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 […]
Every grower knows seed matters—but how much does it really matter? Seed isn’t just another input. It sets the trajectory for the entire season. Emergence, stand uniformity, and ultimately yield all trace back to the decisions made before planting. But “good seed” isn’t always straightforward. Growers are constantly balancing quality, cost, disease risk, storage, and […]
Agriculture is entering a new era—one where soil is no longer evaluated solely by inputs or practices, but by measurable performance. Recently, I published a six-part research series on the Catalyst-Activated Cycle (CAC) through Zenodo, an open-access platform widely used across European research and policy communities. Each manuscript carries a permanent DOI and is freely […]
Spud Smart recently published an article that reinforces something I’ve seen consistently across growing regions and seasons: ongoing learning is one of the most productive investments a grower can make. When we talk about productivity, the conversation often turns quickly to inputs, equipment, or acreage. But some of the most meaningful gains happen off the […]
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 […]
