The staff at Bushmans’ Inc. is ready to move a quality crop of Wisconsin potatoes to its customers in the eastern United States. Bushmans’ has farmed potatoes for the past century. (Photo courtesy of Tamas Houlihan/Badger Common ‘Tater)Mike Carter, chief executive officer of Bushmans’ Inc., said the 2012 and 2011 growing seasons could not have been more different. “We got into the field much earlier than last year,” he told The Produce News. “Last year, there were some temperature issues [which caused hollow heart]. This year, temperatures have been consistent for good quality. The crop is very large in terms of volume and actual size. And the crop looks larger than last year.”

Bushmans’ handles all segments of the potato category. The company, which has been farming potatoes for 100 years, is located in Rosholt, WI. Mr. Carter said russets and the “SIERRA GOLD” brand are strong sellers at Bushmans’. Though not grown by the company, Mr. Carter said Bushmans’ has business relationships in place to source reds. The company also works with grower-packers in North Dakota, Ohio, Colorado and Idaho and is a year-round potato supplier.

Some vine killing began in July in Wisconsin. “The last product will come out of the field in October,” he said. Potatoes are typically given three weeks to allow for skin set.

“We are looking for a good volume this season,” he went on to say.

National potato production increased this year, and Mr. Carter said this has had a dampening effect on the market. “Prices are lower than we’d like,” he stated. “The market has struggled recently.”

Bushmans’ markets potatoes to distributors and customers primarily in the eastern United States. Services include Internet-based ordering and replenishment as well as supply chain management and strategic planning to forecast demand and ensure order fulfillment and vendor replenishment. A wide array of packaging sizes and materials are available to meet customer needs.

Logistically, Wisconsin is well positioned to deliver potatoes to its customers, and Mr. Carter said this could alleviate some of the uncertainty associated with pricing. “The good news in Wisconsin is that volumes might be up,” he said of the situation.

Bushmans’ acquired Market Fresh Produce, a wholesale distributor of tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet onions and avocados, in 2011. Bushmans’ holds russets through the end of July, and product is marketed under the company’s flagship label, “Market Fresh Produce.” The company also does private label at customer request.

Bushmans’ partnership with Discovery Garden’s LLC, located in Oakdale, CA, has been highly successful. Mr. Carter said the customer base for the “SIERRA GOLD” brand is flourishing, and he expects to see significant growth in the coming months.

Bushmans’ will exhibit at the 2012 Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit, and Mr. Carter said he anticipates the “SIERRA GOLD” brand to be a source of discussion at the venue.