$22/year | $2/copy | Volume 72 No. 08 | AUGUST 2020
THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN'S POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
RESEARCH & SUSTAINABLE AG ISSUE
INTERVIEW:
Yi Wang
UW-Madison Department of Horticulture MEASURING EVAPOTRANSPIRATION: Potato Field vs. Pine Plantation HEARTLAND FARMS EMPLOYS Technology and Sustainability AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS Of Coronavirus Pandemic CENTRAL WISCONSIN LAKES Reach Highest Levels in Years
UW-Madison Assistant Professor Yi Wang holds a Plover Russet potato plant at the Hancock Ag Research Station.
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On the Cover: University of Wisconsin-Madison Assistant Professor
and Outreach Specialist Yi Wang holds a Plover Russet potato plant that’s part of a trial to investigate the variety’s optimal nitrogen rate. The “X” and “O” signs were put up at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station so staff would know where to apply different amounts of nitrogen in which plots at what timings.
8 BADGER COMMON’TATER INTERVIEW: In the summer of 2018, Yi Wang, University of Wisconsin Department of Horticulture, scouts a commercial Russet Burbank potato field. Her team collaborated with a grower to evaluate potato growth in different EC (electrical conductivity) zones of a field watered using a variable-rate irrigation (VRI) system. A goal of the research was to determine the benefits of using VRI in an area that exhibits special variability.
DEPARTMENTS: ALI’S KITCHEN.................... 65 BADGER BEAT.................... 49
16 EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Heartland Farms shares best management practices
34 SEED PIECE
Golfers practiced social distancing and enjoyed 2020 Spud Seed Classic
63 NEW PRODUCTS
“The Potato Crop” covers spud’s contributions to genetics and value chain
FEATURE ARTICLES: 25 GROUNDWATER & LAKE levels reach highest in recent Central Wisconsin history
EYES ON ASSOCIATES & AUXILIARY NEWS............... 46 MARK YOUR CALENDAR...... 6 MARKETPLACE................... 29 NOW NEWS....................... 55 NPC NEWS......................... 59 PEOPLE.............................. 40 PLANTING IDEAS.................. 6
43 RESEARCH COMPARES evapotranspiration of potato field versus pine plantation
POTATOES USA NEWS........ 54
60 IMPACT OF COVID-19: Essential nature of food value chain is increasingly obvious
WPIB FOCUS...................... 48
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WPVGA Board of Directors: President: Rod Gumz Vice President: Bill Guenthner Secretary: Wes Meddaugh Treasurer: Mike Carter Directors: John Bustamante, Dan Kakes, Charlie Mattek & Alex Okray Wisconsin Potato Industry Board: President: Heidi Alsum-Randall Vice President: Richard Okray Secretary: Bill Wysocki Treasurer: Keith Wolter Directors: John Bobek, Andy Diercks, Cliff Gagas, John T. Schroeder & Tom Wild WPVGA Associate Division Board of Directors: President: Kenton Mehlberg Vice President: Paul Cieslewicz
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Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors: President: Jeff Fassbender Vice President: J.D. Schroeder Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Suchon Directors: Roy Gallenberg & Matt Mattek
WPVGA Staff Executive Director: Tamas Houlihan Managing Editor: Joe Kertzman Director of Promotions & Consumer Education: Dana Rady Financial Officer: Karen Rasmussen Executive Assistant: Julie Braun Program Assistant: Jane Guillen Spudmobile Education & Outreach Administrator: Doug Foemmel Spudmobile Education and Outreach Coordinator: Dale Bowe
Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors: President: Kathy Bartsch Vice President: Devin Zarda Secretary/Treasurer: Datonn Hanke Directors: Jody Baginski, Brittany Bula, Deniell Bula & Marie Reid
WPVGA Office (715) 623-7683 • FAX: (715) 623-3176 E-mail: wpvga@wisconsinpotatoes.com Website: www.wisconsinpotatoes.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/WPVGA
Secretary: Julie Cartwright Treasurer: Rich Wilcox Directors: Chris Brooks, Kristi Kulas, Sally Suprise & Justin Yach
Mission Statement of the WPVGA: To advance the interests of WPVGA members through education, information, environmentally sound research, promotion, governmental action and involvement. Mission Statement of the WPVGA Associate Division: To work in partnership with the WPVGA as product and service providers to promote mutual industry viability by integrating technology and information resources. Badger Common’Tater is published monthly at 700 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
Subscription rates: $2/copy, $22/year; $40/2 years. Foreign subscription rates: $35/year; $55/2 years. Telephone: (715) 623-7683 Mailing address: P.O. Box 327, Antigo, Wisconsin 54409 Or, subscribe free online: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe/ ADVERTISING: To advertise your service or product in this magazine, call (715) 630-6213, or email: Joe Kertzman: jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com. The editor welcomes manuscripts and pictures but accepts no responsibility for such material while in our hands. BC�T August
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MARK YOUR
Calendar
AUGUST 2-9 15
ANTIGO TATER TROT Virtual Event www.antigotatertrot.com WAUPACA AREA TRIATHLON CANCELED due to COVID-19 coronavirus
SEPTEMBER 12 12 29-10/3
ALSUM TATER TROT 5K POSTPONED until 2021 due to COVID-19 coronavirus 2020 SPUD BOWL Community Stadium at Goerke Park Stevens Point, WI POTATO BOWL FESTIVAL Grand Forks-East Grand Forks, ND-MN
OCTOBER 15-17 26-27 29
PMA FRESH SUMMIT CANCELED due to COVID-19 coronavirus RESEARCH MEETING West Madison Ag Research Station Verona, WI 1ST ANNUAL WPVGA ASSOC. DIV. TRAP & SKEET SHOOT Wausau Skeet and Trap Club Wausau/Brokaw, WI
JANUARY 2021 6-7
2021 POTATO EXPO Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center Grapevine, TX
FEBRUARY 2-4 22-24
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APRIL 21-23
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JULY 20-22 6
FARM TECHNOLOGY DAYS Silver Spring Foods, Huntsinger Horseradish Farm Eau Claire, WI
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Planting Ideas Brothers in arms? Perhaps, but really Spudmobile Education & Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel (left in the image above) and partner in crime, new Spudmobile driver and Education & Outreach Coordinator Dale Bowe (right), practiced social distancing during the 2020 WPVGA Promotions Retreat at Smiley’s Bar and Grill in Plover, Wisconsin. A meeting that is normally held toward the end of March quickly got pushed back to June as the coronavirus crept into the state, closing the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison, non-essential businesses and more. See coverage of the 2020 Promotions Retreat in “Marketplace.”
Regarding the university, this issue’s interviewee, Yi Wang, assistant professor and Division of Extension specialist, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture, and her team have been hard at work, social distancing observed and masks worn, at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station. There, among other research projects, they are conducting three potato variety trials: one under multiple nitrogen (N) rates, one under a low N environment with different harvesting dates, and a third evaluating storage quality, such as weight loss, tuber appearance and dormancy of tubers, from trials one and two. Enjoy the full interview in the pages to follow. In this “Research & Sustainable Ag”-themed issue, Professor Ankur Desai and Research Assistant and Fulbright Scholar Ammara Talib update readers on their work using a US-CS2 eddy covariance flux tower measuring evapotranspiration in a pine plantation within the Tri-County School Forest northeast of Hancock. They compare data from it with that of a US-CS1 tower positioned in a Heartland Farms potato field (variety FL213), also in Hancock, that has been operating since June of 2018. Heartland Farms is involved with much more than eddy covariance flux towers, with a full feature article dedicated to the operation embracing technology and sustainability, sharing what the owners have learned over the years with readers, fellow growers and the agriculture industry. Currently farming approximately 27,000 irrigated acres, Heartland Farms, Inc., of Hancock, has long been dedicated to sustainability and best management practices in its day-to-day operations and for the long term. Read about the technologies the farm has adapted to reach its goals. Please email me with your thoughts and questions. If you wish to be notified when our free online magazine is available monthly, here is the subscriber link: http://wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe.
Joe Kertzman
Managing Editor jkertzman@wisconsinpotatoes.com
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NAME: Yi Wang TITLE: Assistant professor, extension specialist, Department of Horticulture INSTITUTION: University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison LOCATION: Madison, WI HOMETOWN: Zhengzhou, He’nan, China YEARS IN PRESENT POSITION: 3 PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Assistant professor at University of Idaho SCHOOLING: Ph.D. in potato physiology, UW-Madison ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS: Potato Association of America, American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America AWARDS/HONORS: Alfred Toepfer Faculty Fellow, 2020 Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Award and 2017 Spudman Emerging Leader Award FAMILY: Mom, dad, grandma, uncle, aunt, boyfriend HOBBIES: Accordion, piano, touring and skiing 8
BC�T August
Interview
YI WANG, assistant professor and extension specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
Growing up in a large metropolitan area in China,
Yi Wang earned her bachelor’s degree in biological science from Nanjing Agricultural University. Wang had big shoes to fill, as her uncle, Renyi Zhang, is a distinguished professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University who earned his Ph.D. from MIT with Dr. Mario Malina, and the 1995 Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry. “Uncle Renyi encouraged me to come to the U.S. to receive higher education,” Yi says. “After getting my Ph.D. and doing some postdoc research at UW-Madison, I was offered an assistant professor position in potato physiology at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center in the University of Idaho.” “There, I learned a lot from every facet of the largest potato production system in the country,” Yi enthuses. “I rejoined UW-Madison three years ago.” As an assistant professor and
extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at UWMadison, Wang’s team members include Mack Naber, lab manager, Trevor Crosby, Ph.D. student, and Guolong Liang, Master of Science student. Is your family in China staying well and safe during the coronavirus Above: Yi Wang, assistant professor and extension specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture, holds some potato petioles from one of the fields she and her team are trialing at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station.
pandemic? Yes, thank you, they are doing well. My mom, dad and 90-year-old grandma stayed at home for about three months with almost no outdoor activities except grocery shopping. My hometown had low coronavirus cases, but still imposed strict lockdown policies. What attracted you to UW-Madison? I got my Ph.D. from Madison and stayed here for seven years before taking a job in Idaho, so coming back to Madison is like coming home. Madison is my second hometown. What made you interested in potato physiology and why do you like it? I love crops, and I love to watch tiny seeds growing into vigorous, leafy plants. It fills me with energy. Working with potatoes as a graduate student, I was interested in understanding what is going on within the plants—the processes from photosynthesis in the leaves to tuber bulking below the ground.
I am also lucky to hire hard-working and intelligent people (lab manager, and graduate and undergrad students) to work with me so that my program stays highly productive.
How has your job at UW-Madison evolved since you have been in your present position? I am lucky to work with the potato and vegetable growers and processors in Wisconsin who have been extremely supportive and collaborative.
You were approved for 2020-’21 base funding from the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) for potato and vegetable production research. Explain the focus of that research project. I have three major research focuses:
They help me develop new research ideas and fund them, correctly interpret my research results and provide timely feedback on my extension projects so I can improve my program all the time.
1. Investigate innovative technologies and practices, including precision agriculture, variable rate irrigation and remote sensing, to improve the resource use sustainability of vegetable cropping systems;
Above: Practicing safe social distancing, UW-Madison Assistant Professor Yi Wang (second from left) poses with her research team, from left to right, Mack Naber (lab manager), Guolong Liang (master’s student) and Trevor Crosby (Ph.D. student).
2. Develop useful machine learning tools to predict real-time and endof-season crop yield and quality, and water and nitrogen balance; and 3. Make production recommendations on planting population, irrigation, fertilization and storage management of new vegetable crops or new varieties with higher water and nitrogen use efficiency. continued on pg. 10
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Interview. . .
continued from pg. 9
You also submitted and were approved for a competitive grant proposal, again funded by the WPVGA, for making agronomic recommendations for production of new elite Wisconsin fresh market potato cultivars. What data will you be using to make
the recommendations? We are conducting three variety trials this year: one is under multiple nitrogen (N) rates, one is under a low N environment with different harvesting dates, and a third evaluates storage quality, such as weight loss, tuber appearance and dormancy of tubers,
from trials one and two. Our objective is to find some promising fresh market cultivars that yield and store well under low N fertilization. This is necessary for future sustainable management of groundwater quality by our potato and vegetable industry. You were recently awarded a large grant by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. These types of grants are highly competitive. Why was your proposal selected and what are its objectives? I think the major reasons that my proposal, entitled “Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing to Develop Decision Support Models for Potato Nitrogen Management,” was funded include: 1. Water quality is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. 2. Our proposal has a highly competent team (Yi is the leading PI [principal investigator] and Drs. Phil Townsend and Paul Mitchell are the co-PI’s).
Above: Assistant Professor Yi Wang’s research team checks the moisture level of a dark red kidney bean field at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station, June 2020. Five varieties of dark red kidney beans are planted for research on nitrogen and water use. 10 BC�T August
3. We get great support/collaboration from the potato industry. In the study, we will develop some
machine learning tools to predict plant N status using hyperspectral imagery with good accuracy. We will also identify critical spectral bands that are closely related to inseason potato N status and end-ofseason tuber yield, so that time for image processing and data extraction will be greatly reduced. The ultimate goal is to build an app to help growers manage in-season N fertilization without laborious and time-consuming petiole collection or destructive digging. How has it been trying to do research during the COVID-19 coronavirus? Are you able to get out into the field, and what have been the biggest challenges? We were able to start our field season on time, but with reduced project sizes, an average of a 30 percent cut because we were not allowed to hire undergrad help and visiting scholars during the pandemic. We need to comply with the campus policy of one person per vehicle for field trips, wearing face coverings indoors and restricted travel without the Dean’s approval. Those policies have impacted my research and extension program to some extent, but I have been trying my best to use online tools such as Zoom meetings, phone calls, extension newsletters and the YouTube platform to stay productive. I greatly appreciate that the WPVGA and my growers understand this situation. They keep me updated on their production progress via online communication (I am not able to make farm visits as I could before). What are you most excited about involving your current research or your position at UW-Madison? There is a fantastic potato science team at UW–Madison. We have a nationally reputed expert in every major potato research area, and I enjoy collaborating with and receiving advice from the team members.
Yi Wang’s uncle, Renyi Zhang, is a distinguished professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University who earned his Ph.D. from MIT with Dr. Mario Malina, the 1995 Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry.
As an extension specialist, do you also teach, and if so, what classes? I have a 10 percent appointment of teaching, which means I need to teach a three-credit class every other year. I taught Horticulture 375: A Growing Dilemma—The Future of Food, in the
spring of 2019, and will teach it again in 2021. The class is based on panel discussions. I invited dozens of ag experts from across the UW-Madison campus and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to my class. We discussed continued on pg. 12
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Interview. . .
continued from pg. 11
hot issues in the ag industry, such as organic food versus GMOs (genetically modified organisms), water quality, urban farming and ag automation. The students liked the class. How do you feel your work relates to the Wisconsin idea? The nature of my job is all about the Wisconsin Idea. As an extension specialist in potato and vegetable sustainable production, I am working closely with members of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry daily.
