News
Late blight-resistant varieties near release in Kenya
New potato varieties bred to be resistant to late blight are close to approval and release in Kenya. The 3R-gene potatoes have been developed with the insertion of a three-gene stack of resistance genes taken from wild potato species. Researched f... more
NPC supports chief agricultural negotiator nominee, new active ingredient
The National Potato Council joined dozens of other agricultural organizations in expressing support for Julie Callahan, nominated for Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. In a Sept. 5 letter to Mike Crapo, ... more
USDA extends deadline to comment on reorganization plan
Members of the public have an additional month to comment on a proposed USDA reorganization after the deadline was extended until Sept. 30. An original comment period was to close Aug. 26. Stakeholders including USDA employees, members of Congr... more
Tell Spudman about your cultivar experiences
We want to know about your cultivar experiences! Spudman will focus on cultivars in the upcoming November/December issue and we want to include information from growers across North America. If you are able to spare a few minutes, we welcome an... more
North Dakota ag research organization seeks public input
The North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) is seeking public input on agricultural research and North Dakota State University Extension needs in the state. The organization provides the legislature and governor wit... more
US fresh and frozen export volume rises despite overall dip
U.S. export volumes rose for both fresh and frozen potatoes from July 2024 to June 2025, while total export volume declined 3.75%, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data compiled by Trade Data Monitor. Total export volume dipped to 3.1 mill... more
Nutrien Ag Solutions completes upgrades at Indiana facility
Crop solutions company Nutrien Ag Solutions has completed infrastructure improvements at its Tipton, Indiana retail facility. The upgrades will expand the company’s capabilities to support growers across central Indiana, according to a news rele... more
New series of center pivot systems now commercially available
A new series of center pivot systems from irrigation systems and technology company Reinke Manufacturing is now available to growers in the U.S. and Canada. E3, first unveiled in 2024, features spans and end booms with uniform coupler spacing in ... more
California hopes to spur ag innovation with $15M award
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources plans to use a $15 million award from the state of California to speed innovation adaptation and help farmers combat challenges including labor shortages and water scarcity. UC ANR Inn... more
USDA discontinues use of ‘dated’ labor survey
The USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Network (NASS) has discontinued a method of measuring farm wages dating to the 19th century. The Agricultural Labor Survey (FLS) has been rendered obsolete, NASS said in a Sept. 3 notice on the Federal... more
