ust a brief update on several relevant regulatory changes we have been working on in regard to the pandemic response. In regard to the H-2A program, the State Department provided the following notice last night that should assist in clearing some of the recent bottlenecks.  The…

U.S. Potato Industry Members, First of all I want to thank all of you for working so hard to meet the spike in retail demand for potatoes and for all of your hard work getting a new crop in the ground. We saw historically high…

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has created a toolkit for farmers and agricultural businesses to help them plan and implement their response to COVID-19.Please note: as circumstances continue to evolve, this toolkit and webpage will be continually updated.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Temporary Laborers and H-2A, H-2B, or CW-1 visas Link to the US Department of Labor’s, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor Certification https://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/DOL-OFLC_COVID-19_FAQs_Round%201_03.20.2020.pdf Trucking/Transportation Likely you are aware of the over-weight certificates being granted by many state DOT’s. Well…

In the midst of ever changing and unprecedented times, UPGA wanted to share the most recent intelligence as it applies to Supply Chain COVID-19 guidance. This may be duplicative for some, but we wanted to be sure and share with our members important and helpful…

March 24, 2020 There are signs that the government response to the coronavirus pandemic may be close to ending, but the pandemic itself is not likely to end for some time.  The count in the US is at 46,450 people infected today, a number that…

After retiring from Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) in March 2020, Dale Bowe is keeping one foot in the Wisconsin potato industry by joining the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) team. Bowe’s main duties for WPVGA will include driving the Spudmobile and helping out…

The BESS-STAIR framework was tested in 12 sites across the US Corn Belt The growing threat of drought and rising water demand have made accurate forecasts of crop water use critical for farmland water management and sustainability. But limitations in existing models and satellite data…

May 15 WSPIA Board Conference Call, 1:00pm May 20 WPVGA Board Conference Call, 10:00am May 26 Associate Division Board Conference Call, 11:00am May 28 Chip Committee Budget Planning Zoom Conference 1:00pm