An eye for Maine potatoes
If you think there is a supply chain problem, try growing potatoes in the drought-stricken West. It looks like there won’t be many Ho’s coming from Idaho or from Washington either. Never fear the Maine potato is here. Actually, the Maine potato is back, because for generations the Maine potato was the main potato in the US. Maine’s potato growers had such a bumper crop this past season that they stepped in to help their big brothers out West who were short on spuds. Farmers from Maine shipped potatoes by rail for the first time in four decades this winter thanks to a strong harvest in the state and heat and dry weather that stymied farmers in renowned western potato-growing states. The potatoes made their way more than 2,500 miles for processing, riding in climate-controlled rail cars.
Most of the Maine potatoes went to processors in Washington state, where they were made into French fries and other products that are largely exported. The shipments to Idaho were seed potatoes, including Maine’s Caribou russet, that’ll be planted this spring. While Maine is known for its famous lobsters, the state was indeed the nation’s potato capital through World War II. Idaho and Washington State are currently No’s. 1 and 2 while Maine ranks ninth, according to the USDA. In northern Maine, the harvest was so big that growers scrambled to find storage. Some buildings at the former Loring Air Force Base were enlisted for a last-minute home for the abundant tubers. Maine enjoyed getting some attention for its potato industry thanks to the irony of David rendering aid to the potato Goliaths.
Tuber Humor
When I had dinner with my parents at a restaurant, they argued over whether we should
get French fries or mashed potatoes to go with the steak. They asked me whom I agreed
with, but I couldn’t pick a side
A Farmer greets President Putin at his Potato Farm.
“Comrade Putin, we have so many potatoes that, piled one on top of the other, they
would reach all the way to God,” the farmer excitedly tells his leader.
“But God does not exist,” replies Putin.
“Exactly,” says the farmer. “Neither do the potatoes.”
What’s the difference between the winner of a body building competition and a coach
potato?
One has a trophy for muscles and the other has muscle atrophy.
What’s the most annoying kind of potato?
An agitator
April 6th Birthdays
1976 – Candace Bure, 1999 – Peyton List, 1982 – Eliza Coupe, 1996 – Miranda May
1947 – John Ratzenberger, 1972 – Shaquille O’Neal, 1926 – Alan Greenspan, 1938 – Billy Dee Williams