Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Mark your calendars for the 52nd annual Idaho Potato Conference and Trade Show presented by the University of Idaho and Spectra Productions. The conference will be held on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello, Idaho, Jan 22-23.
The Idaho Potato Conference is an ideal opportunity to engage with colleagues and discuss current issues in agriculture. Enjoy hot, delicious potato snacks served throughout the conference courtesy of Lamb Weston, while visiting the adjoining trade show that features over 70 booths and displays highlighting ag products and services.
Highlights for this year’s conference include:
• Several seminars and workshops will be held to discuss the impact of the 2019 season, including effects of spring rain on weed control; late-season bulking and maturity; cold harvest weather and quality; and late-season irrigation, disease and weed management.
• Sastry Jayanty from Colorado State University will present a seminar on minimizing pressure bruise in long-term storages and a workshop on managing shrinkage in storage on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
• Carl Rosen from the University of Minnesota will address soil health and crop nutrient management. These presentations are part of a special session with dedicated seminars and workshops specifically focused on soil and crop health on Thursday. Jan. 23.
• Variety management and performance of new varieties, irrigation system efficiency, virus, minor insect pests, late blight and other diseases, how potatoes are graded, and much more will be discussed on Wednesday, including a special panel discussion of industry issues by the Idaho Potato Commission, National Potato Council and Potatoes USA
• Optimizing fumigation, soil-borne and seed-borne diseases, pesticide drift and misapplication, and much more will be presented.
• CCA and pesticide recertification credits can be earned at seminars and workshops throughout the conference.
Spanish language sessions are offered again for 2020. Seminars and workshops in Spanish will be held both days and include a wide variety of topics from farm safety to disease and disorder identification.
New for 2020, the conference will host a room dedicated to providing hands-on training on technical equipment used on potato-growing operations. This year’s tech room will feature demonstrations on how to use multiple storage panels, agronomic software and harvest equipment. Also new this year, will be a free baked potato bar for lunch on Wednesday.
In addition to the Idaho Potato Conference and Trade Show, check out the latest in farm equipment, products and services at the 41st annual Eastern Idaho Ag Expo at ISU’s Holt Arena, Jan. 21-23. While you are in the area, consider also attending the Idaho Seed Potato Seminar on Jan.21, presented by the Idaho Crop Improvement Association. More information on the Idaho Potato Conference and Trade Show, the Seed Potato Seminar, and the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo can be found at www.idahopotatoconference.com