Yes, it’s time for the 47th Annual University of Idaho Potato Conference and 36th Ag Expo! The big show is scheduled for Jan. 20-22. The Idaho Crop Improvement Association will also host its Annual Seed Grower's Seminar on Jan. 20.
We urge all potato people to attend because, as usual, there will be something for everyone at this year’s big potato event.
As we prepare this article, we are still in the process of getting the program finalized, but we already have commitments for a number of interesting and informative topics. Presentations from important industry organizations such as the Idaho Potato Commission, National Potato Council, and information on research and education funding from the Northwest Potato Consortium are all among the lineup. What's the latest on potato legislation, how about changes in the state of Idaho or the progress of efforts to increase potato consumption? This is the place to find out.
We will have our usual offerings of workshops on management of diseases, insects and weeds as well as other opportunities for those who wish to receive pesticide applicator's recertification credits. There will also be an entire slate of workshops and presentations on other aspects of potato production such as planting, irrigation management and new technologies, harvest, proper management in storage, and soon-to-be-released potato lines as well as a potato variety display. We will also be offering Spanish-language workshops on both days of the conference.
For those of you who have an interest in the economics of potato production, we have scheduled workshops with cost of production review and trends, plus information on the farm bill at this year’s conference. You can also hear about global warming and the future of water supplies, cover crops and humic acid.
We will also feature reports on some of the latest developments concerning the two large Specialty Crop Research Initiative grants, one on the PVY project and the other on the acrylamide project. How about a workshop on beneficial insects, or the latest on BRR and zebra chip? These and many more important and timely subjects will be covered.
Looking for something completely different? How about Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader with your knowledge about potatoes? We have also scheduled a third go-round of the popular Mythbusters session. Can our scientists bust the myths or not? You'll have to come and see!
The Idaho Potato Conference and Ag Expo are an excellent venue to get the latest information on all aspects of potato production and an opportunity to meet with old friends and business contacts as well as make new ones.
It's that time of year again! See you there!