Potato Expo 2024 Schedule

All times Central Time

The Potato Expo 2024 will be held January 10-11. All events take place at the Austin Convention Center, unless otherwise noted. Affiliate meetings are external events and are not included in the registration for the Potato Expo.

Downloadable Schedule-At-A-Glance: Wednesday; Thursday

calendar
Time
Session Name
time
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

NFPT Meeting

Meeting Room 615, Hilton Austin

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Potatoes USA Executive Committee Meeting 

Meeting Room 602, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Potatoes USA Domestic Marketing Committee Meeting 

Meeting Room 616A, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Potatoes USA Finance Committee Meeting 

Meeting Room 617, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Potatoes USA Seed Task Force Meeting 

Meeting Room 615, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Potatoes USA Research Committee Meeting

Meeting Room 617, Hilton Austin  

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

UPGA Board of Directors Meeting 

Meeting Room 615, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact George Martin at United Potato Growers of America: george@unitedpotatousa.com

time
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Potatoes USA Outreach Committee Meeting  

Meeting Room 616, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
8:00 am – 11:00 am

Potatoes USA International Marketing Committee Meeting  

Meeting Room 602, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Potatoes Sustainability Alliance Annual General Meeting

Meeting Room 14, Austin Convention Center 

For more information, contact Laura Hahn at Potato Sustainability Alliance: laura@mccracken-co.com

 

time
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

APTA Board Meeting 

Meeting Room 12B, Austin Convention Center 

For more information, contact Matt Lantz: Matthew.Lantz@bryantchristie.com

time
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Potatoes USA Administrative Committee Meeting 

Salon F, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Potato Expo Registration Open

Atrium

time
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Potatoes Rock! Welcome Reception

The Reverbery, Hilton Austin

Sponsored by McCain Foods

 

time
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Potato Sustainability Alliance Reception  

Meeting Room 400, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Laura Hahn at Potato Sustainability Alliance: laura@mccracken-co.com 

time
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Potato Expo Steering Committee Meeting  

NPC Pavilion, Expo Hall, Austin Convention Center

time
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Potatoes USA Chip Committee Meeting  

Meeting Room 602, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Potato Industry Leadership Institute Reception 

Meeting Room 619, Hilton Austin 

time
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

NPC Past Presidents and Executive Committee Dinner  

J Prime Steakhouse, 301 Brazos St. #150, Austin, TX

time
7:00 am – 9:00 am

APRE Board Meeting

Meeting Room 615, Hilton Austin 

time
7:30 am – 6:30 pm

Potato Expo Registration Open

Atrium

time
8:00 am – 11:00 am

2024 Potato Business Summit 

Salon J and K, Hilton Austin 

The Potato Business Summit provides a comprehensive analysis of the global and North American potato industry. This event is made possible by United Potato Growers of America, Potato Marketing Association of North America, and United Potato Growers of Canada. Registration is free at potatobusinesssummit.com. For more information, contact George Martin at United Potato Growers of America: george@unitedpotatousa.com.

time
11:00 am – 6:30 pm

Exhibit Hall Open

Expo Hall

time
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Tater Time: Tater Tot and BBQ Bar

Lunch Room, Expo Hall

Sponsored by Lamb Weston

time
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Street & Potatoes: A Battle for the Best Tacos

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

Hosted by Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, Culinary Director, Potatoes USA, and Chef Jason Morse, CEC, National Spokesperson, Grilling Expert, Ace Hardware

Potato Expo 2022 and 2023 Top Spuds: RJ Andrus, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Jared Balcom, Balcom & Moe, Pasco, Wash.
v.
Mike Carter, Bushman’s Inc., Rosholt, Wisc. and Steve Streich, Streich and Associates, Kalispell, Mont.
v.
Thomas Baker, Allied Potato, Inc., Bakersfield, Calif., and Chelsea Gray, Potatoes USA, Denver, Colo.

Sponsored by The Little Potato Company

 

time
12:50 pm – 4:30 pm

Sessions at the Cultivation Theater

Cultivation Stage, Expo Hall

12:50-1:20pm: Spudding Innovation: The State of AI for the Potato Industry
The presentation provides an overview of the history and evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), from its conception in the mid-20th century to the present day. It highlights key developments like machine learning, deep learning, big data, and open-source frameworks that have enabled the rapid advancement of AI over the past decade. The presentation outlines different approaches to AI like symbolic vs connectionist AI, as well as defining key terminology like machine learning, deep learning, and AI. It provides examples of major AI application areas including computer vision, natural language processing, predictive analytics, generative AI, and diffusion models. When discussing the future of AI, the presentation emphasizes the pace of advancement across industries and the imperative for companies to develop an AI strategy. It notes that corporate winners and losers will be defined by how effectively they leverage AI, and leaders have a responsibility to ensure ethical and responsible use. The presentation stresses the importance of developing core capabilities in areas like data, platform/tools, operationalization, governance, innovation, lifecycle management, organization, and ecosystem. It refers to a maturity model that assesses companies across these dimensions, from “Foundational” to “Leading.”
Ron Green, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, KUNGFU.AI
Benjamin Herndon, Ph.D., Chief Strategy Officer, KUNGFU.AI

