Promising is the word that Donald Maum, Sustainability Manager for Alsum Farms & Produce, would use to describe the outlook for Wisconsin’s potato season at this time. That’s not too say there aren’t challenges facing potato producers.
The potato fields are 100% irrigated which has helped during the dry spell Wisconsin is experiencing. Even with the irrigation, Maum shares that it takes time for the irrigation pivots to water an entire field. If the pivots are constantly running to ensure proper irrigation, they are more likely to need increased maintenance.
Insects and diseases are other concerns potato producers need to be aware of. “Because Wisconsin had a mild winter, that allowed more of the Colorado potato beetles to survive and, as expected, we do have higher beetle numbers than last year” said Maum. On the other hand, fungal diseases are at bay because of the low moisture from the heat.
Labor is the only other major challenge that concerns Maum. He said, “If we can’t get enough field truck drivers, the slow down makes us run the risk of getting caught by a freeze.” If there are potatoes in the ground after a hard freeze, those potatoes are a loss.
Despite those challenges, Maum still carries optimism for the season.
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