PotatoCountry.com • November 2023 Western focus. National impact.
Preventing Erosion
Dust in the
Wind
ADVERTISER INDEX
Agri-Stor .......................... 15 Allstar.............................. 32 Buyan Ranch ................... 25 Colorado Seed ................. 18 Droge Farm...................... 3 EPG ................................. 11 Greentronics.................... 19 Idaho Crop....................... 13 IPC................................... 5 Kimm Seed ...................... 10 Lake Seed ........................ 23 Lockwood ........................ 17 Milestone ........................ 23 Montana Seed ................. 12 Monte Vista..................... 23 Nutri-Cal.......................... 9 Potato Expo ..................... 31 PGA ................................. 3 Rovensa........................... 2 Schutter Seed .................. 17 Skone Irrigation ............... 28 Spectra ............................ 13 SpudEquip.com ............... 21 Stukenholtz ..................... 29 Teton West ...................... 3 Titan Steel ....................... 24 Verbruggen...................... 27
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DROGE FARMS Manhattan, Montana
POTATOEH
Experience the vigour of the north. With colder winters and long summer days, Alberta Seed Potatoes are the best choice for a higher yielding potato crop.
GEN 2 & 3 In All Varieties: • Alturas • Burbank • Clearwater • Teton Russet
Ideal climate, profitable results.
Glenn: 7590 Stagecoach Trail Rd. (406) 580-7588 Vernon: 7525 Stagecoach Trail Rd. (406) 539-6586 Tim: 7666 Stagecoach Trail Rd. (406) 539-7200
Check out the seed directory at
albertapotatoes.ca
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STEEL CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS NEARLY 50 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO IDAHO’S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE. PROUD TO OFFER MODERN METHODS PARTNERED WITH OLD-FASHIONED INTEGRITY FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
www.tetonwestconstruction.com 162 N Yellowstone Hwy, Rigby ID 83442 (208) 356-7979
2018-11-09 1:12 PM
TABLE OF CONTENTS Vol. 39 No. 7 PO Box 333, Roberts, Idaho 83444 Telephone: (208) 520-6461 Circulation: (503) 724-3581
PotatoCountry.com
Country Western focus. National impact.
NOVEMBER 2023
EDITOR
Denise Keller editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com
OPERATIONS MANAGER, ADVERTISING Brian Feist brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com
PUBLISHER, ADVERTISING
6 Dust in the Wind
Dave Alexander dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com
Preventing Wind Erosion
INSECT IDENTIFICATION
8 Rietveld Equipment
Andy Jensen www.nwpotatoresearch.com
Road Trip
DISEASE IDENTIFICATION
14 Innovative Sprout Control 20 Planting Essentials Buyers' Guide
24 The Value of Spuds in the Shopping Basket Potatoes USA
28 2023 Crop Potato Supply Situation Market Report
Jeff Miller jeff@millerresearch.com
MARKET REPORT
Ben Eborn napmn@napmn.com
POTATO GROWERS OF WASHINGTON Dale Lathim dale@pgw.net
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 SALES
For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, etc., call (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at: potatocountry.com/subscribe or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to: brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444. Potato Country magazine (ISSN 0886-4780), is published eight times per year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices. It is produced by: Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444 Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group.
EDITORIAL BOARD Nick (left) and John Rietveld operate Rietveld Equipment, U.S. dealers of European-built postharvest equipment. Take a road trip to their operation on page 8.
ON THE COVER
DEPARTMENTS
Tasha Paul with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service stands in a pit, dug just outside the work zone in a field. One foot of soil loss was observed in the tilled versus non-tilled areas of this field. Find tips to prevent soil erosion on page 6.
13 Calendar
4 Potato Country • November 2023
16 Insect Quiz 18 In the News
Chris Voigt
Gary Roth
Executive Director Washington State Potato Commission (509) 765-8845
Executive Director Oregon Potato Commission (503) 239-4763
22 Disease Quiz 26 New Products 30 PGW Column 30 Advertiser Index Nina Zidack
Director Montana Seed Potato Certification (406) 994-3150
Jamey Higham President/CEO Idaho Potato Commission (208) 334-2350
Jim Ehrlich
President/CEO Colorado Potato Commission (719) 852-3322
It’s more than a new relationship with the American Diabetes Association , it’s a new relationship with 1 in 2 Americans. ®
November is American Diabetes Month and the Idaho Potato Commission is proud ®
to partner with the American Diabetes Association and the Better Choices for Life ®
program. Nearly one in two American adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes, and together we hope to educate them about how Idaho Potatoes can be a safe and ®
healthy source of carbohydrates.
IdahoPotato.com
Dust in the Wind Preventing Wind Erosion Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher
I
f you’re growing anything, it all starts with healthy soil. Producers today recognize this, though soil health is a relatively new concept and hasn’t always been top of mind. In the 1930s, the infamous Dust Bowl swept soil across the Great Plains. Due to a combination of drought, turning native grasses into farmland (absence of cover vegetation), no windbreaks (trees) and a lack of irrigation, top soil literally blew away, creating massive dust clouds from the Plains to the East Coast. This summer, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hosted a soil day to help growers in Eastern Idaho better understand the benefits of good soil and curtailing wind erosion, but the lessons learned at this seminar can be applied everywhere. Nick Sirovatka, regional soil health specialist with USDA-NRCS, drove from Oregon to Eastern Idaho to talk about wind erosion and how to prevent it.
What is Wind Erosion?
There are three major forms of wind erosion. From the least problematic to the worst, they are ground creep, suspension and saltation. Ground creep happens when wind rolls fine particles on the ground. If you’re lucky, your soil won’t belong to your neighbor after ground creep. Suspension is when wind picks up fine dust particles and keeps them in the air. Saltation happens when soil particles get picked up and then come back down. When saltation occurs, fine soil particles are lifted and eventually strike the soil still on the ground. When the particles hit the soil surface, they can potentially “blow apart soil structure,” Sirovatka says. This creates even finer particles, leaving the soil even more susceptible to all three forms of wind erosion.
Preventing Wind Erosion
The simplest solution to combatting
Shawn Nield with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Boise, Idaho, tells attendees that managing irrigation water more efficiently can save a lot of money. By using technologies like soil moisture sensors, weather apps and low-elevation sprinklers, growers can cut into the average cost of $13,000 in electricity to run one pivot for one season.
