Wisconsin

Used Farm Equipment Swindle Alert: BBB Warns Virtual Vendor Vehicle Scams on the Rise

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:50:12 GMT

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning used equipment buyers nationwide about another sophisticated scam involving used farm equipment.

This particular grift, according to a press release from BBB, involved a fake online heavy equipment retailer impersonating a legitimate Missouri dealership, Cook Equipment & Trucking (Marble Hill, Mo.).

Buyers from across the U.S., some even from as far away as California and Arizona, reported losing a total of $223,000 after attempting to purchase heavy equipment and farm machinery through fraudulent websites and Facebook Marketplace ads.

Related: Essential Advice for Safely Buying Used Farm Machinery

Victims say they were “ghosted” after wiring money for equipment that never arrived. The BBB does not say whether the victims were able to dispute the fraudulent charges and claw back the proceeds from the scammers.

The reported fraudulent transactions include:

$45,000 for a skid steer loader from a buyer in Oak Hills, Calif.
$32,000 for an excavator from a buyer in Hancock, Mich.
$29,500 for a trailer from a buyer in Amanda, Ohio
$29,000 for a trailer from a buyer in Greenville, N.C.
$28,000 for a skid steer loader from a buyer in Eastman, Wis.
$31,000 for an excavator from a buyer in Des Moines, Iowa.
$29,000 for a skid steer from a buyer in Blue, Ariz.

BBB says the real Cook Equipment & Trucking, a small business operating since 2010, confirmed it has no website and is not affiliated with any online sales. The impersonators registered three fake websites, the most recent on July 14, and continue to run deceptive ads on social media.

“Those shopping for heavy equipment and farm machinery online should do their due diligence so they don’t fall victim to a virtual vehicle vendor scam,” says Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO, BBB St. Louis. “If an item is priced well below market value, that’s a red flag.”

To avoid getting swept up in an online virtual vehicle vendor scam the Better Business Bureau offers these tips:

Research the business at bbb.org or call 888-996-3887
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
Verify the website and contact the business directly
Read all terms and understand refund policies
Use a credit card for added protection
Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker, your state attorney general, the FTC, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center , and notify the social media platform where the fraud was discovered

To learn more about how to avoid online fraud in the used equipment auction world, check out BBB’s 2024 study on virtual vehicle vendor scams.

Your next read: U.S.-Canada Trade Spat Leaves Farmer’s New Holland Combine Stranded Up North

Wisconsin Growers Have Eyes on Steady Potato Harvest

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:35:23 GMT

Wisconsin, which ranks third among U.S. potato-growing states, produced 26 million cwt of potatoes in 2024, according to the Antigo-based Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association.

That was down from 28 million cwt in 2023, a year that saw above-average yields, says Dana Rady, the association’s director of promotion, communication and consumer education. The state’s approximately 100 potato growers produce about 63,000 acres of russet, red, white and yellow potatoes each year along with specialty varieties like blue/purple, fingerlings and little potatoes, Rady says.

Most growers say they expect 2025 yields to be similar to last year.

Bushmans’

Rosholt, Wis.-based Bushmans’ Inc. will begin its russet harvest the first week of August, which is a typical start time for that variety, says CEO Mike Carter. Red and yellow harvests were already underway.

The company also offers a number of convenience items, like Speedy Spuds triple-washed microwaveable potatoes and tray packs of foil-wrapped and unwrapped potatoes, he says.

Bushmans’ ships potatoes year-round, starting with shipments from the field then transitioning to storage sales. Harvesting usually wraps up by Oct. 10 or shortly thereafter. Growing conditions have been “really good” so far, Carter said in late July, with timely rain and just enough heat.

Average size and good quality were expected this year, barring unforeseen glitches prior to harvest.

Alsum Farms

Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland, Wis., is kicking off the season with upgrades.

“We’ve installed two final grading ‘Spider robots,’” says Christine Lindner, marketing manager. “We’ve also updated our plant’s primary sizer/sorter with machine-learning vision cameras and software from the same company.”

Alsum Farms & Produce also plans to install solar panels on the roof of its office, warehouse and production facility in Friesland.

Although it was too early to predict yields and size profiles, test digs at Alsum Farms of Wisconsin russet, red, yellow and specialty creamer potato varieties were indicating a promising year, Lindner says.

Harvest of red and yellow potatoes was set to get underway Aug. 4, and the start of russet potatoes should kick off the week of Aug. 18. Alsum Farms, founding member of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program, grows 2,700 acres of Wisconsin Healthy Grown Certified potatoes, Lindner says.

Alsum Farms & Produce offers a year-round supply of Wisconsin russets while yellows and reds finish up by January. In the specialty category, the company offers 3-pound and 5-pound specialty creamer red and yellow potato blends.

Schroeder Bros.

Although Antigo-based Schroeder Bros. Farms Inc. focuses on seed potatoes, the company also offers some red and russet potatoes for fresh market sales, says Eric Schroeder, son of Pete Schroeder, one of the owners.

Digging will start the first week of September this year as usual, he says, and will continue until about the third week of October.

“We try to be done shipping our table stock by January,” he says.

Then the company, which traces its roots to 1879, transitions to seed potatoes.

Planting season was really good, Schroeder says.

“It was cool at first and dry all the way through May,” he adds.

Timely rains showed up in June so little irrigation was needed. Drier weather in July had growers cranking up their water supplies.

Schroeder said in July that he expected good quality this year, but he added, “We’ve got another six weeks to go, so who knows?”

The company sells mostly to brokers who, in turn, ship to retail customers.

Organic Potatoes

Organic potatoes are featured in the product lines of many Wisconsin growers, even if they’re procured from other suppliers.

Bushmans’ does not grow organic tubers but makes them available to customers to complement their conventional programs, Carter says. He noted that locally grown potatoes seem to gaining as much favor among consumers as organically grown potatoes.

Alsum Farms & Produce doesn’t grow organic potatoes either, but Lindner says the company does market a grower partner’s Wisconsin organic potato crop. Wisconsin organic russet, red and yellow varieties will be available for shipping starting week of Aug. 11.

The company started its relatively small organic potato program in 2000, and volume and sales dollars have doubled in the past five years, she says.

“Gen Z and millennials are an audience that prefers russet, red and yellow potatoes in 3- and 5-pound pack offerings and continues to embrace the organics potato category,” Lindner says.

A Look at Popular Packaging Picks for Wisconsin Potatoes

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:38:32 GMT

The variety of packaging selections from Wisconsin potato growers seems rather plentiful.

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce offers pack options ranging from 12 ounces to 50-pound packs in poly, mesh, paper or cartons, according to Christine Lindner, marketing manager for Alsum.

More than 95% of Alsum Farms potatoes are sold in consumer packs.

Top sellers are the 5-pound russet baker, yellow and red potato packs, she says. There also are 10-pound russet and yellow packs and a 5-pound specialty creamer red and yellow potato blend.

“Alsum Farms & Produce offers attractive farmer-focused packaging to connect the consumer with the grower,” Lindner says. “In addition, Alsum’s packaging is visually appealing with appetizing potato recipes to provide consumers inspiration in the produce aisle.”

Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, Wis., also can pack in numerous configurations, says CEO Mike Carter.

“The retail industry, by-and-large, expects all of their vendors to pack in their label,” he says. And retailers usually want 5- and 10-pound bags.

Most of Bushmans’ potatoes have always been sold in consumer packs, Carter says. But the size of those packages has been shrinking.

“There has been a constant shift to smaller pack sizes over the past couple of decades,” he says.

“It used to be that 10-pounders were king,” Carter says, but today 5-pounders are stealing the spotlight, and retailers are applying more pressure on their suppliers to offer 3-pounders.

