INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
August 31, 2024
Articles

Biden-Harris Administration Partners With Farmers To Expand Innovative Domestic Fertilizer Production

Boone, IA – At the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is partnering with American business owners to expand innovative domestic fertilizer production, creating jobs in
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August 31, 2024
Articles

BRANDT Restructures Specialty Formulations Sales, Creates Supply Chain Function

Tampa, Florida — BRANDT announced a series of structural changes to its Specialty Formulations sales group and the creation of a new global supply chain function. Though all changes are effective October 1, the company expects transitions will take place
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August 30, 2024
Articles

Seed Symposium Attendees Learn About The “Promise Of The U.S. Potato Seed Market”

U.S. seed potatoes are a unique commodity for their exceptional quality, multiple varieties and stringent certification process. That was the message participants took away from the biannual Seed Symposium, hosted at Potatoes USA’s Denver headquarters in
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August 30, 2024
Articles

Idaho Gov. Little Commits Another $10 Million For Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer Projects

Rigby, Idaho – Signaling his continued support for farmers, Governor Brad Little joined groundwater users and surface water users in eastern Idaho and announced Idaho will put another $10 million to improve the long-term health of the Eastern Snake Plain
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August 29, 2024
Articles
USDA

U.S. Agricultural Exports In Fiscal Year 2025 Forecast At $169.5 Billion; Imports At $212.0 Billion

U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2025 are forecast at $169.5 billion, down $4.0 billion from the revised forecast for FY 2024. This decline is primarily driven by lower unit values of soybeans, corn, and cotton, as well as lower volumes of be
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August 29, 2024
Articles

A Blissful Harvest (So Far)

Yes, that’s kind of a corny headline but we couldn’t resist after spending some time watching Moss Farms (https://mossfarms.com/) start its 2024 potato harvest this week near Bliss, ID.
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August 28, 2024
Articles
Potatoes USA

Potato Retail Sales See Positive Volume, Dollar Sales Growth In July 2023–June 2024

Denver – U.S. retail sales of potatoes increased by both volume and dollar sales in July 2023–June 2024. Volume sales increased by 1.3 percent, and dollar sales for the year increased by 4.6 percent to $18.3 billion.
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August 28, 2024
New Products

Massey Ferguson 9S Series Tractor Brings Efficiency And Dependability To Your Farm: MF 9s series helps farmers who demand more achieve a better overall cost of ownership

Duluth, Ga., -- AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announces the North American debut of the Massey Ferguson 9S Series tractor.
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August 27, 2024
Articles

Fox Solutions Onboards Ben Bliven As Senior Manufacturing And Operations Manager

McAllen, Texas — Fox Solutions has announced the appointment of Ben Bliven as the new Senior Manufacturing and Operations Manager. With more than 15 years of experience in the manufacturing and operations sector, Bliven brings a wealth of expertise to the
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August 27, 2024
Articles

EPA Finalizes First-Of-Its-Kind Strategy To Protect 900 Endangered Species From Herbicides: Strategy reflects extensive input of growers and other pesticide users

Washington – On Aug. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final Herbicide Strategy, an unprecedented step in protecting over 900 federally endangered and threatened (listed) species from the potential impacts of herbicide, which are c
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August 26, 2024
New Products

Gleaner Launches Best Value, Quality Machine With The Gleaner T Series Combine: Gleaner T Series delivers lightweight performance, superior control, premium grain quality

Duluth, Ga. -- AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announces the launch of the Gleaner T Series.
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August 26, 2024
New Products

AVR Launches The Spirit 9200i, The Ultimate Version Of A Pioneering Machine

The AVR Spirit 9200 had already established a new standard for 2-row offset bunker harvester. AVR had improved its well-known Spirit line even further to accommodate the highest segment in potato harvesting. Greater flexibility, capacity and comfort: all
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August 25, 2024
Articles

Cameron Holbrook Appointed As North America CEO For Ecorobotix

Salinas, Calif. – Ecorobotix Inc., the North American division of the Swiss AgTech and AI company, appointed Cameron Holbrook as the new CEO of the company's North America business.
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August 25, 2024
Articles

