January 2025 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
Ringing in
change
A new year brings change, and 2025 is no
exception. With a new administration in
the White House, potato industry insiders
are gearing up for new opportunities and
anticipating potential challenges.
The leaders of two prominent potato
organizations - the National Potato Council
and Potatoes USA - spoke with Spudman about
several top-of-mind topics going into 2025 and
beyond. While the two groups have different focuses,
their objectives are similar: working for the ultimate good of the
potato industry.
Read what they have to say, beginning on page 28.
Growers in Idaho are entering 2025 with a sense of relief
Melinda Waldrop
Managing Editor
Office 616-887-9008
Editorial
Managing Editor Melinda Waldrop, 616-520-2158
mwaldrop@greatamericanpublish.com
Advertising Sales
Associate Publisher Andrea Schafer, 616-520-2139
spudmanads@spudman.com
Account Specialist Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
Production
Senior Graphic Designer Greg Ryan, 616-520-2145
gryan@greatamericanpublish.com
Associate Creative Amanda Mackey, 616-520-2157
Director amackey@greatamericanpublish.com
Creative Director Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
Circulation
Circulation Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@spudman.com
Corporate
surrounding a vital resource. In November, stakeholders ratified a
long-term water agreement - the latest chapter in an ongoing rights
holder saga. Read what the agreement means for growers in the
nation's top potato-producing state on page 14.
Another area of great importance to the U.S. potato industry is the
Red River Valley, where potato production is valued at $500 million.
Read what a new leader has planned for a key regional organization
on page 38.
In the year ahead, the industry will no doubt continue to welcome
innovation and technological advances to make life easier for both
potato growers and processors. Read about a key modification
made by one equipment manufacturer that has ratcheted up frying
efficiency and production, starting on page 8.
Also in this issue, learn what value modern control panels can
bring to potato storage (page 42), and find out about a $2 billion
boost aimed at helping U.S. specialty crop growers maintain a strong
domestic supply and expand market opportunities (page 54).
Later this year, the Potato Association of America will hold its
109th meeting in Madison, Wisconsin. Discover the benefits awaiting
attendees on page 58.
Thanks for kicking off 2025 with Spudman. We wish you a happy
and healthy new year.
CEO & Publisher Matt McCallum
publisher@spudman.com
COO & CMO Kim Baker
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
CFO & Director of Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
Human Resources dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Editorial Board
Randy Hardy, Oakley Farms, Oakley, Idaho
Andy Jensen, Northwest Potato Research Consortium
Don Sklarczyk, Sklarczyk Seed Farms, Johannesburg, Mich.
Robert Thornton, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash.
The Magazine: Editorial and advertising offices at Great American
Publishing, P.O. Box 128, Sparta, MI 49345, Phone: 616-887-9008
SPUDMAN volume 63 number 1 (ISSN 0038-8661) is printed 8 times
a year in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May/June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec
by Great American Publishing, 75 Applewood Drive - Suite A, Sparta,
MI 49345. Periodical postage paid at Sparta, MI 49345 and additional
mailing office.
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
advertisers in Spudman do not necessarily reflect those of the
editors and publisher. Appearance in Spudman does not constitute
endorsement by Great American Media Services or Spudman of
the advertiser, its products, or services. Great American Media
Services and Spudman accept no responsibility of liability for the
validity or accuracy of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers, or advertising agencies. Great American Media Services
and Spudman do not make any claims or guarantees as to the
accuracy or validity of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers or advertising agencies. Copyright 2025.
mwaldrop@greatamericanpublish.com
Subscriptions: Subscriptions are free to qualified U.S. potato
growers. Canada: $56 per year U.S. funds. International: $100 per
year U.S. funds. Single copy and back issues: $6
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American Publishing, PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
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credit. Call 616-887-9008 regarding reprint information.
4
Spudman * January 2025
January 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2025
