Do you feel as if there is always at least one complainer or picky eater at your dinner table? Or maybe no matter how hard you try, your 10-year-old just won’t eat her kale salad. If you are struggling with any of these issues, don’t worry, you are not alone.

It’s that time of year again! Our 2018 potato growing contest is officially underway! Every spring staff members at the Washington State Potato Commission participate in a competition of who can grow the best potato crop. Planting begins in April, and staff members decide how they want to grow their plant. In the past we’ve had all sorts of creative methods, one year a staff member used Mountain Dew to fertilize his spuds! This contest is a great team bonding activity and also provides participants with some insight on the challenges that real Washington potato growers face. (On a much smaller scale)

Potato growing season is among us! Farming is a year-round, around the clock job but today we are going to break down the growing season timeline for you. The planting of potatoes begins as early as March and can go through the spring until May. Planting time varies throughout our state because of potato variety and farm location.

Are potatoes healthy? YES! Potatoes have proven to be one of America’s most versatile vegetables with remarkable nutritional value. If you take a closer look you’ll find that potatoes are packed with fiber, potassium, protein, vitamin C, antioxidants and more!

There are so many ways to bake a potato. Today, we are going to give readers a few inside tips for making delicious baked potatoes! Many people believe that wrapping potatoes in foil is beneficial. However, wrapping potatoes in foil before baking increases the cooking time and makes the skin and flesh of the potato soggy due to the trapped steam.

Agriculture has always been a big part of my life. Growing up with a Dad and Grandfather who were both farmers gave me a glimpse of a unique, hardworking, passionate community. As the years went on, I began to take more interest in the agriculture industry. My interest grew slowly, and before I knew it I found myself working in the agriculture field as well!

Agriculture is a major industry in the Evergreen State, and the potato industry alone creates 36,000 jobs throughout Washington while contributing $7.4 billion dollars to the state’s economy. Washington Potato Growers on average raise 170,000 acres of potatoes annually, on soil supporting the nation’s highest per-acre potato yields, which are 44% higher than the U.S. average.

Potatoes are such a versatile food, we can bake, boil, sauté, fry and do so much more with them. Regardless of where you are in the world, more than likely you will be able to find a food that contains potatoes in one form or another.

No matter who you are, there is almost always some sort of experience that sticks out in your mind from your childhood. Several of my standout memories revolve around agriculture and farming.

Today is no ordinary day….It is National Potato Day! This day definitely ranks in the top days of the year right with National French Fry day (July 13) and National Potato Chip Day (March 14). Potatoes in all of their forms are one of the most common staples that can be found at any meal on someone’s plate. From baked, to mashed, to fried and more! The ways to prepare and enjoy the world’s favorite vegetable are endless.

Watch a video from FOX News.

The Washington State Cougars win over Oregon State last weekend is bringing 66,000 pounds to food banks in Washington and Oregon.

This week people across the country celebrated National French Fry Day (July 13)

Potatoes are planted in Washington during the spring. Planting will begin in some areas of the state during early March and will continue throughout April for the majority of fields around the state.