In this episode, we're excited to talk with Dr. Thomas Drader about the Potato Varietal Program at Lamb Weston. Visit our website at https://tater-talk.transistor.fm/ and listen to learn more! Visit the link to let us know about other topics you'd like us to talk about on the show! https://forms.office.com/r/vYdvjXmKpPFive takeaways:Global Potato Development Program: Lamb Weston has a global potato development program, working with around 30 different potato breeders, primarily in North America and Western Europe.Lock and Key System: The company uses a "lock and key" system to match potato varieties (keys) with their specific business needs (locks), such as growing conditions, storage requirements, and finished product characteristics.Public and Private Breeding Partnerships: In North America, Lamb Weston collaborates with public breeders like universities and government agencies, while in Europe, they work with private breeders to develop suitable potato varieties.Rigorous Testing and Selection: The company conducts rigorous testing and selection processes, evaluating over 100 new potato candidates globally each year, though most do not make it into their program.Disease Resistance and Environmental Resilience: Developing disease-resistant potato varieties helps reduce dependence on management tools like pesticides, which can be costly and environmentally harmful. New potato varieties are being bred to withstand changing environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and varying rainfall, making them more robust and adaptable.Want to learn more about our guest (and your hosts)?Dr. Thomas Drader | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-drader-759571b0/Rachael Bedell | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-bedell-66335355/Hailey Dugan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-dugan/

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