Badger Common’Tater March 2022 Issue
All Systems Were a Go for Grower Ed Conference & 72nd Annual Industry Show
WPVGA & UW Division of Extension hold trade show and educational presentations for the ages
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
Dale Nelson (left) of Nelson’s Vegetable Storage Systems talks shop with Kyle Zarda (right, holding a ThorPack-sponsored show bag) from Wirz, Inc., a seed potato farm in Antigo, Wisconsin.
Anticipating the event more than ever, 2022 Grower Education Conference & Industry Show attendees overwhelmingly indicated that it was nice to be back in person after a year off due to COVID-19.
A nice, bright light shone on Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable growing industry when all parties convened, February 8-10, 2022, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point.
A combined effort between the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and University of Wisconsin (UW) Division of Extension, the massive undertaking provides an opportunity to conduct business, forge relationships and discuss relevant issues affecting the industry.
Booth holders representing a variety of companies welcomed the networking opportunity with growers and researchers, and the chance to show off their latest products, technologies, services and portfolios.
In all, 300 people pre-registered and hundreds more attended to take full advantage of researcher presentations and informative sessions on topics directly affecting agriculture during the Grower Education Conference.
With supply chain issues as well as trucking and shipping disruptions, it is more imperative than ever to meet face-to-face with fellow growers and associated businesses and forge a path to a successful future.
The WPVGA and UW Extension take their responsibility of putting the right people together seriously.
Growers and the agriculture companies serving them have historically persevered and triumphed through weather events, governmental regulations, farm consolidation and public apathy to emerge stronger each time.