6 Potato Country • November 2023
wind erosion is to cover the ground. But cover may not be practical or available. If cover is not available, leave the ground rough, with clods, when tilling to reduce wind erosion. These clods are known as aggregate, which is sand, silt and clay particles bound together in the soil. If leaving larger clods is not practical, keep in mind any aggregation will have a positive effect on wind erosion. Sirovatka says anything bigger than a kernel of wheat will help. Shawn Nield with NRCS in Boise, Idaho, agrees that wheat kernel-size aggregate is ideal, but notes, “Even small aggregation – we’re talking about millimeter-sized aggregate – accounts for a big decrease in the amount of predicted erosion.”
More Tips to Reduce Wind Erosion
• Create windbreaks around field perimeters. Leaving strips in fields
This demonstration shows how different soils hold the same amount of water, in this case 0.75 inch of simulated rain. The worked/tilled soil (second from left) could not hold as much water as the nonworked and covered examples. Residue eliminates hard, initial droplet contact and slows down rain movement, letting it soak in rather than running off.
will also create windbreaks. • Consider timing when doing tillage and before removing cover stubble. Leave stubble longer. • Aggregation is promoted in soil by adding organic matter, and it also increases soil structure. This is especially true for sandy soil. • Reducing the number of tillage passes and the soil disturbance intensity helps maintain organic matter in soil and boosts its life. • Diversify rotation crops.
Think About It
For a sandy, low-aggregate soil, it only takes a wind of 5 miles per hour to start moving soil, so reducing erosion should be top of mind for growers. Sirovatka suggests incorporating some of these ideas into day-to-day operations. Growers may not be able to jump away from what they are currently doing “cold turkey,” but should always be on the lookout for ways to combat wind and water erosion, thereby increasing soil health.
Shanna Bernal-Fields with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service shows the soil layers in this Blackfoot, Idaho, field that has transitioned from loamy-sand to sandy-loam to root-resistant duripan (hardpan) over the decades.
Nick Sirovatka with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service demonstrates wind erosion with a visual experiment. Using a leaf blower to simulate wind erosion, he created a mini Dust Bowl that perfectly demonstrated how topsoil is lost due to wind.
Rietveld Equipment Story and photos by Dave Alexander, Publisher
W
The Rietveld Farm Stand opens mid-July and runs for about three months. Future plans include a greenhouse, which will allow the family to open the stand earlier in the year and possibly expand into flowers.
hen a flight took us to the Midwest, in the vicinity of Rietveld Equipment, we took the opportunity for another road trip. A new showroom, built to display and demo the company’s post-harvest equipment, was available for touring. We were able to see brand new machines set in place, not yet wired. But visitors will soon be able to test drive this same equipment as potatoes are washed, sorted and boxed on site. Run by father and son John and Nick Rietveld, the company sells individual pieces of equipment, but can also design and build complete packing facilities. The Rietveld family has grown onion sets and sweet corn for five generations on their own or rented property about 60 miles south of Chicago. Due to an ever-decreasing retail market, Canadian competition, increasing input costs and lack of labor, the Rietvelds made the tough decision in 2023 to quit growing onion sets. They continue to grow sweet corn and sell it at their own farm stand, along with salsa and other locally grown produce. Nick said people drive from up to two hours away to buy their corn and salsa, and they sell as many as 6,000 ears of corn a day. Cutting some acreage from their farm’s day-to-day routine has opened up more time for John and Nick to spend on Rietveld Equipment. They sell, service and install top-notch machines from European manufacturers including Meconaf, Allround, Upmann, VHM, IPLA, Teneco and Intec. Follow along with these photos for a tour of this new facility in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
Washers and polishers are available in many different configurations.
8 Potato Country • November 2023
Consultation, line design and 3D drawings are available for free. A boxing machine is on display at Rietveld Equipment.
THE KEY TO C G AL N KI C C
• Best tuber quality that distinguishes
M IU
UN LO
The Calcium Solution
your product over competitors
• Reduces crop loss • Reduces Storage Bruises and Black Heart • Longer storage and shelf life • Increases tuber firmness and skin set • Highlights color, firmness and taste
C.S.I. CHEMICAL CORP.
Western States WALT GRIGG 509-952-7558 PotatoCountry.com
9
ROAD TRIP
New post-harvest machinery on display at Rietveld Equipment will be wired and processing spuds this year, giving customers an up-close look at how the equipment works.
K- Line Russet Burbank G II and III ● Clearwater G II and III● • Umatilla G II and III Line Selection Program ●• Continual Research Rigid Sanitation ●• MSU Tissue Culture Program Hawaii & Washington Seed Plot Trials ●
Bill • Jason • Alan • Mark 6140 Kimm Road • Manhattan, MT 59741 (406) 580-7592, Cell • (406) 282-7592, Office 10 Potato Country • November 2023
Rietveld Equipment sells, services and installs all of the equipment lines carried by the company.
Spare parts are in stock at Rietveld Equipment to keep customers up and running.
Our isolated northern location along with our group of 10 experienced growers have been producing exceptional seed potatoes with increased energy and the lowest possible disease levels for over 60 years. Our longevity and historical performance have made us a valued resource and seed potato supplier to growers across North America and the world. With over 100 varieties including main crop and specialty selections, we invite you to give us a call to discuss how we can help you make this growing season the best one yet.
Contact us to discuss how we can help make this year’s crop the best it can be.
Toll Free: 1 (800) 362–9791
(780) 447-1860 • darcyo@epg.ab.ca Edmonton Potato Growers 12220 – 170 Street, Edmonton, AB T5V 1L7 PotatoCountry.com
11
ROAD TRIP
Nick Rietveld demonstrates the controls on an Allround destoner.
12 Potato Country • November 2023
CALENDAR Nov. 8-9
Jan. 17-18
Holiday Inn Missoula, Mont. www.mtseedpotatoseminar.com
Pond Student Union Building and Holt Arena Pocatello, Idaho Kristy Mayer, kristym@uidaho.edu
Montana Seed Potato Seminar
Nov. 15-16
Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Conference and Trade Show Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, Wash. Sheri Nolan, (509) 585-5460 or www.pnva.org
Jan. 10-11
Potato Expo 2024 Austin Convention Center Austin, Texas www.potato-expo.com
Idaho Potato Conference and Ag Expo
Jan. 23-25
Washington-Oregon Potato Conference
Three Rivers Convention Center Kennewick, Wash. www.potatoconference.com
Feb. 26-29
NPC Washington Summit
Washington Marriott at Metro Center Washington D.C. www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
Editor’s note: To have your event listed, please email Denise Keller at editor@columbiamediagroup.com. Please send your information 90 days in advance.
