Potato News from Washington

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Sean M. Krajnik, Vice President of Manufacturing at Lamb Weston
September 30, 2026
Lamb Weston Appointed Sean M. Krajnik as Vice President of Manufacturing
Lamb Weston has appointed Sean M. Krajnik as Vice President of Manufacturing. He will oversee several U.S. production facilities, bringing more than 25 years of experience in plant operations, operational excellence, and people development.
Washington potato growers inspect freshly harvested potatoes as the industry faces growing export competition from China, leading to declining sales across key Pacific Rim markets.
August 05, 2026
Pacific Northwest Potato Growers Face Rising Competition from China as Exports Decline
Washington potato exports have dropped about 10% as China expands production and exports across Pacific Rim markets. Industry leaders say China's lower costs and investment in potato research are increasing pressure on U.S. growers.
Eqraft, Modesta and Symach collaborate as Onion Tech Alliance partners to deliver a fully automated onion and potato processing facility in Washington, USA
April 09, 2026
Onion Tech Alliance Delivers Fully Automated Processing Facility in Washington
Following a successful first project, this US client once again selected Onion Tech Alliance (OTA) partners Eqraft, Modesta and Symach to develop a new facility in Washington.
Ben Sklarczyk, 2026 President of the National Potato Council, addresses industry members during the NPC Washington Summit in Washington, D.C., outlining priorities to promote potatoes in nutrition programs and strengthen global trade.
March 09, 2026
Ben Sklarczyk Elected 2026 President of National Potato Council (NPC) to Champion US Potato Growers
Ben Sklarczyk, a third-generation Michigan grower and owner of Sklarczyk Seed Farm, was elected 2026 President of the National Potato Council. He plans to promote potatoes in nutrition programs, support fair trade, and boost grower policy engagement.
Jared Balcom, president of Balcom & Moe and fourth-generation grower from Washington State, is recognised for his leadership in advancing international market access for the United States potato industry.
January 29, 2026
Jared Balcom Named 2026 Potato Person of the Year for Global Trade Advocacy
Jared Balcom, a fourth-generation potato grower from Pasco, Washington, has been named the 2026 Potato Person of the Year in recognition of his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of the United States potato industry.
Monumental cost savings by reducing our workforce by 50%.
October 15, 2025
Explore how Pioneer Potatoes cut labor by 50% and boosted throughput to 16 tons/hour.
As a sixth-generation family farm in Washington’s Skagit Valley, Pioneer Potatoes may be smaller in acreage than many neighbors, but their focus has always been on delivering premium A-size potatoes to top supermarkets and restaurants.
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Washington & Oregon Potato Conference 2026
September 15, 2025
Washington-Oregon Potato Conference 2026: Innovation, Networking, and Industry Insights
The Washington-Oregon Potato Conference 2026 will once again unite growers, processors, suppliers, and stakeholders. Known as a premier industry event, it offers innovation, insights, and valuable networking opportunities for the potato sector.
Potatoes on hand
September 03, 2025
Estados Unidos: vuelve a caer la superficie cultivada
En 2025, la superficie sembrada de papa en EE. UU. cayó a su nivel más bajo en más de 70 años, con 369.000 hectáreas, aunque los altos rendimientos previstos mitigarán el impacto en la producción total.
Key Technology COMPASS Belt-Fed Optical Sorters
August 09, 2025
Key Technology Introduces COMPASS® Belt-Fed Optical Sorters
Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduces its COMPASS® belt-fed optical sorter at Pack Expo Las Vegas booth W-1040.
Key Technology and PPM Technologies' new fully-integrated nut processing line combines industry-leading sorting, roasting, seasoning, and packaging solutions for consistent quality and efficiency
April 26, 2025
Key Technology and PPM Technologies Introduce New Fully-Integrated Nut Processing Line
Key Technology (Key) and PPM Technologies (PPM), both members of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduce their new fully-integrated nut processing line.
Lamb Weston processing plant at 2013 Saint St. in Richland.
April 26, 2025
Lamb Weston faces a class action lawsuit for failing to give Washington workers proper breaks
Lamb Weston faces a $14M class action lawsuit in Washington over unpaid breaks and overtime at its potato processing plants, including a closed Connell french fry facility. Workers seek damages; Lamb Weston denies the claims.
Derek Friehe: Leading the Next Generation of Innovation and Teamwork at Friehe Farms
February 22, 2025
Growing Together: Derek Friehe and Travis Meacham Drive Success at Friehe Farms in Washington
Friehe Farms in Washington’s Upper Columbia River Basin combines teamwork and advanced technology to produce high-quality russet potatoes. Drones, GPS-guided planting, and climate-controlled storage enhance efficiency, while traditional four-year crop rotation helps maintain soil health.
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Lamb Weston Commits to Landmark Green Fertilizer Contract Advancing Sustainable Agriculture
January 12, 2025
Lamb Weston Commits to Landmark Green Fertilizer Contract Advancing Sustainable Agriculture
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc., a leading global potato supplier, has announced its partnership with Atlas Agro for the procurement of locally produced, green fertilizers. 
Driving around on Prince Edward Island roads (Canada) this time of year is particularly beautiful as the potato fields are now out in blossom.
December 31, 2024
Stakeholders seek Expansion of US MASC Program After Specialty Crops Excluded from Year-End Economic Aid Package
In a letter issued to the leaders of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Agriculture Committees, the Co-Chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) expressed their disappointment that specialty crop production – which represents nearly half the farm gate value of American agriculture – is left out of the final year-end economic assistance package negotiated by Congressional leaders.
Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. has applied for permits to demolish its processing plant in Connell. It closed the plant in October and aid off nearly 400 workers.
December 13, 2024
Lamb Weston has requested demolition permits for its Connell French Fry processing plant closed in October
Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. is moving to tear down its french fry plant in Connell, dashing local hopes that another company might take it over and bring fresh industry and jobs to the small city.
From Fields to Family: Juan Martinez's Journey in Agriculture
October 12, 2024
From Fields to Family: Juan Martinez's Journey in Agriculture
When Juan Martinez was in high school, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in life, but he knew he liked working with his dad on their farm.
McCain Foods in Othello, Washington
October 07, 2024
McCain Extends Job Opportunities to Workers Affected by Connell Plant Closure
In the wake of Lamb Weston’s decision to close its potato processing plant in Connell, McCain Foods is offering career opportunities at its Othello facility to the affected workers.
Potatoes on hand
September 27, 2024
Washington State University project aims to expand early pathogen detection in potato crops
A new Washington State University-led project will help potato growers safeguard domestic and international markets and maintain high-quality potatoes for consumers around the world.

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