PotatoCountry.com • September/October 2020 Western focus. National impact.
Giving Back
Into the Mudroom
For the Advertiser Index click here
North American Growers Cut Potato Acreage OSU Takes Field Day Online
w w w . Po t a t o Co u n t r y . c o m
Vol. 36 No. 6
PO Box 333 Roberts, Idaho 83444 Phone: (208) 520-6461
Country Western focus. National impact.
Table of Contents
September/October 2020
Contacts Dave Alexander ...........................dave@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Publisher, Advertising
Denise Keller ..............................editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Editor
Andy Jensen.......................................... www.nwpotatoresearch.com Insect Identification
Jeff Miller .....................................................jeff@millerresearch.com Disease Identification
Bruce Huffaker ................................................. napmn@napmn.com
6 OSU Takes Field Day Online
Market Report
Dale Lathim ............................................................... dale@pgw.net
OSU Potato Field Day 2020
Potato Growers of Washington
10 Spudnik Gives Back
Brian Feist ...................................brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com Operations Manager, Advertising
Spudnik Bingham Ag Days
15 Foodservice Innovation With Potatoes in Turbulent Times Potatoes USA
16 Ag World Golf Classic Shoots for $100,000 18 Storage Essentials Buyers' Guide
EDITORIAL INFORMATION Potato Country is interested in newsworthy material related to potato production and marketing. Contributions from all segments of the industry are welcome. Submit news releases, new product submissions, stories and photos via email to: editor@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com. ADVERTISING For information about advertising rates, mechanics, deadlines, copy submission, mailing, contract conditions and other information, call Dave Alexander at (208) 520-6461 or email dave@PotatoCountry.com. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION U.S. $24 per year / Canada $40 per year / Foreign $80 per year Subscriptions can be entered online at www.potatocountry.com or call (503) 724-3581. Email address changes/corrections to brian@ColumbiaMediaGroup.com or send to Potato Country, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444. Potato Country magazine (ISSN 0886-4780), is published eight times per year and mailed under a standard rate mailing permit at Idaho Falls, Idaho and at additional mailing offices.
21 When Farm Tours Go Virtual
It is produced by Columbia Media Group, PO Box 333, Roberts, ID 83444
National Potato Council
Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Columbia Media Group. For information on reprints call (208) 520-6461.
26 Into the Mudroom
Editorial Board
University of Idaho Snake River Weed Management Tour
28 North American Growers Cut Potato Acreage Market Report
Gary Roth
Chris Voigt
Executive Director
Executive Director
Washington State Potato Commission
Oregon Potato Commission
(509) 765-8845
(503) 239-4763
Ag World managed to hold its annual Golf Classic despite hurdles brought on by COVID-19. See the story on page 16.
On The Cover A beautiful restoration from Wada Farms gets prime placement at Bingham Ag Days in June. See the story on page 10.
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Potato Country
Departments 22 22 30 31
Calendar In the News PGW Column New Products
September / October 2020
Nina Zidack
Frank Muir
Jim Ehrlich
Montana Seed Potato Certification
Idaho Potato Commission
Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
Director
(406) 994-3150
President/CEO
(208) 334-2350
President/CEO
(719) 852-3322
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MADE IN THE USA
OSU Takes Field Day Online Story by Denise Keller, Editor
A
mid ongoing restrictions related to COVID-19, Oregon State University (OSU) was unable to host its annual potato field day this June. Still wanting to share their research with growers, researchers held a virtual event instead. Delivering some of the presentations that would have been shared in the field, researchers highlighted new varieties and reported on trials related to plant diseases and nutrition.
New Varieties
OSU’s Sagar Sathuvalli began by spotlighting new russet varieties from the Tri-State Potato Research and Breeding Program, reporting that the program is breeding for resistance to soil-borne pathogens such as Verticillium and Columbia root-knot nematode. The newest release is Galena Russet, a processing variety with very attractive tubers, low external defects, cold sweetening resistance, high early and full-season yields, good specific gravity, high protein content, and uniform fry color and processing quality. Released in early 2020, Galena Russet’s weakness is its tendency to develop internal brown syndrome, as noted in some trials. The variety is also susceptible to early dying and late blight and moderately susceptible to Potato virus Y (PVY). To be released soon is Rainier Russet, a typy variety with fresh market potential and long-term storage capabilities, making it amenable for organic production. With average tuber size more than 10 ounces, it has a high fresh pack-out and is suitable for single
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Potato Country
tuber wrapping. It is tolerant to Fusarium dry rot and common scab. In addition, Rainier Russet earned the top spot for best tasting potato in the russet category by the Oregon Potato Commission for two years. On the downside, shattering is an issue due to high specific gravity, as is susceptibility to Verticillium wilt. Sathuvalli also reminded growers about a few varieties released in 2019, starting with La Belle Russet. The dualpurpose variety produces attractive tubers with few external defects and was a fresh market standout in early trials. Yields are slightly lower than Ranger Russet but higher than Russet Norkotah. The early to medium maturing variety is highly susceptible to PVY. 2019 also brought the release of two specialty varieties. Deliciae is an attractive fingerling with gold-yellow flesh and moderate yield. It rated very high in a taste panel, but is susceptible to most potato diseases. Purple Iris is an attractive baby potato with purple skin and purple flesh, late maturity and moderate yield. It is highly tolerant to Verticillium wilt; however, sticky stolen is an issue.
Plant Pathology
OSU plant pathologist Ken Frost filled in attendees on what researchers are learning about potato soft rot in the Columbia Basin. OSU researchers collected diseased plants, screened them for soft rot bacteria and studied the diversity. They found that Pectobacterium species were the primary cause of bacterial soft rot, with P. carotovorum
September / October 2020
Galena Russet
and P. atrosepticum representing more than 80 percent of the species in the surveyed samples. They also found two Pectobacterium species, P. brasiliense and P. parmentieri, not previously reported in Oregon. Frost noted that there are not species-specific primers that are able to differentiate all the Pectobacterium species present in the Pacific Northwest, and distinguishing between P. carotovorum, P. brasiliense and P. parmentieri is challenging. The researchers were initially concerned that Dickeya spp. would be prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, but Dickeya spp. were only detected in a small proportion of diseased plant samples and usually in association with Pectobacterium species. So, for the time being, Dickeya species do not appear to be a large problem in the west, Frost said. As part of the study, the researchers examined the pathogenicity of the bacterial soft rot species isolates recovered from diseased plants in the
Columbia Basin. After inoculating tubers and stems of various cultivars, they found that P. parmentieri caused the most severe disease on tubers and stems, so it may be important to know when this species is present. They also co-inoculated different bacterial species into tubers and stems and found cases where soft rot symptom development was more severe with certain combinations of Pectobacterium spp. present. Both of these results suggest it may be important to know which bacterial species may be present to accurately assess the disease risk, according to Frost. In order to accurately identify the bacterial species, researchers will need to develop and refine diagnostic tools to distinguish these bacterial species.
