020207 Wash Potato Conference next week

Farm and Ranch February 2, 2007 The 2007 Washington State Potato Conference and Trade Show is next week in Moses Lake. The action actually gets underway Monday February 5th with a Fresh Shipper Seminar at the Moses Lake Hallmark Inn. That's being put on by the U.S. Potato Board. The trade show at the Ardell Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds runs Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Production sessions will be held Wednesday and Thursday February 7th and 8th at the ATEC Conference Center at Big Bend Community College. Washington State Potato Commission Assistant Executive Director Karen Bonaudi says that's also where you can hear the keynote speakers. Bonaudi: "We have two keynote speakers this year actually. Ed Barlow is coming in on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to talk about recognizing opportunity. And then Ray Cesca, who was the international developer for the McDonald's chain and now is on his own, is coming back. He was our first keynote. He is coming back to be the keynote on Thursday to talk about international opportunity and where the frozen market is going." Bonaudi says there is also the ladies program and plenty of social activities as well. Of course there is the hosted Potato Bar Wednesday the 7th at the Trade Show from noon to 1:30. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.