Yearly Archives: 2020
Interview with Jim Mortenson
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Though steeped in history and tradition, Mortenson Bros. Farms, Inc. did not come to fruition in a usual manner. Regardless, it would turn out to be one of the largest potato and vegetable operations in Wisconsin. Brothers Gary…
Breakfast Tacos
Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary How would I describe these Breakfast Tacos? They are tortillas filled with crispy potatoes, fluffy scrambled eggs and smoky chorizo sausage, all topped with a creamy lime yogurt sauce that has just enough spice to…
Tips for Purchasing, Storing and Cooking Potatoes
U.S. potato growers provide unique insight into buying, handling and preparing spuds Many consumers are stocking up on potatoes during these uncertain times, and it’s important to make the most of these purchases. Heidi Alsum-Randall, a potato farmer and mother from Wisconsin, provided the following…
Interview with Rod Gumz
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater “In 1892, my great-grandfather bought his first 40 acres in northern Indiana. When my grandfather started farming, he gradually acquired land, expanding into Wisconsin in the 1940’s,” says Rod Gumz, who co-owns Gumz Muck Farms in Endeavor, Wisconsin,…
French Farmhouse Potatoes
In these trying times, enjoy some delectable little nuggets of buttery goodness Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary It feels a bit strange contributing an article and recipe with everything that is going on now. And, while the coronavirus is affecting…
Outstanding Women of Wisconsin Agriculture
Part 1 of a 2-Part Series Concluding Next Issue An impressive group is furthering potato and vegetable production in the state By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater The suggestion was made during a phone conversation one day that the Badger Common’Tater run a feature…
Interview with Rich Anderson
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater Roberts Irrigation was started, in 1957, by Harold “Hal” and Nancy Roberts in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Harold began selling equipment for Moulton Irrigation by pulling a trailer with the family car. “In 1959, at the urging of…
Nicoise Salad
Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary I’m not a fan of rules. Well, wait, I should clarify that. I am not a fan of rules that I consider nonsense. And, cooking rules are ones that I tend to break often and…
Attendance was Good for the 71st Grower Ed Conference & Industry Show
The plans and people came together for a successful exhibit of everything Wisconsin agriculture By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater The well-regarded Grower Education Conference & Industry Show succeeded in its mission of shining a bright light on Wisconsin’s potato and vegetable growing industry…
Interview with Mike Firkus
Mike Firkus says he has enjoyed working alongside his dad, Lonnie, over the last 25-plus years to grow and improve Firkus Farms to the point where it is today. “We have worked hard to consistently improve, year after year, to grow the best crops possible…