Deliciae
La Belle Russet
Rainier Russet
Purple Iris
Nutrient Management
Agronomist Ray Qin followed with a report covering nutrient management guidelines for major and new varieties in the Columbia Basin of Oregon. The agronomy program has four projects in the works to develop and fine tune those guidelines for growers. The first project is evaluating potassium requirements of Clearwater Russet, Umatilla Russet and Russet Burbank in Oregon. The researchers are working to develop variety-based potassium fertilization guidelines and to identify the effect of the fertilizer type (muriate of potash versus potassium sulfate) on potatoes. Similarly, another ongoing project is evaluating nitrogen requirements for Russet Norkotah, Russet Burbank and Rainier Russet. Qin is testing various rates of in-season nitrogen to develop recommendations for growers. The third study is looking at practices associated with blackspot bruise susceptibility. Qin and colleagues are trying to determine the relationship between plant maturity and blackspot bruise susceptibility of Russet Norkotah and the relationship between nitrogen fertilization practices and blackspot bruise susceptibility. Finally, Qin detailed a lab incubation study to measure the effectiveness of soil fumigation in potato fields. Researchers are collecting soil samples from typical soils in the Columbia Basin and
More than 40 people registered for OSU’s virtual potato field day. While the traditional field day usually draws about 120, organizers say participation wasn’t bad for the first online event. Photo courtesy Silvia Rondon, OSU
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OSU Potato Field Day 2020
An OSU trial evaluates nitrogen requirements for Russet Norkotah, Russet Burbank and Rainier Russet. Photo courtesy Ray Qin, OSU
Clearwater Russet grows in the middle six rows of a trial evaluating potassium requirements. Photo courtesy Ray Qin, OSU
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September / October 2020
determining degradation characteristics of three fumigant compounds: 1,3-Dichloropropene, chloropicrin and metam sodium. Qin hopes the study will help growers better understand soil fumigation.
Entomology Update
Entomologist Silvia Rondon wrapped up with a quick walkthrough of how to access information provided by the regional pest alert system. She also reminded growers that the OSU system is just that – an alert system – and encouraged them to increase their own trapping and monitoring efforts. In a continuing effort to better monitor pests, OSU is currently working with local GIS company Anderson Geographics and Trapview, a company that provides automated pest monitoring services. OSU is in the second year of testing the service’s trapping capabilities in corn, but could potentially use it in potatoes in the future.
The top row of tubers show rot after being inoculated with a soft rot bacteria isolate (Pectobacterium parmentieri) while the bottom row of tubers were inoculated with sterile water. The pathogenicity assays were conducted to evaluate the aggressiveness of bacterial soft rot species isolates and the resistance of individual varieties. Photo courtesy Ken Frost, OSU
An insect trap from Trapview is situated 10 feet from a corn field to monitor corn earworm. OSU is testing the traps in corn, but may use them in potatoes in the future. Photo courtesy Silvia Rondon, OSU
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September / October 2020
SPUDNIK
GIVES BACK I
f you have been in the potato industry any length of time at all, you know Spudnik is committed to the industry. But the Blackfoot, Idaho, company doesn’t stop there. Spudnik is invested and committed to its local community, as well, providing jobs, events and donations that make a positive impact. The annual Spudnik Ag Summit debuted as a success last January and will become an annual event. On June 20, Spudnik launched Bingham Ag Days to an event-hungry eastern Idaho, and based on the accomplishment this year, this event will also become a yearly happening. Bingham Ag Days is named for the county that calls Blackfoot its county seat and largest city. The event featured a tractor, car and motorcycle show, and in typical Spudnik fashion, tours of its facility. Food vendors were brought in, along with over 20 ag-related partners who set up displays. A constant flow of people trekked onto the Spudnik grounds, spread out over the full day, with a final headcount over 900. Attendees were glad that organizers made the effort because it was the first car show in the area after the COVID-19 shutdown. Duane and Montie Nafus brought three classic cars to the event. Duane said he was “definitely happy” he came and was impressed with the turnout for a first-year show. Nic Christensen is a tractor collector and fifth-generation Blackfoot potato farmer who grows between 1,000 and 1,200 acres per year for the fresh market and another 800 acres that go to Simplot for processing. He said he got involved in antique tractors because his grandfather collected them.
Spud grower Nic Christensen shows off the beast of his vintage tractor collection, a 1924 Rumely Oil Pull, one of about 50 of this model left in the country. Rumely was bought out by Allis-Chalmers in 1931. Vaughn Wood owns this 1934 Ford Model B pickup. He has been buying Spudnik equipment since the 1970s. Retired now, he was a potato grower in Hamer, Idaho, transitioning to custom harvest work in 1984.
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Spudnik “They are fun to play with and see the history of where farming has come from,” Christensen said. Spudnik employees led hourly, in-depth tours, which gave attendees a chance to get out of the sun and check out the company’s layout. The tour included the indoor material storage area, one of the largest machine shops in the area, welding and assembly stations and new paint booths. The real focus of the event, however, was charity, and specifically, Spudnik’s Digging for Hunger campaign. A total of 5,500 pounds of food was collected to stock four local food pantries. An on-site raffle was held, also for charity. Companies including AgriStor, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Double M Ag and Irrigation and E-Z Tarp donated raffle prizes. Over $7,000 was raised as a result, the funds split between the Bingham Crisis Center and Meals on Wheels.
PILERS
2007 Milestone 42” all belt, 230 3ph remote 2000 Wemco 36” all belt, 480 3ph, remote 1996 Lockwood 9200 30” BC x 49’ TC boom 3ph 1992 Double L 811 30” x 49’ belted chain, remote 1990 DL 811 30” BC x 49’ Boom 3ph Remote 1985 DL 813 30” BC 3ph 1982 Spudnik 400 30” BC x 45’ Tel Boom 3ph 1981 DL 812 36”belt cleated x 45’ 3ph 1980 Spudnik 450 36” 3ph all belt Remote Mayo 30” Van Loader
SCOOPERS
Engineering manager Michael Harrison gives an in-depth, deep-dive tour of Spudnik during Bingham Ag Days.