I learn about their needs by reaching out to them, conduct science-based applied research to address those needs, and then disseminate the research results back to them. I also have on-farm trials to directly demonstrate my research to the growers. I really enjoy having a great working relationship with my stakeholders. What do you hope to accomplish in your research or professionally in the coming years? For extension, I am working with my counterparts
Left: Even at 5 years old, Yi was studying hard! Right: Yi Wang (right) talks to potato grower Andy Diercks (left) of Coloma Farms while standing in front of a Spudnik AirSep Harvester.
in Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota to develop a cross-state program that addresses common potato production issues in the Midwest. I would like my extension program to gain national recognition in the coming five years.
Yi Wang is shown with her parents during a visit at Devil’s Lake, and with her Mom at a Wisconsin Badgers football game. 12 BC�T August
“We have a nationally reputed expert in every major potato research area, and I enjoy collaborating with and receiving advice from them.” – Yi Wang high-profile scientific journals so that my plant science community recognizes our innovative research. Thirty days after emergence, tiny potato tubers start to form on a dark red Norland plant that is part of Yi’s potato trial at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station.
For research, I am targeting use of cutting-edge technologies such as UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles), precision ag and AI (artificial intelligence) in potato and vegetable production, and hope to publish in
For teaching, I just hope that my students love my class. What will be your biggest challenges in the coming years? There are always challenges in research. For me, finding and fine-tuning the right cutting-edge technologies that are applicable to potato and vegetable production will be the major challenges I need to address.
For example, there are lots of available machine learning models, and I need to look for the one that is the most efficient and relevant to potato irrigation or nitrogen management. Collaboration with experts in the related areas will be a good way to go. What do you want potato and vegetable growers to know about you or your work that they might continued on pg. 14
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Interview. . .
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not know? I have three big findings from my research and one big extension project to share: 1. If your potatoes are harvested healthy out of the field, increasing the wound healing temperature to 60 degrees Fahrenheit for one week might help you avoid dark fry color on Russet Burbanks or help you mitigate senescent sweetening on Snowden; 2. Variable rate irrigation (VRI) is a good option if you have different elevations or soil textures in one field. Even the simple speed control VRI is efficient to manage a low, water-logging prone spot without rotting or a high, waterstress prone spot without reduced yield; and 3. Petiole nitrate analysis is a common approach to guide inseason N fertilization. You can also consider whole leaf total N analysis, which does not give you sharp spikes but is still relevant to plant N status and not as misleading as petiole nitrate at times. We have developed an online selfguided course with six modules about
In 2018, Yi Wang (right) poses with 70th Alice in Dairyland Crystal Siemers-Peterman, and a Holstein behind them.
agricultural water management in Wisconsin. Please contact Dr. Deana Knuteson (dknuteson@wisc.edu) to enroll in the class. Why do you think your work is important to growers’ businesses? I hope that, through my research and extension, I can provide my stakeholders with useful information on practices or tools that can
improve their production efficiency, help them be great stewards of natural resources and have an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable cropping system. You were recently awarded the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Award and the UW Alfred Toepfer Faculty Fellow Award. What do these awards mean to you? They
Two of Yi Wang’s hobbies include skiing and playing accordion, the latter at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin. 14 BC�T August
mean a lot to me. They are huge encouragement for me and a big recognition of my team’s past efforts. And they inspire me to keep up the good work. I heard that you play accordion and piano, Yi. You must enjoy music. I started to play accordion and piano at age six and had my first solo performance in a large theater at age nine. I love music! It is so relaxing and can refill my fuel tank when I am stressed out. My music advisor suggested that I go to the musical school and receive higher education in Europe. Being from a science family, I didn’t choose that path, but music is always a very important component of my daily life. Right: An aerial selfie shows Yi Wang (right) posing with her UW-Madison Ph.D. advisor, Paul Bethke, in front of potato research plots.
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Heartland Farms Embraces Technology & Sustainability
down with Heartland Farms President Jeremie Pavelski to get his input on sustainability and technological advances in farming.
Taking it a step further, the venerable Wisconsin potato operation shares ideas and info
Heartland Farms stresses technology and sustainability on its website and messaging. As president of the company, why is this important in your perspective? Technology and sustainability go hand in hand in my opinion. Technology allows us to remotely monitor conditions of fields, equipment, weather, and a whole lot more.
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Currently farming approximately 27,000 irrigated acres, Heartland Farms, Inc., of Hancock, Wisconsin, has long been dedicated to sustainability and best management practices in its day-to-day operations and for the long term. With roots going back to 1873, when the Pavelski family emigrated from Poland and settled in Amherst Junction, the original 80-acre homestead is still farmed by the family. Heartland Farms produces many varieties of chipping and fresh 16 BC�T August
potatoes, shipping them from August through June of the following year. Heartland has storage capacity for over 5,500,000 cwt. (hundredweight) and can ship up to 120 truckloads per day! In addition to potatoes, the farm grows sweet corn, canning peas, green beans and soybeans that are sold to Wisconsin food processors. With such a sizeable operation, it pays to be technologically advanced and sustainable. The Badger Common’Tater editor sat
Above: Jeremie Pavelski (left in first image), president of Heartland Farms, Inc., poses with his wife, Alicia, in front of a sign for the Farm Operations, Technology and Training Center (FOTTC). A photo taken at dusk shows the beauty of the state-of-the-art facility, which includes a training room, shown on page 17. Jeremie says, with all the technology in the building, the biggest asset is having a great facility to foster collaboration among his team members. Images courtesy of Phil Weston
Modern technology allows us to respond to events faster than we could have before. A simple thing such as an automated rain gauge provides invaluable insights in real time. We do not have to go to each field and check the rain gage anymore; that information is at our fingertips wherever we are. This means our team members can spend more time in the planning and management of the crop to ensure we are not wasting inputs, over- or under-watering crops, etc. Monitoring equipment remotely also helps us be proactive to ensure it is running as smoothly as possible and avoid costly breakdowns during critical times. Technology can also help us monitor storage and shipping operations, which allows us to tweak our processes to be as efficient and effective as possible. Every piece of technology is about providing and analyzing information to make actionable decisions. Whether the information is provided in a report someone looks at or in the form of an alert that action should be taken, it helps keep a pulse on what’s going on. ON SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability is not only about the environment, although that is a huge portion of it. Sustainability is also trying to provide as much time as feasible to our teams, who pour their continued on pg. 18
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Heartland Farms Embraces Technology & Sustainability . . . continued from pg. 17
hearts and souls into the crop, to have a more regular balance of work versus home time.
methods to try and strike a balance, it will be hard to get team members from the next generation.
We are always looking at ways to increase quality and yields, reduce shrink, and do it in a sustainable way.
If we can utilize technology so the team doesn’t have to leave their home to deal with an issue in the middle of the night, start a pivot or fertigation tank, or change settings at a storage building, the team members will enjoy working in agriculture even more.
With the talented and dedicated team that we have, we need to ensure technology is working as hard and as smart as they are. The two go hand in hand.
Does sustainability have to do with public perception? Business efficiency? Both? For me and our organization, it is about passion and the drive for efficiency. Anything we can do to become better than we were the day before is a good thing.
We can also utilize technology to help provide the best quality possible given the variable of Mother Nature. If we can respond quicker with better information, we can produce a better crop.
No matter what, there are long, hard hours worked in agriculture, and if we do not adopt technology and
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Having a mindset of continuous improvement is a must and incorporating new technologies and methods fit into that mindset. While public perception is a piece of the puzzle, I believe good public perceptions come from doing things right and having the continuous improvement mindset. Five years ago, Heartland Farms broke ground on a Farm Operations, Technology and Training Center (FOTTC), and four years ago was an open house. The facility holds offices and employee training and conference rooms, but also technology. What are the biggest Above: Potato harvest is in full swing at Heartland Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin. Reasoning that there are long, hard hours worked in agriculture, Heartland Farms President Jeremie Pavelski says, “If we do not adopt technology and methods to try and strike a balance, it will be hard to get team members from the next generation.” continued on pg. 20
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Heartland Farms Embraces Technology & Sustainability . . . continued from pg. 18
technological aspects? With all the technology in the building, the biggest asset is having a great facility to foster collaboration. You can have all the technology in the world, but if the whole team is not on board with utilizing it and understanding how it can help, there is no point in implementing it. Our IT team spends a lot of their time working directly with the operations teams who ultimately utilize the technology. Whether it is an app we designed for work orders, IoT devices that allow us to control things remotely, or
countless other things, our IT team is getting down and dirty with the rest of the crew to understand how to better serve them. I know there are 95kV of photovoltaic solar power panels on the roof—I assume this saves the company money and helps protect the environment at the same time? Solar is a fairly good addition. It provides roughly a third to half of the power utilized at the FOTTC. I am supportive of alternative energy and the ways it can reduce the carbon footprint. The payback on it is quite slow,
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though. Without credits to offset the cost, it would probably not make economic sense in Wisconsin. That said, new solar technologies are coming out every day that are more efficient and there will be a time when it would pay to install solar even without credits. What I have heard referred to as the “War Room,” or what resembles one, with computer screens and television monitors on every wall in one room of the FOTTC building—I know you can monitor your tractors from that room, but what are its main purposes? The main purpose is to provide operational visibility. As teams get larger and more diverse, it is important to have information presented to collaborate on and foster critical thinking. Above: Jeremie Pavelski says the main purpose of the technology room (or “war room” as it has affectionately been called) is to provide operational visibility. Here school-age children are given a tour and being exposed to technology used in farming more efficiently and sustainably. Above: Heartland Farms, Inc. Vice President of Operations T.J. Kennedy checks the potato crop. Jeremie Pavelski says sustainability is not only about the environment, but also trying to provide as much time as feasible to his team members who pour their hearts and souls into the crop, to have a more regular balance of work versus home time.
“With the talented and dedicated team that we have, we need to ensure technology is working as hard and as smart as they are. The two go hand in hand.” – Jeremie Pavelski
Any information presented in the “War Room” is also available on our team members’ iPads because, well, we are still farmers and being in the fields, storages, or shipping the crop out are what make the company. Although we showcase the “War Room” a lot, each department has information presented in locations across the whole farm, whether it be screens with crew schedules, shipping schedules, efficiency metrics, weather information, you name it. Why is it important to keep track
of how fast the tractors are going, where they are, how many hours they have been in the field, and of breakdowns? That information is important so you can create benchmarks and goals. No two people operate a piece of equipment the same, and if one person is operating more efficiently than the other, the whole team can learn from that. Understanding cost of production is also important. That is where the hours on tractors come in.
Above: Technology can help in monitoring storage and shipping operations, which allows operations like Heartland Farms, Inc. to tweak their processes and be as efficient and effective as possible.
always wet, it will take us more time to accomplish what needs to get done. It may not make sense to farm that field in the future. Knowing which equipment has broken down, what the cause was and how long it was broke down is important so we can get to the root
If we have a rocky field and it is
continued on pg. 22
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Heartland Farms Embraces Technology & Sustainability . . . continued from pg. 21
cause of any issues and try to prevent them from happening again. Downtime is expensive. Over the next year, we are implementing new systems to help track that better. Can you also detect hot, dry or saturated areas of fields from that room, and thus, disease or insect infestations? This is not going to be a very straightforward answer. Yes, we can to some extent, but not on a large scale. We do have soil moisture probes in some fields. They work OK, but there is a lot to be desired with them. In the future, we have some ideas on how to get even more granular, but that will take time and new technology will need to be developed. We do know the temperature, rainfall, amount of irrigation applied and soil types for each field, so a lot of that can be interpolated to understand moisture in certain areas. Like many Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers, Heartland Farms uses high-speed irrigation systems with drop nozzles, variable rate
irrigation, GPS, high-tech machinery, remote control capabilities for irrigation, data management, efficient storage and even cover crops. This all equates to efficiency, but are these technologies helping you become more of a sustainable operation? Yes, I believe this is making us more sustainable on multiple fronts:
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Above: Heartland Ag Tech (HAT for short) is a new spinoff for technology development in the agriculture space. The purpose is simple, to look at the areas Heartland Farms can gain efficiencies and then either find or create technology to solve problems. Shown is an electronic module the farming operation designed.
• From an environmental sustainability viewpoint, we can turn pivots off quicker when we have received enough rainfall. With variable rate fertilizer applications, we ensure we are getting the proper nutrients to the crop without overdoing it. We have saved quite a bit of fuel over the last five years by benchmarking, adopting new practices and by reducing miles traveled. • Variable frequency drives can also help by reducing power consumption and allow us to micro-manage irrigation, air flows in storages and much more. • GPS has helped with quality and allowed us to utilize less inputs by applying nutrients and crop protectants only where needed. The list could go on and on. Do cover crops also equate to sustainability in your mind,
and if so, how? Cover crops are part of good agriculture practices. They can help ensure soil doesn’t erode and can also help ensure nutrients don’t move in the soil. There are other benefits but those two are the main ones. Approximately what percent of your acreage is planted with cover crops each year? As long as weather allows it, 100 percent of the fields will have a cover crop planted after harvest. Data management seems to be a difficult thing for growers to accomplish—the data is there, but how do they manage it? Does Heartland Farms have a secret? I have to laugh at this question a little bit because it is so true. As far as a secret, it really started many years ago with Dick (Pavelski) and Dave (Knights) having the mindset and determination to grow
the best crops and develop systems to accomplish that.
actionable information out of our systems.
Dating back to the 1980’s, my father (Dick) was addicted to spreadsheets and utilizing accurate data to make decisions. Take that into the ’90s, and Dave had a passion and need to develop systems that would allow him to scale the organization and ensure he had a pulse on everything that went on.
So, the secret is having a vision, knowing what you need and having a team that can execute to those needs.
Databases were the key to doing that. Since the early days, we have developed many systems and have integrated them to provide the information the team needs and do it on a timely basis. We have our in-house IT team that develops desktop and mobile applications, and most importantly, works with the whole organization to ensure we are getting accurate,
This is a story in and of itself, but Heartland Farms unveiled plans earlier this year for the “Farming for the Future Foundation.” The Badger Common’Tater did a story on its launch. Is this a continuation of your dedication to sustainability and technology, or is it more about education, or both? And what do you most hope to accomplish with the Farming for the Future Foundation? Great questions. The Farming for the Future Foundation (FFTF) was formed with two main goals: being able to showcase modern agriculture and help the continued on pg. 24
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Heartland Farms Embraces Technology & Sustainability . . . continued from pg. 23
public understand what really goes on. There is a lot of misinformation out there and we want to be the trusted source for accurate information. We have a two-headed approach to accomplishing this. First, we want to assist in building an agriculture curriculum in the school system to help students, parents and teachers understand farming. Next, we will be building a discovery center where people can get hands-on experiences in agriculture. All of that will showcase history, modern technology and sustainability, and get people excited about agriculture. A side goal is getting more people interested in agriculture. Once people know what goes on and see how neat things are, they will be more inclined to join the field. Getting out good information can
also strike up critical conversations when people have questions or ideas. It can be an amazing opportunity for farmers and the public to learn. It is a two-way street. Jeremie, have sustainability and technology helped Heartland Farms be a better potato and vegetable grower? I believe so. By utilizing technology and information, and having amazing teams, we have had the ability to grow and continue to help support our team members and communities. Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add? Another neat thing that has happened over the last couple years is the advent of Heartland Ag Tech (HAT for short). This is a new spinoff for technology development in the agriculture space. The purpose is simple, to look at the areas we can gain efficiencies and then either find or create technology to solve problems.
