diseAse identiFiCAtiOn Jeff Miller jeff@millerresearch.com
MArKet rePOrt Ben eborn napmn@napmn.com
POtAtO GrOwers OF wAshinGtOn dale Lathim
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.
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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 2025. 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.
The Idaho Potato Commission is proud to sponsor the
Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals
Join the Idaho Potato Commission slopeside in Sun Valley, Idaho, for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals. This high-profile global event is a great way to remind the world that the best potatoes come from Idaho. So come snap a selfie with Spuddy Buddy, marvel at the Big Idaho® Potato Truck or indulge in one of the delicious Idaho® potato dishes being served throughout the event.
It’s all happening March 21–27. We hope to see you there.
state of the state: washington Agriculture
Denise Keller, Editor
There’s good news and bad news
in Washington state’s agriculture industry, according to a “state of the state” type address delivered by Derek Sandison, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Sandison spoke during the WashingtonOregon Potato Conference held in Kennewick, Washington, Jan. 28-30, covering areas of concern and some bright spots in Washington agriculture.
Starting with some stats, Sandison said the number of farms in the state has been on the decline since 2017, with about 32,000 farms operating in 2022. Ownership of those farms has been changing, as well, with Washington farms seeing more outside ownership from entities such as equity firms. This leaves fewer multi-generational farms and less local ownership than in the past, and Sandison is concerned about what that means for rural communities going forward.
Despite these trends, most of the state’s farms remain family owned and 89% are considered small farms, with the majority under 50 acres. The median size farm is 30 acres and generates about $5,000 per year, pointing out a big range of scale in Washington agriculture.
In 2023, the state’s crops and livestock had a farm gate value of $12 billion, a $650 million decrease from 2022. The state produces more than 300 different crops, a level of diversity that sets the state apart from many others, Sandison said. Apples are the state’s top commodity, while potatoes rank fourth with a value of $1.16 billion. The state exports $7 billion of ag products, with Canada being the top market, followed by Japan, China, Mexico and South Korea. Frozen potato products are the top export product, valued at $1.1 billion.
Sandison listed several factors that are driving industry consolidation and affecting profitability including high costs, regulatory burdens, labor shortages
Derek Sandison, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, shares statistics about the state’s agriculture industry.
Europlant America displays SunRain potato varieties at the trade show.
Story and photos by
Conference attendees check out the equipment displayed outside the convention
Jera Monaghan with USDA-NRCS guesses the brand and flavor of potato chips in the Flavor Chip Challenge.
Jenny Durrin Gentry, executive director of the Potato Variety Management Institute, offers information on PVMI varieties.
center.
and climate issues. He also mentioned that the Washington State Department of Agriculture is focusing on policies supporting farm viability, workforce development, infrastructure, and market access to boost long-term agricultural success. The state is also continuing to work to improve the water supply for irrigators in the eastern portion of the Columbia Basin Project through the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program. Sandison noted that more than 75% of the state’s crop production value comes from irrigated agriculture, making water availability vital to the future of the industry.
Finally, when asked about his thoughts on newly elected Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, Sandison expressed optimism. After the November election, Ferguson formed a transition team and created an ag sub-committee within that team. The sub-committee came up with several recommendations that would support the ag industry, including fixing some shortcomings related to the ag exemption in the Climate Commitment Act.
“I’m actually encouraged by what I’ve seen,” Sandison said. “I’m encouraged that it’s going to be a more receptive administration in terms of agriculture.”
Chip Hesse uses a 3-D-printed model of Suberizer’s Curve storage unit to explain the design features.
Matt Harris with the Washington State Potato Commission serves up a baked potato at the conference’s potato bar lunch.
Conference attendees gather at the IVI booth during a break between sessions.
Are voles eating Away at Potato Profits?
By John O’Connell, University of Idaho
University of Idaho Extension educators are surveying southern and eastern Idaho potato farmers to document the scope of their problems with mouse-like rodents known as voles. Extension educators Jason Thomas and Danielle Gunn are leading the survey effort, and Extension agricultural economist Patrick Hatzenbuehler will estimate crop losses based on responses.
Hatzenbuehler presented some preliminary data at the Idaho Potato Conference, which U of I hosted in Pocatello, Idaho, on Jan. 22-23, based on surveys from 84 respondents. On average, the initial respondents each had 1,465 acres of potatoes affected by voles, which reduced their spud yields by 18% on those acres.
Furthermore, 58% of respondents used rodenticide to control voles, investing a combined $2.05 million in those treatments. On a scale of one to five, with five being the most effective, 92% of growers surveyed rated the efficacy of rodenticide treatments at three or less. Another 16.67% of growers surveyed attempted to control voles through habitat modifications, such as plowing, mowing or installing barriers, and 9.5% of respondents had to replant at least some of their acres.
