On Nov. 4, 2024, the North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) successfully hosted its second webinar in the ongoing series titled “Potato Storage: The First 45 Days.”
The event, designed specifically for potato farmers and storage managers, attracted an impressive 168 participants eager to enhance the quality and longevity of their potato crops during the critical initial storage phase.
Expert Insights From Leading Professionals
The webinar featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who shared their expertise on effective potato storage management:
Addie Waxman, Ph.D., opened the session with her presentation, Navigating the First 45 Days. Dr. Waxman emphasized the importance of making informed storage decisions to maintain potato quality and minimize losses during long-term storage. Her strategies provided attendees with essential practices that can significantly impact their initial storage efforts.
Eric Evans followed with a presentation on Sprout Control in Storage, outlining effective strategies for managing sprouting in stored potatoes. His insights are vital for ensuring that potatoes remain market-ready, maximizing producers’ returns.
Vijay Choppakatla, Ph.D., concluded the expert lineup with his discussion on Disease Control in Storage. Dr. Choppakatla introduced the latest methods for controlling storage diseases, equipping farmers with crucial information to prevent the spread of pathogens that can devastate their crops.
Webinar Recording Available For Viewing
For those who were unable to attend the live event, the recording is now available for viewing on the NAPSO website and its YouTube channel. Participants can access the recording at NAPSO Webinars or via YouTube.
NAPSO’s Upcoming Trade Show Engagements
In addition to its successful webinar series, NAPSO is gearing up for several trade shows during the 2024-2025 season. The organization will be represented at key events, providing opportunities for further engagement with industry professionals:
- Montana Seed Seminar (November 13-14) – Emily Merk
- Potato Growers of Alberta (November 19-21) – Addie Waxman and Bill Orr
- Potato Expo 2025 (January 9-10) – Addie Waxman, Emily Merk and Bill Orr will host a panel of potato storage experts on January 9.
- Idaho Potato Conference (January 22-23) – Addie Waxman will give a talk.
- Washington/Oregon Potato Conference (January 28-30) – Emily Merk will present during the Ag Innovation section.
- Manitoba Potato Production Days (January 28-30) – Bill Orr
Commitment To Supporting The Potato Industry
NAPSO continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the potato industry by providing valuable educational resources and fostering platforms for knowledge exchange. The organization looks forward to its future webinars and trade show participation, aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by potato farmers and storage managers.
For more information, visit https://napso.info/.