Idaho Potato Commission Sponsors Harvest Photo Contest

Once again, the Idaho Potato Commission is sponsoring a Harvest Photo Contest.
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August 24, 2024
Articles

Biotalys Reports Half-Year 2024 Financial Results, Business Highlights

Ghent, Belgium -- Biotalys (Euronext - BTLS), an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing protein-based biocontrols for sustainable crop protection, announced its key business achievements and consolidated financial results for the first half
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August 24, 2024
Articles

Mike Salisbury, A Fixture In Ag Economics In Michigan, Passes Away At Age 78

Michael H. Salisbury, a longtime Michigan agricultural economics fixture, died Aug. 18, 2024. He was 78. Salisbury was born on April 5, 1946, in Albion, Michigan, to the Reverend Gerald Alexander Salisbury and Ethel Maxine (Balluff) Salisbury.
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August 24, 2024
Articles

Farm Rescue Is Ready To Take On 2024 Farm Progress Show

Boone, Iowa – Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides free planting, haying, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to farm families who have experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster, will have more visib
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August 23, 2024
Articles

Sylvia Wilks Joins Lamb Weston As Chief Supply Chain Officer

Eagle, Idaho -- Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. announced that Sylvia Wilks has joined the company as its Chief Supply Chain Officer.
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August 23, 2024
Articles
Pamela Riemenschneider, Retail Editor, Blue Book Services

Canadian Government Steps In, Ends Rail Lockout

The rail lockout lasted less than 24 hours, as the Canadian government took measures to “preserve industrial peace” and resume rail service.
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August 23, 2024
Articles
Daniel Munch, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

Canadian Strike Would Derail Key Ag Trade Transport

A recent decision by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) laid the track for a potential strike by nearly 10,000 rail workers at Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC).
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August 22, 2024
Articles
USDA

Russets Dominate Potato Acreage In Most Top-Producing States

Potatoes are grown throughout the United States, but the proportion of distinct potato varieties varies in the top 13 potato-producing states. The versatile Russet potato—used for baking, mashing, and frying—is the most popular variety and accounts for ab
— Read More
August 22, 2024
Articles
Reuters

Canada Rail Stoppage Poised To Disrupt North American Agriculture

Chicago/Ottawa - A looming stoppage of freight railway operations across Canada would disrupt North America's agricultural supply chain, snarling shipments of everything from wheat to fertilizer and meat.
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August 22, 2024
Articles
Potatoes USA

Potatoes See High Volume, Positive Sentiment In Media

Potatoes saw a high volume of coverage throughout July 2023-June 2024, and the sentiment was strongly positive. An increase in cooking coverage around the holidays and higher than usual health coverage throughout the year drove the above-average volume.
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August 21, 2024
New Products

Idahoan Foods Packs A Flavor Punch With Release Of Tapatío Triple Cheese Mashed Potatoes And Bacon Cheddar Potato Shreds

Idaho Falls, Idaho -- Attention fans of spice and bacon, Idahoan® Foods introduces two new bold products, sure to be your latest snack obsessions. The leading producer of quality, packaged potato products in the U.S. broadens its product portfolio with th
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August 20, 2024
Articles

Grassroots Coalition Forms To Advocate For Continued Use Of Essential Ag Tech: Agricultural spray distributors band together to oppose drone ban

Miami, FL -- In response to proposed legislation aimed at banning drones manufactured by Chinese companies, a coalition of agricultural spray drone distributors is banding together to form a grassroots industry group.
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August 20, 2024
Articles

Michigan State Fair To Celebrate Year Of The Potato With Exciting Promotions, Events

Novi, Michigan – The Michigan State Fair presented by Henry Ford Health & HAP has announced its upcoming "Year of the Potato" celebration, promising a unique and unforgettable experience for fairgoers of all ages.
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August 19, 2024
Articles

Potato LEAF Awards 2024-25 Scholarship To Xiuyan Zhang Of The University Of Maine

Washington – The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has announced Xiuyan Zhang, a Ph.D. student at the University of Maine, as the recipient of the organization’s 2024-25 Academic Scholarship.
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August 19, 2024
New Products

