SpudChat Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:05:14 -0400 https://spudchat.buzzsprout.com/ en-us © 2026 PEI Potato Board yes Prince Edward Island, Canada f06cb4dc-ac15-5a64-aa11-a10c94a2526c Prince Edward Island Potato Board episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Potatoes, Agriculture, Prince Edward Island, Sustainable Agriculture, Agronomy Prince Edward Island Potato Board https://storage.buzzsprout.com/wn8ehg86uaaeg37lgo0ihk9pspxj?.jpg SpudChat https://spudchat.buzzsprout.com/ #53 Ryan Barrett - Common Scab #53 Ryan Barrett - Common Scab This week's episode of Spudchat is a recording of Ryan Barrett's presentation from the 2026 International Potato Technology Expo in Charlottetown, PE. In this talk, Ryan discusses his research into the use of Minuet, an in-furrow biopesticide, for reduction of common scab symptoms in processing potato varieties. A video of this presentation, along with other IPTE presentations, is available on the PEI Potato Agronomy website (www.peipotatoagronomy.com).

]]> This week's episode of Spudchat is a recording of Ryan Barrett's presentation from the 2026 International Potato Technology Expo in Charlottetown, PE. In this talk, Ryan discusses his research into the use of Minuet, an in-furrow biopesticide, for reduction of common scab symptoms in processing potato varieties. A video of this presentation, along with other IPTE presentations, is available on the PEI Potato Agronomy website (www.peipotatoagronomy.com).

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-18778753 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0300 1273 6 5 full false #52 Erica Fava - Variety Development #52 Erica Fava - Variety Development In this episode, Ryan talks with Erica Fava of AAFC Fredericton about AAFC's National Potato Breeding Program, and how variety development and evaluation is done in Canada. This includes work supported by the National Cluster Program under the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC), with trials in 8 provinces across Canada. 

]]> In this episode, Ryan talks with Erica Fava of AAFC Fredericton about AAFC's National Potato Breeding Program, and how variety development and evaluation is done in Canada. This includes work supported by the National Cluster Program under the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC), with trials in 8 provinces across Canada. 

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-18778490 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0300 2124 6 4 full false #51 Steve Watts - Nutrient Management #51 Steve Watts - Nutrient Management On this episode of Spudchat, Ryan talks with Steve Watts of Genesis Crop Systems here in PEI about some of his on-farm research into nutrient management, including implementing 4R nutrient management, investigating the use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen products, and now investigating the use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria products in potatoes. Steve is a professional agrologist and project lead under the ACS Living Labs PEI initiative.

]]> On this episode of Spudchat, Ryan talks with Steve Watts of Genesis Crop Systems here in PEI about some of his on-farm research into nutrient management, including implementing 4R nutrient management, investigating the use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen products, and now investigating the use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria products in potatoes. Steve is a professional agrologist and project lead under the ACS Living Labs PEI initiative.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-18778358 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0300 2147 6 3 full false #50 Judith Nyiraneza - Soil Amendments #50 Judith Nyiraneza - Soil Amendments In this episode of Spudchat, we welcome back Dr. Judith Nyiraneza from AAFC Charlottetown to talk about manure and other soil amendments in potato rotation, including some of the work that she and her team have been doing through ACS Living Labs and other projects. We talk about a long term rotation trial comparing the use of manure compared with different cover crops, as well as some on-farm trials using liquid manure, biochar, and willow wood chips. 

]]> In this episode of Spudchat, we welcome back Dr. Judith Nyiraneza from AAFC Charlottetown to talk about manure and other soil amendments in potato rotation, including some of the work that she and her team have been doing through ACS Living Labs and other projects. We talk about a long term rotation trial comparing the use of manure compared with different cover crops, as well as some on-farm trials using liquid manure, biochar, and willow wood chips. 

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-18712448 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2070 6 2 full false #49 Julie Pasche - Alternaria management #49 Julie Pasche - Alternaria management Spudchat is back for a new season!  In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Julie Pasche of North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND about Alternaria, commonly known as early blight and brown spot diseases. They discuss the differences between these pathogens and the diseases they cause, discuss differences in populations and fungicide resistance across the continent, and discuss management strategies. They finish with a chat about black dot, a growing disease of importance in many regions.

]]> Spudchat is back for a new season!  In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Julie Pasche of North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND about Alternaria, commonly known as early blight and brown spot diseases. They discuss the differences between these pathogens and the diseases they cause, discuss differences in populations and fungicide resistance across the continent, and discuss management strategies. They finish with a chat about black dot, a growing disease of importance in many regions.

]]> Buzzsprout-18713101 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0400 2092 6 1 full false #48 Potato Research and Sugar Testing - Darin Gibson #48 Potato Research and Sugar Testing - Darin Gibson This week on SpudChat, Ryan chats with Darin Gibson with Gaia Consulting in Manitoba. Darin and his wife Debbie do contract potato research, variety evaluation, potato breeding, and sugar testing services in Manitoba, and both are well-known in the MB potato industry and beyond. 

]]> This week on SpudChat, Ryan chats with Darin Gibson with Gaia Consulting in Manitoba. Darin and his wife Debbie do contract potato research, variety evaluation, potato breeding, and sugar testing services in Manitoba, and both are well-known in the MB potato industry and beyond. 

