Wisconsin is a major player in the United States potato market. Wisconsin is ranked 3rd in the nation for shipping fresh potatoes and total potato production.
This year, Potatoes USA is holding their annual conference in Milwaukee. Mark Klompien is the President and CEO of the United Potato Growers of America and was in attendance at the conference. He says that Wisconsin is a very strong potato producing state with a diverse industry.
As to why Wisconsin is so strong, Klompien says that climate is key. “In potato production, it all starts with climate,” says Klompien. Very warm summer days with cool nights in addition to ideal soil conditions are key to ensuring strong yields. Wisconsin typically experiences that weather and the Central Sands Region has ideal soil conditions.
One of the challenges the potato industry faces is strong demand. According to Klompien, demand is so strong that potato producers can’t produce enough. “That was good for pricing and the grower returns, but, at the same time, I always tell everybody I want everybody that wants a potato in their mouth to have one in their mouth,” Klompien shared. The strong demand is in both domestic and international markets.
Acreage increases for potatoes across the country along with expectations of a strong crop yield give hope that the demand can be met with an adequate supply.
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