It is taking things to the next level. If there is something that is a hinderance or something that causes downtime, we evaluate that and see if there is something that can simplify and reduce or eliminate the problem. The company really came about when my wife, Alicia, and I were talking with my cousin, Russ, who at the time was an engineer for Ingersoll Rand and previously helped develop sensors for the Mars Rover and some of the first iPhones. We decided to partner up and started creating technology from the circuit board level on up. So far, we have a couple products we are utilizing at Heartland Farms and will expand that over the next couple years. We are in the process of patenting a few new technologies as well. It is neat building this from the ground up.
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Record High Water Levels in Central Wisconsin Groundwater and lake levels are highest in recent history By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Groundwater is a vital resource to many communities and agricultural areas of Wisconsin and the United States. Although the dynamics of lakes, rivers and weather systems are familiar and visible, groundwater is hidden from view and, for many, a mystery. Beginning in 2013, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) conducted a study in which farmers in the Central Sands area of the state measure water levels in their respective highcapacity wells twice a year in the fall and spring. The data is collected and maintained in a database to observe trends in groundwater elevations. The database was originally maintained by the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension, and since 2016, assumed by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. “GZA receives water level data from over 160 high-capacity wells twice annually from seven
growers,” explains James Drought, vice president and principal hydrogeologist for GZA. “The response of groundwater systems, as confirmed in the WPVGA well study since 2013, is heavily influenced by the timing and duration of precipitation events,” Drought says. Each of the 160 wells in the study are in Portage and Waushara counties within the Central Sands, a large, unconfined aquifer, or water table, where groundwater can be released
Above: Taken in June 2020, pictures of Long Lake in Plainfield, Wisconsin, show trees, vegetation and “No Wake” and invasive species warning signs normally on shore and now far into and under the water. Images courtesy of Scott Polzin
from storage for the irrigation of agricultural fields. HIGHEST RECORDED LEVELS “Recent data over the past two to three years indicates that the groundwater elevations in most wells included in the database are at some continued on pg. 26
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Record High Water Levels in Central Wisconsin . . . continued from pg. 25
of their highest recorded levels since 2013,” Drought confirms.
“In many cases, water elevations are nearly 10 feet higher than the groundwater elevations recorded at the time of well installation,” Drought states. “The groundwater and surface water elevations within the Central Sands are strongly influenced by the amount of precipitation and the resulting recharge to the unconfined aquifer over succeeding years,” he says. “Despite withdrawals for irrigation, groundwater elevations are increasing due to increased precipitation and the storage capacity of the unconfined aquifer,” Drought adds.
45
Annual Precipitation, inches
Many of the high-capacity wells in the Central Sands were drilled in the late 1950’s to early 1970’s. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) maintains a “Well Construction Information System,” and GZA has been able to find many of the original well construction reports.
50
40
35
30
25
20
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2018
2019
2020
Annual precipitation is shown in inches for Stevens Point, Wisconsin, from 2012 to 2020.
Monthly Precipitation- Stevens Point 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
The WDNR is near completion of a comprehensive study of three lakes in Waushara County commonly referred to as “seepage lakes,” as they represent depressions on the surface created by glaciation, and as there is no in-flow or out-flow of water, the surface elevation is an expression of groundwater levels.
Long and Plainfield) in Waushara County.
As part of the Central Sands Lakes Study, the DNR has been collecting groundwater and lake level data around the three lakes (Pleasant,
A RISE OF 13 FEET “Since 2013, groundwater levels have risen nearly 13 feet in monitoring wells near Plainfield,” says Adam
26 BC�T August
2017
Annual Total
Monthly Precipitation, inches
“Most groundwater elevations recorded in the wells have risen greater than one foot since 2013, and several have risen by three to four feet, or more, in the last seven years,” Drought says.
Annual Precipitation- Stevens Point
Monthly Total
Historic Monthly Average
Monthly precipitation is illustrated in biannual increments for Stevens Point, Wisconsin, from January 2012 until January 2020.
Freihoefer, Water Use Section Chief, WDNR Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater. “In response to the rise in groundwater levels, the adjacent seepage lakes have also responded.
The water level in both Long and Plainfield Lakes, near Plainfield, rose approximately 6.5 feet between June 2018 and June 2020,” Freihoefer notes. “Based on our long-term monitoring wells, the high water levels in Central Wisconsin over the last few years have not been observed in at least the previous 80 years and have resulted in groundwater flooding in low-lying areas of Waushara County,” he adds. Groundwater and lake level data can be accessed on the DNR’s Water Quantity Data Viewer (https://dnrmaps.wi.gov/ H5/?viewer=Water_Use_Viewer). Additionally, data from the Wisconsin Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture (WISA) monitoring wells can be accessed by visiting the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS)
“In many cases, water elevations are nearly 10 feet higher than the groundwater elevations recorded at the time of well installation.” – James Drought website: https://wisa.cals.wisc.edu/. The WISA program installed over 25 wells to monitor water in the Central Sands, an area that includes Plover, Plainfield, Hancock and Coloma. In many cases, since data was first collected in 2012, the water level in the wells has risen by 10-15 feet or more to current levels of 15-20 feet. The water level for some of the wells was as low as 2.5-to-5 feet in depth just eight years ago. Scott Polzin’s family has a long history in the Plainfield area. “My dad, Doug,
was born in 1942 and grew up here in Plainfield,” says Polzin, owner of Northcentral Irrigation. “He had been farming since he was 20 years old, until 1991, when we got Northcentral Irrigation.” “I’ve never seen lake levels this high in the area,” Polzin says, “and my dad never has. He is 78 years old, so we are getting to the point now that people who do remember surface water levels this high are no longer with us. It’s getting to be toward 100 years since area lakes have had this much water.” continued on pg. 28
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Record High Water Levels in Central Wisconsin . . . continued from pg. 27
People in the area, Polzin notes, want adequate surface water levels so they can enjoy living on the lakes and for recreational purposes.
until around 1980, and after we moved away from there marked the beginning of lake levels going down over time.”
EFFECT OF RAINFALL “It wasn’t good when the lakes were low. They were low because of 20 years of below-normal rainfall,” he stresses. “We lived on Fish Lake
“There were quite a few years in a row, even in the 1990’s, when, in the summer, we’d go six to nine weeks without a drop of rain around here,” Polzin says, “and we weren’t getting
Above: 2020 surface levels of Lake Huron and Long Lake, Plainfield, Wisconsin, are so high that sheds, boathouses and other buildings are under water. Images courtesy of Scott Polzin
much snow in the winter.” That is no longer the case. “Water is up to the buildings of people who live on the lakes,” he says, “and into their basements. Sand Lake used to have islands and a peninsula, and now those are under water.” “In Hancock, water is so high east of town that it’s getting close to people’s houses,” Polzin relates. “Sheds are under water.” During periods of increased and sustained precipitation, Drought says, the effect of groundwater withdrawals on surface waters during pumping is decreased. “The changes in precipitation patterns and groundwater elevations should continue to be monitored to understand potential local and regional changes and trends,” he concludes.
28 BC�T August
Marketplace
By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions and Consumer Education
2020 Vision is Clear and Adaptable Annual retreat provided solid promotions plan with flexible line item for changing COVID-19 world Was it different this year? How could it not be? A lot of things are. 2020 began as a year when people joked their eyesight would be new and improved as a play on the phrase “20/20 vision.” And there were plenty of others who looked forward to new beginnings with the start of another decade. Only two and a half months in, however, and those who thought “things couldn’t possibly get worse” began second-guessing that idea by the end of May. From COVID-caused furloughs, challenging economic times and searching everywhere for toilet paper to senseless acts of violence, riots, looting and defunding the police, the world as we knew it is looking quite different these days. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Sure, it is just difficult to see right now. Most people are doing what they can to plan while also adapting and adjusting moment by moment and day by day with rapidly changing and evolving information. Such was the outcome of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) 2020 Promotions Retreat—try to plan but stay flexible. Everything you know today could be different tomorrow.
There’s never a dull moment with this group! From left to right, Mike Gatz of Bushmans’ Inc., Marc Stalter of Bushman Potato Sales, Auxiliary Vice President Devin Zarda of Wirz Inc. and Kristi Kulas of M3 Insurance Solutions Inc. take a break from discussions to show off their pearly whites at the 2020 WPVGA Promotions Retreat. The retreat took place at Smiley’s Bar and Grill in Plover, Wisconsin, June 4.
A meeting that is normally held toward the end of March quickly got pushed back to June as the virus crept into Wisconsin and closed the University of Wisconsin-Madison, among schools and non-essential businesses.
JUNE VENUE CHANGE Initially, June seemed like the perfect timeframe, as it was after the stateissued “stay-at-home” order expired and the hope was that life would be back to normal by then. Wishful thinking perhaps. continued on pg. 30
SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW WPVGA MEMBERS When you need goods or services, please consider asking our Associate Division Members for quotes or explore what they have to offer. Together, we make a strong organization and appreciate how wonderful we are as a group. BC�T August 29
Marketplace . . . continued from pg. 29
I will refrain from covering all the nitty-gritty details of everything that transpired in those short weeks. You likely remember the chaos well, especially if you were acting as a teacher, physical education instructor, a doctor and parent all while working your normal full-time job, likely at home.
A handful of members participated virtually, and others attended in person, which provided an interesting dynamic.
On Thursday, June 4, the Promotions Committee traveled to Smiley’s Bar and Grill in Plover for the annual meeting instead of holding it at the popular Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.
This is a big-picture, strategic project the committee has been inquiring about and discussing since March 2019. It is also an opportunity that, like almost everything else, is experiencing repercussions from COVID-19.
With social distancing in place as much as possible, and with sanitizer in reach, Smiley’s prepared a plated meal versus the normal buffet and, for the first time, the online meeting platform, Zoom, was included in the preparations.
A large portion of the meeting focused on a topic that has been included in promotions meeting agendas for more than a year, the Madison Public Market.
The conversations in Madison about those repercussions and around what the market looks like in lieu of the pandemic are ongoing. ACCESS TO FOOD However, we know that included
in those conversations are ways of making food more accessible to the people who need it and creating opportunities for small business owners to thrive on a greater scale within the current climate. Both efforts are perfect compliments to the “thank a farmer” and “buy local” messages the Wisconsin potato industry has been promoting for years! During the meeting, the committee spoke with two small business owners in Madison who are each Left: The 2020 Promotions Retreat kicks off with a bang at Smiley’s Bar and Grill in Plover on Thursday, June 4, as the newest WPVGA staff member, Dale Bowe (second from left), processes all the information included on the day’s agenda. Bowe joined WPVGA as the Spudmobile education and outreach coordinator, in March, after retiring from Wisconsin Public Service. Pictured from left to right are WPVGA Spudmobile Education and Outreach Administrator Doug Foemmel, Bowe, Auxiliary President Kathy Bartsch, Heidi Randall of Alsum Farms and Produce, and WPVGA Executive Assistant Julie Braun. RIght: Dianne Somers (left) of Plover River Farms and Brian Lee of Okray Family Farms give each other a virtual elbow bump at the 2020 Promotions Retreat. Below: Outgoing Promotions Committee Chair Christine Lindner (right) of Alsum Farms and Produce opens the 2020 Promotions Retreat discussions as WPVGA Promotions Director Dana Rady (left) pages through the agenda packet.
30 BC�T August
interested in partnering with Wisconsin potatoes in some way, be it through the Madison Public Market or in another capacity. One of them is Christine Ameigh, owner of “Slide Gourmet Potato Chips.” Ameigh uses Wisconsin
potatoes from Heartland Farms, in Hancock, to make her homemade chips and seasonings.
Above: WPVGA Promotions Committee members take a moment after the retreat to give each other a virtual high-five for a job well done.
She sells the chips to various outlets in the Madison and Milwaukee areas as well as some customers outside the state.
Ameigh has a solid social media presence and is fully in line with continued on pg. 32
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Marketplace . . . continued from pg. 31
the WPVGA’s messaging. She has also found ways to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 by taking online orders and delivering her product. The second potential business partner is Laurel Burleson, owner of the Ugly Apple Café. Like Christine, she found a niche and ran with it. Burleson takes produce that would typically not be chosen as snack, dessert or appetizer ingredients and makes things out of the fruits and vegetables for sale. POTATO OFFERINGS For example, she makes her own fruit straps (snacks) as a treat for kids. She also makes sweets like Paczki’s or doughnuts and pies, as well as banana chips, and jams and salads. When it comes to potatoes, Burleson has found popularity with potato pancakes, bacon cheddar potato
bombs and potato skins with choices for toppings.
the unknowns everyone seems to be facing these days.
Burleson thrives on being creative and innovative and has a strong social media presence as well. She is excited at the thought of further expanding her product offerings to include more potato dishes as a WPVGA partner.
The new line item also allows the group to continue to receive information from the market as it becomes available without the pressure of signing a contract under the circumstances, a step no one is ready for just now.
At the end of the day, however, there are many unanswered questions surrounding the market that will only be resolved with time. Furthermore, the committee has interest in exploring a large strategic project in general and understands there is a possibility that it may not include the Madison Public Market. As a result, they decided to put money into a line item titled “Future Strategic Marketing Fund.” This allows for some flexibility in discussing a plethora of ideas given
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Besides the “Future Strategic Marketing Fund” line item, the new budget continues to support attending Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) events; providing food safety training; purchasing promotional items as giveaways; social media efforts; Healthy Grown grower outreach; advertising via radio, television and billboards; Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes events/clothing; the Mad Dog and Merrill sponsorship; chefs competition; a partnership with
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Registered Dietitian Sarah Agena; and, of course, efforts with the Wisconsin Spudmobile.
for the financial flexibility and open-mindedness of our committee members to have them.”
SPONSORSHIPS There were also some opportunities the group decided to discontinue for the time being. Among those are the Kids from Wisconsin, Tundra Super Late Models and Short Track sponsorships.
Diercks also expressed sincere gratitude, along with the entire Promotions Committee, to outgoing chair, Christine Lindner of Alsum Farms.
These opportunities were valuable and beneficial partnerships over the last few years, especially regarding social media mentions and touting nutrition along with the “Powered by Wisconsin potatoes” message.
“Christine really established the foundation of thinking on a larger scale with respect to our future promotional efforts,” Diercks says. “The time, vision and energy she
gave the committee over the last year was extraordinary and truly valued.” So, was it different this year? Absolutely! Is that a bad thing? Not in my book! The “2020 vision,” or specific direction many were hoping for, may not be as bluntly apparent as it has been in previous years. But with time, patience and teamwork, the light at the end of the tunnel will become brighter and the vision that seems blurry today will come into focus.
