Potato Country March/April 2022 by Columbia Media Group

Western Shows Return!

For the Advertiser Index click here

PotatoCountry.com • March/April 2022 Western focus. National impact.

Market Report Protect Potatoes at Plant Managing Fusarium Dry Rot

calcium When you need it Where you need it

More on the importance of calcium in potato crops: Calcium improves cell structure and disease resistance in potatoes. The benefits of in-season calcium applications are often seen in storage when it comes to reducing yield loss due to shrinkage. CaTs® efficiently delivers liquid calcium nutrition to your soil and supports your potatoes through growth, harvest and storage.

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

Vol. 38 No. 3

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

Contacts

Country Western focus. National impact.

Table of Contents

March/April 2022

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

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

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

6 A Meeting of the Minds

Potato Growers of Washington

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

Idaho Potato Conference

Operations Manager, Advertising

10 Ag Innovations

Washington and Oregon Potato Conference

14 Growth Essentials Buyers' Guide

18 Keeping Fungicides Effective for Managing Fusarium Dry Rot

22 Protect Potatoes at Plant for a Successful Season 28 Raw Product Limitations and Global French Fry Demand Market Report

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Potato Country is interested in newsworthy material related to potato production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com. ADVERTISING For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, copy submission, mailing, contract conditions and other information, call Dave Alexander at (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at www.potatocountry.com or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444. Potato Country magazine (ISSN 0886-4780), is published eight times per year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. It is produced by Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444 Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.

Editorial Board

Gary Roth

Chris Voigt

An engaged crowd visits the RDO Equipment booth at the trade show of the Washington-Oregon Potato Conference. Read more on page 10.

On The Cover Both the Idaho and Washington-Oregon potato conferences returned in January 2022 with good attendance and energy. Clockwise from left: Lyla Davis with the Colorado Certified Potato Growers’ Association displays in Idaho; AgWorld celebrates 25 years in Washington; an AllStar seed cutter gets shined up for Idaho; attendees enjoy the trade show social in Washington; and a conference-goer checks out a Lockwood VACS mobile in Idaho. See the stories on page 6 and page 10.

Potato Country

March/April 2022

Executive Director

Washington State Potato Commission

Oregon Potato Commission

(509) 765-8845

(503) 239-4763

Departments 15 Calendar 24 New Products 26 In the News 30 PGW Column

Nina Zidack

Jamey Higham

Jim Ehrlich

Montana Seed Potato Certification

Idaho Potato Commission

Colorado Potato Administrative Committee

Director

President/CEO

30 Advertiser Index

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Idaho Potato Conference

A Meeting of the Minds By Bill Schaefer

he health of the potato industry appears robust at the start of 2022. At least that was the message presented by three leaders at this year’s Idaho Potato Conference. Kam Quarles, executive director of the National Potato Council, along with Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA, and Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, were at the Idaho Potato Conference in Pocatello in January to give updates on issues facing the potato industry. All three highlighted the long anticipated opening of Mexico’s entire country to the importation of U.S. potatoes.

Allison Allan, western Idaho territory manager for Corteva Agriscience, visits with an attendee on a busy Idaho Potato Conference trade show floor.

Colorado potato grower Leroy Salazar (left) gets to know new Idaho Potato Commission president/ CEO Jamey Higham.

National Potato Council

Quarles ran through the epic 25-year struggle to open Mexico’s border beyond the current 26-kilometer importation zone for U.S. potatoes that culminated in a unanimous decision by Mexico’s Supreme Court to cease the import restrictions for U.S. potatoes. “We had a seven-year legal battle that’s basically been extinguished,” Quarles said of the court decision. “Mexico needs to effectively do one more relatively minor administrative step and then the market will be open, and we’re excited to see that happen.” Citing statistical information from Potatoes USA, Quarles said that fullmarket access to Mexico could result in a $150 million market for U.S. potato growers. “That would be a 10 to 15 percent

Potato Country

March/April 2022

increase in potato exports globally, just through that one market,” Quarles said. “Obviously, there’s a huge potential there, incredibly valuable. Even if you’re not directly shipping to Mexico, that rising tide is going to help the entire U.S. industry.” Quarles cautioned the audience that despite the legal victory, CONPAPA, the Mexico potato growers’ natural organization, would not be giving up the fight to keep U.S. potato exports out of Mexico. “Obviously, it’s a hotly contested market, had a huge political push by our competitors to either block us outright from being in the market or restrict our access,” Quarles said of the Mexican growers. “Going forward, we can’t have any unforced errors. If we have pest detection, if we don’t follow the import protocol that Mexico has established, I think we’re going to have some real challenges. Our competitors haven’t gone away; they’re shifting the battlefield and we need to respect that. We’ve got to be doing everything absolutely to the letter to try to keep that market open,” he said.

growers cannot keep up with the domestic demand for potatoes. Richardson said that some of the demand is currently being met with imports from the European Union, but he is counting on U.S. growers fulfilling that demand in the coming season. And while Covid shut down restaurants from March 2019 into 2020, Richardson said that it forced people to begin cooking at home. Now, restaurant sales are improving while the fresh market sales continue to maintain improved levels of sales. Richardson said that institutional foodservice, food sold in schools, cafeterias and big office buildings, is slowly regaining some of its market but continues to be a challenge. A new arena for potato consumption is venues such as Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats. “Online shopping took a huge increase during Covid, and that’s not going backwards. It’s where we’re going to be reaching consumers in the future. We have to be prepared for that,” Richardson said.

Potatoes USA

Higham took the stage next. Speaking on his ninth day on the job as president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, he told the audience that he is just beginning to review and assess the various programs run by the commission.

Richardson followed Quarles’ presentation with an upbeat assessment of potato consumption in the U.S. in spite of the pandemic’s impact on the economy. Richardson said that currently, U.S.

Idaho Potato Commission

Higham went on to endorse both industry assessments previously made by Quarles and Richardson. “There are a lot of good things going on in our industry,” he said. “First of all, right now we’re experiencing a very favorable market. The goal is we want to keep that going through the rest of this year and have good prices leading into next year’s crop.” Secondly, he discussed Mexico’s potential impact on the U.S. export market, but he also spoke of the need to move pragmatically when it comes to Mexico. “There’s exciting news out of Mexico,” Higham said. “I am hopeful. I’ll believe it when I see it, but I am hopeful that it’s all going to happen. They are very protective of their market down there, and I think we’ll see a few of their sucker punches coming before this is all is said and done. But I’m hopeful this time is different and we’ll have access.” Higham then addressed issues facing growers in the upcoming growing season, first and foremost the rising costs of inputs, labor shortages and the demand for more transportation modes. “Those first three items, rising costs of inputs and transportation and labor, are all connected with the pandemic, and we’re going to work our way through this eventually. But it’s going to take some time and patience,” he said.

