INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
November 30, 2020
Articles, Event Calendar

Calendar: TriCal Group Potato School

Dec. 8 webinar to offer CCA credits
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November 30, 2020
Articles

Researcher Fights Beetle with Potato Genetics

MSU researcher Natalie Kaiser focuses on finding ways to improve the potato genome to better fight the Colorado potato beetle.
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November 30, 2020
Articles

Potato Wart Confirmed in Canada

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently confirmed the presence of potato war in two fields on a farm in Prince Edward Island.
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November 30, 2020
Articles
Carrie Huffman Wohleb

How Burbank Achieved Top Dog Status

Although it wasn’t an immediate success, the Russet Burbank cultivar now accounts for about 40 percent of the U.S. potato acreage.
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November 30, 2020
Articles, Seed Potatoes

P.E.I. Seed Growers to Receive Assistance

The government of Prince Edward Island has announced it will come to the aid of the province’s seed potato growers through an assistance program, compensating for the negative effects COVID-19 on the industry.
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November 30, 2020
Articles, Fertilizer
Kay Ledbetter, Texas A&M University

Process ‘Cleans’ Runoff When Using Manure as Fertilizer

Texas A&M AgriLife, Tarleton State University ‘biochar’ research maintains nutrients in crop production fields
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November 30, 2020
Articles

Study Reveals Potato’s Potential for Reducing Anemia

The potato is known to be a good source of energy, potassium and vitamins C and B6, but according to new research, it can also be an excellent source of iron.
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November 30, 2020
Articles, Fungicide, Insecticide
Tom J Bechman

Trend Toward Lower Use Rate for Pesticides Continues

Hi-Tech Farming: Newer formulations of existing chemistry feature lower use rates.
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November 26, 2020
Between the Rows
Tyrell Marchant, Editor

Between the Rows: Thankful for Nothing

What do you have to be thankful for? Probably a lot.
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November 25, 2020
Articles

Multi-state Effort Focuses on Farmer Mental Wellness

The Farm Center at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is part of a 12-state effort aimed at providing education, resources and support to farmers, agriculture service professionals and mental wellness care providers to
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November 24, 2020
Articles
Frank Muir, IPC President and CEO

IPC Launches Media Blitz to Boost Holiday Potato Sales

With the holiday season looking to be different from any before it, the Idaho Potato Commission is gearing up to keep Idaho potatoes top-of-mind.
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November 24, 2020
Articles, New Products, Potato Equipment

Skone & Connors Installs Tong System

A custom-built potato sizing and washing solution from Tong USA has enabled a leading U.S. potato processor to increase sizing potential of both dirty and washed crop, whilst maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste across its entire potato processing o
— Read More
November 24, 2020
Articles

Farmobile, Fertilizer Institute to Advance Data Collection for Variable Rate Technology

Real-time data serves as a system of record to provide a more detailed picture of field activities.
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November 23, 2020
Articles

Ag World Golf Classic Donates $90K+

Ag World Support Systems recently presented the 7th Annual Ag World Golf Classic check for $93,168 to Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Norwest in Spokane, Wash.
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November 23, 2020
Articles

Report Highlights Farmers’ Perception of Sustainability

Research demonstrates need for new level of supply chain collaboration, sharing in both risk and reward of pursuing conservation practices
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November 23, 2020
Articles

Ag Dept. Introduces AskUSDA

In an effort to transform how the public interacts with the Department, the AskUSDA program has been established as the “one front door” for customers to access information and help from USDA.
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November 20, 2020
Irrigation, New Products

IA Names New Product Contest Winners

The winner of the agriculture irrigation category is the All-Flo Pressure Regulator by Nelson Irrigation. The winner of the agriculture specialty category is Sweet Spot Drip Tape by Toro.
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November 20, 2020
Articles

Wisconsin: Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project Exceeds Expectations

The Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project is a multi-party collaboration convened by the Village of Plover and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association to improve the health of the Little Plover River and the quality of life of the
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November 20, 2020
Articles

NPC Launches New Website

The National Potato Council has released a new website at to better support its mission of “Standing Up for Potatoes on Capitol Hill.”
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November 20, 2020
Articles

U.S. DOT Clarifies Ag Commodity Definition

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it is has published a final rule clarifying agricultural commodity and livestock definitions in hours-of-service regulations.
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November 19, 2020
Articles
Bob Sowers, NRCS

What’s Happening on America’s Lands, Soils, and Waters?

