b'Smart Storage: Key to Maximizing Potential Potato Profits.Addie Waxman is the North Americatemperature to the wound healing temperature, which Storage Agronomy Manager at McCainis 50F to 55F. The second ramp down brings the potato to the final holding temperature. Waxman appreciates Foods. Previously Spudwoman of the Year,McCains work on the adoption of potato varieties that are her expertise is supporting growers duringcapable of a fast ramp down, which reduces the disease storage, which is one of the riskier parts ofpotential. If we can drop the temperature quickly below 55, then were out of the window where microorganisms a potatos journey from seed to French fry.thrive. King Russet potatoes ramp down rapidly while still maintaining good fry colors. Clearwater is another variety Field Treatment: The Foundation of Smart Storage capable of a fast transition to the first holding temperature The primary goal of potato storage is to supply processingand then a slower ramp down to their final holding plants with high quality raw potatoes year-round. Waxmantemperature, she says. believes that optimal storage starts with treatment ofAppropriate diagnosis is also critical to avoid breakdown potatoes in the field. Ideally, potatoes had a normal orin storage. For example, a fungal disease and a microbial mild growing season. Every stressful event that occursdisease can look very similar. Incorrect identification will in the field follows those potatoes into storage and canlead to incorrect treatment and misspending while the become a storage issue. disease may continue to grow in storage. During the autumn, growers work hard to minimizeThe chemistries applied by growers and how they impact disease potential. One approach is to lightly irrigate thethe storage environment are key. Storage managers may soil before harvest, Waxman suggests. It helps softenopt to increase the airflow, decrease the temperature, the soil and breaks up the dirt clods which really bang upbring in fresh air, or take other remedial approaches. the potatoes while theyre going into storage. HarvestWaxman explains, Its best if any issues are discovered temperatures are important. For instance, if you harvestas soon as possible, even during load-in. Growers can be when its too cold, theres an increased risk of shatterproactive from the very first day, seeking help from their bruising. This can compromise the skin of the potato,local McCain Field Rep or Agronomist to verify diseases allowing in storage diseases or generating enzymaticand reaching out to chemical application companies to activity, which can discolor the flesh of the potatoes anddetermine the best chemistries to apply.makes them unusable for processing, says Waxman.Engaging Growers: McCains Commitment to SupportThis year the industry saw significant differences betweenWaxman actively works in the field, supporting potato Eastern and Western growing conditions. In Newfarmers and storage managers, and is optimistic about Brunswick and Maine, the unusually high amount of rainthe future. Im really pleased with how McCain growers during the growing season created challengingembrace new technology, she says. Theyre open-minded harvest and storage conditions. However, goodabout new types of storage panels and sensors which can growing conditions in the West generateddetect minute changes in the storage within hours as a crop of high quality and volume.opposed to days. We can save tens of thousands of pounds McCains geographic diversity allowsin storage by detecting issues four or five days sooner than the company to optimize their Northwith the older panels. American footprint and network toSmartphone app integration works well with the hardware meet sales demand in the face ofinside the storage units, generating real-time data. This an increasingly variable climate. permits daily monitoring of ramp down speeds, carbon Smart Storage: Respondingdioxide levels, and temperatures to secure the most to Identified Issues payback.As potatoes enter theWaxman concludes, I encourage growers to connect with storage facility, carefullytheir McCain field representatives and broader agronomy controlling their transitionteams with any questions about storage. We are boots on period is vital to storagethe ground and enjoy being an extension of farm teams for success. The first transitionsafe and healthy storages.takes place from incoming We are McCain https://www.mccain.com/sustainability'