potatoes

For a variety of reasons, the potato industry struggled last year, with demand for the spud down.  Consumers habits have changed after the pandemic, and the U.S. is not exporting as many potato products as growers and industry leader would like to see.  On top ...

It's a common story for growers and producers across the region; lower commodity prices and high input costs.  Zack Ogles agronomy manager from Tessenderlo Kerley recently sat down with the PNW Ag Network's Glenn Vaagen to talk about the tools they have in the toolbox to help producers across the PNW.   ...

It’s good news for Columbia Basin area potato growers, that according to Washington State University.  WSU announced late last week Potato psyllid numbers are expected to be low this season, similar to those in 2024.   A search for overwintering potato psyllids on stands of matrimony vine turned up very few numbers.  And researchers sa...

For the past eight plus weeks, much of the international focus and concern for the farming community has been on trade and tariffs.  But, for potato growers there are other international concerns.  Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission said over the past 2-3 years, China and India have become major players, and competitors with the United States when it comes to

During last month’s annual Washington D.C. Summit, the National Potato Council elected Ted Tschriky to serve as President for the next 12 months.  The grower from the Pasco, WA-area said he feels the Northwest potato industry is doing fairly well, despite recent cutbacks in acreage over the past couple of years.   " tryi...

Washington State University Skagit County Extension will host the 43rd annual Western Washington Potato Workshop this Friday, February 21st.  The morning starts at 9 a.m. at the Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mt. Vernon.  WSU’...

According to the latest numbers from NASS, potato stocks in Washington as of February 1st totaled 46 million cwt.  Disappearance to date totaled 55.3 million cwt.  In Idaho February 1st stocked totaled 73 million cwt.  Disappearance of the Idaho crop to date was 62.2 million cwt.  And...

This was a good year for the Washington/Oregon Potato Conference.  The largest potato conference in North America got a little bigger this year, with a record attendance of over 3,000 attendees, surpassing last year’s attendance of 2,600, which at that time was a record.   “Widel...

Lamb Weston has a new President and CEO.  Michael J. Smith, look over at the Idaho based potato products company on January 3rd.  He succeeded Thomas P. Werner, who stepped down as CEO, but will stay on in an advisory role through the end of August to ensure a smooth transition.   Smith join...

On Wednesday, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced that applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant.   ISDA anticipates receiving over $2 million from the USDA for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops.  Th...