PotatoCountry.com

Idaho Potato Conference

5 New Things By Dave Alexander, Publisher

he Idaho Potato Conference features plenty of small trade show booths in one building and a fully packed, football field-sized arena loaded with more booths and new, freshly painted and polished eye-candy equipment. There is so much to see and so much new at trade shows that it’s hard to pick five of our favorite new things. If your favorite new technology is missing from this short list, it wasn’t intentional. We may have missed that connection or misplaced your business card. There’s always room to include cool new stuff in future issues, though, so send us your offerings. For now, read on for new potato varieties, new biological inputs and a Transformer-looking, rock-moving robot.

New Colorado Varieties

The Colorado Certified Potato Growers’ Association has two new varieties, but we are counting them as one here since both were developed by Colorado State University. CO10087-4RUsto is a dual-purpose russet with long tubers, russet skin and white flesh. The new variety has a high percentage of US No.1 tubers, is resistant to Potato virus Y (PVY) and also has processing potential. CO99076-6R is a good-looking, round red potato with white flesh. It was developed for the fresh market. The tubers are resistant to hollow heart and second growth. Visit www.coloradocertifiedpotatogrowers.com. Why we like it: We like all things Colorado, but especially Fort Collins, home to Colorado State. Some very good potatoes and beers are made there.

Amanda Eade with Certis promotes new MeloCon LC in Pocatello.

MeloCon LC

New MeloCon LC is a liquid biological nematicide from Certis Biologicals. It is the same formulation as granular MeloCon WG, but the liquid provides greater flexibility in application, which can be done with water drench, drip, sprinklers or chemigation. MeloCon LC protects crops against nematodes at all life stages, promotes healthier roots and increases yield. Visit www.certisbio.com. Why we like it: Liquid is so much easier to work with. If you are still using powdered laundry detergent, make the switch to liquid and don’t look back.

TerraClear Rock Picker and App

TerraClear has actually been in business since 2017, but this product and service is new to us. Using drones to capture high-resolution field images and the Rock Map app, the company pinpoints exactly where rocks are in a field. AI is used to analyze those images and generate maps showing the size and location of rocks. The Rock Picker can then be employed using the map to pick up rocks in its rubber-tracked jaws in any field conditions and with minimal compaction and ground disturbance on the soil. Visit www.terraclear.com. Why we like it: We like to imagine this machine doing battle with the Terminator, the Rock Picker clamping the cyborg in its unclenching jaws, then crushing it to bits. That’s not exactly how it works, but do yourself a favor and check out the videos on the company’s website.

Potato Country

March/April 2022

PVMI Rainier Russet

Pat Thomas and Scott Tutle work the Symborg booth in Idaho.

Symborg MycoUp

MycoUp is based on a new and unique species of mycorrhizal fungus. It supports the biological processes of the plant by improving its absorption and assimilation of nutrients. This 100 percent biological has many other benefits, such as increasing drought tolerance and accelerating soil regeneration. A 2021 harvest evaluation test showed 5.6 percent more potatoes at the profitable 6- to 10-ounce size, 8.4 percent more soluble solids, 5.3 percent more firmness and 9.2 percent more yield per acre, on average. Visit www.symborg.com/us. Why we like it: “Good” fungus makes us temporarily forget about the “bad” kind growing on the shower ceiling.

The Potato Variety Management Institute (PVMI) was showing off its newest variety, Rainer Russet, at Pocatello. It is medium-to-late maturing with oblong-to-long, large, attractive, russeted tubers. Total yields are similar to those of Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet and slightly higher than Russet Norkotah. Rainier produces a significantly higher percent of US No. 1 tubers, however, when compared with the standard varieties. It has high protein, high antioxidant levels, high specific gravity, light fry color, low acrylamide levels, and few internal and external tubers defects. Visit www.pvmi.org. Why we like it: Light color and low acrylamide levels mean attractive and tasty fries. Pass the fry sauce.

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Washington and Oregon Potato Conference

Ag Innovations Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher

he organizers of the Washington and Oregon Potato Conference have always done things right. A trade show is combined with credit-earning educational sessions, a cultivar workshop, a potato bar, a fundraising auction and special events. After moving the conference online in 2021, the conference was back in person this year to the approval of a good crowd, Jan. 25-27 in Kennewick, Washington. Attendance was down less than 10 percent compared to previous years, which is a fantastic turnout in 2022. Speaker sessions were generally packed with attendees, the PAC auction was successful, and the trade show floor was busy. The opening session of the conference featured four companies with new, innovative and cutting-edge technologies, profiled here.

Trapview

Using automated pest monitoring through traps with digital cameras and

predictive analytics, Trapview enables users of its artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor pests remotely on their favorite device. Digital images are automatically uploaded to the cloud and then analyzed by the company’s software to determine the number and types of pests in the trap. The software is capable of identifying over 60 different insects, and the traps are self-cleaning. By deploying traps in strategic locations throughout a field, users can make management decisions based on the data provided by Trapview. Visit www.trapview.com.

Pepper Equipment AI Sorting Pepper Equipment, a North American equipment distributor for the agriculture industry, is the exclusive distributor for Bantam Vision’s potato industry technologies. Bantam Vision utilizes AI with its optical sorting solution to improve the sizing and grading of potatoes. Current users of Bantam Vision’s AI technology have experienced

The PAC auction, held during a trade show reception for attendees and vendors, raises $28,000.

Potato Country

March/April 2022

reduced labor expenses while increasing sorting accuracy. Also available as an add-on is an integrated x-ray for detecting hollow heart. Trevor Baillie, vice president of business development for Pepper Equipment, believes every shipper will be using some form of optical sorting technology integrated with artificial intelligence to improve potato grading within the next three years. Visit www.pepperequipmentco.com.

Poma Fresh

Poma enables a cell phone to provide instant detection of potato plant diseases and plant immune responses to stresses such as insects. Recent discoveries about the optical properties of leaves have led to a patented breakthrough in disease detection using ordinary digital cell phone or drone images. Cell phone cameras see more color ranges than human eyes, and using the Poma app may capture early immune responses and cellular disease changes before they can be seen; the results are immediate. Alan Shulman with Poma Fresh said that out of 39 samples in a Washington State Potato Commission trial, Poma agreed with all inspector findings of 19 negative plants and 19 positive plants, a 97.4 percent accuracy rate.

PotatoCountry.com

Washington and Oregon Potato Conference In many instances, POMA can help determine if Potato virus Y (PVY) is caused by current-season insect infestations or from seed, and the program will detect suspicious plants for PVY, black leg, Verticillium and seed piece decay. Visit www.pomafresh.com.

