Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/198018
The Lane family, (left to right) Carrie, Natasha, Marissa and Rob Even though he didn't complete his degree at WSU, Lane believes that gaining an education is vital for the industry's youth if agriculture is to continue advancing and growing in an everchanging world. Not one to be a hypocrite, he is currently taking classes to earn that degree he put off getting two decades ago. He wants his daughters, Marissa, 7, and Natasha, 5, to know how important that education is. "I want them to think that it's important to go ahead and have a degree regardless of whether you're a farmer or business executive or whatever you decide to do," he says. Additionally, Lane cautions growers against complacency on their own operations. In particular, Lane has been preemptive in his defense against potato psyllids and other pests. Though the Grande Ronde Valley has been spared these pests so far, Lane knows that growers in surrounding areas have had to deal with it and acknowledges that if he waits for them to come before preparing, he'll be too late. "We've got traps out [for psyllids]," he says. "We haven't had to spray or anything Lane believes that gaining an education is vital for the industry's youth if agriculture is to continue advancing and growing in an ever-changing world. like that because we haven't seen them yet. There's no doubt I'm fully prepared for it, though; it's not going to be a big surprise if it does show up." Lane believes that a vital part of running a farm—or any business—is being progressive and staying ahead of the technological curve. For example, he says he had never wanted a smartphone but saw the writing on the wall and moved Deere. Pete Taggares, from whom Lane bought his seed potato farm, was known for buying John Deere tractors and painting them white. www.potatogrower.com 35