What the Idaho Potato Conference Is
The Idaho Potato Conference is the University of Idaho's annual meeting of potato researchers and growers, held at the Pond Student Union on the Idaho State University campus, 921 South 8th Avenue in Pocatello. The 2026 edition, the 58th, ran January 21-22. Chair James Woodhall, a University of Idaho Extension plant pathologist, describes it as one of the largest UI Extension outreach events. It started with researchers visiting farms and grew into a conference where farmers come to the researchers. It is aimed at potato growers, and it also gives students an overview of the industry. It runs alongside the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo, with a trade show of more than 70 booths.
What the 2026 Program Covered
The two themes were water management and soilborne diseases, with more hours of research content than in past years.
- A day-one mini-symposium of about 250 minutes on soilborne diseases, covering biology and control, disease management, the effect of variety on verticillium wilt, and causes of the early die disease complex.
- Panels: "Water on the Line" on water management, powdery scab and potato mop-top virus (two diseases with no reliably effective management tools), and biological control products.
- Water talks from new UI faculty Emily Bedwell (Extension irrigation) and Meetpal Kukal (hydrologic science).
- Ben Ingalls of Industrial Ventilation in Nampa on how the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which gives the EPA authority over hydrofluorocarbons, may affect potato storage.
- Guest speakers: Russell Groves (University of Wisconsin) on aphids, Mark Pavek (Washington State University) on varieties and agronomy, and Amber Moore (Oregon State University) on soil fertility. Emeritus professor Mike Thornton also spoke on agronomy.
- Updates from the Idaho Potato Commission, Potatoes USA and the National Potato Council.
- Spanish-language sessions on wireworms, aphids, soil types, varieties, nutrient management, drought management and soilborne diseases.
Hours, Fees and What You Get
The 2026 program ran 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 21 and 8 a.m. to noon on January 22. Registration was $40 per person before midnight on January 14, then $50, with onsite registration available. The fee included a potato bar lunch on January 21, fried snacks from potato processors through the conference, and a hospitality room sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission.
The Next Edition
The University of Idaho lists the 59th annual conference for January 20-21, 2027, at the same Pocatello campus. Early registration is $40 per person until midnight on Wednesday, January 13, and $50 after that. Attendees can earn CCA continuing education and pesticide recertification credits at seminars and workshops, and registration is online. Topics listed include beneficial insect identification, farm safety, Spanish-language workshops and the trade show.
Questions
Who should go?
Potato growers, crop advisers, and students who want a picture of the industry.
Who do I call?
Conference chair James Woodhall's office number is 208-722-6701. Trade show exhibitors contact Spectra Productions at 208-939-6426, because the university does not organize exhibitor booths.
Is there food?
The registration fee includes a potato bar lunch on the first day and snacks both days.
Official Links
- University of Idaho Extension: Idaho Potato Conference
- University of Idaho newsroom: 2026 conference
- The Argonaut: 58th annual conference
- PotatoPro conference listing
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Eastern Idaho Ag Expo
Winter agricultural trade show at the ICCU Dome on the Idaho State University campus, with more than 150 exhibiting companies and a potato industry focus on the final days. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 20-22, 2026.
- Bannock County Fair and Rodeo
Bannock County hosts its fair and rodeo at the south-county fairgrounds in Downey, August 3 to 8 in 2026, a traditional small-town fair with livestock, exhibits and rodeo action.
- Nez Perce County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet
Evening banquet for Nez Perce County Farm Bureau members at a Lewiston steakhouse on November 11, 2026.
2305 Nez Perce Dr, Lewiston, ID 83501 | Organizer: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Official event details - Idaho County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet
Prairie farm and ranch families meet at the Cottonwood Community Hall for the Idaho County Farm Bureau banquet on November 12, 2026.
Cottonwood, ID | Organizer: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Official event details - Valley-Adams County Farm Bureau Board Meeting
Board meeting for the Valley-Adams County Farm Bureau at the McCall insurance office on November 12, 2026.
401 S 3rd St, McCall, ID 83638 | Organizer: Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.