Area farmers frequently call Extension pest specialists to voice their frustrations about the lack of good options to prevent voles from eating away their profits. Thomas explained he and his colleagues have had no recourse but to offer the same suggestions farmers have tried for years, with limited success.
Thomas has become convinced that the first step toward getting long-overdue help for farmers struggling with voles should be to compile good data.
“As folks were reaching out to me and asking, ‘What do we do about this?’ it
Attendees at the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo always find massive equipment on display.
2024 vole populations in at least 11 Idaho counties reached epidemic levels, causing significant damage to crops and rangeland.
was hard to do anything without data,” Thomas said. “My belief is at least I can help tell the story so they can make the case and have some numbers. I know this is an ongoing struggle farmers will continue to have.”
The brief survey focuses on potato production but will also include a question asking farmers to list any additional crops that have been ravaged by voles.
Survey data could support the need for additional investment in research, direct aid to growers or new policies and regulations pertaining to vole control. The U of I Extension team chose to focus on potatoes based on the high value of the crop. In addition to losing tonnage, potato farmers with heavy vole damage must often sell spuds with chew marks at a discount for making potato flakes rather than at a premium for making French fries or for the fresh market.
“If we’re successful with potatoes, we can move to different crops later,” Hatzenbuehler said.
Many regional grain and alfalfa fields also routinely sustain significant vole damage. Alfalfa damage from voles affects stand longevity and productivity significantly.
Kelly Heggen (left) and Kelly O’Hara display the new Mayo unloading conveyor with optional 48-inch telescoping and swiveling stinger in Pocatello, Idaho.
Decades ago, voles were effectively controlled in Idaho by flood irrigation and moldboard plowing. The shift toward sprinkler irrigation and no-till farming throughout Idaho has been great for soil health, water conservation and the environment, but burrowing voles have also benefited.
“In years past, they’d have one or two years where voles would be bad. It seems like anymore, every year is a bad year,” said U of I Extension educator Joseph Sagers, who handles the vole issue in Jefferson County.
This winter, Sagers has been consulting with alfalfa farmers in Terreton, Monteview, Menan and Blackfoot who have experimented with running a roller over snow-covered fields to compact vole tunnels. Following treatments, voles lose their cover and are easily spotted by predators against the white, snowy background.
“They have a whole bunch of voles coming up to the surface, where they’re eaten pretty quickly,” Sagers said. “This is certainly going to be a useful tool in the toolbox for these farmers.”
Last spring, vole populations in at least 11 counties reached epidemic levels, causing significant damage to crops and rangeland.
Heading into winter, Gunn advises growers who have had serious vole problems to consider removing or modifying vole habitat and food sources and to remove snow, if feasible. Zinc phosphide is the most effective rodenticide for voles but cannot be applied when soil moisture is high or there’s precipitation. Anticoagulant rodenticides cannot be applied directly to any feed crops but may be applied to field perimeters.
“A survey is instrumental in helping U of I Extension educators collect important information regarding vole populations and cyclicity, as well as data regarding crop and range loss due to vole infestations,” Gunn said. “The data will be submitted to state and federal agencies to demonstrate the significant need for programming and funding to help mitigate the harmful effects of these vertebrate pests.”
The survey is available online at uidaho.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6KKoB4cTSn6p1Yy.
Booths without equipment set up shop inside Idaho State University during the Idaho Potato Conference.
Matt Gibson with Simplot braves the cold outside, cooking fries for Idaho Potato Conference attendees.
The ICCU Dome in Pocatello, Idaho, is home to football for three months in the fall and the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo for three days in the winter.
diseAse identiFiCAtiOn QUiZ
Dr. Jeff Miller, a plant pathologist, is the president and CEO of Miller Research, Rupert, Idaho. He can be contacted by phone: (208) 531-5124; cell: (208) 431-4420; jeff@millerresearch.com
Tubers that have been in storage for several months can show symptoms of black dot (caused by Colletotrichum coccodes) and silver scurf (caused by Helminthosporium solani). Can you identify which photos are examples of silver scurf and which photos are of black dot? A B C E D F
Montana seed Potato Certification welcomes new director
By Nina Zidack, Montana Seed Potato Certification
As I retire from my position as director of Montana Seed Potato Certification, I reflect on the most important aspect of my time in this position: building and maintaining relationships with the farmers served by certification. Working directly with growers with the common goal of producing industry-leading quality seed potatoes has been incredibly rewarding.
Montana seed potato growers drive the program and staff by placing stringent standards on themselves and expectations that the Montana State University Potato Lab provide them with the service they need to accurately assess the disease status and quality of their seed. They use the extensive testing and inspection information to make the best decisions about seed to recertify on their farm and provide quality assurance to their customers throughout U.S. seed growing areas.
