INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
April 30, 2024
Articles

USDA Retreats On Potato Limitations In Final School Meal Rules: New rules do not, in fact, eliminate all potato restrictions

On April 24, 2024, USDA released its final rule overhauling its school breakfast and lunch programs, limiting sugar and further reducing sodium levels in meals. Notably for the potato industry, the department struck its current policy that permits schools
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April 30, 2024
New Products

New Holland FieldOps, A New Platform For Real-Time Farm Data Management, Soon To Be Released

New Holland has released FieldOps, a versatile and easy-to-use farm management web and mobile platform available for operators worldwide. It brings real-time monitoring, remote display viewing and intuitive user interface together into one comprehensive p
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April 30, 2024
New Products

Cat’s Prowler Pro Available In Three Models

The Arctic Cat Prowler Pro is known for its quiet 50-horsepower, 812cc EFI engine, comfortable ride, unmatched capabilities, ample storage and durability.
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April 29, 2024
Articles

UPL Completes Acquisition Of Corteva's Solo Mancozeb Business

London - UPL Corporation Ltd., a global provider of holistic and sustainable agricultural solutions, announces that it has completed the acquisition of Corteva Agriscience's solo mancozeb global fungicide business outside of China, Japan, South Korea, UK,
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April 29, 2024
Articles

CNH Names Gerrit Marx As CEO: Marx returns to CNH from Iveco Group, succeeding Scott W. Wine who has decided to leave the company

CNH Industrial N.V. announced the appointment of Gerrit Marx to the role of CEO effective July 1, 2024. He succeeds Scott Wine, whose request to leave the company at the end of the current three-year business plan cycle to pursue other interests, has been
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April 28, 2024
Articles

ASPF: New European Packaging Rules Raise Several Concerns

New packaging rules adopted by the European Parliament raise serious trade and food safety concerns. If endorsed by the EU Council later this year, they will almost certainly negatively impact global supply chains and food security at a time when more tha
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April 27, 2024
New Products

QED Environmental Systems Announces Launch Of Versatile Single-Use Soil Sampler

Dexter, MI – QED Environmental Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of innovative environmental products and subsidiary of Graco Inc., announces the new single-use Combo Core™ soil sampler for field preservation VOC analysis.
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April 27, 2024
Articles
Sponsored Content

Protect Your Potato Yield From The Threat Of Fungicide Resistance

Every potato grower understands the challenge of controlling fungal diseases. Although fungicide applications are the most effective strategy for disease management, the rise of fungicide resistance poses a significant risk to efficacy.
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April 26, 2024
Articles

Matt Zapczynski Joins Idaho Potato Commission As Northeast/Midwest Retail Promotion Director

Eagle, ID – Watching the Idaho Potato Commission go the extra mile for retailers inspired produce pro Matt Zapczynski to become IPC’s new retail promotion director Northeast/Midwest.
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April 26, 2024
New Products

Earth Anchors Keep Farm Structures Grounded: Anchors ensure the safety and stability of portable temporary structures

To provide protection and flexibility for seasonal needs, the agricultural sector relies on storage buildings for equipment, livestock shelters and temporary crop storage. Farmers often use storage buildings such as sheds or warehouses to store and organi
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April 26, 2024
Articles

KWUA Expresses “Deep Disappointment” With 2024 Ag Water Announcement For The Klamath Project

Klamath Falls, Ore. – Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s announcement of an agricultural water supply of 230,000 acre-feet this year. This amount, characterized as an “initial allocat
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April 25, 2024
Articles

Maine Potato Board Thanks Governor For Vetoes Of Two Bills: Legislation amendments ignited concern from the Maine agriculture industry

Presque Isle, Maine - The Maine Potato Board has issued the following statement following Gov. Janet Mills’ vetoes of LD 2273, An Act To Establish a State Minimum Wage for Agricultural Workers; and LD 525, An Act To Enact the Agricultural Employees Concer
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April 25, 2024
Articles
Potatoes USA

USDA Appoints 32 Members To Potatoes USA’s Board Of Directors: Appointments include 30 producers, 2 importers to fill 3-year terms