They also did a great job of supporting the Spudmobile efforts and getting word out about the vehicle following its debut in 2014. However, the global pandemic impacted some of them as well. Kids from Wisconsin, for example, cancelled their 2020 summer performing season altogether. Tundra is still holding races but had to reschedule a couple of their initial meets for later in the fall. This said, the committee saw value in putting resources toward a bigpicture project that continues to take Wisconsin potatoes onward and upward. Andy Diercks of Coloma Farms is the newly elected Promotions Committee chair and looks forward to doing just that. SPUDMOBILE SUPPORT “The Wisconsin Spudmobile really put Wisconsin on the map in a unique way that has turned a lot of heads on a local and national scale,” Diercks says. “I think it’s important that we continue to support the progress we’ve made through that effort while also keeping an open mind going forward.” “What is the next level and what bigpicture project do we want to focus on in the next five to 10 years? These questions are part of what makes our current discussions so challenging,” Diercks continues, “but I’m grateful BC�T August 33
Seed Piece Spud Seed Classic Was a Welcome Respite By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
True to form and despite worldwide pandemonium, the potato and vegetable growing industry arrived in full force (social distancing observed), June 19, for the 2020 Spud Seed Classic scramble golf tournament at Bass Lake Golf Course in Deerbrook, Wisconsin. Proceeds from the annual event go back to research and promotion of Wisconsin’s seed potato growing industry. This year more than ever, the event also served as a way for growers to blow off a little steam
after planting and enjoy some muchneeded camaraderie and fun of golfing with friends and associates. In those respects, including the money raised by the golf outing,
the 2020 Spud Seed Classic was a resounding success. The rains held off until late in the afternoon when most golfers were back in the clubhouse. Impressively, 141 golfers enjoyed the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association event, which, thanks to their generosity and that of sponsors, raised $16,220, well above last year’s total. Formerly known as the Tony Gallenberg Memorial Golf Tournament, 2020 marked the 23rd year of the classic event. Since 1998, the tournament has raised nearly $130,000, with proceeds donated toward Wisconsin potato research. Above: With flora in the foreground, Michael Wolter putts, and from left to right, his teammates, Matt Wolter, Alex Nagel and Brian Mattmiller, wait and observe. Left: With a score of 57 and taking home 1st Place in the 2020 Spud Seed Classic scramble golf tournament via a score card playoff, are, from left to right, C.J. Levis, Bob Hilger, Sean Shopinski and Tim Worzella.
34 BC�T August
Sponsors included Syngenta (dinner sponsor), Ag Logistics, Inc., Bayer CropScience, Big Iron Equipment, Inc., BMO Harris Bank, Bushman’s Riverside Ranch, Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC, Nichino America, Inc., Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes, Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc., Schumitsch Companies, Volm Companies and Wilbur-Ellis Company. THREE OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS Prizes, gift packages and beverages were given out by occupied hole sponsors AgCountry FCS of Antigo, CoVantage Credit Union, Gowan Company, Parsons of Antigo and Roberts Irrigation Co. Many companies sponsored holes and made donations to the 2020 Spud Seed Classic. For a complete list, please see the full-page ad thanking sponsors who contributed to event in this issue.
A delicious dinner was put on by Bass Lake Golf Course, with servers wearing masks and social distancing observed, and raffle prizes were presented the night of the event. Luck was with Jeff Martens of Fairchild Equipment, who won the coveted 60-inch LG 4K Smart TV, while Chad Glaze from Vine Vest North landed an RTIC Cooler donated by Gowan USA. For being closest to the pin on the Par 3 eighth hole, Jack Ramuta, there representing one of four Gallenberg Farms teams, took home a cool $500.
Left: Trading in their clubs for bratwursts at the Spud Seed Classic are, from left to right, Marc Stalter, Chris Lockery, Paul Hegewald and Jeremy Gabor, playing for Bushman Potato Sales. Right: Bob Guenthner of Guenthner Potato Company shows good form while hitting a chip shot at the 2020 Spud Seed Classic golf outing. Bottom: Representing Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC, and fully aware that it is difficult to beat a day on the links, are Pat Lund (left) and Rod Zupon (right).
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Special thanks to John Quigley at Bass Lake Golf Course, and of course Karen Rasmussen and Julie Braun of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, for organizing a successful golf outing. continued on pg. 36
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BC�T August 35
Seed Piece . . . continued from pg. 35
A final shout-out goes to all the sponsors, and thanks in large part to them, look for the event to continue at Bass Lake Golf Course in 2021.
Above: The Spud Seed Classic proved to be Brian Blink’s lucky day. Shown teeing off in the first image, he not only hit a hole in one during the scramble-style golf tournament, but with a score of 57, his group—Farmers Potato Exchange—took 2nd Place, losing to the 1st Place team via a score card playoff. Posing in the second image are Dave Cofer (left) and Blink (right). Others on their prize-winning team, but not shown, were Mike Cmaylo and Bill Bockes.
Above Left: Fully enjoying the Spud Seed Classic are, from left to right, Dale Bowe, Ron Krueger, Tamas Houlihan and Steve Diercks. Above Right: Hoping to win a Langlade Ford car with a hole-in-one, Justin Below tees off for team Schumitsch Seed, Inc. Left: Jolene Guenthner waits patiently in the cart as her husband, Bill Guenthner, of Guenthner Farms, tees off. continued on pg. 38 36 BC�T August
WE EXTEND A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE 2020 SPUD SEED CLASSIC GOLF EVENT! DINNER SPONSOR GOLDRUSH SPONSOR Syngenta WSPIA SILVERTON SPONSORS Bayer CropScience Bushman’s Riverside Ranch Kretz Truck Brokerage LLC Schumitsch Companies Volm Companies
SUPERIOR SPONSORS
Ag Logistics, Inc. Big Iron Equipment, Inc. BMO Harris Bank Nichino America, Inc. Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes Schroeder Bros. Farms, Inc. Wilbur-Ellis Company
OCCUPIED HOLE SPONSORS
AgCountry FCS Antigo CoVantage Credit Union Gowan Company
Parsons of Antigo Roberts Irrigation Company
Arlen’s TV & Appliances DeWitt LLP Draeger Oil & Draeger Propane Fairchild Equipment, Inc. Gallenberg Farms, Inc. Insight FS I State Truck Center J W Mattek & Sons, Inc. Jay-Mar, Inc. KerberRose Certified Public Accountants Langlade Ford Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Co.
Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems Nutrien Ag Solutions-Great Lakes Peshtigo National Bank Quinlan’s Equipment, Inc. Riesterer & Schnell, Inc. Roberts Irrigation Company Southside Tire Co., Inc. T H Agri-Chemicals, Inc. T.I.P., Inc. Thorpack LLC Vine Vest North, Inc. Warner & Warner, Inc.
BASIC HOLE SPONSORS
DONATIONS AgSource Laboratories Badger Common’Tater Bass Lake Golf Course Calcium Products Culver’s of Antigo Dixie Lunch Fifth Avenue Lounge Gallenberg Farms, Inc.
Gowan Company Kakes Farms Ltd. Karl’s Transport North Star Lanes Pepsi Pomp’s Tire Service Riesterer & Schnell Rural Insurance, Antigo
Schroeder’s Gifts Sowinski Seed Farm Swiderski Equipment, Antigo Three Jokers Lounge WPVGA
Seed Piece . . . continued from pg. 36
Above: With prizes awarded for first, second and seventh places, coming in seventh is not such a bad thing at the Spud Seed Classic (as Nicolas Bushman of Bushmans’ Inc., right, shows on his fingers). Finishing seventh with a score of 62 are, from left to right, Kody Evje, Brandon Brehmer, Adam Karcz and Bushman. Left: Mike Quinn of team Riemer’s & Quinn’s is shown hitting one off the tee.
Above: Playing for Hyland Lakes Spuds, Adam Stainbrook putts while teammate Doug Milkowski looks on. Left: Love was in the air for Culver’s teammates, left to right, Randy King, Rick LeBrun, Brock DalSanto and Nate Dembrowski.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND PARTICIPANTS FOR MAKING THIS EVENT POSSIBLE! 38 BC�T August
Above: Chad Glaze of Vine Vest North is all smiles after winning the RTIC Cooler, sponsored by Gowan USA, in an evening raffle.
Above: Jeff Martens of Fairchild Equipment won the coveted 60-inch LG 4K Smart TV at the 2020 Spud Seed Classic.
SNOWDEN • PIKE • ATLANTIC • LAMOKA MEGACHIP • HODAG • MANISTEE SILVERTON • LADY LIBERTY
BC�T August 39
People John A. Hafner Passes Away Potato grower worked his entire life on the family farm John A. Hafner, age 85, of Bryant, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at his daughter’s residence while surrounded by his family and under the care of Interim Hospice & Pallative Care. He was born on September 2, 1934, to the late Albert and Anna (Mucha) Hafner in Bryant. John met and fell in love with Leilani Taglienti and they married on June 1, 1957. She survives. John proudly served in the United States Army as a young man. He was a farmer and worked his entire life on the family farm that
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40 BC�T August
marked its 100th year in 2019. Hafner Seed Farms was honored at the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair as one of the state’s most venerable agricultural operations. CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES Started, in Bryant, by August Hafner in May 1919, Hafner Seed Farms covers 320 acres and focuses on certified seed potatoes for the fresh and chip industries and a variety of other crops in rotation. John is survived by his wife, Leilani “Lee;” children, Richard (Janene), Sandra (Steve), David (Patty), Daniel (Michelle), Dianna (Dan), Debra (Tim) and Gregory (Liesl); 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Margaret Knapkavage; and nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Stegelski. A Celebration of Life was held for John. In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in John’s name be directed to a charity of your choice. If you don’t have a preference, Interim Hospice & Pallative Care was a great help to the family. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com. Close the Gate (For Dad) By Nancy Kraayenhof For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed. Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God
John A. Hafner 1934 – 2020
transcended, Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended. You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son, Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done. A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way, The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day. Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine, Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time. You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow, Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now. Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.
Leonard Wild Died at his Home He operated foundation seed potato farm until his retirement Leonard Wild, of Antigo, Wisconsin, died Saturday, June 20, 2020, at his home. He was 92 years old. He was born on June 5, 1928, in the town of Rolling, son of Joseph and Mary (Steber) Wild. Leonard married Mary Sikora on September 11, 1948, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Antigo, and celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2019. She survives. Leonard attended Fernwood grade school in the town of Rolling and the Antigo Vocational School. He was employed by the Kraft Foods cheese plant, Antigo, and in 1949, began farming with his father-in-law, Lukas Sikora, in the town of Antigo. In the 1960’s, Leonard took over ownership of the farm. Several additions were made to the original farm, and in 1970, it was incorporated and known as Wild Seed Farms, Inc. Leonard operated the farm until his retirement, specializing in raising foundation seed potatoes. He was a member of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association. Taking care of the family farm was his pride and joy. The farm was later owned by his son, Tom, and now his grandson, Dan. Leonard continued to work on the farm except for the winters spent in Mesa, Arizona. SEVEN CHILDREN Leonard and Mary enjoyed bringing
up their family of seven children. They enjoyed their travels throughout the United States and also to Australia, Canada and Europe. He was a faithful member of SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church and the Msgr. Conrad Salie Knights of Columbus Council 1002, Antigo. Survivors, including his wife, are three daughters, Rosemary (Stephen) Servi of Antigo, Karen (Tom) Novak of Antigo and Shirley (Joseph) Wanserski of Plover; and four sons, Thomas (Caroline) Wild of Antigo, John (Kathy) Wild of Madison, Robert (Cathy) Wild of Antigo and Kenneth (Susie) Wild of Phoenix, Arizona. Leonard is also survived by 18 grandchildren, Cris (Eric) Knapp, Dan (Connie) Wild, Matt (Jen) Wild, Jenna (Rick) Marshall, Kimberly (Andrew) Wild Kleps, Jonathan (Stephanie) Wild, Stephanie Wild, Trevor Wild, Adam Servi, Jason (Kristi) Servi, Heather Servi, Jessie (Joe) Marshall, Annie (Jordan Breitenfeldt) Novak, Craig (Stacie) Wild, Sara (Jon) Radke, Carl (Stephanie) Wanserski, Abby (Alex) Lena and Stephen Wanserski. He is further survived by 21 greatgrandchildren, Alayna, Walker and Sawyer Knapp; Danielle and Julia Wild; Madison and Eleanor Wild; Owen, Paislee and Easton Marshall; Rowan Perkins, Willow Servi, Colton Marshall, Zoe Breitenfeldt, and Linnea and Ryker Wild; Hayden Radke, and McKinley, Roslyn,
Leonard Wild 1928 – 2020
Monroe and Maverick Wanserski. He is survived by a brother, Raymond (Betty) Wild of Antigo; and three sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Mary Ann and Dawn Wild, all of Antigo. He was preceded in death by a great-grandchild, Kennedy Radke; his parents; two sisters, Lorraine (John) Turney and Mary (Robert) Preboski; five brothers, James, Clarence, Joseph (Delores), his fraternal twin brother, Lawrence, and Floyd Wild; and a brother-in-law, Tony Zenisek. A funeral mass was held on June 24, 2020, at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Zach Weber officiating. Burial took place in Queen of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church, 819 Third Ave., Antigo, WI 54409 or All Saints Catholic School, 415 Sixth Ave., Antigo, WI 54409. BC�T August 41
WPVGA Approves Potato Research Projects Base and competitive BASE funding FUNDING PROPOSALS: (BFP) grants add up to over $375,000 Project Leader
Project Title
Approved
Colquhoun, Jed
BFP: Weed Management
$25,000
Endelman, Jeffrey
BFP: Breeding
$25,000
Gevens, Amanda
BFP: Disease Management
$25,000
Groves, Russell
BFP: Insect Management
$25,000
Rioux, Renee
BFP: Seed Certification
$25,000
Ruark, Matthew
BFP: Fertility Management
$25,000
Wang, Yi
BFP: Potato & Vegetable Production
$25,000
Lubinski, Cole
Langlade County Potato Research Station Support
$15,000
COMPETITIVE GRANT PROPOSALS: Project Leader
Project Title
Approved
Groves, Russell
Evaluation of Heavy Metals as Drivers of Insecticide Resistance Through Activation of Detoxification Mechanisms
$7,500
Groves, Russell
Insect Management Systems for Potato Production
$12,000
Wang, Yi
Making Agronomic Recommendations for Production of New Elite Wisconsin Potato Cultivars
$15,000
Endelman, Jeffrey
Image Analysis of Chip Quality and Skin Russeting
$7,500 & $5,000 for Chip Cmte.
Endelman, Jeffrey
Contribution of Lenticels to Pathogen Entry & Unsightly Appearance of Potato Tubers {Paul Bethke's Proposal}
$12,500
Gevens, Amanda
Evaluating Effectiveness of Crop Protectants & Alternative Strategies to Manage Diseases in Potatoes in Production & Storage Systems
$15,000
Knuteson, Deana
Future for Healthy Grown: Expansion to Include New Water Quality/Quantity Module, Investigate Options for Whole Farm Certification & Identification of Linkages with Local & National Sustainability Programs
Funded by Water Task Force
Navarro, Felix
Profiling New Varieties: Field Through Post-Harvest Performance, Emphasis on Fresh Market & Specialty Potatoes
$15,000
Navarro, Felix
Tuber Quality & Storability Profile of New Fresh Market/Table Stock & Processing Chip Potato Varieties
$10,400 & $3,400 for Chip Cmte.