One major initiative that was undertaken during my tenure was to revise sampling strategies for the post-harvest test. Historically, Montana has always intensively sampled postharvest, but it was done according to acreage. As a result, a large Generation 3 (G3) field would be sampled at a higher rate than a G2 lot destined for certification. Considering the importance of the information for re-certification, we now sample G1 and G2 more intensively. This provides more information on seed that will be replanted by our own growers, as well as G2 that is being sold for re-certification out of state. We also offer growers the option of testing tubers in the lab using PCR. This gives them some preliminary information prior to the completion of the grow-out and also provides a backup if there are issues with the field plots in Hawaii.
I am confident that the staff that is in place is beyond compare among certification agencies. I am excited for opportunities that will come to the Montana program with next-generation skills and leadership. It is with this in mind that I would like to introduce Dr. Aritra Roy Choudhury, the new director of Montana Seed Potato Certification.
By Aritra Roy Choudhury, Montana Seed Potato Certification
It is a tremendous honor to step into the role of director of Montana Seed Potato Certification. As I assume this position, I want to share a brief overview of my journey, which has been deeply rooted in agricultural research, innovation and collaboration. My academic path has been shaped by a passion for understanding plant health and developing solutions to agricultural challenges. During my post-doctoral research at Colorado State University, I focused on the epidemiology and microbiome associated with powdery scab disease and potato mop-top virus (PMTV) infections in potatoes. This multi-state research project provided a unique opportunity to collaborate with a diverse
group of faculty, growers and stakeholders across the potato industry. Working alongside these dedicated professionals allowed me to witness firsthand the progressive and forwardthinking nature of the potato community. Their unwavering commitment to improving the industry and adopting innovative practices has had a profound influence on my academic and professional growth.
Prior to my time at Colorado State University, I pursued a Ph.D. in agricultural chemistry in South Korea, where my research delved into understanding the role of phytohormones and their role in attaining tolerance against environmental stresses. This experience enhanced my understanding of the intricate dynamics between crops and their ecosystems, equipping me with a strong foundation in plant pathology and physiology. In addition, I earned dual master’s degrees in biotechnology from institutions in Poland and India. These experiences at globally diverse institutions offered me a multidisciplinary perspective in fields such as bioengineering, plant health and sustainable agriculture. Together, these academic pursuits have equipped me with the technical skills and global insights necessary to address the challenges in an evolving agricultural landscape.
As the director of Montana Seed Potato Certification, my vision is to build on the remarkable legacy of this program, which has long been recognized as a benchmark for excellence in the seed potato industry. I deeply respect the strong foundation built by Dr. Nina Zidack, who cultivated lasting relationships with growers and steered the program to its current stature. Her dedication in fostering trust and collaboration with Montana’s seed potato growers has been instrumental in the program’s success, and I am committed to continuing that legacy. My utmost priority will be to maintain and enhance the rigorous standards that growers and stakeholders have come to rely on. Building strong partnerships with industry leaders, researchers and growers, I aim to introduce cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches that can address emerging challenges. From advanced disease diagnostics to precision agriculture tools, these innovations have the potential to empower growers in making more informed decisions and maintaining the high quality of Montana’s seed potatoes.
The staff at Montana Seed Potato Certification is among the best in the industry, and I am excited and honored to lead such a dedicated and experienced team. Together, we will focus on providing the exceptional services and resources that growers depend on to accurately assess the health and quality of their seed potatoes. By leveraging the program’s extensive testing and inspection data, growers can continue to make informed choices about seed recertification and offer quality assurance to customers across U.S. seed growing regions.
In taking on this role, I am inspired by the potential for growth and innovation within the program. With the collective effort of growers, researchers and staff, I am confident that we can uphold Montana’s reputation for excellence in seed potato certification while embracing new opportunities to advance the industry. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the program’s continued success and to contribute meaningfully to the future of agriculture in Montana and beyond.
Us Potatoes in Mexico: Breaking Barriers and Growing Opportunities
By Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Foralmost 25 years, U.S. potato growers faced the Sisyphean task of trying to gain full market access for U.S. fresh potatoes in Mexico. Anytime we thought we were close to finalizing a permanent, lasting deal, a new regulatory or legal hurdle was thrown in our way to force us to restart from the bottom of the hill.
Thanks to the dedication of stakeholders and collaborative strategies among the state and national organizations, as well as the involvement of key elected officials, the hard work finally paid off. Now, as we look behind us and remember the battles that brought us where we are today, the Mexican market presents an exciting and growing opportunity for the U.S. potato industry. From legal battles to innovative marketing strategies, during Potato Expo 2025, I sat down with our partners to record an “Eye on Potatoes” podcast to detail how U.S. potatoes have made their mark in Mexico, the vibrant future of this market and what this success means for agricultural trade. Check out the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Patience through Political and Legal hurdles
The journey to gaining access to the Mexican market began in the late 1990s but was met with significant resistance. For years, U.S. potato exports to Mexico were restricted to a narrow zone within 26 kilometers of the border due to phytosanitary concerns. Mexican authorities cited risks of pest transmission as the primary reason for these limitations, creating a significant barrier to full-market entry.
