Potato Bytes
01.24.2023

News from Northland Potato Growers Association
Serving the potato industry in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.
I C E
NPGA Winter Meetings and International Crop Expo Less than a Month Away!

MSA Winners Announced

Make your plans now to attend the Northland Potatoes winter meetings and International Crop Expo February 21 -23! It all takes place at the Alerus Center and Canad Inn Destination Centre in Grand Forks.

NPGA Chairman David Fedje from Hoople, ND will pass the gavel to Peter Imle of Gonvick, MN at the NPGA Banquet. Also, Mike Oosterwijk and Brian Vculek will receive NPGA's Meritorious Service Awards.

Banquet tickets are free for our grower members so email Jacey at the NPGA office to sign up.

The AgCountry keynote speaker at the Expo will be Rob Sharkey, known as The SharkFarmer. Rob is not your average Illinois grain farmer. He’s a disruptor
who is unwavering in his ability to directly address difficult topics. His provocative style resonates with thousands of weekly, global listeners of his podcasts and TV shows.

For a complete schedule of all the events taking place at the winter meetings, scroll to Coming Events @ a Glance at the bottom of this newsletter.
Potato Consumption not Associated with Adverse Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes

While current dietary advice for Americans encourages the consumption of vegetables as part of a healthy diet, potatoes, except sweet potatoes, are considered by some to be ‘unhealthy’ vegetables. In the US, potatoes are the most commonly consumed vegetable, accounting for 21 % of all vegetable intake. They are a rich and bioavailable source of potassium, dietary fiber and other key nutrients such as magnesium that may benefit cardiometabolic health. There is substantial evidence that these nutrients play roles in the prevention of elevated blood pressure and other adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes. Thus, individuals who regularly consume potatoes as a vegetable or starchy accompaniment to a meal may derive some of these benefits from this food source.

Given the potential contribution of potatoes to overall energy intake, it is important that we study the independent contribution of potatoes to cardiometabolic health. The association between potatoes and various health outcomes may be in part a result of foods that are consumed with them. For example, a prospective study in Spanish adults found that higher potato intake as part of a Mediterranean-style diet was not associated with 4-year changes in blood pressure or hypertension risk. Furthermore, a cross-sectional study of an Asian-style diet rich in potatoes (as part of mixed dishes) was associated with a reduced prevalence of diabetes complication, while in the large Nurses’ Health Study cohorts, both French fries and total potato consumption were associated with an increased risk of diabetes. These disparate findings could be a result of the different ways in which potatoes are cooked and eaten in different population subgroups (e.g., predominantly fried potatoes v. baked or boiled or as a part of mixed dishes, including legumes and other vegetables, in other populations). Thus, the observed associations between potato intake and cardiometabolic outcomes in some studies may be explained by or confounded by other factors associated with the overall diet pattern or how these foods are prepared.
Handling Hydraulic Hoses Requires Extra Caution in the Winter

Extreme cold temperatures throughout the winter months can cause challenges to hydraulic hose lines in tractors and machinery.

“The temperature of a piece of machinery can fluctuate from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes,” says Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator. “The hydraulic hoses on tractors and implements used in the winter months must be in prime condition to withstand the extreme temperature changes we face in the northern Plains.”

Hydraulic systems are critical for tractors and machines to work properly and conduct tasks year-round. These systems store fluid under high pressure, typically 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi), up to 3,000 psi.

A hydraulic hose failure could cause extreme machine malfunction, potentially causing severe harm to the operator. Other hydraulic hose hazards include burns, skin penetration, and component failure or collapse.

Burns

Unhooking an implement or making a repair on a hydraulic system can be dangerous if the operator has not released the hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system. This means that if the implement or loader on the tractor is in the raised position, it contains trapped hydraulic fluid that is pressurized. As pressure increases, the operating temperature of modern hydraulic systems can become high enough to cause severe burns if an operator is sprayed with escaping hydraulic oil from a puncture in the line or the immediate release of high pressurized oil from a loose hydraulic fitting.

Safety tips:
  • Always relieve hydraulic pressure before loosening hydraulic fittings. This includes lowering the implement (or loader) to the ground and testing your pressure relief valves to ensure they are reducing pressure buildup, if applicable on your tractor.
  • Move the hydraulic control lever (found inside the tractor if hooked up to an implement) back and forth several times to help relieve hydraulic pressure.
  • Follow instructions in the operator’s manual. Specific procedures for servicing hydraulic systems provide safety guidelines to follow when performing maintenance or repair.

Skin penetration

Pinhole leaks in hydraulic hose lines are extremely dangerous. With the naked eye, pinhole leaks can be impossible to see. A common injury involves an operator running their hand or finger over the hose line, where the invisible pinhole leak then penetrates oil into the operator’s skin without even knowing it. Immediately after the fluid injection, the operator may only experience a slight stinging sensation in their hand or finger and think nothing of it. After a few hours, the operator may begin to develop severe pain. If not seen by a medical provider immediately, the injury can result in a condition called gangrene, where amputation of the hand or finger is required because of the tissue damage.