ROCK/CLOD/ELIMINATORS 2014 Spudnik 991 72” Multi Sep /Air Sep
EVEN FLOWS
TREATERS
Warehouse Even Flows 1000cwt
BEDS
2000 Spudnik 2100 Bed 24’ PTO 1999 Spudnik 2100 bed 20’ PTO 1991 Double L 801 20’ Electric 1984 Logan SB20 Electric 1990 Double L 801 Electric Dual Drive
TRAILERS
Trinity 53’ 3 axle All Stainless new bin 25” chain
Spudnik 24” 3ph
TRUCKS
STINGERS
2016 Logan Trac Pro Telescopic 36”/42” x 6’ Tel 2014 Logan Trac Pro 10’ x 30” x 10’ belt 3ph Double L 36” x 12’ all belted chain 3ph Double L 832 BC 30” fingers
CONVEYORS - TELESCOPIC
Spudnik 1200 TC 30” x 60’ TC 230 volt 3ph 1976 Spudnik 30/36 x 85’ 230 Volt 3ph
CONVEYORS - STRAIGHT 1998 Spudnik 1205 30” x 40’ 3ph Double L 809 30” x 38’ 3ph 1986 Spudnik 1205 30” x 24’ 3ph 1978 Double L 808 30” x 25’ 3ph Spudnik 1200 30” x 40’ 3ph
2007 Sterling 13spd MB 425hp, no bed, frame for 22’ bed, has PTO 2002 Mack EZ350 10spd 4.17Ratio 2012 Logan LP24 PTO 1999 Mack EZ350 10spd 4.17ratio 2012 Logan LP24 PTO 2001 Freightliner F80, Cum 5.9L 225 hp 9-sp Rd Ranger
U Q
CROSSOVERS/WIND ROWERS 1998 Double L 851 Four Row RH 50/50/45 1982 Logan 2 row
E D
U P
2000 Spudnik 925 72” 3ph 480 V 2000 Double 878 DE 78” 3ph flip down 72” sizer 1999 Spudnik 995 72” DE rolls, peg /blower, acorn sizing 3ph 1997 Double 807 Dirt Elim. 62” BC 3ph Stingers 72” Sizer 2000 Spudnik 900 60” 230 volt 3ph hang on tare 97 DL 807 62” BC with 3 stingers 3ph
Grimme DR1500 2 row 2- pintle belts 2012 Double L 965 3 row, w/Multi-sep table 2009 Spudnik 6400 2005 Spudnik 6400 bunker 2004 Double L 873 2001 Spudnik 6400 2000 Spudnik 5645
SEED CUTTERS
2014 Better Built 460 - 60” 1ph 2000 Better Built 46520 60” 3ph 1996 Milestone 48” 1ph 1994 Milestone 60” 3ph
BRUCE: (208)390-5120 | BRUCEN@TRISTEELMFG.COM
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September / October 2020
2002 Newhouse P1952 Tire Roller 36” 1986 Loftness 4 row 36” Steel rollers 2010 Newhouse P1952 36” Tires on Hills
C . T
PLANTERS
2013 Spudnik 8069 bed planter 9 units in 6 row frame pull with steering 2012 Harriston bed planter 6 row pull semi mount 2010 Harriston cup planter 8 row pull loaded 34” 2007 Gruse Bed planter 4 row off set hitch 2004 Harriston model 4016 cup, Raven Controller 36” 1997 Kverneland 4 row 3200 – 36” 1995 Kverneland 3300 6 row 34”
EN
PLANTER/TARE/PILER
Shop built 24” x 30’ hyd 40mm belt chain 1975 Spudnik 400 24” x 25’ x 20” boom All belt Spudnik 30” x 29’ belt hyd swing Lockwood 20” x 24’ Lockwood 20” x 25’ tare piler
WATER DAMMERS
M O
SHREDDER/VINE BEATERS/ POWER HILLER
New Excel 10” combo liquid & dust 2015 Milestone 36” duster 2013 Milestone 42” duster 2008 Milestone 36” Liquid Treater 1996 Milestone 36” Duster
M IP
HARVESTERS
SIZERS/ELIMINATORS
S
Gina Wheeler and Tyson Anderson with Valley Equipment and Irrigation display a drill and impact set they donated to the raffle. Several companies provided prizes for the raffle, which raised over $7,000 for charity.
New Logan Yield Pro 6 row 36” Water Dammer 1990 A.E. Dammer Diker Hyd reset 6 row 6 spoke paddles 2010 Logan Yield Pro Water Dammer 6 row 36”
MISC.
Scooper belly dump unloader attachment Mayo Scooper belly dump unloader attachement Harriston 12 row Marker Semi mount Shop Built 8 row folding Marker 3point
WAREHOUSE/PACKAGING
2014 Odenburg model Halo 2000 80” 1000 cwt warehouse Even flow with tilt conveyor Mayo 24” x 53’ Telescopic Van Loader conveyor Mayo 30” Elevating conveyor to Van Loader Kerian 60” sizer Portable Washer with brushes, pumps, holding tank on wheels 2008 Mayo single Tote bag filler 2011 Mayo single Tote bag filler Ernst 72” sizer Vanmark Peeler Warehouse Conveyors 30”, 24”, 18”, 12”. Rolling table 30” x 9’ Rolling table 30” x 11’ Spudnik 48” x 12’ Belted chain elevator
EVAN: (208)757-8481 | EVANN@TRISTEELMFG.COM
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LD to TRUCK
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FI E
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Two new paint booths apply Spudnik’s signature red. All components are hung on carts, prepared for paint and then rolled through the booths. Parts are baked at 145 – 165 degrees for 45 minutes to set the paint.
to DETAILED MAPS Matt Larson, a precision ag specialist with Valley Ag, sells drone scouting services, apps and software to customers in Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
to STORAGE
519-669-4698•greentronics.com PotatoCountry.com 13
Spudnik Emma Forrey, Spudnik marketing specialist, said planners were intent on “supporting their community and giving back, especially after all the challenging times we have been through.” “We didn’t want this to be a Spudnik event,” she continued. “We wanted to get all of our ag industry partners to come together. We have all worked together as a committee to set up this awesome car show, food drive and the raffle.” “We love supporting our community and showing off our companies and show what we can all do when we come together as an industry,” Forrey said.
Marketing specialist Emma Forrey and members of the Spudnik crew collect donations for local food pantries.
Spudnik by the Numbers
1 Bingham Ag Days held, but expect more 3 CNC lathes on site 4 20-ton cranes
13 service trucks equipped with welders, air compressors and hydraulic cranes 360 employees
26,000 gallons of paint used
82,000 square feet of space added in 2020
90,000 pounds of weld wire (3,000 miles) used
364,800 square feet of building space, a total of 8.3 acres indoors 12,000,000 pounds of steel used
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Uncompromising Standards, Generation after Generation. We have the seed for you! www.montanaspud.org
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September / October 2020 9/18/17 11:45 AM
Potatoes USA
Foodservice Innovation With Potatoes in Turbulent Times By Kendra Keenan, Global Marketing Manager for Foodservice, Potatoes USA
B
efore the coronavirus pandemic, the foodservice industry was approaching an all-time high with steady growth and constant menu innovation. For the U.S. potato industry, this meant an increase of 7.3 percent in domestic potato volume sales over five years, with 58 percent of the U.S. potato market allocated to foodservice and 85 percent of frozen potatoes going to restaurants and other foodservice channels. Due to in-person restaurant dining closures, the National Restaurant Association reported that the U.S. foodservice industry lost $120 billion in sales from March to May and is predicted to lose $240 billion in sales by the end of 2020. As of June 12, 2020, 75 percent of operators say it is unlikely their restaurant will be profitable within the next six months. Although restaurants are currently re-opening their indoor and outdoor dining rooms, many operators are not expecting “business as usual” or even full recovery until two to five years, according to Technomic, a leading foodservice industry research firm. Despite the devastating impact on the foodservice industry, many restaurants have tailored their operations through creative menu development and serving concepts to help keep the lights on. Operators are focusing on foods that deliver well, family bundle meals and immunity-boosting foods. Potatoes are positioned well in all of these categories.
Foods That Deliver Well
Foods that are traditionally perceived as easy to deliver, such as pizza, wings and hamburgers, have driven sales over the past few months. These trends present an excellent opportunity for potatoes as they pair nicely with pizza, hamburgers, wings and much more.