WPVGA Shares Promotion Plans for Upcoming Wisconsin Potato Season

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:11:31 GMT

The Antigo-based Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association is conducting conversations with independent retailers to feature Wisconsin Healthy Grown potatoes in the fall, says Dana Rady, director of promotion, communication and consumer education.

“Wisconsin Healthy Grown potatoes are sustainably produced and undergo an annual third-party audit to ensure they are produced according to the program specifications,” she says.

More consumers, especially younger generations, want to know where their food comes from and how it’s produced, Rady adds.

“We believe that the Wisconsin Healthy Grown program addresses what consumers are looking for while also keeping the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the grower organization and industry in mind,” she says.

The association also will work with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture’s Alice in Dairyland representative once again and will sponsor the Spud Bowl and Stevens Point Youth Area Football as well as marathons and half marathons in Madison and Milwaukee.

The association’s Spudmobile will be at the Wisconsin State Fair and five Green Bay Packer football games, among other events, Rady says.

“We’re also working to expand exports of Wisconsin potatoes to Mexico and Canada by attending trade shows in each country while also organizing a trade mission and reverse trade mission to build on the relationships and conversations established,” she says.

Grower says Wisconsin potato prospects look good

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 20:40:25 GMT

Test digs at Alsum Farms for Wisconsin russet, red and yellow potato varieties are indicating a promising year, says Christine Lindner, marketing manager of Alsum Farms & Produce, Friesland, Wis.

“It’s still a little early to tell on yields and size profile, but our early red and yellow varieties are sizing up well,” Lindner said. “Wisconsin potato harvest is underway as of July 30 with the start of red and yellow potatoes and russet potatoes are on track to begin harvest on Aug. 19.”

Alsum Farms, marketing primarily to retailers, grows 3,000 acres of Wisconsin Healthy Grown Certified russet, red and yellow potatoes in its two farming locations in Arena and Grand Marsh, Wis.

“Our total acres for 2024 are nearly the same as last year,” Lindner said. “We have cut back on our red potato acres and increased our yellow potato acres.”

She said Alsum Farms has seen huge growth in yellow potato and petite categories in the past three years. As a result, the marketer has added more yellow potatoes and petite red and petite yellow acres that were previously red potatoes, she said.

Importance of Wisconsin

Wisconsin potato fields account for about 50% of the firm’s annual potato volume, Lindner said.

“Alsum Farms is a Wisconsin fresh market potato grower and founding member of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program that has guided our farm stewardship and sustainability practices for nearly three decades,” she said.

Wisconsin will be able to provide quality new crop by early late July 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, she said.

Alsum Farms & Produce offers a year-round supply of Wisconsin russets while yellows and reds finish up by January due to these varieties’ storability. Wisconsin organic russet, red and yellow varieties will be available for shipping starting Aug. 5, Lindner said.

“The wetter than normal weather conditions this past summer has presented a challenge from flooding and excessive rains, all of which influence the growing season and drive the marketing year ahead,” Lindner said. “The past month we’ve experienced more rains that led to flooding and loss of acres due to the excessive rains. Despite the rainfall, our stands are looking good as well as the plant growth. We anticipate a good quality crop. “

On the marketing front, Alsum Farms continues to implement digital consumer marketing and sales promotions with our retail partners to help boost potato sales on digital platforms.

Sustainability progress

Alsum Farms continues to educate farmers about the sustainability practices from soil health and conservation, Lindner said. Recently, in conjunction with the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Alsum Farms hosted more than 80 farmers, and educational and industry leaders at its Arena farm for a Farmer-Led Field Day on managing pollinator habitats, she said.

Alsum Farms grows, nurtures and harvests farm fresh potatoes using the Wisconsin Healthy Grown program.

“This eco-friendly program has guided our farm sustainability practices for the nearly 30 years,” Lindner said.

Alsum Farms utilizes the Healthy Grown program’s regenerative agriculture approach to farming that works to strengthen ecosystems and community resilience, she 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, Lindner said.

“In 1992 we began farming and by 1996 helped establish the Wisconsin Healthy Grown program,” said Larry Alsum, a founding member of the program. “Since that time, the Healthy Grown program has continued to guide our farm sustainability practices utilizing Integrated Pest Management to efficiently manage inputs, implement conservation practices that enhance biological diversity, and ecosystem efforts by certifying under the Healthy Grown standards.

“With Alsum Farms in full swing harvesting new crop Wisconsin Healthy Grown Certified Alsum russet, red and yellow potatoes, now is an excellent time to offer farm fresh and sustainably grown potatoes to boost retail sales,” Alsum added. “The Healthy Grown program offers a point of differentiation in the marketplace while being a program that guides our on-farm sustainability to nurture the soil for future generations.”

Despite weather challenges, Wisconsin to harvest strong potato crop

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:53:02 GMT

The Wisconsin potato crop looks good overall, though heavy rains in May reduced yields in some low-lying areas, industry leaders say.

Wisconsin’s acreage is about the same as last year at roughly 66,000 acres, said Dana Rady, director of promotion, communication and consumer education for the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

She said last year’s growing season featured hot and dry weather, while this year’s growing season featured significant rain.

The month of May saw over 14 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin, Rady said, resulting in some drown-out conditions in low-lying areas of fields.

“Statewide, crop damage is in the range of 5% to 10%,” Rady said. “But despite the wet conditions, the potato crop looks very good overall.”

In 2023, the USDA reported that Wisconsin truck shipments of potatoes totaled 700.7 million pounds of potatoes. The state shipped fresh potatoes every month of the year, with the lowest volume in July and the peak volume reported in November.

Wisconsin accounted for 9% of total U.S. truck shipments of potatoes in 2023, the USDA shows, trailing only Idaho (39%) and Colorado (20%).

The USDA reports the average annual shipping point price for Wisconsin potatoes (all pack sizes) was $18.81 per carton in 2023, up slightly from $18.48 per carton in 2022.

Promoting Wisconsin spuds

The association provides POP materials to growers-shippers for use with their customers, Rady said.

“These materials have featured growers, field-to-fork stories, and the importance of buying local,” she said. “Posters and brochures, as two examples, can go a long way in communicating with consumers that Wisconsin is a significant national player when it comes to potato production and that supporting your local economy provides a fresher product at a lower carbon footprint.”

In addition, the association encourages restaurants to directly list the local ingredients they use on their menus as more and more consumers are showing an interest in where their food comes from, and the sustainable practices used to feed their families.

The WPVGA has taken advantage of two separate state-sponsored agricultural export expansion grants to increase Wisconsin potato exports to Canada and Mexico, said Tamas Houlihan, executive director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

“We hosted a Reverse Trade Mission for Canadians in April and will host another RTM for Mexican importers in September,” Houlihan said. “These grants have allowed several growers-shippers to expand their markets to include our foreign neighbors to the north and south.”

Legislatively, Houlihan said WPVGA is continuously communicating and working with the National Potato Council, state lobbyists, lawyers and the many committees under its umbrella to ensure that governmental rules and regulations are beneficial for the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry.

That work includes, but is not limited to, advocating for farmer-led water quality initiatives and using the best technology and the highest sustainability standards to conserve Mother Nature’s resources for current and future generations. Wisconsin growers are invested and actively participating in regular meetings and work groups such as the Wisconsin Producer-Led Watershed Protection Program and The Little Plover River Watershed Enhancement Project. The WPVGA also funds specific research projects with the goal of improving sustainable farming practices and promoting innovative stewardship practices.

Sustainability messaging

The sustainability of Wisconsin potato producers is part of the messaging from the association, Rady said.

