Gold Dust Potatoes & Walker Bros. Farm Blog

Gold Dust Guys Hit the 2010 Potato Expo!

January 4, 2010 By Gold Dust Farms Leave a Comment

The Gold Dust Guys Will Be At Potato Expo 2010 — Bill, John and Weston Are at Potato Expo 2010 While JW and Tricia Hold Down the Fort.

This week (January 4th – 8th), Bill, John and Weston are traveling to Orlando, Florida for the 2010 Potato Expo. What exactly is the Potato Expo? In a nutshell, it’s an opportunity for potato farmers and processors (like Gold Dust) to get together with other potato industry folks to learn more about issues facing the potato industry as well as innovations in potato crops and production. However, the focus isn’t purely on education. Attendees also get an opportunity to network with one another. Though the Potato Expo itself is only from the 4th through the 6th, there are other side meetings and conferences they are attending that will keep them in Florida until the 8th.

Sessions range from the general (The Future of the Potato) to tracks of discussions geared towards specific facets of the potato industry, such as chipping potatoes. Conferences such as these are a wealth of information about all things potato and give businesses such as Gold Dust ideas on where the potato industry is headed, the challenges faced by potato growers and information about new varieties and technology being developed. This information is brought back to our farm and sheds, discussed and implemented to the benefit of our customers.

If you’re in Orlando at the Potato Expo 2010, or at the meetings afterwards, be sure to say hello to Weston, Bill and John. And if you’re looking for a partner in growing your business, they’re always open to talking about chipping potatoes and how we can help. Didn’t meet them or weren’t at the Potato Expo but still want to learn more about how Gold Dust can provide your business with high quality chipping potatoes? Drop our chipping potato sales team an email.

Also, we’d like to give the National Potato Council a big “thank you” for putting together the Potato Expo. We look forward to Potato Expo 2011!

Happy Holidays from Walker Brothers and Gold Dust!

December 28, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms Leave a Comment

Now that Christmas has passed and we’re all bracing for the New Year, the folks at Gold Dust Potato Processors and Walker Brothers Farms hope your holidays were bright and merry and wish you a happy 2010. We would like to give our customers and our growers a special thank you and warm wishes as well for this holiday season. Here’s to a super 2010!

Also, the Walker family in particular would like to thank our employees for the hard work they put in this year. Farming is never easy, and at times it can seem thankless. To the people who have recently joined our companies as well as the folks who have been with us for years, we appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for us. We see the dedication all of you have put into making this a thriving, growing business and hope 2010 is a successful year for all of us. Again, thank you very much!

Since it is the holiday season, we also wanted to share a few pictures from our celebrations here at the shed. This year, we had a full catered lunch provided by Tacos Ala Mexicana (located in Merrill) for the office and shed crew on Tuesday, the 22nd. As usual, the food Tacos Ala Mexicana prepared was top notch and Bill applauded the Gold Dust employees for their attention to safety around the shed. Everyone had a wonderful time.

The following day, the 23rd, the office staff had a desk decorating contest, an ugly Christmas sweater contest and White Elephant Gift Exchange. Steve took home the award for Ugliest Christmas Sweater while Jessica and Tricia teamed up and took top honors for best decorated desk. For their efforts, Tricia, Jessica and Steve got their choice of candy or a toy from Brita. The contest and gift exchanges were a blast and put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

We had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays this year and are looking forward to doing it again next year. Until then, here are a few pictures of our festivities!

Merry Christmas from Trica — Tricia Putting On Her Christmas Cap

Santa is Missing a Helper! — Steve, the Model of Christmas Elfness!

Brita Looking Festive in Green — Brita in Green with Snowflakes, Santa and Snowmen!

Alma Smiling from Behind the Cheery Front Desk — Alma Made the Front Desk Merry and Bright!

Nayeli and Her Holiday Inspired Desk — Nayeli and Her Desk Are In the Christmas Spirit

Matt's Christmas Sweater — A Stunning Sweater Donned by Matt

Nice Office, Brita! — Brita’s Office Gets the St. Nick Treatment

Lexi's Desk Is Ready for Santa — Lexi’s Desk is a Festive Welcome to the Upstair’s Office

Lexi In A Festive Vest — Lexi Sporting a Fashionable Snowman Vest

The Perfectly Princess Christmas — Tricia & Jessica Call Their Inner Princesses for the Win

Gold Dust Cleans Up The Merrill-Malin Highway

December 1, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms 1 Comment

Armed with bright yellow bags and reflective vests on their backs, the Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farm garbage crew picked up trash on the section of the Merrill-Malin Highway we adopted through ODOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program. As mentioned in a previous post about joining Oregon’s Adopt-A-Highway program, the chunk of road we adopted stretches from where Harpold Road intersects with Highway 50 to just outside of Malin. Judging by how full the bags were, the road was definitely in need of a good clean up.

