Potato Expo 2026 to be held in Dallas
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
Potato Expo 2026 will be held in Dallas Jan. 6-8.
COURTESY PHOTO/NATIONAL POTATO COUNCIL
DALLAS – Potato Expo 2026, North America's largest annual potato industry conference and trade show, is heading to Dallas from Jan. 6-8 at the Gaylord Texan, according to an announcement from the National Potato Council. The event, hosted by the National Potato Council, invites U.S. and international potato supply chain partners to connect, share insights and collaborate to kick off the new year.
"Potato Expo remains the industry's essential meeting place,” NPC President and Washington state potato grower Ted Tschirky wrote in the announcement. “Bringing the entire supply chain to Dallas expands on the success of Potato Expo’s 17-year history and provides a powerful start to the business year, building the relationships that drive our future."
This year’s event will feature more than 30 educational sessions and 180 exhibitors filling up 100,000-plus square feet of trade show space, according to the announcement. Attendees will gain insight into the future of farming through educational content that ensures industry professionals stay informed on the latest research, regulations and market trends.
This year’s programming emphasizes innovation and advocacy. Cutting-edge sessions, including "Using Soil DNA, Tissue RNA and AI for Potato Production," will be featured. The lineup also includes a live recording of the Eye on Potatoes podcast, featuring a discussion with NPC CEO Kam Quarles and Randy Russell, President of The Russell Group, on defending and enhancing potatoes at the federal level.
Potato Expo serves as a forum to foster collaboration between national and state potato associations, as well as the rest of the industry, according to the announcement. Potatoes USA, United Potato Growers of America, Potato Sustainability Alliance and others meet throughout the week to organize and plan for the new year. The full schedule can be found at potato-expo.com/potato-expo-2026-schedule.
"Dallas is the perfect backdrop for the largest gathering of the potato industry,” said Hollee Alexander, NPC Vice President of Industry Relations & Events. “With just two months before Potato Expo 2026, we encourage everyone to register and book your exhibit space to ensure your company is front and center in Texas when the industry unites.”
For more information or to register, visit potato-expo.com.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.