One area of untapped potential is the combination of potatoes on pizza. This flavor and texture combination is wildly successful in Asia-Pacific countries but has not reached its peak in the U.S. From the Northeast classic mashed potato pizza to a breakfast hash brown pizza, potatoes can play a significant role in pizza enhancement. On the other hand, if a potato dish, like delicious fries, accompanies these popular items and is not delivered to crispy perfection, the soggy experience could discourage a repeat purchase, which is crucial to a restaurant’s success. To prevent this soft spud misfortune, the potato industry should continue to provide simple solutions for restaurants, such as packaging tips, recipe ideas and basic SKU education.
Family Bundle Meals
Dining room closures forced operators to quickly pivot their attention, and menus, to off-premise offerings. More than ever, consumers have been purchasing an increased amount of food for consumption at home. Because of these evolving dining preferences, operators had to adapt by optimizing menus and service options. For example, as consumers looked to feed their household, the importance of family bundles and value meals grew. After cooking for days on end or experiencing homemade meal fatigue, consumers would look to restaurants for meals they couldn’t make themselves. In response, operators ― from Buffalo Wild Wings to Panera Bread ― added non-standard family bundles at value prices. For smaller households, buy-one-take-one meals became popular as a way of reducing public outings. According to Datassential, offerings like these have a higher purchase intent than other concepts, such as meal/baking kits or operator grocery services. Potatoes fare exceptionally well with bundled offerings as they are affordable and familiar.
Immunity-Boosting Foods
Health has become more important to consumers, and building immunity is a top priority because it will help prevent illness. According to leading research firm Datassential, some of the top 10 foods and nutrients believed to help boost immunity are root vegetables and vitamin C. Potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable, an excellent source of vitamin C and a smart ingredient addition for operators looking for ways to improve their healthy offerings. As America’s favorite vegetable and the number one side dish on menus, it is important that the potato industry remind operators that potatoes are versatile, affordable and nutritious. If your business needs resources and recipes to provide to foodservice operators, please contact Kendra@potatoesusa.com.
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Ranger Russets Virus TESTED • Generation III Since 1952 Pat & Neil Fleming • Pablo, MT 59855 (406) 675-8620 • (406) 253-2365
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Ag World Golf Classic Shoots for $100,000 D
espite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, the Ag World Golf Classic continued its tradition of giving to the Ronald McDonald House. This year, amidst masks and extra hand sanitizer, agriculture producers, processors and industry businesses teamed up to raise over $91,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest (RMHC) and to honor the legacy of Ag World Golf Classic founder Warren Henninger who passed away
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Potato Country
September / October 2020
in May. Organizers are aiming to reach $100,000 and are continuing to accept donations at www.agworldgolf.com. This year’s charity golf tournament took place Aug. 13 at the Links at Moses Pointe in Moses Lake, Washington. Originally scheduled to be held in June in two locations – Kennewick, Washington, for the seventh year and Moses Lake for the first time – both had to be rescheduled to August with the Kennewick course ultimately canceling due to COVID. “We knew if we could hold the event, we wanted to find a way to do it safely and still be able to raise funds for the House and honor Dad’s legacy,” said Melanie Finch, Warren Henninger’s daughter and Ag World senior manager. Through the generosity of 75 sponsors and donors and 145 golfers, the tournament was a success, according to Finch. Not only did the event raise funds, it was also a special year in honoring Warren Henninger, the founder of the event and Ag World Support Systems. “Dad cast a big shadow and impacted many people during his life. We are blessed to carry on his legacy through the Ag World Golf Classic. Dad’s definitely smiling down from heaven,” said Bryan Henninger, Warren Henninger’s oldest son and president of Ag World. Memories of Warren Henninger were shared as golfers had a chance to remember him together with the Ag World team and the Henninger family. The Ag World Golf Classic was born out of a vision Warren Henninger had to support families whose children are experiencing a medical crisis and need a place to stay while their child receives care.
The Ag World Golf Classic has donated more than $425,000 to the RMHC over the past six years. The tournament is part of Ag World Support System’s campaign to make a difference in the community by supporting the Ronald McDonald House’s mission to strengthen local families and promote children’s health. The tournament format changed this year due to COVID. Instead of a shotgun start, there were rolling tee times throughout the day to ensure everyone’s health and safety. To help encourage The Henninger family honors the late Warren Henninger, founder and chairman of Ag World golfers to give, the Ag World Golf Classic Support Systems and the Ag World Golf Classic. Pictured from left are Bryan Henninger, Adam included an online auction again this year. Finch, Melanie Henninger Finch and Judy Henninger. “Throughout the past 30 years, Ag World Golf Classic is the most significant community fundraiser we have ever Tournament organizers were excited to “We are thankful for our hosts, sponsors, seen,” said Mike Forness, executive see the work they put into the event result donors, many golfers and supporters who director of the RMHC in Spokane, in a successful fundraiser. made this event such a huge success. Ag Washington. “On behalf of the families “God blessed the tournament World is honored to support this worthy and children that stay at the Ronald again this year with amazing weather, cause.” McDonald House, we say, ‘Thank you, Next year’s tourneys are set for attendance and generous participation,” Ag World!’ We see your families’ values, June 8 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in said Judy Henninger, Warren’s wife, work values and church values as major Kennewick and June 10 at the Links at Ag World administrative executive and 20-09 Potato Country-.5H page.v1.outlines.pdf 1 2020-08-14 1:52 PM reasons this fundraiser is so successful.” Moses Pointe in Moses Lake. co-founder of the Ag World Golf Classic.
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Storage Es 1,4GROUP, Inc.
www.14group.com 1,4Sight
1,4Group, Inc. is a supplier of innovative dormancy and sprout inhibiting products for the potato storage industry worldwide. The company’s 1,4Sight, a proven biocontrol, will help alleviate shoulder bruise and reduce shrinkage. Users can apply 1,4Sight shortly after door closure to establish a deep dormancy. From the harvest of the crop to the customer’s dock, growers will find a complete family of complementary treatments that protect the quality and condition of their potatoes.
Agri-Stor Companies www.agri-stor.com
Post-Harvest Crop Protection & Agri-Star Control Panel
Agri-Stor has crop protection from the field, through storage and all the way to the fresh market or processor. The company carries a full line of organic products. From disinfectants to sprout control, AgriStor has quality products and application expertise to handle a wide variety of crop protection needs. In addition to crop protection, the company provides all ventilation, refrigeration and humidification for a grower’s storage – including climate controls. Agri-Stor helps growers take control of their potato storage with its proprietary Agri-Star panel. With the user-friendly interface, the app and multiple design options, the panel has become a favorite in postharvest storage. The reporting capabilities and graphs give growers the data they need to make storage trend decisions. The control panel app gives growers 24/7 access to the panel to easily monitor their storage equipment, ensuring optimum performance.