Panuska, John
Solar Radiation Data Support for the Evapotranspiration Data Service
Funded by Water Task Force
Rakotondrafara, Aurelie
Controlling PVY Via Induction of Callose Deposition
$15,000
Rioux, Renee
Mitigating Dickeya in Seed Potato Production Through Integration of Pathogen Biology with Enhanced Monitoring & Detection
$15,000
Rioux, Renee
Improving Seed Potato Production Through Early Generation Introduction of Probiotic Endophytes
$15,000
Schoville, Sean
The Response of Colorado Potato Beetle to Host Plant Resistance Derived from Wild Potato Species {Shelley Jansky's Proposal}
$15,000
Schoville, Sean
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Insecticide Resistance in Colorado Potato Beetle
$15,000
Bolte, Chuck
Water Flow & Phosphorus Monitoring in the Antigo Flats Potato & Vegetable Production Area
$15,000
TOTAL RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDING
$383,300
Probing Evapotranspiration Eddy covariance flux towers measure water use on an irrigated potato field and pine plantation By Ammara Talib and Ankur R. Desai, University of Wisconsin-Madison Water is withdrawn from highcapacity wells to irrigate crops in the highly productive Wisconsin Central Sands agricultural region of the United States.
Figure 1: At left, and in operation since October 13, 2018, a US-CS2 eddy covariance flux tower measures evapotranspiration of a pine plantation in the TriCounty School Forest northeast of Hancock, Wisconsin. At right is a US-CS1 tower positioned in a Heartland Farms potato field (variety FL213) in Hancock. It has been in operation since June 29, 2018.
Naber, 2011) agreed that irrigated field corn resulted in the highest average annual evapotranspiration (ET), while prairie vegetation
produced the least average annual ET over the latter half of the 20th century. continued on pg. 44
However, groundwater withdrawal for irrigation comes with questions about its long-term sustainability and potential impacts on surface waters, particularly when accounting for increased risk of future climate extremes. Addressing these questions requires the ability to track the fate of rain and irrigation water as it cycles through the landscape, the focus of an ongoing research effort. In the past, scientists had conducted water balance computations using a variety of methods for different Central Sands vegetation types. Early studies (Weeks and Stangland, 1971; Tanner and Gardner, 1974; and BC�T August 43
Probing Evapotranspiration . . . continued from pg. 43
Evaporation rates for hardwoods and pines resulted in annual ET averaging slightly lower than that for irrigated field corn. WEATHER VARIABILITY Past work also showed that absolute and relative ET among vegetation types varied with weather (dry versus wet or hot versus cool years) as well as whether groundwater was use and crop yield on an irrigated potato field, and water use in a red multi-year study on plant water sufficiently shallowboth to allow pine plantation, nearwater Hancock, Wisconsin. use by perennial vegetation. Thesupport sites are equipped with ET flux, soil and meteorological sensors that allow us to compute field-scale With from the Wisconsin exchanges of water and carbon for the two land covers. Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and the Figure 2: The graph shows a comparison of water demand and use of potatoes versus pines for a growing Department Natural Resources The potatooffield at the Heartland Farms site hasseason. sensors mounted on a 7-foot tripod above the canopy, (DNR), and in collaboration with while instrumentation for the pine plantation is mounted on a 100-foot-tall retractable, trailer-based Heartland Farms Farms site has sensors mounted on ET for the 2019 irrigated potato flux tower (Fig and 1). the Tri-County School Forest, the University of variety (FL2053) was lower than that a 7-foot tripod above the canopy, Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Professor of 2018 (FL2137). while instrumentation for the pine ET is monitored at these sites at half-hourly timescales and will continue for several years. Ankur Desai lab is conducting a plantation is mounted on a 100-footComparing cumulative late-March multi-year study on plant water tall retractable, trailer-based flux potatothrough Observations from 2018 showed that the total July-through-September field water loss was October 2019 ET found pine use and crop yield on an irrigated tower (Fig 1). plantation ET higher than the potato nearly eight times higher in July than in October (Figures 2 and 3). potato field, and water use in a red ET is monitored at these sites at half- field. pine plantation, both near Hancock, Water inputs from precipitation and Wisconsin. hourly timescales and will continue KAY, place “2008-Probe3.PNG� here with this caption: irrigation were about 36 inches for for several years. TheFigure sites are equipped with ETa comparison flux, 2: The graph shows of water demand and use of potatoesthis versus pines for a period. soilgrowing and meteorological sensors Observations from 2018 showed that season. The ET water loss was about 27 that allow us to compute field-scale the total July-through-September inches for pine and 16 inches for exchanges of water and carbon for potato field water loss was nearly potato. the two land covers. eight times higher in July than in THEN, KAY: The potato field at the Heartland October (Figures 2 and 3). The large pine ET is largely influenced
Figure 3: The Irrigation and Scheduling modelProgram) correction ismodel based on parametersisestimated from tower observation of Figure 3:WISP The (Wisconsin WISP (Wisconsin Irrigation andProgram) Scheduling correction based on potatoes. Growingestimated season comparisons of observed cumulative (ET)season from thecomparisons potato field finds WISP underestimates ET parameters from tower observation of evapotranspiration potatoes. Growing ofthat observed in July and overestimates it in late summer and fall.
cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) from the potato field finds that WISP underestimates ET in July and overestimates it in late summer and fall.
44 BC�T August
by wet 2019 conditions. In dry years, pine plantation ET will likely be smaller due to available moisture limitations, while irrigated crop demand, and thus crop ET, might stay the same or increase. More years of observations under varying weather conditions are needed to better understand the ET variability of different land covers. SIMULATION MODELS One way these observations can help is by evaluating simulation models of plant water use. For irrigation scheduling, farmers often rely on the Wisconsin Irrigation and Scheduling Program (WISP) model, developed by soil scientists at the UW-Madison and based on satellite data. Growing season comparisons of observed cumulative evapotranspiration (ET) from the potato field finds that WISP underestimates ET in July and overestimates it in late summer and fall (Figure 3). After comparing WISP model calculations with observed tower data, we found that the model underestimated net longwave or infrared radiation. The WISP model net longwave radiation calculation depends on a sky emissivity factor derived from studies in the desert.
Figure 4: The WISP model correction is based on parameters estimated from tower observation of potatoes.
Our open-access data on plant water use in the Central Sands area provides researchers, policymakers and farmers insight into crop health and water use. Professor Desai looks forward to continuing his partnerships with the WPVGA, Wisconsin DNR, Heartland Farms and Tri-County School Forest, and hopes this work allows the region to address water conservation without compromising crop yield. Learn more at: https://flux.aos.wisc. 20-08 Badger Common'Tater .25page AD edu/potato.
References Black, T.A., Gardner, W.R. and Tanner, C.B. (1970). Water Storage and Drainage under a Row Crop on a Sandy Soil 1. Agronomy Journal, 62(1), 48-51. Naber, M.R. (2011). One-dimensional soil-plant-atmosphere modeling of the Wisconsin Central Sand Plain to estimate evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge under different vegetation types. Weeks, E.P. and Stangland, H.G. (1971). Effects of irrigation on streamflow in the Central Sand Plain of Wisconsin (p. 113). Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Water (7x5).v1.outlines.pdf Resources Division. 1 2020-07-09 7:55
AM
We calibrated this factor using the tower for the humid conditions found in the Central Sands. This correction reduced much of the difference between observed ET and WISP estimated ET (Fig 4). Work is ongoing to combine tower observations with groundwater recharge to better determine the overall water balance differences between the two cover types. For example, in collaboration with UW-Madison Ph.D. student Dominick Ciruzzi, we are collecting better site information to help determine if the studied pine plantation is sufficiently near groundwater. BC�T August 45
Tyler Schroepfer
Dylon Pokorny
Alexis Kwak
Eyes on Associates & Auxiliary News Hard Work Pays off for Area Students
Scholarships awarded to those whose immediate families are WPVGA members To ensure a solid, educated workforce within the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry, annual scholarships are bestowed upon highachieving students to defray costs of tuition and school fees. Each year, the WPVGA Associate Division and Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary team up to raise funds through golf outings, membership dues, a silent auction, cookbook sales, baked potato and French fry booths and more to be able to present dedicated and deserving students with scholarships. The Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the top candidate and funded not only through a silent auction the Associate Division holds during the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, but also from a special contribution made by the Auxiliary. Established in 2016, the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship honors its namesake, who was a 46 BC�T August
founding member of the Auxiliary and an integral part of the Wisconsin potato industry. To remain objective, the names of the students are taken off their applications when the board members review and evaluate them, thus the awarding is done solely on the merits of the applicants and information they provide. In all, the Auxiliary and Associate Division teamed to award seven deserving students whose families are members of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) with $8,510 in scholarships. TYLER SCHROEPFER, winner of the Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship, works at Kakes Farms Ltd. and is the son of David and Jolynne Schroepfer. Tyler’s aunts and cousins—Caroline and Connie Wild, Peggy Quinn and Judy Nagel—are involved in the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary. Achieving a 4.196 cumulative grade
point average (GPA) at Antigo High School, Tyler is the youngest of three Schroepfer children to be enrolled at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison concurrently, all in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Involved with FFA and 4-H, Tyler competed through FFA in dairy products judging at the World Dairy Expo and was the first-place Wisconsin student. His goal is to study food science and genetics/ genomics and to someday work in an agriculture processing facility with the opportunity to be involved with either quality control or research. DYLON POKORNY is the son of Doyle and Kim Pokorny, with his father working at M.P.B. Builders, Inc. Enrolled at UW-Green Bay, Dylon carries a 4.0 GPA and has won numerous awards, including being on the Chancellor’s List and as a Cofrin School of Business Student Leader of the Month.
Sophie Reid
Dylon is president of the UW-Green Bay APICS association for supply chain management, and a member of the Cofrin School of Business Club Leaders Board, Student Finance Association Club and Student Association for Management Club. An entrepreneur at age 11, he owns and manages Pokorny’s Bees, a honey production business that has grown by over 700 percent in the past 10 years. He has “test driven” many aspects of the business, from finances to marketing, sales, community service and community outreach. He plans to pursue a career in agriculture. ALEXIS KWAK is the daughter of Thomas and Tricia Kwak, who work at Chippewa Valley Bean Company. Enrolled in animal sciences at UWMadison, Alexis made the CALS Dean’s List in the fall of 2019, was the Prairie Farm High School Valedictorian in 2018, and that same year, earned the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, the Lakeland Conference Academic All-Conference and Dekalb Ag Accomplishment Award. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Alexis plans to attend veterinary school and manage her own large animal practice in her home area of northwestern Wisconsin, indicating a dire need for
Noah Musolff
more such vets in that part of the state. SOPHIE REID is the daughter of Daniel, farm manager for James Burns and Sons Farms, and Marie Reid, an Auxiliary Board member, State Fair Committee chairperson and Spudmobile volunteer. A graduate of Tri-County High School who achieved a 3.935 cumulative GPA, Sophie is enrolled at UWStevens Point and plans to major in wildlife ecology. A secretary assistant and potato grader at James Burns and Sons Farms, Sophie says she has
Lauren Rine
experienced almost every step of potato and vegetable growing, from planting seeds in the ground to irrigating, watching them grow, picking, grading, packaging and eventually cooking them to feed her family, state and country. NOAH MUSOLFF’S grandfather, Ron Mach, is a fourth-generation potato farmer who runs Mach’s Sunny Acres, Inc., with his brother, Ken. Noah has been a farm hand, doing planting, harvesting and field work there since 2013. Son of Nick and Katie Musolff, Noah continued on pg. 48
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, October 29
First Annual
WPVGA Associate Division Trap & Skeet Shoot, Wausau Skeet and Trap Club BC�T August 47
EYES ON ASSOCIATES & AUXILIARY NEWS . . . continued from pg. 47
earned a 3.65 cumulative GPA at Antigo High School and is enrolled at UW-Stout in mechanical engineering. Noah fondly remembers begging his grandpa for a ride in a tractor or combine, only to fall asleep to the drumming of the grain head or planter. When he was 12 years old, he drove the tractor while his family laid pipe, and was given the keys to the John Deere lawn mower. Along the way, farm equipment inevitably broke down, GPS’s failed, tires blew, and Mother Nature reared her ugly head. It was on the farm where he began to formulate plans to improve the machines. It is his hope to be accepted for an internship at one of the leading farm machinery developers. “Farmers should be able to work smarter, not harder,” Noah says. “Economy, weather and crop prices stack the odds against farmers; their equipment should never let them down.” LAUREN RINE is the daughter of Daniel and Sheila Rine of Rine Ridge Farms, a certified seed potato grower in Bryant, Wisconsin. As an Auxiliary member, Sheila, along with Lauren, has volunteered for the Feed My
Starving Children program and with the Spudmobile at schools, Green Bay Packers games and the Wisconsin State Fair. Enrolled in the environmental engineering program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Lauren is a member of the Environmental Engineering Club, Phi Theta Kappa and was a reporter for three years with FFA in high school. She has worked at Rine Ridge Farms and AgSource Laboratories. In 2018, she served as the Langlade County Fairest of the Fair and promoted agriculture through radio and television interviews. Her goal was and is to educate kids who do not live on a farm about the importance of agriculture. KATRINA POKORNY is the daughter of Kim and Doyle Pokorny, the latter of M.P.B Builders, Inc., in Ripon, Wisconsin. Carrying a 3.95 cumulative grade point average, Katrina is transferring from the Honors Program at UWEau Claire to Marian University in the fall of 2020. Pursuing a degree in public health with an agriculture focus, she is or has been a member of many national leadership, academic
Katrina Pokorny
and honors societies, and has been involved in 4-H and FFA. In August 2017, she traveled to Haiti to teach adults how to make valueadded beeswax products, a result of her FFA and 4-H projects. There, Katrina was exposed to the lack of knowledge the Haitian people have regarding agriculture and how to use it in a beneficial way. “As a result of that, I have chosen public health as my career field,” she says, “to be able to help those who are in great need. My goal is to bring awareness to the importance of agriculture and ag education while assisting those who live in poverty and don’t know how to maintain a consistent food source.”
WPIB Focus
Wisconsin Potato Assessment Collections: Two-Year Comparison
Month
Jul-18
Aug-18
Sep-18
Oct-18
Nov-18
Dec-18
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,631,620.99
1,724,518.33
1,223,827.03
2,489,512.74
2,711,563.12
2,010,017.18
2,053,551.54
1,941,139.54
1,484,961.43
1,852,405.67
1,664,155.50
2,117,745.05 22,905,018.12
Assessment
$114,203.25
$125,436.11
$95,267.11
$199,179.55
$216,890.04
$160,823.98
$164,271.78
$155,340.82
$118,739.00
$148,169.65
$133,115.31
$169,415.32 $1,800,851.92
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
Jan-20
Feb-20
Mar-20
Apr-20
May-20
Jun-20
Month
Jul-19
Year-to-Date
CWT
1,737,634.84
616,558.70
888,994.00
2,231,926.08
2,407,229.71
2,076,049.78
3,103,420.09
1,675,525.19
2,243,789.02
2,142,208.63
2,109,739.80
3,159,186.38 24,392,262.22
Assessment
$139,082.75
$42,984.69
$77,501.87
$178,514.78
$192,575
$166,306.75
$248,238.17
$134,215.91
$179,634.18
$171,389.64
$168,780.47
$252,662.23 $1,951,886.44
48 BC�T August
Badger Beat State of the U.S. Farm Sector Amid COVID-19 Potatoes were among the food items consumers turned to while staying at home By Paul Mitchell, UW-Madison College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, Agriculture & Applied Economics
COVID-19 has dominated the news the last several months. The impacts on agriculture, commodity markets and food have been unprecedented with milk dumped, livestock herds de-populated and grocery stores overwhelmed with demand.