A turning point came in 2014 when international scientific experts agreed that U.S. potatoes met the necessary safety standards. Despite this, logistical and legal challenges persisted, requiring years of advocacy. The National Potato Council, Potatoes USA and our allies worked to present evidence, engage Mexican counterparts and push for resolutions.
By 2022, following rulings by the Mexican Supreme Court, U.S. potatoes were finally granted full access to the market. This wasn’t just a trade victory – it marked the culmination of decades of work by growers, scientists, marketers and policymakers.
Marketing Us Potatoes in Mexico
Once legal barriers were addressed, the focus shifted to marketing, and winning over consumers in Mexico came with its own unique challenges. During the podcast, Kim Breshears, the chief marketing officer of Potatoes USA, emphasized the importance of standing out in a competitive environment. To do so, U.S. potatoes were marketed not just as staples but as premium products with distinct qualities.
Tasting samples proved to be an essential strategy. For many Mexican consumers, sampling the robust flavors of U.S. potatoes offered a tangible reason to choose them over local options. Chef partnerships and culinary demonstrations further elevated the appeal, presenting U.S. potatoes as essential ingredients for diverse recipes and occasions.
harnessing education and social Media
Education emerged as another crucial factor in building demand. Luis Moreno, the CEO of Grupa PM – the industry’s consultant in Mexico – highlighted how fostering consumer awareness about the unique attributes of U.S. potatoes – such as their versatility, taste and consistency – has been vital.
Social media and influencer partnerships played a central role in these efforts. By creating engaging content, including recipe tutorials and cooking guides, these collaborations helped reshape perceptions and generate excitement among Mexican consumers, particularly in urban centers and northern regions.
Building on success
The ongoing success of U.S. potatoes in Mexico requires vigilance, especially when it comes to addressing phytosanitary requirements. Matt Lantz
of Bryant Christie Inc. emphasized the importance of proactive measures to maintain pest-free shipments, ensuring compliance with trade agreements while protecting both markets from unnecessary disruptions.
Government policies on both sides of the border continue to encourage optimism. A 63% increase in potato exports is a testament to the growing demand, with future goals like doubling market share seeming well within reach.
Mexico’s success may also serve as a model for expanding access to other international markets. Asia, particularly Japan, holds immense potential for U.S. potatoes. By applying lessons learned from the Mexican market, the U.S. potato industry is well-prepared to tackle new challenges and replicate its strategies for global growth.
To hear more from industry leaders like Kim Breshears, Luis Moreno and Matt Lantz, subscribe to the “Eye on Potatoes” podcast.
t-L irrigation Co. Celebrates 70 Years
T-L Irrigation Co. has reached its platinum anniversary, marking 70 years in business. Starting as a supplier of irrigation equipment, the company took its first step into manufacturing in 1961 with the purchase of an aluminum pipe tube mill to make pipe for gravity irrigation. T-L Irrigation’s first hydrostatic drivepowered pivot came along in 1969, and the technology remains the cornerstone of the T-L product lineup.
A Nebraska-based family-owned business, T-L Irrigation Co. distributes center pivots, irrigation systems, agriculture equipment, and water management products throughout the U.S. and to 87 countries.
hZPC Forms seed dealer network
HZPC Americas Corp. is transitioning away from a direct seed sales model toward a complete variety licensing model. With this new approach, HZPC is establishing a dealer network in the U.S. and Canada by partnering with three farms: Ebe Farms in Ferndale, Washington; Kroeker Farms in Winkler, Manitoba, Canada; and Edmonton Potato Growers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. These dealers will support commercial users of HZPC genetics as well as support regional multipliers of HZPC varieties to ensure access to a clean, stable seed supply.
Michigan Potato industry Commission elects Chairs
Mike Phillips will serve as chair of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission this year. Phillips works as the supply manager at Walther Farms, a multi-state operation based in Michigan that produces chipping, fresh and seed potatoes. He joined the farm in 2011 and previously served as the operation’s shipping and storage manager.
study Confirms huckleberry Gold as LowGlycemic Potato
A recent human clinical trial confirmed that Huckleberry Gold, a potato variety developed by the Tri-State Breeding Program and managed by the Potato Variety Management Institute, has a low glycemic index. This study builds on earlier research conducted at Montana State University, which identified Huckleberry Gold as a promising low-glycemic potato based on its starch composition.
In the new study, Huckleberry Gold demonstrated a glycemic index of 52. Foods classified as low GI (≤55) can be good options for individuals managing blood sugar levels, including those with diabetes, pre-diabetes or metabolic health concerns.
Huckleberry Gold is available through select seed growers and retailers.
GrOwth essentiALs BUYers' GUide
Crop vitality
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.
