The storage season is all about holding onto every marketable pound — despite the constant challenges growers face. From unpredictable weather at harvest to keeping diseases at bay and ensuring optimal storage conditions, storing potatoes can feel like a battle on multiple fronts. At the Potato Growers of Alberta Conference 2024, a grower panel shed light on some of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — in the world of potato storage.
Moderated by Stacey Bajema, Government Relations and Policy / Seed Director at Alberta Potato Growers, the panel brought together a diverse group of experienced Alberta potato producers: Emily Ford of Quattro Ventures (Bow Island, AB), Addie Waxman, Manager of North American Potato Storage at McCain Foods, Ryan Jensen of Klearidge Farms Ltd. (Taber, AB), and Matt Visser of Norbest Farms Ltd. (Edmonton, AB). Together, they shared firsthand insights on how they adapt to evolving storage challenges while safeguarding crop quality.
The discussion couldn’t have come at a better time. As a long-time storage specialist, Addie Waxman says she has felt frustrated over many years because at conference after conference, storage wasn’t represented. “Potatoes can be in storage so much longer than they’re in the ground. I kept wondering: why aren’t they on the agenda?”
Disease Pressure and Management Strategies
The panelists agreed that managing storage effectively starts well before the crop enters the shed.
“This year, all of us experienced a lot of wet conditions on our farms,” Jensen says. “We had late hail on our farm, which was not ideal. As we were preparing for storage, we looked at our fields pre-harvest and identified the problems. What we decided to do was stage our crop based on that information. So anything we felt was going to be maybe an issue, we put towards the end of the bin where we could get to it when we needed it.”
Diseases like soft rot, Fusarium and more can cause havoc in storage if not managed correctly. The panel shared their thoughts for keeping these threats at bay. One message was unanimous: successful storage starts with cleaning.
Visser says before harvest, Norbest Farms starts with the equipment, washing it down and disinfecting it, then moves to walls and floors. After it all dries out, they “do extra” and go back in with storage disinfectant.
For that, growers have a ton of options, including visual disinfectants like foams that provide a clear indication that the bins are as pathogen free as possible.
“Start the season off clean,” Waxman says. “Don’t carry a bad year into the new year.”
The vigilance doesn’t stop once the bin is closed. Advanced sensors and technology to monitor conditions are important. However, the panel stressed the importance of another critical technology: grower insight. Simply walking the storage bins regularly to ensure that the environment hasn’t changed is a huge step towards successful storage.
“Walking your storage bins is really about getting to know them,” Waxman says. “You want to make sure the fans are working, the airflow is good. You can’t just put the potatoes in bins and walk away for six months. So much can change in that time.”
“You have to realize your storage bin is not a hospital,” Jensen adds. “Really, your nose is the most important indicator.”
Balancing Costs and Quality
For all three growers, managing storage costs — specifically the cost of energy — is an ongoing challenge. Newer bins can help with those efficiencies, but that’s not always feasible.
“We only have one chance to put our crop in the bin, so we try whatever is financially possible,” says Visser.
If buying new bins isn’t viable, Ford says it’s critical to “be aware of what you’re putting in them.”
Solutions from Communication
Despite a grower’s best efforts, issues can and do arise. The key to managing them is communication, Visser says. Whether it’s working with agronomists, suppliers, other growers or processors, “if you’re having an issue, or seeing something, let people know right away. Communication is huge when dealing with storage issues.”
The good news is, Alberta is already doing a whole lot right.
“Alberta is blessed with a nice growing season,” Waxman says. “The growers here are predominantly progressive in thought. They’re open minded and taking suggestions — and they’re already doing the things we’re suggesting for other regions.”
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