Water management and soilborne diseases will take center stage at the 58th annual Idaho Potato Conference, set for Jan. 21–22 at Idaho State University’s Pond Student Union Building. The long-running event draws growers, researchers and industry leaders from across the region.

The conference runs 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on Jan. 21 and 8 a.m.–noon on Jan. 22. More than 70 vendors will participate in the trade show, and attendees will hear updates from the Idaho Potato Commission, Potatoes USA and the National Potato Council.

James Woodhall, associate professor and Extension specialist of plant pathology, chairs the conference planning committee and said the gathering remains a key point of connection for the industry.

Conference sessions will include expanded content on water-related research, featuring work from two new University of Idaho faculty members: Emily Bedwell, an associate professor and Extension irrigation specialist, and Meetpal Kukal, an assistant professor of hydrologic science and water management. A panel titled “Water on the Line” will also be featured.

Soilborne diseases, identified as a rising concern for growers, will be the focus of a mini-symposium on Jan. 21.

For more information, visit uidaho.edu/extension/events/potato-conference.

Source: Dailyfly. Full story here
Image: J.R. Simplot Co. fries are served at the 2025 Idaho Potato Conference, hosted in Pocatello by the University of Idaho. Credit University of Idaho