Pass the Ketchup, Please
By Matt Harris, Director of Government Affairs, Washington State Potato Commission As consumers, we rarely think about simple expressions we use every day. For example, as I was enjoying lunch,…
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MSU Researcher Receives Grant to Develop Efficient Irrigation Technology Using Solar Power
A Michigan State University researcher has received a $394,600 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop a solar power-based irrigation technology that improves energy- and…
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Farmer Sentiment Reaches Lowest Levels Since 2016 as Income Expectations Weaken
By James Mintert and Michael Langemeier, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded its lowest readings since March 2016 in September. Declining income expectations pushed farmer…
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USDA Invests $1.7 Billion to Support Farmers, Deliver Nutrition Assistance, and Bolster Rural Economies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced an investment of $1.7 billion for purchase of locally and regionally produced foods and domestically produced foods for emergency food assistance. Local…
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WSPC Welcomes New Commissioners, Elects Chair
The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) has elected Kraig Knutzen of Burlington, Washington, as the 2024-25 chair. Knutzen has served in various roles with the commission including chair of the…
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USDA Launches Assistance Network to Support Financially Distressed Farmers and Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide personalized support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across…
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Protecting US Growers From Potato Wart: An Urgent Call for Action
By Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council U.S. agriculture faces numerous challenges, and one of the most destructive is a pest or disease that is extremely difficult or impossible to…
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U.S. Potato Exports Reach Record Value, See Slight Volume Decrease July 2023–June 2024
U.S. potato export value grew 4.0% to a record $2.3 billion in the 12-month period from July 2023–June 2024. Export volume decreased slightly (-1.6%) to 3.3 million metric tons (fresh…
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Idaho Potato Harvest Photo Contest 2024
IPC (Idaho Potato Commission) is having another harvest photo contest with a $500 Visa gift card going to the winner. Two years ago, the inaugural contest was won by Mishell Van…
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Weakening Farm Income Prospects Weigh on Farmer Sentiment
The August Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer dropped 13 points from July to a reading of 100, echoing levels seen from fall 2015 to winter 2016 during the early stages of…
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