1:30-2pm: Digital Transformation in Potatoes: A How-To Guide
Get ready for a showcase of digital progress and advancements within the potato industry. Join expert consultant Kay Harmon of AgCheck Compliance Services and Roger Mix of Mix Farms as they take an in-depth look at how top growers and packers in Colorado and beyond are harnessing the power of innovative platforms like Provision to optimize daily operations. From seamless task management to intelligent smart forms and tailor-made analytics, attendees will gain insights into how the potato industry can work smarter, not harder, for food safety compliance through digital tools.
Real-world case studies will highlight how growers, packers, and other stakeholders are leveraging these tools to streamline processes and reduce paperwork. Witness the evolution of the industry towards data-driven decision-making and efficiency in the future of agriculture.
Moderator: Amy Wayne, Food Safety Content Manager, Provision Analytics
Panelists: Kay Harmon, Owner, AgCheck Compliance Services
Roger Mix, Owner, Mix Farms

2:10-2:40pm: Enhancing IPM for U.S. Potato Production Systems
Neonicotinoid insecticides have been the most common management tool for insect infestations in cultivated potato for over 25 years. The relative ease of applying neonicotinoids at planting coupled with inexpensive, generic neonicotinoid formulations has reduced the incentive for potato growers to transition from these products to other mode of action groups for full season insect control. Continuous use of neonicotinoids has resulted in resistant populations, nontarget effects, and environmental contamination in several production areas of the United States. Continued reliance on neonicotinoids will accelerate the severity of these issues, and novel approaches are warranted to increase the sustainability of the industry. These increasing concerns have elevated the importance of proactive pest management programs that integrate non-neonicotinoid insecticides. Through this project, we will gain an understanding of how transitioning to a more sustainable agricultural system can improve socioeconomic factors for potato.
Moderator: Zsofia Szendrei, Ph.D., Professor, Michigan State University
Panelists: David Crowder, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology, Washington State University
Russell Groves, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chairperson, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Paul Mitchell, Ph.D., Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Extension

2:50-3:20pm: The Amazing Capabilities of AI for Food Sorting and FM Detection
AI has a remarkable capacity to learn and make decisions. This capability extends to AI’s ability to make precise judgments about the quality of potatoes. AI can also detect foreign materials in chip potatoes that might otherwise be included in the food supply, such as golf balls, walnuts, rocks, and other materials.
This presentation will include many illustrative examples. It will also discuss AI’s current throughput capacities and what lies on the horizon for AI robots, roller tables, automated dockside, and fieldside quality inspections.
Moderator: Chris Bryant, President, Smart Vision Works
Panelists: Kirt Lillywhite, Ph.D., VP of Technology, Smart Vision Works
Curtis Koelling, VP of Product Development and Innovation, Smart Vision Works

3:30-3:50pm: PAA Poster Session: Key Highlights
Research from members of the Potato Association of America benefits the potato industry. The PAA has a long history of providing solutions for the industry and connections where collaboration to solve problems starts. An overview of the PAA and how it works with industry will be given. Highlights from two of the posters will be shared. There are 18 posters in all where you can get a glimpse into current cutting-edge research and meet with the researchers face to face during the following poster session from 5-6pm.
Jonathan Whitworth, Ph.D., Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS

4-4:30pm: How Technology is Changing Field Management Decisions
Technology is changing agriculture in many ways. This includes the equipment and practices used in providing nutrients and protecting the potato crop from pests. In this session, we will explore how growers are using drones, cameras, and other technologies to reduce inputs and create new efficiencies in potato production.
Moderator: Grant Morris, Partner, Schneider Farms-Pasco LLC
Panelists: Dick Muhlbeier, General Manager of Precision Ag Technology, RDO Equipment Co.
Seth Robinson, Farm Manager, Walther Farms

time
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Sessions at the Pavilion Theater

Pavilion Stage, Expo Hall

1-1:30pm: Grower-Driven Improvements in Seed to Enhance End-Consumer Experience
Hear the experiences from a twelve-state project intended to help the industry create, build, and benefit from a member-developed dormant tuber testing system. Utilizing “Mail Away PVY Test Kits,” volunteers from the U.S. seed potato supply chain provided seed and tuber handling labor while USDA-ARS and APHIS funded supplies and downstream laboratory services. These efforts combined to inform the development of new quality assurance tools for seed intended to provide the greatest value in end-use products for consumers. Join the discussion on Vision 2026 seed certification toward a grower-driven development model for the industry to reshape the future with dormant tuber testing.
Jason Ingram, Lab Manager, USDA-ARS/Cornell University
Don Sklarczyk, Chair, Vision 2026 Seed Certification

