Episode 17: Potato Trials

In this episode, we're excited to talk with Dr. Chandler Dolezal, a Principal Agronomist, about potato trials here at Lamb Weston. Visit our website at https://tater-talk.transistor.fm/ and listen to learn more! Visit the link to let us know about other topics you'd like us to talk about on the show! https://forms.office.com/r/vYdvjXmKpP

Five takeaways:

1. Multifaceted Nature of Potato Trials: Potato trials cover both field and storage aspects, focusing on best practices for planting, fertility, varietal studies, and managing crop quality over extended periods.
2. Adaptation and Proactivity: Continuous adaptation and proactive measures are essential to address evolving challenges like climate changes, pests, and diseases, ensuring supply chain security and maintaining raw supply quality.
3. Rigorous Trial Process: The trial process involves multiple stages, from small plot trials to full field testing, isolating variables to ensure accurate results and developing best practices for growers.
4. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Close collaboration between agronomists, breeders, and growers is crucial for identifying and testing new varieties, adapting to changing conditions, and ensuring agricultural and quality standards.
5. Research and Risk Management: Using research storage facilities for small-scale evaluations helps mitigate risks before commercial implementation, ensuring consistent quality management and training new staff.