Is it possible for anomalies to be the "new normal?"

That might be something for growers to get used to – that's at least according to early/preliminary growing season reflections across Canada. While there is much to celebrate, according to United Potato Growers of Canada GM Victoria Stamper and Manitoba plant pathologist Vikram Bisht, one of the markers of the 2024 growing season was its lack of predictability.

"Some of [the events], growers are prepared for," says Stamper. "Others can be quite surprising – like the lack of precipitation that happened in P.E.I. this year."

Stamper provides a holistic view of the growing season from coast to coast based on feedback from the industry. Bisht joins the podcast to provide a specific update on Manitoba, which has faced many unique weather challenges in recent years, and how its weather has affected yields and tuber quality. He also provides an update on pests to watch for and which diseases to keep an eye on.