Decision Aid System Saves Industry Millions, WSU Notes

Washington State University is reminding potato growers of a tool that’s saving the industry nearly $10 million a year.

The Potato Decision Aid System, launched in 2021 by WSU, system uses weather data from the school’s AgWeatherNet, as well as on-the-ground field monitoring, to build computer models and risk maps.  WSU says this helps growers make smarter decisions about their crops. 

Details Helps Farmers Known What To Expect

“Wherever you grow, weather affects your crop. We’re using data to make predictions — and help growers be more efficient,” noted David Crowder director of the Decision Aid System.  “We tell producers, consultants, suppliers when things are going to happen on a farm."

Things like when to plant, how long it will take plants to progress through life stages, and when certain insects will be active. The site also has a wealth of information in a searchable format that once might have only been available as paper documents, all accessible via computer or mobile device. 

Though the Potato Decision Aid System is relatively new, it’s a version of a similar tool used in the tree fruit industry for decades. Other agricultural producers are looking at the Decision Aid System for their crops, too.

PDAS Can Help Save Money

Crowder added this information helps producers, consultants and others predict when pests like the potato beetle are active, allowing growers to reduce unnecessary pesticide sprays, saving time and money. 

Click Here to learn more about the Decision Aid System.

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