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-17654005 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0300 2377 5 3 full false #47 Chad Mooney - Employing Drones on the Potato Farm #47 Chad Mooney - Employing Drones on the Potato Farm In this episode of Spudchat, Ryan talks with Chad Mooney, a potato farmer in Eastern Prince Edward Island about his journey back to the farm after time in the Canadian armed forces, how he is trying to use data from multiple sources to inform his decision making on the farm, and the multiple ways he is collecting that data, including the use of drone imagery. Chad also talks about using his DJI Agras drone for cover crop seeding and variable rate fertility management, as well as how he thinks the role of drones in potato farming will expand in the future.

]]> In this episode of Spudchat, Ryan talks with Chad Mooney, a potato farmer in Eastern Prince Edward Island about his journey back to the farm after time in the Canadian armed forces, how he is trying to use data from multiple sources to inform his decision making on the farm, and the multiple ways he is collecting that data, including the use of drone imagery. Chad also talks about using his DJI Agras drone for cover crop seeding and variable rate fertility management, as well as how he thinks the role of drones in potato farming will expand in the future.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-17587021 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0300 2375 5 2 full false #46 Grower Check-In #46 Grower Check-In Spudchat is back after a longer than anticipated hiatus!

This week, we hear from Jonathan MacLennan of MacLennan Properties, West Cap and Brandon MacPhail of MacSull Farms, New London, to hear how their crops are looking so far this year, as well as hear about new projects underway on their farms.

If you have feedback about Spudchat, please feel free to contact us at ryan@peipotato.org.

]]> Spudchat is back after a longer than anticipated hiatus!

This week, we hear from Jonathan MacLennan of MacLennan Properties, West Cap and Brandon MacPhail of MacSull Farms, New London, to hear how their crops are looking so far this year, as well as hear about new projects underway on their farms.

If you have feedback about Spudchat, please feel free to contact us at ryan@peipotato.org.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-17583381 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0300 1435 5 1 full true #45 Regenerative Agriculture with Kelvin Montagu #45 Regenerative Agriculture with Kelvin Montagu In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan Barrett chats with Kelvin Montagu of Applied Horticultural Research in Australia about regenerative agriculture at the World Potato Congress, held in late June in Adelaide, Australia.  

This recording was done by the folks at PotatoLink, the Australian potato industry extension project.  You can find out more about PotatoLink at https://potatolink.com.au, and you can check out their podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2022082.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan Barrett chats with Kelvin Montagu of Applied Horticultural Research in Australia about regenerative agriculture at the World Potato Congress, held in late June in Adelaide, Australia.  

This recording was done by the folks at PotatoLink, the Australian potato industry extension project.  You can find out more about PotatoLink at https://potatolink.com.au, and you can check out their podcast at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2022082.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-15429169 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0300 1825 4 6 full false #44 Precision Agriculture with Aitazaz Farooque #44 Precision Agriculture with Aitazaz Farooque In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, Professor of Precision Agriculture with the University of Prince Edward Island.  Aitazaz has been a frequent collaborator on research projects with the PEI potato industry, including research into the use of soil electroconductivity (EC) for creating management zones, uses those zones for variable rate fertility or seed spacing, investigating compaction, and now working on using AI and machine learning to identify PVY in the field.  We discuss all of these projects and more in this chat.

]]> In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, Professor of Precision Agriculture with the University of Prince Edward Island.  Aitazaz has been a frequent collaborator on research projects with the PEI potato industry, including research into the use of soil electroconductivity (EC) for creating management zones, uses those zones for variable rate fertility or seed spacing, investigating compaction, and now working on using AI and machine learning to identify PVY in the field.  We discuss all of these projects and more in this chat.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-14899884 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0300 1983 4 5 full false #43 - Ian Scott on Colorado Potato Beetles #43 - Ian Scott on Colorado Potato Beetles In this episode of Spudchat, we talk to Dr. Ian Scott of AAFC in London, Ontario about insecticide resistance in Colorado potato beetles.  Ian was part of a team that worked for the last five years to test potato beetles from across Canada for resistance to commonly used insecticides, uncovering some very interesting results.  We talk about those results and the next steps in managing these persistent pests.

]]> In this episode of Spudchat, we talk to Dr. Ian Scott of AAFC in London, Ontario about insecticide resistance in Colorado potato beetles.  Ian was part of a team that worked for the last five years to test potato beetles from across Canada for resistance to commonly used insecticides, uncovering some very interesting results.  We talk about those results and the next steps in managing these persistent pests.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-14835688 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0300 1676 4 4 full false #42 Tyler MacKenzie on PVY #42 Tyler MacKenzie on PVY In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tyler MacKenzie of Agricultural Certification Services in Fredericton, NB to talk about the work that their team is doing on PVY, including some research into aphicide resistance that they did for us here in PEI last year.  Tyler also talks about using new lab techniques to identify Verticillium and nematodes, which cause potato early dying.

]]> In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tyler MacKenzie of Agricultural Certification Services in Fredericton, NB to talk about the work that their team is doing on PVY, including some research into aphicide resistance that they did for us here in PEI last year.  Tyler also talks about using new lab techniques to identify Verticillium and nematodes, which cause potato early dying.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-14771949 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0300 2166 4 3 full false #41 Wireworm in the UK - Martyn Cox #41 Wireworm in the UK - Martyn Cox In this episode of Spudchat, we head "across the pond" again to speak with Martyn Cox, an independent agronomist in England who has been working hard to figure out how to manage wireworm, which has become more of an issue in recent years.  Martyn has been collaborating with folks in PEI for the last few years to inform how they improve their IPM strategies back in the UK.  Martyn updates us on the challenges they face with wireworm and how they are making headway in reducing losses from this pest.