AG EXPO
January 16-18, 2024 Holt Arena Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
TrAdE SHOW & IdAHO POTATO COnFErEnCE
January 17-18, 2024 ISU Pond Student Union Building Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon
For more information:
(208) 939-6426
SpectraProductions.com
PotatoCountry.com
13
Innovative Sprout Control By John Klimes, Product Quality Specialist, Agri-Stor Companies
I
recently acquired a new pickup. While the old one still works fine and has been reliable transportation for several years, it is truly amazing how new features can make the experience more enjoyable and reliable. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel in the winter make me wonder how I ever survived before. Once again, I’ve realized it can be beneficial to investigate “new” options presented in many aspects of life. You never know what you might have been missing out on. For several decades (since 1951), the industry standard for sprout suppression has been chlorpropham (CIPC). CIPC prevents cell division and blocks tubers’ ability to develop elongated sprouts. While this product continues to serve the industry well, the timing, methods of application, and application rates have all changed to some extent due to new varieties and regulations. The bottom line is - it still works and is reliable, but what other opportunities have we missed? Since 1960, in response to regulations and consumer preferences, Agri-Stor Companies has stayed ahead of the curve in providing a strong program for potato sprout control in storage. Based on the end use of the crop, the planned amount of time in storage, and the timing of the application, we have pioneered solid practices to provide great efficiencies and long-term sprout control. One of the more recent best practices
is applying earlier in the storage season. There are two main reasons to apply CIPC earlier in the storage season. First, some of the newer potato varieties have very short natural dormancy. It’s best to get the sprout-inhibiting application done before the tubers begin to sprout. Second, it is important that the application gets to all tubers evenly. This is best achieved before the tubers “settle,” which can restrict air movement to certain areas. Applying earlier can ensure the minimum volume of product usage with maximum coverage. Another best practice relates to the ventilation system. In the past, the system was placed in standby mode for up to four days after a CIPC application. This practice caused quality issues in tubers. We have seen positive results in tuber health by turning the system back on mere hours after the application. Though CIPC is still applied with heat, the temperature and duration of the application as well as the possibility of using combination treatments have all changed the method and the uniformity of the application. You may find yourself wondering how you ever survived without Amplify, DMN or SmartBlock. These are the heated seats, auto-dim headlights and rear backup camera of the sprout suppression industry. Think of some of the changes in vehicle amenities since 1951, when CIPC was first available. While I would
An Agri-Stor truck pumps a combination of CIPC and SmartBlock into a potato storage. SmartBlock is the recommended rescue treatment to eliminate elongated sprouts.
14 Potato Country • November 2023
love a ‘51 pickup for a Sunday drive, there are many improvements to vehicles that have made my daily commute more efficient. Combination products, when applied with CIPC, can have several positive impacts on the tuber life in storage. For example, Amplify is a naphthalene product that readily mixes with CIPC in the same application. This combination application allows us to reduce the amount of CIPC by as much as 50 percent with no compromise to sprout suppression. It can provide better sprout suppression for longer periods of time and can significantly reduce CIPC residue levels when brought to market. Amplify can also be applied as a stand-alone, short-term sprout suppressant. DMN is a naphthalene product that can be applied as a stand-alone dormancy enhancer or as a supplement to CIPC. DMN works from within the potato to maintain and restore dormancy. Best practice is to apply DMN as soon as the storage is full and the climate has stabilized. DMN can be applied multiple times each storage season. SmartBlock is another great product that mixes well with CIPC and Amplify or can be used as stand-alone sprout control. SmartBlock provides sprout suppression, as well as eliminates any sprout activity including elongated sprouts. It is recommended to apply this combination early in the storage season for elimination of heat sprouts. SmartBlock acts as a carrier, eliminating the white CIPC residue in the plenum and on equipment and providing better profusion through the pile. Just as I appreciate the “Premium Package” on my new pickup, the benefits of having a “Premium Package” in sprout control are huge. By applying some of the combination products we have highlighted here, along with using best practices in application processes, you can achieve long-term sprout suppression, reduced respiration, reduced application rates and even sprout elimination.
in
Storage
Solutions Sprout Inhibiting
We have stand-alone and combination product solutions to inhibit sprout growth while potatoes are in storage. Our innovative sprout control options are the results of over 60 years of quality control experience.
Sprout Elimination
SmartBlock is proven to provide elimination of sprout activity, including elongated sprouts. It can be applied alone as a rescue treatment, or in combination with CIPC and Amplify.
Southern Idaho 208.733.7000
Washington 509.349.7000
Western Idaho 208.733.7000
Colorado 719.850.3017
Eastern Idaho 208.785.7000
Alberta, CAN 403.715.6960
AGRI-STOR.COM PotatoCountry.com
15
INSECT BIOLOGY QUIZ
This material is provided courtesy of Andy Jensen, Ph.D., Manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium. For more information, visit www.nwpotatoresearch.com.
This quiz deals with a common feature of plant-feeding insects: host specificity. Many insect species can live and reproduce on only one or a few kinds of plants. Others can live on dozens, hundreds or thousands of kinds of plants. If you see an insect and are worried about it, knowing what kind of insect it is and something about its biology are important to know whether to be worried. Imagine that you, a potato grower, are snooping around your neighbor’s hop yard and you find leaves that look like Photo 1. Investigating further, you flip over the leaf and see something like Photo 2. Using your hand lens, you see something like Photo 3. Questions: 1. Why is the leaf in Photo 1 shiny, and what are those little white specks? 2. What are the insects in Photos 2 and 3? 3. Are these insects a threat to your nearby potato fields?
Answers Page 25
1
2
3
16 Potato Country • November 2023
Growing Quality Seed For 50 Years!
NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: PotatoCountry.com/ NEWSLETTER
NEVER MISS AN ISSUE: PotatoCountry.com/ SUBSCRIBE or call 503-724-3581
Left to right: Sid, John, Jonathan, Carl, Nick and Cliff.