Case IH Expands Product, Tech Offerings to Enhance Operator Experience, Accuracy

Case IH is announcing new precision tech offerings that not only help limit the physical wear and tear of manual, in-field corrections but also offer greater accuracy, consistency, and data insights to streamline operations.
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August 17, 2024
Articles

Motion Enters In To Agreement To Purchase Industrial Products Distributor

Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of Canadian-based LSI
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August 16, 2024
Articles
The Produce News

Eagle Eye Opens New Office, Shop For Logistics Division

Eagle Eye Produce, a leading grower, packer and distributor of a wide range of produce, including potatoes, onions, watermelons and mixed dry vegetables, expanded its logistics capabilities with a new 22,000-square-foot office and shop in Idaho Falls, ID,
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August 15, 2024
Articles

Innovative Agriculture And Marketing Partnership Open For Producer Enrollment

Moscow, Idaho — Enrollment in the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP) is now open to qualified Idaho farmers and ranchers.?
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August 15, 2024
Articles

Calling All Speedy Spuds! Team Potato To Sponsor One Lucky Contest Winner To Race In Potato Costume

Team Potato launched its very first Speedy Spud contest to find an athlete who will spread the message that potatoes are a nutrient-dense, highly effective fuel source on social media and by running a race (5K or longer) in a custom potato costume.
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August 14, 2024
Articles

Idaho Grower Shippers Association 2024 Scholarship Recipients Announced; 2025 Fundraiser Details

Last week, the Idaho Grower Shippers Association notified recipients of the IGSA 2024 Scholarship Program. The IGSA will be awarding $18,000 in scholarships to individuals who are employed in or who have a family member employed in the Idaho potato indust
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August 14, 2024
Articles

OTR Adds Tracks Selection Tool, Dealer Locator To Website

Rome, GA. – OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR) has recently launched a Tracks Selection Tool and Dealer Locator for its website.
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August 13, 2024
Articles

Potatoes USA Elects Shelley R. Olsen As Board Chair, Announces New Executive Committee for 2024-25

Denver — Potatoes USA, the national marketing, research, and promotion board for the potato industry, elected Shelley R. Olsen as Chair of the Board at its annual meeting. Potatoes USA also announced its Executive Committee members to lead the organizatio
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August 13, 2024
Articles

Potatoes USA Gen Z-Focused YouTube Campaign Draws Millions Of Views With Easy, Nutritious Recipes

A YouTube video campaign highlighting creative, easy-to-make recipes that use only a few ingredients and highlight lighter cooking methods that consumers can use at home drew over 4.3 million views in May and June, driving nearly 48,000 additional visitor
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August 12, 2024
New Products

Yamaha Announces All-New Wolverine RMAX4 1000 Adventure Side-by-Side: All-new 4-seat model features full-size rear cab, dump bed, premium comfort, more

Marietta, Ga. – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, expands its Proven Off-Road lineup of recreational side-by-side (SxS) models with the unveiling of the all-new 2025 Wolverine RMAX4 1000.
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August 09, 2024
Articles

USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs To Increase Financial Freedom, Resilience And Profitability For Agricultural Producers

Washington – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced changes to the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, effective Sept. 25, 2024 — changes that are intended to increase opportunities for farmers and ranchers to be financially viabl
— Read More
August 09, 2024
Articles

ZAG Warns Ag Businesses Of Latest Email Phishing Schemes

San Jose, Calif. – ZAG Technical Services (https://www.zagtech.com/) is alerting agriculture businesses to a rise in sophisticated phishing schemes aimed at compromising email accounts and gaining access to sensitive information. As these threats become
— Read More
August 08, 2024
Articles

Sexton Joins OTR As Global VP Of Engineering And Innovation

Rome, Ga. – Patrick Sexton has joined OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR) as the company’s new Global Vice President of Engineering and Innovation. In this role he will oversee OTR’s engineering team worldwide, ensuring all activities align with strategic goal
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August 08, 2024
Articles

MPIC Variety Advancement & Innovation Committee Box Bin Tour 2024

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission is hosting a Box Bin Tour Thursday, Aug. 22 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
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August 07, 2024
Articles
Maine Potato Board