]]> In this episode of Spudchat, we head "across the pond" again to speak with Martyn Cox, an independent agronomist in England who has been working hard to figure out how to manage wireworm, which has become more of an issue in recent years.  Martyn has been collaborating with folks in PEI for the last few years to inform how they improve their IPM strategies back in the UK.  Martyn updates us on the challenges they face with wireworm and how they are making headway in reducing losses from this pest.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-14721806 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0300 2920 4 2 full false #40 Potato Research and Agronomy in the UK - Mark Stalham #40 Potato Research and Agronomy in the UK - Mark Stalham Spudchat is back!  Apologies for the hiatus, but looking forward to bringing you more potato chat this year.

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Mark Stalham of Mark Stalham Potato Consultancy in the United Kingdom.  Mark worked for many years at Cambridge University Farm and then NIAB CUF before starting his own private agronomy consulting firm.  Mark has presented in PEI before and has a great knowledge of potatoes, especially irrigation, compaction, and soil health.  In this podcast, we dig into the state of potato research and agronomy in the UK as well as what some of the biggest challenges are for British growers and how they are working together to meet those challenges.

]]> Spudchat is back!  Apologies for the hiatus, but looking forward to bringing you more potato chat this year.

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. Mark Stalham of Mark Stalham Potato Consultancy in the United Kingdom.  Mark worked for many years at Cambridge University Farm and then NIAB CUF before starting his own private agronomy consulting firm.  Mark has presented in PEI before and has a great knowledge of potatoes, especially irrigation, compaction, and soil health.  In this podcast, we dig into the state of potato research and agronomy in the UK as well as what some of the biggest challenges are for British growers and how they are working together to meet those challenges.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-14710638 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0300 3635 4 1 full false #39 - Potato Early Dying with Mario Tenuta #39 - Potato Early Dying with Mario Tenuta In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks with Dr. Mario Tenuta from the University of Manitoba about Potato Early Dying complex (PED).  Mario was the lead for Canadian Potato Early Dying Network (CanPEDNet) project as part of the FVGC National Cluster for the last five year, and included research happening here in PEI.  They talk about some of the key findings from the research project, as well as where we go from here in terms of managing the disease.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks with Dr. Mario Tenuta from the University of Manitoba about Potato Early Dying complex (PED).  Mario was the lead for Canadian Potato Early Dying Network (CanPEDNet) project as part of the FVGC National Cluster for the last five year, and included research happening here in PEI.  They talk about some of the key findings from the research project, as well as where we go from here in terms of managing the disease.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-12438974 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0300 3103 3 6 full false #38 Update on Potato Wart with Greg Donald, PEIPB #38 Update on Potato Wart with Greg Donald, PEIPB In this episode of SpudChat, we hear from Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board from a presentation Greg made at the 2023 PEI Potato Conference.  Greg provides an update on the ongoing potato wart investigation, the results of the International Panel report on potato wart in PEI, and how this informs the path forward toward resuming seed shipments from the Island to the rest of Canada and beyond.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we hear from Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board from a presentation Greg made at the 2023 PEI Potato Conference.  Greg provides an update on the ongoing potato wart investigation, the results of the International Panel report on potato wart in PEI, and how this informs the path forward toward resuming seed shipments from the Island to the rest of Canada and beyond.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-12353233 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0300 1435 3 5 full false #37 Practical Approaches to Soil Health with Anne Verhallen #37 Practical Approaches to Soil Health with Anne Verhallen This episode features another of our presenters from the 2023 PEI Potato Conference in Summerside on February 13th.  Today, we hear from Anne Verhallen of OMAFRA in Ridgetown, Ontario, talking about practical approaches to soil health.  Anne is a well-renowned expert on cover cropping and soil health improvement, working primarily with horticulture crop producers in South-Western Ontario.  Anne discusses some of the results of trials that indicate how producers can prioritize soil health in a number of ways, but also shares the perspectives of some of the producers she works with.

]]> This episode features another of our presenters from the 2023 PEI Potato Conference in Summerside on February 13th.  Today, we hear from Anne Verhallen of OMAFRA in Ridgetown, Ontario, talking about practical approaches to soil health.  Anne is a well-renowned expert on cover cropping and soil health improvement, working primarily with horticulture crop producers in South-Western Ontario.  Anne discusses some of the results of trials that indicate how producers can prioritize soil health in a number of ways, but also shares the perspectives of some of the producers she works with.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-12339577 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0300 2631 3 4 full false #36 Soil Heath and Cover Crops with Ryan Barrett (repost from Tuber Talk) #36 Soil Heath and Cover Crops with Ryan Barrett (repost from Tuber Talk) On this bonus episode of SpudChat, we're pleased to share an episode of the Tuber Talk podcast from Potatoes in Canada that was recorded in late 2022.  In this episode, Ryan Barrett talks about research and extension projects on cover crops and improving soil health in potato rotations with Bree Rhody.

You can find Tuber Talk at https://www.potatoesincanada.com/podcast-category/tuber-talk/ or in your normal podcast platform.