LINE Selected:
Russet Burbank, Umatilla, Clearwater, Mountain Gem
Derived from Meristem Culture Very Uniform and High Producers Rigid Sanitation Program in Field and Storage Long Rotations on Isolated Fields Modern Air and Humidity Control in All Storages All available Seed Generation II & Generation III A beautiful, smooth crop
SCHUTTER SEED FARM 25 Wytana Rd., Manhattan, MT 59741 Sid: (406) 539-6478 John: (406) 580-6446 Nick: (406) 539-6125 Cliff: (406) 580-6818
PotatoCountry.com
17
IN THE NEWS
Northwest Potato Research Consortium Names New Manager
Raina Spence has been hired as the new manager of the Northwest Potato Research Consortium (NPRC). Spence is training alongside current NPRC manager Andy Jensen as he prepares to retire. Spence brings decades of experience to her new role, having first served the potato industry as a graduate student studying potato late blight in the early 2000s. Her career has included work in areas ranging from university extension to international diplomacy. She most recently spent time in the fresh produce food safety sector, where she was a producer advocate and held leadership roles within the International Fresh Produce Association’s Food Safety Council Steering Committee.
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
18 Potato Country • November 2023
WSU Student Wins Potato LEAF Scholarship
The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has selected Jacob Meeuwsen, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University (WSU), as the recipient of the organization’s 2023-24 academic scholarship. The $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one graduate student with a strong interest in research that can directly benefit the U.S. potato industry. Meeuwsen is focused on intelligent potato water-use efficiency, land-use management practices, and reducing water loss via evaporation and runoff. He is currently working to optimize predictive evapotranspiration (ET) and suggested irrigation amounts as they relate to changes in plant spatial arrangement and population, and to utilize both to mitigate heat and water stress. He is also testing a novel irrigation method to maximize water use efficiency in potatoes.
Seed Growers: Zapata Seed Company Worley Family Farms SLV Research Center San Acacio Seed Salazar Farms Rockey Farms, LLC Pro Seed Price Farms Certified Seed, LLC Palmgren Farms, LLC Martinez Farms La Rue Farms H&H Farms G&G Farms Bothell Seed Allied Potato Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association P. O. Box 267 Monte Vista, CO 81144 ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com Lyla@ColoradoCertifiedPotatoGrowers.com (719) 274-5996
Lorem ipsum
WPC Welcomes Potatoes USA CEO to Board
Potatoes USA CEO Blair Richardson has joined the World Potato Congress (WPC) as the newest director on the board after serving as an international advisor to the WPC over the past year. In addition to his role as president and CEO of Potatoes USA, Richardson serves on several other industry boards including the Alliance for Potato Research and Education, the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation, and the Alliance for Food and Farming. According to the WPC, Richardson will bring a depth of knowledge and a global perspective that will add significant value to the organization.
New OSU Entomologist Makes Return to HAREC
Josephine Antwi has joined Oregon State University (OSU) as the new irrigated crop entomology extension specialist at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC). She is familiar with the region and its pests after working as a postdoctoral research scholar at HAREC from 2015 to 2017. In her new role, Antwi will lead the development, implementation and evaluation of extension and research programs in arthropod pest management to support sustainable irrigated farming systems. She will work with stakeholders, local industry and county extension agents to develop an applied research program and deliver research-based solutions. Antwi earned a Ph.D. in entomology at Texas A&M University and previously worked as an assistant professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Listen on:
ThePotatoPodcast.com
PotatoCountry.com
19
PLANTING ESSENTIALS BUYERS' GUIDE All Star Manufacturing & Design LLC www.allstarmfgllc.com
Better Built Potato Seed Cutter
All Star Manufacturing and Design offers potato seed cutters designed to cut both long and round potato varieties. The company is always striving to make improvements in its equipment and has a new optional electronic control system for 2023 that allows users to save settings that can be recalled later for even quicker setup. This feature will be particularly useful when cutting different varieties and sizes in a season.
Greentronics
www.greentronics.com Conveyor Scale
Potato seed treating involves setting a chemical application rate. It’s set for an estimated average flow rate of seed potatoes through the treater. In practice, potato flow rate will vary, leaving potential for poorly treated seed to reach the field. To avoid this, some operators will err on the side of caution and set the rate a little higher than necessary. While this reduces risks in the field, it also leads to waste and higher costs. To solve this problem, growers can install a scale from Greentronics in the conveyor ahead of the treater. The scale can be equipped to output a signal proportional to the flow rate over the scale. This output becomes the input for the chemical application pump. With this connected, the pump will apply chemical according to the flow rate measured by the scale. This offers greater uniformity in chemical application and reduced waste and cost.
Lockwood Manufacturing
www.lockwoodmfg.com/lockwood-potatoequipment/planters/aircupsseriesplanters 2023 Lockwood Air Cup Planters
Productivity means more than being fast; it means being accurate. Lockwood’s Air Cup SD-Series Planters are fast, reliable and deliver seed spacing like you’ve touched every seed piece by hand. Lockwood’s Air Cup planters are the most forgiving planter when using cut seed, plus they have individual row shutoff capabilities. Now with optional seed monitor attachments, dry fertilizer and SureFire Accelerator Spray Kits, operators are guaranteed planting success with Lockwood’s Air Cup SD-Series Planters. Three models and multiple configurations mean growers are sure to find a planter perfect for their operation.
20 Potato Country • November 2023
Mayo Manufacturing www.mayomfg.com
Mayo Telescoping Loader
Mayo Manufacturing provides a variety of equipment for planting and seed preparation such as field loaders and portable elevating conveyors. The Mayo Telescoping Loader quickly fills planters and also has a variety of other uses such as transloading, short-term piling and truck loading. Seed preparation equipment includes sorting, sizing and storage equipment including design and layout for growers and processors.
Milestone
www.milestone-equipment.com Potato Seed Cutters
Milestone potato seed cutters are designed and built to be the ultimate example of capacity, technology and raw performance. Designed and proven to produce a uniform and blocky seed piece, new Milestone seed cutters incorporate several improvements and enhancements over older generations, such as smart coulter/sizer adjust, fullwidth one drop belt, quick adjust trim section and reinforced cutting table support. All Milestone potato seed cutters are backed by knowledgeable and responsive support that customers can rely on when they need it the most.