Greenlight Biosciences

The Colorado potato beetle can develop resistance to pesticides, making alternate modes of control important. Greenlight Biosciences is expecting EPA registration this year on a new bio-control for the pest. Using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), the company has a sprayable product that is safe for honeybees, butterflies, and several other non-target insects and mammals at use rates 100 times higher than the recommended application rate. Greenlight has conducted more than 100 field trials over four years to develop a solution that is effective at the equivalent application rate of a spoonful spread on a football field. Consumption of the dsRNA causes the Colorado potato beetle to stop eating and expire from its own toxins. The product is designed to work well with growers’ standard programs to control first- or second-generation Colorado potato beetles. It controls all life stages of the beetle but is most effective on young larvae up to one-quarter inch in length. Visit www.greenlightbiosciences.com.

The educational sessions generally attracted large crowds in Kennewick.

Equipment on display impressively points to the front door of the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Wash.

RJ Harvey, Potatoes USA culinary director, gives a cooking demonstration to a large, packed room. Dave Hyde with J.R. Simplot, Chris Clemens with Syngenta, Patrick Williams with Simplot Grower Solutions and Dan Maxfield with Syngenta meet during the trade show. Joe Kuhl with the University of Idaho gives a presentation during the Cultivar Workshop at the Washington and Oregon Potato Conference.

Potato Country

March/April 2022

Teleos Ag Solutions

Exclusive, Global Distributor of TELONE™, the World's Best Defense Against Nematodes TELONE™ II is the industry gold standard for managing the major species of nematodes that negatively impact potato production, including: root-knot, root-lesion, stubby-root and sting. By applying TELONE™ before planting, you create a zone of protection allowing delicate developing root systems to thrive—leading to healthier plants, higher yields, and improved ROI. Remember, there's no coming back from a poor start!

Untreated

Treated w/ TELONE™

Contact your TELONE™ Specialist for more information on how TELONE™ can set you up for a successful growing season.

www.TeleosAg.com TELONE™ is a Trademark of the Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow, used under license. TELONE™ is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.

Growth Essentials

AgroLiquid

www.agroliquid.com Pro-Germinator

A season-long supply of phosphorus will help ensure more and larger tubers. Pro-Germinator, through proprietary manufacturing technology, contains both orthophosphate and carbon-protected polymer phosphate to provide readily available and controlled-release phosphorus technology that greatly reduces tie-up in the soil. This means that phosphorus is available to the plant all the way until vine kill. Pro-Germinator can be partnered with nitrogen, potassium and micronutrients for maximum performance.

Crop Vitality

www.cropvitality.com CaTs

CaTs is a 100 percent water-soluble calcium with a 0-0-10S-6Ca analysis. CaTs applied through the irrigation system can supply much needed calcium and sulfur at critical growth and uptake times. Recent trials with CaTs in the Pacific Northwest have shown both increased yields and improved storability.

Ferticell

www.ferticellusa.com/ferticell-products ProPrimer 2-0-0+F, Universal 0-0-1 & Pro K 0-0-20

New for 2022, ProPrimer 2-0-0+F is a fulvic acid, pending organic certification, to treat the soil in creating tolerance to oxidative stress and relieve abiotic stresses. It is used as a cold primer to increase tolerance to cooler growing temperatures. ProPrimer provides a plant-derived carbon and carbohydrate source. This will help a lateplanted crop with quicker emergence. Universal 0-0-1, a freshwater algae extract, improves emergence, builds root development, will better assimilate nutrients and is approved for organic use. It supports microbial associations with plant roots and the rhizosphere, enhancing the release and uptake of nutrients. Adequate potassium is crucial and especially efficient at improving water use efficiency through the regulation of photosynthesis and transpiration. Boost overall plant health and give a natural resistance to stress with an immediately available potassium like Pro K 0-0-20. Pro K is immediately available for crucial periods during the growing cycle and helps with the prevention of black spot.

GroPro Corporation www.groproag.com Awakening

Today’s growers face multiple factors that make crop growth much more challenging. The biggest is based on variations in climate, triggering increases in temperature, drought and salinity that impact potato production. This is because potatoes necessitate a specific amount of quality fertilizers and water and lower stable temperatures to support a stable crop. To support the growth of potatoes and balance the environmental factors that produce abiotic stress in potatoes, GroPro has formulated Awakening. With primary nutrients and packed with amino acids and kelp, GroPro is able to support the crop during critical times when growers want to awaken a plant’s true potential. 14

Potato Country

March/April 2022

ICL Specialty Products Inc. www.polysulphate.com Polysulphate

Polysulphate is the only naturally occurring fertilizer delivering four essential nutrients, all in sulfate form: potassium, sulfur, magnesium and calcium. Every granule of Polysulphate contains naturally balanced nutrition for uniform distribution across fields and maximum soil productivity. Low chloride and pH neutral, Polysulphate is extremely safe and ensures potatoes reach their highest quality and yield potential. Polysulphate is well suited for blending with most standard fertilizers and is fully soluble.

Koch Agronomic Services www.superufertilizer.com SUPERU Premium Fertilizer

With the efficiency of SUPERU Premium Fertilizer from Koch Agronomic Services, you can protect your nitrogen investment from above- and below-ground losses. SUPERU is a granular, ready-to-use, stabilized urea-based fertilizer that utilizes exclusive N-Tegration Technology to integrate the active ingredients evenly into every granule. This means SUPERU provides consistent nutrient protection and allows for maximum nitrogen uptake. Featuring the highest concentration of nitrogen available in a finished fertilizer, SUPERU contains agronomically effective levels of both a urease and nitrification inhibitor to guard against nutrient loss, helping ensure your crop has nitrogen available when and where it needs it most.

Calendar Mar. 7-10

Potatoes USA Annual Meeting

Denver, Colo. Chelsea Madix, chelsea@potatoesusa.com

June 14

Ag World Golf Classic

Sponsored by:

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

June 16

Ag World Golf Classic

The Links at Moses Pointe, Moses Lake, Wash. www.agworldgolf.com

June 21-24

National Potato Council Summer Meeting Nashville, Tenn. www.nationalpotatocouncil.org

July 18-21

Potato Association of America Annual Meeting Listen on: ThePotatoPodcast.com

Missoula, Mont. www.potatoassociation.org

PotatoCountry.com

Growth Essentials Nutri-Cal

www.nutri-cal.com Nutri-K

Nutri-K liquid potassium is a special formulation of highly soluble potassium, carboxylic acids and carbohydrates. The carboxylic acids and carbohydrates, which are the same complexing agents identified in the formulation of Nutri-Cal, are derived from plant extracts in a patented process. There are no nitrates, chlorides or sulfates. It has a low salt index and is therefore non-corrosive. The product works when the T.O.G. complexes the elemental potassium ion, which subsequently allows the ion to be absorbed directly and immediately through the leaf and fruit cell walls. Nutri-K T.O.G / liquid potassium complex provides a unique delivery system, which protects the potassium from forming an insoluble compound, enabling more efficient movement of potassium ion to the fruit/vegetable where it is needed most.