]]> On this bonus episode of SpudChat, we're pleased to share an episode of the Tuber Talk podcast from Potatoes in Canada that was recorded in late 2022.  In this episode, Ryan Barrett talks about research and extension projects on cover crops and improving soil health in potato rotations with Bree Rhody.

You can find Tuber Talk at https://www.potatoesincanada.com/podcast-category/tuber-talk/ or in your normal podcast platform.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-12353121 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1610 3 3 full false #35 Common Scab with Dr. Claudia Goyer, AAFC #35 Common Scab with Dr. Claudia Goyer, AAFC This week on SpudChat, we bring you the audio from another of our presentations at the PEI Potato Conference in Summerside on February 13th, 2023.  In this episode, we hear from Dr. Claudia Goyer of AAFC in Fredericton, NB.  Claudia has been leading a national research project into common scab for the past five years, investigating both the populations of the bacteria that cause common scab as well as potential treatment options for potatoes.

]]> This week on SpudChat, we bring you the audio from another of our presentations at the PEI Potato Conference in Summerside on February 13th, 2023.  In this episode, we hear from Dr. Claudia Goyer of AAFC in Fredericton, NB.  Claudia has been leading a national research project into common scab for the past five years, investigating both the populations of the bacteria that cause common scab as well as potential treatment options for potatoes.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-12338666 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400 1887 3 2 full false #34 Why was 2022 such a challenging year for PVY - Mathuresh Singh #34 Why was 2022 such a challenging year for PVY - Mathuresh Singh SpudChat is back!  Over the next couple of weeks, we're sharing some of the presentations from the 2023 PEI Potato Conference, held in Summerside on February 13th.  First up is Dr. Mathuresh Singh of Agricultural Certification Services in Fredericton, NB to talk about PVY and why it was such a problem in 2022.  Mathuresh covers a number of reasons why PVY levels might be so elevated from last season, including the appearance of green peach aphids, changes in varieties, changes in grower demographics, and changes in field management.  We're also including some of the questions at the end of the presentation.

To follow along with Mathuresh's presentation slide deck, go to the PEI Potato Agronomy Site, under Seminars/Presentations.

]]> SpudChat is back!  Over the next couple of weeks, we're sharing some of the presentations from the 2023 PEI Potato Conference, held in Summerside on February 13th.  First up is Dr. Mathuresh Singh of Agricultural Certification Services in Fredericton, NB to talk about PVY and why it was such a problem in 2022.  Mathuresh covers a number of reasons why PVY levels might be so elevated from last season, including the appearance of green peach aphids, changes in varieties, changes in grower demographics, and changes in field management.  We're also including some of the questions at the end of the presentation.

To follow along with Mathuresh's presentation slide deck, go to the PEI Potato Agronomy Site, under Seminars/Presentations.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-12337789 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0400 2469 3 1 full false #33 Talking Weeds with Andrew Mckenzie-Gopsill #33 Talking Weeds with Andrew Mckenzie-Gopsill This week, Ryan talks with Dr. Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill, Weed Scientist with AAFC Charlottetown about a range of weed-related topics, including herbicide rotation and efficacy, herbicide timing, and some of the interesting cultural and mechanical weed seed destruction research that Andrew is working on.

]]> This week, Ryan talks with Dr. Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill, Weed Scientist with AAFC Charlottetown about a range of weed-related topics, including herbicide rotation and efficacy, herbicide timing, and some of the interesting cultural and mechanical weed seed destruction research that Andrew is working on.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10949541 Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0300 1773 2 10 full false #32 - 2022 Crop Update #1 #32 - 2022 Crop Update #1 On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan Barrett provides and update on the crop following the first Crop Update Meeting of the year, hosted by the PEI Dept of Ag.  Recorded July 7th, 2022.

]]> On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan Barrett provides and update on the crop following the first Crop Update Meeting of the year, hosted by the PEI Dept of Ag.  Recorded July 7th, 2022.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10921815 Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:00:00 -0300 787 2 9 full false #31 On Farm Climate Action Fund #31 On Farm Climate Action Fund In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan Barrett walks through some of the funding available for farmers under the On Farm Climate Action Fund, administered in PEI by the PEI Federation of Agriculture.

Full details available at www.peifa.ca/ofcaf

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan Barrett walks through some of the funding available for farmers under the On Farm Climate Action Fund, administered in PEI by the PEI Federation of Agriculture.

Full details available at www.peifa.ca/ofcaf

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10872601 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0300 858 2 8 full false #30 Grower Check-In - June 2022 #30 Grower Check-In - June 2022 SpudChat is back with a new episode, and this week we bring back the grower check-in, where we talk with PEI potato farmers from across the province to hear how things went this planting season, and what's new for this year.

This week, Ryan is joined by Jonathan MacLennan from West Cape, Chris MacAulay from Chepstow, and Andrew Lawless from Shamrock.

]]> SpudChat is back with a new episode, and this week we bring back the grower check-in, where we talk with PEI potato farmers from across the province to hear how things went this planting season, and what's new for this year.

