Reversal of Fortunes
What a difference a year can make. Twelve months ago the fresh market had cratered. While process growers were enjoying the benefits of record yields and good size.
Now, one year later, and it’s the fresh market growers who are enjoying a decent return on investment, at least they’re not losing money. Meanwhile the process sector is seeing average yields and smaller size.
I’ve spent the summer traveling. A trip to Indiana to visit family in July and then down to Colorado in August to visit friends. During both trips I was able to squeeze in a side trip to interview a grower.
On my way to Trinidad, Colo., I went through the San Luis Valley. It was the last week of August, and harvest was just beginning. I spent time with Preston Stanley, NPC president Roger Mix, Mark and Greg Peterson, David Holm and Bruce Heersink.
I spent an afternoon with Bruce, taking photographs and talking as he drove the harvester picking up potatoes on one of his fields outside of Monte Vista. Bruce is the third generation Heersink to be farming in the valley.
When you read this we’ll be entering the holiday season and soon 2010 will become 2011. May the holiday season be a time of peace and goodwill to all.
And with 2011 comes the Expo and conferences. I’ll be in Las Vegas with Marnie Draper and Scott Christie. Then there’s the Idaho Conference in Pocatello, home sweet home, and finally the Oregon-Washington Conference in Kennewick. Please stop by the Spudman booth, visit, tell me the articles and information you want to see in our magazine and this website.