PLANTERS
2020 Checchi Magli 4 row used, but like new 1997 Double L 854 36” 4 row semi mount 2005 Lockwood 6 row pick planter 6 row 36” 2002 Kverneland 3300 Cup 6-row, 36” Pull type, Hyd. drive 2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6 row pull Type 2008 Spudnik 8080 Pull type cup, 8 row, 36” 2008 Spudnik 8060 mech drive, 6 row, 36” 2007 Spudnik 8060 hyd. Drive, 36”
SEED CUTTERS
Better Built model 448 220 V 1 ph 48” 2017 Milestone 6020 60” 3ph 1994 Milestone model 60” 230 volt 3ph
TREATERS
2016 Excel 10” liquid and dry treater 230 V 3ph 1991 Better Built CDT10- 8” Cannon Duster 1994 Better Built CDT10- 8” Cannon Duster 2005 Milestone MSLT42” Liquid Treater
WATER DAMMERS/ POWER HILLER
2018 Ag Engineering Dammer diker 6 row 36” 2019 Ag Vantage 8 row 36” 2014 Logan 8 row Yield Pro 36” folding wings Water Dammer 2000 Struik 4ZF90 Inter Row Power Hiller 4 row 36”
PILERS
1996 Double L 831 36” x 49’ Belt Chain, remote 3ph 1993 Double L 811 30” x 49’ All belt 3ph 1992 Double L 831 36” x 49’ All belt 3ph 1990 Double L 813 30” x 49’ Belt chain 3ph 1998 Milestone 36”x 48’ 3ph 1996 Spudnik 550 36” x 48’ Belt chain, remote 3ph 1987 Spudnik 550 30” x 48’ Belt Chain, remote, 3ph 1987 Spudnik 550 40” x 48’ all belt, 3ph 1984 Spudnik 500 30”/30” x 45’ 220 V 1ph
SCOOPERS
1990 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph 1982 Spudnik 100 24” 3ph
TRUCKS
1995 Ford LTL9000 CAT- 3176, 13 spd, Chalmers susp., 318,000 miles, 1995 Spudnik 2100 22’ bed Combo, New Paint ID 1982 IH 2500 Cummins NTC300, Auto Trans., Hendrickson Susp, 325,000 ID 2004 Kenworth W900 M11 Cum 350hp 15speed Tran. Spudnik 26’ bed IN 1999 Mack 690S 300 Mack motor, 10spd, spring suspension: DL 20’ bed 1990 Mack 690S EM250L Mack motor, 10spd, spring suspension: DL20’ bed 1998 Volvo 13spd cummins 400hp Tri Drive, Spudnik 22’ Bed
BULK BEDS/BOXES/ SELF UNLOADING
1994 Double L model 801 20’ Elec. 1982 Double L model 801 20’ Elec. 1985 Logan 20B Electric 20’ 1980 Logan 20B Electric 20’ 1992 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric 1990 Spudnik 2100 20’ Electric 1990 Spudnik 2100 26’ Electric 1986 Spudik 2000 20’ electric
CROSSOVERS/WINDROWERS 2015 Double L 6560 36” bed 6 row 2017 Double L 6540 36” bed 4 row 2009 Double L 951 34” bed 4row 1996 Double L 851 36” bed 4 row 2017 Lockwood 554 36” bed 4 row LH 2021 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row RH 2010 Spudnik 6160 36 “ bed 6 row 2007 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row RH 2005 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row 2004 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row RH 2004 Spudnik 6140 36” bed 4 row LH
PREMIUM USED EQUIPMENT QUICK & RELIABLE PURCHASE
HARVESTERS
2017 Allan 3 row Electric with VFD controls 2020 Double L 973 36” bed 4 row 2018 Double L 7340 36” bed 4 row 2014 Lockwood 674 36” bed 4 row 2012 Lockwood 474H 4 row 2009 Spudnik 6400 4 row 2008 Spudnik 6200 2 row multi sep 2001 Spudnik 5625 36” bed 2 row
STINGERS
2015 Double L 832 36” BC with fingers 2007 Double L 833 30” Belt Chain only 2013 Logan STGT 36” Telescopic 230 V 3ph 2005 Spudnik 2200 36” x 10’ all belt x 2
CONVEYORS TELESCOPIC New in stock: 2023 Logan 42” x 100’ 230 V 3ph 2016 Double L 836 36” x 60’ 3ph 2001 Spudnik 1255 30/36”x 85’ 3ph 1996 STI 30” x 70’ 3ph Tel. Conv.
CONVEYORS STRAIGHT
Double L model 877 36” x 40’ 3ph x 4 Double L Model 808 30” x 25’ 1ph Spudnik Model 1205 30” x 25’ 230 Volt 3ph Spudnik Model 1205 30” x 40’ 3ph x 5
SIZER ONLY
2021 Spudnik 925 84” 3phase 1998 Spudnik 925 72” 1ph 1996 Spudnik 925 72” 3phase
DIRT ELIMINATOR WITH SIZER
1997 Double L 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer 2010 Milestone 60” sizing table only w/acorns quick adjust arms 1994 Milestone 72” Dirt Elim. Sizer, 2 – 24” x 12’ stingers 2011 Spudnik 96” 990 BC Elev. Reverse roll table, sizing table, split picking, cross out conv. 2004 Spudnik 995 DES 72” Q A dirt & Size roll tables, split picking 230 volt 3ph. 2002 Spudnik 72” DE belt elev
DIRT ELIMINATOR ONLY
2000 Double L Model 878 80” BC hopper, fingers, BC picking table 3ph. 1997 Double L 807 Dirt Elim. 62” Belt Chain feed, Urethane finger rollers, belt table, 3ph 2017 Milestone 96” 480 3phase 2006 Spudnik 925 72” 3phase 2006 Spudnik 995 72”Finger rollers, ellis table, Belt Chain table 230 Volt 3phase 1990 Spudnik 950 72” 230 volt 3phase
ROCK/CLOD/AIR ELIMINATORS
2013 Harriston 4240 Clod Hopper 3ph 2013 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph 2011 Harriston 3240 Clod Hopper 3ph 2001 Harriston 200 Clod Hopper 1ph
EVEN FLOWS/ SURGE HOPPER
2021 Logan Surge Pro Hoppers 60” 230 V 3ph 2004 Spudnik 1800 600cwt 3ph
DIRT TARE PILER
1985 Spudnik model 1100 Tube loader 20’ Lockwood 18” x 24’ 1ph
MISC.