Behlen Building Systems
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Behlen Curvet
For long life and outstanding service, the Behlen Curvet has proven itself as an excellent building system for potato, onion or farm equipment storage. Wall panels are roll-formed (4 ½ inches deep) from heavy gauge steel coils (nothing less than 20 gauge) to form arch sections of outstanding strength. Customers can choose from 51, 60 or 68 feet wide to accommodate handling equipment. Frameless supports drastically reduce interior surface area, allowing greater airflow. These buildings are easily expandable and are built to last from one generation to the next. Door frames are available for overhead and bi-fold door use. All slide doors are bottom rolling on large diameter wheels for easy opening.
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September / October 2020
ssentials Disinfecting Services, LLC www.disinfectingservices.net
Harvest 6.0
Harvest 6.0 serves as a versatile sanitizer and disinfectant for potatoes going into storage or already in storage. This product was released as one of the strongest disinfectants, labeled for potatoes, on the market. Harvest 6.0 utilizes hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid to protect against fungi, algae and bacteria. The combination of these two ingredients is both effective and environmentally friendly. Harvest 6.0 has also been proven to be an effective disinfectant on equipment and cleaning storage facilities.
GroupAg
www.groupag.com Thermal Fogging
Not all PAA thermal fogging is the same. More than 10 years ago, GroupAg developed a highly effective thermal fogging application method using Jet-Ag. Since that first application, GroupAg has continuously refined its application equipment specifically designed for applying PAA chemistries in storages. GroupAg has performed and submitted to extensive laboratory testing, as well as real-world bacteria and fungus testing before and after the application in storages, and has shown great results for sanitizing crops in storage.
Jet Harvest Solutions www.jetharvest.com
Jet-Ag
Jet-Ag's original and unique patented formulation and process superheats and produces a thermal fog, which creates a vapor that permeates throughout the storage facility. The patented technology utilizes the free radicals generated from superheated Jet-Ag into super microbial oxides which kills all microorganisms including bacteria, mold and viruses that can cause diseases such as late blight, early blight, pink rot and blackleg. Jet-Ag also has a desiccant effect which creates a curative effect on the potato in storage to help control disease. Jet-Ag can be applied at any time, but ideally upon completed storage of potatoes. PotatoCountry.com
19
Storage Essentials Pacific Building Systems www.pbsbuildings.com
Steel Buildings
Proudly serving business owners, communities and farmers throughout the Pacific Northwest, PBS offers the experience and products to meet onion growers’ crop storage building needs. As experts in the industry since 1962, PBS designs, details, engineers and manufactures steel buildings. The company offers multiple bulk storage methods, effective building optimization and quality building products. PBS buildings provide customized solutions for aspects regarding temperature control, ventilation and energy efficiency. Customers can incorporate mezzanines, crane bridges and solar panels in designs based on building requirements. The company also engineers and designs building additions and expansions to accommodate business growth and increase buildings’ functionality and durability. Through the use of sound engineering, superior steel and seasoned experience, PBS provides reliable, high-quality, steel buildings customized to fit customer needs.
Spudnik Equipment www.spudnik.com
Eliminator
Spudnik eliminators are custom built to precisely meet each customer’s needs. Several different options in the receiving, separating, sizing, picking and discharge areas give numerous configuration possibilities. With over six separating system options, these machines reduce the amount of foreign material going into storages.
Suberizer Inc.
www.suberizer.com Storage Facilities
Suberizer Inc. is a second-generation construction company that specializes in designing and manufacturing raw product storage facilities. The company’s goal is to provide clients with a cost-effective design that meets expectations for tomorrow’s market. Suberizer’s dedication, knowledge and experience for nearly 50 years set the company apart. Suberizer has been exposed to nearly every spectrum of the potato and onion storage market. Its team addresses everything from start to finish, including project planning, storage and building design, types of construction, civil and structural engineering, ventilation system and air distribution solutions, refrigeration systems and electrical work. 20
Potato Country
September / October 2020
National Potato Council
When Farm Tours Go Virtual
By Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, National Potato Council
As
I sat down to write this column on NPC’s annual EPA-USDA Farm Tour – which allows federal regulators to better understand how their decisions have real-world implications on our farms – I received a news alert reminding me why this program was so essential. The email indicated that two U.S. senators had introduced legislation that would effectively ban two major classes of pesticides, specifically organophosphates and neonicotinoids, long relied upon by American farmers to grow safe, healthy crops. Eliminating these classes of chemicals would be a major victory for environmentalists. Success in taking this action would elevate the role of subjective, popular opinion for pesticide regulation and diminish the role of sound science. Over time, the structural changes caused by this shift toward emotion and away from science would cause great harm for food security, farmers and consumers alike. The legislation was also a reminder of why NPC’s efforts are so important. Without growers advocating for commonsense rules and educating policymakers about how policy decisions impact their operations, the future of our industry would be ceded to those who do not understand what it takes to responsibly feed the world. While federal regulators and lawmakers may be experts in their fields, they are less aware of how essential pesticides and other chemicals are to potato growers and how they are carefully and sparingly used to grow America’s favorite vegetable. Thankfully, educating influential staff members from EPA and USDA so they gain a better appreciation of the pest challenges faced by potato growers across the nation in growing and delivering potatoes to market is exactly what NPC’s farm tour is all about. This year, because of ongoing travel restrictions, our tour originally scheduled for Colorado’s San Luis Valley was moved online, broadcast via Zoom. While missing one-on-one interactions, the virtual nature of the day-long event allowed NPC to expand the number of attendees from EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and broaden the offering to include staff from USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program. In fact, more than 160 participants joined the tour – far surpassing the reach of a traditional farm tour. Throughout the day, participants were provided information on pest management related to growing seed and in the preplant, planting, in the field and post-harvest stages. Presenters included growers, state managers, extension educators and researchers from across the country on topics such as weeds, bacteria, nematodes, fungi and insects.
Based on the feedback, we are confident the regulators in attendance walked away with a deeper understanding of the complexities around producing a high-quality, high-cost potato crop for U.S. consumers and consumers around the globe in an environmentally responsible manner. Additionally, we at NPC plan on using the video presentations to educate even more agency staffers about how potatoes are safely grown, stored, processed and distributed to family dinner tables across America. Growers are used to adapting and overcoming challenges, so we truly appreciated all those willing to be a part of this year’s unique program, including those who provided presentations on the key pests impacting the industry. While the efforts of NPC focus at the federal level, it is equally important that growers and state organizations continue to communicate the realities of production and impacts of decisions by state and local policymakers. We look forward to an in-person tour next year in Colorado, and we are confident that the 2020 virtual version was a success and well represented the needs of this industry.
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21
In the News
USMCA Goes Into Effect
US Potato Industry Calls for Tariff Hike on EU Fries
In a letter sent to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the National Potato Council (NPC) and several state organizations requested that the federal government increase tariffs on frozen fries imported from the European Union (EU). Currently, there is an 8 percent tariff on EU frozen fries; the industry is asking for an additional 100 percent tariff. “In recent years, imports of EU frozen fries have increased substantially,” the NPC letter said, citing a 500 percent increase in volume and more than 600 percent increase in value of EU frozen fry imports over the past five years. The letter goes on to say that the trend is driven by lower cost imports from Belgium and the Netherlands, and the price disparity is impacted by factors including EU agriculture policies that give EU potato growers advantages that U.S. farmers do not have. According to the NPC, the situation has been compounded in recent months by COVID-19, which has led to a notable decrease in potato prices in major production centers, particularly the EU. This has further contributed to an influx of EU frozen fries and placed more pressure on the U.S. potato industry.