CultivAce is a West Coast manufacturer and distributor of a comprehensive line of foliar and starter fertilizers. CultivAce offers innovative solutions that drive agricultural crop yields and cultivate profitable outcomes. With a relentless focus on delivering high quality foliar and starter fertilizers, the company is committed to empowering growers with the tools needed to achieve remarkable results. CultivAce is built on two fundamental principles: products must be the highest quality, and they must make the grower money. If a product doesn’t meet these standards, CultivAce doesn’t manufacture it.
CultivAce standout liquid phosphate Free Phos 8-24-0 is field proven in potatoes with supportive trials from various states, exemplifying the company’s dedication to effective agricultural solutions.
Jh Biotech
jhbiotech.com/chelation-and-mineral-nutrition
Biomin
Biomin is a line of fully chelated plant nutrients resulting from the chelation of mineral nutrients with amino acids. These chelates protect the nutrient from combining with other elements or losing nutrient value for absorption. JH Biotech’s Biomin chelated line is OMRI, CDFA and WSDA organic certified and is compatible with humic and fulvic acid products. Without using harsh chemicals, it provides plants with stable nutrients, balancing mineral deficiencies more quickly than conventional inorganic nutrients. It can be used for soil and foliar applications without compromising environmental quality and safety. Biomin may be applied to all crops and turf. It reduces the effects of saline soils, water deficiency and weather conditions while encouraging increased yield, homogeneous ripening, more flavored and high quality fruit, and greater nutrient absorption.
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 NutriCal, 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
SizeN
To maximize yield, growers need a uniform tuber set with uniform sizing. To accomplish this, growers must change their thinking about nitrogen and where it is used. Do they want vegetative or reproductive growth? Most nitrogen applications will become nitrate to be taken up by plants, which will promote vegetative growth, long internodes on stems, less root growth and less energy to reproduce (i.e., tuber development).
Adding Cell Power SizeN to a nutrition program will aid in increasing marketable yield. This is accomplished by redirecting growth naturally to more reproductive growth. Applying SizeN in furrow at planting will aid in promoting more lateral branching of roots, shorter internodes on stems (stronger stems) and more uniform tuber set. Growers are seeing higher marketable yields with SizeN since tuber sets are more uniform.
A typical SizeN program is two to three applications. SizeN can be mixed with most fertilizer products, applied foliar or water run.
redox Bio-nutrients
redoxgrows.com
Mainstay Calcium 2.0
Mainstay Calcium 2.0 from Redox Bio-Nutrients is a key asset to achieve premium potato quality come harvest time. It is specifically formulated to provide concentrated plant-available calcium and short-chain soluble carbon compounds for plant nutrition and soil structure. Results include crop firmness, cell wall strength, plant nutrition, soil structure and root growth.
GrOwth essentiALs
BUYers' GUide
rovensa next rovensanext.com/en/ 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.
sQM
sqm.com
Plant Nutrition Products
SQM provides specialty plant nutrition, offering high-purity potassium nitrate and innovative fertilizer solutions to enhance crop productivity and quality. Backed by extensive research, SQM supports potato growers with efficient nutrient management strategies that optimize plant health and maximize yields. With a robust global logistics network and extensive production capabilities, the company ensures a reliable supply of highquality fertilizers to meet growers’ needs.
tPs Lab
tpslab.com
CSL+
CSL+ is an innovative organic blend of L-amino acids from a combination of soy protein hydrolysate and corn steep liquor. This cutting-edge formulation provides many benefits from fulvic and other beneficial organic acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, hormones and sugars.
CSL+ is a highly bioavailable nutrient source with outstanding uptake efficiency, effectively increasing the plant-available N-P-K chemical analysis over other fertilizers that are excellent for any conventional, sustainable or organic program. L-amino acids are nature’s building blocks of proteins and play a vital role in photosynthesis. They also contribute to many plant functions: cell wall strength, fruit quality, pollination, pollen fertility, hormone synthesis, formation of vegetative tissue, chlorophyll synthesis, stomatal regulation, chelation and more.
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
Worley
SLV
San
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
ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com
inseCt
BiOLOGY QUiZ
This material is provided courtesy of Josephine Antwi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Irrigated Crop Entomology at the Oregon State University Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center. She can be reached at josephine.antwi@oregonstate.edu.
whose Baby Are You?
Insect identification can sometimes be frustrating. Some species may look similar as adults, while as nymphs (babies), they look different. On the other hand, some species may look similar as nymphs, but as adults, they look entirely different. Such is the case for Figures 1 and 2.
2
Now, don’t be deceived by how similar the flat, greenish, see-through critters in Figures 3 and 4 look. They are actually nymphs of each of the adults pictured above.
