CAMBRIA, WI - For some, Thanksgiving tables revolve around the perfect bird—but I have to be honest, the side dishes are what makes or breaks this holiday meal for me. And if we’re talking about holiday sides, potatoes and Thanksgiving are synonymous. While Mother Nature poured down on Wisconsin's growing regions this past fall, Alsum Farms & Produce persevered the heavy rains and weather challenges to harvest over 2,300 acres of Russets, Reds, Gold, Fingerling, and Specialty potatoes.

I caught up with Christine Lindner, National Sales, and Nikki Jedlowski, Logistics Manager and Tater Trot 5K Event Coordinator, to find out about the better-than-expected quality and yield Alsum Farms & Produce harvested despite the unruliness of Mother Nature.

“This fall has been one of the most challenging harvest seasons we have experienced to date,” Christine said to me. “Heavy rains delayed harvest at times, and we also had cold temperatures that resulted in freeze injury on some of the last loads harvested. However, the potato market is stronger this year in comparison to last year based on supply. Our overall supply as a grower is down slightly, but we will make up for this with the supplies that we bring in from other areas.”

Christine also noted that due to Thanksgiving, demand is peaking right now, with prices dipping during the holiday and returning to market pricing after the Thanksgiving ads are finished.

Because potatoes are basically celebrating their own holiday right now, Alsum Farms & Produce decided to kick promotions up a notch this season in the spirit of promoting the nutritional benefits of potatoes and hosted the 2^nd Annual Tater Trot 5K Run/Walk on October 27, 2018.

“Alsum Farms & Produce was elated to host the 2nd Annual Tater Trot 5K to help support local FFA Chapters and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the nutritional and economic benefits of Wisconsin potatoes,” Nikki told me. “Potatoes fuel performance and the Tater Trot 5K promotes the healthy, flavorful, and fresh attributes of the spud targeting everyday athletes to perform at their best and fuel their active lifestyle.”

More than 100 runners, walkers, and local FFA supporters participated in the spud-tastic event and more than $1,500 was raised for the Local FFA Chapters. Due to this year’s success, Alsum Farms & Produce is already looking forward to the event’s third year, which will take place on September 14, 2019.

For more crop, market, and fresh produce updates like this, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Alsum Farms & Produce