Taters take center stage in Olympia
R. HANS MILLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
Staff and commissioners from the Washington State Potato Commission serve up some spuds on Feb. 18 for Potato Day in Olympia. The annual event gives potato farmers a chance to talk about the industry with legislators.
COURTESY PHOTO/WASHINGTON POTATO COMMISSION
About 1,600 baked potatoes were served in Olympia and enjoyed by visitors to the capital for Potato Day 2025.
CHRISTENSEN
HYER
SCHAAPMAN
WEBER
WOLLMAN
Managing Editor Rob Miller is a 4-year U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Western Montana in a community about the size of Soap Lake. An honors graduate of Texas State University, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Brandee, and their three dogs, Draco, Pepper and Cinnamon. He has one son, William. During his free time, he enjoys photography, video games, reading and working on the house he and his wife bought in Ephrata. He is passionate about the First Amendment and educating communities. | February 25, 2025 2:55 AM
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Potato Commission served about 1,600 baked potatoes last Tuesday. The commission sponsors the annual event and brings farmers, legislators and other stakeholders in the potato industry to Olympia to discuss the challenges and opportunities present in the potato industry.
The Columbia Basin has several representatives on the commission which governs the agency’s actions. Commissioners Andrew Hyer and Adam Weber hail from Moses Lake. Marvin Wollman is from Warden and Brandon Schaapman from Quincy. Mattawa’s Damon Christensen also sits on the agency’s governing board.
For more information about the Washington Potato Commission, visit their website at potatoes.com. The website includes information on sustainable potato farming practices, the health benefits of eating taters, recipes to go along with that information and information on water management in farming.
WA TATER FACTS
WA yields an average of 30 tons of potatoes per acre
15 Washington potato professionals sit on the WA Potato Commission
A medium potato has more than 600 miligrams of potassium – more than a banana
A medium potato with skin has about 2 grams of fiber
One medium potato has almost as much protein as an egg
A medium potato has about 110 calories, so isn’t overly fattening if eaten in moderation
A medium spud has about 26 grams of carbohydrates
About 1,600 baked potatoes were served in Olympia and enjoyed by visitors to the capital for Potato Day 2025.
CHRISTENSEN
HYER
SCHAAPMAN
WEBER
WOLLMANARTICLES BY R. HANS MILLER
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