Like much of society, the food system is passing through a watershed moment with the permanence of many changes still uncertain. However, one thing is clear—we will need farmers because everyone will still be eating.
The recent media focus on agriculture often misses the point that the farm sector has been in rough economic shape for several years and that COVID-19 has made a bad situation worse for many farmers. In this month’s “Badger Beat,” I want to look back at the state of the farm sector for major commodities and the impacts of COVID-19, and then focus on the what the future may bring for potatoes. DAIRY Wisconsin is the dairy state, with dairy the source of roughly half of
the $105 billion economic impact of agriculture in the state (Deller 2019). Dairy is also important in other major potato and vegetable states, with California, Idaho and New York among the top five states for milk production, and Michigan, Minnesota and Washington among the top 10. The last five years have been tough years for dairy farmers. Figure 1 shows the U.S. average farm price for milk since January 2011. The milk cost of production for farmers in Wisconsin averages around continued on pg. 50
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BADGER BEAT . . .
$28
continued from pg. 49
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) estimates that the cost averages close to $21/cwt., but as low as $19 for larger farms (USDA ERS 2020a). Regardless of whose estimates of average cost are used, based on Figure 1, many dairy farmers have been plagued by low profits for the last several years.
$26 $24
Price ($/cwt)
$18/cwt. (hundredweight), but with a lot of variation around this average (easily ± $1/cwt.), depending on many factors, including herd size and manager ability (Bernhardt 2018).
$22 $20 $18 $16 $14 $12 $10 Jan-11 Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20
Figure monthly average price received for milk. Figure1:1: U.S. U.S. monthly average price received by farmersby for farmers milk.
During this period of low profitability, many Wisconsin dairy farms have The milk cost of production for farmers in averages around $18/cwt. (hun in Wisconsin early 2020 hit after years of low 2020. exited the industry and herd variation around this average (easily ± $1/cwt.), depending on many factors, profitability when cash reserves and includin consolidation has accelerated. The increase of prices in late 2019 (Bernhardt 2018). liquidity had been depleted for many Based on the monthly Wisconsin Milk was a much-anticipated return to dairy farmers. profitability for most farmers that Cow Dairy herds data (USDA NASS The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Service (ERS) estimat COVID-19 has Research made a bad situation was projected to last for several 2020a), over the last four years, the $21/cwt., but as low as $19 for larger farms (USDA ERS 2020a). worse many farmers. However, trends fordairy both crops haveinto been negative or at tight margins forfor the last dairy several years. USDA ERS months 2020. However, state hasprofitability lost 25 percent of its crop budgets ERS 2020b) margins formajor corn market for 2014 through 2019AND andSOYBEANS for three out of the last five COVID-19 created CORN herds while (USDA the total number ofshow dairy negative Regardless ofand whose estimates of average cost are used, based on Figure 1, many da years for soybeans. disruptions the price collapsed The United States is the world’s cows in the state has stayed roughly low profits forofthe last several from a high $20.70/cwt. foryears. leading corn producer and second for the same. 2019 to $13.60 for May soybeans, annually producing about Iowa has been a leading U.S. producer ofDecember corn and soybeans for several years and Iowa State University has tracked The annual average loss rate peaked During this period of low profitability, many Wisconsin dairy farms have exited the in 2020. a third of global production for both costs and returns the crops using at more than twofor herds per day in a consistent process. accelerated. crops. In terms of total production, Dairy futures and prices look to be July and August of 2019. The annual these arecost alsoofthe two most valuable Figure 2 shows thehas average Iowa farmer margin (average farm minus the average production per bushel) recovering some of theprice pre-COVID average loss rate slowed to about andDairy largest acreage crops grown in2020a), ove Based on the monthly Wisconsin Milk Cow herds data (USDA NASS for1.5 corn and soybeans since 2000. It shows the same negative or tight margins for both crops since 2014. herds per day in May and June of optimism, but the price collapse Wisconsin and many Midwest states lost 25 percent of its dairy herds while the total number of dairy cows in the state ha However, profitability trends for both
5.00
cropsthan havetwo beenherds negative The annual average loss rate peaked at more per or dayatintight July and Aug margins for the last several years. rate has slowed to about 1.5 herds per day in May and June of 2020.
Farmer Margin ($/bu)
4.00
USDA ERS crop budgets (USDA ERS show negative margins for The increase of prices in late 2019 was a 2020b) much-anticipated return to profitability for corn for 2014 through 2019 and for last for several months into 2020. However, COVID-19 created major market disrupt three out of the last five years for high of $20.70/cwt. for December 2019 to $13.60 for May 2020. soybeans.
3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00 2000 -1.00
Iowa has been leading U.S. optimism, but Dairy futures and prices look to be recovering some of athe pre-COVID producer of corn and soybeans 2010 2015 after years of low profitability when2020 cash reserves and liquidity had been depleted fo
2005
for several years and Iowa State University has tracked costs and COVID-19 has made a bad situation worse for many dairy farmers. returns for the crops using a consistent process.
-2.00 -3.00
Corn and Soybeans Figure 2 shows the average Iowa Soybeans The United States is the world’s leading corn producer and second for soybeans, ann farmer margin (average farm price global production for both crops. In terms of total are also the two minus the production, average cost these of production Figure2:2: Farmer Farmer margins ($/bushel) for corn for and corn soybeans Iowa. Figure margins ($/bushel) andin soybeans in Iowa. crops grown in Wisconsin and many Midwest states. 50 BC�T August Corn
Though we do not have comparable data, the trend would be the same in Wisconsin and other Midwest states—farmer margins for the country’s two leading crops have been negative, or at best, breakeven, over the last several years for
Figure 3 shows the heart of the problem for U.S. farmers over (MFP) the lastmaking several years—co implying negative margins. Facilitation Program received since mid-2014, implying negativelarge margins. payments to farms, particularly These indexes average all inputs and in 2019. crop and livestock commodities, 120 implying widespread low profits for Note that estimates in Figure 4 for the farm sector overall. Though we do not have comparable the 2019 and 2020 crop years are 110 data, the trend would be the same pre-COVID (they were published Feb An important part of how farms in Wisconsin and other Midwest 5, 2020). Given market disruptions have survived during these tough states—farmer margins for the 100 due to COVID-19, spending for both times has been commodity support country’s two leading crops have programs. years will increase. been negative, or at best, breakeven, 90 Figure 4 summarizes federal spending For example, the disruptions over the last several years for most for direct financial support to farmers amounted to an estimated loss of farmers. 80 though various programs since 2010. more than $2.7 billion for corn and Furthermore, market disruptions Paid Received soybeans during the 2019 crop year In general, they have averaged due to COVID-19 caused the season 70 Figure shows thebillion heartper of the for U.S. farmers 2020). over the last several years— about 3$10 to $13 yearproblem(Mitchell average price forecast for corn to received since mid-2014, implying negative margins. continued on pg. 52 until recently, with the Market drop 20 cents per bushel for the 2019 60 crop and the expected price for 2020 to fall 57 cents for corn and 76 cents 120 50 for soybeans (Mitchell 2020b). per bushel) for corn and soybeans since 2000. It shows the same negative or tight margins for both crops since 2014.
Again, COVID-19 has made a bad situation worse for many corn and soybean farmers.
Jan-11 Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 110
Figure 3: Index of prices paid and received by the U.S. farm sector (2011 = 100). 100
These indexes average all inputs and crop and livestock commodities, implying widespr sector overall.
U.S. FARM SECTOR 90 Negative and thin margins have not only been a problem for dairy An important part of how farms have survived during these tough times has been comm 80 and corn and soybeans, but also for many major U.S. crop and livestock Paid Received Figure 4 summarizes federal spending for direct financial support to farmers though var commodities over the last several 70 years. In general, they have averaged about $10 to $13 billion per year until recently, with the 60 The USDA National Agricultural (MFP) making large payments to farms, particularly in 2019. Statistics Service (NASS) tracks prices for several categories of 50 in Figure 4 for the 2019 and 2020 crop yearsJan-19 are pre-COVID agricultural inputs and commodities Note that Jan-11estimates Jan-12 Jan-13 Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-20 (they w market disruptions due to COVID-19, spending for both years will increase. and publishes monthly price indexes Given Figure Index of prices paid and received by the U.S. farm sector (2011 = 100). Figure 3:3:Index of prices paid and received by the U.S. farm sector (2011 = 100). (USDA NASS 2020b).
That means, on the input side, prices for land rent and fertilizer receive more weight than prices for fuel and labor, while among commodities, the prices of corn, soybeans and beef receive more weight than broccoli, apples and goat’s milk.
25indexes average all inputs and crop and livestock commodities, implying wides These sector overall.
Federal Spending ($ billion)
These index numbers are normalized for a base year to adjust for inflation and are weighted across all input categories and commodities so that those with a larger share of costs or sales receive more weight.
20
An important part of how farms have survived during these tough times has been co 15
Figure 4 summarizes federal spending for direct financial support to farmers though
10 In general, they have averaged about $10 to $13 billion per year until recently, with t (MFP) making large payments to farms, particularly in 2019. 5
Note that estimates in Figure 4 for the 2019 and 2020 crop years are pre-COVID (the Given market disruptions due to COVID-19, spending for both years will increase. 0
ng ($ billion)
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019F 2020F Figure 3 shows the heart of the 25 problem for U.S. farmers over the last Conservation DCP Other Disaster Dairy ARC PLC MFP several years—costs have exceeded Figure 4: U.S. monthly average price received by farmers for milk. prices received since mid-2014, Figure 4:20Direct federal support to farmers by program, 2010-2020.
BC�T August 51
15
Figure 5 presents the data summarized by state for the most recent period (the year en Chapter 12 filings must be from farmers, but not all farms filing for bankruptcy use Cha BADGER BEAT . . .
80
continued from pg. 51
Also, Figure 4 does not include payments made through new COVID programs. These include the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which is projected to make $16 billion in direct payments to farmers (Mitchell 2020b).
70 60
Chapter 12 Filings
The 2019 marketing year ends August 31, 2020, at which point ARC (Agriculture Risk Coverage) and PLC (Price Loss Coverage) payments for the 2019 crop year will likely be triggered for many farmers.
50 40 30 20 10 0
WI
NE
IA
GA
KS
CA
NY
TX
PA
SD
MI
FL
OR
AR
IL
Similarly, the Paycheck Protection Figure5:5:Chapter Chapter 1212 bankruptcy filingsfilings by stateby forstate the year 3/30/2020. Figure bankruptcy forending the year ending 3/30/2020. Program (PPP) made billions of dollars in loans to small businesses, farms do not and farmers can choose to filestress undercompared Chapter 11, including farmers, that for many will Larger level of financial to which ma the state leads the qualify, nation by a large become grants (Kirkpatrick et al. other agricultural commodities in the margin in terms of farm bankruptcy Figure 5 shows that financial distress is high among Wisconsin farmers, as the state lead 2020). filings. state. terms of farm bankruptcy filings. Wisconsin had 78 filings, 30 more Adding these payments on top of The industry has certainly struggled than it had in the year ending those in Figure 4 for 2020 implies with challenges from the weather, Wisconsin had30, 782019, filings, 30 more than it had the losses year ending September 30, 2019, im September implying that that direct government payments but in these have generally been increased. Based on historical filings over several years, the current filing rate the rate of filings has increased. will increase net farm income by offset by relatively good prices, at is more t bankruptcy rate.filings over several least compared to other commodities Based on historical around 50 percent, the highest rate farm years, the current filing rate is more of increase in more than a decade. (Mitchell 2019). than double the state’s typical farm FARM BANKRUPTCY Indeed, the rush on grocery stores bankruptcy rate. Additional evidence of financial as the pandemic started included These results are consistent with distress in the farm economy is the substantially increased demand for the rapid decline in the number of number of bankruptcy filings in fresh potatoes and potato chips. dairy herds in the state, but not all federal courts. The potato demand disruption mostly dairy herds exiting the industry file The U.S. federal court system hit the French fry and frozen potato bankruptcy and not all filings are publishes data quarterly on the sectors due to the rapid decline in dairy farmers. number of Chapter 12 farm restaurant and institutional food As Figure 3 suggests, the financial bankruptcy filings by court district service consumption, which is not as distress is not concentrated in just (https://www.uscourts.gov/reportlarge for Wisconsin potatoes as other one group like small dairy farms. name/bankruptcy-filings). states. From conversations with bankruptcy Figure 5 presents the data As a result, prices for fresh potatoes lawyers in the state, many of those summarized by state for the most from Wisconsin on the spot market filing for bankruptcy are dairy recent period (the year ending March farmers, but some are grain farmers, were generally good. 30, 2020). Note that Chapter 12 and some large, others small, and Figure 6 shows weekly average prices filings must be from farmers, but not some are organic growers, etc. regarding the 2017, 2018 and 2019 all farms filing for bankruptcy use crops for 70-count cartons of fresh Also, for each farm filing for Chapter 12. russet potatoes shipped from Central bankruptcy, many more liquidate Larger farms do not qualify, and Wisconsin (USDA AMS 2020). assets to pay off loans and exit farmers can choose to file under farming. Note that these are the prices paid Chapter 11, which may have for potatoes not under contract. For POTATOES advantages for some. example, they are prices paid when Over the last few years, the Wisconsin potato industry has Figure 5 shows that financial distress a shipper/packer goes to the spot generally not experienced the same is high among Wisconsin farmers, as market to fulfill contracted delivery 52 BC�T August
much of the marketing year, with a large price spike in late March and early April when stores started as the pandemic hit. amounts with set pricing schedules.
Despite the generally good prices for the 2019 potato crop, most Wisconsin farmers are not optimistic about 2020. As a result of the market disruptions due to COVID-19, planted potato acres for 2020 are expected to decline in the United States. Early estimates were reductions of 30 percent, but more recent estimates are in the range of 10 percent. Final data will become available later, but most expect that acreage reductions will not be enough to prevent an oversupply of potatoes and low prices for the 2020 crop. The big uncertainty on the supply side is the magnitude of production in the Pacific Northwest, as growers shifted potato acres from meeting contracts for quick-serve potato products to fresh market production. The oversupply will put pressure on Wisconsin growers and likely erode the comparative advantages they have enjoyed in the past due to their location and other factors (Mitchell et al. 2019). Uncertainty on the demand side is how fast demand for quick-serve potato products from restaurants and other institutional food sources picks up as the economy re-opens and how much consumer demand has shifted towards fresh potatoes consumed at home. With the pandemic, the troubles that have been plaguing the U.S. farm sector have finally caught up with the Wisconsin potato industry. At this time, 2020 looks to be a good production year, but substantial marketing challenges will likely make it a difficult year. A possible silver
$20
Price ($/cwt)
The prices in Figure 6 show that, in general, the 2019 crop sold for noticeably higher prices than in 2017 and 2018 over much of the marketing year, with a large price spike in late March and early April when the consumer rush on grocery stores started as the pandemic hit.
