Onion harvest in the Treasure Valley is nearly complete, and that means it’s time for the Annual Bayer Onion Showcase. This year’s event, the 34th annual, will be held Friday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bayer Facility of 1200 Anderson Corner Road Parma Idaho.
“As the Global Specialist we recognize there is more to growing onions than seeds alone,” a Bayer release said. “Innovative techniques from sowing to how we market our produce are fast approaching; and to better accommodate those we serve, we’ve decided to bring those ideas to the 2017 Showcase, which will also feature keynote speaker Don Goodwin of Golden Sun Marketing along with four added value discussions relating to onions.
Prior to founding Golden Sun, Don worked for Target and led the development and launch of fresh produce within SuperTarget. Throughout his many years’ experience, Don has built and developed relationships with businesses such as HEB Grocery Co., Supervalu, Imagination Farms and Green Giant.
“Don will help us understand what’s changing in the produce industry and what we must do to meet the future demands and stay on top,” the release continued.
The added value discussions will include Irrigation Management, Precision Planting, Seed Enhancements and Storage and Ventilation.
The release said, “Drip irrigation isn’t new to onions, but it has increased onion yields and led to a healthier plant to survive environmental impacts such as heat and insect stress. Throughout the early years of drip irrigation in the Treasure Valley through today, Clearwater Supply Inc. has supported farmers with all their irrigation needs. Jim Klauzer will be sharing and demonstrating key concepts to irrigation management.”
Referring to Precision Planting, the release said, “Mel Beck Precision Planters introduced its first planter in 1956 with a concept of building a better planter. After 61 years of innovation and manufacturing, the company continues to be the most well-known and used planter for onions. Jeff and Richard Beck will be sharing information and answering questions from proper planter set up to seed monitoring and accuracy.”
The release continued, “In recent years we’ve seen many advances in seed coatings, options from chemical formulations to pellet sizing. Kamterter Products is a Nebraska-based seed enhancement services company which is dedicated to helping customers get the most value from their seed. Chris Petersen and Bryce Smith will be presenting information on the many product options for onions and specifically encrustment enhancements available.” And about Storage and Ventilation, it said, “With over 40 years’ experience in climate-controlled vegetable storage Industrial Ventilation Inc, IVI, is an industry leader in ventilation technology. Its goal is to help maximize crop storage length and quality, resulting in higher profit opportunities and a better end product for consumers. Chad Faaborg and team will be demonstrating system operations and speak about how to properly cure and store onions for the season.”
The release concluded, “We are very excited to be hosting the Onion Showcase at the Bayer Campus Facility and to have the participation of industry-leading experts. Together we hope to share valuable knowledge throughout the entire produce chain.” Below is a schedule of the program:
11-12 Variety results from Story Farms
12-12:45 Lunch served by Gordon’s Catering
12:30-1 Research results (Michael Straugh) & Regional update (Lyndon Johnson)
1-1:30 Market and Consumer Trends- Don Goodwin, Golden Sun Marketing
1:30-3 Value Added Discussions
Irrigation Management- Jim Klauzer, Clearwater Supply LLC
Precision Planting-Richard & Jeff Beck, Mel Beck Precision Planters Seed Enhancements-Chris Petersen & Bryce Smith, Kamterter Products
Storage & Ventilation-Chad Faaborg, IVI Industrial Ventilation Inc.
3-4 Bayer Facilities Tour (Optional)
Featured image: seed trials at 2015 Bayer onion Showcase
