INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
May 31, 2018
New Products, Articles

New Product: AmplifyRP XRT+ DNA Test for BRR

Agdia has commercialized a rapid and user-friendly DNA test kit based on its AmplifyRP XRT+ platform, for detection of the causal agent of bacterial ring rot (BRR) in potato.
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May 31, 2018
Articles

Idaho Growers Benefit from Improved Spore Sampling

Potato growers in Idaho will now have the opportunity to learn about the presence of damaging fungal pathogens much earlier, thanks to the efforts of research staff at the University of Idaho. The research team has placed 14 spore samplers across the Snak
— Read More
May 31, 2018
Articles, Potato Equipment

Mahindra NA Names Litsey Marketing & Strategic Planning VP

Jay Litsey joins the Mahindra North America senior executive team as vice president of marketing and strategic planning. He will lead the company’s strategic marketing initiatives.
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May 31, 2018
Articles

Farmer’s Business Network Certifies as Ag Data Transparent: Company receives third-party certification for offering ag data transparency and security

Company receives third-party certification for offering ag data transparency and security
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May 30, 2018
Irrigation, New Products

New Product: Rain Bird XLR Series Water Jets: Three available models and multiple nozzles allow for customized throw ranges

Three available models and multiple nozzles allow for customized throw ranges
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May 30, 2018
New Products

New Product: Textron Prowler Pro: A true, whisper-quiet workhorse utility vehicle for the farm or hunt camp

A true, whisper-quiet workhorse utility vehicle for the farm or hunt camp
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May 30, 2018
Articles

Researchers Explore Environmentally Friendly Solution to Early Dying

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers are exploring environmentally friendly solutions to manage potato early dying complex, a disease that is limiting yields in many potato fields in eastern Canada.
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May 30, 2018
Seed Potatoes, Smorgasbord

The Smorgasbord: Gioconda

Gioconda is a beautiful, yellow-skinned and yellow-fleshed potato with high yields. It offers fast-bulking tubers with a very early maturity and a buttery, nutty flavor.
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May 30, 2018
Articles, New Products

AGCO Partners with AgIntegrated: Connection to AgIntegrated’s Onsite QC Pro data hub will build on a growing network of AGCO connections to maximize growers’ choices.

Connection to AgIntegrated’s Onsite QC Pro data hub will build on a growing network of AGCO connections to maximize growers’ choices.
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May 30, 2018
Articles
Buzz Shahan, Chief Operating Officer, United Potato Growers of America

Plus or Minus One: Moderation and cooperation are keys to success in the fresh potato business.

Moderation and cooperation are keys to success in the fresh potato business.
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May 29, 2018
Herbicide, New Products

Helm Receives California Approval for Herbicides

Helm Agro US, Inc. announces that the California Department of Pesticide Regulations (CDPR) has approved Helmet and Helmet SPC herbicides for use on selected crops in the state.
— Read More
May 29, 2018
Articles, Fungicide

Deep Down: Late blight’s chemical attack mechanism explained

Late blight’s chemical attack mechanism explained
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May 29, 2018
New Products, Potato Equipment, Potato Harvesting

Harvest Equipment Buyers' Guide

Harvest is the most exciting—and undoubtedly busiest—time of the year for growers. When the time comes, you’ll want to be sure to be prepared with quality, reliable equipment that will take care of fruits of your labors.
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May 29, 2018
Seed Potatoes
Nina Zidack, Montana Seed Potato Certification Program

From PCR to Garden Seed Potatoes: Leveraging grower investment with specialty crop funding

Leveraging grower investment with specialty crop funding
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May 28, 2018
Articles
Sarah Reece, Global Marketing Manager, Potatoes USA

Real Food. Real Performance.: New campaign highlights potatoes’ ability to enhance athletic performance

New campaign highlights potatoes’ ability to enhance athletic performance
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May 28, 2018
Articles, New Products, Potato Equipment
Tyrell Marchant, Editor