1:40-2pm: Creating a Culture of Strengths-based Leadership
People often focus on becoming competent in their areas of weakness, but despite all their efforts they never become exceptional. In a strength-based culture people instead invest in improving their areas of talent, allowing them to excel in their career and life. Participants will be introduced to the principles of a strengths-based culture and provided with tools to identify their talents and ways to perform at their best.
Mike Wenkel, Vice President, Potato LEAF

2:10-2:40pm: FieldView and Greentronics Platform Provides Live Spatial Mapping of Potato Yields
Climate FieldView, Bayer’s industry-leading farm data management and analysis platform that covers more than 200 million acres, released new functionality in 2023 that allows potato growers to use FieldView in conjunction with the Greentronics RiteYield system, to produce spatial yield maps live in the field from any potato digger. Maps are captured and displayed on an iPad in the cab and multiple diggers stitch data together in real time so complete yield maps are available to review the minute a field is finished. This new technology solution allows farmers to start evaluating the results of seed, fertility, or crop protection trials as harvest progresses rather than waiting for weeks or months after harvest is complete to gather, process and view data in a usable format.
Jeff Hamlin, US TCC Enablement, Bayer Crop Science

2:50-3:20pm: Mexico – Two Years After Access
After over 20 years and numerous legal challenges, the Mexican market was opened to U.S. fresh potatoes in 2022. Nearly two years later, NPC, Potatoes USA and the industry’s top trade consultants at Bryant Christie, Inc. will assess where things are, how far they need to go and the challenges in realizing the potential of this valuable export market.
Matt Lantz, Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie, Inc.
Kim Breshears, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes USA
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

3:30-4pm: Japan – Confronting Politics – Overcoming More Than 20 Years of Delays
The U.S. industry is squarely focused on expanding export opportunities for American growers. Though Japan is one of our largest trading partners for processed products and chipping potatoes, it remains closed to U.S. fresh table stock exports. Kam Quarles and Matt Lantz will give an overview of the political challenges in opening this market and the potential for U.S. growers once we are successful.
Matt Lantz, Vice President, Global Access, Bryant Christie, Inc.
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

4:10-4:30pm: Rainmaker.Earth Corp.’s Game-Changing Water Technology for Regenerative Agriculture
Rainmaker.Earth Corp. is the worldwide distributor for transformative water technology that has proven to decrease water use (approximately 30%), decrease total cost of irrigation and increase yields. With 15 years of track record and over 4,000 systems in use, we are bringing this game-changing technology to the world.
Rainmaker’s advanced oxidation process restructures irrigation water, with highly energized oxygen molecules similar to rainwater. This restructuring not only breaks down contaminants, such as chlorides, but also ensures a clean, disease-free, and highly efficient irrigation system.
The outstanding results The Rainmaker is getting are in our enhanced oxidation process, which creates restructured water that relieves soil compaction, increases permeability and water holding capacity. The result is an aerobic soil environment. The soil is friable and permeable allowing water to soak in immediately rather than puddle and evaporate. The aerobic environment facilitates ‘good’ bacteria and fungus, enabling farmers to quickly implement regenerative farming practices in addition to the benefits it brings to traditional irrigated farming practices.
Riaan Kirsten, Founder and Chief Technical Officer, Rainmaker.Earth

time
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm

Potatoes Gone Viral! Reaching the TikTok Generation 

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes. Smashed Potatoes. Fondant Potatoes. What do all these dishes have in common? They’ve all gone viral on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, reaching hundreds of millions of consumers across the globe.

If you’re not Generation Z, you probably need help making sense of it all. We know we do! That’s why NPC is pleased to announce the return of digital, marketing, and strategy expert Steve Lerch, who will join us at Potato Expo 2024 to talk about the importance of creating digital content and the power of social media and viral videos to keep potatoes top of mind for all consumers.

We’ll learn how every member of the potato supply chain – from farmers to public policy advocates – can and should play a role in telling the story of potatoes. Chef RJ Harvey, Culinary Director of Potatoes USA, and Chef Jason Morse, national spokesperson for Ace Hardware, will join Steve on the Expo Stage to share their personal experiences as chefs, content creators, and fans of all things potato.