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The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect for the three partner nations on July 1. The agreement, which replaces North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), is expected to stabilize the U.S. potato export markets of Canada and Mexico by eliminating the threat of retaliatory tariffs and precluding the loss of tariff benefits previously provided by NAFTA. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said that USMCA not only maintains tariff-free access for nearly all U.S. commodities shipped to Canada and Mexico, but also sets the stage for additional trade agreements.
Potato Sales at Retail Reach Record Highs
Retail potato sales reached a five-year record high from July 2019 through June 2020, according to numbers from Potatoes USA. Total sales increased by 11 percent in dollars and 10 percent in volume. Every category, except deliprepared sides, increased in both dollar and volume sales. Frozen, dehydrated and canned potatoes saw double-digit increases in both dollar and volume sales. Potato chips and fresh potatoes, which make up the majority of volume sales, both saw increases in dollars and volume. Fresh potatoes increased 15 percent in dollar sales and 10 percent in volume sales compared to the previous year. Fresh potatoes had a larger dollar sales increase than in any of the last five marketing years.
Calendar Oct. 13-15
PMA Fresh Summit
Online www.freshsummit.com
Nov. 18-19
Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association Conference and Trade Show
Online Sheri Nolan, (509) 585-5460 or www.pnva.org
Jan. 6-7
Potato Expo 2021 David
Dan Tim
Tim Dan
Dan, Dave, Pat and Tim Lake
(406) 253-3638 (office), (406) 676-2175 (fax) e-mail - spudman@ronan.net 35822 Spring Creek Road l Ronan, MT 59864
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Potato Country
September / October 2020
Pat
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Grapevine, Texas www.potato-expo.com Editor’s note: Information was correct at presstime. Please contact event organizers to check for possible changes.
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23
Benefitting
Held August 13, 2020 in Moses Lake, WA
for your support! Your generosity has raised over
$91,000 to date for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest P L A T I N U M S P O N S OR S : $ 3 75 0 +
D I A M ON D S P O N S O R S : $ 2 5 00 +
G O L D S PO N S O R S : $ 125 0 +
H O L E S PO N S O R S : $ 625 +
James Shank Financial Advisor
7th Annual Ag World Golf Classic The Links at Moses Pointe— held August 13, 2020
Thank You To All Teams, Golfers and Contributors! Together we have raised over $91,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest!
You can still help us reach our goal of $100,000 at AgWorldGolf.com!
WARREN A. HENNINGER 1945-2020 REMEMBERING & HONORING the Founder of the Ag World Golf Classic and Ag World Support Systems Watch Warren’s Celebration of Life and details on Warren’s life at
AGWORLDGOLF.COM
7 T H A N N U A L A G W O RL D G O L F C L A S S I C T EAM S
AND
G OLFERS
Ag World Support Systems, Agri-Service, Agri-Stor Northwest, Kwik Loc, Apollo Sheet Metal, Basin Pacific Insurance, Bud Clary Ford/Honda of Moses Lake, CO-ENERGY, Columbia Electric Supply, Columbia Electric Supply, Desert Insurance Benefits, Diamondback Farms, LLC, Edward Jones: James Shank, H&H Steel Buildings LLC, Hancock Farmland Services, Heilig Farms, J. R. Simplot Company, J. R. Simplot Company, Jim's Pacific Garages, Lamb Weston, M & M Potato, M2 Counseling & Consulting, Inc., Marlin Hutterian Brethren, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Pape Material Handling, Potato Growers of Washington, RDO Equipment, Reser's Fine Foods, Sloan-Leavitt Insurance Agency, Sprague Pest Solutions, Spudnik, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, Tri Steel Manufacturing/Logan Farm Equipment, Trinity Trailer, Warden Hutterian Brethren C O N T R I B U T O R S : $ 10 0+ Adam & Melanie Finch, Brenda Leighton, Daniel & Jan Moss, Dave & Connie Nickerson, Doug Robbins with Realty Executives, Duane & Gayle Burchill, Ellie Chavet, Janet & Jack Snyder, John & Alice Hanlon, Jon Cox, Joy Lucas, Kaitlin Foster-Clark, Kathleen & Willard Strunk, Katie Froese, Kelli and Nick Craft, Larry Schaapman, Garrett & Linda Hoff, Mandy Galbreath, Marilyn & Pat Crowley, Megan & Eric Sletten, Pat & Erin Motschenbacher, Ruth Peters, Scott & Jana Mahn, Shawnna Dickson, Shirley Scott, Shonnie Pena, Steve Jones, Wendi Stark
SAVE THE DATES—2021!
June 8—Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, WA June 10—The Links at Moses Pointe in Moses Lake, WA
To God Be The Glory!
Into the Mudroom R
ain that made fields too muddy for field tours didn’t stop University of Idaho researchers from reporting on their latest herbicide trials during the Snake River Weed Management Tour, held June 30 at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. Rainfall the day and evening prior left plots muddy. Rather than tooling around the field trials via pickup truck and trailer transport and trudging through the fields, Pam Hutchinson, a University of Idaho potato cropping systems weed scientist, turned the field day into a quasi-virtual tour. The research center farm crew drove the farm equipment out of the machine shop to make room for a big screen to project videos and PowerPoint presentations for the attendees, who were wearing face masks and social distancing.
As it turns out, Hutchinson was preparing to conduct a virtual tour the next week, so she was able to show attendees preliminary versions of trial treatment videos she had planned for the virtual tour. Hutchinson played a set of walkthroughs she had filmed during her planned weed control ratings conducted before row closure and added “real-time” commenting as each video ran its course. Hutchinson says she has tried to turn the negative impacts of COVID-19 on her research and extension program into positive outcomes. She has been pleasantly surprised that conducting and participating in virtual Zoom meetings has expanded, rather than limited, her audience. Those that would not normally attend one of her presentations or tours in Aberdeen because of drive time,
Pam Hutchinson talks about excess spring rain that had no lasting effects on her potato trials or on growers’ spuds.
expenses, etc. have been able to see and hear her via Zoom.
Weed Control
One of the weed control research trial videos presented during the field day featured Zidua (pyroxasulfone), an herbicide recently labeled for use in potatoes. Tank mix treatments including Zidua were compared with mixtures including Outlook (dimethenamid-p) or Dual Magnum (s-metolachlor). All three of these herbicides are applied after potatoes are hilled but before potato emergence, and then sprinkler incorporated. At the time the video was shot, Zidua was helping to control hairy nightshade, a problem weed for many potato growers. Outlook has the same mechanism of action (MOA) as Zidua and has at times provided better season-long control in Hutchinson’s trials. However, Zidua is not as soluble as Outlook, so it could be an alternative in coarse-textured, sandy soils. Outlook or Dual Magnum could potentially leach below the top 2 inches of a sandy soil where weed seeds are germinating and starting to grow. The three herbicides’ MOA is inhibitory effects on the biosynthesis of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). VLCFAs are essential for many plant structures such as cuticular waxes.