Ace Roll over Hyd. Reset Plow 5 bottom 2020 Logan Barrel Washer for little potatoes Belly Dump Unloader Attachment for Scooper Evenflows: 1200 cwt, 900 cwt, 400 cwt Greentronics Scale Kerian 72” sizer
NOT COMPLETE LIST CALL OR CHECK
SPUDEQUIP.COM
BRUCE: (208)390-5120 | BRUCEN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • EVAN: (208)757-8481 | EVANN@TRISTEELMFG.COM • MAX: (701)740-7574 | MAXW@TRISTEELMFG.COM
PotatoCountry.com
21
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
Photo A shows a potato stem that was pulled about 80 days after planting. A dark-brown to black lesion is present just below the soil line. What do you think is causing this problem? You find another plant that has a lesion with a similar color, but it extends down the entire stem, and you can see small, black dots on the stem (Photo B). In both cases, the outer stem tissue is easily peeled off. Are the symptoms shown in Photos A and B the same problem? You then find some lesions that are a lighter brown color (Photo C). These are in the same location as the lesion in Photo A, but the outer stem tissue does not easily peel off. The lesions appear to penetrate deeper into the stem than what you saw in Photos A and B. Is this different than what you saw in Photos A and B? You then find another stem that has the dark-brown and light-brown symptoms side by side (Photos D). What are you seeing on these stems? What can you do in the future to prevent these symptoms?
A
B
C
D
Answers Page 27 22 Potato Country • November 2023
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23
POTATOES USA
The Value of Spuds in the Shopping Basket By Kayla Vogel, Senior Global Marketing Manager, Consumer and Retail Programs, Potatoes USA
S
hopping baskets containing potatoes were nearly twice as valuable to grocery stores as those without potatoes in the year from July 2022 through June 2023, according to Product Purchase Trend and Product Affinity data from Circana. Baskets with potatoes averaged a cost of $97, while those without potatoes averaged $49. Potatoes were most frequently purchased alongside pantry staples such as milk, bread and eggs, making regular trips to the store more valuable. Knowing how potatoes impact the overall basket size and what drives consumers to buy more can help maximize future sales.
Consumers Across Demographics Enjoy America’s Favorite Vegetable
Grocery retailers sell more potatoes by volume than any other vegetable, underscoring their leadership position in the produce section. Eighty-five percent of households buy fresh
24 Potato Country • November 2023
potatoes annually in grocery stores, a figure that has remained fairly consistent over the past three years the study has been conducted. This consistency demonstrates the reliability of strong potato sales. Households that purchase potatoes at above-average rates: • Households raising children ages 12-17 • Men • Established workers (age 45+) who don’t have children Households that purchase potatoes at below-average rates: • Younger consumers (born 1990 and after) • Asian households Other facts about potato buyers include: • Nine in 10 potato buyers purchase them at least twice a year. • Potato buyers have spent $5 more on potatoes in the past year than they did in the prior year and are buying them slightly more often.
• Potato buyers are geographically diverse, living in urban and rural communities. • People of all income levels purchase potatoes, but those making under $15,000 a year are the lightest buyers.
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Home is Where the Spud is
Understanding how consumers use potatoes starts at home. That’s where they’re eating them nearly three-quarters of the time, according to Potatoes USA’s 2023 Annual Consumer Attitudes and Usage Study. About seven in 10 people are enjoying fresh spuds, and more than half are digging in at dinnertime. Their plates at home are most likely to be filled with mashed, baked or roasted potatoes. When asked why they choose potatoes, most point to the fact they can be eaten in a variety of ways, they are filling and they are versatile.
Inspire with Recipes, Build Confidence with Nutrition Info
When it comes to encouraging consumers to buy more potatoes, recipe and meal ideas are a key motivator, with almost one in five saying they would eat more potatoes if they had recipe inspiration prior to going shopping. Getting nutritional information is another significant motivator. While nearly two-thirds of consumers say they see potatoes as a good fuel source for the body and brain, there’s room to grow. Showcasing the nutrients in America’s favorite vegetable can help shoppers feel even more confident purchasing potatoes. For example, a 5.3 oz, skin-on potato contains: • The highest potassium among the top 20 most eaten vegetables (620 mg) • Nearly one-third of the vitamin C we need each day (27 mg) • 3 grams of plant-based protein Potatoes are a vegetable offering consistent sales year-round, and they’re a staple food for consumers across demographic categories. Knowing how shoppers are using potatoes, as well as tools to motivate them, can help drive sales even more.
FREE INDUSTRY NEWS TO YOUR INBOX
PotatoCountry.com/ NEWSLETTER
Umatilla (G2 & G3) Clearwater Russet (G2 & G3) Isolated Area • Strict Roguing & Sanitation Hawaii Seed Plot Tested • Virus Tested 242 Bivens Creek Road • Sheridan, MT 59749 Bill: 406-596-5142 • Marcus: 406-596-7353 KNOW YOUR INSECTS ANSWERS (FROM PAGE 16)
1. The leaf is shiny and sticky because it is covered in honeydew (poop) from some kind of sap-sucking insect. The white specks are cast skins of those insects stuck on the sticky honeydew. 2. These are aphids, specifically the hop aphid Phorodon humuli. 3. As so often is the case in biology, the answer is “it depends.” If you are worried about these aphids colonizing your potato fields, reproducing and causing yield loss, then the answer is a definite “No.” Hop aphid cannot live and reproduce on potato. If you are, however, a seed potato grower worried about Potato virus Y (PVY) in your crops, then the answer is a qualified “Yes.” Like many species of aphids, hop aphid may be able to transmit PVY within a potato field as winged females migrate from their hops home to their next hops home, or to their overwintering home, plums. PVY can be transmitted by many aphid species, including hop aphid, that do not colonize and reproduce on potato. The host specificity of hop aphid contrasts with the main pest aphid of potato, green peach aphid, which can feed on hundreds of plant species including many crops and other plants common in our potato producing areas. It is important, therefore, to know what species of aphids you are seeing on crops, weeds and native plants surrounding your potato fields. PotatoCountry.com
25
NEW PRODUCTS
Tong Engineers Narrower Field-Loading Machine
Tong Engineering has come out with a new, more compact version of its field-loading machine. Suitable for use on a wide range of root crops including potatoes, onions and carrots, the new FieldLoad Pro features all the same options as the flagship machine but in a narrower format. The machine includes a heavy-duty reception hopper feeding a choice of crop cleaning units including Tong’s EasyClean separator. The new FieldLoad Pro model features the standard four-man inspection cabin and a 51-inch-wide fully foldable cart elevator. Like the larger model, the new compact model can be equipped with the latest optical sorting equipment as an alternative to the standard inspection cabin. Visit https://us.tongengineering.com.
