News
Potatoes among crops threatened by ‘catastrophic’ Texas wildfires
Potatoes are among the crops threatened by recent Texas wildfires, including the largest blaze in the state's history. Since Feb. 25, the Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 56 wildfires burning more than 1,25 million acres, according to... more
Fire destroys New Brunswick potato chip plant
A potato chip plant in New Brunswick, Canada, has been destroyed by a March 1 fire. No one was injured in the blaze at Covered Bridge Potato Chips, according to multiple media reports. The manufacturing plant employed 75-100 people. “It wa... more
Australian potato industry reaches record production value
The production value of Australia's potato industry has surged past $1 billion AUD for the first time, according to a report from the Australian Broadcasting Corp. That value is equal to almost $635 million U.S. dollars. The industry continues ... more
Crop insurance deadlines approaching for growers in three states
The deadline for growers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin to apply for or make changes to their existing crop insurance for spring-planted crops is approaching. The deadline for crops including potatoes, onions, cabbage, dry beans, processing bean... more
Colorado grower elected new president of National Potato Council
Fourth-generation Colorado potato grower Bob Mattive has been elected president of the National Potato Council for 2024. The NPC installed its 2024 executive committee this week at the organization’s annual Washington Summit. Mattive, of Monte V... more
Hoops and spuds: Tip off March Madness with Potato LEAF donation
March Madness is just around the corner, and the Potato Leadership, Education & Advancement Foundation is ready for tipoff. With a $50 donation to Potato LEAF, industry hoops enthusiasts will be entered into both the NCAA men’s and women’s... more
Longtime NPGA contributor Phelps dies at 59
Todd Phelps, 59, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Feb. 21 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. On Feb. 20, Phelps received the Northland Potato Growers Association’s Industry Meritorious Service Award recognizing his contributions to th... more
Drexel adds new member to sales team
Memphis, Tennessee-based Drexel Chemical Co. has added an experienced industry professional to its sales team. Steve Henning joins Drexel as Western Regional manager. Henning will manage the company’s business in the western U.S. [caption id=... more
Discovery led by MSU researchers could reduce harmful chemicals in fried potatoes
New research at Michigan State University could lessen health concerns associated with cold-stored potatoes. Samantha Brichta details the discovery in an article for MSU Today. From the article: In a breakthrough for the snack food industry, a te... more
Report: Expanded market access would spur additional $1B in economic activity
A new report detailing the economic impact of the U.S. potato industry emphasizes the importance of expanding exports, finding that “moderate and achievable” expansions in foreign markets would generate an additional $1 billion in economic activi... more