$25
$15 $10 $5 $0 1-Aug
30-Sep
29-Nov
2019 Crop
28-Jan 2018 Crop
28-Mar
27-May
26-Jul
2017 Crop
Figure 6: Weekly average prices for 70-count cartons of fresh russet potatoes shipped from Central Wisconsin. (Source: USDA AMS 2020)
lining is that consumer preferences are rapidly shifting as spending on food away from home diminishes, reversing a long-standing trend. Also, potatoes were among the food items consumers turned to while staying at home. It may be possible in this time of transition to develop or grow markets for new and existing potato products. I am reminded of the myth that the Chinese character for “crisis” is formed by combining the characters for “danger” and “opportunity”. The myth is not true, but the wisdom it represents is—times of uncertainty and crisis are also times of opportunity to make changes and grow. My hope is that the Wisconsin agriculture industry finds innovative ways to take advantage of the opportunity created by the COVID-19 pandemic to come out stronger. References
Bernhardt, K. 2018. AgFA Data Dive – Dairy Profitability by Herd Size, 20142016, UW Center for Dairy Profitability, https://go.wisc.edu/2apdgq. Deller, S. 2019. The Contribution of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy: An Update for 2017, Center for Community Economic
Development, UW Extension, https:// go.wisc.edu/vir6mc. Kirkpatrick, J., P. Mitchell, L. Binversie. 2020. PPP and EIDL Loans/Advances – What farmers should know, UW Extension, https://go.wisc.edu/gfcao8. Mitchell, P., I. Chen, X. Du. 2019. Wisconsin’s Comparative Advantages in Potato Marketing. The Badger Common’Tater 71(8):52-55. Mitchell, P. 2020a. Income Losses due to COVID-19 for US and Wisconsin Commodity Crop Farmers, Renk Agribusiness Institute, UW Madison, https://go.wisc.edu/3dp46c. Mitchell, P. 2020b. CFAP Direct Payments to Commodity Crop Farmers. UW Extension, https://go.wisc.edu/8jls3z. USDA AMS. 2020. Market New Portal: Specialty Crops, https://www. marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/fv-home. USDA ERS. 2020a. Milk Cost of Production Estimates, https://www.ers. usda.gov/data-products/milk-cost-ofproduction-estimates/. USDA ERS. 2020b. Commodity Costs and Returns. https:// www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ commodity-costs-and-returns/. USDA NASS. 2020a. Dairy Data. Wisconsin Field Office, https://www.nass. usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Wisconsin/ Publications/Dairy/. USDA NASS. 2020b. Agriculture Prices Program. https://www. nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_ Surveys/Prices/. BC�T August 53
Potatoes USA News Social Media Ad for French Fries Reaches Record Engagement As restaurants reopen, diners are excited to get back out and enjoy their favorite foods again. To remind patrons of America’s favorite side, an image of a beautiful “fry board”—think charcuterie board but with delicious, crave-able French fries—was shared across the PotatoGoodness Facebook and Instagram accounts. As the numbers rolled in, it became evident that fries are indeed very
loved and missed across the nation. This social media post hit a record high 2.6 thousand likes, elicited 200-plus comments and recorded over 750 shares on Facebook alone, resulting in a 13,300 percent gain in engagement over a normal post! To continue to spread the spud love across the nation, we encourage the industry to share your favorite way to enjoy fries on social media, and tag @PotatoGoodness and #EatFries.
Summer Fun Virtual Run Fueled by Potatoes
Team Potato members once again laced up their shoes, put on their team gear, and of course, filled their tanks with power-packed potatoes to fuel them through the Summer Fun virtual run, held June 26-28. Despite the brutal heat and humidity, 37 team members put their motivation into action by completing the events, which, all told, covered an impressive 359 miles from coast to coast. From running 31 miles to celebrate a 31st birthday to taking on a halfmarathon or a family 5K walk, to swimming and biking, Team Potato members crushed it all! The Team Potato Facebook group feed was buzzing as team members shared their stories, and team ambassador Heather Schulz 54 BC�T August
cheered on everyone. The excitement and enthusiasm for Team Potato continue to grow as athletes recognize and tout the performance benefits of potatoes. Visit https://www.potatogoodness. com/team-potato/ to learn more about (and join) Team Potato, and then be sure to join the Team Potato Facebook Group to engage, encourage and inspire all of the potato-fueled athletes.
Now News University Determined to Support Farmers
Despite field day cancellations, many UW-Madison resources are available To protect public health during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) was forced to cancel annual field days that are typically held at research stations during the summer. Despite this year’s cancellations, UW–Madison will continue to provide helpful, timely information and resources to Wisconsin farmers through various channels, including
websites, blogs, e-newsletters, YouTube videos and social media platforms. Below is a list of websites where helpful UW–Madison resources developed by CALS and Division of Extension experts can be found: • Badger Crop Connect, a webinar series featuring timely crop updates: https://fyi.extension.wisc. edu/grain/badger-crop-connection/ • Corn production: http://corn. agronomy.wisc.edu/
Above: In lieu of field days, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is making more information, such as post-emergence corn and soybean herbicide product restrictions for broadcast applications, and resources available online.
• Soybean production: https:// coolbean.info/ • Weed management: https://www. wiscweeds.info/ • Nutrient and pest management: https://ipcm.wisc.edu/ • Fruit crops: https://fruit.wisc.edu/ continued on pg. 56
Heartland Agriculture, LLC
4180 Reardon Road / DeForest, WI 608.846.9064 / 800.523.2350
www.heartlandag.com
1180 State Hwy 7 East / Hutchinson, MN 320.587.4030 / 800.328.5866 BC�T August 55
Now News . . . continued from pg. 55
CHS Larsen Delivers $5,000 Grant to Iola Car Show Historic annual Wisconsin meet to use funds for improving event grounds The Iola Car Show, an annual nonprofit event for auto enthusiasts, was honored as a source of pride to the community by CHS Larsen Cooperative and Cenex® energy brand. As part of this award, the Iola Car Show received a $5,000 grant to further develop its event grounds for future celebrations. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the car show was replaced with the first-ever Rally for Iola that occurred on July 11. Rally for Iola was designed to bring the community together in uncertain times. It featured a car parade on the show grounds followed by a scenic 60mile road cruise through Waupaca County. Shortly before the event, the $5,000 grant was presented to Joe Opperman, executive director of Iola Car Show Inc. by Pat Brosseau, energy department manager of CHS Larsen. The grant money will be used for new siding on the event’s Toy Barn, a signature landmark of the show. “We were thrilled to be the recipient of the Hometown Pride Grant,” Joe Opperman says. “This money is being used to maintain a key feature of the show for attendees to enjoy for years to come.” COMMUNITY SUPPORT Set to resume the annual celebration in 2021, the Iola Car Show is the largest such event and swap meet in the country, attracting more than 115,000 enthusiasts each year and raising money to support its community. Since 1984, the nonprofit event has given back more than $8.4 million to over 130 local organizations and projects, including youth sports 56 BC�T August
Above: Pat Brosseau (right), energy department manager of CHS Larsen, presents Iola Car Show Executive Director Joe Opperman (left) with a check for $5,000 to be used for improving the event grounds.
teams, Boys and Girls Clubs and conservation organizations. “The Iola Car Show has been a monumental event in our community for close to 50 years,” Brosseau says. “Although we’ll miss it this year, we’re proud to support the continuation of such a unique event for years to come.” The grant was provided through an initiative that encourages Cenex dealers, retailers and distributors to share stories about what makes their local communities special. In its second year, the initiative will grant more than $100,000 to Cenex communities this year. “The Cenex brand is committed to supporting and celebrating what makes hometowns across America special,” says Mark Vanderlinde, communications manager at
CHS. “We are proud of our Cenex dealers, like CHS Larsen, who play an active role in enriching their community’s culture, no matter the circumstances.” About Cenex Cenex, the energy brand of CHS, provides high-quality refined fuels through nearly 1,500 locally owned convenience store locations across 19 states. Consumers depend on Cenex fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products to power homes, businesses and communities. CHS, Inc. (www.chsinc.com), which owns the Cenex brand, is a leading global agribusiness owned by American farmers across the United States with domestic and international operations including energy, agronomy, grain trading and food processing.
New Website for Colorado Certified Potato Growers Fresh new look reflects perspective the Association has taken on the seed program By Lyla Davis, Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association manager The Colorado Certified Potato Growers Association (CCPGA), located in the beautiful San Luis Valley, produces high-quality seed and seed growers. The Association is comprised of a core group of dedicated seed producers. The generations of farmers are as strong as the generations of seed they produce. About half of these seed operations are third- or fourth-generation farms, learning from their grandparents and passing on the family business to their children. As with early generation seed, early generation growers must be carefully nurtured and fed. They begin in a nursery where they receive special care and attention. As they mature, they venture outside to play and grow in the soft warm soil.
cultivars, have their own unique qualities and attributes. Some are more susceptible to bruising, some are more disease resistant, and some require more time to germinate, grow and mature.
cultivated a new website. The fresh new look reflects the fresh perspective the Association has taken on the Colorado seed program. Innovation and technology are leading every industry.
In the meantime, they continue to contribute to the overall growth of the farm operation.
As each generation of farmer enters the potato seed business, they bring an element of change. Change and progress in farming operations is crucial; change can be difficult to accept. With each new generation, change is inevitable.
Children, much like new potato
CCPGA has embraced change and
Visit www.ColoradoCertifiedPotato Growers.com for seed varieties and availability, tissue culture, variety information, planting guidelines, San Luis Valley potato producers and events in the Colorado potato seed arena.
Not quite mature enough to leave the farm, they require a few years to develop their full potential. Each season toughens their skin and opens their eyes to the world around them.
| Volume 72 No. $22/year | $2/copy
THE VOICE OF
O WISCONSIN'S POTAT
TRY & VEGETABLE INDUS
N ISSUE CROP PROTECTIO POTATOES HOW DIPLO ID Production Could Increase EFFEC T FUMIG ATION Cycle On Soil Nitrogen
TIVES UPDAT E ON INITIA ve Director WPVGA Executi ON SCAB MANAGE COMM of Potato Verticillium Wilt
07 | JULY 2020
Badger Common’Tater
THE VOICE OF THE WISCONSIN POTATO & VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
INTERVIEW:
WRIGHT IE CA,RT JUL Jay-Mar, Inc. Sales Agronomist n farm shows of a quaint Wisconsi An overhead view pattern in the corn field, 2019. on a traffic compacti
continued on pg. 58
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Whether you are a grower, industry partner or simply enjoy rural life, sign up to receive this prestigious publication in print version, delivered direct to your mailbox for $22/year (12 issues). wisconsinpotatoes.com/blog-news/subscribe BC�T August 57
Now News . . . continued from pg. 57
Farm and Industry Short Course Moves Online Facing unknowns with COVID-19, university modifies program for one year Facing many unknowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has decided to modify its Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC) program for the 2020-2021 school year. The college will hold the beginning farmer training program online this year, with the expectation that FISC will return to on-campus instruction the following year. “We decided to offer fewer courses and to offer them online this year to ensure the health and safety of our students, instructors and staff,” says FISC Program Director Jennifer Blazek. “This was a very difficult decision because in-person learning and oncampus residential experiences have always been a central part of the program,” Blazek explains. “But with all of the uncertainty, we wanted to provide our students with predictable and flexible learning opportunities wherever they are.” Blazek notes that FISC’s recent spring 2020 term ended very shortly before public health emergencies went into effect and moved UW-Madison students off campus. “Our timing was lucky last year,” she says. “Having to completely retool our programs in the middle of our eight-week terms would have been extremely difficult. With our approach for the coming year, we can create a high-quality and stable learning experience online.” REMOTE INSTRUCTION FISC will offer two core courses through remote instruction during each term. During the fall term, 58 BC�T August
which starts in late October, students were able to enroll in Business Principles of Agricultural Management and Introduction to Soils.
works best for them. Students could enroll for both courses each term, or choose courses individually during the year, depending on what best meets their goals.
In spring, they can take The Business of Agriculture and Agribusiness Feasibility Planning. All four courses are ideal for remote learning, teach topics and skills necessary for all farms and agribusinesses, and continue the tradition of connecting students with experts within the industry.
Scholarships will continue to be available to students who applied. UW-Madison offers students access to loaned laptops to meet the technology needs for online learning.
The two-course sequence including Business Principles of Agricultural Management and Agribusiness Feasibility Planning meets the Farm Service Agency’s educational requirement for their Beginning Farmer & Rancher Loan program. Courses will be timed to fit into farm schedules and will include a mix of concurrent learning experiences and videos that students can view when it
“In a year that has presented Wisconsin agriculture with so many challenges and disappointments, we have an opportunity to test online learning with those looking to pursue a career in agriculture,” says Blazek. “We plan to use this unusual year to continue to expand and improve our programs,” she concludes, “so that we can offer courses that meet the needs of the industry—on campus, online or through other venues that serve students—well into the future.”
NPC News USDA Revises Coronavirus Aid Payment Rates Growers face an oversupply of potatoes in supply chain for processing On July 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced revised payment rates for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Since the original rule was announced in May, the National Potato Council (NPC) has urged USDA to revise the program, which has prevented potato growers from receiving equitable access to relief funds. Potato growers were able to submit applications starting Monday, July 13, 2020. In USDA’s original rule published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2020, the department did not provide relief to potato growers in Category 1, provided $0.04/pound (lb.) in Category 2, and $0.01/lb. in Category 3. In the revised rule, which was published in the Federal Register today, the payment schedule is as follows: Potatoes Fresh – Other $0.01(Category 1) $0.04 (Category 2) $0.01 (Category 3) Potatoes Fresh – Russets $0.07 (Category 1) $0.09 (Category 2) $0.02 (Category 3) Potatoes – Processing $0.02 (Category 1) $0.03 (Category 2) $0.01 Category 3) Potatoes – Seed $0.02 (Category 1) $0.04 (Category 2) $0.01 (Category 3) “The potato industry appreciates the rapid work of USDA in considering these changes and making potatoes eligible for all three categories of payments,” says NPC President
Britt Raybould. “We believe the economic justification submitted by the industry strongly supports the meaningful inclusion of potatoes in this relief program, given the devastation faced by the industry due to the government-mandated food service shutdown,” Raybould adds. “Looking forward, we want to work with USDA to ensure that all injured potato growers have an equal opportunity to apply and seek relief,” she says. “Our industry continues to believe that our recommendations of making all potatoes equally eligible and with a meaningful payment level of at least 4 cents per pound is a simple, balanced approach that ensures relief flows to growers who need support,” Raybould states. INCREASED RELIEF “We appreciate USDA taking this additional step toward relief for our industry,” says NPC Chief Executive Officer Kam Quarles. “NPC thanks individual state associations representing the potato industry, along with Members of Congress representing impacted states and districts, in providing data and support for increased relief.” “This was an excellent example of a collaborative team approach that was demanded by a crisis of this magnitude,” Quarles says. On June 22, NPC and state potato organizations filed official comments responding to the USDA Notice of Funding Availability (Docket ID: FSA– 2020–0004) for the CFAP as it related to adding commodities that were not initially identified by USDA in the
The National Potato Council and state organizations requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide more equitable support for potato growers who are facing a 1.5 billion pound oversupply of fresh potatoes for processing and potato products, which are trapped in the supply chain with no likely customers.
