Potato Bytes
05.23.2023

News from Northland Potato Growers Association
Serving the potato industry in North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota.
Supreme Court Strikes Down EPA Overreach in WOTUS Ruling

From the NPC
 
Last Thursday, the Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated WOTUS ruling (Sackett vs. EPA), pushing back against federal government expansion of the Clean Water Act (CWA). In a unanimous decision, the Court significantly narrowed the definition of areas regulated under the CWA, limiting its scope only to wetlands that are “as a practical matter indistinguishable from waters of the United States.”
 
The ruling is based on Justice Antonin Scalia’s 2006 plurality opinion in the case of Rapanos v. United States, which emphasized a narrower definition of “waters of the United States” than Justice Anthony Kennedy’s “significant nexus” test. This decision is being hailed as a major victory by farm groups, who have fought back against EPA’s efforts to overregulate private farmlands, ditches, and puddles.
 
Bob Mattive, NPC VP of Environmental Affairs, welcomed the decision saying, “Since its passage in 1972, the Clean Water Act has proven invaluable in protecting and restoring our nation’s vital water resources and ecosystems. NPC welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision that restores a clear and common-sense interpretation of the CWA, allowing growers to continue to feed America while demonstrating their commitment to being stewards of our shared water resources.”
 
While there are still questions about how federal agencies will enforce the new standard, it marks an important shift in regulatory policy that could impact environmental regulations for years to come. 
CommonGround North Dakota Features Red River Valley Potatoes

CommonGround YouTube hosts
Heather and Jenn talk with potato grower, Kierstin Hurtt, about why potatoes from the Red River Valley are so uniquely delicious, their surprising nutritional value, and just how life-changing good potatoes can be. Tap on the arrow to watch the video.
Potatoes USA Appoints 2023-2024 Domestic Marketing Committee Co-Chairs

Leah Halverson of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colorado, were elected to the Potatoes USA Executive Committee on March 15, 2023, at the organization’s Annual Meeting. This marks Halverson’s fifth year as a Board Member and her third year on the Executive Committee. Before her current role, she served for two years as Co-Chair of the Industry Outreach Committee. Alderete is in his fourth year on the Board and is entering his first year on the Executive Committee. Previously, he served as a member of the Domestic Marketing Committee.

Left to right: Leah Halverson of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Les Alderete of Monte Vista, Colorado
With over two decades of experience in the potato industry, Halverson currently serves as the Director of Marketing at Black Gold Farms, a family-owned, fourth-generation farm specializing in chipping potatoes.

Headquartered in North Dakota, Black Gold Farms operates nine additional farming locations across the United States. As Co-Chair of the Domestic Marketing Committee, she is “thrilled to be part of an initiative that highlights this mighty vegetable’s incredible potential, showcasing the potato’s versatility, nutritional value, and ability to fuel our bodies and minds while bringing innovation and inspiration to tables across the nation.” Besides her involvement with the Potatoes USA Board, Halverson is an active member of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), the Potato Growers Association covering the Northern Plains, and the chair of the Talent Committee for the International Fresh Produce Association.

Alderete holds the position of General Manager at Skyline Potato, a prominent shipping operation in southwest Colorado. In this role, he is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including pricing management, collaborating with growers, and ensuring the supply of raw products for clients. With an impressive 26 years of experience in the potato industry, Alderete is a first-generation potato farmer who is deeply committed to the field. When asked what he looks forward to as a Co-Chair, Alderete says he is “eager to contribute to Potatoes USA’s mission by expanding its messaging and strengthening its domestic presence, building on the achievements of previous Chairs.” Additionally, he is an active member of the Colorado potato organization in the San Luis Valley.