Potato Variety Herbicide Tolerance
Hutchinson also showed her walkthroughs of trials evaluating potato variety tolerance to sulfentrazone. Sulfentrazone is an herbicide applied preemergence to potatoes and can provide a high level of season-long hairy nightshade control. As in the past, Russet Burbank and Ranger Russet tolerated rates as high as two times the recommended rate. In contrast, Shepody, a variety shown to be safe to sulfentrazone, was suffering from stunting and blackening/burning of the leaves in this 2020 trial. Hutchinson will repeat the trial in 2021 to determine if the variety tolerates sulfentrazone.
Attendees at the Snake River Weed Management Tour practice social distancing and masking. NOVA-Crate-Ads-Sectagon-v4.pdf
Effect of Excess Rainfall on Herbicide Injury to Potatoes
Excess rainfall has been the norm the past few years in southern Idaho. Last year, Hutchinson was called out to several potato fields where herbicide injury was suspect. In some places, rainfall in excess of 5 inches had occurred in the last two weeks of May. The objective behind this trial was to simulate that excess rainfall via irrigation and observe the injury symptoms from many of the herbicides labeled for use in potatoes. Visuals from the trial will allow for better investigation and determination of causes in grower fields. As mentioned, some herbicides are more soluble than others. Soil moisture is needed for the herbicide to be available for uptake by weeds. Too much, and the herbicide is not in the right place at the right time to control weeds. Excess rainfall can also move herbicides down to the sprouts and roots of potatoes, and depending on the herbicide, injury can occur if potatoes cannot tolerate the herbicide at that time and place. When simulating an excess of 6 inches rainfall within a two week period on top of normal irrigation in the trial this year, Hutchinson observed potato leaf malformation in the form of a drawstring effect seemingly caused by preemergence application of Outlook. Some of the same symptoms were seen last year in grower fields. As in the grower fields, potatoes recovered from the early injury in the rainfall simulation trial two to three weeks after symptoms were first seen.
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To request a copy of Hutchinson’s field day handouts, including a tank mix partner choice chart and potato herbicide application timing table, email phutch@uidaho.edu.
Many growers are reporting BIG & BOUNTIFUL yields after maximizing effectiveness of the proven soil fumigants Sectagon®-42 and Sectagon®-K54. Three factors are driving their success: • Proper soil tilth • Optimal soil moisture well before application • Precision placement of the product Consider these factors to increase your return on investment for early season suppression of weeds, diseases and nematodes. Visit novasource.com to watch instructional videos. Got questions? Let’s Talk. Call 800-525-2803.
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PotatoCountry.com
27
Market Report
North American Growers Cut
U
SDA reports that U.S. growers planted 921,000 acres to potatoes in 2020. That is 47,300 acres fewer than they planted in 2019, a 4.9 percent reduction. Preliminary data from Canada show that growers in that country planted 363,371 acres to potatoes this year. That fell 1,039 acres short of the year-earlier area, a 0.3 percent decline. The combined North American potato area is 1.284 million acres, down 48,339 acres or 3.6 percent from the 2019 crop. The issue facing the industry: Is this year’s acreage reduction sufficient and in the right categories to balance potato supplies with demand? North American potato production could increase despite this year’s reduced acreage. Both the U.S. and Canada experienced extreme harvest losses (abandonment) last fall. They left about 46,400 acres of potatoes unharvested. Average abandonment during the previous five years is only 17,400 acres. There is no reason to believe that abandonment from the 2020 crop will exceed the average. It probably will be lower since the planted area is down. With average abandonment and yields matching the 20-year trend, North American potato growers could produce 530.2 million cwt of potatoes in 2020. That is about 800,000 cwt more than they produced in 2019. Though the projected increase is marginal, it highlights the challenges that the industry is facing, as it tries to match production to demand
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Potato Country
for potatoes and potato products during the coming year. The situation varies by industry sector, as we outline here.
Russet Table Potatoes
The russet table potato market may face the most complicated demand conditions of any potato industry sector. Supplies from the 2019 crop were extremely constricted until fryers released a portion of their contract potatoes for sale in the fresh market at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. The market for russet table potatoes split into two segments during that time, with that pattern likely to continue through the 2020-21 marketing season. Demand for potatoes sold through retail outlets soared as the pandemic encouraged people to eat at home and limited opportunities for meals away from home. Retailers emphasized sales of product in 5- and 10-pound bags, with sales in that category reaching their strongest level in several years. In contrast, sales of count cartons dropped precipitously as sit-down restaurants and mass feeding operations shut down operations. While the situation has moved closer to a balance in recent weeks, we expect table potato sales through foodservice outlets to remain depressed through the 2020-21 marketing season, due to the continuing risk presented by COVID-19. Early reports that this year’s russet size profile is likely to be larger than the 2019 crop, which normally would yield more count cartons, complicates the supply outlook for the coming season. Evidence suggests that growers planted fewer russet table potatoes in 2020 than they did in 2019. The cuts are in the Columbia Basin, the Klamath Basin and Idaho, partially offset by increased acreage in the San Luis Valley. However, supplies available to the fresh market are likely to be up, due to rebounding production in both Idaho and Wisconsin. On the other hand, processors are likely to purchase more open russet potatoes this year than they have in the past, as evidence suggests that contract volume
September / October 2020
reductions left processors with less raw product than they are likely to need. The cross currents involved in the russet table potato arena make it extremely difficult to project market conditions for the coming year.
Red Potatoes
Barring another disaster in the Red River Valley, red potato supplies should be up from last year. After 18 months of limited supplies, packers report that selling red potatoes is challenging. The challenges could continue through the coming season unless the industry makes a concerted effort to boost sales in that category.
Processing Potatoes
Fryers cut 2020 contract volumes by 20 percent to 25 percent across North America to make room for surplus potatoes from the 2019 crop and to adjust for anticipated reduced demand for frozen product during the 2020-21 marketing season. As demand rebounded, some contract volume was restored, but contract volumes are substantially lower than they were for the 2019 crop. By the end of May, frozen product sales were running 10 percent short of yearearlier sales. Evidence suggests that QSR sales have picked up more since that time, though some of that increase may be offset by setbacks in the sit-down restaurant sector. Nevertheless, if QSR sales continue to run ahead of last year’s pace, fryers do not have enough raw product under contract to cover demand for finished product. They anticipated that growers would plant enough open processing potatoes to cover their needs if demand for finished product outstripped expectations. However, it appears that North American processing growers tailored their acreage to match contract commitments, leaving the russet table potato market as the most likely source for open raw product, particularly Idaho where Russet Burbanks make up a substantial portion of the table potato crop.
Potato Acreage Europe is a complicating factor for the French fry industry. While North American growers cut back on acreage in line with contract volume reductions, European growers did not. The European industry has experienced a more severe downturn than its North American counterparts. One bright spot for the European fryers has been exports to the U.S., which increased 85.8 percent during May. Imports of European product remain small relative to total consumption, but with ample supplies of cheap raw product and limited demand from other growing areas, those imports are likely to continue growing rapidly during the next 12 months.