Steve Lerch, President, Story Arc Consulting
Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, Culinary Director, Potatoes USA
Chef Jason Morse, CEC, National Spokesperson, Grilling Expert, Ace Hardware

time
3:00 pm – 4:20 pm

Potato Talks

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

3-3:20pm Potato Market and Sustainability Update with Rabo AgriFinance
Rabo AgriFinance will host a discussion on the potato market and sustainability topics that will impact the industry with members of its RaboResearch Food & Agri and Sustainability teams. The discussion will include recent sustainability trends and policy changes as well as Rabo AgriFinance’s current sustainability activities. RaboResearch will discuss opportunities and challenges impacting potato supply and demand for the next marketing year. Together they will discuss how sustainability and other trends will impact the potato markets longer-term.
Moderator: Carollann Romo, Sr. Marketing Manager, Rabo AgriFinance
Panelists: Ryan Findlay, Head of Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Rabo AgriFinance
David Magana, Sr. RaboResearch Analyst, Rabo AgriFinance
Sharon Loos, Senior Relationship Manager, Rabo AgriFinance

3:30-3:50pm: Potato Roundtable with the Winners of the Spudman’s Impact Award
Spudman’s Impact Awards honor individuals from all segments of the potato industry who make impactful contributions and demonstrate involvement, innovation and commitment. Join members of this year’s class of honorees as they discuss issues facing the country’s potato business and sharing their thoughts about the future of the industry — from labor to processing, regulations to tech — and everything in between. Moderated by Spudman’s editorial team, this session will feature an interview-style roundtable, presenting attendees with a variety of opinions, ideas and perspectives, as well as inspiration heading into 2024.
Moderator: Melinda Waldrop, Managing Editor, Spudman
Spudman Impact Winners: Russell Groves, Professor and Department Chairperson, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Nora Olsen, Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Idaho

4-4:20 pm: Culinary Medicine May Be the Secret to Lowering Healthcare Costs
Can food be the secret to cutting healthcare costs? The “Food as Medicine” movement thinks so, aiming to educate front-line healthcare providers with nutrition education and resources to improve patients’ diets and health outcomes. Learn about the overall “Food as Medicine” movement and how one avenue, Culinary Medicine, educates physicians, nurses, and other providers on how to talk about food and cooking with patients so they can put healthy living advice into practice quickly and simply.
Leah Sarris, MBA, RD, LDN, Director of Culinary Marketing & Education, Wild Hive

time
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Austin On Tap Happy Hour

Expo Hall

Sponsored by Bayer Crop Science

 

time
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm

How Frito-Lay Works with Farmers: A Conversation with Laura Maxwell and Ashin Parikh

Moderator: Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Laura Maxwell, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, PepsiCo Foods North America
Ashin Parikh, Senior Vice President and Market Supply Officer, PepsiCo Foods North America Sourcing & Procurement

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

time
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Meet the Researchers

PAA Poster Session, Expo Hall (outside of the Cultivation Theater) 

time
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Kick-Off Reception, featuring the Potato LEAF Auction on the Expo Stage

Expo Hall

Sponsored by Syngenta

 

time
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Beer Garden

The Reverbery, Hilton Austin 

Sponsored by Corteva

 

time
5:45 am – 7:00 am

Team Potato Workout: Team Potato + Studio ///

Studio Three, 501 Brazos Street 

Brought to you by Potatoes USA

Join Team Potato for an in-studio workout at Studio Three to showcase how potatoes fuel your performance. Tailored to athletes of all skill levels, group classes in each discipline are expertly led by world-class instructors who inspire growth at every stage of your fitness journey. The workout will be a full-body, 45-minute class. It takes place in a moderately heated room incorporating weights, resistance bands, and cardio, comprising a series of exercises targeting the whole body as you burn calories and tone muscle.   

Studio spaces are limited, so register early to guarantee a spot!  

Register here: https://share.hsforms.com/1-lq0Rg5rS8SG8mTLyiW-cgnw272

time
7:30 am – 9:00 am

Annual Meeting of the Potato LEAF

Meeting Room 615, Hilton Austin 

time
8:00 am – 12:00 pm

PAPAS Advisory Committee Meeting

Meeting Room 615A, Hilton Austin 

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Soil Health Meeting

Meeting Room 615, Hilton Austin

For more information, contact Caitlin Roberts at Potatoes USA: caitlinr@potatoesusa.com

time
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Expo Hall Open

Expo Hall

time
9:20 am – 10:10 am

Potato Talks

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

9:20-9:40am: Bluefield Seeding Solutions – Increase Productivity and Quality with More Accurate Seed Placement
There are many things out of a grower’s control, but seed placement is not one of them. It all starts with a seed. Ensuring seed is properly placed is critical in achieving the best yields possible on your farm. Named one of the 10 most innovative products in the potato industry in 2023 by Spud Smart Magazine, Bluefield Seeding Solutions aims to help growers improve their profitability through better seed placement. This system is composed of a press wheel mounted on the planter which improves plant spacing uniformity, along with a sensor that detects contact of each seed piece as it is planted. The grower can see, in real-time, their average spacing and the planter’s actual performance of seed’s placement in the furrow of each row. This enables them to take corrective action if required. Planters can travel significantly faster than conventional planter setups while maintaining more consistent spacing.
Evan MacDonald, Precision Agronomist, Contour Consulting
Craig McCloskey, Owner, Bluefield Seeding Solutions