This week, Ryan is joined by Jonathan MacLennan from West Cape, Chris MacAulay from Chepstow, and Andrew Lawless from Shamrock.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10829933 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0300 1921 2 7 full false #29 Irrigation Management - Michele Konschuh #29 Irrigation Management - Michele Konschuh In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks with Michele Konschuh from the International Potato Tech Expo in Charlottetown about irrigation management following her presentation on March 30th.  Michele is an irrigated crop researcher with the University of Lethbridge.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks with Michele Konschuh from the International Potato Tech Expo in Charlottetown about irrigation management following her presentation on March 30th.  Michele is an irrigated crop researcher with the University of Lethbridge.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10391619 Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:00:00 -0300 943 2 6 full false #28 Variety Management with Mark Pavek #28 Variety Management with Mark Pavek In this episode SpudChat, Ryan talks with Mark Pavek of Washington State University about his research and extension projects, including variety management projects involving newer varieties like Clearwater Russet and Mountain Gem Russet that were developed in the Columbia Basin but are now finding adoption here in Prince Edward Island.

]]> In this episode SpudChat, Ryan talks with Mark Pavek of Washington State University about his research and extension projects, including variety management projects involving newer varieties like Clearwater Russet and Mountain Gem Russet that were developed in the Columbia Basin but are now finding adoption here in Prince Edward Island.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10222619 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0400 1908 2 5 full false #27 Nitrogen Management with David Burton #27 Nitrogen Management with David Burton In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. David Burton of the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture about nitrogen in potato rotations.  Dave has been doing multiple projects looking at better quantifying the nitrogen in PEI soils as well as how producers can better dial-in nitrogen use, including use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers.

]]> In this episode, Ryan talks with Dr. David Burton of the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture about nitrogen in potato rotations.  Dave has been doing multiple projects looking at better quantifying the nitrogen in PEI soils as well as how producers can better dial-in nitrogen use, including use of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10181655 Thu, 03 Mar 2022 11:00:00 -0400 1473 2 4 full false #26 David Jones, Canadian Potato Council #26 David Jones, Canadian Potato Council In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan is joined by David Jones, Programs Manager with Canadian Potato Council in Ottawa.  David gives an overview of the things that the CPC does for Canadian potato growers, including responding to continual pesticide reviews by PMRA.  This week, we dig into the newly announced proposed decision to cancel uses of chlorothalonil and how PEI growers can have their voices heard as part of the review process.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan is joined by David Jones, Programs Manager with Canadian Potato Council in Ottawa.  David gives an overview of the things that the CPC does for Canadian potato growers, including responding to continual pesticide reviews by PMRA.  This week, we dig into the newly announced proposed decision to cancel uses of chlorothalonil and how PEI growers can have their voices heard as part of the review process.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10128768 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0400 1561 2 3 full false #25 Wireworm and other insect pests with Christine Noronha #25 Wireworm and other insect pests with Christine Noronha In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Dr. Christine Noronha, a research entomologist with AAFC in Charlottetown.  We talk about the great work Christine and other have been doing on wireworm IPM strategies as well as a couple of other insect pests in potato production.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Dr. Christine Noronha, a research entomologist with AAFC in Charlottetown.  We talk about the great work Christine and other have been doing on wireworm IPM strategies as well as a couple of other insect pests in potato production.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-10092928 Thu, 17 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0400 1923 2 2 full false #24 Jeff Miller on Pink Rot #24 Jeff Miller on Pink Rot SpudChat is back, and we're talking about pink rot with Jeff Miller of Miller Research in Rupert, Idaho. 

]]> SpudChat is back, and we're talking about pink rot with Jeff Miller of Miller Research in Rupert, Idaho. 

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9998994 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0400 1984 2 1 full false #23 Cover Crops with Dr. Laura Van Eerd #23 Cover Crops with Dr. Laura Van Eerd We cap off our three week focus on cover crops by talking to Dr. Laura Van Eerd, Professor and researcher with the University of Guelph at Ridgetown College in Southwestern Ontario.  Ryan talks with Laura about her long-term cover crop research and some of the exciting findings from those trials so far.   More on Dr. Van Eerd's research can be found at https://soilsatguelph.ca/

After this week, SpudChat will be taking a short break for a few weeks during the harvest season while we get all of our grower trials harvested.  Talk soon!

]]> We cap off our three week focus on cover crops by talking to Dr. Laura Van Eerd, Professor and researcher with the University of Guelph at Ridgetown College in Southwestern Ontario.  Ryan talks with Laura about her long-term cover crop research and some of the exciting findings from those trials so far.   More on Dr. Van Eerd's research can be found at https://soilsatguelph.ca/

After this week, SpudChat will be taking a short break for a few weeks during the harvest season while we get all of our grower trials harvested.  Talk soon!

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9269692 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0300 2041 1 23 full false #22 Cover Crops with Dr. Judith Nyiraneza #22 Cover Crops with Dr. Judith Nyiraneza On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks to Dr. Judith Nyiraneza with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown about some of her research projects, including cover cropping, building soil health and fertility through rotation crops, measuring the effect of manure in potato rotations, as well as her recent research into improving phosphorus management in PEI.

]]> On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks to Dr. Judith Nyiraneza with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown about some of her research projects, including cover cropping, building soil health and fertility through rotation crops, measuring the effect of manure in potato rotations, as well as her recent research into improving phosphorus management in PEI.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9237372 Wed, 22 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1983 1 22 full false #21 "Wheat Pete" Johnson #21 "Wheat Pete" Johnson On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks with Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson, an agronomist, farmer and podcaster from Ontario to talk about the agronomy of winter cereals, as growers start ramping up cover cropping this fall.  They also chat about some ways to avoid soil compaction as we head into the harvest season.

