The Wisconsin Spudmobile® is on the road. This mobile education unit developed by the Wisconsin Potato &Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) made its debut appearance at Farm Technology Days in Stevens Point, August 12-14. A press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 13 at the WPVGA booth. All eyes were on this amazing new information and educational tool.
“This is a traveling billboard that is actually functional,” says WPVGA Director of Promotions Dana Rady. “It contains eight exhibits that will educate visitors about the quality work Wisconsin growers do, including how they conserve Mother Nature’s resources, utilize the most up-to-date technologies and provide quality and affordable food for families on a daily basis.” It has also proven to be a significant investment for the industry, and one that has and will continue to require a team-oriented approach. “Members of the industry have been involved in the process since day one,” says Rady. “That isn’t going to change with the events lined up and the requests for appearances the Spudmobile has received so far.”
The project began four years ago when Stevens Point potato grower Nick Somers had an idea at a WPVGA Promotions Committee meeting. “We were looking for new and innovative ways to promote Wisconsin potatoes and educate the public about all the different aspects of the Wisconsin potato industry,” said Somers. The concept of the Spudmobile is similar to that of the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, in that it’s a traveling billboard and a mobile trade show booth. It will be taken to county fairs, agricultural events, schools, grocery stores and athletic events, just to name a few of its possible uses.
“The Spudmobile is a valuable informational, educational vehicle that tells the story of Wisconsin potatoes,” Somers continued. “Inside the Spudmobile, we describe all areas of the Wisconsin potato industry, including historical facts as well as the modern technology that today’s farmers use to raise high yielding, high quality crops in an environmentally-friendly manner. There are displays and exhibits that explain how potatoes are grown, from planting seed to cultivating, irrigating and harvesting, right on through to bagging, packaging and storage. There are also interactive games for children to play while learning about potatoes.
There is a display that describes the many varieties of potatoes that are grown in Wisconsin, as well the best uses for each of those varieties. There are also numerous recipes available for visitors to take home and use to enjoy the wonderful flavors that Wisconsin potatoes offer.”
“Potatoes are a healthy, nutritious food that can be prepared in a wide variety of ways and are loved by children and adults alike,” said Somers. “Potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable and we’d like everyone to buy locally grown, affordable Wisconsin potatoes!”
The Spudmobile features eight exhibits that 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. First, they’ll receive information on all the ways farmers are stewards of the environment by learning about irrigation practices and the science and water use monitoring that occurs behind the scenes. Today’s growers use prescription farming practices, only applying water and chemicals when and where they are needed.
Next, visitors will travel to the “Potato Variety and Recipe” exhibit, which will help broaden their knowledge of the many potato types that exist and how to prepare them in different recipes. And making it fun, visitors can touch an actual potato and watch as the information about that variety pops up onto the viewing screen!
The exhibit will emphasize more well-known types like fresh reds, russets, yellows, and whites, while also incorporating specialty potatoes like fingerlings and purples. Additionally, visitors will learn about long white and russet potatoes used for French fries as well as round white potatoes used for chip production.
The goal of the potato variety and recipe exhibit is to let people know about all the choices they have with potatoes and how easy it is to make healthy dishes with the wide variety of potato types that are offered in Wisconsin. And best of all, visitors will leave with recipes that are not only healthy, but also have short prep and cooking times, and therefore, fit within the tight time constraints of today’s busy families.
The third exhibit, called “Field to Fork,” will be hard to miss as it visually takes visitors through a potato field and shows the beginnings of America’s favorite vegetable. Visitors can then control a wall-mounted tablet to plant, grow, harvest and process their own crop, which the game concludes by taking them to the dinner tables.
It’s a hands-on approach that the WPVGA believes will help people learn and remember where their food comes from. It will help remind families and younger generations about all the hard work Wisconsin growers do to make sure their potatoes and vegetables are the highest quality for the greatest value each and every year. It will give people a front row seat to see what happens behind the scenes, and let them be farmers for a day without traveling to a farm.
As visitors continue through the Spudmobile, they’ll learn about the areas that grow potatoes throughout Wisconsin at the “Potato Growing Communities” exhibit. Displaying a wall graphic that features photos of actual potato growers, the exhibit features growers in all the different Wisconsin locations that produce potatoes. It will also incorporate stories and details about farming communities within these areas to provide people with a unique perspective into how vast and important the potato and vegetable industry truly is.
At the back area of the Spudmobile, visitors will see a large monitor surrounded by vibrant agriculture-related graphics in the “TheaTater” exhibit. The screen will show short videos that cover all aspects of the industry. A few examples include growing technology, economics, sustainability and potato nutrition and varieties, which will play on a continuous loop.
As visitors watch the videos, they’ll be able to relax on potato bean bag chairs that will be surrounded by information about the health benefits potatoes offer as well as thought-provoking tidbits in the “Nutrition and Fun Facts” exhibit. For example, did you know potatoes are free of fat, cholesterol, gluten and sodium? Did you also know that taters are packed with nutrients and vitamins, and are fantastic sources of potassium? A potato actually contains more potassium than a banana!
The seventh exhibit will share the deep-rooted history of Wisconsin’s potato production. Thanks to a collaboration of information from growers, the “History of Wisconsin Potato Farming” exhibit will provide that historical component with a series of personal stories and pictures from farms in various areas of the state.
Last but not least, the little tater tots that visit the Spudmobile will have a game just for them at the “Interactive Potato Touch Table” exhibit. A potato-shaped table top will engage kids with interactive games including a puzzle, a bug-catching game and a musical keyboard, to name a few. It’s a great way to help kids learn about potatoes on a completely different level.
The Spudmobile symbolizes success, technology and vision. It is a sign of moving forward with strength. The WPVGA is confident that the Spudmobile provides an experience the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers are sure will be unforgettable, and leave everyone hungry for more.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Wisconsin Spudmobile®, coming soon to a Wisconsin location near you!
Note: Special thanks go out to the WPVGA Promotions Committee, the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary, the WPVGA Associate Division and the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, all of whom contributed time, effort and monetary donations toward the Spudmobile project. It was a truly a team effort on the part of the Wisconsin potato and vegetable industry and could not have been accomplished without the support of all of these groups.