Omex

www.omexusa.com Cell Power Zynergy

Research from the UK, which grows 10 percent of Europe’s potatoes, suggests application of copper and zinc can improve the crop’s ability to withstand disease, including late blight caused by Phytophthora. Copper and zinc play vital roles in the crop’s immune system, aiding defense mechanisms and the plant’s response to pathogenic attack. Studies at Nottingham University showed how a special formulation of these micronutrients, in combination with organic acids, increased their “bioavailability” – how easily the plant absorbs and utilizes the substance. In trials, Omex USA’s Cell Power Zynergy outperformed a standard copper/zinc mixture on a virulent strain of blight and gave a 14.5 percent increase in marketable yield when applied with fluazinam and a foliar feed. Omex recommends Cell Power Zynergy, which is fully registered as a fertilizer, to be used within an integrated crop management program as an additive to a fungicide program.

Oro Agri

www.oroagriusa.com Nanocal

Nanocal is a sub-micronized, soil-applied, readily available liquid calcium specifically formulated to be applied at hook to strengthen cell walls, improve tuber quality, increase specific gravity, mitigate storage issues and promote overall crop health. Nanocal should be applied just prior to or at the early stages of tuber initiation to ensure maximum calcium uptake during cellular division. It’s meant as a supplemental source of calcium available to plants during this critical stage of development; it’s not meant to remedy calcium deficiency in soils.

Potato Country

March/April 2022

Redox

www.redoxgrows.com RootRx

RootRx (0-0-5) is a botanical extract product that contains 5 percent potassium. RootRx contains proprietary soluble carbon compounds that improve antioxidant production and stimulate root growth and metabolism. RootRx reduces abiotic stress by increasing root quality and quantity, resulting in improved soil health.

Stoller USA

www.stollerusa.com Row Crop Products

Stoller is a global plant science company focusing on maximizing productivity in plants using biostimulants, phytohormones, nutrition, small molecules, and plant extracts to manage abiotic stress and hormone balance in crops. For more than 50 years, Stoller has developed proven, innovative, quality solutions to offset crop yield losses by helping maximize the full genetic potential in plants and increasing yield and profit for progressive growers.

PotatoCountry.com

Keeping Fungicides Effective for Managing Fusarium Dry Rot By Kasia Duellman, Seed Potato Pathologist and Extension Specialist, University of Idaho Jeff Miller, Miller Research Phill Wharton, Associate Professor, University of Idaho

ungicides are important tools in our toolbox to keep potatoes healthy during the growing season, but did you know that overuse of the same type of fungicide can select for fungi that are resistant to it? These fungi naturally occur in populations, but at very low levels. Each time a fungicide is used, the resistant individuals can survive and then produce offspring that are also resistant. At first, we don’t notice these individuals because they make up such a tiny percentage of the population. But

over time, their numbers can grow and they can start to dominate the population and cause a noticeable effect. We may observe that a particular fungicide we have always relied on starts to work less effectively than it did in the past. Eventually, we may notice that the fungicide no longer offers any control of the disease we are trying to manage. This scenario is known as field resistance, and by this time, the fungicide-resistant individuals are already widespread within a population.

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Potato Country

March/April 2022

Fungicide Resistance to Dry Rot Pathogen

Fusarium dry rot of potatoes is a disease that can occur in storage as well as at planting time. Wounds provide the opportunity for dry rot to develop. In other words, without wounds (for example, from seed cutting, or bumps and scratches from harvest and shipping), there would be no dry rot. Dry rot lesions can appear sunken and shriveled on the outside of the tuber, with a dark brown or gray, dry, crumbly appearance internally (Fig. 1). A recent survey completed by researchers in the Pacific Northwest identified the pathogens that cause Fusarium dry rot in the region, and the most commonly identified culprit was Fusarium sambucinum. Fungicide resistance is not new to the dry rot pathogen. Over three decades ago, a seed piece treatment containing thiabendazole (TBZ) was often recommended for managing the disease. Within just a few years of using the product, researchers at the University of Idaho documented resistance to TBZ in F. sambucinum. As a result, we no longer recommend the use of products containing TBZ for dry rot management in the Pacific Northwest. More recently, researchers from the University of Idaho determined that a high proportion of isolates tested (67 percent) continue to show resistance to TBZ. More importantly, resistance to a fungicide with a different mode of action was also found. Of 33 isolates tested, 20 showed resistance to fludioxonil, a common component of seed piece treatments (Table 1). These results were corroborated in subsequent field trials. Since fludioxonil-resistant dry rot pathogens are likely present in the Pacific

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Dry Rot Management Table 1. Selected seed treatments labeled for use on potato seed

Selected Seed Treatments MZ Dust StartUP MANZB Maxim 4 FS Maxim MZ Moncoat MZ CruiserMaxx Potato Spirato STartUP FLUDI CruiserMaxx Extreme CruiserMaxx Vibrance Emesto Silver Salient

Form Dust Liquid Liquid Dust Dust Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid

Northwest, we wondered if our current recommendations would still effectively manage dry rot, specifically the phase of the disease that occurs during seed preparation or at planting time. When a product only containing fludioxonil (Maxim) was used, dry rot caused by a fludioxonil-resistant isolate was not controlled (brown bar, Fig. 2). 80

M3 Mancozeb Mancozeb Mancozeb Mancozeb

Group 12

Group 3

Group 7

Fludioxonil Fludioxonil Flutolanil Fludioxonil Fludioxonil Fludioxonil Fludioxonil Fludioxonil

Difenoconazole Difenoconazole Prothioconazole Difenoconazole

In this comparison, the fludioxonilsensitive isolate was more aggressive in causing dry rot than the fludioxonilresistant isolate as observed by the higher incidence of dry rot in the untreated control (UTC, Fig. 2). With the exception of Maxim alone and MZ dust, all seed treatments controlled dry rot similarly.

Sedaxane Penflufen

Dry Rot Management Recommendations

As demonstrated in this and other Idaho trials, several products are available that effectively target the dry rot pathogen. Some of these combine fludioxonil with fungicides such as difenoconazole, or they use other fungicides altogether.

