Press Releases
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Potato Harvest In Wisconsin Underway!
Antigo, Wisconsin (October 1, 2008)—Warmer weather toward the end of the growing season helped give Wisconsin’s potato crop a final season boost! As farms across Wisconsin are nearing completion of their harvesting, the State’s potato crop appears to have benefited from near-perfect growing conditions in August, helping to bring yields to about average.
Richard Pavelski, President of Heartland Farms, Inc. of Hancock, reports that harvesting began in August and he expects it to be completed by mid-October, as do most growers. Yield appears to be average, but about 10% under the exceptionally high yield of the past two years. Tom Wild, Owner of Wild Seed Farms, Inc. in Antigo, shared that they are “pleased with the good quality and fair yield.” He went on to state, “The early season was wet and cool which produced excellent grain crops, but delayed emergence of potatoes.”
Reports from all areas in Wisconsin show that the quality of potatoes is excellent and on pace for an average yield despite weather concerns that included spring floods in the southern part of the state, and summer drought conditions in the central region. Larry Alsum, CEO of Alsum Produce in Friesland, has farming operations in areas affected by the spring floods and reports that the flooding “took out 20% of acres and reduced yields on the entire crop.” Mike Carter, CEO of Bushman’s Inc. of Rosholt, reported, “There had been concerns earlier in the year; however, a nearly perfect August for potato production helped the crop catch up. The end result is a plentiful harvest of good-looking, high quality potatoes in Wisconsin.”
Weather conditions for harvesting Wisconsin potatoes of all varieties have been excellent thus far. Growers from across the state have indicated that their yields are comparable to those of an average year, and have concurred that they are extremely pleased with the high quality of this year’s potato crop.
WPVGA Names Maatz Executive Director
September 15, 2008
Duane W. Maatz of Grand Forks, North Dakota has been named the new Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. Maatz replaces Mike Carter who resigned on June 30, 2008 to take a position as the CEO of Bushmans’, Inc., Rosholt, a potato brokerage firm. Maatz will begin his duties with the WPVGA on September 29, 2008.
For the past ten years, Maatz has served as the President of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. In this position, he represented potato growers in Minnesota, North Dakota and northeastern Montana. Among his accomplishments with the NPPGA, Maatz created a Limited Liability Company for the market development activities of the Association; he initiated and formalized the Red River Valley Fresh Potato Coop, a company for growers of fresh table potatoes; he formalized the Minn-Dak Bargaining Cooperative under the Capper-Volstead Act for process grower contract negotiations; and increased the Association’s political involvement and influence by maintaining positive relationships on state and federal legislation, playing instrumental roles on issues such as the Farm Bill, disaster, risk management, international trade regulations and agricultural policy.
A 1982 graduate of North Dakota State University, Maatz has a BS degree in Agricultural Education with a minor in Composite Science. He served as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Agricultural Education Department at NDSU from 1982-1983. He worked as an Agricultural Education Instructor in Petersburg, ND from 1983-1986, and in Larimore, ND from 1986-1992. Prior to his position with the NPPGA, Maatz was employed as a Farm Business Management Coordinator at the North Valley Vocational Technology Center in Grafton, ND from 1992-1998.
At the WPVGA, Maatz will lead a potato and vegetable trade association with over 400 members and an annual budget of approximately $1.2 million. He is expected to develop and maintain an aggressive grower relations program and build consensus in the areas of research, marketing, education and governmental relations. He takes over an experienced staff of four full-time employees.
“I am happy and honored to accept the responsibility of leading the WPVGA as Executive Director,” said Maatz. “There are many things to look forward to including a good staff, strong research programming and a good base of growers and industry supporters. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Wisconsin potato industry, with many new challenges and opportunities. I look forward to working with all of the WPVGA members to advance the interests of Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers.”
WPVGA President T.J. Kennedy of Heartland Farms, Hancock, said he was pleased to have Maatz assume the Association’s leadership role.
“I’m very excited about the future of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association under the leadership of Duane Maatz,” Kennedy said. “His agricultural experience, educational background, vision and enthusiasm make him an excellent choice to give the Association direction in the years to come. Also, his work experience at the NPPGA will allow him to hit the ground running when he comes to Wisconsin.”
