BOISE, ID - World Potato Gongress organizers have announced their partnership with Simplot Land and Livestock to host a major outdoor farm exhibit and demonstration show in conjunction with the 2006 World Potato Congress. Known as the World Potato Congress Farm Show, the event will be held on several hundred acres of a Simplot farm just east of Grandview, ID, in the fertile Snake River Valley.
"Hosting this prestigious event in partnership with one of the largest potato producers in the U.S. in one of the most productive potato-producing regions in the U.S. is a natural fit," said Tim O'Connor, president and CEO of the United States Potato Board. "We hope this will be a very successful component of the World Potato Congress, which comes to the U.S. for the first time in August, 2006."
The World Potato Congress spans August 20-26, 2006 with the first portion of the program set in Boise at the Centre On The Grove. Thr program shifts to the World Potato Congress Farm Show Thursday through Saturday, August 24-26, 2006.
The World Potato Congress Farm Show will feature a hands-on view of a wide variety of equipment and crop management systems featuring the latest concepts and technology available to potato producers. The event combines an outdoor trade show exhibit area with working field demonstrations and plots showcasing everything from the latest genetics to the most modern equipment to cutting edge crop protection and irrigation systems.
Simplot Land and Livestock is responsible for more than 40,000 acres of cropland in Idaho and another 42,000 acres in Washington State. The operation also consists of 14 ranches and two cattle feedlots including the Grand View, Idaho lot with a capacity of 150,000 head--one of the largest in the world.
"We look forward to hosting this show," said Tom Basabe, Simplot Land and Livestock president. "I think attendees will be favorably impressed by the productivity and diversity of this agricultural area."
The World Potato Congress Farm Show is expected to attract several hundred companies and thousands of attendees from many potato-producing countries for this one-time world-class event. Actual potato harvest will occur during the three-day show featuring the latest in digging, handling, sorting, transporting and storing technology available. Seed plots, crop protection systems and irrigation systems will also be showcased.
For further information, go to www.potatofarmshow.com.