Denver — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 32 members to Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors. The appointees include 30 producer members and two importers, each filling three-year terms that will expire Feb. 28, 2027.
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April 24, 2024
Articles

Iconic Figure In Potato Processing Industry, Davis Christensen, Retires From Idaho Steel Products And Reyco Systems

Idaho Falls, ID – After decades of dedicated service and unparalleled contributions to the potato processing industry, Davis Christensen, esteemed owner of Idaho Steel Products and Reyco Systems, has announced his retirement.
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April 24, 2024
Articles

Biden-Harris Administration Announces New School Meal Standards To Strengthen Child Nutrition: Gradual implementation of nutrition updates, to include less sugar, set to begin in Fall 2025

Washington – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced major steps to promote the health of America’s children through school meals. Nutrition standards for school meals will be gradually updated to include less sugar and great
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April 23, 2024
Articles

NDSU Extension Agronomist, Cropping Systems Specialist Announces Retirement: Greg Endres, NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist, will retire May 1 after over 40 years of service

After over 40 years with North Dakota State University serving North Dakota agriculture, Greg Endres, Extension cropping systems specialist, will retire effective May 1.
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April 23, 2024
Articles

In Memoriam: Kenneth Fox, Founder Of Fox Packaging, Passes Away At 91

McAllen, Texas — With deep sorrow, Fox Packaging announces the passing of Kenneth Fox, founder of Fox Packaging. Fox passed away on Wednesday, April 17, at the age of 91.
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April 23, 2024
Articles
American Farm Bureau Federation

Agriculture Emissions Fall To Lowest Levers In 10 Years

America’s farmers and ranchers are leading the way in greenhouse gas emission reduction through voluntary conservation efforts and market-based incentives.
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April 22, 2024
Articles

Three Tips For Managing Crop Nutrition Costs In Permanent Crops During Tight Times: Growers can help cushion their farms from rising prices and falling incomes through data-driven management practices

St. Johns, Mich. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that farming profits are predicted to fall in 2024. As growers look to balance expenses and outcomes, they may be tempted to cut inputs from their crop nutrition plan. But AgroLiquid’s Abe Is
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April 22, 2024
Articles

AVR Celebrates 175th Birthday With Limited Edition Puma 4.0

Throughout 2024, AVR, manufacturer of a full range of potato harvesting machines and a world player in that market segment, will celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary.
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April 21, 2024
Articles

Digi International Reveals 2024 Green Tech Customer Innovation Award Winners: Recognizing customer initiatives that use groundbreaking green technologies to champion sustainability, environmental stewardship and carbon reduction

Minneapolis, MN – Digi International (www.digi.com), a leading global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services, is proud to reveal the winners of its 2024 Green Tech Customer Innovation Awards.
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April 21, 2024
Articles

BRANDT Expands Leadership Team, Welcomes New VP Of Strategy

Tampa, Fla. — Matthew Ingram will join the BRANDT leadership team in Tampa as vice president of strategy as of April 30. In this new role, Ingram will help the company’s senior leaders on refining corporate strategy and optimizing cross-selling opportunit
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April 21, 2024
Articles

Sev-Rend Acquires Canadian Label Company

Collinsville, IL – Sev-Rend, a leader in sustainable and high-performance packaging, announced the acquisition of Wolarmann Enterprises Ltd, located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
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April 20, 2024
Articles

USDA, USAID Deploy $1 Billion For Emergency Food Assistance: Biden-Harris Administration announces both immediate aid and pilot program for non-traditional commodities

Washington – The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development will deploy $1 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to purchase U.S.-grown commodities to provide emergency food assistance to people in need thro
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April 20, 2024
Articles

Vive Crop Protection Welcomes Accomplished New Board Member, Susanne Wasson, To Drive Innovation And Growth

Toronto -- Vive Crop Protection has announced the appointment of Susanne Wasson to its Board of Directors. With an impressive track record as a goal-oriented, innovative leader, Wasson brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to further propel Vi
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April 19, 2024
Articles
Laney Reasner, laney.reasner@okstate.edu