“WPVGA promotes the sustainability efforts of Wisconsin growers as well as the state’s Healthy Grown program on social media, in promotional campaign videos, during regularly scheduled TV spots at news stations in the state and in blog posts,” Rady said. “Wisconsin has been known as the “green state” for decades and has a reputation for outstanding environmental stewardship.”

For whatever challenges that the growing season presents, Rady said Wisconsin growers are ready.

“Through it all, however, many of Wisconsin’s farm organizations are multi-generational family farms,” Rady said. “This alone is a true testament to the commitment Wisconsin farmers have when it comes to feeding families and providing each with the highest quality potatoes and vegetables. That is at the heart of every Wisconsin farmer and the biggest thing they look forward to each year.”

First Wisconsin potatoes harvested, ready for promotions

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 13:16:36 GMT

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce says its first harvest of yellow potatoes look good this year. As the operation’s harvest of its red and yellow potatoes are underway, the first of its crop will be washed, graded and packed for fresh-market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers, according to a news release.

“The first harvest of yellow potatoes at Alsum Farm looks promising,” said Larry Alsum, president and CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce.

Alsum Farms said its russet potato harvest will begin on Aug. 20 with the harvest of early-season Russet Caribou and Goldrush varieties. It will deliver its first russets to retail grocers in the Midwest, and it will also begin shipping organic russet and red and yellow potatoes starting Aug. 5, according to the release.

The operation says it’s more than 30-year history of sustainability includes regenerative agriculture practices from the Healthy Grown Program. The farm also dedicated 50 acres to prairie restoration and pollinator habitat.

“In 1992 we began farming and by 1996 helped establish the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program,” said Alsum, a founding member of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown Program. “Since that time, the Healthy Grown program has continued to guide our farm sustainability practices utilizing Integrated Pest Management to efficiently manage inputs, implement conservation practices that enhance ecosystem efforts.”

Alsum Farms says it’s the perfect time for retailers to offer fresh and sustainably-grown potatoes and it offers a variety of pack options including 12-ounce to 50-pound packs in poly, mesh, paper or cartons. Its organic produce is packed under the Alsum Organics and Rainbow Organics labels.

Pest-killing nematodes offer an insecticide alternative for cranberry growers

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 16:29:32 GMT

If the thought of cranberries evokes images of holiday tables and warming winter sauces and drinks, it’s for a good reason. The bright red berry is a fall and winter seasonal favorite, with about 20% of U.S. cranberries consumed at Thanksgiving alone, according to the USDA.

Growing these ruby red berries in cranberry bogs, however, is a uniquely challenging endeavor. Cranberries are grown in a unique freshwater wetland, with the fruit maturing on cranberry vines, or runners, on a mat-like top layer of the bog’s surface.

The wet, marshy conditions of a cranberry bog present a breeding ground ripe for pests.

To combat the beetles and fruit worms that attack cranberry crops, according to the USDA Agricultural Research Service, many cranberry growers rely on chemical insecticides, with atypical insecticide treatment costing up to $100 per acre.

ARS researchers Shawn Steffan and David I. Shapiro-Ilan are working to introduce some nonchemical alternatives to control cranberry bog pests.

“Many cranberry growers are very interested in having new tools to control pests, especially tools that can reduce their use of pesticides,” Steffan, at ARS’ Vegetable Crops Research Unit in Madison, Wis., said in a news release.

One possible pesticide alternative? Two nematodes native to Wisconsin that show signs that they can effectively control cranberry pests.

A mighty, pest-killing worm

Over the past three years, Steffan discovered that a previously identified nematode found in Wisconsin soils offers tremendous potential as a biocontrol agent. It kills several major cranberry pests, including the dreaded red-headed flea beetle and the sparganothis fruit worm (also known as Sparg) in less than 72 hours, according to the release.

Steffan has found that when several species of nematodes are applied to the soil and watered, they appear to be just as effective at controlling cranberry pests as two insecticide applications.

This is welcome news in Wisconsin, where growing cranberries — the official state fruit — are a $1 billion industry. The state produces more than 60% of the U.S. cranberry supply, according to the release.

Deploying nematodes in U.S. cranberry bogs

Additional studies are planned, but preliminary results show that the two nematodes should be effective in cranberry production throughout the U.S. and could be useful in controlling pests among blueberries and other crops, Steffan said in the release.

They wouldn’t be the first nematodes used as biocontrols. Dozens of nematode species attack insect pests, and 12 types of them are now used in commercial products to control thrips, citrus weevils, black vine weevils, borers and other pests, according to Shapiro-Ilan, an ARS entomologist with the Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Laboratory in Byron, Ga.

“Most of these nematodes can kill a wide range of insect pests, but they won’t hurt plants, people, or the environment,” Shapiro-Ilan said in the release.

What’s more, nematodes don’t pose threat to ladybugs, honeybees or other beneficial insects.

Steffan and Shapiro-Ilan are developing an inexpensive, portable production system that cranberry growers could use to mass produce nematodes so they can apply them with the same equipment they now use to spray insecticides, according to the release.

Alsum Farms & Produce 50th anniversary celebration raises thousands for Wisconsin FFA chapters

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:06:27 GMT

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce celebrated 50 years in business Aug. 11-12.

As part of Alsum’s 50th anniversary celebration, the sixth annual Tater Trot 5k run/walk hosted a record 140 participants and raised a record $14,000 to benefit seven Wisconsin FFA chapters, according to a news release.

The two-day 50th anniversary celebration welcomed more than 600 community enthusiasts, grower partners, customers and industry friends, the release said.

“Alsum Farms & Produce was elated to host the 6th Annual Tater Trot 5k to help support local FFA Chapters and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the nutritional and economic benefits of Wisconsin Potatoes,” Alsum’s Nikki Jedlowski, Tater Trot 5k event coordinator, said in the release. “Potatoes fuel performance and the Tater Trot 5k promotes the healthy, flavorful and fresh attributes of the spud targeting everyday athletes to perform at their best and fuel their active lifestyle.”

The Alsum Farms & Produce celebration on Saturday, Aug. 12, kicked off with the Tater Trot 5k family run and 2-mile walk. Guests shopped the farm fresh produce market, strolled through vendor and educational booths by local FFA chapters, and enjoyed a brat and a Pepsi from the 95.3 WBEV Beaver Dam radio station at the Friesland-based location, according to the release.

After the run and walk concluded, the Alsum family led a short program of reflection to recognize founder Glenn Alsum’s family as well as grower and industry partners who have been integral in Alsum’s success over the past five decades.

After the recognition program concluded, farmer Larry Alsum led a coach bus tour of the Alsum potato and pumpkin farms in Grand Marsh, Wis., the release said.

This community event celebrated the company’s half-century of providing quality potatoes, onions and farm-fresh produce, and it showcased the spud’s healthy halo, according to the release. The year-long 50th-anniversary theme “Growing Goodness” speaks to how Alsum Farms & Produce has enriched the lives of associates, customers and consumers over the past five decades, company officials said.

Alsum Farms and Produce starts shipping new crop potatoes

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:35 GMT

Alsum Farms & Produce , Friesland, Wis., has started harvesting red and gold potatoes at the company’s Arena, Wis., fields.

The company ships the new crop reds and golds the first full week of harvest, according to a news release.

Larry Alsum, president and CEO, said the weather has been ideal for the harvest for the red and gold potatoes; russet harvest begins on Aug. 12 with Pacific Russets. Wisconsin fingerling potato harvest begins Aug. 10, according to the release.

Alsum Farms offer a variety of pack options, from 12 ounces to 50-pound packs, available in poly, mesh, paper packages or cartons, according to the release. The company grow organic russets, reds and golds, also available in different packs.

