The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association made a major commitment to buy and outfit the “Wisconsin Spudmobile.” The purchase was made early this year. After a great deal of customized refitting, the Spudmobile hit the road in August and since then has barely stopped moving.

In mid-November, Dana Rady, who is director of promotion, communication and consumer education for the association, reported that her members are getting a great deal of in-state bang for their promotional buck. The association (WPVGA) is based in Antigo, WI.

“The schedule is full, and we’re filling it for next year, as well,” Rady said.

The Spudmobile at the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field. The Spudmobile has appeared at two Packers games this season.The bus has appeared at schools, retail stores, community events and two Green Bay Packers games.

The bus enjoyed a high visibility Lambeau Field parking spot at the Oct. 2 Packers game, which was a 42-10 win over the Vikings. The Spudmobile was also there Nov. 9 when the Packers shellacked the Bears, 55-14. For the Bears game, WPVGA had a tailgate grill next to the Spudmobile and offered fans potato samples.

“I think the Spudmobile came at a really great time,” Rady said. The industry has started using “Kwik-Lok” brand bag closures that label Wisconsin potatoes as-such. Now, in-state promotions can direct consumers to look for the Wisconsin bag tag to know they are buying local spuds.

The Spudmobile is coordinated with this and other promotion pieces to promote Wisconsin potatoes in-state. “We are making the most of the opportunity here. I truly believe that we are moving the needle on awareness. Every Wisconsin potato has a home, so that is not an issue. But we can increase awareness and improve the growers’ investment” in their crops. “I know we’re moving the needle, and that says a lot!”

Wisconsin’s potato industry is making available to regional retailers full- and one-quarter sized potato display bins bearing the message “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin consumers are learning of a strong way to support their local community and Wisconsin farmers.

The interior display, which targets consumers and students, involves eight educational exhibits.  

These exhibits “take visitors on a journey from the farmer’s field right to their dinner plates in a matter of moments. Through interactive technologies and eye-catching, colorful graphics, exhibits are sure to tempt the taste buds of anyone who walks past,” a WPVGA release indicated.

Through the exhibits, consumers “not only learn about how farmers are fantastic stewards of the environment and how they incorporate the latest technologies into their everyday practices, they’ll also learn about the many different potato varieties offered right here in the Badger State, where those varieties are grown in Wisconsin, the process that brings people’s potatoes from the field to their forks and nutritional facts and statistics about America’s favorite vegetable. Finally, kids will have a great time playing games on the interactive touch table as they learn about the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry.”