Bunger Farms
The Bungers currently farm 1,000 acres consisting of potatoes, alfalfa and blue grass seed, along with some occasional green peas and sweet corn. Their 300 acres of Ranger Russets all go directly to the processor starting in early to mid-August.
As relatively new growers, the Bungers have been learning from neighboring farmers and trialing their own techniques to find what works best for their operation. They found two years ago that top dressing in lieu of pre-plant fertilizer has contributed to increased tonnage and nitrogen efficiency. Following planting, Josh applies fertilizer directly on each row and pushes nutrients up onto the tops and sides of the potato hills during cultivation, allowing nitrogen to get right to the potatoes.