b'2021 Potato Field Research In Noby Dr.Andy Robinson, NDSU/UMN Potato Extension AgronomistThis year has been another interestingyear with the drought problems beingthemostconcerning.Springplantingwent quite well because of little rainfall.As in any year, the environmental fac-tors have great influence on the plants.It has kept the Extension and researchactivities attentive to the needs of grow-ers. We plan on hosting field day in per-son this year on August 26th. We willfollowthesamerouteasinthepast,starting at Hoverson Farms in the morn-ing, at the Inkster research site in theafternoon, and finishing at Oberg FarmsinHoople,NorthDakota.Thegoodnewsisthatspringwasfavorableforplanting research trials in a timely man-ner, although some cold weather sloweddownseedshipments.Anumberofpotato research projects are being con-ductedbytheexcellentresearchersinNorthDakotaandMinnesota.Theseresearchers are focused on current andfuture issues affecting potato growers in growerswhodonateseedfortrials. NDSU/UMNPotatoExten-the two states. However, the findings of Thanks to all our industry partners who sion Agronomist theseresearchprojectsareoftenfar aresupportingresearchprojectsand Dr. Andy Robinson/NDSUgreaterthatourregionbecausethe Extension activities. resultsareoftenusedthroughoutthe The Extension agronomy team has beenUnited States and other countries.If there are any questions or if there is busy conducting many agronomy trials.something you feel needs to be studied, Our team includes technical assistanceThank you to all those who help make pleaseletusknow.Keepupdatedon fromEricBrandvikandPeterIhryasthe research tests possible. Projects are potatoesbyfollowingAndyRobinson well as PhD students Phabian Makokhafunded by many sources, including the @spudologyandwww.ag.ndsu.edu/ and Jed Grow. Our trials are in six loca-NorthernPlainsPotatoGrowers potatoextension.tions this year, Becker and Perham, MN;Association, Minnesota Area II Research Oakes,Larimore,HoopleandInkster,and Promotion Council, through state TheNDAWNPotatoBlightappisthe ND. In addition to these, we are con-andfederalgrantsandothersinthe key source for blight notifications and ductingthelateblightsporetrappingpotato industry. We particularly want to can be downloaded at iTunes or Google networkwithpartnerfarmsinNorththank the grower cooperators who host play store.Dakota and Minnesota. The focus of ourresearchtrialsontheirfarmandseed12 POTATO GROWER JULY/AUGUST 2021'