The blue skies and crisp November weather we had last Saturday made picking up garbage almost enjoyable. Drivers were polite as the clean-up crew picked up debris. The trash collected ranged from cans, bottles and “regular” trash you see along a road to a thawed-out turkey, still in its wrapper. Needless to say, the clean-up crew had an interesting time while scouring the ditches. After the highway was cleaned, the crew met up with Bill in Malin for pizza, wings and drinks at Borderline Pizza.

Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farms would like to give a big thank you to Tricia, Nayeli, Alma, Lexi, Lexi’s brother David, Ryan and Brita for taking time away from their families on a post-holiday Saturday to make the Klamath Basin look a little nicer. We’re proud to be a part of the Adopt-A-Highway program, and even more proud that we have employees who are committed to our community.

If you would like to join the program, visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway page on www.oregon.gov. Also be sure to see the pictures from Gold Dust’s highway clean up below!

The Gold Dust Clean Up Crew with Special Guest David Reece (center)

Nayeli, Alma and a Stray Dog that Helped Out

Alma Catching Some Rays and Collecting Some Trash

Brita, Nayeli and Alma Keeping Oregon Green

Where Do Potato Chips Come From?

November 24, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms 7 Comments

Checking Out Lays' Chip Tracker — Checking Out Lays’ Chip Tracker

Last summer, Lay’s introduced their chip tracker. While it seems like something only hardcore potato chip fanatics could get into, it’s actually pretty cool even for the casual chip muncher (since we raise chipping potatoes and ship them to Lay’s you can probably guess which camp we fall into). Now that we’re in the part of the year where we actually ship spuds to Frito Lay chipping plants, you may actually be enjoying a bag of chips that was raised right here in the Klamath Basin!

The Lay’s potato chip tracker has you enter the first three digits of a product code located just under the stamped on price and date on the bag. Those three numbers plus your ZIP code are all it needs to show where the potatoes were grown that are in your bag of chips! A map pops up and shows the location of the farm where the grower raised the chipping potatoes and another location shows the plant where they were sliced and fried.

However, if you’re looking to see Gold Dust Potato Processors pop up on the map, there’s a catch. Though there is a little potato on the map of Oregon in Merrill where we’re located (Baley Trotman farms is the other little potato), our name doesn’t pop up. Instead “PD Sproule Co Inc” does. Dont’ worry – it’s not an error and Gold Dust hasn’t been bought out. For our Lay’s contract, we actually farm for PD Sproule. As a result, the marketing folks inside Frito Lay have our farm marked as being a part of PD Sproule Co Inc., which is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Working with PD Sproule is great, as is working with Frito Lay. Gold Dust is also very proud to be one of three Oregon farms that raises and ships potatoes to Frito Lay.

The Lay’s chip tracker is cool, but we really appreciate that it shows how local (and fresh!) your potato chips are. As people are getting more conscious about where their food is coming from, this puts a face on the people who grow chipping potatoes and a location from where they come from. Be sure to look at the map to see all the farms that grow potatoes for Lay’s potato chips as well as some of the videos of the farmers who grow them. And make sure you do it while enjoying a nice, big bag of delicious Lay’s potato chips!

Update: Lays’ chip tracker is no longer available. Still interested in seeing where potato chips come from? Check out our post about Kettle Brand Potato Chips’ Tater Tracker!

Gold Dust Is Networked!

November 11, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms Leave a Comment

If you recall from our post about the Open House and Shed Tour, the prizes for the golf outing were technology related to celebrate the new network that was set up in Gold Dust’s office. As Gold Dust’s business has grown, the need to easily share information and data has become even more important. To help illustrate how the new server and network is going to improve our business, Lexi Crawford, office manager, has answered a few questions.

What kind of network was installed and by whom?

Lexi: We have a client-server internet-based network that was installed by Tech-Net Solutions and Unity Telecommunications, both of which are locally-based, Klamath Falls companies.

Why is Gold Dust having a network set up in the offices?