% Seed Infected

60 b

50 b 40

30 d

e de

10 0

UTC

Maxim

Salient

MZ dust Maxim MZ

Fludioxonil-Resistant

de de

CMP Extreme

CMP Vibrance

Emesto Silver

CMP CMP Emesto Extreme + Vibrance + Silver + MZ MZ MZ

Fludioxonil-Sensitive

Figure 2. Effect of selected potato seed treatments on Fusarium dry rot caused by a fludioxonil-resistant and a fludioxonil-sensitive isolate. (CMP = CruiserMaxx Potato)

Figure 2. Effect of selected potato seed treatments on Fusarium dry rot caused by a fludioxonil-resistant and a fludioxonil-sensitive isolate. (CMP = Potato) 20 CruiserMaxx Potato Country March/April 2022

Another important option to use in conjunction with fludioxonil – or any liquid fungicide seed piece treatment – is a fungicide known as mancozeb. This fungicide has several functions. First, it has multi-site modes of action, which means resistance is highly unlikely to be present within a fungus population. Second, when used as a dust, it can be used to aid in drying the surface of the cut tuber after a liquid seed treatment application. Third, whether mancozeb is applied as a dust or as one of the liquid formulations available, it has the added benefit of protecting against late blight, a feature that is absent in some common fungicide seed piece treatments that target Fusarium dry rot. As a result, many companies recommend applying mancozeb in addition to their seed treatments. Although the use of a mancozeb dust treatment can be more difficult to handle, there are many benefits and it will likely prolong the utility of any fungicide it is paired with. We now know that some of our dry rot pathogens are resistant to TBZ or fludioxonil or both. Guidance for TBZ indicates it has high risk of developing resistance. This characteristic, along with the already high level of resistance in the dry rot pathogen population, has made this fungicide effectively obsolete for dry rot management in most regions. On the

other hand, fludioxonil reportedly has a low to moderate risk of resistance. There haven’t been many reports documenting naturally occurring resistance to fludioxonil in the wild. However, since some dry rot populations may be shifting to fludioxonil resistance in our region, implementing a fludioxonil resistance management plan is critical. This plan would entail using another fungicide in combination with fludioxonil whenever it is used as a seed piece treatment (never using fludioxonil as a lone seed piece treatment) and rotating modes of action (such as by using fungicides with different trade names and active ingredients) across years when potatoes are planted. Using mancozeb dust after liquid seed treatments is also recommended by most companies and would also provide “cheap insurance” to slow the rise of fungicide resistance. Finally, the most important tool in our toolbox to manage Fusarium dry rot (and by extension, fungicide resistance) is wound management – doing whatever you can to minimize wounds because even the best-laid fungicide (and fungicide resistance management plan) can be overwhelmed by high disease pressure, or excessive wounds in the case of Fusarium dry rot.

Figure 1. External symptoms of Fusarium dry rot are pictured on the top, while internal symptoms can be seen in the photo on the bottom.

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Protect Potatoes at Plant for a Successful Season By Kelly Luff, Technical Development Representative, Bayer

rowing high quality potatoes requires balance and precision with little room for error, especially in the earlier stages of development. The first 75 days of a potato’s life are the most fragile and vulnerable days as they are extremely susceptible to pest and disease pressures. However, growers who act early and practice integrated pest management (IPM) can positively impact their crop production and their bottom line. As growers plan for a successful crop, prevention is key to manage insects, nematodes and diseases that can ruin entire fields of potato crops. Let’s take a closer look at the potential threats that could impact a grower’s yield and profitability.

Common Disease Threats

Fusarium dry rot is tough on potato seed and can reduce crop establishment and early-season vigor. This disease can be initially spotted as brown-to-black lesions on the seed surface that later form large, hollow cavities. Infected seed pieces may also completely decay. Growers can optimize their crop establishment by planting certified seed, disinfecting cutting and handling equipment, ensuring proper suberization of cut seed surfaces and utilizing seed treatments. Early blight is another devastating disease that overwinters in infected crop residue. Infections can result in smaller tubers, yield loss and lower tuber dry matter content. Tuber infections can also be a pain for processors due to deeper peeling required to remove the darkened lesions and the underlying tissue. This disease can be especially challenging for growers who experience frequent rain, dew and irrigation. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungus that overwinters in soil as hard black sclerotia, causes white mold. As another disease that is favored by moist conditions, white mold can spread rapidly by producing a white cottony growth (mycelium) that infects stems and branches near the soil surface. Ultimately, stems and branches

Potato Country

March/April 2022

can become severed, rendering them incapable of translocating nutrients, water and photosynthate. Development of this disease can be enhanced by cultural practices that promote heavy canopy growth, encourage humidity and moisture in the canopies and restrict air movement. Crop rotation is an effective cultural control that can protect potato fields from early blight and white mold. Both diseases can overwinter and survive in the soil for years depending on the cultural and environmental conditions. It is recommended that fields not be rotated

Product Type

into potatoes more frequently than every three to five years.

Potential Pests

Of all the potato insects, the best known and most widespread is the Colorado potato beetle (CPB). CPB larvae are the most damaging, but adults also feed on potato foliage. These pests inflict plant damage that can result in yield loss due to the loss of foliage that supports tuber growth. Severe damage may result in small and often unmarketable tubers.

Insecticide

Seed Treatment

Nematicide/Fungicide

Imidacloprid

Penflufen; Prothioconazole

Fluopyram

IRAC Group 4A (Neonicotinoids)

FRAC Group 7 (SDHI) FRAC Group 3 (DMI)

FRAC Group 7 (SDHI)

REI (Hours)

PHI (Days)

N/A

Use Rate*

Seed-piece treatment: 3.5 to 7 fl. oz./A Soil: 5.7 to 8.7 fl. oz./A

0.3 fl. oz./cwt

6.5 to 6.84 fl. oz./A

Yes

Active Ingredient(s) Group

Bayer PLUS Potato eligible? PESTS/DISEASES Aphids

Colorado Potato Beetles

Flea Beetles

Leafhoppers

Nematodes (suppression)

Psyllids

Wireworms

Early Blight (suppression)

Fusarium Tuber Rot (suppression)

Seed & Soil-borne Rhizoctonia (suppression)

Silver Scurf (suppression)

White Mold (suppression) *See label for specific rate range for target pest.

Nematodes are another common problem for potato growers in the Pacific Northwest. These microscopic roundworms feed on plant roots and transmit diseases, causing a variety of symptoms. Nematodes such as root-knot, root lesion and stubby-root can cause significant yield loss and can also cause blemishes or tuber abnormalities that affect the marketability of the crop. Potato growers in many potato growing areas should also be on the lookout for zebra chip. Zebra chip is a destructive disease that is transmitted by the potato psyllid, which is the only known vector for potatoes. While zebra chip is a potato-related disease, the only preventative action that can be taken is stopping infestations of potato psyllids as a whole. Zebra chip can reduce tuber quality, cause significant yield reduction, and impact the flavor and color of potatoes. Though the latter defect is harmless to consumers, this symptom makes infected tubers unacceptable in both fresh and processing markets, thus, impacting growers’ profits.

