Yearly Archives: 2023
Hard Choices and Hard Facts on Chip Varieties
Despite many hurdles, a huge effort is underway to find a better chipping potato By Charlie Higgins, chip variety development, Potatoes USA Finding a better chip variety amounts to clearing about 100 hurdles. Wisconsin potato growers desperately need a variety better than Lamoka because of…
Interview with Allan Brooks
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater When Allan Brooks was in first grade, he waited for the school bus in front of the old milkhouse at the Hancock Agricultural Research Station (HARS), Hancock, Wisconsin, where the office is currently situated. “Back then, the area…
Spinach and Mushroom Baked Potatoes
Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary During a sleepless night not too long ago, I randomly wondered about the origins of the baked potato. I’m told this is an odd thing for one to Google at 2 a.m., but I learned…
Wisconsin Stands Up for Potatoes at Washington Summit
WPVGA grower members, staff, and PILI participants engage in a week of D.C. advocacy By the National Potato Council and Joe Kertzman During the 2023 Washington Summit, February 27-March 3, U.S. potato growers and allied partners from across the country united as an industry to…
Interview with Matt Patoka
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater A century farm as of 2020, Patoka Farms, LLC, in Amherst, Wisconsin, has been in continuous operation at its original location for 103 years. “We couldn’t go to State Fair to get our 100-year plaque after COVID hit,”…
Sauerkraut Potato Salad
Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary I have another potato salad for you this month! I grew up with creamy, mayonnaise-based potato salads, and I still enjoy the traditional Midwest version. Every once in a while, it’s nice to put away…
Attendance Was Up for Grower Education Conference & Industry Show
WPVGA & UW Division of Extension put together exceptional event and researcher presentations By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater The question repeatedly asked was, “Is attendance up this year?” followed shortly by the casual observation, “It seems like there are a lot more people…
Interview with Larry Adams
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater They’ve been farming the fertile ground in the town of Stockton, Wisconsin, since 1910. Adams Farms, Inc. has been in existence since William W. Adams (originally Adamczak) purchased 65 acres of land, 113 years ago, near 2nd Street…
Lemon Dill Potato Salad
Column and photos by Ali Carter, Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary This is a warm salad with a bright, tangy flavor thanks to the lemon, garlic, and olive oil dressing. While you can use any type of potato in this salad, it’s best to stick with…
2022 in Review: Another Good Year for the Wisconsin Potato Industry
The state had an outstanding harvest season with great conditions in September and October By Tamas Houlihan, Executive Director, WPVGA Crop Report: Late Start, Great Finish The Wisconsin potato crop report can be summed up in four words: Late Start, Great Finish! The 2022 Wisconsin…