Zero to Sixty: Spudnik celebrating 60 years

Spudnik celebrating 60 years
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May 28, 2018
Herbicide, Final Countdown

Top 5: Tips for Complying with Buffer, Spray Drift Requirements

Buffers are one important tool in reducing off-target movement of pesticides to neighboring crops and sensitive areas. The following guidelines will help explain the label-mandated dicamba buffer requirements for 2018.
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May 28, 2018
Fungicide

Before Black Dot Hits: Tips for preserving potato yield and quality

Tips for preserving potato yield and quality
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May 27, 2018
Articles, Between the Rows

Between the Rows: A "Free" Cat: Return on investment isn’t always a monetary matter.

Return on investment isn’t always a monetary matter.
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May 26, 2018
Grower of the Month

Back Home : Bender Farms in Chambersburg, Pa.

Grower of the Month: Bender Farms in Chambersburg, Pa.
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May 25, 2018
Articles

BHN’s Abi-Ghanem Honored

Rita Abi-Ghanem, senior director or research and development at Bio Huma Netics, was recently selected for two “40 Under 40” awards.
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May 25, 2018
Articles

Survival of Volunteer Potatoes in Michigan

The Potato Volunteer Survival website for estimating potential survival of potato volunteers in Michigan is now available for 2018 risk prediction.
— Read More
May 24, 2018
Articles

Guatemala Lifts U.S. State Origin Restrictions

U.S. fresh and seed potatoes from all U.S. states are now permitted entry into Guatemala.
— Read More
May 24, 2018
New Products

New Product: Kugler Product Timing App

Kugler has made it even easier to select and use its high-quality products with the introduction of its new “Kugler Timing, Application and Product Recommendation” app.
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May 24, 2018
New Products

Agrible Launches Improved Ag Tech Platform

Agrible, Inc. has launched an improved website featuring a new look and feel, upgraded technology, and new features designed to help growers and retailers with proactive decision-making both during and in between growing seasons.
— Read More
May 24, 2018
Articles

Idaho Testing Volunteer Potatoes

The University of Idaho is looking for some fields which have volunteer potatoes. They would like to sample the potatoes if they volunteers are still present. All information will be held in strict confidence.
— Read More
May 24, 2018
Articles

Volm Companies Acquires Atech

Volm Companies, Inc., an industry leader in providing high-quality packaging and equipment solutions to the fresh produce industry, has acquired the business of Atech, Inc.
— Read More
May 23, 2018
Fungicide, New Products

New Product: Adama Mastercop Fungicide

For control of both early and late blight in potatoes, Mastercop delivers superior performance and efficacy while using significantly less metallic copper.
— Read More
May 23, 2018
Articles, Fungicide

Syngenta Blight Hotlines Provide Resource for Growers

Growers in Idaho, Michigan, North Dakota, Oregon and Washington can call the hotlines for access to the latest updates on local disease pressures.
— Read More
May 23, 2018
Articles

Potatoes Part of Top Five U.S. Diets

The U.S. News & World Report's 2018 Best Diets rankings report includes a top five focused on vegetables, including potatoes.
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May 23, 2018
Articles

"Potatoes & Performance" Message a Hit in China

To support athletes and make potatoes top of mind, Potatoes USA ran a program with eight Chinese nutrition and fitness influencers in March.
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May 22, 2018
Articles, Seed Potatoes

UMaine Introduces New Variety

University of Maine plant breeders are hoping Pinto Gold will gain popularity with restaurants and home growers.
— Read More
May 22, 2018
Articles

Johnson Joins IPC

The Idaho Potato Commission is preparing for an expanded sales push both in the U.S. and abroad with the addition of Ross Johnson its new international marketing director.
— Read More
May 22, 2018
Irrigation

When It Rains, It Pours

Foundation awards $5 million to advance irrigation technology development
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May 22, 2018
Articles, Potato Storage
Marc Basham

Dome Manufacturer Builds Structures Across the World

In 1967, Barry South and his brothers came up with an idea for a business that changed the shape of potato cellars for some Idaho growers--they wanted to construct domes.
— Read More
May 21, 2018
Articles
Mikkel Pates