Wisconsin Taters Tops At Fair
By GEORGE MALLET
Special thanks to Today's TMJ4
WEST ALLIS - If you walk around the Wisconsin State Fair and ask fair-goers what state they associate with potatoes, many will say “Idaho.”
Not surprising, when you consider that Idaho is the nation’s largest producer of potatoes, but, Wisconsin planted over 85,000 acres of tasty spuds last year and is, therefore, the nation’s third largest potato producer. So why doesn’t anyone know that?
“Marketing,” says Maria Pohle, booth coordinator for the Wisconsin Potato Growers. “Idaho did a very effective job of marketing themselves as potato growers back in the day. We’ve been playing catch-up ever since.”
Yes, the state may be a bit behind in marketing the popular crop, but the quality of Wisconsin potatoes is second to none.
“Texture, flavor, availability,” Pohle says, running down the list of Wisconsin’s advantages. “We are top notch in technology with preventing diseases and pests from invading the crops too.”
Perhaps the word is getting out. Last year, the state harvested 3.1 billion pounds of the popular spuds.
For the record, Wisconsin taters are tastier than Idaho spuds even before they are slathered with Wisconsin butter, cheese or sour cream. Still, there is no better way to serve one of the state’s most successful crops.
Farms Can Increase Wildlife Diversity,
Wisconsin Researchers Say
By ELIE DOLGIN
edolgin@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Aug. 8, 2008
Farms cover nearly half the land in Wisconsin, creating an immense stress on the natural biodiversity of the state’s landscape.
But farms can also drastically increase the diversity of plants, birds and beneficial insects by incorporating uncultivated land, University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists reported this week at the Ecological Society of America’s annual meeting in Milwaukee.
The researchers showed that non-cropland adjacent to potato fields in central Wisconsin harbors a significant proportion of the state’s original pre-agricultural biodiversity, even without ecological management. Active restoration schemes further enhanced the natural ecosystem, the researchers found.
The UW team is working with the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the World Wildlife Fund and other conservation groups to implement a Wisconsin “Healthy Grown” potato label.
The label aims to create an economic incentive for growers to implement conservation plans that support broad ecosystem health. It’s not organic, as pesticides are still used, but it does let consumers know that producers grow foods following specific environmental standards.
“We’ve got to address how we can best preserve the biodiversity of these mixed agriculture landscapes,” said UW environmental studies professor Paul Zedler, who led the research into the label’s ecological impact. “So, the first thing we did was figure out what’s out there.”
In the designated fallow lands next to six of the 11 “Healthy Grown” potato farms in Adams and Portage counties, UW botanist Leith Nye found 276 plant species, over 200 of which were native to Wisconsin.
“There’s a significant reservoir of native plant diversity in this landscape,” Nye announced Thursday.
UW ecologist Virginia Knight investigated bird species richness. She reported Tuesday that non-crop farmland provides valuable habitats for many declining bird species, including red-headed woodpeckers and veery and grasshopper sparrows.
The uncultivated border regions on farms also provide a refuge for helpful beetle species that eat the seeds of undesirable weedy plants, UW entomologist Hannah Gaines reported Thursday.
“The abundance of the seed eaters was much higher in the non-crop habitat than in the croplands,” she said.
Although the uncultivated lands increased insect biodiversity, the beneficial beetles didn’t seem to move into cropland. Gaines said, however, that different field layouts that incorporated “beetle bank strips” stretching into the potato fields should facilitate insect-based weed-killing for crops.
The field margins provide protection though from the Colorado potato beetle, a key potato pest that has developed resistance to many pesticides.
The UW scientists plan to continue to work together with potato farmers to expand the “Healthy Grown” labeling project.
Wisconsin Baked Potatoes Still “Hot Stuff” at State Fair
Antigo, Wisconsin (July 29, 2008) — In a sea of deep-fried cheese curds, cotton candy, corn dogs, and elephant ears there is a healthy, nutritious food option available each year at the State Fair — a delicious Wisconsin baked potato from the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary booth!