4 3 1
1. Which insects are pictured in Figures 1 and 2? 2. Can you identify their nymphs in Figures 3 and 4?
KnOw YOUr diseAse Answers
It is often difficult to distinguish between black dot and silver scurf on tubers. One way to be sure is to incubate tubers at high relative humidity (>95 percent) in the dark at a relatively warm temperature (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 14 days. These conditions induce the formation of fungal structures on the tuber surface which are more easily identified with the aid of a hand lens or other source of magnification.
Photo A: Black dot on a purple variety. The tan-colored area is the infected area. Sclerotia can be seen with magnification.
Photo B: Black dot on a russet variety. The small, visible black dots are the sclerotia of the Colletotrichum coccodes fungus.
Photo C: Silver scurf on a russet variety. Under magnification, the black areas appear fuzzy with small spores (conidia) attached to fungal growth. They often look like little Christmas trees. The production of spores requires incubation at high humidity.
Answers Page 25
Photo D: Silver scurf on a red variety. These potatoes have not been incubated under high humidity and the spores are not visible. The lesions can look very similar to the black dot lesions in Photo A. On light-skinned varieties such as these, the surface often has a slightly silver appearance, hence the disease’s common name.
Photo E: Both silver scurf and black dot on a russet variety. The silver scurf lesions are the darker black lesions primarily on the left side of the tuber, and the black dot lesion is the larger brownish-gray lesion on the right side of the photo. This tuber has been incubated under high humidity, causing the silver scurf fungus to produce spores. This gives the lesions a darker appearance. The small black sclerotia are visible with magnification in the black dot lesion.
Photo F: Black dot on a white variety. The lesions are a darkbrown color, and small, black sclerotia can be seen in the lesion.
(FROM PAGE 11)
Bio-insecticide Controls
Colorado Potato Beetle
GreenLight Biosciences has launched Calantha, a foliar bio-insecticide for managing Colorado potato beetle in potatoes. Calantha is powered by ledprona, a new class of insecticide offering a novel mode of action (IRAC 35).
Calantha is formulated to provide precise and targeted action with little to no impact on non-target organisms, as well as rapid biodegradation in soil and water. Data from years of trials show that Calantha provides yield and defoliation protection on par with industry standards, according to the company.
Visit calanthaag.com.
redox rolls Out rdx-n
RDX-N, a new nitrogen optimization product from Redox Bio-Nutrients, is now available. RDX-N is a stable, botanical extract biostimulant combined with organic carbon compounds designed to stimulate better nitrogen metabolism in plants. The product’s patent-pending combination of biostimulants is said to increase nitrogen optimization, including a 50% efficiency gain in synthetic liquid nitrogen applications, while maintaining crop production and quality.
Visit redoxgrows.com.
nutrien introduces n-FinitY
Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. is rolling out N-FINITY this spring. The product is meant to improve nitrogen use efficiency by enhancing the soil’s ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, recruiting nitrogen-fixing bacteria into the root zone and facilitating the liberation of nitrogen from soil organic pools. According to the company, N-FINITY combines three modes of action and leverages biological technology to optimize nitrogen availability for improved plant health and crop yields.
Visit lovelandproducts.com/n-finity.
seed cutters
2014 Better Built 72” model 400 3ph
1988 Better Built 36” model 2300
treaters
2018 Better Built 12” Liquid/Dry treater
2013 Better Built CDT1-/10 Duster auger feed box
2010 Better Built CDT10/10 Duster Standard feed box
2011 Milestone 36” Liquid Treater new chemical pump
1996 Milestone 36” Barrel Duster Auger feed box
1994 Better Built CDT10- 8” Duster Standard feed box
Planter filler dirt tare
Mayo 24” Telescopic Planter filler
Double L 815 24” x 25’ Dirt Tare Conveyor
Lockwood 20” x 18’ Dirt Tare Conveyor
Planters
2010 Spudnik 8060 6 row 34” Semi-mount
2012 Harriston 4046 6 row 34” Semi-mount
2008 Grimme GL36 Cup 6 row 36” Pull Hitch
2002 Kverneland 3300 Cup 6 row 36” Pull Hitch
2011 Lockwood 6 row Air Cup 34” semi-mount hyd drive
2008 Spudnik 8080 Pull type cup, 8 row, 36”
2002 Kverneland 3200 4 row cup
1998 Kverneland 3200 4 row planter 36”
dammer diKers
2013 Ag Engineering 4 row Dammer Diker Hyd. Reset
Ag Engineering 4 row Tillage Master
Pilers
2005 Spudnik 780 42” BC Elev./50’ Boom
3ph Remote
1995 Spudnik 550 30” BC Elev. /48’ boom
3ph Remote Reconditioned
1992 Spudnik 525 36” BC Elev./48’ boom 3ph 230 volt Remote
The Links at Moses Pointe Moses Lake, Wash. www.agworldgolf.com
June 24-27
nPC summer Meeting
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Coeur d’Alene, Idaho www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
July 27-31
Potato Association of America Annual Meeting
Madison, Wisc. www.potatoassociation.org
Aug. 6-8
Potatoes UsA summer Meeting
Boston
Caitlin Roberts, caitlinr@potatoesusa.com
Editor’s note: To have your event listed, please email Denise Keller at editor@columbiamediagroup.com. Please send your information 90 days in advance.
how Many Potatoes will Growers
Growers have several things to consider when making planting decisions on 2025 potato acreage. Factors include contract volumes, current and projected prices, production costs, prices for alternative crops, crop rotations, trade disruptions and irrigation water supplies.