Lexi: The amount of data generated within our office and farm has drastically increased over the years and we wanted to be able to capitalize on that information. Our network will allow us to easily share information and streamline our work efforts which will increase our efficiencies.

Any special features it has that you can share?

Lexi: We now have a wireless backup to an offsite location and a wireless connection for guests to use. We also laid the groundwork to eventually connect to our processing plant controls and Odenberg sorter.

What’s the purpose of the wireless backup to an offsite location?

Lexi: This allows us to automatically back up our data to a secure location without relying on human hands to physically make a backup copy and haul it off site.

Will Weston or whoever the shed manager is be able to run the Odenberg sorter from their office with this set up in the future?

Lexi: Possibly. We are waiting on Odenberg to come up with software that would make this both cost effective and feasible.

How will it affect the day to day operations in the office?

Lexi: We will no longer have to email files to each other or download information onto thumb drives. In addition, we will no longer have to rely on individuals to back up their files, the network will automatically send our data off site.

When the information goes off site, will the office folks then be able to access it from their homes?

Lexi: Not at this time. That would require additional capital.

Will the customers see a difference?

Lexi: Customer service is an important part of our business, so we feel the network isn’t only an investment in our office, it’s an investment in customer service. I believe our customers will see a difference in our service and our documentation. We will be much faster at getting them the answers they need and our reports, invoices and documents will be systematized and unified.

There you have it. With internet access for visitors, improved customer service and streamlined communication and data access in the office, this server and network are just a few examples of how Gold Dust is not only modernizing, but also providing better service for our customers. Thank you, Lexi, for taking a little time to answer these questions!

Gold Dust Adopts A Highway

November 5, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms 2 Comments

Gold Dust Potato Processors and Walker Brothers Farms have adopted a piece of Hwy 50 outside of Malin, Oregon.

If you’ve traveled to Malin lately, you might have noticed a new sign near where Harpold Road intersects Highway 50 (locally known as the Merrill Malin Highway). That’s right – Gold Dust Potatoes and Walker Brothers Farms have joined the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Adopt A Highway program!

On an as-needed basis, Gold Dust will pick up litter along the strip of highway we’ve adopted. In return, ODOT installed a sign featuring our companies’ names on it. While it’s nice we can get our businesses’ names out there, we like that we can show our commitment to the Malin area. Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farms are fortunate to be located in an area that is not only as scenic as the Klamath Basin, but also fertile and perfect for growing potatoes, grain and alfalfa.

We are very excited to be a part of the Adopt A Highway program and encourage other businesses, community groups and families (even individuals can adopt a section of highway!) to join. You get to advertise your business or group while showing your civic pride and in return Oregon gets cleaner roads to show visitors how beautiful this state is. It’s a program that’s truly a win-win for all.

If you’d like to learn more about ODOT’s Adopt A Highway program, or are ready to sign up and adopt your own stretch of road, visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Web site today. And if you happen to be driving into Malin on Highway 50, please watch out for the Gold Dust Litter Crew!

Tater Tots Take Second!

October 29, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms 1 Comment

While we thought the Gold Dust Tater Tots should have taken first place in the 72nd Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival parade (granted, we’re a bit biased!), we are very proud to announce that our float took second place in the Commercial category. For that honor, the Merrill Lions Club gave us $20 in prize money for our efforts. Congratulations to the Tater Tots Crew!

The float that took home first place in the Commercial category also won the big prize for best overall entry. A big congrats goes out to the Merrill branch of Sterling Savings Bank! Sterling took the theme, “This Spud’s For You”, to heart and featured a lot of local kids in costumes ranging from a baked potato and tater tots to silverware and more. They did a great job and the prize was well awarded.

We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Tricia, Lexi, Jessica, Nayeli and Brita for their help putting the float together. We also owe a special thanks to Matt for his help getting the float on the road the day of the parade. And we have another extra special thanks to the Tater Tot kids – Rory, Walker, Emma, Lindsay, Ashlee and Mari! Without the help of Gold Dust’s employees and the presence of these kids, we wouldn’t have taken second place or had as much fun at the Spud Festival. Finally, we would also like to thank the Merrill Lions Club for awarding us second place. Gold Dust and Walker Bros. Farms look forward to doing it again next year!

Gold Dust Ships First Container of Wheat!

October 28, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms Leave a Comment

Need Wheat? Talk to Weston! — Need Wheat? Talk to Weston Today and Save!