New Farm Bill Curriculum Available To High School Students

Oklahoma State University Extension has launched a curriculum to educate high school and 4-H students about the Farm Bill.
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April 19, 2024
Articles

Get Ready For The 46th Annual Famous Idaho Potato Marathon

The 46th Annual Famous Idaho Potato Marathon (FIPM) is right around the corner and will be hosted in a new location.
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April 19, 2024
Articles
United Potato Growers Of Canada

United Potato Of Canada’s February Holdings Report

Total Canadian potato storage holdings on February 1, 2024, totalled 74,031 million cwt., which is up 8.2 percent over February 2023 and well above the five year average.
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April 18, 2024
Articles
UNIKA

Research Shows Good CO2 Footprint For Fresh Potatoes

It is not only in Germany that potatoes and potato products have a firm place on the menu. Globally, the potato is one of the most important staple plant foods and ranks fourth in the world after maize, rice and wheat. The discussion about sustainable foo
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April 18, 2024
Articles

Coalition Created To Advocate For Farmers’ Access To Critical Crop Protection Tools: More than 60 agricultural groups voice support for increased legislative clarity that ensures glyphosate and other essential tools remain available to

St. Louis – Grower and industry groups from across the country have joined together to support a new coalition, the Modern Ag Alliance, to protect American farmers’ access to critical crop protection tools farmers need to ensure a robust and affordable fo
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April 17, 2024
Articles

New Chemigation Bill Changes Licensing Process For Chemigators

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 549 into law, marking a significant change in the requirements for chemigators in Idaho.
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April 17, 2024
Articles

Crop Update For Potato Planting From Across The U.S.

The USDA NASS has provided an update on the U.S. potato crop in its weekly crop progress report (https://www.nass.usda.gov/) for last week. Here’s a sample of what the latest report showed. There are some states with no report and we assume it’s because p
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April 17, 2024
Articles

I WANT THIS JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!: John Deere Launches Nationwide Search For First-Ever Chief Tractor Officer To Be The Face And Voice Of The Company’s Social Media

Moline, I.L. — This isn’t just a job; it’s the ultimate influencer adventure! John Deere, with the help of quarterback Brock Purdy, launched an epic hunt for the company’s first-ever Chief Tractor Officer (CTO) — a witty and charismatic content creator re
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April 16, 2024
Articles

Jeff Axford, Longtime Michigan Seed Potato Association Director, Passes Away

Longtime Michigan Seed Potato Association (MSPA) executive director Jeff Axford, now retired, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 13. He was 65.
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April 16, 2024
Articles

CoBank Quarterly: Sticky Inflation Puts Federal Reserve On The Horns Of A Dilemma: Lower interest rates are coming, but the Fed will err on the side of caution

Denver -- Strong labor and consumer spending metrics have led most market participants to dismiss earlier recession concerns, but there are still some worrying signs for the U.S. economy. While inflation rates are trending in the right direction, they rem
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April 15, 2024
Articles

Share Your Feedback On Direct Tuber Testing (DTT)

At the PAA-Certification Section Meeting, a Direct Tuber Testing (DTT) Sub-Committee was created to continue exploring and discussing direct tuber testing.
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April 15, 2024
Articles

NPC Leadership Issue Statements In Support Of Senators' Efforts To Access Japanese Market

In response to a letter sent by several U.S. senators to the Biden Administration requesting help to open the Japanese market to U.S. potato exports, National Potato Council leaders issued two statements.
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April 14, 2024
Articles
Anna Cates, Katie Black, Bill Lazarus, Amit Pradhananga and Bailey Tangen, University of Minnesota

Can Soil Health Management Get You Into The Field Earlier?