Irrigation Controller Placement Improves Pivot Performance
The new Edge Controller from T-L Irrigation Co. enables irrigators to monitor and control pivot operations remotely. With no physical control panel needed at the pivot point, the controller itself is strategically installed on the end tower, increasing accuracy and reliability of pivot function, according to the company. This move also puts the pivot water pressure sensor at the end tower, ensuring the entire system is reaching the necessary water pressure for consistent, uniform application. The Edge Controller is available for new systems and can be retrofitted to existing systems. Visit www.tlirr.com.
26 Potato Country • November 2023
Companies Partner to Provide Mobile Drip Irrigation
Rivulis and Dragon-Line have formed an exclusive distribution agreement in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. With this partnership, Dragon-Line is launching a new Dragon-Line Mobile Drip Irrigation System based on a newly developed Rivulis drip line product for this application. The system enables the transition of center pivots from sprinkler systems to mobile drip irrigation. This saves water, energy and labor while also improving soil and plant health, according to the companies. Visit www.dragonline.net.
Key Technology Introduces New Optical Sorter Key Technology has rolled out its new Compass optical sorter suitable for processing lines handling food products including potato products. Powered by next-generation inspection technology and a new sort engine, the machine is designed to accurately separate foreign material from the line, in addition to sorting the specific product defects each processor wants to manage. Compass is offered in a configurable range of system types and sizes to meet individual customer requirements. Key is first introducing chute-fed Compass models, to be followed by belt-fed variants of the sorter. Visit www.key.net.
KNOW YOUR DISEASE ANSWERS (FROM PAGE 22)
The symptoms shown in Photos A and B are caused by the fungus Colletotrichum coccodes, the cause of black dot of potato. Black dot lesions on belowground stems show up in the Pacific Northwest beginning in late June or early July. The lesions caused by this fungus can grow down the entire length of the stem, causing the outer stem tissue to slough off. As the lesion ages, small, black dots form in the outer stem tissue. These “dots” are the survival structures (sclerotia) of the fungus. Photo C shows symptoms caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, the cause of Rhizoctonia canker. Rhizoctonia lesions do not cause the outer stem tissue to peel off like what happens with black dot. Rhizoctonia lesions appear like something has eaten away at the outer tissue, leaving stripes in the middle of the lesion. Photo D shows both types of lesions together with Rhizoctonia on the left and black dot on the right. Seed treatments and in-furrow fungicides are effective ways to minimize Rhizoctonia. However, current research shows that these applications do not help with black dot. Currently, the most effective method for reducing black dot lesions in the growing season is to apply a strobilurin fungicide at 45-60 days after planting.
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27
MARKET REPORT
2023 Crop Potato Supply
A
t 431.8 million cwt, U.S. potato production, in the reporting states, is expected to exceed the 2022 crop by 33.1 million cwt. (That is according to North American Potato Market News’ (NAPMN) estimate as of press time). A large portion of the 8.3 percent increase was intended for the frozen processing industry, but the expansion has already impacted the table potato and dehydrated product sectors. Table 1 outlines our current usage projections for the 2023 crop, along with a three-year history of usage, as reported by USDA. Please note that relative demand between the industry sectors and market forces could alter the distribution of the 2023 potato crop, relative to our current outlook. In this article, we lay out our projections for the various industry sectors in greater detail.
Table Potatoes
Program states shipped 80.3 million cwt of table potatoes from the 2022 crop. That is 437,000 cwt less than they shipped a year earlier. Current shipments are on course to exceed 2022-crop movement. We believe that supply conditions and market forces will allow for a 6.7 million cwt increase in cropyear shipments, to 87 million cwt, an 8.3 percent increase. In addition, the product mix could be different. Early-season red potato shipments are down 1.3 percent. Growers in most regions continue to shift
acreage from red to yellow potatoes. Red potato shipments from the storage states could be relatively flat this year. Yellow potato shipments are running 15.6 percent ahead of last year’s pace and are likely to exceed the 2022-23 pace throughout the storage season. The russet potato supply situation is complicated by its intersection with the processing industry. In contrast to the past two years, russet potato supplies are plentiful, given Idaho’s 35,000-acre planted area expansion and strong yields. Early russet shipments have been running 1.8 percent ahead of the 2022 pace. However, shipments are starting to pick up. Packers shipped 1.36 million cwt of russet table potatoes during the week ending Sept. 23. That is 157,000 cwt more than year-earlier shipments, a 13 percent increase. Russet movement will likely remain strong throughout the storage season. Our table potato shipping forecast depends on retailers’ willingness to reduce prices and move substantially more volume than they have during the past two years.
Frozen Processing
NAPMN expects fryers to use 179 million cwt of potatoes from the 2023 crop. That is 10.1 million cwt more than last year’s reported usage, a 6 percent increase. It exceeds 2021 usage by 8.25 million cwt, or 4.8 percent. The increase is due to strong domestic and export demand for French fries and other frozen products. North American fryers shipped 2.1 percent less frozen potato products to offshore markets during the year ending June 30 than they did a year earlier. Global French fry exports grew by an average of 4.8 percent during the past 10 years. Raw-product supplies should be plentiful this year, especially in the Pacific Northwest. North American fryers may be able to re-capture some of their lost market share during the 2023-24 processing season. Fryers have expanded their processing capacity during the past several years. However, market constraints and labor challenges may hold processing use for the 2023 potato crop below our estimate.
Table 1 US POTATO DISPOSITION - PROGRAM STATES (MILLION CWT) -------------------Year Produced-----------------2020
2021
2022
2023*
Change
420
409.8
398.7
431.8
8.3%
AMS Reported
88.5
80.7
80.3
87
8.3%
Other
12.7
13.7
11.3
14
24.2%
Subtotal
101.2
94.4
91.6
101
10.3%
Frozen
166.6
170.8
168.9
179
6%
Dehydration
43.7
40.4
37.7
45
19.5%
Other
12.2
11.8
13.2
13
-1.3%
Subtotal
222.6
223
219.7
237
7.9%
Other Processing†
47.7
45.1
42.8
45
5.3%
Seed Sales
19.4
19.1
18.3
18
-1.7%
Ttl Commercial
390.8
381.6
372.3
401
7.7%
Other
29.2
28.2
26.4
30.8
16.6%
Shringage
23.5
23.4
21.9
24.8
13.0%
Feed, Farm, etc.