The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary booth, located in the Wisconsin Products Pavilion, is expected to serve over 60,000 piping hot baked potatoes during the Wisconsin State Fair, an 11-day event held July 31st through August 10th.
Brenda Bula, of Bula Potato Farm in Antigo, is the Chairwoman of the Auxiliary’s 31st State Fair appearance. To handle the demand, the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary has invested in a state-of-the-art booth and baking system. Five high-efficiency ovens are capable of baking 750 potatoes at a time, enabling members of the Auxiliary to satisfy hungry patrons. All baked potatoes served are Wisconsin grown and trucked in fresh for the event—arriving in over 800 fifty-pound boxes!
“People start lining up each morning before the Pavilion opens,” says Bula. “They just gotta have their baked potato! Potatoes can be topped with a variety of additions including chili, sour cream, chives, salsa, cheddar cheese, and everyone’s favorite topping of butter with salt and pepper.”
The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary booth is run by a dedicated group of 36 volunteers comprised of family members and friends of Wisconsin Potato producers. “It’s a reunion of sorts,” shares Bula, “with many volunteers reuniting each year at the State Fair. Many have been assisting with the fundraising event for 30 years.”
The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary has added two new items this year—a potato-eating contest to be held on July 31st and August 10th and patrons can take their photos in fun cutouts of “Super Spud” and friends at their booth throughout the event!
Proceeds from the Wisconsin State Fair baked potato sales continue to generate funds that enable the Auxiliary to provide educational resources to Wisconsin schools as well as promote the nutritional benefits of healthy Wisconsin-grown potatoes.
Kansas City Woman Wins Customized Harley-Davidson "Spudster!"
Antigo, Wisconsin (June 26, 2008) — Brenda Mowrey, a produce buyer for Del Monte Fresh in Kansas City, Missouri has one more reason to love Wisconsin Potatoes. Mowrey won a new Harley-Davidson Sportster 883c— the Grand Prize of an Annual Sweepstakes promotion sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association!
The year-long direct mail campaign was designed specifically to reach potato buyers across the United States — customers of the WPVGA. The Sweepstakes that featured monthly mailings and prize drawings, concluded in early June with the Grand Prize drawing for the uniquely-painted “Spudster” Harley-Davidson motorcycle featuring a custom airbrushed Wisconsin farm scene on the fuel tank.
When Rachel Leach, Marketing Director for Russet Potato Exchange of Bancroft, Wisconsin, notified Mowrey on June 18th that she won the “Spudster,” she was speechless. Russet Potato Exchange is the Wisconsin potato supplier to Del Monte Fresh. Mowrey had this to say, “I am very excited! I’ve never won anything in my life. I love everything about it, from the custom paint job to the bike itself. It is certainly a thrill of a lifetime.” A fan of motorcycling as a passenger with her husband, Mowrey added, “You can bet you’ll find me cruising the highway on this bike!”
“Russet Potato Exchange is very excited that one of our long-standing customers,
Del Monte Fresh and their buyer Brenda Mowrey, won the WPVGA Harley Spudster,” said Leach. “We know that Del Monte Fresh truly appreciates that Wisconsin offers a very diverse array of potato category options to all channels within the industry. Brenda is already a huge Harley fan, so she will definitely show off her Wisconsin potato pride every time she rides the bike.”
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association would like to thank everyone who entered the “Spudster” Sweepstakes and offer their congratulations to Brenda Mowrey.
Carter Resigns from WPVGA; Takes Position as CEO of Bushmans’ Inc.
Antigo, Wisconsin (June 18, 2008) — Bushmans’, Inc. has announced the hiring of Mike Carter as its Chief Executive Officer. Carter will take over management of the Rosholt based company in July.
Carter has served as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association for the past five years, and has been with the WPVGA since 1998. Prior to working for the WPVGA, Carter worked for 10 years in the Wisconsin State Senate as a policy analyst and chief of staff for various state senators. His resignation is effective June 30, 2008.