You may be curious about what’s happening on the lands across the United States over time. If we didn’t have the data collection of the National Resources Inventory, we could only guess.
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November 18, 2020
Articles
Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

Texas A&M Researchers Make Breakthrough in Fighting Plant Diseases

New technology utilizes pathogen-infected host tissues to produce so-called hairy roots that can serve as biological vessels for the propagation of these pathogens in the laboratory.
— Read More
November 18, 2020
Articles

Food & Agriculture Climate Alliance Releases Climate Policy Recommendations

Agriculture and environmental groups find ways that farmers, ranchers, forest owners and the food sector can deliver and benefit from climate solutions.
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November 18, 2020
Articles, Event Calendar

USDA Opens Registration for the 2021 Agricultural Outlook Forum

The 2021 Forum will be virtual, and registration is free.
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November 17, 2020
Articles
Jim Offner

Specialty Offerings Expand Reach of Potatoes, Onions

Specialty varieties play a central role in marketing potatoes and onions, marketers say.
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November 17, 2020
Articles
Jim Offner

Colorado Potato Industry Focuses on Social

The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee plans to focus its marketing messages on social media venues, with a heavy emphasis on potato nutrition.
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November 17, 2020
Articles
Jim Offner

Organic Potato, Onion Sales Continue Upward Trend

Organic onion and potato sales continue to trend upward, even during the COVID-19 pandemic—and, perhaps because of the pandemic, marketers say.
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November 17, 2020
Articles
Jeff Jones

Successful Succession in Ag

Transferring farm ownership from one generation to the next can be a challenging but rewarding process.
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November 17, 2020
Articles

U.S. Potato Imports Surge from July to September

U.S. potato imports for the first quarter of the July 2020 to June 2021 marketing year were up 19 percent in total.
— Read More
November 16, 2020
Articles, New Products, Potato Equipment

New Products: Smart Ag LLC Solutions

Smart Ag LLC is leveraging its successful launch of the Wireless Smart Switch to expand its product offering with the Smart Applicator and the Smart Piler.
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November 16, 2020
Articles
Sean Ellis, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Potato Industry Bouncing Back from COVID Challenges

Idaho’s potato industry suffered through a major scare due to the restrictions and shutdowns imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. But major efforts by the industry have helped potato producers weather that storm.
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November 16, 2020
Articles

Wildflowers Could Control Aphid-borne Potato Viruses

Trials in Scotland are providing evidence that sowing wildflowers into potato crops could reduce aphid-carried viruses and offer an alternative to declining access to insecticides for growers.
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November 13, 2020
Articles, Event Calendar

Eastern Idaho Ag Expo Transitions to Virtual

It was officially announced today that the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo, originally scheduled to be held in Pocatello, Idaho, at Idaho State University's Holt Arena on Jan. 19-21, will now be a virtual event.
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November 13, 2020
Articles

WSU Creates Endowed Chair to Support Potato Growers

The newly created position will address priorities in irrigated agriculture, including the need to better understand and protect the soil Washington farmers rely on to grow potatoes.
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November 13, 2020
Articles, Smorgasbord

Maine Grower Debuts New Red Variety at Retail

In the fall of 2019, Green Thumb Farms launched the “Farmer’s First” program to develop new potato varieties for retailers. This year they’re partnering with Hannaford grocery stores to introduce Fenway Reds.
— Read More
November 12, 2020
Articles

Canada Gets in on U.S. Potato Demand

While Idaho remains the behemoth, Canada has put a stake in the ground when it comes to exporting potatoes into the U.S.
— Read More
November 12, 2020
Articles
Jim Offner