9:50-10:10am: Good-bye GI! A Campaign to Leave the Outdated, Inaccurate Glycemic Index Behind
Media monitoring has uncovered a shocking trend, dietitians/nutritionists writing and commenting about glycemic index as the measure of carbohydrate quality in the news. In this session, hear from Katie Lilley about how Potatoes USA is tackling this problem through grassroots efforts and an aggressive counter-campaign!
Katie Lilley, COO, Hillenby

time
9:20 am – 11:50 am

Sessions at the Cultivation Corner

Cultivation Stage, Expo Hall

9:20-10am: The Future of Biologicals in Potato Production
What role will biologicals play in the future of potato production? In this discussion, industry panelists will examine the current conditions of biologicals in the market, the future of biological crop protection products, and what this ultimately will mean for the grower. Industry leaders will discuss the real results they are seeing with biologicals today, the emerging technologies enabling biological crop protection products, and address any hesitancies still surrounding the use of biologicals in agriculture today.
Moderator: Jonathan Adamson, Western US Sales Manager, Vive Crop Protection
Panelists: Jeff Miller, Plant Pathologist, Miller Research
Brian Neufeld, Potato Grower, Neufeld Farms
Eric Ritchie, Agriculture Director North America of Strategic Operations, McCain Foods

10:10-10:50am: Regional Breeding Program’s Contributions to the Industry
Regional potato breeding efforts are supported by the USDA and leading universities. This discussion highlights recent technological advances and new varietal releases in different market classes that provide real benefits along the value chain. The discussion will cover how these programs are organized regionally and coordinated through established field trial systems and the role of government-sponsored research. All participant’s breeding efforts now employ a variety of genome sequencing, precision genome engineering, predictive modeling, and phenotyping technologies to make their programs more efficient and deliver well-adapted varieties with high performance and new traits. How does this technology reduce the effective generation interval and improve selection accuracy? How does it save money and help deliver the goods. We’ll put the experts on the stage to answer these questions and more.
Moderator: Mark Pavek, Ph.D., Professor, Washington State University
Panelists: David Douches, Ph.D., Professor, Michigan State University
Isabel Vales, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Texas A&M University
Craig Yencho, Ph.D., Professor, North Carolina State University

11:10-11:50am: Lessons Learned from Regenerative Ag Innovation Hubs
In crop year 2023, McCain Foods partnered with growers in Washington, Idaho, and Manitoba to launch five Innovation Hubs. An Innovation Hub is a partnership with a grower to run a commercial-scale trial of key regenerative practices for that region. Each Innovation Hub has a clear research question, risk-sharing acreage contract, network of university and industry partners, grower learning field day, and ROI calculation(s). The discussion will focus on lessons learned from the first year of collaboration.
Moderator: Daniel Metheringham, VP of Agriculture, McCain Foods
Panelists: Amanda Crook, Lead Agronomist of Western North America, McCain Foods
Austin Poulson, Idaho Innovation Hub Grower, Scott Poulson Farms
Brett Reynolds, Washington Innovation Hub Grower, Reynolds Agribusiness LLC

time
9:30 am – 11:30 am

Sessions at the Pavilion Theater

Pavilion Stage, Expo Hall

9:30-10am: Farm Policy and a Dysfunctional Washington, D.C.
The Farm Bill expired in September of 2023 and the dysfunction in Washington, D.C. is threatening this essential rewrite of our nation’s farm policy. Risk management, export promotion, pest and disease prevention, nutrition policy and numerous other programs that make growers competitive are tied up in political infighting. Kam Quarles of NPC and Tyson Redpath of The Russell Group will talk about how we got here, where we might be going and what growers can do to break the impasse on Capitol Hill.
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Tyson Redpath, Principal, The Russell Group

10:10-10:40am: Elements of Employee Engagement
Employees make decisions and take actions every day that can affect your workforce and organization. Yet, according to Gallup, only 32% of the employees in the U.S. are engaged, while only 23% are engaged worldwide.
During this session you will be introduced to Gallup’s framework to improve employee engagement, increase productivity and profitability while reducing absenteeism, turnover, and accidents.
Mike Wenkel, Vice President, Potato LEAF