Prevent, Protect, Prosper

Prevention is key with potato crops. While these pests and diseases can cause devastating damage early on, there are steps that growers can take to monitor and prevent infestations. These include rotating their crops, sampling soil on their operation and diversifying their IPM programs. Additionally, there are solutions within the Bayer 75-Day IPM Program that can help create an agronomic force field around potatoes to protect them from pre-plant to harvest. • Admire Pro insecticide works as a soil- and foliar-applied systemic insecticide that provides economical and long-lasting control of damaging insects. It is a highly concentrated formulation designed for growers to tackle their biggest challenges against aphids, psyllids, Colorado potato beetles and more. • Emesto Silver is a liquid fungicide potato seed-piece treatment for protection against several major diseases in one convenient package.

This crop protection solution helps to ensure healthy potato plants by targeting seed-borne diseases including Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and Helminthosporium silver scurf. • Velum Prime fungicide/nematicide is a non-fumigant that offers growers protection from nematodes and diseases. Its high performance also helps sustain high plant vigor that maximizes crop yield potential. In trials, Velum Prime demonstrated increased yield and strong suppression of key diseases such as early blight, white mold, black dot and Verticillium. The Bayer family of products can provide protection for potatoes throughout their first 75 days when they’re most vulnerable to pests and diseases. To learn more about how to safeguard potatoes from imminent threats with Bayer solutions, visit www.bayerpotato75dayipm.com.

Stay on target

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

New Products

Certis Rolls Out New Nematicide

Certis Biologicals has launched MeloCon LC, a water-dispersible concentrate containing spores from a naturally occurring soil fungus which controls a variety of harmful nematodes at every lifecycle stage. The improved liquid concentrate formulation of MeloCon LC provides greater convenience in storage, handling and tank-mixing and allows for application flexibility when fumigant and conventional chemistries cannot be applied, according to Certis. MeloCon LC is labeled for use in all states except California, with registration pending. Visit www.certisbio.com.

INCREASE SOIL

CARBON & SOIL HEALTH

T-L Irrigation Introduces Pivot Options

T-L Irrigation Co. has introduced a gooseneck cradle corner system attachment option and a simplified auto-reverse system to add stability and durability to two pivot locations. The gooseneck corner cradle option drops the corner connection point by 24 inches. This lowers the corner span’s center of gravity, allowing for greater stability on steep terrain and in areas with high winds or frequent severe storm activity, according to the company. The simplified auto-reverse system incorporates over-centered actuation arms to change the position of the reversing valve. The over-center feature assures snap action and full engagement of the reversing valve. The arms have also been moved farther up the tower to prevent damage. Visit www.tlirr.com.

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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

PLANTERS

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PILERS

2021 Double L 831 36” 53’ boom 480 volt 3ph, remote, 36mm BC 2003 Double L 813 30” x 49’ belted chain, dirt cross, 220 volt 1ph, remote 2000 Wemco 36” all belt, 480 3ph, remote 1993 Spudnik 550 36’’ 1ph belted Chain, remote 1993 Spudnik 525 30” 3ph, remote, Belt Chain 1992 Double L 831 36” x 49’ 3ph 480 volt remote, Electric VFD Drives 1988 Double L 813 30” 1ph Belt chain 1987 Spudnik 550 30” Belt Chain, 230 V 3ph 1985 Spudnik 450 Piler 36” 3ph all belt Remote 1982 Spudnik 500 Piler 30” x 45’ 230 volt 3ph 1981 Spudnik 400 Piler 30” x 45’ 220 volt 1ph

SEED CUTTERS

SCOOPERS

TREATERS

2008 Milestone 42” Duster 1996 Milestone 36” Duster

P S

2004 Spudnik 9060 cultivator, bed shaper, props 1989 Ag Engineering 6 row Hydraulic reset shanks

CONVEYORS - STRAIGHT

1998 Spudnik 1250 30” x 40’ bolt inline conveyors Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph Double L 808 30” x 25’ 3ph Spudnik 1200 30” x 40’ 3ph x 4 Spudnik 1200 30” x 30’ 3ph x2

CONVEYORS - TELESCOPIC

1992 Spudnik 1255 Tel. conv. 30/36 x 85’ 230 volt 3ph 1993 STI 30” x 75’ 3ph Tel. Conv. 1989 Double L 810 Tel. conv. 30” x 50’ 3ph 1987 Double L 810 30” x 50’ 3ph

NOT COMPLETE LIST - CALL OR CHECK OUR NEW SITE

SPUDEQUIP.COM

EVEN FLOWS

M O

1998 Milestone 45cwt 1986 Milestone 90cwt 30”Elev.Auto fill 3ph VFD

TRUCKS

1999 Mack 350 13spd, 2011 Logan 24’ Bed PTO

BEDS

C . P

SIZER ONLY

2011 Mayo 72” quick adj. 2 tables sizing 1991 Spudnik 910 60” 3ph 480 volt

DIRT ELIMINATOR WITH SIZER

I U

Q E

2015 DL 872 Stinger 36” rollers & Belt chain 2014 Logan Trac Pro 10’ x 30” belt 3ph 2012 Spudnik 2200 10’ x 36” belt 3ph x 2 2002 Spudik 2200 30” 1998 Mayo Collector side shift Conv. 36” x 20’ w/ 2 Belt stingers 230 volt 3phase Double L 36” x 12’ all belted chain 3ph Double L 832 BC 30” fingers 1984 Spudnik 2200 Belt 30” x 8’ 3ph x 2

D U

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

WATER DAMMERS

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

STINGERS

PLANTER/TARE/PILER

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

2009 Spudnik 8080 Pull type cup, 36” rear steer 2008 Spudnik 8080 Pull type cup, 36” 2020 Checchi Magli 4 row used but like new 2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6 row pull 2012 Harriston 6 row cup,36”, pull, dry fert, Allan Press wheels. 2007 Lockwood 6 row pick Hyd drive 2005 Spudnik 8060 Cup 6 row 36” 2004 Spudnik 8060 Cup 6 row 36” Grimm 6 row cup 36” w/ Fert. Allan Press Wheels - PEI 1996 Lockwood 6 row pick mechanical 1995 Kverneland 4 row 3200 – 36” 1999 Milestone 48” 220 volt 1ph, Hyd adjust, elev. Drive, wheel drive 2000 Better Built 46520 60” 3ph

Seed Growers:

2002 Milestone 72” DES with 2 belt stingers Spudnik 60” DE belt elev., rolls, peg belt blower, sizer rolls, picking table 2011 Mayo 72” DE, Sizer 3ph 2010 Milestone MSDS 60” DE, Sizer, Clod drums 230 V 3ph 2000 Double 878 DE 78” 3ph flip down 72” sizer 1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer 1994 Milestone 72” Dirt Elim. Sizer, 2 – 24” x 12’ stingers