The Domestic Marketing Committee oversees the Potatoes USA consumer, nutrition, retail, ingredient, and foodservice marketing programs. The committee is focused on encouraging more people to eat more potatoes in more ways and positioning potatoes as a performance food. The marketing programs are designed to inspire potato innovation across all channels, cultivate strategic partnerships, and advocate for scientific research to demonstrate potatoes’ role in enhancing overall physical and mental performance.
Potato Associates Seeking Renewals and New Members

The Potato Associates have long been crucial supporters of the potato growers in our region. It is now membership renewal time for the many businesses that already support our potato growers, but new members are always welcome

Gary Shields, the Potato Associates President says, "The Potato Associates will do their best to ensure the growers recognize your support of their
industry and we will try to spend your dollars wisely."

With your dues, you will receive the Valley Potato Grower magazine for the year (U.S. Only), the weekly Potato Bytes electronic newsletter and receive invitations to all Northland Potato Growers Association events including the Potato Golf Open, Field Days and the NPGA Annual Meeting.

Please e-mail Gary if you have any questions, and we hope to see you at the Potato Industry functions!
NASS
Potato Planting Reaches the Home Stretch in North Dakota and Minnesota

USDA Potato Progress & Condition Report
Week Ending: 5-28-2023

NORTH DAKOTA - Potatoes planting is 74% complete, that compares to 60% last week and close to the 73% 5-yr average. Emerged was 17%, ahead of 4% last year, and near 15% average.

MINNESOTA - Potato planting is 83% complete, that compares to 56% last week and 75% last year, and near the 5-yr average of 84%.

USDA Crop Progress & Condition Report for ALL crops: ND - MN
Potato Bytes TV & Movie Trivia
Last Week's Photo

Last week's trivia photo was a scene from the 1985 blockbuster Back to the Futue starring Micheal J Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

It was answered correctly by Victoria Stamper, Vicky Boyd, Karen Radke, Dan Monson, John Lundeen, Tim Stanislawski, Butch Kraska, Carla Vigen, Darcy Blazek, Mark Thompson, Todd Forbush, Michelle Mielke, Keith Bjorneby, Chris Holmes, David Warsh, Donald Hollarn, Clark Piepkorn, Bonnie Sundby and Mike Sitzmann.
This Week's Photo

What television show is this scene from? Send your answer by clicking on the red tab below.


All those answering correctly will be recognized in the next Potato Bytes
NDSU Extension to Host Crop Management Field School June 29th at Carrington

Crop advisers are invited to attend North Dakota State University Extension’s annual crop management field school set for Thursday, June 29, at 9 a.m. at the Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC).

Participants will receive updates on crop pest and soil management recommendations using hands-on training in field demonstration plots and research trials.

“The information received can immediately be used during the balance of the crop season, as well as future years,” says Greg Endres, Extension cropping systems specialist at the CREC. “The program is designed for crop advisers but also will be beneficial for farmers.”

Field sessions include:

  • Weed identification – Identify about 60 living weed exhibits, plus receive brief reviews on selected weed biology and control.
  • Herbicide site-of-action – Identify herbicide classes by examining crop and weed injury symptoms.
  • Late-season wheat disease – Review identification of foliar and head diseases and management strategies.
  • Soil – Review soil sampling and analysis procedures to manage saline and sodic soils.

Preregistration is required, and 50 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will receive reference materials, refreshments and a noon meal. Certified crop advisers will receive 4.5 continuing education units in crop pest and soil management.

For more details and preregistration information, click here or contact the CREC at 701-652-2951. A completed preregistration form and $100 fee are required by June 26.
 
Garden Potato Spring Roll


The combination of the crunchy vegetables, creamy tofu and tart potatoes make this a unique and flavorful dish. The hoisin peanut sauce complements the filling of the spring rolls, adding a sweet and savory complexity to the dish. The textures of the ingredients blend together to make a delightful meal. Each ingredient is cooked to perfection and provides a delicious burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you're looking for a light snack or a full meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Dish: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian
Potato Type: Russet
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 20 min


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

June 15-16

June 27-29

July 20
  • NPGA Golf Open - Park River, ND

August 24
  • NPGA Field Day - Larimore, Forest River Colony and Hoople, ND

September 5 - 9