US: Kennewick hosts Washington Oregon Potato Conference
Over 200 potato farmers, equipment dealers, and other vendors from all over the country gathered in Kennewick for the 2016 Washington Oregon Potato Conference. Discussion at the Toyota Center, where the event was held, focused on new technologies.
Every farmer in attendance will need seeds to start their season, and Preston Stanley attended the show for his 22nd year, with his Colorado Certified Seed Potatoes display which included 40 fully-matured seeds (potatoes) from which growers could choose. “It really is a good way to start the year; very profitable show; sell lots of seed here. I’ve taken nine orders already.”
Growers also had the opportunity to have their potatoes tasted and graded by chefs as they compete for the Oregon Potato Commission’s Goodness Unearthed Awards.
As the growing season approaches, farmers will need more than seeds and tractors. Rob Weber was in attendance on behalf of the Total Employment and Management staffing agency.
Weber said he’s looking to fill several hundred positions throughout the agriculture industry for the upcoming season. “We have temporary, full-time, contract labor. We try to keep as many people working as we can.” He said the current labor shortage has led to some moderate wage increases and more bonus programs to workers who stay on for a full season.
Weber said the average wage is “about $10.75 an hour for untrained labor.”
For the hosts, the Potato Conference has been a success. Ryan Holterhoff, the director of marketing and industry affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission, said, “We’re really excited about the show. We’re ahead of pace for attendance. We see the latest trends, work with farmers, talk with them. The show provides a platform to see a variety of things.”
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/152759/US-Kennewick-hosts-Washington-Oregon-Potato-Conference