Potato, Onion Marketers Meet Challenges of Pandemic

Even in a pandemic year — or, perhaps, because of it — potatoes and onions are an easy sell, marketers say.
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November 12, 2020
Articles
American Farm Bureau Federation

Department of Labor Stabilizes Farmworker Pay

The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will remain at 2020 rates for the next two years.
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November 11, 2020
Articles, Insecticide
Allan Caplan, Fangming Xiao, Joseph Kuhl & Louise-Marie Dandurand, University of Idaho

Setting the Trap

Charting a new future for potato cyst nematode control with the help of trap crops
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November 11, 2020
Event Calendar

Calendar: "Prepare your Farm for Tax Season Now" Webinar

Free webinar from Michigan State University Extension is scheduled for Dec. 1.
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November 10, 2020
Articles

U.S. Potato Exports Still Impacted by Pandemic

U.S. potato exports for the July to September quarter were down significantly compared to the same period in 2019, but signs point to a strong recovery.
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November 10, 2020
Articles

USDA Announces Updated Conservation Practice Standards

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has completed and published updates to its set of National Conservation Practice Standards, which include 58 standards that have been updated or revised.
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November 10, 2020
Articles
Jessica Wohl

'Purpose-Driven' Marketing in McDonald's Long-Term Strategy

Earlier this year, the burger giant announced it had a “sizable marketing war chest” of $200 million to spend in the second half of 2020. And it's using those funds in a few different ways.
— Read More
November 10, 2020
Irrigation, New Products, Final Countdown

Five Steps to Preparing Your Pivot for Winter

For many growers, winterizing irrigation equipment before the first hard freeze is as important as in-season crop monitoring.
— Read More
November 10, 2020
Articles, Seed Potatoes
Morgan Rose

Lake Family Continues Tradition of Quality Seed

With the towering Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake acting as the backdrop, Lake Seed, Inc., a generational farm, strives to raise high-quality crops all while being good stewards of the land.
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November 10, 2020
Articles

Vive Leadership Team Poised for Future Growth

David Rummel has joined Vive Crop Protection's leadership team as vice president of business development, and existing leadership team member Jeffrey Buchholz has been promoted to general counsel.
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November 10, 2020
Articles
Dan Jacobs

Biological Products Poised to Make Mark in U.S. Agriculture

Biological products have been around for decades, but it’s been the past couple decades and even the last few years, where this rapidly growing segment of agriculture has come into its own.
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November 10, 2020
Articles
Chuck Abbott

Women Dominate List of Potential Ag Secretary Nominees

Former senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, co-founder of the One Country Project to boost Democratic support in rural America, was the most frequently mentioned name.
— Read More
November 09, 2020
Articles, Seed Potatoes
Alan Westra, Southeast Area Manager, Idaho Crop Improvement Association

Seed of Success: 2020 Idaho certified seed report

2020 Idaho certified seed report
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November 09, 2020
Articles, Event Calendar

Calendar: Grow-NY

Grow-NY, one of the largest global food and agriculture business competitions, host its two-day Food & Ag Summit completely virtually on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and Wednesday, Nov. 18.
— Read More
November 08, 2020
Articles
Frank Muir, IPC President and CEO

Connecting with Consumers

The Idaho Potato Commission is making sure shoppers and diners know about the benefits of Idaho potatoes.
— Read More
November 07, 2020
Articles
Tad Thompson, The Produce News

Demand Strong for RRV Potatoes

A harvest shortfall late in the Red River Valley potato harvest has disappointed some growers, but overall the valley has a nice crop.
— Read More
November 07, 2020
Articles, Between the Rows
Tyrell Marchant, Editor

Between the Rows: True Definition: What does Idaho mean to you?