Today marks another first for Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farms. For the first time in company history, we are shipping grain from our processing facility in Malin, Oregon, to South East Asia. While we’ve been in the grain business for years, this is the first time in our company’s history that we’ve shipped wheat ourselves, let alone overseas. This is the first shipment of what we hope turns out to be many.

Weston, our international salesman, said the shipment is a container of a northern spring wheat we call “Gold Dust Red Wheat”. It’s been cleaned and is ready for processing into natural, whole-grain snacks. So far, the primary use of our “Gold Dust Red Wheat” is for whole grain snacks, such as Frito Lays’ multi-grain SunChips® snacks.

Visitors to our site and blog may have been under the assumption that Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farms only deal in chipping potatoes. While it’s true that much of the focus is growing, processing and selling chippers, John and Bill have been growing and selling wheat since the 1970’s. With this much experience in raising wheat, our customers can expect the quality of our “Gold Dust Red Wheat” to meet their expectations.

We have plenty of wheat to meet this year’s orders. If you’re interested and would like a sample, contact Weston in our wheat and potato sales department. He will be more than happy to send you a sample of our “Gold Dust Red Wheat” and talk to you about pricing. Since you’re dealing directly with the grower, and not any middle men, you can be assured of big savings as well as excellent customer service.

Weston Proudly Standing With First Wheat Shipment

Our First Shipment of Gold Dust Red Wheat

Tater Tots Unveiled at 2009 Klamath Basin Potato Festival

October 20, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms Leave a Comment

Last Saturday was a beautiful day for a parade. The crisp October morning provided plenty of sunshine and kept the threat of clouds at bay while folks made their way to Merrill for the 72nd Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival (also known as the Spud Festival). And it was at the Spud Festival parade that Gold Dust and Walker Bros. Farms released their latest product – Tater Tots!

As with chipping potatoes, Gold Dust’s Tater Tots take a lot of time and care to raise, plus plenty of love. We’re sure this bumper crop will ensure not only the future of potato farming in the Klamath Basin, but for Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farms as well.

The float was put together by the talented crew of Tricia Hill, Jessica Christensen, Lexi Crawford, Nayeli Pena and Brita Binderup. Gold Dust would like to thank these ladies for not only putting in extra time after the work day was over to build the float, but also for taking time out of their Saturday to ride on it and make sure the Tater Tots stayed on board!

Judging from the people lining the streets for the parade and filling the exhibition hall, it looks like this year’s Potato Festival was a success. There were lots of fun floats that played with the theme “This Spud’s For You!” with local businesses, schools and other organizations showing up to enjoy the sunny morning and show their support. Farmers, workers and folks from inside and outside of the farming community enjoyed free baked potatoes and BBQ for lunch as well as a fun-run, horseshoe tournament and live music from the Old Time Fiddlers and other local bands.

We hope you’ll join us next year for the 73rd Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival. Until next year, we hope you’ll enjoy a few pictures of our float and the Tater Tots!

Gold Dust Sacks and Pumpkins In Bill’s Pickup

Getting the Final Details Right for the Spud Festival Parade

Back View of the 2009 Potato Festival Float

Back Row: Jessica, Lexi, Brita and Tricia. Front: Emma, Walker, Mari and Rory

And . . . . Still Waiting for the Parade to Begin

The Tater Tot Crew In Candy Throwing and Waving Action

The Gold Dust Float Continues On As Kids Gather Candy

2009 Potato Harvest Party!

October 12, 2009 By Gold Dust Farms Leave a Comment

John and Bill, happy potato harvest is done!

When you read the words “harvest party”, it is very safe to assume that chipping potato harvest is officially over. Saturday, October 1oth, the last of the potatoes were dug and put in the cellar. To celebrate, Gold Dust and Walker Brothers Farms had a party for the crews at Borderline Pizza in Malin on the following Sunday.

Pizza and chicken wings were on the menu while beer and soda flowed to our hard-working field crews. These folks spent the better part of September and October putting 10+ hour days, sometimes with shifts starting anywhere between midnight and three in the morning. These long days allowed us to get the spuds out of the ground when the temperature was just right for digging chipping potatoes.

John, Bill and the other owners of Gold Dust would like to thank the people who put in the time to make this year’s potato harvest quick and successful. Thank you to all involved, from the people out in the fields, in the tractors, driving the trucks and keeping the shed and offices running during one of our busiest, and most important, times of year.

Here’s a few pictures of the festivities!