J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 POTATO GROWER 5 bility, expansion is highly unlikely. Contraction is also unlikely because of good demand during Big Lake’s short but profitable marketing win- dow. Despite declining acres in North Dakota, potatoes are still a big deal in the state. North Dakota still ranks fourth or fifth in the country for potato production, only trailing Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin and sometimes Colorado. Our diversity is our strong point, growing sub- stantial acres for all four sectors; frozen processing, fresh, chip and seed. Potatoes will continue to be an important and unique part of agri- culture in our region for many years to come but there will be chal- lenges. Growers will need to stay on top of rapid advances in technology that will lead to more efficient farm- ing methods and continue to sup- port organizations like NPPGA that help fund potato research, market- ing and legislative advocacy. Drone photo courtesy Nick Otto, Crystal, North Dakota.