You can listen to Wheat Pete's World every week at RealAgriculture or wherever you get your podcasts.

]]> On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan talks with Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson, an agronomist, farmer and podcaster from Ontario to talk about the agronomy of winter cereals, as growers start ramping up cover cropping this fall.  They also chat about some ways to avoid soil compaction as we head into the harvest season.

You can listen to Wheat Pete's World every week at RealAgriculture or wherever you get your podcasts.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9200553 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0300 2266 1 21 full false #20 Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture #20 Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture On this week's SpudChat, we talk with the king of Canadian ag podcasting, Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture.  We talk about how he started his ag media business, how he enjoys reaching out to farmers of all types across Canada, and some of the newer podcasts and features that he and his team are working on.  RealAgRadio, the Agronomists, and other podcasts are available wherever you get podcasts!

]]> On this week's SpudChat, we talk with the king of Canadian ag podcasting, Shaun Haney of RealAgriculture.  We talk about how he started his ag media business, how he enjoys reaching out to farmers of all types across Canada, and some of the newer podcasts and features that he and his team are working on.  RealAgRadio, the Agronomists, and other podcasts are available wherever you get podcasts!

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9158538 Wed, 08 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0300 1910 1 20 full false #19 Crop Update with Ryan #19 Crop Update with Ryan On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan provides a quick update on the crop and a look ahead at the two remaining AIM Field Tours coming up on Tuesday, September 7th.  

]]> On this episode of SpudChat, Ryan provides a quick update on the crop and a look ahead at the two remaining AIM Field Tours coming up on Tuesday, September 7th.  

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9135277 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0300 1129 1 19 full false #18 Grower Check-In - August #18 Grower Check-In - August This week, the Grower Check-In is back for August.  Ryan talks with Morgan Smallman of J & J Smallman Farms near O'Leary, Kevin Murray of Murray Farms in Bedeque, and Myles Rose of RA Rose & Sons of North Lake to hear how the crop is looking across the province.

]]> This week, the Grower Check-In is back for August.  Ryan talks with Morgan Smallman of J & J Smallman Farms near O'Leary, Kevin Murray of Murray Farms in Bedeque, and Myles Rose of RA Rose & Sons of North Lake to hear how the crop is looking across the province.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9081778 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1775 1 18 full false #17 Scouting Review 4 #17 Scouting Review 4 On this episode, we again have an update on the status of the crop across the province following our bi-weekly scouting meeting.  Joining me this week are Lorraine MacKinnon and Eileen Beaton with the PEI Dept of Agriculture & Land and Morgan MacNeil with the PEI Potato Board.  Generally, the crop is looking good in PEI and growers are positive, but still a few things to pay attention to as we move into tuber bulking stage.

]]> On this episode, we again have an update on the status of the crop across the province following our bi-weekly scouting meeting.  Joining me this week are Lorraine MacKinnon and Eileen Beaton with the PEI Dept of Agriculture & Land and Morgan MacNeil with the PEI Potato Board.  Generally, the crop is looking good in PEI and growers are positive, but still a few things to pay attention to as we move into tuber bulking stage.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-9045352 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0300 766 1 17 full false #16 Scouting Review #3 (August 4th) #16 Scouting Review #3 (August 4th) In this week's episode of SpudChat, we once again get a review of the bi-weekly scouting meeting with Lorraine MacKinnon of the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land.  Thankfully, reports have been very positive with few reports of disease or pest issues.  We talk a little bit about dealing with wet spots, thinking about pink rot, and other topics.

]]> In this week's episode of SpudChat, we once again get a review of the bi-weekly scouting meeting with Lorraine MacKinnon of the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land.  Thankfully, reports have been very positive with few reports of disease or pest issues.  We talk a little bit about dealing with wet spots, thinking about pink rot, and other topics.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8974129 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0300 1129 1 16 full false #15 Using Willows for Field Buffers with Emily Murphy, EPAA #15 Using Willows for Field Buffers with Emily Murphy, EPAA In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Emily Murphy, a PhD Candidate at UBC who is working with the East Prince Agri-Environment Association as part of their research in using willow trees to prevent nutrients from moving to groundwater as well as sequestering carbon.  Emily will talk a bit about willows and how they could fit for many types of potato fields.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Emily Murphy, a PhD Candidate at UBC who is working with the East Prince Agri-Environment Association as part of their research in using willow trees to prevent nutrients from moving to groundwater as well as sequestering carbon.  Emily will talk a bit about willows and how they could fit for many types of potato fields.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8936595 Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0300 1412 1 15 full false #14 Scouting Review 2 (July 20) #14 Scouting Review 2 (July 20) We've convened our panel after the biweekly Fieldworkers Meeting again.  This time, Ryan is joined by Lorraine MacKinnon with the PEI Dept of Agriculture & Land as well as Dr. Christine Noronha, entomologist with AAFC in Charlottetown.  We talk about european corn borer control, an explosion of earwigs, healthy and vigorous looking crops, and volunteer control.