Celebrating A Legacy: Don Flannery’s Retirement From The Maine Potato Board

The Maine Potato Board Annual Meeting held in July was a significant event, marked by heartfelt tributes and well-wishes as we celebrated the remarkable career and retirement of Don Flannery. With 27 years of dedicated service to the Maine potato industry
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August 07, 2024
Articles

Revolutionary Swiss Precision Sprayer Joins RDO Equipment Co.'s Product Lineup

Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland -- Ecorobotix, a company specializing in AI-driven agricultural technology, has formed a dealer partnership with RDO Equipment Co., marking a major expansion into the U.S. market. Through this collaboration, Ecorobotix’s inn
— Read More
August 06, 2024
Articles

2024 Miller Research Potato Pest Management Field Day

Miller Research will be holding its annual potato pest management field day on Wednesday, August 21. The cost to attend is $20 and payment can be made online or at the event. This can be done on our website or by responding to cheryn@millerresearch.com or
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August 06, 2024
Articles
Jaime Willbur, Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Potato Late Blight Confirmed In Additional Commercial Field In St. Joseph County, Michigan

Potato late blight has been confirmed in an additional commercial field in St. Joseph County, Michigan. Late blight on potato was confirmed over the weekend and reported Aug. 5, 2024 in St. Joseph County, Michigan.
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August 05, 2024
Articles

Kinze Announces Difficult Decision To Reduce Workforce Due To Down Ag Market

Williamsburg, Iowa - Kinze announced that it will be implementing a reduction in its workforce in response to the ongoing economic downturn in the agricultural sector. The reduction affects 193 of Kinze’s 815 employees in Williamsburg, Iowa. No other redu
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August 05, 2024
Articles

Potato Seed Research To Determine Grower Tolerance Levels Of Economically Impactful Diseases

A University of Idaho graduate student aims to shed light on U.S. potato farmers’ tolerance levels of certain economically impactful diseases affecting potato seed and whether their preferences align with seed certification program standards.
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August 04, 2024
Articles

Key Technology Introduces COMPASS Optical Sorter For IQF Products

Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Solutions group, introduces its COMPASS optical sorter for individually quick frozen (IQF) products such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, poultry and meat. COMPASS identifies and remove
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August 04, 2024
Articles
Tami Terella-Faram, Agricultural Research Service

ARS Uses Cattle Grazing As Tool To Combat Rangeland Wildfires

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Boise, ID, are using cattle to promote ecological restoration of western rangelands overrun by invasive grasses, such as cheatgrass and medusahead. The practice known as prescribed grazing, is intended to
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August 03, 2024
Articles
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo

We Must Close The Door On Destructive Crop Diseases

Idaho leads the nation in potato production, producing far more potatoes than are consumed in the state. This enables Idaho potato producers to sell one in every six rows of Idaho potatoes to people in other countries, according to data from the Idaho St
— Read More
August 03, 2024
Articles

Free August Training On Soil Health Testing For NRCS Activity

Are you curious about how healthy your soil is? There are fascinating tests to explore the microbial activity, organic nitrogen pools, and physical stability of your soil, but they are expensive compared to traditional soil nutrient tests. Luckily, there’
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August 02, 2024
Articles

Growers Urged To Complete Survey On Mancozeb

The National Potato Council has created a grower survey (https://forms.gle/Xvy2JMJ9DKx14zBn8) that, while targeted towards the Mancozeb PID, also will provide the industry with critical information about potato seed piece treatment practices as a whole. T
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August 02, 2024
Articles

USDA Now Accepting Bids For Potato Purchases

More information was released concerning the $50 million potato purchase from the USDA.
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August 01, 2024
Articles

Wisconsin Potato Industry Board Election Results Announced

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has certified the 2024 Wisconsin Potato Industry Board election results. The following growers began three-year terms on the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board on
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August 01, 2024
Articles

Solynta’s Hybrid True Potato Seed Varieties Approved For Commercial Release In Kenya

Wageningen, The Netherlands - Nairobi, Kenya – The variety release committee of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has recently announced that three of Solynta’s hybrid true potato varieties have been approved for distribution in Kenya.
— Read More