Spudman 7
WSU researcher Kiwamu Tanaka focused on identifying natural plant disease resistance
Just like humans, plants have evolutionary immune systems. Washington State University Associate Professor Kiwanu Tanaka has made studying those immun... more »
Renee Rioux settling in as Wisconsin’s seed certification director
Renee Rioux was tapped to be the administrative director of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program in August 2019. Since then, she’s been d... more »
RJ Andrus keeps potatoes coming for Idahoan Foods
As the senior manager of raw material product procurement, RJ Andrus is tasked with making sure Idahoan Foods always has potatoes to process. Andrus, ... more »
Russia native Natalia Cervantes aims for positive vibe about potatoes
Potatoes USA’s newest team member grew up a long way from the USA. A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Natalia Cervantes spent summers at her grandm... more »
Simplot’s Rasmussen pushing to further define potato industry sustainability
Jolyn Rasmussen leads J.R. Simplot’s Raw Development and Sustainability team, which has a mission of “Bringing Earth’s Resources to Life.” The... more »
Researcher Mark Pavek’s message to growers: Always question what you’re doing
At its core, Mark Pavek describes his professional focus as “finding the smartest and most profitable agronomic practices and varieties for (Pacific... more »
Getting folks to ‘fuel up’ with potatoes is aim of Potatoes USA’s Dritlein
The potato industry has made a big push to get more potatoes in the school breakfast and lunch programs in recent years. Rachael Dritlein of Potatoes ... more »
Mark Szymanski sending the right message for National Potato Council
Mark Szymanski probably oversimplified his job as “easy,” adding that he’s only responsible for telling the world about the efforts of his fello... more »
Kelly Turner, new head of Michigan potato commission, already has a mindset for farming
Among the ranks of state association leaders in the potato industry, Kelly Turner is still something of the new kid in class. She’s hardly new to ag... more »
New Oregon Potato Commission head Gary Roth no stranger to state agriculture scene
Gary Roth may be new to the Oregon Potato Commission, but he’s no stranger to the state’s agricultural scene. Roth, who recently succeeded longtim... more »