The company markets potatoes and onions under the Alsum Farms & Produce brand. Organic potatoes are marketed under the Alsum Organics and Rainbow Organics labels. The company also has the Family Favorite brand, according to the release.

Related stories:

Wisconsin’s organic potatoes got early boost from pandemic

Wisconsin spud suppliers eye retail amidst COVID pandemic

Alsum Farms’ growers try new onion varieties

Wisconsin cranberry crop rated strong

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:06:23 GMT

The Wisconsin cranberry crop is looking good.

Bob Wilson, founding partner of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.-based The Cranberry Network said in early September that the harvest would begin in the latter part of the month.

“We’re cautiously optimistic at this point that the crop is looking very solid, particularly in comparison with the last couple of seasons we have had,” Wilson said.

The Cranberry Network markets fruit from fourth-generation fresh cranberry grower Habelman Bros. Co., Tomah, Wis., and features the Habelman label and various private labels. Fruit is also packed under the Naturipe label.

Wilson said the marketer will begin shipping the week of Sept. 21, with harvest continuing in Wisconsin through October.

Fruit will be stored in 300-pound bulk bins and packed to order through Dec. 15 or Dec. 20, Wilson said.
Wisconsin cranberries are raised in south, center and northern growing regions, following the path of the long-ago glacial retreat through the center of the state. The southern growing region is near Tomah, with the center region near Wisconsin Rapids and the northern region near Wausau, Wis.

“There is a tremendous amount of sand base, a tremendous amount of available water and acidic soil; all of those components add up to be prime cranberry ground,” Wilson said.

Despite a slow start, the growing season featured more heat units and degree growing days. “We had a very on-time and good quality bloom period, good fruit set after bloom, and the temperatures in Wisconsin have been conducive to good sizing of the fruit that is set,” he said.

“We are looking forward to excellent quality and excellent quantity of fruit for the fresh season this year,” Wilson said.

Promotion opportunities

While only 3% of the total U.S. cranberry crop is shipped fresh, the bigger expected harvest this year will provide strong fresh market volume, Wilson said.

While last year’s fresh supply was limited because of a reduced crop, he said this year’s expected larger fruit will provide ample fresh cranberry supplies.

Provided late-season weather conditions don’t hurt the crop, Wilson predicted good volumes for promotion before Thanksgiving and even December Christmas promotions.

“I expect the quality to be excellent,” he said, noting expectations of thick-walled, long shelf-life fresh cranberries.

Wisconsin is a big factor in world cranberry output, accounting for about 55% of global supply, Wilson said.

COVID-19 Effect

Wilson said the COVID-19 pandemic has changed typical marketing and customer relations, ending tours of growing and packing facilities.

The outlook for cranberry demand could be helped by its reputation as a superfruit, Wilson said.

“During the second quarter of this year, the demand for cranberry (products) at the consumer level took a big jump because cranberries are considered to have a health halo,” he said.

“There is a tremendous health benefit to regular consumption (of) cranberries; we don’t see anything adverse on the horizon with respect to consumer demand for fresh cranberries,” he said.

Packaging evolutions

The most popular packaging option is the 12-ounce poly bag, Wilson said, which remains the low-cost efficient way to put cranberries on the market.

“Over the years, there were some really trying to push clamshell, but there is a bit bigger carbon footprint with that, so it’s more expensive,” Wilson said.

Organic fruit is offered in 8-ounce and 12-ounce bags.

With its colloboration with Naturipe, The Cranberry Network offers a 32-ounce (2-pound) grab-and-go preformed bag with a zipper seal.

“It has got a nice handle on it, so that’s been out for a couple of years and we see growth in demand for that type of packaging,” he said.

The volume of organic cranberries is still relatively small, but is gradually increasing with persistent demand from processors and the fresh market, he said.

The firm packs organic cranberries under its Habelman label, the Naturipe label and private labels mostly with poly bags, but also some clamshells and a grab-and-go bag.

The Packer’s Cranberries

Wisconsin spud suppliers eye retail amidst COVID pandemic

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:37 GMT

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has not slowed Wisconsin’s potato industry, said Dana Rady, director of promotion, communication and consumer education with the Antigo-based Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

“Wisconsin growers have been very fortunate as they have been able to continue producing food for families even with the challenges of the pandemic,” Rady said.

“COVID itself has not significantly impacted the number of acres planted in the state.”

What the pandemic has done to the potato market is another story, however, Rady acknowledged.

“When the foodservice sector was shut down due to COVID-19 concerns, the processors and their contracted growers had a surplus of 2019 crop potatoes in storage,” Rady said.

In Wisconsin, most of those potatoes entered fresh market channels, Rady said.

“In addition, they cut volume on upcoming contracts by as much as 25%,” Rady said.

When restaurants began to reopen, processors found themselves needing the additional volume, Rady said.

“In some cases, they were able to get this by reinstating original volumes on grower contracts,” she said.

“As all of this was occurring, some growers cut back on their planted acres, while others continued with their normal planted acres, hoping that process or fresh markets would be available in the fall.”

With restaurants shut down from March to May, business shifted dramatically to the retail channels, Rady said.

“Foodservice sales have come back strong in the last two months, and retail sales remain strong,” Rady said.

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms continued its acreage expansion, regardless of the pandemic, said Christine Lindner, marketing manager.

“This year, Alsum Farms planted more than 2,700 acres of potatoes between our two farming locations in Arena and Grand Marsh, Wis., Lindner said.

That was 175 more than a year ago, she said.

“At the onset of the public health crisis Wisconsin potatoes had experienced an incredible surge in demand at retail by consumers seeking nutritional foods,” Lindner said.

Most Alsum spuds go to retail customers, Lindner said.

“In this time, we have seen consumers adapting by consolidating to one trip per week to their local grocery store to pick up a bag or two of 5- and 10-pound potatoes to have this nutritional staple readily available in their pantry,” Lindner said.

The company was fortunate to have a versatile product with the capability of a long shelf life, Lindner said.

“The storability and versatility of fresh potatoes lends itself as a go-to staple for home cooks to bring together delicious and nutritious meals for their family,” she said.

“With COVID-19 and the large majority of potatoes moving through the retail channel at grocery stores, most consumers prefer 5- and 10-pound bags versus hand-picking bulk potatoes. Also, consumers prefer that others are not touching their food within the produce aisle.”

Rosholt, Wis.-based grower-shipper Bushmans’ Inc. also got a positive jolt from the tilt toward retail traffic during the pandemic, said Mike Carter, business development director.

“We have seen tremendous velocity on the retail side and seen the foodservice slow down almost to nothing in March and April,” he said. “It’s been slowly creeping back, but that’s been the effect.”

Those trends seemed likely to continue, Carter predicted.

“Retail will remain strong,” he said. “I’d also anticipate that the foodservice will lag behind and continue to be a little more difficult. But it’s hard to say; it depends on what happens with COVID. If there’s another shutdown, it would exacerbate the situation.”

The pandemic has affected labor, said Dick Okray, president of Plover, Wis.-based Okray Family Farms Inc .

“Certainly, it has diminished our capacity to find good, experienced workers, but that’s pretty much the only downside of that,” he said. “We are classified as essential work, so we’re working every day.”

There are opportunities to successfully endure the crisis, Okray said.

“We have to keep our heads,” he said. “We’re experiencing pretty good markets. There’s gonna be ample opportunity to set some great promotions all the way through.”

Retail promotions will help, Okray said.

“We’re pretty much only in the retail channel, and it’s locally grown produce, the good stuff, where we want to be,” he said.

“I think everybody agrees this is where we’re supposed to be.”