10:50-11:30am: Understanding Disruptive Weather Patterns & 2024 Weather Signals
U.S. potato production is weather-sensitive and risk associated with adverse weather can derail a well-managed operation very quickly. We will first discuss how weather over the last 70 years has impacted potato production and discover what weather patterns are the best and worst for growing potatoes. We’ll then look at the different types of weather risk that we experience across North America and the atmospheric ingredients that lead to these problematic patterns. Finally, we’ll use this knowledge to explore why we experienced the weather patterns we have other the last several years, and preview what weather storylines to watch for in 2024.
Andrew Pritchard, Senior Meteorologist, Nutrien

time
10:20 am – 10:50 am

Partnering with USTR in Opening Markets to U.S. Potato Exports: A conversation with U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip and NPC CEO Kam Quarles

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

Doug McKalip, U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

time
11:00 am – 11:40 am

Potatoes: It’s What’s for Grillin’!

Expo Stage, Expo Hall 

While we’re in Austin, we can’t leave town without talking about the exploding barbecue scene, both in Texas and across the country. More Americans than ever before are firing up their grills, smokers, or flattops (sometimes all at the same time!) to make complete meals outside of their home kitchens. Recipes and grilling equipment to cook side dishes like potatoes have flooded social media and television cooking shows.

Companies like ACE Hardware are responding to increased demand for products to help consumers mimic the viral grilling recipes they’ve seen on Instagram and TikTok. Hear from ACE Hardware spokesperson and grilling expert, Chef Jason Morse, who will discuss how the entire potato supply chain can tap into the consumer excitement around grilling, smoking, and smashing potatoes in ways most of us never considered a few years ago.

Chef Jason Morse, CEC, National Spokesperson, Grilling Expert, Ace Hardware 

time
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Tater Time: Baked Potato Bar

Lunch Room, Expo Hall

time
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Fueling Performance Across Generations

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

Sponsored by Potatoes USA 

Join us for an exciting presentation that showcases how Potatoes USA is at the forefront of promoting a healthy lifestyle and culinary excellence with the versatile potato. This unique session will explore how potatoes can be prepared to cater to unique needs and preferences, including “Food as Medicine” advocates, foodservice operators, home cooks, and the ever-evolving Generation Z.   

The expert team will take you on a journey, emphasizing the humble potato’s potential to transform the modern plate by demonstrating how it can be a focal point in crafting nutritionally rich and flavorful dishes. The presentation will highlight Potatoes USA’s innovative programs designed to ensure that potatoes are integral to every meal. 

Moderator: Marisa Stein, Marketing Director, Potatoes USA
Panelists: Chef RJ Harvey, RDN, CEC, Culinary Director, Potatoes USA
Bonnie Johnson, Nutrition Director, Potatoes USA

time
1:00 pm – 3:40 pm

Sessions at the Cultivation Theater

Cultivation Stage, Expo Stage 

1-1:40pm: The Importance of a Global Sustainability Standard to Help Tell the Potato Sustainability Story
Join this panel for an exciting discussion of why sustainability standards matter, and why a global standard, such as FSA SAI, matters.
Moderator: John Mesko, Executive Director, Potato Sustainability Alliance
Panelists: Jolyn Rasmussen, Global Agronomy Services, JR Simplot
Steven Wall, Sustainability Development Manager, Syngenta
Ryan Findlay, Head of Sustainable Food and Agriculture, North America, Rabobank

1:50-2:20 pm: Taste the Future: Potatoes and the Restaurant Evolution
Foodservice operators are entering 2024 with a thirst for updates around culinary and other relevant trends that fuel growth. Kelly Dykhuizen, Senior Director at Datassential, a global leader in food and beverage intelligence, will share the latest in potato trends and the role that potatoes play on the menu. Get the latest insights on consumer preferences, emerging trends, and key drivers that will shape the future of foodservice.
Kelly Dykhuizen, Senior Director of Customer Experience, Datassential

2:30-3pm: Looking Forward to Diploid Potatoes: Resistant to Today’s Problems, Resilient to Tomorrow’s Challenges, and Irresistible Quality Outcomes
Potato growers face increasing customer demands for excellent product quality and sustainable production. Greater climate volatility and changing consumer preferences have made this task a moving target that is difficult to hit with incremental improvements attained through time-honored tetraploid breeding. New varieties that appeal to customers are less dependent on inputs for yield, size, and quality and are resilient when confronted with environmental stresses. Growers of every market class will realize these returns. Before long, some new varieties will be produced from diploid potatoes using the latest advances in plant breeding technologies. This is your chance to discover how diploid potatoes can benefit your industry, where the first new opportunities can be anticipated, and how new varieties, including hybrid potatoes propagated from true seed, fit into the overall potato production system.
Paul Bethke, Ph.D., Research Plant Physiologist, USDA-ARS
Cari Schmitz Carley, Ph.D., Senior Breeder, Aardevo

