Alsum Farms expects strong-quality Wisconsin potato crop

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce anticipates a very good quality crop of Wisconsin potatoes, says Christine Lindner, marketing manager for the company.

The firm expects to start the harvest of reds and golds by Aug. 1 and russet potatoes on Aug. 18, she said. 

“The potato crop is growing well but we are about a week behind our typical russet harvest start due to the late start planting and cool temperatures this spring. We have had ideal summer growing conditions with timely rainfalls,” Lindner said, noting good stands and excellent plant growth.

Alsum Farms grows Wisconsin Healthy Grown Certified russet, red and golden potatoes, along with pumpkins, she said. This year, Alsum Farms planted nearly 3,000 acres of potatoes between the firm’s two farming locations in Arena and Grand Marsh, Wis. 

Total acreage is nearly the same as last year, and Lindner said the farm has cut back on its red potato acres and increased golden potato acres slightly. 

“Test digs at Alsum Farms of Wisconsin russet, red and golden potato varieties are indicating a promising year,” she said. While it was still too early to forecast yields and size profiles in late July, early golden varieties had sized up well. 

Demand has been active for potatoes and that will continue into the new crop harvest, Lindner said. 

“The potato market for the bakers, reds and golds this summer [has] been strong,” she said. “Wisconsin will be able to provide quality new crop by early August at competitive prices that will allow retailers to run promotions on new crop potatoes during the latter half of the summer months and into fall.”

Lindner said the demand for packaged produce has “skyrocketed” as consumers prefer bagged over bulk to alleviate others from directly touching their produce. 

“Consumers are consolidating trips to their local grocery store by picking up a bag or two of 5-pound or 10-pound potatoes as a go-to staple in their pantry,” she said, adding that the storability and versatility of fresh potatoes is also a big plus for sales.

Market outlook

Wisconsin’s logistical advantage to key metropolitan areas in the Midwest and East give potato buyers a quicker response to order needs and delivery resulting in fresher product for consumers, according to Lindner. 

The company is a founding member of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program that has guided the farm’s stewardship and sustainability practices for nearly three decades.

Lindner said the eco-friendly program utilizes Integrated Pest Management to efficiently manage inputs and implement conservation practices that enhance biological diversity.

“As a founding member of the Healthy Grown Program, Alsum Farms utilizes the Health Grown Program’s regenerative agriculture approach to farming that works to strengthen ecosystems and community resilience,” Lindner said. “The 50 acres that have been dedicated to prairie restoration and pollinator habitat to cultivate a sustainably grown food supply is an example of Alsum Farms’ commitment to regenerative agriculture.”