Foodservice customers also can endure, Okray said.

“A lot of QSRs (quick-service restaurants) are doing very close to the same business they were doing before they shut the walk-in part of their business,” he said.

“When people walked in, they were ordering dinner for themselves; now, at the drive-thru, they’re ordering dinner for the whole family. So, that line probably represents the same volume of fries as before.”

Business has been brisk at Endeavor, Wis.-based Gumz Farms , said Tom Bulgrin, potato salesman.

“So far, we have been busier than this time last year, and we expect this to continue into fall,” he said.

“Our employees have been nervous, but with extra precautions and social distancing, we have been able to keep a steady, safe and healthy workforce with no interruptions.”

Related Content:

Eagle Eye Produce starts shipping new-crop Idaho potatoes

Which Asian specialty is new to PMG’s top 20?

EarthFresh offers potatoes in compostable paper bags

High expectations for Wisconsin potato grower-shippers

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:37 GMT

Wisconsin potato grower-shippers seemed to be headed into a healthy market as they prepared to dig their first new-crop spuds.

As of July 17, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 50-pound cartons of norkotah potatoes from Central Wisconsin were $18.50-22.50 for size 40s; $18-22.50, 50, 60s and 70s; $18.50-21, 80s; $13-17, 90s; and $13-15, 100s. A year earlier, the same product was $16-17 for sizes 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s; $14-15, 80s; $11-13, 90s; and $10-13, 100s.

The weather has cooperated during the current growing season, said Dana Rady, director of promotion, communication and consumer education with the Antigo-based Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association .

Growing conditions have been good this year, Rady said July 16.

“Some areas have received adequate — and borderline excessive — rainfall, but the crop is looking very nice and has good quality,” Rady said.

“The degree to which the rain fell, as well as the amounts, is quite varied across the state as other areas are more dry than normal. Some yellows started hooking earlier than last year, paving the way for a potential earlier start. Reds are on their way to begin the end of July, followed by russets, as we get into August.”

Wet, cold weather caused some delay in planting at Antigo-based Farmers Potato Exchange Inc ., but conditions improved, said Dave Cofer, president.

“Harvest is looking like it will be a week to 10 days later than normal,” he said July 17.

“We should start digging chip potatoes around July 26. The quality of the crop looks good, but yields appear to be down. We expect to start on table stock around Aug. 10-15.”

The upcoming crop appears to be “one of the best” in years, said Christine Lindner, marketing manager with Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce

“Test digs at the farm of russet, red and gold potato varieties are indicating a promising year with 90% of the fields look average or above,” she said.

“It’s still a little early to tell on yields and size profile but our early varieties are sizing up well.”

Alsum was on track to start harvest of reds and golds the week of July 27 and russet potatoes, Aug. 12, Lindner said.

The potato market for the bakers, reds and golds has been trending upward during the summer months, 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,” she said.

Mike Carter, business development director with Rosholt, Wis.-based Bushmans ’ Inc., said growing conditions had been nearly “perfect” this year.

“There’s a lot of optimism about size,” Carter said. “Our sample digs are showing we’re well ahead of where you’d expect for this time of year. But the fact is, we’ve got a long way to go.”

Bushmans’ was looking to start running russets Aug. 7-10, which would be on time, Carter said.

“I think it’s possible we’ll be a little bit early,” he said. “The calculus is trying to find that sweet spot. You want the potatoes as soon as you can, but the right size.”

The market should be “decent” this year, Carter said.

“It truly is a true supply-and-demand marketplace as it pertains to potatoes,” he said.

“If we have a really good crop, that’s a good thing; that’s another one where you’re trying to find that sweet spot. You don’t want too many potatoes. We’re looking at an average to slightly-above-average crop.”

Dick Okray, president of Plover, Wis.-based Okray Family Farms Inc. , also voiced optimism.

“So far, our quality looks just perfect,” he said.

“We’re hoping for a prolonged period of dry weather and warm days. Put in a prayer.”

Much of Wisconsin’s potato production is located in the state’s 1.75 million-acre Central Sands region, which rests on deposits of sand and gravel, Okray said.

“It’s good for potatoes, excellent for all vegetable crops,” Okray said. “There’s good drainage and an aquifer.”

Okray said he anticipated an early start to this year’s potato deal.

“I think the crop’s going to be a bit earlier than last year — late July or early August for reds and yellows and russets in great abundance by mid-August,” he said. “We’ve had some excess of rains, except we’re in the Central Sands, which can take rain.”

Bancroft, Wis.-based grower-shipper RPE Inc. also expects a good potato crop, said Greg Zdroik, director of grower relations and sourcing.

“The crop went in the ground early, slowed a bit during May, due to some colder temperatures, but has come on beautifully since then,” he said.

“At this point in time, we are anticipating to begin the harvest of our red potatoes the week of July 27. Yellow and russet potato harvest is expected to begin the week of Aug. 10.”

The crop of reds and yellows was looking “great” in mid-July, said Tom Bulgrin, potato salesman with Endeavor, Wis.-based Gumz Farms .

“Recent rains have been timely; we were a little dry, but got needed rains last week,” he said July 16.

Gumz Farms was looking to start harvest Aug. 17, which would be on time, Bulgrin said.

“Quality is above average, and size is good,” he said.

“As far as the market goes, consumers will continue to shop retail; we are hoping that with increased supply of reds this year, there will be more movement at the store level. We are quoting higher prices going into fall.”

Related Content:

Wisconsin spud suppliers eye retail amidst COVID pandemic

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of July 6

Potatoes

Wisconsin’s organic potatoes got early boost from pandemic

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:37 GMT

Organic potato sales out of Wisconsin got an early booster shot from the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, although sales later leveled off, suppliers said.

“When COVID started and the shutdown started, sales quadrupled and growers could barely keep up. So some finished up about two weeks earlier than normal,” said Dana Rady, director of promotion, communication and consumer education with the Antigo-based Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

Prices, however, didn’t change significantly, said Rachel Leach, brand and category manager with Bancroft, Wis.-based RPE Inc .

“Overall, organic potatoes showed significant growth along with all potatoes in the beginning of the pandemic,” Atkinson-Leach said.

Things slowed down in time, though, she said.

“However, in more recent weeks, organic is under pacing total potato dollar growth and is hovering in the single digit range for total U.S. trends,” Atkinson-Leach said.

Rosholt, Wis.-based grower-shipper Bushmans’ Inc . also saw “good velocity on the organic side” in retail stores at the outset of the pandemic, said Mike Carter, business development director.

“I think people were just buying everything that they could, and we saw movement there,” he said. “On the foodservice side, same thing; there just wasn’t a lot of movement there. It’s still a big part of the portfolio.”

There are ample volumes of organic potatoes for this season, said Rob Greenwood, RPE’s program development manager.

“RPE has a wide assortment of Wisconsin specialty items that will fill the needs of retailers who offer wide selection of SKUs (stock-keeping units) to their customers,” he said.

“Organic potatoes will be available the second week of August and are offered in russet, red and gold varieties. Various pack sizes in all three are offered. More and more, consumers are turning to organics for their families and potatoes are no exception to this trend.”

COVID-19 has altered some of RPE’s plans for organics and specialty varieties, Greenwood said.

“Fingerling potatoes in all three colors and medleys will also be available the second week of August through RPE,” he said.

“With a reduction in foodservice demand, RPE will be focused on offering fingerling promotions for retail.”

Organics continue to be a growing category at retail amid the pandemic, said Christine Lindner, marketing manager with Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce . She said new-crop organic Wisconsin russet, red and gold potato harvest will begin on Aug. 3.