“We are pleased to welcome Mike to Bushmans’, Inc.,” said Mitchell Bushman, President of Bushmans’, Inc. “He brings years of management experience with him to our organization. His vision and knowledge of the potato industry will be incredibly valuable to Bushmans’, Inc.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to be with a first-class operation,” said Carter. “Bushmans’, Inc. is a leader within the industry and is highly respected. I am proud to join this outstanding team.”
“I feel fortunate to be associated with this industry over the past decade and feel even more fortunate that I will get to remain in this industry,” Carter added. “I would like to take a minute to thank all of the growers and industry members for the role they played in trying to educate me throughout my tenure with the WPVGA and for all of the friendships forged. I really do admire what they do. They are selfless, they feed a lot of people and they deserve a lot of respect.”
Bushmans’, Inc. is based in Rosholt, and was founded in 1974 by Jerry Bushman. Bushmans’, which employs 38 people, is a national marketer and grower of potatoes and other vegetables.
The WPVGA has begun a search for a new Executive Director. WPVGA Communications Director Tamas Houlihan and WPVGA Promotions Director Tim Feit have been named interim Co-Executive Directors.
Stretching Food Dollars Can Be Delicious And Easier Than You Might Think!
Antigo, Wisconsin (June 11, 2008) — The U.S. is wrestling with the worst food inflation in 17 years, and analysts agree it’s getting worse. That’s putting the squeeze on families and forcing consumers to look for creative ways to stretch their food budgets.
One of the best food values today is found in potatoes. A 10 pound bag of Wisconsin Russet potatoes, grown in all regions of the State, is truly a bargain at $2.99 or just under 30¢ a pound! Potatoes are nutrient-rich—in fact, a medium potato is just 110 calories, naturally fat free, high in vitamin C, and a good source of potassium.
Potatoes are no longer just served ho-hum mashed, or baked—they are being used in many unique, flavorful dishes and can complement any main dish. Summer grilling will take on a whole new twist when you try Grilled Potato Planks served with your favorite grilled steak! The recipe is easy—just look!
Grilled Potato Planks
Makes 4 Servings
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons finely-chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds (about 3 large) unpeeled baking potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch-thick slices
Directions:
Preheat grill. Combine oil, rosemary and salt in dish. Add potato slices and turn until well coated. Grill potatoes for 8 minutes or until soft. Turn and continue grilling 10 minutes longer or until cooked through. Remove from grill and serve.
Nutrition:
Calories: 280
Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 310mg
Vitamin C: 22mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Potassium: 718mg
At http://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/recipe/ consumers will find dozens of unique potato recipes for summer salads and side dishes—with exciting variations for casual summer dinners and picnics. There are also delicious recipes for main entrées using real Wisconsin Potatoes—like Beef & Potato Stroganoff. You’ll also find quick and easy recipes like Southwest Potatoes & Chicken that you can cook in 20 minutes!
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s Web site also features nutritional information, potato storage tips, cooking tips, and fun facts about Wisconsin’s favorite vegetable—the potato. To help consumers get to know where their potatoes come from, the Web site also features information about local Wisconsin farming operations.
When you visit http://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/recipe/survey2.php, be sure to enter for a chance to win the monthly Grocery Sweepstakes drawing for a $250.00 grocery gift card. Serve delicious and nutritious Wisconsin potatoes, enter the Grocery Sweepstakes, and you’ll be stretching your food dollars even further!
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Tim Feit, Director of Promotions and Consumer Education for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, at (715) 623-7683 or visit their Website at www.wisconsinpotatoes.com.
Wisconsin Potato Planting Under Way
Antigo, Wisconsin (May 7, 2008) — Despite the winter’s heavy snow and recent unseasonable chilly spring weather, Wisconsin potato growers have begun their spring planting process, which normally takes about three to four weeks to complete.
Andy Diercks, Vice President of Coloma Farms, which is located at the southern end of the Central Sands Region, reported a late start to his planting schedule. “ The snow from the winter wasn’t a problem planting-wise; it was the snow and rain that kept falling after most of the winter snow was gone that slowed us down a bit.” Diercks added that they would be keeping a close eye on potential negative effects that could have been caused by last winter’s heavy snow. “There could be increased Colorado Potato Beetle pressure and a higher risk of volunteer potatoes in other crops,” said Diercks.
