; Bob Mattive, Monte Vista, Colorado, vice president, Finance and Office Procedures; Ted Tschirky, Pasco, Washington, vice president, Grower Outreach and Industry Research; and Larry Alsum, Friesland, Wisconsin, immediate past president. NPC’s 2020 Executive Committee includes (left to right) R.J. Andrus, Jared Balcom, Bob Mattive, Britt Raybould, Dominic LaJoie, Ted Tschirky and Larry Alsum.
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519-669-4698•greentronics.com PotatoCountry.com 35
Market Report
Global Potato Trade: A Growth E A
re exports of potatoes and potato products the industry growth engine we have been led to believe? A review of historical trade data paints a mixed picture. The net value of potato exports (the value of all potato exports less the value of imports of the same products) has been erratic over time, but it is no larger now than it was 20 years ago. Frozen potato products make up the largest subsector of the potato export business, but U.S. net exports of frozen potato products peaked in 1995. Continued growth in exports since that time has been dependent upon imports of finished product from Canada to backfill demand in the domestic market. That has allowed continued growth of North American French fry exports, though at a much slower rate than the growth in the global French fry market. Potato flake exports have varied over time, but there has been no sustained growth in that category. Surprisingly, the strongest growth trend for U.S. potato exports, over the past 10 years, has been in sales of fresh potatoes to markets other than Canada. All sectors of the global market present opportunities for future growth. However, readers also need to be aware of hazards on the horizon. In 2019, the value of U.S. potato and potato product exports exceeded the import value of the same products by $391.6 million. In nominal terms, that is a 42.7 percent increase relative to the 2018 performance. However, the net value of
36
Potato Country
March / April 2020
potato exports peaked in 2014 at $520.7 million. If we adjust net export values for inflation, we find that the peak value occurred in 1998. That year, net exports reached $566.2 million, in 2019-dollar equivalents. The situation certainly has improved since 2003, when the value of potato product imports exceeded the value of exports by $46.7 million. Between 2012 and 2016, the industry experienced a five-year stretch of net export values between $520.9 million and $555.4 million, in constant-dollar terms. Since that time, the cumulative impact of a strong U.S. dollar, capacity constraints and trade disputes has put a damper on the net value of potato trade to the U.S. industry.
Frozen Potato Products
Global trade in frozen potato products has been growing 7.8 percent per year since 2003. However, the growth rate has fallen to 6.2 percent per year for the past five years. Nevertheless, the global French fry market should provide an opportunity to grow the U.S. potato industry. Close examination of the trade data suggests that the U.S. industry has not been able to capitalize on the growth of the global market. U.S. exports of frozen potato products have grown an average of 4 percent per year for the past 20 years. However, much of the growth has been offset by increased imports. Net exports of frozen potato products actually peaked in 1995 at 210.4 million pounds. During the following decade, net exports plummeted. By 2004, imports of frozen products exceeded exports by a record 330.6 million pounds. A subsequent recovery boosted net exports to 178.7 million pounds in 2012. Domestic consumption has been capturing a bigger share of the output since that time. During 2018, imports exceeded exports by 38.9 million pounds. In 2019, a combination of increased processing capacity and a European supply shortfall allowed exports to exceed imports by 71.5 million pounds. In fairness, The U.S. and Canadian French fry industry is completely
integrated, with the same companies owning processing facilities on both sides of the border. Most U.S. imports come from Canada. For the past 20 years, net offshore exports from North America have been expanding an average of 3.1 percent per year. That is not enough to maintain market share, but it is a respectable performance. However, the growth has slowed to only 0.3 percent per year for the last five years. It has been hampered by capacity constraints and stiff competition from domestic buyers. Furthermore, European product has started to make inroads into the U.S. market. Canada’s share of the U.S. market has dropped from 99 percent in 2014 to 89.6 percent in 2019. The big winners in that competition have been exporters from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. North American fryers are prone to dismiss imports from Europe as substandard product that will never match North American quality. That might be true of the current product being imported. However, processors would do well to review the history of Japanese car exports to America. Early imports did not match American quality standards, but they were good enough to serve a purpose. Over time, the Japanese auto makers improved quality and produced a product that the American industry struggled to match. It is a prime example of a disruptive market force. Currently, European product is filling a need that the North American industry has been unable or unwilling to cover. Fryers would do well not to ignore the European encroachment, which could become a threat to their business.
Dehydrated Potato Products
Global trade in dehydrated potato products has been erratic over time. A review of the data does not reveal any discernable trend in U.S. exports. We saw a spike in exports to a record 117.9 million pounds of potato flakes in 1999, associated with a European crop failure. A more recent peak of 92.6 million pounds came in 2015. A recent trend has
Engine for the Industry? included strong growth in U.S. imports, which started in 2008, simultaneously with consolidation of the U.S. dehydrated potato industry. Last year, exports of potato flakes exceeded imports by 39.6 million pounds.
