Spudman April 2023 - 4

PUBLISHER'S LETTER
317,619
The headline for this month's column represents the number
of H-2A workers the federal government certified in 2022 -
more than six times the number in 2005. There are 1.17 million
farmworkers in the U.S. according to the USDA's
Economic Research Service, meaning 27% of
them are now being brought in through the
H-2A system.
Wages for H-2A workers have continued to
increase due to the government's Adverse Effect
Matt McCallum
Publisher/CEO
Wage Rates (AEWR). These rates have been going
up quickly and are set for each state by the Labor
Department. In 2012, the average AEWR was $10.36.
In 2023, it is $16.13 - an increase of 56%.
This issue features the results of a labor survey conducted this
winter of Spudman readers. You can read the in-depth report
starting on page 16.
Besides the labor issue, potato growers face their own unique set
of challenges including pesticide regulations, audits, transportation
difficulties, water regulation and keeping the nutrition image of the
great spud positive.
The potato industry is mighty, and a new report by Michigan
State University researchers showed the economic impact on the
U.S. economy is $100.9 billion! Our editors share the details of the
report and industry reaction in a story starting on page 20.
Taking on the challenge of leading the industry forward is thirdgeneration
Idaho grower RJ Andrus, the new president of the
National Potato Council. Find out more about Andrus and what the
NPC's priorities are for the coming year in a story starting on page 12.
While the industry faces mounting challenges, it comes into the
fight prepared with great leadership on all fronts to represent the
industry as it moves forward and gets stronger.
Office 616-887-9008
Editorial
Managing Editor Melinda Waldrop, 616-520-2158
mwaldrop@greatamericanpublish.com
Editorial Director Debbie Eisele, 616-520-2160
deisele@greatamericanpublish.com
Advertising Sales
Associate Publisher Andrea Schafer, 616-520-2139
spudmanads@spudman.com
Account Specialist Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
Production
Senior Graphic Greg Ryan, 616-520-2145
Designer spudproduction@spudman.com
Associate Creative Amanda Mackey, 616-520-2157
Director amackey@greatamericanpublish.com
Creative Director Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
Circulation
Circulation Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@spudman.com
Corporate
CEO & Publisher Matt McCallum
publisher@spudman.com
COO & CMO Kimberly Baker
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
CFO & Director of Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
Human Resources dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Editorial Board
Randy Hardy, Oakley Farms, Oakley, Idaho
Andy Jensen, Northwest Potato Research Consortium
Don Sklarczyk, Sklarczyk Seed Farms, Johannesburg, Mich.
Robert Thornton, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash.
The Magazine: Editorial and advertising offices at Great American
Publishing, P.O. Box 128, Sparta, MI 49345, Phone: 616-887-9008
SPUDMAN volume 61 number 4 (ISSN 0038-8661) is printed 8 times
a year in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May/June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec
by Great American Publishing, 75 Applewood Drive - Suite A, Sparta,
MI 49345. Periodical postage paid at Sparta, MI 49345 and additional
mailing office.
publisher@spudman.com
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
advertisers in Spudman do not necessarily reflect those of the
editors and publisher. Appearance in Spudman does not constitute
endorsement by Great American Media Services or Spudman of the
advertiser, its products, or services. Great American Media Services
and Spudman accept no responsibility of liability for the validity or
accuracy of information supplied by contributors, vendors, advertisers,
or advertising agencies. Great American Media Services and Spudman
do not make any claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity
of information supplied by contributors, vendors, advertisers or
advertising agencies. Copyright 2023.
Subscriptions: Subscriptions are free to qualified U.S. potato
growers. Canada: $56 per year U.S. funds. International: $100 per year
U.S. funds. Single copy and back issues: $6
Postmaster: Please send address changes and corrections to: Great
American Publishing, PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
Reprints: Permission is granted for reprinting material, except for
commercial or advertising purposes, providing Spudman is given full
credit. Call 616-887-9008 regarding reprint information.
4
Spudman * April 2023
Spudman April 2023

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