Tom Lundgren, President of Spud City Sales in Stevens Point, predicts his potato planting to be completed by the second week of May, only a few days behind a normal year. “Even as much as a two-week delay in planting does not necessarily mean that the fall harvest will be delayed.” Lundgren added, “ Mother Nature usually has a way of making up for the lost time throughout the summer growing season.” Lundgren views last winter’s heavy snowfall as beneficial, as it has put much-needed moisture back into the ground.
Although weather has played a role in the spring planting of Wisconsin’s potatoes, reports from across the State do not indicate it poses any threats to yet another bountiful potato harvest. Early indicators predict the 2008 harvest to mirror that of recent years.
Wisconsin potato producers harvested approximately 65,000 acres of potatoes in 2007, down about 500 acres from 2006, and down 2,500 acres from 2005. Growers from all regions of the state reported good to excellent yields in 2007.
United States Potato Board Elects New Leadership During 2008 Annual Meeting
Denver, Colorado (March 31, 2008) The United States Potato Board (USPB) grower
membership elected new leadership during its Annual Meeting held in Denver, CO,
March 12-14. The following sections list the leadership for the coming year.
The 2008-2009 USPB Executive Committee
Front Row, from left: Shane Webster, Rexburg, ID; Monty Smith, Blanca, CO; Cheryl Koompin,
American Falls, ID; and Ron Lehr, Bakersfield, CA.
Back Row, from left: Todd Michael, Urbana,
OH; Tom Qualey, Sherman, ME; Tim O’Connor USPB President and CEO; Bart Connors, Pasco,
WA; Larry Alsum, Friesland, WI; and Danny Johns, Elkton, FL.
Chairman
Bart Connors (Pasco, WA)
Domestic Marketing
Co-Chairmen
Danny Johns (Elkton, FL)
Shane Webster (Rexburg, ID)
Committee Members
Carl Ball (Lewisville, ID)
Bryan Beck (Tionesta, PA)
Tom Campbell (Grafton, ND)
Jeff Gibson (Burley, ID)
Phil Hickman (Horntown, VA)
Rodney Lenz (Wray, CO)
Melanie Likes (Shelley, ID)
Michael Pink (Pasco, WA)
Tim Stevenson (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
Jeff Urbach (Hermiston, OR)
Tim Young (Howard City, MI)
Finance
Chairman
Monty Smith (Blanca, CO)
Committee Members
Rob Davis (Connell, WA)
Brad Faldet (Waupaca, WI)
Immediate Past Chairman
Larry Alsum (Friesland, WI)
International Marketing
Co-Chairpersons
Cheryl Koompin (American Falls, ID)
Tom Qualey (Sherman, ME)
Committee Members
Lon Baley (Malin, OR)
Dale Beck (Twin Falls, ID)
Molly Connors (Richland, WA)
Sid Staunton (Tulelake, CA)
Ritchey Toevs (Aberdeen, ID)
Steven Whited (Bridgewater, ME)
Industry Communications & Policy
Co-Chairmen
Ron Lehr (Bakersfield, CA)
Todd Michael (Urbana, OH)
Committee Members
Kent Bitter (Shelley, ID)
Andy Diercks (Coloma, WI)
Ernie Ford (Center, CO)
Gary Mahany (Arkport, NY)
Don Zimmerman (Fort Collins, CO)
WPVGA Sponsors Contests at USPB Chip Seminar
Orlando, Florida (March 5–8, 2008) —WPVGA sponsored an evening cocktail party at the USPB Chip Seminar that included a drawing for an autographed Brett Favre football. The WPVGA also sponsored a $10,000 hole-in-one contest during the Chip-In Golf Tournament that provided WPVGA a great opportunity to promote Wisconsin chipping potatoes to a wide variety of industry professionals.
Todd Forbush (right) of TechMark, Inc., Lansing, Michigan, takes the handoff from Tim Feit, WPVGA Promotions Director. Forbush won the coveted Brett Favre autographed football at the WPVGA’s reception.
Jason Woolard of Mars Hill, Maine, is pictured with Tim Feit on the golf hole sponsored by the WPVGA.