Chip Potatoes
Acreage cuts reported for California, Florida and Texas are mostly related to reduced contract volumes for early chip potatoes this year. The chip industry had a larger supply of storage potatoes during the spring than it had in storage a year earlier. That, together with surplus conditions during the summer of 2019, prompted adjustments to early contract volumes. Potato chip demand has strengthened during the pandemic. By the beginning of August, there was still a tight balance between chip potato supplies and industry raw product needs. That bodes well for a balanced supply of storage potatoes for the 2020 crop. It does not appear that many field delivery contracts will be converted to storage contracts this year.
By Bruce Huffaker, Publisher North American Potato Market News
HUFFAKER'S HIGHLIGHTS • North American potato production could come close to matching the 2019 crop despite a 3.6 percent drop in acreage. • The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting potato markets unevenly, creating potential imbalances between industry sectors. • The crosswinds affecting the russet table potato market create an extremely complex and uncertain outlook. • Red potato packers indicate that demand for red potatoes has been slow to rebound following 18 months of tight supplies. • Fryers may need to compete with table potato interests for Russet Burbank potatoes, as it appears that contract volumes will fall short of industry needs. • Chip potato supplies appear to be balanced with industry usage requirements. Editor’s note: To contact Mr. Huffaker, or to subscribe to North American Potato Market News (published 48 times per year), write or call: 2690 N. Rough Stone Way, Meridian, ID 83646; (208) 525-8397; or e-mail napmn@napmn.com.
Growers, handlers and processors are facing one of the most complex marketing seasons they have ever seen. The demand outlook is fluid, shifting with every twist and turn of the COVID-19 pandemic. Potato markets usually are driven by shifts in supply, while demand remains relatively stable. Marketers will need to be cognizant of both the supply situation and the shifting outlook for demand for finished product in all sectors of the potato industry. PotatoCountry.com
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Potato Growers of Washington
Questioning the Value of a Contract By Dale Lathim, Potato Growers of Washington
N
ow that we are several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming clearer that many aspects of life as we knew it will no longer exist. This is true for the potato industry, as well. Prior to the pandemic, all sectors of the industry valued having a potato contract with a frozen potato processing company. However, since this spring when contract acres were dramatically reduced right at or slightly after planting, the true value of the contract has been revealed. This goes for long-term contract commitments, as well as joint venture type arrangements in many cases. I will give credit where credit is due and commend the one company in the Columbia Basin that did not reduce its longterm/joint venture commitments one acre. Another reduced its commitment by less than it did for the annual contract growers, and the third reduced all growers and contract types the same. Growers traditionally give up a percentage of their revenue or share in the profits with the processing company for longterm volume commitments. In the past, it was thought that the grower was paying for the privilege of not risking any volume
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Potato Country
September / October 2020
reductions when those times came around. Now that we have seen that the minimum volume in those arrangements is not firm on the processing side with the exception of the one company, many growers and their bankers are questioning the value to the grower for having such an arrangement. The thought is now that since the firmness of the commitment seems to rely 100 percent on the grower, shouldn’t all new arrangements being made have a premium paid to the grower instead of the processor? Time will tell if that comes to happen, but the thought is there and the value of the contract has totally evaporated as more than one bank is now saying they will look at financing contracted potatoes the same as they would fresh or open potatoes. While this makes total sense for the banking side of things, it will more than likely force more smaller growers to seek non-traditional funding sources and may lead to further consolidation of the grower community. Another aspect of the contracting situation that will no longer be the same is how growers plan for future growing seasons. With less certainty in the contract volume that will actually be wanted by the processor, growers can no longer assume that they will have the same volume as the year before unless their field person tells them in the fall of any reductions. That had been the mantra of most processing companies for years. Growers would heed that advice and make financial commitments to their processor for land and seed, prepare the ground with fall fumigant and fertilizer and plan their rotations accordingly. The processors have silently asked the growers to make more than a $1,000/acre commitment to them while the processor takes the time up until planting to view the world market for as long as possible before returning the commitment to growers in the way of contract volume. The one sidedness of the grower commitment will be altered as many growers will be hesitant about how much of their livelihood they are willing to commit before receiving a firm commitment. Even in cases where growers may want to make those commitments early, their banks may not be on board with financing those activities for the coming year until the books are closed on the current crop. Our industry has done a great job of absorbing the body blows that have come our way this year. At the beginning of the year, the question was would we be able to make enough frozen potato products in North America to meet the ever-growing demand. By April, we were wondering just how far demand would fall with the pandemic and the subsequent economic shutdown to August when things were looking somewhat stable and slowly returning to normal. Very few segments of any industry could have handled that as well as the potato growing community. We should all be proud of what we have endured and accomplished. But whenever humans go through what we have gone through, things will never be exactly like they were before. Hang on, the wild ride is not over yet, but the new normal is starting to appear on the horizon.
New Products
Greentronics Improves In-Line Conveyor Scale
Greentronics has added several new features to its RiteWeight in-line conveyor scale product. The new features are designed to automate harvest and storage data recording. Data are uploaded via Android phone or tablet to the Greentronics cloud server for processing and reporting in near real-time. Maps and reports can be viewed, downloaded, shared or printed from anywhere via secure log-in. A range of reports detail how much crop is stored and where it was grown. 2D maps show where crop is stored by date, field and variety. By including a crop temperature sensor with the scale, maps will provide a temperature profile for each cellar. Maps allow growers to easily complete traceability reports, and harvest and storage progress can be monitored from anywhere. Reports show inventory levels, and other scales and yield monitors may be added to provide additional details about performance in the field and trash percentage. Visit www.greentronics.com.
The Best Value In The Industry
Certis Gains OMRI Approval for OSO
Growers can now use Certis USA’s polyoxin D zinc salt fungicide OSO on organic acreage, thanks to the bio-pesticide’s recent listing by the Organic Materials Review Board (OMRI). Introduced by Certis USA in 2012, OSO is a broad-spectrum fungicide used to control diseases such as powdery mildew, Botrytis blight, black scurf, early blight and late blight. Currently approved for use in all states on a variety of crops, including potatoes, OSO has a zero-day preharvest interval. Visit www.certisusa.com.
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PotatoCountry.com
31
The Start of a Bad Year for Nematodes and a Good Year for Potatoes
High-yielding, high-quality potatoes begin with Telone® II soil fumigant. Telone creates a zone of protection around roots, providing the highest level of nematode management while also managing wireworm. Blending Telone with chloropicrin will also help manage soil-borne diseases, such as Verticillium wilt, common scab and black dot. By significantly reducing nematode populations, Telone becomes part of an effective long-term nematode management program.
Telone® is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Telone is labeled under FIFRA 24(c) for nematode suppression in cotton and as an at-plant application only in the state of Georgia. In Florida, Telone is labeled under FIFRA 24(c) for nematode suppression with additional use restrictions in certain counties, including: Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia. The use of Telone is prohibited in Broward and Dade counties. Consult the Supplemental Labeling for the specific restrictions in your area or call 800-258-3033 for more information. Some products are not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions. ®Telone is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company. ©2020 Corteva
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