]]> We've convened our panel after the biweekly Fieldworkers Meeting again.  This time, Ryan is joined by Lorraine MacKinnon with the PEI Dept of Agriculture & Land as well as Dr. Christine Noronha, entomologist with AAFC in Charlottetown.  We talk about european corn borer control, an explosion of earwigs, healthy and vigorous looking crops, and volunteer control.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8893122 Wed, 21 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0300 1426 1 14 full false #13 July Grower Check-In #13 July Grower Check-In What better time to talk to potato growers than after some rain!  This week on SpudChat, we check in with three potato growers from across PEI to hear how the crop is looking and what's new on their farms this year.  We talk to Marshall Smallman of Smallman Farms in Knutsford, Matt Ramsay of Oyster Cove Farms in Hamilton and Ben Visser of GWR Visser Farms in Orwell.  

]]> What better time to talk to potato growers than after some rain!  This week on SpudChat, we check in with three potato growers from across PEI to hear how the crop is looking and what's new on their farms this year.  We talk to Marshall Smallman of Smallman Farms in Knutsford, Matt Ramsay of Oyster Cove Farms in Hamilton and Ben Visser of GWR Visser Farms in Orwell.  

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8862264 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:00:00 -0300 1882 1 13 full false #12 PEI Potato Scouting Review - June 6th #12 PEI Potato Scouting Review - June 6th On this edition of SpudChat, we've convened a panel of PEI potato experts to review some of the comments we heard as part of the first biweekly fieldworkers meeting as well as our own observations of the crop.  Joining Ryan this week are Lorraine MacKinnon with the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land; Steve Watts, agronomist with Genesis Crop Systems; and Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board.

]]> On this edition of SpudChat, we've convened a panel of PEI potato experts to review some of the comments we heard as part of the first biweekly fieldworkers meeting as well as our own observations of the crop.  Joining Ryan this week are Lorraine MacKinnon with the PEI Department of Agriculture and Land; Steve Watts, agronomist with Genesis Crop Systems; and Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8819977 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1746 1 12 full false #11 Weather Monitoring with Don Jardine #11 Weather Monitoring with Don Jardine In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Don Jardine, a researcher/instructor/consultant with the University of Prince Edward Island's Climate Lab.  Don is working with their team to install a number of new weather stations across the province in an effort to more accurately capture the regional variability in climate that we see in PEI as well as hopefully improve forecasts in the future.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Don Jardine, a researcher/instructor/consultant with the University of Prince Edward Island's Climate Lab.  Don is working with their team to install a number of new weather stations across the province in an effort to more accurately capture the regional variability in climate that we see in PEI as well as hopefully improve forecasts in the future.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8790741 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0300 2127 1 11 full false #10 June Grower Check-In #10 June Grower Check-In For this month's Grower Check-In, we talk to Bryan Maynard of FarmBoys Inc. in Arlington, Gordon McKenna of Country View Farms in Newton, and Chris MacAulay of MacAulay Farms in Chepstow to talk about how planting went, how the crop is looking, and anything new on the farm this season.  

]]> For this month's Grower Check-In, we talk to Bryan Maynard of FarmBoys Inc. in Arlington, Gordon McKenna of Country View Farms in Newton, and Chris MacAulay of MacAulay Farms in Chepstow to talk about how planting went, how the crop is looking, and anything new on the farm this season.  

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8744532 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0300 2165 1 10 full false #9 Rotation Crops to Improve Soil Health #9 Rotation Crops to Improve Soil Health In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan is talking about some of the trials that are underway looking at the effect of different rotation crops on improving soil health and suppressing soil borne diseases, including potato early dying. 

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, Ryan is talking about some of the trials that are underway looking at the effect of different rotation crops on improving soil health and suppressing soil borne diseases, including potato early dying. 

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8709603 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1824 1 9 full false #8 PVY Prevention with Mathuresh Singh #8 PVY Prevention with Mathuresh Singh In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Dr. Mathuresh Singh of Agricultural Certification Services in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  Mathuresh and his team have been working on research into Potato Virus Y (PVY) over the last decade, providing a great deal of recommendations for seed growers on how to prevent the spread of PVY in their fields.  We chat about some of his past research findings and how that has been implemented on the farm in New Brunswick and beyond.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Dr. Mathuresh Singh of Agricultural Certification Services in Fredericton, New Brunswick.  Mathuresh and his team have been working on research into Potato Virus Y (PVY) over the last decade, providing a great deal of recommendations for seed growers on how to prevent the spread of PVY in their fields.  We chat about some of his past research findings and how that has been implemented on the farm in New Brunswick and beyond.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8667069 Wed, 09 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0300 2724 1 8 full false #7 Seed Potato Topics with Mary Kay Sonier #7 Seed Potato Topics with Mary Kay Sonier In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Mary Kay Sonier, Seed Coordinator at the PEI Potato Board, about all things seed potatoes.  Specifically, we talk about variety evaluation and some promising new varieties in PEI, managing PVY, and a bunch of other seed-related topics.  For more on many of these topics, visit www.peipotatoagronomy.com for factsheets, presentations and more.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Mary Kay Sonier, Seed Coordinator at the PEI Potato Board, about all things seed potatoes.  Specifically, we talk about variety evaluation and some promising new varieties in PEI, managing PVY, and a bunch of other seed-related topics.  For more on many of these topics, visit www.peipotatoagronomy.com for factsheets, presentations and more.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8626042 Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1588 1 7 full false #6 Grower Check-In #6 Grower Check-In For this edition of SpudChat, we do our first Grower Check-In with Prince Edward Island potato growers across the province.  We learn about three different farms, get an update on how planting is going, and what these growers are doing differently on their farms in 2021.  This week we talk with Jonathan MacLennan of MacLennan Properties in West Cape; Brandon MacPhail of MacSull Farms in New London; and Becky Townshend of Townshend Potato Company in Rollo Bay West.