“We started our organics program in 2000, and volume and sales dollars have experienced steady growth,” Lindner said. “Millennials are an audience that continues to redefine trends and embrace the organics potato category.”

Consumers need not consider organic potatoes to be a “safer” alternative to their conventional cousins during the pandemic, Carter said.

“I’d say 99.9% of potatoes that are sold at retail, we dig mechanically; they’re graded through an automated line,” he said.

“Well over 99.9% of potatoes that are put in a bag are never touched by human hands.”

Plover, Wis.-based Okray Family Farms Inc . grows no organics, but the grower-shipper does have a Healthy Grown program that focuses on fewer inputs, said Dick Okray, president.

“It’s a lowered input, ecologically restoring project that kind of mirrors a lot of things people ... are trying to do (organically),” he said.

“Slowly but surely, organic is making its way into the grocery stores, but I feel it’s a great marketing ploy and it’s been wonderful that growers are looking at alternatives, but it has a way of vilifying conventional ag.”

To some degree organics are pitted unnecessarily against conventional products, Okray said.

“Growers have a great basket of tools to use in combating diseases and pests without harming anything else in the environment,” he said.

“We’re mirroring tracks with organic agriculture, but there’s resistance to try to unify agriculture as being one unified best agricultural practice. I don’t understand why there are forces that want to stratify our effort to provide good, healthy food using the best possible tools.”

Related Content:

Idaho potato group cancels Sun Valley convention

High expectations for Wisconsin potato grower-shippers

Proposed rule promises better organic enforcement

Advantage Waypoint handles foodservice sales for Maglio Cos.

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:50:31 GMT

National foodservice and marketing agency Advantage Waypoint represents The Fresh Group Ltd. Maglio Cos .

Founded in 1902, Maglio has facilities in Glendale, Wis., Boston and McAllen, Texas.

Maglio’s key foodservice products include case-lot commodities, less-than case-lot “splits,” fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, and cold-pressed juice, according to a news release.

“I am extremely excited with the relationship we have built so quickly with the Advantage Waypoint leadership team and I have tremendous confidence that together we will be better positioned with Advantage Waypoint as our sales and marketing partner to drive our national growth,” Sam Maglio, president of The Fresh Group, said in the release. “Advantage Waypoint has long been the leader in the foodservice segment and offers tremendous depth of critical distributor/operator relationships.

Additionally, they understand our business plan and they offer committed resources that will help us drive our mutual growth locally as well as nationally.”

As a national foodservice sales and marketing agency, Advantage Waypoint provides The Maglio Cos. an ideal combination of talent, resources, and experienced management across all states, according to the release.

The Packer’s Foodservice Coverage

Maglio McAllen adds consolidation to services

Fresh Express romaine in Wisconsin tests positive for E. coli

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:08:30 GMT

Wisconsin health officials, investigating 33 cases of E. coli, has found the pathogen in an unopened bag of Fresh Express brand chopped romaine from Salinas, Calif.

The lettuce, with a use-by date of Nov. 14, was found in a patient’s home as part of the investigation, according to a news release from the Wisconsin

Department of Health Services. The Wisconsin cases are included in an outbreak involving over 100 illnesses in 23 states being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, which on Nov. 22 advised all Salinas-are romaine to be pulled from the marketplace.

The Wisconsin department is conducting more tests to determine if the E. coli on the Fresh Express romaine matches the strain involved in the national outbreak. Not all patients in that state reported eating Fresh Express-brand products.

“At this time, no single product, brand, or variety of salad has been reported by all ill individuals,” according to the Wisconsin department’s Dec. 10 release. “The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products are linked to illness.”

A Fresh Express chopped salad kit has been named in connection to another E. coli outbreak, of a strain different than the one that triggered the FDA’s Salinas-area advisory. The Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits, linked to eight cases in the U.S. and 16 in Canada, may contain romaine and other ingredients from a harvest area other than Salinas, according to the FDA.

The Fresh Express chopped romaine bag has a lot code of Z301 A05B, and is labeled as Salinas romaine.

A week before the Nov. 22 advisory, the Maryland Department of Health reported it tested an unopened Ready Pac brand Caesar salad, and it tested positive for E. coli.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, “romaine from the Salinas Valley is still available on many store shelves.”

Scott Horsfall, CEO of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, said that’s unlikely. Horsfall, interviewed on Dec. 10 before the Wisconsin agency reported finding the bag, said he’s “confident that none of (the Salinas romaine) is still in the marketplace.”

After a similar outbreak November 2018, the industry voluntarily adopted a labeling program that identifies areas of romaine harvest on the labels, and Horsfall said that enabled the FDA to issue a specific source of the romaine in its Nov. 22 advisory.

Even if retailers hadn’t complied with that directive, the industry stopped shipping Salinas romaine products on that date at the FDA’s request, and it’s unlikely any products would still carry a current “best-by” date, according to the LGMA.

The Packer has contacted the Wisconsin department for comment.

The FDA has targeted three farms as suppliers in connection with the outbreak in 23 states, but results of tests have not been announced.

“If this new outbreak (related to the Fresh Express chopped salad kit) is found to be associated with lettuce, the LGMA is hopeful that investigations of these incidents will provide additional clues on how future outbreaks can be prevented,” according to an LGMA statement.

“As always our thoughts are with those who have been sickened in this outbreak. If this outbreak is determined to be associated with leafy greens, we will use information gained from investigations to help improve the safety of our products,” according to the statement.

Related stories:

Fresh Express kit named in U.S., Canada E. coli cases

UPDATED: E. coli outbreak numbers grow while investigation continues

FDA: Do not eat Salinas romaine, E. coli traceback continues

US Cranberries First Casualty of Trade War

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:05:06 GMT

(Bloomberg) --

The American cranberry industry is one of the biggest losers so far in the escalating trade dispute between the European Union and the U.S.

Imports of the red fruit from the U.S. were on the list of goods targeted last week by the EU for a 25 percent levy in retaliation against American tariffs on steel and aluminum. The U.S. exports about 95 million pounds of cranberries to the bloc each year, according to Tom Lochner, executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers. That’s more than any other destination, and accounts for about 12 percent of domestic production.

“This tariff would significantly hinder our ability to compete in these markets,” Lochner said in an interview.

Cranberries are among a basket of all-American goods -- from peanut butter to bourbon whiskey and Harley Davidson motorbikes -- singled out by the EU. The fruit is synonymous with Thanksgiving Dinner, but it’s also a U.S. agricultural success story. The country is the world’s largest producer, with output up 20 percent since 2010. The industry has promoted dry fruit in beverages, and exports have jumped 48 percent in the last six years, in part because of increased sales to China.

Yet cranberries remain a niche market, with only about 1,200 growers. In 2016, the harvest by farmers was valued at $292.3 million while the country’s exports of fresh cranberries, juice, sauces and dried and frozen products was estimated at $340 million. For comparison, total U.S. agricultural exports were $135 billion that year.

U.S. corn and soybean farmers are concerned about what could happen if President Donald Trump withdraws from the North American Free Trade Agreement, or if China targets agricultural commodities in retaliation for the tariffs on metals. But so far, those two major crops have escaped largely unscathed.

“Cranberries are a small segment of U.S. agriculture,” said Terry Humfeld, executive director at the Cranberry Institute, a nonprofit organization founded in 1951 to promote cranberry growers and the industry. “But for our little industry to be impacted does not make any sense. We are concerned.”

The timing of the trade tariffs comes as the cranberry industry grapples with a surplus. Last year it voted to dispose of some supply in order to balance it with demand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the marketing order last month. The industry is recommending growers reduce output 25 percent this year, a plan not used since 2001.