Whatever Else Happens, Farmers Have Tremendous Worth

"We can't make the perfect be the enemy of the good."
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May 21, 2018
Articles
Michelle Starr

GM Potato Can Drastically Cut Pesticide Use

A potato variety genetically engineered to resist potato blight can help reduce the use of chemical fungicides by up to 90 percent, according to a new study.
— Read More
May 21, 2018
Articles
Chris Koger

Perdue Visits Colorado Operations

When agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue visits with farmers, he wants to hear their concerns. Colorado fruit and vegetable growers got their chance on May 15, and weren’t shy about what’s troubling them.
— Read More
May 21, 2018
Articles

Researchers Develop Non-browning Potatoes with Gene Editing

— Read More
May 21, 2018
Fertilizer, New Products

Tipping the Balance : New fertilizers listen closely to what potatoes are telling them

Novel forms of fertilizer have often been dismissed as snake oil, but a new generation of products has been developed, informed by potatoes’ physiology.
— Read More
May 18, 2018
Irrigation, New Products

Irrigation Association Offers Classroom Resources

From pumps to precipitation rates and soils to sprinkler spacing, the Irrigation Association has a classroom resource focused on what you want to learn more about.
— Read More
May 17, 2018
Smorgasbord

The Smorgasbord: Targhee Russet

Targhee Russet is a long, medium-maturity, dual-purpose russet. It was developed by the Tri-State Breeding and Research Program and released in 2015, with PVP issued in 2017.
— Read More
May 17, 2018
Articles
Michael Keaveny

Research Shows GM Potatoes Reduce Environmental Impact

A trial carried out in Ireland and the Netherlands has found a number of positives to planting GM potato varieties.
— Read More
May 17, 2018
New Products

Cordoba Technologies Wins Vector Award: New Hummingbird technology reduces agricultural chemical use by robotizing center pivots

New Hummingbird technology reduces agricultural chemical use by robotizing center pivots
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May 16, 2018
Articles, Fertilizer

Tiger-Sul Reopens Alabama Plant

Tiger-Sul, the world leader in the production of sulfur bentonite fertilizers, celebrated the return of the company’s plant in Atmore, Ala., Tuesday with a grand reopening ceremony.
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May 16, 2018
Articles

USDA Taking Hands-Off Approach to GE Crops: Agency's hands-off approach to gene-edited crops could revolutionize research and development.

Agency's hands-off approach to gene-edited crops could revolutionize research and development.
— Read More
May 16, 2018
Irrigation, New Products
Diann Ilkenhons, Senninger Irrigation

Choosing the Right Sprinkler

Not all sprinklers are created equal, and not all growers’ needs are the same. The right sprinkler can have a huge impact for a number of specific reasons.
— Read More
May 15, 2018
Articles

Simplot Names Lofto President, CEO

The J.R. Simplot Company has named Garrett Lofto as its president and CEO. He succeeds Bill Whitacre, who announced his retirement in April after nine years as president and CEO.
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May 14, 2018
Articles
Jim Dayton

Small Grower Uses Potatoes to Promote Enviromentally Friendly Ag

Scott Johnson received a grant of more than $13,000 from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program’s regional office for a project focused on small-scale potato farming.
— Read More
May 14, 2018
Articles

Evaluating Soil Health Indicators on a Continental Scale

The Soil Health Institute has released the initial methods cooperating scientists will use to assess soil health indicators as they move toward standardization of soil health measurements.
— Read More
May 12, 2018
New Products

Trimble Adds New Features to Drive Productivity : Crop Health Imagery, Work Orders features added to software

Crop Health Imagery, Work Orders features added to software
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May 12, 2018
Articles

Alberta Poised to Topple P.E.I. as Canada's Potato Leader

Alberta is processing more spuds than ever before. Last year, potato production in our province reached a record 20,500 hundredweight.
— Read More
May 11, 2018
Articles
Tom Karst