Field workability. It’s difficult to quantify, because whether it’s a good time for field work depends on the work you’re trying to do, your equipment, your soil type, as well as maybe your tolerance for compaction and the other time-sensitive elements of
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April 14, 2024
Articles

First Biostimulant Certified Under TFI Program

Arlington, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) announced that its newly launched Certified Biostimulant program has awarded the first certification for a biostimulant product.
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April 13, 2024
Articles

AEM United States Ag Tractor And Combine Report - March 2024

Milwaukee, Wisc. - The AEM Ag Tractor and Combine Report is provided monthly and is derived from AEM member companies through proprietary statistical reporting programs. The data is provided by AEM members and represents preliminary monthly retail sales o
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April 13, 2024
Articles

Jennifer Posey-Williams Joins Meristem Team: Veteran crop nutrition expert eager to help farmers grow more for less in North Dakota

Columbus, Ohio – Experienced agronomy professional Jennifer Posey-Williams has joined Meristem Crop Performance Group, LLC (www.MeristemAg.com), one of the fastest-growing crop input suppliers in America.
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April 13, 2024
Articles

Talc USA Moves Production To Illinois: New production line will manufacture all TALC products, including the company’s newest and most advanced HomeLAND products for corn and soybeans

Springfield, Ill. – Talc USA, a BRANDT company, is preparing a new production facility in Curran, Ill., to increase its production capacity in the U.S. while reducing shipping costs to its end farmer customers.
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April 12, 2024
Articles

AGCO Launches PTx, A Precision Ag Portfolio To Accelerate Technology Transformation: New leading brand combines precision technologies of Precision Planting and PTx Trimble

Duluth, Ga. -- AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announced the launch of PTx, a new brand representing its precision ag portfolio. PTx combines precision ag
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April 12, 2024
Articles

AGCO, Trimble Close Joint Venture, Form PTx Trimble: Leading ag tech deal creates an industry-leading, mixed-fleet precision ag platform serving farmers globally

Duluth, Ga. and Westminster, Colo. - AGCO Corporation and Trimble announced the closing of their joint venture (JV) transaction. The JV, known as PTx Trimble, combines Trimble's precision agriculture business and AGCO's JCA Technologies to form a new comp
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April 11, 2024
Articles

NPGA, Potato Bowl Scholarship Applications Now Available

Each year, the Northland Potato Growers Association (NPGA) offers five college scholarships to the sons, daughters, grandsons, or granddaughters of NPGA grower members and Potato Associates.
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April 11, 2024
Articles
Daniel Munch, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

What Will The Collapse Of Baltimore’s Key Bridge Mean For Agriculture?

On March 26, a container ship rammed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge resulting in the structure’s collapse and the tragic loss of six construction workers. Aside from the everlasting impacts to the families who lost loved ones, the destroyed bri
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April 10, 2024
Articles
National Potato Council

Japan Ban On U.S. Fresh Potatoes Featured In USTR Trade Barrier Report

Last week, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai released the 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. The report highlighted significant trade barriers hindering U.S. agricultural exports, including Japan’s ongoing ban on U
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April 09, 2024
Articles

Risch, Crapo: Potatoes Are Vegetables: Call on Biden Admin to maintain potatoes’ classification as vegetables

Washingtion – Late last month, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and several colleagues wrote U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Department of He
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April 09, 2024
New Products

Hercules Tires Launches AG-TRAC F-2: A Sturdy Tire Engineered For Peak Performance On Diverse Farm Terrains

Huntersville, N.C. – Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a subsidiary of American Tire Distributors (ATD), has introduced the all-new AG-TRAC F-2, a robust tire designed for optimal performance on multiple farm surfaces.
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April 08, 2024
Articles

AEM Manufacturing Express Set To Hit The Road This Summer: 20-state interactive mobile tour to visit 80 communities to celebrate American Equipment Manufacturing

Milwaukee, WI -- The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announced that it will hit the road this summer for an unprecedented initiative to tell the story of the U.S. equipment manufacturing industry and celebrate the 2.3 million men and women w
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April 08, 2024
Articles
John O'Connell, University of Idaho

University Of Idaho Seed Potato Germplasm Program Welcomes New Director

Moscow, Idaho — As the new director of University of Idaho’s Seed Potato Germplasm Program, Kayla Spawton oversees a modern, new facility and holds a position that is essential to one of the state’s largest and most celebrated industries.
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April 07, 2024
Articles
American Farm Bureau Federation

Biofuel, Ag Groups Call On EPA To Issue E15 Emergency Waiver

The Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, and National Sorghum Producers sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on Administrator
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April 07, 2024
Articles

Frito-Lay Awards Four Outstanding Students With First-Ever Community Builder Scholarship: $100,000 in scholarships presented to next-generation leaders committed to improving their communities across the U.S.

