KENNEWICK — Over 200 potato farmers, equipment dealers, and other vendors gathered in Kennewick for the 2016 Washington Oregon Potato Conference. Vendors from as far north as Edmonton and as far south as Colorado joined their brethren in Kennewick to fill the floor of the Toyota Center as they networked and discussed new technologies and their needs for the upcoming planting season.

Every farmer in attendance will need seeds to start their season, and Preston Stanley had the seeds they’ll need at his Colorado Certified Seed Potatoes table. His colorful display included 40 fully-matured seeds (potatoes) from which growers could choose. Stanley said this is the 22nd year he’s attended the conference. “It really is a good way to start the year; very profitable show; sell lots of seed here. I’ve taken nine orders already.”

Growers also had the opportunity to have their potatoes tasted and graded by chefs as they compete for the Oregon Potato Commission’s Goodness Unearthed Awards.

2010 Oregon Chef of the Year Leif Benson, of the Oregon Potato Commission, said the conference provides an opportunity to taste many different types of potatoes. “People don’t often taste test potatoes, side by side. Here, they’re compared for culinary quality. Every potato is cooked exactly the same style so they’re compared with all things being equal.” Benson said the potatoes are graded on taste, texture, aroma, and appearance.

As the growing season approaches, farmers will need more than seeds and tractors. Rob Weber was in attendance on behalf of the Total Employment and Management staffing agency.

Weber said he’s looking to fill several hundred positions throughout the agriculture industry for the upcoming season. “We have temporary, full-time, contract labor. We try to keep as many people working as we can.” He said the current labor shortage has led to some moderate wage increases and more bonus programs to workers who stay on for a full season.

Weber said the average wage is “about $10.75 an hour for untrained labor.”

For the hosts, the Potato Conference has been a success. Ryan Holterhoff, the director of marketing and industry affairs for the Washington State Potato Commission, said, “We’re really excited about the show. We’re ahead of pace for attendance. We see the latest trends, work with farmers, talk with them. The show provides a platform to see a variety of things.”