DIRT ELIMINATOR ONLY

1997 DL 807 62” BC with 3 stingers 3ph 1996 Spudnik 950 72” BC, rolls, peg belt, split picking 480 Volt 1991 Spudnik 900 Eliminator 60” 3ph 1987 Spudnik 60” belt hopper, fingers, BC table 3ph 1984 DL 806 44” BC with 2 stingers 3ph 1986 DL 824 36” BC with 1 stinger 1ph 1986 Spudnik 900 48” 220 V 1ph

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

2008 Spudnik model 4200 PTO only 24’ 1998 Spudnik model 2100 24’ White PTO only 1984 Logan SB20’ electric

CROSSOVERS/WINDROWERS 2021 Allan 6 row rebuild RH 2015 Allan 6 row LH 2004 Spudnik 6140 1982 Logan 2 row

HARVESTERS

2017 Double L 7340 2012 Spudnik 6640 2012 Lockwood 474H 2010 Lockwood 784H 2009 Spudnik 6400 2010 Double 953 2009 Double L 953 2007 Double L 853 2005 Lockwood 474H 2000 Double L 873 2001 Spudnik 6400 1996 Double L 853 1996 Lockwood 4640 4 row 1997 Lockwood 4620 2 row Grimme SE 75-30 1 row, pintle belts cleaning W/ bunker

MISC. 2020 Logan Barrel Washer for little potatoes Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Mayo Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Macro Plastics Model 1212 bins +80 44” x 46” Ace 5 bottom Hyd. Reset Plow

BRUCE: (208)390-5120 | BRUCEN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • EVAN: (208)757-8481 | EVANN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • JOSH: (701)340-4554 | JOSHB@TRISTEELMFG.COM

PotatoCountry.com

In the News

Fox Solutions Partners With Flow-Wrap Machine Manufacturer

Lockwood Fills Pair of Positions

Fox Solutions, a manufacturer and distributor of custom packing equipment, has partnered with its first flow-wrap machine manufacturer, Redpack. In addition to bringing current customers new packaging options, the partnership will enable Fox to serve new industries that utilize flowwrap on items such as fresh produce or bakery products. In addition to new flow-wrap product offerings, Fox Solutions will also carry roll stock to run on the new machinery.

Drexel Picks PNW Rep

Drexel Chemical Company has hired Tad Comer as its Pacific Northwest sales representative. He will be responsible for sales in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Comer’s previous experience includes work with NovaSource, Van Diest Supply Company, AMVAC Chemical Corporation and Centennial Ag Supply. Comer is based in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Crary Industries has filled two key positions in its Lockwood Manufacturing business unit. Jim Balstad has been hired as Lockwood’s business unit director and will oversee the company’s business unit functions including product innovation, grower support, sales and dealer services. Balstad has nearly 30 years of experience in the agricultural machinery industry. Lockwood has hired Jared Fessenden as the parts and service manager at the company’s Idaho locations in Paul and Blackfoot. Fessenden’s experience in the agricultural industry started in specialized row cropping applications for sugar beets and potatoes. Prior to coming to Lockwood, he managed a 25,000-acre corporate farm in Paul, Idaho, where he focused on potato production and processing.

Jared Fessenden

Jim Balstad

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PSA Adds NPC Voices to Board

The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) has welcomed two new members to its board: National Potato Council (NPC) chief operating officer Mike Wenkel as an at-large member and Ritchey Toevs as a U.S. grower representative nominated by the NPC. PSA is made up of farmers, supply chain partners, nonprofit organizations and advisors working together to improve the environmental, social and economic aspects of potato production in the U.S. and Canada. The organization supports the identification and adoption of sustainable production practices and meets consumer and market expectations by benchmarking and communicating the sustainability performance of potato production.

Cropland Audits Inc.

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kasarah@croplandaudit.com

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STRENGTHENING THE DEMAND FOR U.S. POTATOES RESEARCH

MARKETING

TriCal Group Appoints New COO

DIRECTORIES

NEWS AND EVENTS

Find the latest information about the U.S. potato industry and explore a wealth of resources by subscribing to Potatoes USA updates at PotatoesUSAUpdates.com.

The TriCal Group has appointed Megan DeVelvis as its chief operating officer. She will be responsible for setting global strategy for the TriCal Group, working closely with the presidents of each affiliate to maximize alignment, efficiencies and sound foundational business practices. DeVelvis most recently served as vice president for Teleos Ag Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TriCal Soil Solutions, part of the TriCal Group. There, she led the global supply and distribution of Dow’s Telone (1,3-D), managing regulatory, logistical and supply chain issues. Prior to joining Teleos Ag Solutions in May 2021, DeVelvis worked for Corteva Agriscience and the Dow Chemical Company.

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Market Report

Raw Product Limitations and Global

ajor French fry producing countries shipped 9.08 billion pounds of French fries to countries outside of their local trading zones during the year ending Oct. 31, 2021. Those exports exceeded year-earlier movement by 12.9 percent. They were 8.9 percent above the threeyear average (2017-19) export volume. This year’s trade was boosted by several economies re-opening after the pandemic shutdowns. The export growth occurred despite tight raw product supplies in North America. Crop problems in North America, reduced production in Europe and logistical challenges could limit the growth in export sales during the 2021-22 marketing year. In this article, we discuss some of the challenges that North American exporters will face to maintain their frozen product market share. We also review global French fry trade over the past several years.

US Supply Situation

The overall supply situation in the U.S. will not support significant growth in 2021-22 French fry exports. Production in Idaho and the Columbia Basin fell short of pre-season plans. Growers in the Pacific Northwest planted 20,000 more acres to potatoes in 2021 than they did a year earlier. Nevertheless, production fell 12.7 million cwt short of the 2020 crop and around 18 million cwt short of industry expectations. In addition to reduced yields, last summer’s heat caused some quality issues with the 2021 crop. That combination left processors short of

contract potatoes. Fryers have been able to make up for some of the shortfall by purchasing potatoes originally headed for the table potato market. In the Midwest, the North Dakota crop was impacted by drought. That state’s production fell 2.05 million cwt, or 8.6 percent, short of the 2020 crop. Yields on the Wisconsin potato crop were up, with one of the more favorable growing seasons in several years, though wet weather made harvest conditions difficult in some parts of the state. Maine growers produced a bumper crop in 2021. Maine processing plants have been running at capacity. Reports indicate that extra processing potatoes have started moving west from Maine to fill the supply gap in the Pacific Northwest.

crop nearly matched the 2020 crop. Alberta growers planted 8,773 more acres in 2021.The Alberta crop was up 5.2 percent; however, that is far less than the industry anticipated. Growers in the Maritime Provinces were able to produce 43.4 percent more potatoes in 2021 than they did in 2020. PEI’s potato crop is 7.5 million cwt larger than the 2020 crop. Some of PEI’s extra processing potatoes are being hauled west to processing plants in Alberta and possibly Manitoba. Overall, processing plants in eastern Canada appear to have more potatoes than they can use this year, though moving extra potatoes west to make up for the shortfall in the Prairie Provinces is likely to be a major challenge due to the trucking situation in that country.