5.7
4.8
4.5
6
34.5%
Production Fresh Sales
8 State Processing
Of Which:
Sources: Data from USDA - NASS and AMS Extrapolated by NAPMN *NAPMN Projections †Includes chip potatoes and other processing outside of the 8 states
28 Potato Country • November 2023
Situation
By Ben Eborn, Publisher, North American Potato Market News
Dehydration
We expect dehydrators in the eight reporting states to use 45 million cwt of potatoes from the 2023 crop. That is 7.3 million cwt more than they used from the 2022 crop, a 19.5 percent increase. It exceeds 2020-crop usage by 1.27 million cwt, or 2.9 percent. Demand for dehydrated products appears to be strong. U.S. potato flake exports during the April-June quarter jumped 66.8 percent above year-earlier sales to 51.56 million pounds. Most of the U.S. dehy processing capacity is in Idaho. Rawproduct supplies should be plentiful to keep dehydrators running at capacity.
Other Eight States Processing Use This is the difference between total processing use reported for the eight states and usage reported for dehydration and frozen products. It may include usage at chip plants in the reporting states, as well as other miscellaneous uses. At 13 million cwt, use in this category would fall 1.3 percent. Usage has been relatively stable at 12-13 million cwt each year.
KEY POINTS • Processors and table potato packers should have more than enough potatoes from the 2023 potato crop. • NAPMN expects 2023 crop table potato shipments from the program states to exceed year-earlier movement by 6.7 million cwt. • Fryers could use 179 million cwt of raw product, 10.1 million cwt more than they used from the 2022 crop.
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.
Other Processing Use
This is the difference between total processing use reported for the program states and usage reported for the eight processing states. This is where most of the program states’ chip potato usage would show up. At 45 million cwt, we are projecting a 7.3 million cwt increase in 2023 crop processing use outside of the eight reporting states. Despite the 5.3 percent increase, projected usage in this category falls below 2020 and 2021 levels. Chip potato use could exceed our estimate if storage supplies are sufficient to offset the need for early new-crop potatoes.
Seed Potatoes
Excess supplies of table and processing potatoes will reduce prices. That should encourage acreage reductions in 2024. At 18 million cwt, NAPMN expects seed movement from the program states to decline by 1.7 percent relative to the 2022 crop.
Agricultural Consulting & Testing • Soil Testing • Irrigation Scheduling • Feed Analysis • Contract Research • Tissue Testing • Pest Management
• Field Research • Grid Sampling • Variable Rate Fertilization • International Testing • Agronomic and CCA Seminars • Nematode Testing
Contact: Paul Stukenholtz, Consulting Agronomist
Crop Consultants: JP Kruckeberg • Bart Kunz • Cameron Brower Antone Christensen • Wess Gibson • Cody McCoy • Kevin Victor
www.stukenholtz.com 208-734-3050 • 800-759-3050
PO Box 353 • 2924 Addison Ave E. • Twin Falls, ID 83301 PotatoCountry.com
29
IN THE NEWS POTATO GROWERS OF WASHINGTON
Failure to Prevent a Surplus… Now What? By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington
O
ld axioms last over time because there is a whole lot of simple truth in each one. This applies to those in the potato industry, as well, and we have had two very stark examples this year. Both are somewhat related, and either should have warned growers and processors of what to expect. The first axiom is “seed will never be a limiting factor on planted acreage.” The thought behind this has always been that seed spacing can be increased to allow lesser amounts of seed to plant greater acreages. Also, tubers that have not been
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sprout nipped in storage can be used in some instances, which again, will allow more acres to be planted. And finally, seed can be cut into smaller pieces, which will not always result in the best stands but will nonetheless allow limited seed to be planted on more acres. So, last winter when we heard repeatedly that there is no way growers can overplant for the 2023 crop year, we all should have taken note and said “hold on, let’s rethink this before too many acres are planted.” I will admit that I bought into this sentiment as it rolled through the potato community, and I stated publicly a few times that this may be the exception to that rule. But, oh, how wrong I was. Not only did the shortfall in seed, which we were told was a minimum of a million-cwt shortfall, turn into no shortfall at all, but we blew right by the 2022 planted acreage in the Pacific Northwest by more than 52,000 acres. Granted, 40,000 of those acres are in Idaho, but nonetheless all growing areas in the region contributed to the problem to some degree. Growers had dollar signs in their eyes as they saw the high prices being paid for open potatoes last winter and all wished they had a few opens to sell. Well, now they do, but the price will be only a small fraction of what it was last winter. Processors were not immune from this phenomenon, either. Even late in the planting season, some were looking for more acres to put under contract to be sure they had enough potatoes come harvest time – in some cases, even paying a premium to get potatoes signed up on the contract. The second axiom that should now be considered rock solid and not just an old wives’ tale is “never plant open potatoes when others are saying it is a good idea to have them.” I can kind of understand this one if you bought into the first axiom of seed being short and thus, acres being short, as well. But even though they go hand in hand, if your neighbor is planting open potatoes, it is very likely that others are doing the same. So I suggest we all adopt a new saying, and that is “do the opposite of what the masses say is a good thing to do in the coming year.”
Now that we have covered why we are in this situation, the question becomes what are we going to do about it? Although it appears that yields will come in a little under average, they are still high enough with the extra acres to create a huge surplus of potatoes that will have a hard time finding a market at profitable levels. This will also weigh heavily on contract pricing for next year as well as the number of acres processors will need, as there should be plenty of storage potatoes to carry over into next summer. With the very real likelihood of contract reductions at a couple of processing companies and very little hope of contract prices covering the added inflation growers will experience next year, my suggestion is that growers immediately start planning on 20-25 percent reductions in your planted acres. Only put potatoes on your best ground and do not plan on any type of rebound in the open or fresh markets. Processors will have plenty of potatoes, considering the carryover already mentioned, and therefore, any off-quality potatoes will be more likely subject to rejection or serious price reductions. Thus, by putting potatoes only on your best land, you can hope to avoid any of the issues that sometimes creep up when you use marginal ground. Along this line of thinking, annual contract growers, in particular, must seriously plan on the reduction. For those processors who may be reducing contract volume, it is doubtful that much, if any, of the reductions will be with their special arrangement contract growers. Thus, the burden will be pushed to their annual contract growers. If you get an opportunity to sign a contract with any processor, I would seriously consider taking the offer rather than waiting on others to develop. While we have endured three challenging crop years with COVID, a heat dome and high inflation, 2023 will push its challenges into 2024. Be prepared and keep informed of the latest developments that happen over the winter. We are always here to help you if you need an update in between our meetings or general member updates.
JANUARY 10-11, 2024
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