Spud Smart

10/14/2026

🥔 A season of records — and new challenges for potato growers.

The Fall 2026 issue of Spud Smart explores a Guinness World Record for food rescue, the potential of cattle grazing in potato rotations, and how El Niño could affect potato storage.

Explore the stories shaping Canada's potato industry.

Read the issue: https://hubs.li/Q04Bbx-q0

10/13/2026

🌱 Soil fumigation changes the soil’s biological community—but it doesn’t leave soil biologically empty.

https://hubs.li/Q04z_RQQ0

In Part 1 of our three-part series, we explore the “microbial reset”: some organisms decline, while others persist or recolonize. What grows back could raise important questions about disease pressure, root health and nutrient cycling. The research doesn’t yet show that fumigation creates a better microbiome or improves crop performance—but it offers plenty to investigate. 🔬

Read the story, and stay tuned for Part 2: which organisms gain ground after fumigation?

TriCal Group

10/07/2026

🌱Alverstone continues to deliver, and a new clone is showing promise to address mop-top virus. Processing potato trial results are here! 🥔 HZPC Potatoes

https://hubs.li/Q04zqYtp0

10/06/2026

🌡️ Could El Niño mean fewer reliable cool nights for potato storage? https://hubs.li/Q04zcW_L0

A warmer seasonal outlook doesn’t tell us what any one night will bring—but it’s a signal for storage teams to stress-test their plans. From cooling warm potatoes after harvest to managing disease risk, ventilation and energy costs, preparation now can help protect crop quality later.

How are you preparing your storage operation for a potentially warmer season?

A powerful El Niño could tilt the coming storage season warmer. That doesn’t predict every night — but it does change the odds storage managers must plan around. Potato storage managers have always borrowed cold from the weather. Cool outside air pulls field heat from newly stored potatoes, hel...

10/05/2026

Regenerative agriculture isn’t a product on a shelf—or a one-practice checklist. It starts with a bigger question: What does the soil need to function better? 🌱 https://hubs.li/Q04zcL7d0

In this issue’s ANOTHER SEASON’S PROMISE, Ryan Barrett explores a soil-first approach focused on building resilience, supporting soil biology, and reducing reliance on inputs when conditions allow. There are no shortcuts or one-size-fits-all paths; every farm’s journey depends on its soil, crops, climate, and economics.

What management change has helped build soil function on your farm? Read the article and share your experience in the comments. 👇

Regen ag is more than selling inputs. Learn how to identify greenwashing, rebuild soil function, and support healthier, more resilient farming systems.

10/05/2026

Could a sandblaster help tackle potato-field weeds? https://hubs.li/Q04z9Q5y0

After four years of trials, AAFC researcher Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill says projectile treatments showed promise against broadleaf weeds — especially baking soda, which quickly damaged plants and reduced seed production.

The catch: at trial rates, baking soda alone cost nearly $500 per hectare. That may put the approach out of reach for many growers, though seed and organic operations facing costly weed-control challenges could be interested.

Would you test a new tool if it worked—but came with a high price tag? Read the story and tell us what you think. 🥔

10/05/2026

🏒🥔A hocky trade and a potato storage decision have more in common than you’d guess. Bill Orr explains why change can be good. 1,4group

https://hubs.li/Q04z7K_d0

10/05/2026

How can Alberta build a seed potato testing system that works for everyone? https://hubs.li/Q04z9d5F0

20/20 Seed Labs is inviting growers and industry partners to help shape a process that’s accessible to growers, sustainable for laboratories and grounded in consistent, reliable results. The discussion includes testing costs, public support and modern protocols.

Have your say: What would make seed testing work better for Alberta’s potato sector? Read more and join the conversation. 🥔

09/21/2026

Tomorrow: Get ready for the next storage and climate challenges. Join NAPSO and Spud Smart on September 22 at 9 a.m. PT for a timely webinar on two issues shaping potato production and storage:
🥔 Bulk vs. box storage: Learn how each system affects handling, infrastructure, crop management and costs.
🌎 El Niño impacts: Discover what a potentially powerful El Niño could mean for weather-sensitive agricultural operations.

Hear from storage specialists Blake Isaacs and Shane Zerr, along with climate scientist Dr. Muhammad Azhar Ehsan.

Whether you’re a grower, storage manager or involved in potato handling, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

👉 Register now:

From choosing between bulk and box storage to preparing for the possible effects of a powerful El Niño, an upcoming webinar will tackle two issues with significant implications for potato production and storage. NAPSO and Spud Smart will host the webinar Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. PT. The session will brin...

09/15/2026

🔗 Register now: https://hubs.li/Q04xv7fg0

Should you store potatoes in bulk or boxes—and what could a strengthening El Niño mean for your operation? Join NAPSO and Spud Smart on Sept. 22 for an expert webinar covering two issues with major implications for potato handling, storage and crop management.

Storage specialists Blake Isaacs and Shane Zerr will compare bulk and box systems, including infrastructure, equipment, economics and the latest storage technologies. Climate scientist Dr. Muhammad Azhar Ehsan will explain how El Niño could influence regional weather patterns and climate-sensitive agricultural operations.

📅 Sept. 22
⏰ 9 a.m. PT | 10 a.m. MT | 11 a.m. CT | noon ET | 1 p.m. AT

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn expert insight into better planning. Register today!