Canadian Supply Situation

European Supply Situation

Canadian growers produced 123.1 million cwt of potatoes during 2021. That is 19 million cwt more than the 2020 crop, an 18.2 percent increase. Unfortunately, most of the increase came in Maritime Provinces. Production in the Prairie Provinces also fell short of industry plans. Manitoba growers planted 6,500 more acres of potatoes in 2021, though the summer’s extreme heat took a toll on yields. The province’s 2021

Global Frozen Potato Product Trade 10.0 9.0 8.0

Billion Lbs

7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

Potato Country

March/April 2022

Potato crops in the top five European countries that produce virtually all the EU’s external French fry exports (Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium) appear to be down about 7 percent from the 2020 crop. European growers planted fewer acres to potatoes after receiving poor prices during 2019 and 2020. Excess rain and difficult harvest conditions have taken a toll on the quality of this year’s crop. Raw

Year-Ending October 31

North America

EU-5

Others

French Fry Demand product supplies for European French fry plants are likely to be tight this year.

Processors’ Response

Fryers are likely to test pipeline minimums for finished product inventories. Frozen product inventories, relative to usage, have already been drawn down to record low stocks. Processors have been, and will likely continue, purchasing raw product originally intended for other uses. Some of that product is being moved from the eastern states and provinces to plants in the west with excess capacity. Fryers will be reluctant to take on new business, which could increase pent-up demand for finished product in the future. Some customers have already been placed on allocation. Finally, processors will want to ramp up production of the 2022 crop as quickly as possible.

Global French Fry Demand

The U.S. exported 2.14 billion pounds of frozen potato products during the year ending Oct. 31, 2021. That exceeded the year-earlier sales by 319.9 million pounds, or 17.5 percent. It fell 9.7 million pounds, or 0.5 percent, short of November-October 2019 sales. Canada’s external exports during the same timeframe totaled 306.5 million pounds, up 21.7 percent from the year-earlier volume. North American fryers captured 27 percent of the global frozen potato product market during the year ending Oct. 31, 2021, up from 25.8 percent during the same timeframe in 2020. That is still down from the 2017-19 average of 28.8 percent. EU processors held 65.5 percent of the global market during the NovemberOctober timeframe, up from 66.4 percent a year earlier. EU’s share of the global French fry market averaged 64.4 percent during the 2017-19 timeframe. Short raw product supplies could limit North American fryers’ ability to expand or maintain their share of the global French fry trade. We believe that the global market for French fries continues to grow about 6 percent per year. The pandemic slowed that growth. Global French fry trade fell

7.7 percent during the year ending Oct. 31, 2020. However, the pandemic appears to have been a speedbump rather than a roadblock. At 9.08 billion pounds, global French fry exports during the year ending Oct. 31, 2021, jumped 12.9 percent above the year-earlier volume. The increase comes despite the tight raw product

By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News

supply situation. If our growth estimate is accurate, global markets need about 9.6 billion pounds of finished product during 2021-22 to cover demand. Given the supply situation outlined here, fryers will be challenged to cover that demand.

KEY POINTS • Major French fry producing countries shipped 9.08 billion pounds of French fries to countries outside of their local trading zones during the year ending Oct. 31, 2021. • The overall raw product supply situation in North America will not support significant growth in 2021-22 French fry exports. • 2021 potato crops in the top five European French fry exporting countries fell short of 2020 production. • The global market for French fries continues to grow about 6 percent per year. • Fryers will be challenged to meet strong global French fry demand given this year’s raw product supply limitations. 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

Potato Growers of Washington

Putting the 2022 Contract in Perspective By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington

ow that we have the conference season behind us and planting is about to begin, it is time to refocus on the economic side of potato production. This past year was an extremely variable year for growers economically. Some growers were able to lock in a lot of their prices and did not experience as much of the inflation in growing costs that others did. Also, the extreme heat caused yields and quality to vary from field to field. With more than 75 percent of the crop now graded for payment, we can see that a few growers had what may end up being the best crop quality they have ever had. A few more may have established new personal highs for yield on a couple of varieties. But the majority of the growers had the opposite experience; many had the lowest quality they have ever had, and some had the lowest yields in their production history. And, unfortunately, a few likely hit lows in both yield and quality. As such, the 2021 potato contracts, overall, look like they will be returning far less than most growers, and their financial institutions, expected. I believe it is the lower returns in 2021 due to yield and quality that impacted some growers’ view of the 20 percent increase we received for the crop year 2022 contracts as being not nearly enough of an increase. One must remember that the point of comparison is the expected return on the 2021 contracts based on the weighted average of the previous five crop years, not the actual returns growers are facing. For example, some growers are only receiving 40 to 50 percent of the expected contract value because of their yield and/or quality. This year, with just an average crop, they should be returning 120 percent of the expected 2021 contract value or, in this case, 70 to 80 percent more than they actually received this past year. Will this increase make up for losses experienced in 2021? No, it will not. But what it will do is maintain the long-term level of profitability with an average crop, which happens nearly every year in the Columbia Basin. The whole concept of pre-season contracting is for growers to have a known home for their potatoes at a set price. Yes, there are downsides in the contract for yield and quality issues, but there is a slight amount of upside as well. This doesn’t guarantee a fixed price, but it does set all the parameters for that price so that both sides know what it is before planting the potatoes. The alternative to contracting is to grow all the potatoes on the open market like is done on the fresh side of the industry. Those growers do not know their price and, in some cases, not even the home they will have for those potatoes come harvest time. They still have the same costs as contract growers, but their price is more a function of the yield and quality of every other grower in North America, not their own that they can mostly control. 30

Potato Country

March/April 2022

The last point I want to make on the contracts is to remember that if everyone likes a price, it is probably too high to be sustainable. The 2022 contracts were approved by both a majority of the contracted volume and the majority of the growers who contract potatoes at all three of our frozen processing companies. The split in the vote being about 70 percent in favor and 30 percent not satisfied seems to be about in line with what one of my mentors, George White, taught me in my first year with Potato Growers of Washington. He said that in any given year, 75 percent of the growers should make a reasonable profit on their potatoes. The remaining 25 percent will be split between those who don’t make as much as they need to, those who just break even, and those who lose money. He went on to say that growers need to find ways to stay in that 75 percent group or they will not be growing potatoes for long. His view was this is what keeps an industry strong and moving forward. Our industry is strong and is moving forward in many ways. It is my sincere hope that 2022 is a great bounce-back year for growers and that in the end, all growers will see the value in the contract level to which we have agreed.

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