“We hope that all parties involved will reach an agreement to continue to allow U.S. cranberry products into the EU,” Humfeld said. “This is probably an uphill battle we will have to wage.”

Copyright 2018, Bloomberg News

National Potato Council meeting draws almost 150 industry leaders

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:49:23 GMT

Almost 150 potato growers and industry leaders met at the National Potato Council ’s summer meeting in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., to discuss industry policy priorities.

From speakers at the July 10-12 meeting, attendees deepened their knowledge about farm and food exports, climate change, and leadership development, according to a council news release.

There was a special celebration for outgoing council president and CEO John Keeling, who retired in June.

“It was a great opportunity to work together on policy development for the betterment of our industry and network with other potato growers and partners,” Larry Alsum, council president, said in the release.

The general sessions were headlined by Michael Swanson, agriculture economist and senior vice president of Wells Fargo Bank; John Maxwell speaker, trainer and coach; and Courtney Booth, who defined leadership as influence and challenged the audience to become a person of positive influence. S. Elwynn Taylor of Iowa State University gave attendees insights into historic weather patterns which can help predict future climate.

Related news:

New crop, new fingerling Party Potato plan

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:13 GMT

Potato grower-shipper RPE Inc. is kicking off a new crop with new offerings of its fingerling Party Potatoes , under the Old Oak Farms brand.

Party Potatoes will have a multi-themed promotional campaign over the next several months, according to RPE, Bancroft, Wis.

The campaign focuses on seasonal occasions that bring people together, such as cookouts, tailgating events, football games and holiday parties, according to a news release.

“Anybody who has entertained can relate to the idea of creating memorable experiences without a lot of effort,” Tim Huffcutt, director of marketing at RPE, said in the release. “Party Potatoes cook equally well if roasted or grilled and when paired with favorite dipping sauces

The fingerling potatoes kick off just in time for Labor Day (Sept. 3)

Party potatoes are shipped in a high-graphic 24-ounce poly-mesh bag. RPE offers customers a new “party guide,” retail shippers/display bins, social media graphics, banners and videos, according to the release.

For more information, see www.oldoakfarms.com/partypotatoes .

Wisconsin celery grower starts Midwest harvest

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:08:03 GMT

Trembling Prairie Farms Inc., Markesan, Wis., is harvesting celery through the first week of October.

The farm is a grower-partner of Alsum Farm & Produce, a Friesland, Wis., grower of potatoes and other vegetables.
Trembling Prairie is in its eighth season as a celery grower, according to a news release, with its crop going to Midwest retailers and foodservice operators. The company grows celery on 45 acres.

Starting July 22, Trembling Prairie offers celery in these packs:

24-count sleeved;
30-count naked or sleeved;
36-count naked or sleeved; and
18-count celery hearts.

“We’re happy to be able to bring our locally grown Wisconsin Celery to the market,” John Bobek, farmer and owner of Trembling Prairie Farms, said in the release. “Whether paired with peanut butter as a healthy kid-friendly snack, chopped in a salad for an outdoor gathering or is the key ingredient for the latest juicing craze that’s boosted celery to new heights, Wisconsin Celery offers a fresh taste for consumers looking for locally grown.”

Larry Alsum, Dick Okray join Wisconsin association’s Hall of Fame

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:26:07 GMT

Larry Alsum, president and CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. , and Dick Okray, president of Okray Family Farms , are the newest members of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Association Hall of Fame .

Their accomplishments in state and national potato industries were recognized during the association’s annual awards banquet Feb. 5 in Stevens Point, Wis.

Alsum became the general manager of the family company, then named Alsum Produce Inc., Friesland, Wis., when his cousin died in a plane crash. He is celebrating his 39th year as president and CEO, according to a news release.

Under his leadership, the company has grown into an integrated group of companies that grow, pack, ship and market potatoes and onions, and the wholesale of a full line of fruits and vegetables, according to the release. The company has about 2,700 acres of potatoes.

Larry Alsum has had leadership roles in the Wisconsin association, the National Potato Council and Potatoes USA, as well as numerous local organizations, from volunteer fireman to school board, according to the release.

Okray has been employed since 1982 at the Plover-based Okray Family Farms, which grows 7,750 acres of potatoes and row crops. He has been on the executive committee of the U.S. Potato Board (now known as Potatoes USA), and has served as an ambassador of the U.S. potato industry, attending World Potato Congress events across the globe.

Okray’s other affiliations include the Wisconsin Migrant Labor Council, United Potato Growers of Wisconsin, the United Potato Growers Association of America and the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board, currently as vice president, according to the release.

Annual WPVGA awards

The association recognized other members of the Wisconsin vegetable industry at the Feb. 5 event.

Cliff and Carole Gagas, of Gagas Farms Inc., Stevens Point, were named the association’s Volunteers of the Year. Cliff has been involved with the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board and United Potato Growers of Wisconsin. Carole Gagas was president of the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary board for six years, and has helped served baked potatoes at the Wisconsin State Fair since the mid-1980s, according to a release.

They have run the baked potato booth at the WPS Farm Show since 2008, and have been involved in serving the potatoes at the annual Spud Bowl in Stevens Point.

Jeff Fassbender is the WPVGA Young Grower of the Year. He graduated high school in 2008 and is the vice president and fourth-generation grower at Siedl Farms in Antigo. Fassbender’s father died of cancer in 2015, and he took his father’s role at the farm, according to the release.

He is president of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, a group he’s been active in for years, according to the release.

The WPVGA Researcher of the Year is Paul Bethke, associate professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Horticulture.

WPVGA board members

The association’s board of directors on Feb. 6 elected Rod Gumz of Gumz Muck Farms, Endeavor, as president for 2020. He succeeds Wes Meddaugh of Heartland Farms, Hancock.

Other executive board appointments are Bill Guenthner, Guenthner Farms, vice president; and Mike Carter, Bushman’s Inc., treasurer.

Remaining Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association members are:

John Bustamente, Wysocki Family of Cos., Bancroft;
Dan Kakes, Kakes Farms Inc., Antigo;
Charlie Mattek, J.W. Mattek & Sons Inc., Deerbrook;
Alex Okray, Okray Family Farms, Plover; and
Eric Wallendal, Wallendal Supply Inc., Grand Marsh.

Related story:

Alsum Farms & Produce celebrates 45 years

Wisconsin growers association honors brothers with Hall of Fame induction

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 22:49:16 GMT

Long-time potato and vegetable growers Norm and Marv Worzella of Worzella & Sons, Inc., Plover, Wis., have been inducted into the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame.

The growers were honored at the industry’s annual awards ceremony held Feb. 3, according to a news release.

The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame honors lifetime achievement in the development of the state’s potato industry.

According to the release, Clarence Worzella, Norm and Marv’s father started farming with 40 acres in 1953.

Today, the family business grows 1,800 acres of potatoes, along with 3,400 acres of other vegetable crops.

“We are proud of the business’s growth, which is largely attributed to the dedicated employees we’ve had in our 60 years of farming,” Norm Worzella, CEO, said in the release. “We are glad to work alongside our sons, who are the third generation of this business.”

Marv, chief financial officer of the family business, said their father worked side-by-side with them at the start of what has turned into 60 years in farming for the brothers.

The Worzella brothers were honored for their many community-minded contributions, including donating 20 acres of land to the Farming for the Future Foundation for a new Discovery Center to be built along the Highway 39 corridor, in Plover, within the next two years.

Heartland Produce CEO Bill Dietz joins World Food Program USA board of directors

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 05:01:36 GMT

World Food Program USA has named Bill Dietz, President of Heartland Produce Co . in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to its distinguished Board of Directors.

