Potato News from Idaho

Joseph Pavek bred the popular potato variety Ranger Russet and developed much of the germplasm still used by breeders today, though he retired in 1999.

A number of southwestern Idaho communities are bracing for the planned closure of three Simplot plants.

A new University of Idaho economic report shows potato procution costs have held steady.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) announced the appointment of three new Commissioners who will each serve a three-year term: Peggy Grover, from BenchMark Potato in Rexburg, Ritchey Toevs, a grower residing in Aberdeen and Tommy Brown from Lamb Weston.

Scientists with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service potato genetics program in Aberdeen, Idaho, were granted special permission to return to work during the US government shutdown, potentially preventing the loss of unique breeding material.

The Idaho Potato Commission has stepped up its global marketing efforts with the addition of Traci Hiebert as the new Idaho Potato Commission international marketing director.

McCain Foods' Aug. 7 announcement that it will invest more than $100 million to expand its Burley potato processing plant was exciting news to Idaho potato farmers.

McCain Foods USA has announced plans to expand its Burley, Idaho manufacturing plant with the addition of a third production line.

Potato Psyllids Have Returned to Magic Valley, Idaho Or maybe they just never went away. Psyllids, a tiny insect that can damage potatoes, might be hardier than some people originally thought.

Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho residents.

Idaho potato growers at a Monday meeting in Burley approved processing contracts with J.R. Simplot and McCain Foods that both include payment increases averaging 1.6 percent.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) awarded a $250 cash prize to Zoe Lowinfell Cauvel of Twin Falls, Idaho for her delectable photo of Idaho® Potato “Nachos” in the IPC’s Recipe Photo Contest.

Trick or...Tater! Halloween treats don’t always have to be about the candy. Make Halloween all about potatoes with this collection of ghoulish recipes offered by the Idaho Potato Commission. We have updated the links to the recipes! Easy and Scary...

McCain Foods USA has announced it will begin a major capital improvement and renovation project for its Burley 2 potato plant in Idaho. The project is slated to begin this fall and will be completed over the next 2 years. The renovation of Burley 2 w...

The J. R. Simplot Company is planning to begin construction in late 2013 or early 2014 of a new headquarters building in Boise, Idaho. Company officials anticipate the building will be about 10 stories high and measure roughly 300,000 sq. ft. Final si...

Plant Health Technologies (PHT), the proprietary products division of Simplot Growers Solutions (SGS), launched an innovative application for iPhone and Android smartphones customized for crop advisors, applicators, and growers.

Potandon Produce announced that beginning in July, Green Giant® Fresh Klondike Rose Potatoes is participating in the Box Tops for Education program.

J.R. Simplot Co. and Lamb Weston have informed potato growers in Idaho that they will not be accepting produce that has been treated with Bayer CropScience's Luna Tranquility.