Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/775473
52 POTATO GROWER | FEBRUARY 2017 Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In Diggin' In VARIETIES |By Scott Weybright Washington State University New potato varieties chosen for McDonald's fries Into the Big Leagues When it comes to potatoes, french fries are the big outlet for Columbia Basin growers. And when it comes to selling french fries, McDonald's is the holy grail. So for Washington State University potato researchers Rick Knowles and Mark Pavek, having a new variety chosen by McDonald's is a big deal. In September, the worldwide fast-food chain chose two relatively new varieties developed in part by WSU researchers. "McDonald's has expert tasters, kind of like with fine wine," said horticulture professor Knowles. "Their gold standard potato for french fries is a Russet Burbank, which makes a great fry but is really inefficient from a production standpoint." To develop varieties that are more efficient, stress tolerant and sustainable, WSU researchers work with colleagues from the COMPOST SPREADING EQUIPMENT ROLLAHARROW PARMA COMPANY P.O. Box 190 • Parma, ID 83660 CALL: 208-722-5116 • FAX: 208-722-6012 • EMAIL: parmacom@parmacompany.com Innovative Solutions Since 1907 P l e a s e c o n t a c t u s f o r a d e a l e r n e a r y o u www.parmacompany.com LONG, HIGH CLEARANCE TONGUE SUPERIOR TURNING CLEARANCE WITH HIGH POWERED TRACTORS Come see us at the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo Compost Spreading Equipment • Truck mounted or pull type trailers • Heavy Duty Self Contained Hydraulic system • Heavy Duty Box construction • Flat Bottom live floor eliminates bridging • Silage kits available for year round usage • Even and consistent spread pattern RIGID FRAME MODELS (12' TO 24') FOLDING MODELS (20' TO 40') WHEEL FORWARD DESIGN A PARMA ORIGINAL FOR QUICKER TURNS AND BETTER BALANCE HEAVY DUTY FOR TOUGH JOBS BETTER SEED BEDS 150197ParCom12h.indd 1 12/5/14 10:15 AM Left to right: Troy Mecham of Simplot Co., Mark Pavek of Washington State University, and Brian Charlton of Oregon State University inspect variety trials.