Proposal Makes Room for Fingerlings

Accounting for the rising popularity of fingerling potatoes and other niche varieties, size requirements for Idaho potato varieties would change under a proposal from the USDA.
— Read More
May 11, 2018
Fungicide

Growers Should Monitor Late Blight Closely

USAblight website helps growers detect and control the devastating crop disease early.
— Read More
May 11, 2018
Articles, Seed Potatoes

Wild Potatoes Produce Stronger, More Resistant Crops

Wild potatoes acquired from a genebank in Germany are producing promising results for Canadian researchers trying to develop superior varieties.
— Read More
May 11, 2018
Articles
Kathleen Thomas Gaspar

San Luis Valley Research Center Continues Potato Studies

As he nears his three-year anniversary as manager of the San Luis Valley Research Center, Tyler Thompson said the upgrades and changes at the Colorado State University facility are too numerous to list.
— Read More
May 10, 2018
Fungicide, New Products

Product: Nufarm Phostrol Fungicide

Phostrol agricultural fungicide from Nufarm is a trusted, reliable agent for protection against foliar and soil-borne diseases.
— Read More
May 10, 2018
Fertilizer, New Products

New Product: Gold Leaf by Plater Bio: Industry’s first liquid fertilizer to contain every essential plant nutrient

Industry’s first liquid fertilizer to contain every essential plant nutrient
— Read More
May 10, 2018
Articles

U.S. Potato Imports Up

For the marketing year to date, U.S. imports of potatoes and potato products are up 5 percent by volume and 10 percent in value.
— Read More
May 10, 2018
Articles

USDA Proposes New GMO Labeling Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture covered such issues as sugar beets, enzymes, animal feed and symbols on May 3 in releasing a proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016.
— Read More
May 09, 2018
Articles

U.S. Frozen Exports Down in March

U.S. exports of potatoes and potato products were again mixed in March 2018 with exports of dehydrated potatoes up, while both frozen and fresh exports were down for the month.
— Read More
May 08, 2018
Articles

Tomra Appoints Flemming as Digital Lead

Sorting software and hardware developer and manufacturer Tomra announces the appointment of Felix Flemming to head of digital for Tomra Sorting Solutions.
— Read More
May 07, 2018
Articles, Insecticide
Eric Hamilton

Deep Dive : Colorado potato beetle genome gives insight into major agricultural pest

Colorado potato beetle genome gives insight into major agricultural pest
— Read More
May 04, 2018
Articles, Insecticide
Helen H. Tai, Benoit Bizimungu, Chandra Moffat & Kyle Gardner

Yuck!: Breeding potatoes that are not tasty—to Colorado potato beetles

Breeding potatoes that are not tasty—to Colorado potato beetles
— Read More
May 04, 2018
Insecticide, New Products

Pesticide Buyers' Guide

Tiny animal pests have long been the bane of potato growers. They’re out there, you can see them, and they’re always going to be. Thankfully, you have some help.
— Read More
May 04, 2018
Articles, Between the Rows

Between the Rows: Menagerie of Memory: Nostalgia’s invaluable role in the potato industry

Nostalgia’s invaluable role in the potato industry
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May 04, 2018
Articles

Automation Helps Company Hit Weights

Tasteful Selections found a way to deliver on a new approach to potatoes, but checkweighers on its packaging lines lacked precision and resulted in overweight bags. Here’s how the company upped its automation to stop giving so much product away.
— Read More
May 04, 2018
Articles, Fertilizer

Omnia Acquires Oro Agri

Omnia Holdings Limited, a South African corporation, has completed its acquisition of Oro Agri SEZC Limited to expand its sales and marketing capabilities in agricultural markets around the world.
— Read More
May 03, 2018
Articles, Irrigation

Klamath Growers Could Get No Surface Water in 2018

For farmers in Klamath County, Ore., water is life. It means they get to keep their life here, surviving another drought-like growing season. But many aren't sure they'll get that chance this year.
— Read More
May 03, 2018
New Products, Potato Equipment

