Something for everyone

There’s something for everyone in this issue: from a profile of a millennial grower to the latest in online apps to a review of a science-fiction novel soon to be released as a movie.

David Fairbourn’s profile of Katie Neumiller-Floming is a portrait of a young woman (a millennial, in the contemporary parlance of demographic categories) and a third-generation potato grower from Savanna, Illinois. She is taking a role in leading the potato industry into the 21st century in the midst of evolving consumer trends. Read more about Neumiller-Floming on pg. 10.

You may have noticed that the past two issues have featured grower profiles of women. This was an editorial decision we made last fall to recognize women in the potato industry. I hope you’ve enjoyed this effort to recognize a few of the many women involved in the potato industry. In conjunction with this, Spudman has just printed the first ‘Proud to be a Spudwoman’ bumper stickers. Check out the bumper stickers on our website at Spudman.com.

What’s new in the world of apps? A lot, and it seems that there is more news to report almost every day. In the time since Melanie Epp filed her report, I’ve had to include four new apps to her story. Smartphone technology and tablet technology have become almost a mandatory tool on the farm, and companies have recognized the importance providing growers with these time- and labor-saving devices.

And now for something completely different: Phil Nolte’s review of the science-fiction book The Martian.” You may recognize Nolte as University of Idaho’s Research and Extension seed potato pathologist. What you may not know is he recently retired from his position at the University of Idaho and he is a published science-fiction author.

“The Martian,” written by Andy Weir, tells the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut abandoned on Mars who grows potatoes as part of his desperate struggle to survive until a rescue mission arrives.

It’s an interesting concept. I asked Nolte to review the novel’s take on growing Martian potatoes and how close this science fiction tale hews to reality. I think you’ll enjoy his review.

The novel has been developed into a movie starring Matt Damon and is scheduled for release next November. I enjoyed the novel and I’m looking forward to seeing potatoes growing on Mars on the big screen.