Plano, Texas -- Frito-Lay announced it awarded $25,000 to four scholarship recipients, each actively leading and uplifting their local communities and contributing to a brighter future. The Frito-Lay Community Builder Scholarship serves to help each stude
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April 06, 2024
Articles

26th Annual Food Safety Summit To Offer A Dynamic Education Program, Robust Trade Show Floor And Networking Opportunities

Rosemont, IL - Leadership, Recall Modernization, Traceability, Outbreak Investigations, and Culture are some of the pressing topics to be addressed at the 26th Annual Food Safety Summit, taking place May 6-9, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in
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April 06, 2024
Articles
Christine Charles and Madelyn Celovsky, Michigan State University Extension

Cover Crop Use In Michigan, Reflecting On The 2022 Census Of Agriculture

Every five years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture provides a comprehensive glimpse into the state of agriculture in the United States. Practices like cover crop plantings are becoming more extensively discussed and
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April 05, 2024
Articles
Potatoes USA

Potato Foodservice Volume Stable In 2022/2023, Dollar Sales Up $1.9M Due To Inflation

The 2022/2023 Foodservice Volumetric Report, conducted annually by Technomic, Inc., on behalf of Potatoes USA revealed the following:
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April 05, 2024
Articles

Mattracks Celebrating Three Decades Of Innovation

Karlstad, MN – Mattracks, the inventor and manufacturer of the original rubber track conversion system, is celebrating a significant milestone, its 30th year in business. First designed, patented and released to the public in 1994 by Glen Brazier with the
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April 04, 2024
Articles
Kari McNair, economist, U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics

Getting Less For The Same Price? Explore How The CPI Measures “Shrinkflation” And Its Impact On Inflation

You may have noticed recently that you’re going through a roll of paper towels at a faster clip or that there seem to be fewer tortilla chips in the bag. This isn’t your imagination. The concept is known as downsizing or shrinkflation. (We will use the te
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April 03, 2024
Articles
Betty Resnick, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

Chaos At Shipping Chokepoints

An estimated 80 percent of world trade is transported via ship. Maritime trade is most vulnerable to disruption at a series of geographic chokepoints across the globe (Figure 1). Some chokepoints are human-built canals, which provide extremely valuable sh
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April 03, 2024
Articles

Detpak Wins National Award For Kerbside Recyclable Paper Bag For Fresh Potatoes

Detpak announced that it has been honoured with the APPMA Packaging Design Innovation Award for our revolutionary Kerbside Recyclable Paper Bag for Fresh Potatoes.
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April 02, 2024
Articles
Murdoch University

Ladybirds: The New Assassins Targeting Crop-Eating Pests

Ladybirds could be the answer to farmers’ prayers, with new research revealing the tiny beetle can be turned into a pest-eating assassin.
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April 02, 2024
Articles

Vestaron, Simplot Grower Solutions Forge Strategic Distribution Partnership To Deliver Novel Sustainable Solutions For Farmers: Collaboration aims to elevate farmer productivity and environmental stewardship

Durham, North Carolina – Vestaron Corporation, a leading innovator in sustainable crop protection solutions, and Simplot Grower Solutions, a North American agricultural retailer, have officially announced a distribution agreement poised to reshape the lan
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April 01, 2024
New Products

John Deere Announces See & Spray Premium Availability On 2025 Hagie STS Sprayers

Olathe, Kansas – John Deere announces the expanded availability of one of its premier technology solutions - See & Spray™ Premium – on model-year 2025 Hagie STS sprayers.
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April 01, 2024
Articles

Solynta Rebrands To ‘True Potato Seed’ Company: Adjustment of logo underlines the company’s shift to new commercial chapter as the leading provider of true potato seeds

Wageningen, The Netherlands — Solynta, the Dutch company that specializes in the development, production and sales of hybrid true potato seed announced that it will adjust its branding to ‘Solynta – true potato seed.’ This rebranding is part of the new ma
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