Recorded on May 24th, 2021.

]]> For this edition of SpudChat, we do our first Grower Check-In with Prince Edward Island potato growers across the province.  We learn about three different farms, get an update on how planting is going, and what these growers are doing differently on their farms in 2021.  This week we talk with Jonathan MacLennan of MacLennan Properties in West Cape; Brandon MacPhail of MacSull Farms in New London; and Becky Townshend of Townshend Potato Company in Rollo Bay West.

Recorded on May 24th, 2021.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8580257 Wed, 26 May 2021 05:00:00 -0300 1701 1 6 full false #5 Common Scab with Claudia Goyer #5 Common Scab with Claudia Goyer In this week's episode of SpudChat, we talk with Dr. Claudia Goyer, plant pathologist with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada in Fredericton, NB about common scab, the old nemesis of potato farmers everywhere.  We talk about how common scab happens and some of the reasons why it is such a challenge to control.  We also talk about Claudia's research as part of the national Potato Cluster research project on common scab, including some promising new results using a conventional product.

Check out www.peipotatoagronomy.com for more info on common scab and any of the topics we discuss.

]]> In this week's episode of SpudChat, we talk with Dr. Claudia Goyer, plant pathologist with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada in Fredericton, NB about common scab, the old nemesis of potato farmers everywhere.  We talk about how common scab happens and some of the reasons why it is such a challenge to control.  We also talk about Claudia's research as part of the national Potato Cluster research project on common scab, including some promising new results using a conventional product.

Check out www.peipotatoagronomy.com for more info on common scab and any of the topics we discuss.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8519657 Wed, 19 May 2021 05:00:00 -0300 2568 1 5 full false #4 IPM Strategies and Program with Sebastian Ibarra #4 IPM Strategies and Program with Sebastian Ibarra In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Sebastian Ibarra of the PEI Department of Agriculture & Land to talk about Integrated Pest Management and some of the different IPM programs available from the Department. 

For more about the PEIDAL programs, visit: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/agriculture-and-land/beneficial-management-practices-sub-program

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Sebastian Ibarra of the PEI Department of Agriculture & Land to talk about Integrated Pest Management and some of the different IPM programs available from the Department. 

For more about the PEIDAL programs, visit: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/agriculture-and-land/beneficial-management-practices-sub-program

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8479249 Wed, 12 May 2021 05:00:00 -0300 2514 1 4 full false #3 Precision Ag in Potatoes - Evan MacDonald #3 Precision Ag in Potatoes - Evan MacDonald In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Evan MacDonald, Senior Precision Agronomist with Croptimistic Technology Inc covering Eastern Canada.  Evan has previously worked with both the PEI Department of Agriculture and Cavendish Agri-Services and has a passion for precision agriculture and field mapping.  He is also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Prince Edward Island, studying how soil electroconductivity and elevation can be integrated into to create management zones for variable rate seed spacing in potatoes.

We talked a bit about the merits of this type of mapping technology and how it can apply to potato farmers.  

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk to Evan MacDonald, Senior Precision Agronomist with Croptimistic Technology Inc covering Eastern Canada.  Evan has previously worked with both the PEI Department of Agriculture and Cavendish Agri-Services and has a passion for precision agriculture and field mapping.  He is also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Prince Edward Island, studying how soil electroconductivity and elevation can be integrated into to create management zones for variable rate seed spacing in potatoes.

We talked a bit about the merits of this type of mapping technology and how it can apply to potato farmers.  

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8414953 Wed, 05 May 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1846 1 3 full false #2 Fungal Diseases with Rick Peters, AAFC #2 Fungal Diseases with Rick Peters, AAFC In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Dr. Rick Peters of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown, PEI about his work on fungal diseases in potatoes.  A wide-ranging conversation talking about late blight, early blight, black dot, and more.

]]> In this episode of SpudChat, we talk with Dr. Rick Peters of Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown, PEI about his work on fungal diseases in potatoes.  A wide-ranging conversation talking about late blight, early blight, black dot, and more.

]]> Prince Edward Island Potato Board Buzzsprout-8413430 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0300 1839 1 2 full false Welcome to SpudChat! Welcome to SpudChat! Welcome to the first episode of SpudChat, the weekly podcast talking about the potato industry in Prince Edward Island and beyond!

In this episode, host Ryan Barrett provides an overview of what SpudChat is all about, as well as a brief overview of some of the types of research and agronomy projects that are being done as part of the Agronomy Initiative for Marketable Yield (AIM). 

For more information on many of these projects, visit www.peipotatoagronomy.com!

]]> Welcome to the first episode of SpudChat, the weekly podcast talking about the potato industry in Prince Edward Island and beyond!

In this episode, host Ryan Barrett provides an overview of what SpudChat is all about, as well as a brief overview of some of the types of research and agronomy projects that are being done as part of the Agronomy Initiative for Marketable Yield (AIM). 

For more information on many of these projects, visit www.peipotatoagronomy.com!

]]> Ryan Barrett Buzzsprout-8391880 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:00:00 -0300 1050 1 1 full false