Join Potato Research at UW Field Day Event

By Blake Jackson

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Hancock Agricultural Research Station will host its annual Potato Research Field Day on Thursday, July 10, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Located in the Central Sands region, the 412-acre station specializes in sustainable vegetable production on sandy soils with a high water table.

This year’s event includes wagon tours to six field sites, where participants will receive updates on key potato research topics. These include disease control, insect and weed management strategies, breeding advancements, and studies on neonicotinoid and nitrate leaching from sandy soils. Additional research related to water quality will also be highlighted.

Attendees are invited to enjoy a complimentary grilled chicken dinner following the tours, which will include sweet corn, baked potatoes, and potato salad, generously provided by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA).

Throughout the day, guests can explore the horticultural garden and take a self-guided tour of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Storage Research Facility (SRF).

Opened in 2006 with support from the WPVGA, the SRF focuses on reducing storage losses and improving the quality of stored potatoes.

The station encourages individuals needing disability accommodation to contact ars_accommodation@cals.wisc.edu at least 10 days before the event. Same-day requests will be accommodated as much as possible.

Hancock Agricultural Research Station is located at N3909 County Road V, Hancock, WI. For additional information, email hancock@cals.wisc.edu.

Photo Credit: istock-martijnvandernat