May 14, 2025NPGA launches newsletter to connect young growers
The Northland Potato Growers Association has launched a newsletter aimed at engaging a community of potato growers age 40 and under in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
The Northland NexGen Potato Growers initiative is part of NPGA’s mission “to cultivate the next generation of potato leaders by providing accessible platforms for professional growth and social connection.”
The May 8 edition includes informational bios on an area seed grower and a recent Potato LEAF Leadership Institute graduate.
For more information, contact Gary Shields at [email protected].
Beating the heat
An early May heat wave is delaying planting in some areas in the region, according to NPGA, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and topping out at 99° F.
Strong winds and low humidity have added to an unusual situation, but three consecutive days of rainfall and cooler temperatures were expected to bring relief.
That’s welcome news after the most recent USDA Crop Progress Report found that topsoil moisture in North Dakota is 56% short to very short, according to the association.
Planting nationwide
Most Michigan growers are close to wrapping up potato planting, according to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission’s latest report.
Growers in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin finished last week. That state has also been hot and dry, but there is some rain in the forecast.
Planting is underway in the Red River Valley, where temperatures have been in the 80s and 90s but a chance of frost looms this weekend.
Approximately 90% of Idaho’s potato crop is in the ground, an earlier-than-usual pace fueled by ideal weather.