New Product: GOW Aluminum Trailer Inserts

Converting dry trailers into self-unloaders is now easier than ever with the GOW 4800 and 5300 aluminum trailer inserts.
— Read More
May 03, 2018
Articles

Crop Insurance Study Provides Farm Bill Insight

According to a recent peer-reviewed study, U.S. taxpayers fare better when the government discounts farmers’ crop insurance premiums rather than relying on unbudgeted disaster aid packages.
— Read More
May 03, 2018
Insecticide

Arms Race: BioSafe's new biological is just one of the latest innovations in the management of Colorado potato beetle.

BioSafe's new biological is just one of the latest innovations in the management of Colorado potato beetle.
— Read More
May 03, 2018
Articles

Nominations Open for 2019 Potatoes USA Board Members

Potatoes USA announces nominations are now open for new Board Members for the 2019-2022 term. Fifty-eight members will be elected or re-elected to fill open seats.
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May 03, 2018
Articles, Insecticide
Alexis Stockford

Potato Beetle Resistance Brewing: Potato producers are getting ready for their yearly fight with Colorado potato beetle, but in some places the products don’t work the way they used to

Potato producers are getting ready for their yearly fight with Colorado potato beetle, but in some places the products don’t work the way they used to.
— Read More
May 02, 2018
Herbicide
Pamela J.S. Hutchinson, UI potato cropping systems

The Right Mix: Targeted herbicide tank mixtures for weed control in potatoes

Targeted herbicide tank mixtures for weed control in potatoes
— Read More
May 02, 2018
New Products

New Product: WeighPack Depositor

The Depositor, designed for filling multiple product zones at high speeds, is an independent unit that can be integrated with virtually any weigh-filling system.
— Read More
May 02, 2018
Articles
Tyrell Marchant, Editor

Since You Asked…: Crops have a lot to say. TPS Lab’s Ask The Plant program is making sure growers hear.

Crops have a lot to say. TPS Lab’s Ask The Plant program is making sure growers hear.
— Read More
May 02, 2018
Articles, Fertilizer

K-State, Compass Minerals Sign Research Agreement: Partnership aims to accelerate plant nutrition technologies to improve grower practices in Kansas.

Partnership aims to accelerate plant nutrition technologies to improve grower practices in Kansas.
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May 02, 2018
Articles

Minnesota Planting Behind Schedule

Minnesota farmers are finally getting a start on spring planting after the coldest, snowiest April on record for much of the state.
— Read More
May 02, 2018
Articles

Beneficial-Use Water Alliance Launched

The Beneficial-Use Water Alliances announces its formation as a resource to facilitate creation of beneficial-use water from the energy community’s by-product water.
— Read More
May 01, 2018
Articles

Potatoes and Precision Agriculture

The crop has a number of quirks that make it both a prime candidate for precision agriculture and a little different than other crops.
— Read More
May 01, 2018
Fertilizer, Fungicide, New Products

Healthy Soil Makes for Healthy Potatoes

Healthy soil is essential to growing healthy potatoes, but when soil-borne diseases like Rhizoctonia are present, crop production can be hampered.
— Read More
May 01, 2018
Articles
Mikkel Pates

Big Crop, Trucking Woes Hurt Potato Prices

A big 2017 crop of table-stock potatoes and trucking woes have led to lower prices and concerns about how northern Red River Valley storage sheds still filled with spuds will be emptied in coming weeks.
— Read More
May 01, 2018
Articles
Ioana Oancea

Consumers Moving Away from Old Definitions of Healthy Snacks

Snacking is central to the strategy of food companies, with explosive growth in the number of new such products launched between 2010 and 2017.
— Read More
May 01, 2018
Articles

TPP: A Glimmer of Hope for Ag Trade?

There may finally be some good trade news for U.S. agriculture following the recent escalation in a threatened trade war with China and ongoing uncertainty in the final outcome of NAFTA. Ironically, it rests in the possibility of rejoining the Trans-Pacif
— Read More