There’s a lot of conversation in agriculture about reducing soil disturbance—and for good reason. Protecting soil structure and biological function matters. But potato production requires more nuance. Seedbed preparation, planting, hilling and harvest all move soil. So rather than asking, “How can I disturb the soil less?” consider a better question: Is the disturbance helping […]
We talk a lot about the outcomes we want in agriculture: healthier soils, stronger yields, better crop quality and more resilient production systems. But lately, I’ve been thinking about a different question: What is the work required to actually get us there? In my latest article for Spud Smart, I explore the idea of functional […]
For years, potato production has been measured by inputs—fertilizer, water, fuel, and crop protection products. While these investments are essential, they don’t tell the whole story. A more useful way to think about potato farming is through the lens of energy. Every potato harvested begins as captured solar energy. The crop’s ability to intercept sunlight, […]
Potato seed decisions often happen fast. Planting windows tighten, field conditions shift, and growers may have limited options available. But even under pressure, these early decisions can have a major impact on crop establishment and season-long performance. I recently joined Don Northcott for a Spud Smart panel discussion on potato seed quality. The conversation focused […]
Potato growers today face a familiar—but evolving—set of challenges: soil-borne diseases, market pressure for higher quality, and the constant need to protect yield while managing risk. At Strike Fumigants, we believe better outcomes start with better information. That’s why we’re excited to highlight two new, expert-led webinars designed to help growers dig deeper into the […]
In my latest article for Spud Smart, I take a closer look at what I learned working with a frustrated potato grower in coastal South Africa—and how those same lessons apply to farms in Canada. By adjusting how Chloropicrin (known as Strike in Canada) was applied, we turned a struggling field into a success story. […]
I just got back from a whirlwind trip to one of my favorite places: South Africa. My trips are never vacations — they usually start with a call that sounds like: “We’ve got a problem. Can you come help us figure it out?” This time, the problem was a potato grower on the country’s sand […]
Black dot is on the rise in potato fields, and farmers are worried — with good reason. Though it’s not a new disease, it’s a growing and incredibly tough to manage problem that can steal yield, blemish tubers, and reduce marketability. I’ve talked to a lot of farmers who are genuinely daunted by what can […]
JULY 22 | 2:00 P.M. ET Join us for The Future Beneath Your Feet: Disease Control, ROI & Soil Science in Action, a must-watch session that digs deep into how soil health, disease control, and smart inputs can directly impact your bottom line. Top experts, Dr. Chad Hutchinson, Joy Youwakim, and Dr. Gary Secor share […]
Jeff Douglas, the founder of our affiliate Douglas Ag and exclusive Canadian distributor of the soil fumigant Strike, has a simple model: one grower, one trial, one success at a time. Growers are hesitant at first about Strike, but once they try it, can’t imagine farming without it. As an example, one road in New […]