Growers also might want to consider past scenarios. Before this year’s estimated 4.5% year-over-year production downturn, U.S. potato production had declined by 5% or more 17 times during the 75 years since 1950. Fifteen of those 17 years were followed by an increase in the total U.S. planted area. The percentage increase ranged between 0.9% and 10.1%, with a median acreage increase of 4.8%. On the other hand, growers planted fewer acres to potatoes during the other two years. The percentage reduction ranged from 3.1% to 9.2%, with a median reduction of 6.2%.
Past years with similar production patterns may provide some insight into 2025 planting decisions. In this article, we review the situation that led to the 2024 production downturn. We also explore three historical scenarios that followed similar production downturns.
the Current situation
In response to lower prices and contract volume reductions, U.S. growers planted 36,000 fewer acres of potatoes during 2024. Most of the reduction came in Idaho and Washington, where growers reduced the planted area by 15,000 acres
and 5,000 acres, respectively. However, several other states also contributed to the downturn. California, Florida, Minnesota and North Dakota each planted approximately 3,000 fewer acres to potatoes in 2024. Michigan growers planted 2,000 acres less, while growers in Colorado, Nebraska and Wisconsin reduced their planted area by 1,000 acres. In Oregon and Texas, potato acreage was unchanged. Maine planted 1,000 more acres.
The 2024 production downturn followed a 9.5% production increase in 2023. That was the largest year-overyear production increase since 1994. In addition to the acreage reduction, the national average yield dropped to 454 cwt per acre from 458 cwt per acre in 2023. The acreage and yield combination resulted in a 420.2 million cwt potato crop (according to USDA’s January estimate), down 4.5% from 2023 production. It nearly matches the five-year average production. The large potato supply continues to put downward pressure on prices. The Grower Returns Index (GRI) for Idaho russets, so far this marketing year (as of press time), has averaged $6.98 per cwt.
A 0.9% increase in 2014
U.S. potato production fell by 5.5% in 2013. That was 23.8 million cwt less than the 2012 crop. The Idaho GRI averaged $7.10 per cwt for the 2013-14 marketing year. In 2014, growers increased their planted area by 8,800 acres, or 0.9%, in response to profitable prices. The 2014 crop totaled 420.6 million cwt, up 12.5 million cwt, or 3.1%, from the previous year. The large increase was partially due to yield increases in nearly all the major growing areas (Idaho was the exception, with flat yields). At that time, it was the second largest potato crop since 2004, behind 2012.
The increase in production caused prices to plummet. The Idaho GRI averaged $5.47 per cwt during the 201415 marketing year, down 22.9% from the previous year. However, those prices were not low enough to discourage
growers from planting more potatoes. In 2015, growers increased their planted area by 9,800 acres, or 1%. Production for the 2015 crop increased by 0.3% to 421.9 million cwt. The Idaho GRI rose slightly to $5.79 per cwt during the 201516 marketing year, a 5.9% increase.
A 7.4% increase in 2011
U.S. production dropped by 6.8% in 2010 to 374 million cwt. That fell 27.4 million cwt below the 2009 crop. The Idaho GRI averaged $10.67 per cwt during the 2010-11 marketing year. Strong prices encouraged expansion. In 2011, U.S. growers planted 67,700 more acres to potatoes than they did the previous year, a 7.4% increase. The national average yield was unchanged from the previous year, at 413 cwt per acre. The 2011 U.S. potato crop totaled 401.4 million cwt. That exceeded 2010 production by 27.4 million cwt, or 7.3%. Lower prices followed the production increase. The 2011-12 marketing year average Idaho GRI dropped to $7.89 per cwt, down 26% from the previous year.
A 4.5% increase in 1996
At 405.7 million cwt, the 1995 potato crop fell 24.6 million cwt, or 5.7%, short of year-earlier production. The Idaho GRI averaged $7.87 per cwt during the 1995-96 marketing year. Growers planted 54,900 more acres to potatoes in 1996, a 4.5% increase. In addition, the U.S. average yield jumped to 361 cwt per acre from 334 cwt in 1995. The acreage and yield increases boosted the 1996 potato crop to 456.6 million cwt. That exceeded year-earlier production by 50.9 million cwt, or 12.5%. The Idaho GRI dropped to an average of $2.56 per cwt during the 1996-97 marketing year, down 67.5% from the previous year.