What does Idaho mean to you?
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November 06, 2020
Articles, Grower of the Month
Tyrell Marchant, Editor

As the Wind Blows: Idaho Grower of the Year: SouthWind Farms

Idaho Grower of the Year: SouthWind Farms
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November 06, 2020
Articles
Florencia Colella, Michigan State University Extension

Transitioning the Farm: Quick Guide

A brief look at the tools you need for your successful farm business transition
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November 06, 2020
Articles, Event Calendar, Irrigation

Calendar: Expanding the Circle of Innovation

A first look at key innovations from Lindsay Irrigation that will forever change how the industry looks at and uses pivot irrigation systems
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November 06, 2020
Articles, New Products

FMC Recognized at 2020 Crop Science Awards

Wins Best R&D Pipeline and Best New Biological Product categories
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November 06, 2020
Articles

IPC Appoints Three New Commissioners

During the Idaho Potato Commission’s October meeting, growers Ron Ambrose, Mark Darrington and Eric Jemmett were sworn in as commissioners.
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November 05, 2020
Articles, New Products

UPL Wins Agrow Award

UPL received a distinguished Agrow Award in the category of Best Company From an Emerging Region.
— Read More
November 05, 2020
Articles
Tom Karst

MountainKing Increases Packaging of Small Potatoes

Houston-based Mountain King Potatoes is stepping up its packaging capacity of smaller-sized potatoes varieties in the face of strong demand.
— Read More
November 05, 2020
Articles

How the 2020 Election Will Impact Food, Ag, Labor

The 2020 election results will affect the future of food, agriculture, and labor policies in the United States.
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November 04, 2020
Articles
Dan Manternach & the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers

What It’s Really Worth

Precision ag technology boosts land values for users
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November 04, 2020
Articles, New Products, Potato Equipment

Precision Ag Technology Buyers' Guide

This industry has long been at the bleeding edge of technological advancements, and the rate of advancement just seems to keep increasing. Here, you’ll find several products that will give you a deeper look at your farm, your crops, and your practices.
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November 04, 2020
Articles
Michael Newland

Fire in the Hole

Propane-powered flame weeding offers efficient, organic alternative to herbicides or manual labor.
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November 04, 2020
Articles, Irrigation, New Products
Reinke Manufacturing

Wealth of Information

Maximizing yield performance with irrigation scheduling tools
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November 03, 2020
Articles
Rhett Spear

Fixing What Ain’t Broke: Embracing change in farming

Embracing change in farming
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November 03, 2020
Articles, Insecticide, Final Countdown
Kyle Coleman, Director of Marketing and Commercial Development, NovaSource

Top 5: Pillars of Metam Movement in Soil

Upon taking a closer look during the past several years, the industry has learned that the art of metam application to achieve maximum results can actually be quite complex.
— Read More
November 03, 2020
Articles

A Great Business Opportunity

Maximizing Idaho’s fresh potato market potential
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November 03, 2020
Articles

Ag Economy Barometer Rises to Record High

Surveyed farmers were more optimistic about both the future and current financial situation on their farms.
— Read More
November 03, 2020
Articles

Bancroft Assumes Helm of AgroLiquid

AgroLiquid announces Nick Bancroft has stepped into the role of CEO, effective Nov. 1.
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November 03, 2020
Articles

Pressure Point: The benefits of Airdown’s central tire inflation system on the farm

The benefits of Airdown’s central tire inflation system on the farm
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November 02, 2020
Articles
John Toaspern, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USA

Dealing with Disruption

U.S. potato trade impacted by coronavirus pandemic
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November 02, 2020
Articles

Perdue Statement on H-2A Wage Rule

U.S. secretary of agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised the Department of Labor’s new H-2A Wage Rule, which should stabilize farm labor costs and reform the H-2A wage rate.
— Read More
November 02, 2020
Articles
Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, National Potato Council

When Farm Tours Go Virtual

NPC’s annual EPA-USDA Farm Tour had to go online—and was still a success.
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November 02, 2020
Articles

Symposium to Cover Plant-Microbe Interactions in a Changing World

As climate change influences our ecosystems, microbes may help crops and environmental management solutions succeed in stressful conditions
— Read More