3:10-3:40pm: Soil Health in Potatoes: Fry in the Sky or Grounded in Reality?
Soil health is the foundation of regenerative agriculture and the backbone of resilient and climate-smart potato production. But the potato cropping system presents significant challenges for maintaining and improving soil health. The Soil Health Institute has been working with farmers and food companies across North America to measure and benchmark soil health and provide educational programs on what soil health can look like in potato systems. This session digs into what we’ve learned so far about the soil health challenges that potato growers face across North America, the existing research on regenerative potato production, recommended soil health measurements, regional soil health differences, and success stories from North American potato growers.
Katherine East, Soil Health Educator, Soil Health Institute
Cameron Ogilvie, Soil Health Educator, Soil Health Institute

time
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Sessions at the Pavilion Theater 

Pavilion Stage, Expo Hall

1-1:30pm: Keeping Potatoes on the Plate – D.C.’s Dietary Guidelines Process
2024 is the year that the federal government rewrites their recommendations on what Americans should eat. These statements will then echo through U.S. federal nutrition policy for the next five years. The U.S. industry is working together to push back against unwise and unscientific recommendations on potatoes in these Dietary Guidelines for Americans, such as those seen in previous Administrations. Beth Johnson of Food Directions and Kam Quarles from NPC will talk about the process so far, what the threats are, and where the opportunities may be in shaping these twice-a-decade recommendations.
Beth Johnson, Principal, Food Directions
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

1:40-2:10pm: The Future of Chemistry Regulations on Farming Practices – Endangered Species Act Assessment
Farming is currently facing a new era in regulations and potato growers will soon be forced to change their production practices. This discussion will feature representatives from across the potato industry to provide an update on the current regulatory environment. The topics will include a recap of 2023 EPA actions around Endangered Species Act, Vulnerable Species Pilot Project (VSPP), EPA Herbicide Strategy, and what is on the horizon for 2024. As an industry, now more than ever it is pivotal to be engaged so we are able to shape the conversation on the future of farming for generations to come.
Moderator: Jennifer Crumpler, Industry Affairs Lead, Bayer Crop Science
Panelists: Ed Ruckert, Legal Counsel, Minor Crop Farmer Alliance
Tilgham Hall, VP Environmental Safety North America, Bayer Crop Science

2:20-2:50pm: Climate-Smart Potatoes for the Pacific Northwest: Managing Soil Health for Climate-Smart Outcomes
This research project is a pilot project supported by the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program that is focused on potato-based crop rotation systems across the Idaho, Oregon, and Washington regions, as well as for farmers on American Indian reservations in the region. The project’s objective is to see farmers adopt Climate-Smart practices across the region that benefit the soil health of fields that produce potatoes and crops grown in rotation. Most project funding is designated for direct payments to growers as incentives for implementing Climate-Smart practices. Growers currently implementing any Climate-Smart practices, but not already receiving payments from another USDA program, may enroll those fields and acres in the project. A grower may enroll multiple fields that produce potatoes and rotational crops, that includes grains, corn, hay, onions, hemp, or any other crop commodities used in the farmer’s rotation management system.
Ken Frost, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Oregon State University Department of Botany and Plant Pathology & Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center

3-3:30pm: North American Potato Sustainability: Insights from 2023 and Our Sustainability Story
Potatoes have a great sustainability story to tell. In 2023, PSA launched a new program designed to better tell that story to the world. Join Natalie Nesburg, PSA’s Program Manager, for a look at how North American potato producers are telling that story. She will share insights from our data collected in 2023, including areas of success and the top three things growers can do to better tell their stories.
Natalie Nesburg, Program Manager, Potato Sustainability Alliance

3:40-4pm: Live Eye on Potatoes Podcast Recording: Enhancing Growers’ Competitiveness – A Discussion with National Organization Leaders
Join key association CEOs in the industry for a discussion about the present and future opportunities for potatoes.
Host: Lane Nordlund, host of the Eye on Potatoes Podcast
Mark Klompien, President and CEO, United Potato Growers of America
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Blair Richardson, President and CEO, Potatoes USA

time
1:30 pm – 3:50 pm

Potato Talks

Expo Stage, Expo Hall

1:30-1:50pm: Farm Succession Planning: 4 Steps to Improve Your Odds
At the Potato Expo 2023, we reviewed the surprising reasons why most family businesses fail to survive to the third generation, including breakdowns of trust and communication within the family. In this year’s session, Mike Cohen and Jeff DeWald will do a brief review of the challenges, and introduce Tina Lovejoy, owner of Frameworks Facilitation LLC. Tina is highly experienced working with farm families and other closely-held businesses on the personal and family issues surrounding succession planning and will share four steps to improve your operation’s odds for a successful transition to the next generation.
Moderator: Tina Lovejoy, Founder, Frameworks Facilitation LLC
Panelists: Michael Cohen, CRPC, CBEC, Managing Member, Agribusiness Succession Advisors LLC
Jeffrey S. DeWald, CLU, ChFC, CBEC, Managing Member, Agribusiness Succession Advisors, LLC

