News
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
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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
Longtime seed potato association executive director dies at age 65
Jeff Axford, longtime Michigan Seed Potato Association executive director, died April 13 after an accident at his home. He was 65. Axford, an Otsego County Farm Bureau member, is the only person to be awarded the Michigan Potato Industry Commissio... more
Europatat raises concerns about plant reproductive material report
The European Potato Trade Association (Europatat) is raising concerns about a draft report on plant reproductive material (PRM) set for a vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary next week. The report, prepared by the Parliament's Committee on ... more
NPGA taking applications for new executive director
The Northland Potato Growers Association is searching for candidates with a passion for agriculture and the ability to affect change to serve as its new executive director. Applications are due May 15, according to a statement from the NPGA. �... more
MPIC seeks input on potato research topics
The Michigan Potato Industry Commission seeks input to help identify the most critical areas of focus for potato research in the next decade. Feedback will inform discussions at an upcoming summit entitled “Rooted in Progress: Envisioning the Fu... more