Dietz, in the wholesale produce business for 45 years, will leverage his industry-leading expertise to support World Food Program USA’s advocacy and fundraising efforts in support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)’s global mission.

“As a strong leader and dedicated anti-hunger advocate, Bill will be a tremendous asset to our Board. We look forward to working closely with him as we support the U.N. World Food Programme’s mission to feed up to 120 million people this year,” said Randy Russell, World Food Program USA Board Chair. “Our work is more urgent than ever, as the pandemic has pushed 161 million more people into hunger.”

Giving back and helping others has been fundamental to Dietz’s life. In 2013, Dietz joined the Midwest Region Board of UNICEF USA and served as Board Chair from 2019 to 2021. He also serves as a member of UNICEF’s International Council. In 2013, he cofounded the Heartland Children’s Foundation to give back to the children and families of the communities they serve. The Foundation empowers children to be tomorrow’s leaders by supporting non-profits in the services they provide including mental health counseling, court advocates for neglected children in the juvenile court system, therapeutic food for children suffering from severe hunger and lifesaving assistance to mothers and children fleeing domestic violence. Bill has also served as a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for 20 years.

“I am honored to become involved with this great organization. No one should go to bed hungry. I will do everything I can to reach the goal of ending hunger by 2030,” said Dietz.

Alsum partner Trembling Prairie Farms to harvest new crop Wisconsin celery

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 03:37:16 GMT

Alsum Farms & Produce grower partner, Trembling Prairie Farms Inc. will be harvesting new crop Wisconsin celery starting next week with the season expected to go through the first week of October.

Located in the muck soils of Green Lake County, Trembling Prairie Farms, a family farm owned and operated by John and Connie Bobek along with their four children in Markesan, is in its tenth year of growing and packing locally grown celery serving the Midwest retail and foodservice markets.

In 2012, Trembling Prairie Farms started with 3 acres of celery and today has expanded to over 45 acres. The farm starts with a Midwestern selected celery variety that grows extremely well in the Wisconsin climate. One of many advantages Trembling Prairie Farms Wisconsin Celery brings to the local market is celery at its peak freshness for a milder flavor and snappier crunch.

The process of growing celery starts in local greenhouses in late February to early April and is then transplant-ed in 12 different plantings. Celery planting in the muck soil begins on May 1 with the goal of the last planting to be in the ground by July 1. Trembling Prairie Farms Wisconsin Grown Celery will be available for distribution the week of July 19 with ample volume of all sizes and packs available for the next 11 weeks, including:

• 24 count naked or sleeved
• 30 count naked or sleeved
• 36 count naked or sleeved
• 18 count celery hearts

“We’re happy to be able to bring our locally grown Wisconsin Celery to the market,” says John Bobek, farmer and owner of Trembling Prairie Farms. “Whether paired with peanut butter as a healthy kid-friendly snack, chopped in a salad for an outdoor gathering or is the key ingredient for the latest juicing craze that’s boosted celery to new heights, Wisconsin Celery offers a fresh taste for consumers looking for locally grown.”

Two medium stalks of celery offer many nutritional benefits including vitamin C, potassium and 2 grams of fiber all for only 20 calories. In the U.S., consumers eat on average six pounds of fresh celery annually.

With its many nutritional benefits and versatility this crunchy, fiber-filling vegetable is delicious and good for you.

Alsum Farms starts Wisconsin red potato harvest

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:46:51 GMT

Wisconsin red potato harvest is underway at Alsum Farms in Grand Marsh, Wis. with the first potato loads being washed, graded and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers the first full week of August.

“We are having ideal weather for the first harvest of red potatoes this summer at Alsum Farms,” says Larry Alsum, President & CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland, Wis.

Gold potato harvest will get underway a week later on August 6. Alsum Farms russet potato harvest will begin on August 16 with the Pacific Russet variety, an early season variety that will be the first of new crop russets to be harvested off the field and freshly washed, packed and delivered to retail grocers in the Midwest and beyond. New crop Wisconsin Fingerlings will also be ready for shipping on August 16 as well. In addition, new crop Wisconsin organic russet, red and gold potatoes are set to be available for shipping starting August 9th.

Alsum Farms grows, nurtures and harvests potatoes that make their way to the dinner tables of Americans using the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program. This eco-friendly program has guided our farm sustainability practices for the last 25 years. 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. The 27 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.

“In 1992 we began farming and by 1996 helped establish the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program,” says Larry Alsum, a founding member of the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Program.

Since that time, the Healthy Grown® program has continued to guide our farm sustainability practices utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to efficiently manage inputs, implement conservation practices that enhance biological diversity, and ecosystem efforts by certifying under the Healthy Grown® standards.”

With Alsum Farms in full swing harvesting new crop Wisconsin russet, red, white, gold and fingerling potatoes, now is an excellent time to offer farm fresh Wisconsin grown potatoes to boost retail sales.

Due to the pandemic, home cooks have learned how the versatility and storability of fresh potatoes lends itself as a go to staple to bring together nutritious family meals that also taste great. Potatoes provide an excellent value and are packed full of nutrition, making it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Alsum offers a wide variety of pack options from 12 ounces up to 50 pound packs; and in poly, mesh, paper or cartons. In addition, Alsum offers organic russet, red and gold potatoes in a variety of pack options.

Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc. packs potatoes and onions under the Alsum Farms & Produce brand. Organic potatoes are packed under the Alsum Organics and Rainbow Organics labels. Alsum also packs unclassified potatoes under our Family Favorite brand.
For nearly 50 years, Alsum Farms & Produce has been a leading grower and shipper of locally grown potatoes and onions and provider of fresh, quality produce.

Okray honored at World Potato Congress

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 22:20:59 GMT

Wisconsin potato grower Dick Okray was presented an Industry Award for his contributions to the potato industry in May at the 11th World Potato Congress in Dublin, Ireland.

Industry Awards also were presented to John Burke, Paul Struik and Antoon Wallays, according to a news release.

Okray honor

Okray was employed from 1982 to 2020 at Okray Family Farms in Plover, Wis., growing 7,750 acres of row crops in Central Wisconsin and specializing in fresh potatoes, the release said.

Following his retirement in 2020, he remains a co-owner of the family farm, which won a national environmental stewardship award for its outstanding achievement in the area of pesticide risk reduction, the release said.

Okray served on the executive committee of the U.S. Potato Board (now known as Potatoes USA) and has served as a potato industry ambassador from the U.S., attending multiple World Potato Congress events in China, Scotland, New Zealand and Peru, the release said.

He and his wife, Carol, were instrumental in helping raise funds to build multiple wells in impoverished villages near Cameroon, Africa. They established a WellersWalk event in Stevens Point, Wis., with participants filling and carrying large water jugs to a central location, raising awareness of the trek many villagers in Africa make daily just to gather enough water for their family’s needs, according to the release. Funds raised from the annual event were used to construct wells in areas around rural Cameroon, greatly improving the lives of thousands of villagers.

Active in his community and his industry, Okray has served on numerous organizations and boards, including Wisconsin Migrant Labor Council, Central Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., United Potato Growers of Wisconsin and the United Potato Growers of America, the release said.

Okray is also widely respected and admired for his philanthropic efforts, serving on the board of directors of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, the Edward J. Okray Charitable Foundation and, recently, the Farming for the Future Foundation.

Okray served two terms, including one as chairman of the International Committee, for the U.S. Potato Board. He also served on the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board from 2015-2020 and held the position of vice president.

He received the WPVGA Agri-Communicator Award, the Portage County Business Council’s Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award and the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2019, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association Hall of Fame.

Alsum Farms expects strong-quality Wisconsin potato crop

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:47:11 GMT

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.”