It’s a growing business, by Eric Eriksen
Agriculture, farming and ranching is vital to the San Luis Valley, providing the main source of income and way of life in the Valley. And potatoes are king. The Valley is recognized as the second largest fresh potato producing region in the U.S., with the first potatoes planted around 1882.
Not many potatoes are grown in Juneau, Alaska, where I grew up. I had little knowledge about the three types of potatoes to choose from at local grocery stores. Are russets, reds or yellows best to use for Thanksgiving mashed potatoes and gravy? You might chuckle knowing there are over 70 varieties of potatoes in the SLV. When my family from Alaska flies into the San Luis Valley Regional Airport to visit me and asks, what are those big green circles all over the area? I proudly respond with, “local farmers growing mostly potatoes,” as if everyone should know.
In July, the owners of Three S Ranch and Blanca Potato invited me on a tour to learn more about growing potatoes. I first learned it’s family. The Smith brothers drove me around the various fields describing diversity in crops, water resources, equipment and technology. As a first-time observer I was challenged to recognize the health of a field or growth stage. However, the flowing potato blossoms were unmistakenly beautiful across the prairie. Center-pivot irrigation systems ever so slowly inched along, sprinkling water over the sun-soaked fields.
Stepping into the packing and shipping facility, potato shed, was like stepping into the future. I was surprised to see all the robotic arms and automation. Skilled people operated these high-tech machines to clean, sort, pack and prepare the potatoes for shipping. I had never seen so many potatoes in my life and gained a new appreciation for what it takes to feed America.
Thank you, Three S Ranch and every farm and ranch operation in the Valley.
Every drop counts
Did you know SLVREC’s Electrify and Save program also supports irrigation energy efficiency savings? Energy education is just one of the ways we can give back and support our local businesses. If you are an SLVREC member and have a farm or ranch with irrigation, then go online to: www.slvrec.com/irrigation-assessments and sign up for a FREE irrigation energy assessment.
An industrial trained energy assessor will come out to your operation and provide a holistic view of your irrigation efficiency. Understanding how your farm or ranch uses energy can help determine the best ways to adjust energy consumption, improve problem areas and ultimately keep more money in your pocket.
The following are examples of irrigation assessment considerations:
•Well draw and screens
•Evaluation of crop, soil, and equipment after harvest
•Performance of motors
•Pumping pressure for pivots
•Application efficiency (orifices and nozzles)
•Irrigation scheduling
One of the greatest values of an energy assessment is help identifying ways to be more efficient. If you choose to make energy efficiency improvements, then we also hope you consider letting us help you through our new Electrify & Save program with authorized contractors and federally funded financial assistance.
Go online to www.slvrec.com/electrify-and-save and find out more. These programs and services are designed with SLVREC members in mind, putting the power to save in your hands.
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