01/04/08 2008 Washington Potato Conference

Farm and Ranch January 4, 2008 When the 47th Annual Washington State Potato Conference and Trade Show is held in early February of 2008 in Moses Lake, growers will be able to learn the latest at potato production sessions. Andy Jensen who heads up research for the Washington State Potato Commission, says the production sessions will be Wednesday and Thursday February 6 & 7 at the ATEC Center at Big Bend Community College. Jensen: "And we have about 20 presentations on a whole range of production related issues from fumigation practices and regulation to new varieties, how to grow new varieties and which ones are coming out soon. Fertility issues. Some of the political things that are happening. Speakers will be talking about those." Jensen says the disease black dot has been getting a lot of attention lately. Jensen: "And we've got some new research coming out on that because of its importance in contributing to early dying in potato fields. We have new research on some virus diseases in potatoes. Probably the biggest thing for this year we tried to focus on though is the re-registration of soil fumigants, which are so important in controlling diseases." Potato growers will also be hearing from a processor on coming trends in raw product requirements. You can find more information on 2008 conference is at www.potatoes.com 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.