2-2:20pm: The Connection Between Soil Microbes and Potato Yields
At the root of every healthy crop, there is a thriving community of soil microbes improving soil quality promoting plant vigor. For potato growers, disturbances to the soil throughout the crop cycle and little organic matter coverage left after harvest can cause soil loss and reduction in important soil nutrients available to future crops. Key resources like nutrients and water – particularly where irrigation is required – can be at risk of loss or poor uptake when the soil microbiome is starving, and thus dormant. Dr. Cassidy Million will share the power of utilizing your soil microbiome to “wake up” dormant soil microbes to perform important functions like improving nutrient availability, water retention, and soil aggregation. Potato growers will glean valuable information on how to retain existing soil, improve its quality, and provide an ideal environment for protection against environmental stresses, such as drought, flooding, and erosion.
Cassidy Million, Ph.D., VP of Ag Science, Heliae Agriculture

2:30-2:50pm: Advancing Potato Nutrition Research: Alliance for Potato Research & Education Update
Learn about recent APRE publications and exciting upcoming projects. Walk away with key facts about potato nutrition that you can share with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Howard Goldstein, MS, RD, Manager, Alliance for Potato Research & Education

3-3:20pm: The Future of Breeding is Now: High Yield, Low Input Varieties
The future of breeding is now. Disease resistance, climate resilience, abiotic stress tolerance, sustainability, and other traits are becoming increasingly important in our rapidly changing world. With the robustness of our new varieties, we can meet these challenges and work toward regenerative agriculture goals. Our Even Greener varieties exemplify five sustainable traits: higher marketable yield, greater fertilizer efficiency, increased storability, better crop protection, and reduced fresh water use to bring you a potato that fits your needs.
Robert Graveland, Research & Development Director, HZPC Research Ltd. part of Royal HZPC Group

3:30-3:50pm: Real-Time Storage Performance Evaluation
Potato storages, new and old, were designed to create a climate that provides an optimal environment for tubers to be stored in. Over time those designs have changed and older storages have been upgraded. Some upgrades include the use of frequency drives to control fan speed, updated fan blades, louvers, doors, refrigeration, and condensation control. With all of these changes, one has to wonder if the storage is still performing adequately to provide the best environment. The Gellert Co., in cooperation with Agri-Stor Companies, has developed technology to monitor and verify ventilation system performance in real time. This monitoring includes but is not limited to, temperatures, humidities, CO2 levels, duct air speeds, total cfm, static pressures, and power consumption. When the real-time data is analyzed our storage professionals can easily determine the weak spots in a storage design and communicate the benefits or consequences of the design.
John Klimes, Director of Product Quality, Agri-Stor Companies

time
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Ask the Grilling Expert with Chef Jason Morse

The Patio, Expo Hall

time
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Peace Out Happy Hour

Expo Hall

Sponsored by UPL

time
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Potato Palooza

Speakeasy, 412 Congress Avenue

The Spazmatics Sponsored by Trinity Trailer

Bring name badge for entry.

The potato industry will take over The Speakeasy – a celebrated four-story music venue in the heart of the Austin Warehouse District – for our final Potato Expo 2024 celebration: Potato Palooza! 

Just steps from our host hotels, Potato Palooza offer a unique opportunity to enjoy live music from two stages, play pool and other bar games, test your skills on their vintage bowling lanes, or relax on the rooftop lounge while taking in stunning views of the city. The Ballroom will feature an Austin tradition: The Spazmatics! Hailed as “The Ultimate New Wave 80’s Band” playing the best of (and sometimes the worst of) the most beloved decade. 

On the Rooftop Terrace, you can take in the Austin cityscape while enjoying the kick-in beats of DJ Gatsby, making a return performance from our 2021 event. Or you can hang out in the Kabaret Room for an intimate prohibition-era vibe and enjoy the smooth sounds of Soul Wagon. The Bowling Mezzanine offers a unique lounge setting with antique couches, a personalized bar, and two vintage bowling lanes, all of which overlook the main music stage. 

Wherever your tastes take you, Potato Palooza will be a Potato Expo finale you’ll remember! 

time
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

IPM All PI Meeting

Meeting Room 615B, Hilton Austin 

time
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

PAPAS All PI Meeting

Meeting Room 615A, Hilton Austin