This industry never ceases to amaze me.
Despite the uncertainty of whether the U.S. administration will carry out its tariff threats, a palpable buzz of optimism made its way through the opening reception of the 52nd annual Manitoba Potato Production Days Conference and Trade Show last night.
That enthusiasm is in part due to the fact that for growers, uncertainty is just part of the job, says Susan Ainsworth, General Manager, Keystone Potato Producers Association.
“When you take on the risk of growing a high value crop, you get used to working in an environment with uncertainty. So, you have to find ways to manage the stress of that uncertainty.”
That’s certainly something to be proud of — and Ainsworth says that’s the number one message she hopes the 650 or so attendees registered for the conference take away at the end of the information-packed three days.
“Our growers are some of the most innovative and resilient, always maintaining a positive outlook,” she says. “This is an opportunity to celebrate that, but also for growers to network and learn from one another.”
That interaction is one of Ainsworth’s favourite parts of an impressive program that includes sessions on everything from water stewardship, regenerative agriculture best practices, insecticides, pink rot prevention and… wild pigs.
Plus, Olympic gold medalist and TV host Jon Montgomery will deliver a keynote speech on dreaming big, and Dr. Neil Gudmestad will cap off the conference Thursday with a presentation titled, The Science and Humour of a Career in the Potato Industry.
Oh, and there will be lots and lots of free fries.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Spud Smart website over the next few days as we share highlights from the conference and updates from the sessions.
And if you’re here, I’d love to meet you. Chances are, I’ll be somewhere near those fries.
