Black Gold Farms
Growing a superior potato
The Black Gold Farms process
Black Gold Farms: Growing Superior Potatoes
  1. Field selection
    • Quality land/irrigation is #1 in determining potato yield and quality. Well-drained, sandy loams are optimum.
    • Rotation of 3 to 4 years is important in maintaining yield and quality.
    • High capacity overhead irrigation is used on most acres.
  2. Land preparation
    • Compaction elimination, treating for nematodes and managing crop residue are primary goals prior to planting.
    • Wind and water erosion management are integral to the Black Gold Farms
      management system.
  3. Build a crop plan
    • Soil testing is used on all fields to determine optimum fertilizer rates and timing.
    • Use herbicides and insecticides based on local pest pressure and rotation restrictions with land partners.
    • Select varieties and planting dates based on customer needs.
  4. Purchase high quality certified seed
    • Low generation seed is used to minimize disease problems.
    • Seed is cut to exact size and shape for optimum planter performance and yield.
  5. Take vigilant care of the crop
    • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices optimize pesticide use to obtain the best and most cost effective results.
    • Black Gold Farms uses internal agronomists to routinely evaluate the crop and to direct crop planning.
    • Plant tissue testing is used regularly to ensure plant health.
    • Field research at each farm helps keep us vigilant of new varieties, pesticides
      and cultural practices.
    • Irrigation pivot output is calibrated annually and then field-based sensor technology is used to achieve timely water applications.
  6. Potato processing
    • Potatoes are harvested to match customer needs.
    • Potatoes are washed and packaged or bulk loaded for the customer.
    • Electronic sorting aids in efficiency and helps eliminate foreign material or off-grade potatoes.
    • A hydro cooler (first in the chip industry) is used to cool potatoes for longer transit time
      and better quality.
    • On-site control systems allow production and shipping decisions to be made on a timely basis.
    • Multiple locations allow us to provide a steady stream of quality potatoes at
      lower transportation costs.
  7. Multidiscipline staff
    • Internal talent leads daily activities.
    • Research and development is an ongoing process with budgeted projects and personnel.
    • Black Gold Farms staff participate in many national and local trade organizations and as liaisons to university research.