CFAP rule and also modifying the payment rates for various categories. In the letter, the groups requested that USDA provide more equitable support for potato growers who are facing a 1.5 billion pound oversupply of fresh potatoes for processing and potato products, which are trapped in the supply chain with no likely customers. BC�T August 59
Agricultural Impacts of COVID-19 Essential nature of food value chain is highlighted, from farmer to grocery retailer By Michael Gunderson, Ph.D., Blaine Nelson, associate director of MetLife Agricultural Finance, and Tom Karmel, associate director of Agricultural Research & Strategy, MetLife Investment Management Sustained changes in behavior resulting from COVID-19 could impact food value chain configurations, where and what we eat, how we produce food and the cost of farm financing.
Farmers and food processors may accelerate automation to reduce human exposure and find low interest rates to finance farmland and equipment.
COVID-19 has highlighted the essential nature of the food value chain from farm input supplier to grocery retail worker.
MetLife Investment Management (MIM) recently released an analysis of how COVID-19 might impact the broader economy for years to come. MIM Agriculture (MAG) recognizes that the virus will also have long-term implications for the farm economy.
The additional attention might cause consumers to demand a shorter value chain and a closer relationship with their farmer. If consumers choose to avoid dining out, diets could become healthier and fuller of fruits and vegetables. 60 BC�T August
Despite nearly all food purchases shifting to grocery and online, the food supply chain emerged resilient with brief shortages and interruptions for U.S. consumers. Still, the continuing
impact of COVID-19 on daily life and how consumers purchase food will likely force a shift in the supply chain. One potential impact could be further growth in local food movements, which have been building momentum since at least the 1970’s. BUYING LOCAL There is no widely accepted definition of local, but it is generally defined Above: More online shopping for groceries will likely impact the packaged food space more than fresh fruits and vegetables, as many people impulsively buy chips, not celery. Here celery is harvested at Trembling Prairie Farms, Markesan, Wisconsin.
by the number of miles between the producer and the consumer or retail outlet within the same state boundary. While COVID-19 might encourage more local food consumption, it remains relatively unpractical by the conventional definition. It would be particularly hard for any U.S. resident outside of Florida, California and Texas to consume local citrus. Local production is also generally more expensive for the consumer, which may be particularly cost-prohibitive for some in a recessionary environment. Rather, it is more likely the case that the movement towards local is less about geographic proximity of producer and consumer, and more driven towards minimizing the number of supply chain steps between the two. Might we consider an Indiana family buying a Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA) box directly from a Florida grower for winter vegetables local? When the same Indiana family purchases ground hamburger at a grocery store, is it considered local if the calf was initially born in Indiana? Is the beef still local if the calf snaked across the Midwest as part of finishing and slaughter?
“Likely, the movement toward local is less about geographic proximity of producer and consumer, and more about minimizing the number of supply chain steps between the two.” – the authors consumers spent less on food away from home and largely substituted that with grocery store purchases. This pullback in food purchases away from home during current stay-at-home orders has been an order of magnitude larger than during the GFC. Food purchases away from home rebounded following the GFC but could recover more slowly this time around as consumers might initially be cautious to fill restaurants. This extended period of people primarily consuming food at home will likely shift purchasing and consumption patterns in our view. The U.S. Department of Agriculture concludes that people tend to maintain healthier diets when eating at home as opposed to dining out.1 Therefore, there may be increased consumption of typical items in
home-prepared meals (fresh fruits, vegetables and chicken) and softening demand for products generally consumed at restaurants like red meat and bacon. These items experienced the largest wholesale price drops at the onset of the stay-at-home orders. However, healthier options are not the only food benefitting from more athome dining. Several food companies offering consumer staples have seen their stock prices jump since the virus, as consumers shift some spending normally reserved for dining out into packaged goods.2 Before the stay-at-home orders, these companies struggled to follow consumer preferences moving towards fresher foods and away from products like cereal, canned soup and snacks. continued on pg. 62
A version of local consumption that draws farmer and consumer closer together appears more likely given the uncertainty of restaurant and diningout demand. This uncertainty could encourage a supply chain shift towards food coops and distributors who supply both grocery chains and restaurants. EXPORTS & THE SUPPLY CHAIN One potential downside of prioritizing U.S. consumers would be reduced higher-value exports for U.S. agriculture. However, export demand would likely be integrated into this new supply chain structure in our view. During the Great Financial Crisis (GFC),
COVID-19 has highlighted the essential nature of the food value chain from farmer to grocery retail worker. Here potatoes are loaded onto a truck at Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland, Wisconsin. BC�T August 61
Agricultural Impacts of COVID-19 . . . continued from pg. 61
EATING AT HOME During stay-at-home orders, the food companies have capitalized on the shift to eating at home as some consumers replace a take-out pizza for a frozen one. For consumers venturing back into packaged foods, some believe they could be pleasantly surprised by the improved offerings.3 A sustained recession and improved offerings could lead to longer-term sales support for packaged food companies. A potential headwind for these companies could be the increasing use of grocery delivery services. Online orders currently account for approximately 35 percent of total grocery sales, up from 10-15 percent prior to the virus.4 It is also unclear how consumers spend money on groceries online versus in person. In industries that have moved more significantly to online retail, such as clothing, electronics and entertainment, consumers tend to purchase less shopping online compared to in-person.5 Reduced spending in grocery stores might impact the packaged food space, as many people impulsively buy chips, not celery. From a supply perspective, working from home and social distancing restrictions might further encourage mechanization in the agricultural sector. Much energy has been exerted to digitize agriculture, principally in row crop production. Precision agriculture and technology have helped improve decision making and automate significant portions of production. The actual planting, growing and harvesting of food cannot be digitized nor completely remote. Row crop production, however, has been significantly mechanized while some portions of the agriculture sector remain highly labor intensive such as fruit production 62 BC�T August
and livestock processing. CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAKS Some food processing plants have temporarily closed in the wake of outbreaks among their workers.6 These firms have grappled with balancing the necessity of food production with adjusting to maintain worker safety and health. It may be the case these plants will now be incentivized to further accelerate the efforts to automate portions of their production to reduce human interaction and comply with social distancing measures. A period of sustained low interest rates in the recent past and into the future will provide support for agricultural land values. The value of land as an inflation hedge has been muted in periods of sustained low inflation. If low interest and inflation continue for the near term, evidence suggests it is unlikely land values will move dramatically in either direction. This current period of historically low interest rates also offers producers more affordable long-term financing options. This should help growers navigate this sustained period of low commodity prices. The pandemic has emphasized the essential nature of agriculture and the food value chain. It has also exposed weaknesses that arise from a highly concentrated industry that has aggressively eliminated redundancies to squeeze the final pennies out of the cost of food. There will likely be consumer-driven changes in the food value chain that arise from how and where we consume food. There might also be government-driven changes if ensuring a safe and abundant food supply moves up the policy priority list. While there will be changes after the pandemic ends, history suggests agriculture and food value chains will continue to lead with resilience
People tend to maintain healthier diets when eating at home as opposed to dining out, so there may be increased consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables (such as these potatoes being dug at Nicklaus Farms in Irma, Wisconsin) and chicken.
and innovation. This document has been prepared by MetLife Investment Management solely for informational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation regarding any investments, the provision of any investment advice or the offer or provision of any investment product or service. Sources USDA Economic Research Service, America’s Eating Habits: Food Away From Home, September 2018 2 The New York Times, ‘I Just Need the Comfort’: Processed Foods Make a Pandemic Comeback, April 7, 2020 3 The Wall Street Journal, Companies’ Next Coronavirus Challenge: Getting Cash Strapped Shoppers to Spend, May 13, 2020 4 CNBC, As coronavirus pandemic pushes more grocery shoppers online, stores struggle to keep up with demand, May 1, 2020 5 First Insight, The State of Consumer Spending: In-Store Impulse Shopping Stands The Test of Time, March 2019 6 The Wall Street Journal, Meat Companies Want to Reopen, but Officials Fear New Wave of Coronavirus Infections, April 30, 2020 1
New Products New Book to Guide Potato Research and Development “The Potato Crop” covers spud’s contribution to genetics and genetic resources to value chains Source: International Potato Center (CIP), and reprinted with permission from PotatoPro.com Few people are aware that the potato is the third most important global crop in terms of human consumption. It contributes to the food and nutrition security, climate resilience and incomes of millions of resourcepoor families across the Global South. However, achieving the potato’s full potential to feed a growing population in a climate-changing world requires research, new technologies and other innovations. To contribute to that process and share information on some of the latest advances in potato science, two International Potato Center (CIP) scientists edited an extensive compilation of research and expert perspectives, resulting in the book: “The Potato Crop: its agricultural, nutritional and social contribution to humankind.” “The Potato Crop” was recently released by the prestigious publishing house Springer Nature. The work of over 60 scientists from 25 countries and 23 international research centers, universities, government agencies and agricultural corporations, the book brings together an array of useful, researchbased information on areas ranging from potato’s nutritional contribution to genetics and genetic resources to value chains. Oscar Ortiz, CIP Deputy Director General for Research and
Development and co-editor of “The Potato Crop,” says, “This book reflects the evolution, state of the art and challenges of potato research for development, in both the biophysical and socioeconomic sciences.” “It contains a wealth of information that can help scientists, extension workers and potato farmers better understand the current state of potato science and where it is likely to go in the near future,” Ortiz adds. FOURTEEN CHAPTERS The book consists of 14 chapters organized into four sections covering themes that include the potato’s contribution to global food security,
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
diets, health and incomes; advances in potato biodiversity conservation, breeding and genetics; agronomic concerns such as crop pests, diseases and seed systems; and participatory research and gender considerations. Much of the book addresses needs and challenges in developing countries, where potato farming and consumption are on the rise, and where there are opportunities to significantly improve potato yields and benefits for resource-poor households. continued on pg. 64
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
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BC�T August 63
New Products . . . continued from pg. 6
Hugo Campos, CIP Research Director and co-editor of the book, explains, “The goal is to make this large and updated body of knowledge freely available to the widest, largest possible audience, including researchers, students, international development professionals and policymakers.”
contribute to harnessing its potential to improve lives and help farmers in developing countries adapt to climate change,” he states.
To access the book online, or to download individual chapters as .pdfs, visit https://link.springer.com/ book/10.1007%2F978-3-030-28683-5.
Campos explains that the book has consequently been published as Open Access, thanks to support from the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas.
“My hope is that this book will inspire more young men and women scientists to focus on the potato and
It is thus fully available, free of charge, to anyone interested in this fascinating crop.
About the International Potato Center The International Potato Center or Centro Internacional de la Papa (also known by its Spanish acronym, CIP) seeks to reduce poverty and achieve food security on a sustained basis in developing countries.
AgBiome Expands Line with Theia Fungicide Company develops innovative biopesticides to overcome growing pest resistance AgBiome®, a leader in developing innovative products from the Earth’s microbial communities, has announced the submission of Theia™ fungicide, its next product, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review. Pending EPA registration, Theia will be the second biological fungicide that AgBiome has brought to market in the last three years. “AgBiome leads in the development of innovative biopesticides to
overcome growing pest resistance,” says Scott Uknes, co-chief executive officer of AgBiome. “Our product pipeline is strong, which symbolizes the sustained growth we are prioritizing at AgBiome,” Uknes adds. “From new hires to new product development, AgBiome is working tirelessly to expand our reach, execut-
ing on the company’s mission to feed the world responsibly.” Theia, along with AgBiome’s first product, Howler®, was developed using the GENESIS™ discovery platform, allowing AgBiome to efficiently capture and screen the company’s diverse, unique microbial collection for agriculturally relevant applications. Since microbial bio-fungicides contain living organisms, their modes of action differ from those of synthetic fungicides, making Theia a unique player in the fight against foliar plant diseases. “The development team has been highly focused on rapidly advancing fungicides with new modes of action. AgBiome is thrilled to have begun the Theia EPA registration process,” says Scott Rabe, development team lead. For more information, visit www. agbiome.com, or contact Liz Gaston, lgaston@agbiome.com.
64 BC�T August
Ali's Kitchen
Grilled Pork Burgers are a Hit
This twist on the classic hamburger and fries is packed with flavor Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary With August comes the impending close of summer here in Wisconsin. While my husband tends to grill yearround, it is not nearly as comfortable once the temperatures dip and the ground is covered in snow, so any outdoor cooking happens much less in those winter and spring months. To take advantage of this month of ideal grilling weather, Mike and I are continuing with the French fry theme that started in last month’s air fryer recipe and putting a twist on the classic hamburger and fries. Rather than a side of regular French fries, we are making homemade shoestring potatoes. And instead
of simply placing them on the plate next to a burger, we are piling them high on top of a grilled pork burger and then drizzling it all with a garlicy, slightly spicy Sriracha mayo. There are a few steps to this meal, but it is fairly uncomplicated, and the result is delicious. It is easiest to begin by making your shoestring potatoes and then whipping up a batch of the Sriracha mayo. The mayo can be placed in the fridge until you are ready to assemble your burgers, and the shoestring potatoes can be set aside to cool while you focus on grilling the burgers. continued on pg. 66
Ingredients:
Shoestring Potatoes • vegetable oil for deep-frying • 4 potatoes (I used Yukon Gold) • salt for seasoning
Sriracha Mayo • 1 cup mayonnaise • 2 Tbsp. Sriracha hot sauce • 1 Tbsp. fresh-squeezed lime juice • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped DIRECTIONS: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. BC�T August 65
Ali's Kitchen. . .
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continued from pg. 65
Do not forget to lightly toast the buns before assembling your burgers; it only takes an extra minute and the added toasty texture is worth it!
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*Tip for storing leftover shoestring potatoes: Allow potatoes to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
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DIRECTIONS: Shoestring Potatoes Wash and peel potatoes, and then slice into matchsticks (a mandolin slicer works best, however, I used a spiralizer and then chopped the spirals to make thin sticks of potato). Place potato sticks in a large bowl of ice water and soak them for at least 20 minutes to remove as much of the excess starch as you can. While potatoes are soaking, heat about two inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry potatoes well with paper towels. Working in batches, carefully add the potatoes to the oil and deep fry them for about 3-5 minutes, or until potato sticks turn golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot or the potatoes won’t get as crisp. Transfer the fried potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate and season liberally with a sprinkling of salt. INGREDIENTS: Grilled Pork Burgers (makes four) • 1 lb. ground pork • 1 Tbsp. soy sauce • 2 tsp. sesame oil • 2 garlic gloves, minced • 1 Tbsp. ginger powder • 1 tsp. seasoning salt • 1 tsp. black pepper • 4 burger buns • 1 cup finely shredded iceberg lettuce • slices of raw onion 66 BC�T August
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DIRECTIONS: Grilled Pork Burgers Light your charcoal grill. In a large mixing bowl, combine pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, seasoning salt and pepper, and mix together until well combined. Divide into four equal portions and shape into burger patties. Place on grill and cook the pork burgers over medium heat for approximately 6-7 minutes before flipping and cooking an additional 6-7 minutes. Both sides of the burger should be nicely browned, and the burger cooked through. Lightly toast the inside of each of the four buns on the grill. Build your burgers by smearing a bit of the Sriracha mayo on the bottom bun, adding a layer of shredded lettuce, then placing a burger on the bun. Top the burger with a slice of raw onion and a nice heap of shoestring potatoes.
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Drizzle generously with additional Sriracha mayo and add the top half of the bun.
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Enjoy!
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Find more recipes at www.LifeOnGraniteRidge.com
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