Did you know Wisconsin is one of the top producers of potatoes in the nation? We are ranked third, to be exact! In 2019 alone, our state produced more than 28 million pounds of potatoes and, on average, potatoes generate $352 million for our state’s economy annually.

High in nutrients

With more potassium than a banana, potatoes are an excellent choice for your dinner plate. They are high in fiber and packed full of energy to fuel your body and brain throughout the day.

According to the national potato marketing and research organization Potatoes USA, the majority of the nutrients in a potato are found within the potato itself, not in the skin. The only nutrient significantly lost when the skin is removed is fiber.

And the best part? There are countless ways to enjoy a potato. My favorites include hash browns with breakfast, red roasted potatoes for lunch and baked potatoes with dinner.

Last fall, I visited Alsum Farms and Produce to get a behind-the-scenes view of how potatoes are harvested and packaged. In Wisconsin, potatoes are usually harvested from late August to mid-
October, depending on weather and temperature.

Alsum Farms and Produce grew 2,750 acres of potatoes in 2020, with about 90% being russet potatoes, 6% yellow potatoes and 3% red potatoes. There are many varieties of potatoes, and all are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin B6. These vitamins help to strengthen our immune system and metabolize fats and proteins.

Alsum Farms and Produce

Alsum Farms and Produce began more than 45 years ago and prides itself on sustainability and supporting local farmers. By partnering with family farms across the nation, Alsum provides a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to grocers in the Great Lakes region every day of the year.

When you head to the store to shop for your next potato recipe, be sure to look for Alsum potatoes and choose Wisconsin. Buying Wisconsin products benefits not only our state’s farmers but also our businesses and communities. As a leader in potato production, Wisconsin is known for both the quantity and quality of our potatoes.

Alsum Farms and Produce is also a member of the Healthy Grown program. Healthy Grown brand potatoes are grown using the best practices in integrated pest management and water conservation. Participating farmers work with ecologists, conservationists and university researchers to use and find better, less-invasive ways to manage pests, prevent erosion and conserve quality water. Through this program, potatoes are grown with a whole-farm approach, as farmers work to protect their land and local wildlife.

Potato growers all across the state of Wisconsin are enlisting progressive farming techniques to propel their farms into the future. Planting and harvesting equipment equipped with GPS technology helps growers optimize planting efficiency and fuel consumption. Computer-based irrigation scheduling conserves water, and variety rotation preserves soil nutrients. These sustainable techniques help farmers ensure their farmland will be viable for generations to come.

Wisconsin is a potato powerhouse and leader in the development of new potato varieties, sustainable growing practices and produce traceability initiatives. One can enjoy potatoes in several ways, including mashed, grilled, roasted, baked, boiled or steamed. With seven different types of potatoes, the options are endless to make a variety of dishes. So, the next time you are looking to power up your day with a local food source, consider a Wisconsin potato.

You can learn more about Wisconsin potato varieties, their health benefits and recipes for healthy potato dishes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com. Learn about Alsum Farms and Produce at alsum.com.

Nunes is the 74th Alice in Dairyland.