Conclusion
In 2014, 2011 and 1996, growers increased acreage following large downturns in production. They responded by planting 0.9% to 7.4% more ground to potatoes. If U.S. growers respond similarly to the current market
Growers Plant in 2025?
situation, they may increase acreage for the 2025 crop by anywhere from 8,000 to 69,000 acres. If the U.S. yield returns to trend (461 cwt per acre), which is statistically most likely to occur, that could lead to a 13.6 million cwt, or 3.3%, increase in production if the planted area only increases by 8,000 acres. On the other hand, if growers plant 69,000 more acres to potatoes in 2025, at trend yield, total production would jump to 459.6 million cwt. That would result in a 10% increase in potato production, which would be slightly larger than the increase from the 2022 crop to the 2023 crop. An increase of that magnitude is unlikely, given current prices and expected contract reductions. However, growers might choose to increase the 2025 planted area (that has occurred in 15 of the 17 past similar situations). Trend yields combined with any increase in acreage would likely push prices even lower than current levels.
Planting decisions for the upcoming crop year are extremely complex. The current situation is different than past production downturns. Open-market potato prices have not followed the typical pattern this year. They have been relatively flat during the past three months. They remain below breakeven for most producers. Alternative crop prices also could be a major factor affecting potato acreage this year. Prices for rotational crops are down 13%-24% from a year ago. The current market may discourage growers from planting openmarket potatoes. In addition, contract volumes for the 2025 crop could be trimmed substantially. However, if history repeats itself, there is only an 11.8% chance that growers will reduce acreage in 2025.
By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News
KeY POints
• The
• The 2024 production downturn was not enough to significantly improve prices. Open-market potato prices remain below break-even for most producers.
• In the past, growers have responded to similar production scenarios by increasing acreage 88% percent of the time, while they planted fewer potatoes 12% of the time.
editor’s note: To contact Ben Eborn, or to
(published 48 times per year), write or call:
(208) 525-8397; or email napmn@napmn.com.
the harsh reality of Consolidation
By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington
It’s been a few years since there has been a great deal of talk about consolidation in the potato growing community. The demand for frozen potato products has grown over the past few years, and the
ever-increasing volume of potatoes needed to feed that demand has kept the number of growers fairly stable. However, with the reduction in volume by our largest processor impacting so many growers, it looks like fewer entities will be growing potatoes in 2025.
Over my time in the industry, the growing community has experienced a great evolution, as we have gone from
"Unfortunately, the capitalistic forces that drive our economy do result in some very harsh realities."
grower in 2024, any further reductions will eliminate a few growers, and a few others are coming to the conclusion that the risk involved in growing potatoes is becoming too great for the few contracted acres they have remaining.
more than 400 process contract potato growers producing a little over 120,000 acres of potatoes in the Columbia Basin to fewer than 70 growers producing approximately 170,000 acres this year. While the consolidation was happening at an alarming rate, it seemed to pause – with the number of growers holding steady, and in some years, slightly increasing – as a new generation of growers started to form. This was attributed to the challenge of producing enough potatoes to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for products and our lower yielding crops in 2022 and 2023. With the return to near trendline yields in 2024 and too many acres contracted by a major processor, the need for acres in 2025 is the lowest that we have seen in a long time in relation to the number of acres growers had planned on.
I will give credit where credit is due: the company that is making the big reduction in contract volume is doing all that it can to protect the future of as many growers as possible by not growing any potatoes on its own farm this year. But following the massive cut that was implemented on the annual contract
I hate to see this happening as I know that most of the smaller growers who are facing this dilemma truly love raising potatoes and that is why they have hung on as long as they have. Unfortunately, the capitalistic forces that drive our economy do result in some very harsh realities. One of those is that the big will keep getting bigger. No matter what industry you investigate, the same dynamics result in this outcome. It is nothing personal against the small grower who may no longer be growing potatoes, nor should the larger grower who absorbed some of those acres feel guilty about taking the extra offered acres. Economic survival means that hard economic decisions must be made. If the overall industry growth had remained on the trajectory forecasted just a year ago, we would be wondering where we were going to find enough growers to meet the demand in the future. But instead, we must accept the inevitable fact that we will have fewer growers going forward.
On paper, the potato contracts for 2025 look to be very reasonably priced and should generate very respectable profit with even an average crop. Since the other rotation crops are mostly at near record low prices in relation to the cost to grow each of them, our potato contracts become even more important. While the processors keep saying they do not want the potato contracts to carry the entire farm, they must see that for the past few years when profits on potato contracts have been shrunk, it was the rotation crops that propped up the rest of the farm. There may be some years in the very near future that more will need to be added to the potato contracts in order for the entire farm to be sustainable or we will be seeing a much greater number of consolidations than we see today.
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