News
New H-2A protections take effect next month
New protections under a final Department of Labor rule include a provision allowing H-2A temporary employees to invite labor and legal organizations to employer-provided housing. The rule, “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricult... more
Spuds in the news: 2023 was a positive year for potatoes
A new analysis of media coverage and social media posts reveals that 2023 was a good year for potatoes to make headlines. From January to December, there were more than six positive traditional news stories about potatoes for every negative one, a... more
Crop Transition Conference set for June in Minnesota
The 2024 Crop Transition Conference, hosted by the United Potato Growers of America, will be held June 19-20 in Minneapolis. The conference, which offers an overview of the upcoming growing season, mainly in the fresh market, is open to all grower... more
New WIC guidelines codify white potatoes, among other updates
The International Fresh Produce Association joined a chorus of nutritional policy experts praising this month’s finalized updates to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). In addition to making the lat... more
Walther Farms general manager among Michigan Farm Bureau award recipients
The 2024 winners of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer awards include the general manager for Michigan potato grower Walther Farms. Andrew Braun, the winner of the Young Agriculture Employee award, manages 1,800 acres of potato ground near Cass... more
USDA appoints 32 members to Potatoes USA board
The USDA has appointed 32 members to Potatoes USA’s board of directors, including 30 producer members and two importers, for three-year terms expiring in February 2027. Candidates are proposed by the industry in an annual nomination process and ... more
Let Spudman know what matters to you
We want to hear from Spudman readers! Let us know what topics are important to you by taking a brief survey. Our editorial team strives to deliver content that resonates with you and helps your business succeed. As we prepare for upcoming issues, ... more
Idaho Steel, Reyco Systems owner retiring
Davis Christensen, owner of potato processing equipment manufacturer Idaho Steel Products and potato industry equipment supplier Reyco Systems, is retiring. Founded in 1918, Idaho Steel is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho. In 1991, Lynn Bradshaw boug... more
EPA Herbicide Strategy update aims to increase grower flexibility
An update on the EPA’s draft Herbicide Strategy includes improvements aimed at increasing flexibility for growers and reducing mitigations that may be needed by growers. The changes are expected to be included in the final strategy, required to ... more
Potato grower, NPC board member appointed to EPA committee
Washington potato grower and National Potato Council board member Grant Morris has been appointed to serve on the EPA’s Pesticide Policy Dialogue Committee. The committee provides policy advice, information and recommendations to EPA's Office of... more
