May/June 2021 - 12

to be corrosion issues with any of these sprout-inhibitors
or if there were going to be any taste or fry color issues.
We were very pleased with that project. It was about a
20-year project. "
On bruise: " That's always going to be an issue in the
industry, but looking at how early you can identify blackspot
bruise can allow you to make adjustments or modifications
faster to reduce it. You no longer need to wait 24 hours to get
a good look at what's happening with your potatoes, you can
get some good information in just a few hours. "
A PEOPLE PERSON
Olsen is a sought-after speaker at seminars and conferences
not just for her vast knowledge, but because she has an
engaging style, both in terms of speaking and presentation.
" Nora is one of the most entertaining speakers, " said
Rondon. " She is creative in her research activities and also in
her delivery format.
" She can convert a boring topic into something that is
worth listening to. "
While the pandemic has canceled many in-person events,
Olsen's demand and involvement hasn't waned, as she has
become a popular contributor for potato-focused webinars,
including World Potato Congress webinars, of which she's the
permanent host.
" She has been a great source of knowledge for growers
throughout the world and that has made her a highly sought
speaker, " Miller said. " Nora is also a great person to work with
and be around. She is a great scientist and friend. "
Olsen is outwardly enthusiastic and outgoing, but
that doesn't fully explain why she is involved in so many
associations, events and projects. Olsen wants to talk to as
many people as she can because, whether you're a farmer in
Idaho or a researcher in Australia, she knows she can learn
something from you.
" I have a-ha moments almost every day, it seems, whether
it's from a grower or a colleague somewhere else, " she said.
Nora Olsen inside the research and storage facility at Kimberly, Idaho.
Photo: Bill Schaefer Photography
Thornton, an accomplished researcher in his own right,
said Olsen is the first person he turns to for anything to do
with storage and added that her overall breadth of potato
expertise is among the best.
" As a colleague, she is a joy to work with, " Thornton said.
" Always positive, always willing to contribute and do her
part, and always bringing up new ideas. Her knowledge and
technical expertise are world-class. "
Spudwoman of the Year supporter Lockwood Equipment
and parent company Crary Industries offered congratulations.
" Lockwood would like to congratulate Dr. Nora Olsen for
being selected as Spudwoman of the Year, " said Dan Birrenkott,
President, Crary Industries. " Dr. Olsen's credentials for
this award are so vast they are almost innumerable. Her
achievements as an educator, mentor, speaker, lecturer,
researcher, and featured Spudman contributor display
just a fraction of the overall impact she has made on the
advancement of the potato industry. "
For more with Olsen, check out episode 15 of " The Potato
Field " podcast on Spotify, Apple or wherever podcasts are
available.
12
Spudman.com
http://www.Spudman.com
May/June 2021

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