Safety tips:
  • Shut down all equipment and release pressure before checking for hydraulic fluid leaks.
  • Use a piece of paper or cardboard to check for pinhole leaks in hydraulic hoses, not your hand or finger. Run the piece of paper or cardboard across the hose to identify any pinhole leaks.
  • Always wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when working with hydraulic systems. Note: Gloves will not prevent oil from a pinhole leak from penetrating your skin.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect hydraulic oil has penetrated your skin.

Component failure or collapse

Failure of a hydraulic hose, fitting or seal can cause a rapid release of hydraulic oil, causing the supported component to collapse. Examples of this include a loader on a tractor or a header on a combine. Gradual leaks can also cause components to drop unexpectedly, crushing a worker under the component. A combine header can weigh three tons and crush anyone who may be working underneath it.

Safety tips:
  • Never work under an implement, truck bed or other machine supported by a hydraulic ram/cylinder without the lock in place or other means of support. Make sure all equipment is turned off when working on it.
  • Even if an implement is not attached to the tractor, the hydraulic system may still be pressurized. If making repairs to the hydraulic system, never assume the implement is no longer under pressure just because it is not attached to the tractor.

Hydraulic hose and system maintenance

Hydraulic hose systems on tractors and machinery can fail when hoses and oil are not properly maintained. When conditions become cold, hydraulic hoses can become stiff, inelastic, brittle and lose their ability to bend. Cracks in hydraulic hoses can become more prevalent during cold temperatures, meaning visual inspection for cracks, abrasions and oily residues is crucial for equipment maintenance and operator safety.

  • Take time to check for oil leaks and worn hoses. If you can see the metal wire layer of a hydraulic hose, or an oily film on the hose or near the fittings, it needs to be replaced.
  • Change the hydraulic oil and filter in your tractors and machines. Hydraulic oil that is contaminated with dirt, dust, particulates, etc., can cause damage to your hydraulic system. Monitor your tractor’s hydraulic oil sight glass to determine if more hydraulic oil needs to be added. Read the operator’s manual to determine how often the hydraulic oil and filter should be changed.
  • Allow your tractor to warm up in cold conditions. The more your tractor’s fluids warm up before use, the better your hydraulic hoses can respond. In extreme cold, you may need to allow your equipment to warm up for an hour before use.
  • Connect the correct hydraulic lines from the equipment to the tractor couplers. If the hose lines are not coupled to the tractor correctly, the implement will not rise and drop as expected. Use colored zip ties or tape to label the hoses to match which coupler end they need to attach to on the tractor.
  • Always lower the hydraulic working units to the ground before working on or leaving the machine, making sure the machine is off once you begin to work on it.

“Remember, tractors and equipment can be replaced – you, on the other hand, cannot be replaced,” says Johnson. “Take time for safety this winter by keeping equipment in proper shape and using safe techniques when equipment repairs and maintenance needs to be made.”
Potato Bytes TV & Movie Trivia


Last Week's Photo

Last week's trivia photo was a scene from the TV sitcom Mr. Ed that aired from 1961 to 1965 on CBS. Mr. Ed was a talking horse whos owner Wilbur was played by Allan Young.

It was answered correctly Karen Radke, Keith Bjorneby, Craig Magnusson, Vicky Boyd, Butch Kraska, Darcy Blazek, John Lundeen, Geoff Price and Darwin Luedke.

This Week's Photo

What movie is this photo from? Send your answer by clicking on the red tab below.


All those answering correctly will be recognized in the next Potato Bytes
USDA Publishes Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. This final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and addresses National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommendations.

“Protecting and growing the organic sector and the trusted USDA organic seal is a key part of the USDA Food Systems Transformation initiative,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule is the biggest update to the organic regulations since the original Act in 1990, providing a significant increase in oversight and enforcement authority to reinforce the trust of consumers, farmers, and those transitioning to organic production. This success is another demonstration that USDA fully stands behind the organic brand.”

SOE protects organic integrity and bolsters farmer and consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal by supporting strong organic control systems, improving farm to market traceability, increasing import oversight authority, and providing robust enforcement of the organic regulations.

Read the USDA press release to learn more about the final rule, who it affects and when operations must comply.

 
Potato Kielbasa
A tasty marriage of Red Potatoes and Kielbasa or Polish Sausage!

Dish: Main Dish
Potato Type: Reds
Cuisine: American, Polish
Prep Method: Boiled, Pan Fried, Microwave


Get one delicious, potato recipe delivered to you each week. You’ll always have new, tasty ideas to surprise and delight your family and friends—even on a busy weeknight. Sign up
Coming Events @ a Glance


February 21 - Alerus Center, Grand Forks


February 22 - Alerus Center, Grand Forks



February 23 - Alerus Center, Grand Forks

  • RRV Fresh Co-op Annual Meeting - 1:30 PM Altos Cafe at Canad Inn


March 7