french fries

(Runtime 1:10)About 5,000 semi-truck-loads of really nice, Northwest, french-fry-making potatoes are set to be plopped into cattle troughs or…

(Runtime 1:04)At a recent “field day,” about 100 Northwest farmers and scientists from across Washington and Oregon scuffed through sand, walking between…

The coronavirus pandemic continues to make its presence known in all facets of daily life, including agriculture. That extends to some supply and demand economics lessons for Northwest apple and potato growers.

Home-delivered fast food is a booming global business, but when it comes to French fries, there’s a hitch. They often get soggy on the ride. So now, top fry-makers are racing to perfect a crispy fry that can survive a 15-minute ride with a food delivery service. Companies right here in the Northwest are frying up a crisp solution to this soggy situation.

The fertile fields in Washington and Oregon, are just now drying out from severe winter snows not seen for 100 years. And potato farmers like Schneider are a month behind in planting. A cool spring -- along with this late start -- could throw Schneider’s yields off 30 to 40 percent.