Fresh Potatoes
Fresh potato exports may be the most overlooked aspect of U.S. potato trade. The sector has expanded an average 5.3 percent per year for the last 10 years. Canada remains the largest customer, but its share of the market dropped to 50.4 percent in 2019. Mexico took 18.3 percent of last year’s fresh potato exports in spite of constraints that limit imports to a 16-mile border zone. The major growth has come in sales to other countries, which have been expanding at a 12.5 percent annual rate for the last 10 years. Those countries combined to import 3.6 million cwt of fresh potatoes from the U.S. during 2019.
Opportunities, Hazards
The global potato market presents opportunities and hazards for the U.S. potato industry. Global demand for French fries continues to expand at a rapid rate. However, European processors have been capturing most of the business. North American processors have captured a portion of the business, but the gains have accrued to processors and Canadian growers, with limited gains for U.S. growers. Recent encroachments of European product could become a growing threat in the North American domestic market. Dehydrated products can add value to processors, but export sales are not likely to be a catalyst for potato industry growth. While fresh potato exports are a small portion of the total industry trade, their growth has outperformed that of the other sectors. Mexico offers huge opportunities for growth if border issues can be resolved. However, the promise of that country has been as elusive as Charlie Brown kicking a field goal with Lucy as the ball holder. Efforts to open up other offshore markets have been much more productive for the potato industry.
By Bruce Huffaker, Publisher North American Potato Market News
HUFFAKER'S HIGHLIGHTS • Global growth in French fry demand has done little to expand demand for U.S. potatoes over the past 25 years. • Encroachments of European frozen potato products into the North American market are a hazard to the U.S. potato industry that should not be ignored. • Global trade in dehydrated potato products is erratic and cannot be relied upon to spur growth in the potato industry. • Fresh potato exports are a surprising bright spot for the potato industry. Sales to countries other than Canada and Mexico have expanded an average of 12.5 percent per year for the past 10 years. Editor’s note: To contact Mr. Huffaker, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: 2690 N. Rough Stone Way, Meridian, ID 83646; (208) 525-8397; or e-mail napmn@napmn.com.
PotatoCountry.com
37
Potato Growers of Washington
Fighting for a Fair Share
By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington
A
s I write this column, we are in the middle of contract negotiations. By the time this column is published and you’re reading it, we may have agreed upon a contract for the 2020 crop year. However, at this time, I am highly doubtful that this will have taken place. Here’s my biggest concern. In the more than a quarter of a century that I have been a part of the potato industry, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that the overall industry would be as profitable as it is today. Literally billions of dollars in profits are being attained by the processing companies with which we do business. Yet, it seems almost offensive to many in the industry that growers would even ask to receive a reasonably comfortable level of profit for their operations. While nothing really surprises me anymore when it comes to “business,” the belief that growers should continue to provide higher and higher quality potatoes on thinner and thinner margins while the rest of the industry prospers is beyond disappointing. As an industry, we have endured several cycles of ups and downs during my time here at Potato Growers of Washington (PGW). What’s different about this time is that normally the
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industry rides the economic rollercoaster together. Back in the 1990s when the value meal included fries with each sandwich purchase, the industry grew and both growers and processors shared in the increased profits. Once super-sizing ended with the Atkins diet and the press vilifying carbohydrates and especially French fries, both the growers and processors in the Columbia Basin trimmed back on our expectations for price. Even in those dark times when even the United States Potato Board released the findings of its own study showing that the frozen potato products industry was in a state of permanent decline, the profit level of growers was never trimmed back to what we see today. Working together, we made it through those dark times and saw a few years of better times before the Great Recession hit around 2008. Then, we all once again managed to work together and get through that to then face the increased competition from the EU in our export markets, the West Coast port slowdown and the slowly rebounding economies both domestically and internationally. Through all of that, grower margins remained above what had been unofficially viewed as the minimum threshold for economic sustainability. That is why today when I see our industry thriving like never before and processing companies being more aggressive than ever in continuing to keep grower margins well below those minimum thresholds for economic sustainability, I have to wonder why that is? This would make sense if the profit margins of the processors and other components of the supply chain were also experiencing shrinking margins, but publicly available financial information shows that all other segments are increasing their margins. Processors cannot make frozen potato products without potatoes. Depending on the product being made, potatoes make up somewhere in the neighborhood of 30+ percent of the cost of the finished product. That is obviously very significant, but also it means that even increasing the price to the level that the growers are asking still leaves a great deal of profit for the rest of the industry to enjoy. This is not all on the processors. Growers gave up a great deal of leverage when they agreed to long-term growing commitments and/or became joint ventures with the processors. Growers always thought that the processor would look out for them by agreeing to these deals. However, it seems pretty clear that those days are behind us, and we need to accept our responsibility for the current situation and find new ways to approach this situation going forward. If things are this tight in the best of times, what is going to happen when things are only okay or, heaven forbid, if they ever get bad? This is a great industry with great people. I just believe right now there needs to be more focus on the long-term sustainability of all aspects of the industry and not so much on the short-term performance.
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The scientific explanation. Calcium is a required element for tuber development. A calcium deficiency in plants results in dividing cells being unable to stay bound together. This causes poor quality potatoes such as reduced size, growth cracks and hollow heart.
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