Preparing for the growing season is an intricate process of reviewing data, making agronomic recommendations and developing budgets. With the 2025 season directly in front of us, RDO Agronomist William Mack shared the work that he and our RDO agronomy team are doing to prepare before a single potato seed goes into the ground.
Evaluating soil health
According to William, one of the most critical early tasks is evaluating soil health. He said our agronomists carefully examine test results to determine soil organic matter levels, residual nitrogen and potassium. By comparing fall and spring soil samples, we then fine-tune nutrient strategies for each individual field — maximizing efficiency, avoiding unnecessary input costs and protecting the environment all at the same time.
“Generally, we apply calcium or potassium in the fall, then we do follow-up soil tests in the fall and in the spring, to reevaluate the nutrients in the soil,” William said. “We don’t want to apply any more inputs than what is needed to raise a high-quality crop.”
Looking back to move forward
At RDO, we keep data on all the fields we farm, with some records dating back to the 1970s. Our agronomists review crop and yield history, input, rainfall and irrigation data, historical soil tests and disease trends to inform our annual crop plans.
Diseases like verticillium wilt can impact yield potential, which we know from our historical records. If a field shows high levels of this fungus, our team will adjust the nutrient application accordingly.
“We don't want to apply fertilizer for a higher yield if we know that disease pressure will reduce the actual yield,” William said. “For example, if we expect 500 hundredweight per acre but the disease will limit us to 400, we'll adjust the fertilizer application accordingly.”
Crop rotation also plays a key role in long-term soil health and disease management, William said. Part of our commitment to soil health, RDO averages potatoes only once every four years on a particular field, with some fields extending to five or even six years. Longer rotations generally improve soil conditions by reducing disease pressure and promoting better crop performance. Between potato cycles, rotation crops such as corn, wheat, oats, kidney beans and soybeans help maintain soil structure and health.
Fine-tuning seed quality and spacing at planting time
Once our team is ready to put potato seed into the ground, we focus on seed quality and spacing decisions. We aim to plant densities that will produce potatoes within our customers’ desired size range, and we try to plant as many whole seed pieces as possible, reducing costs and minimizing disease risk.
“Cutting seed is expensive and every cut creates an entry point for pathogens,” William said. “Whole seed gives us more flexibility in planting and is much less susceptible to decay in the field.”
William said temperature also plays a crucial role in the timing of planting. Ideally, soil temperatures should be at least 45°F and rising before planting begins, with 50°F being the ideal start temperature. While the weather can sometimes push planting dates, ensuring the right conditions can mean the difference between a strong start and a struggling crop.
Innovating in the field
Our team is excited about new technologies that are improving efficiency and sustainability. One standout development is the use of drone application, which was tested last season and will be expanded this year.
“It’s a precise way to apply pesticides, reducing waste and improving coverage,” William said. “We can be very nimble with drones, doing spot applications only on parts of the field that need it, like edges where pests are typically first detected.”
Additionally, a new insecticide is being introduced to combat potato beetles, an ongoing challenge for growers.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve had a new pesticide for potato beetles, so we’re eager to see how effective it is,” William said.
Looking ahead
As the season kicks off, weather remains the greatest wildcard. While early conditions suggest a strong start to the season, there are indications that late-summer drought could be looming. Water management and conservation will be critical – William notes we will use tools to ensure we are only applying the exact amount of water that what the crop needs, and not a drop more.
William said RDO’s goal is to grow a high-quality crop that meets the needs of our customers while protecting the environment.
“While uncertainty is inevitable in our industry, careful planning, strategic decision-making and a willingness to adapt will continue to define our success in the field,” William said. “And as the first seeds go into the ground, we are highly optimistic for the season ahead.”
