WPVGA & UW Division of Extension hosted a packed Grower Education Conference & Industry Show
By Joe Kertzman, managing editor, Badger Common’Tater
When you’ve been hosting an Industry Show for 76 years and the momentum gained 12 months ago carries over into the current year’s conference, it’s a success before it even starts.
The Wisconsin potato and vegetable growing industry came out in full force for the combined Grower Education Conference & Industry Show, February 3-5, 2026, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center, in Stevens Point.
A collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) and University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison Division of Extension, the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show features researcher presentations and an established tradeshow under one roof.
Considered one of the best potato conferences in the nation, the Industry Show is a showcase for the state’s established potato and vegetable production area, and a chance for agribusinesses to present their products and services.
Growers and industry professionals from across the Midwest and country converge on the show floor, meeting with associates, networking, and building new relationships, but also taking in a full slate of University Extension research reports on current issues affecting farmers everywhere.
In his opening remarks, WPVGA Executive Director Tamas Houlihan recognized not only UW Extension and base-funded researchers, but also invited speakers from Colorado, Idaho and Michigan, as well as representatives from Potatoes USA and the National Potato Council in attendance.
In its third year, the Student Education and Career Development Program is a fantastic chance for university, technical college, and high school students to attend the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show free of charge.
And attend they did! Thirty-nine students from area schools took the opportunity to learn about the agriculture industry, talk to exhibitors, attend presentations, and discuss future career opportunities.
