Tater Talk Podcast w/Mike DeLong

Selling Potatoes Without Selling Potatoes: The Idaho Potato Commission

Mike DeLong — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

This episode explores the unique role of the Idaho Potato Commission, an organization that promotes and protects the iconic Idaho potato brand without actually selling potatoes. Delve into the fascinating career journey of its CEO, Jamey Higham, as he shares insights from his diverse background in agriculture, logistics, sales, and even Ford Motor Company, and how these experiences shape his approach to marketing one of the world's most recognized food brands.

Join us as we discuss the strategies behind building and maintaining a powerful food brand, and the unexpected ways a regional agricultural product can achieve international fame.

Chapters

00:00 Jamey's Journey into the Potato Industry
06:08 The Role of the Idaho Potato Commission
08:50 Funding and Representation of the Commission
14:01 The Idaho Potato Brand and its Representation
16:59 Measuring ROI and Promotional Initiatives
22:11 Protecting the Idaho Potato Brand
27:14 Educating Consumers and Addressing Misconceptions
31:16 Impact of GLP-1 Inhibitors on Potato Consumption
33:10 Supporting Stakeholders and International Outreach
41:01 Challenges and Future of the Potato Industry

IPC website: https://idahopotato.com/

IPC Swag: https://shop.idahopotato.com/

Haute Potato Couture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JFKxnDViKY

This Podcast Was Provided To You By: [Projex Consultants](https://projexconsultants.com/)

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PEF Technology: Its History, Evolution, and Future in Food with Dr. Stefan

Mike DeLong — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

PEF technology has revolutionized food processing, especially in the potato industry, by offering an innovative, non-thermal approach to cell permeabilization. This episode delves into the fascinating history and evolution of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology, from its early experimental stages to becoming a standard in modern food manufacturing. Join us as we explore how PEF has transformed processes and product quality, and what the future holds for this groundbreaking technology.

Our guest, Dr. Stefan Toepfl, is the Managing Director of ELEA, a leading manufacturer and developer of PEF systems, and a professor of food process engineering. He shares his deep expertise and experience in the field, having been involved in PEF technology development for decades.

This Podcast Was Provided To You By: [Projex Consultants](https://projexconsultants.com/)

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to PEF Technology
16:44 Maximizing the Benefits of PEF Integration
26:01 Introduction to Retrofitting Technology
39:48 PEF Applications in Vegetable Processing
45:58 PEF in Sugar Beet Processing

Behind US Ag Exports: A USDA Specialist's Trade Insights

Mike DeLong — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Uncover the intricate world of US agricultural exports and the journey of a USDA trade specialist in this compelling episode. We sit down with Tess Acosta-Watkins to explore her 34-year career protecting and promoting American agriculture on the global stage, from clearing cargo at major ports to shaping international trade policy. Get ready for a deep dive into the regulations, challenges, and triumphs behind getting US-grown produce to markets worldwide.

This Podcast Was Provided To You By: [Projex Consultants](https://projexconsultants.com/)

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Chapters

00:00 Journey to Agriculture
06:02 Market Access and Trade Negotiations
15:00 Export Process and Compliance Blind Spots
19:51 Navigating the Export Process
26:28 Exporting Potatoes to Mexico
33:35 Role of Trade Up Global Agri Trade
39:23 Preparing for Audits and Regulatory Changes

Why the Cut Matters: The Impact of Cutting Technology on Quality and Profitability

Mike DeLong — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder what truly separates a perfect fry from a mediocre one? It's more than just the potato – the precision of the cut has a profound, yet often overlooked, impact on everything from yield and quality to a manufacturer's bottom line.

The conversation delves into the complexities of potato cutting and processing, the impact of innovation on legacy machines, and the global trends in the potato industry.

Our guests, Tristan Scoble, Director of Sales for North America and Mexico, and Scott Klockow, Director of New Product Development and Applications, both from Urschel Labs, share their expertise on:

The critical role of cutting technology in potato processing and food manufacturing
How precise cuts directly influence product yield, quality, and overall profitability
An exclusive look into Urschel Labs, the global leader in food cutting equipment
The fascinating 116-year history of Urschel, from its innovative beginnings to its unique employee-owned structure
Insights into the engineering and sales strategies for developing cutting-edge solutions for the food industry

Discover how cutting-edge technology drives efficiency and innovation in the world of potatoes and beyond.

Chapters

00:00 Improving Cutting Performance
33:23 Innovation and Legacy Machines at Urschel
38:53 Customer-Driven Product Development and Market Trends
46:35 Impact of PEF Treatment on Potato Cutting
54:19 Global Trends in the Potato Industry

This Podcast Was Provided To You By: [Projex Consultants](https://projexconsultants.com/)

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Building a Better Snack Brand: Mark Samuel on Entrepreneurship & Staying Authentic

Mike DeLong — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Mark Samuel, a fitness-focused entrepreneur and host of the "Let's Eat" podcast, shares his unconventional journey into the highly competitive potato chip market. Discover how he's building Mark Snacks, a seed oil-free kettle chip brand, with a unique blend of personal branding and bold ambition, despite not even being a snacker himself! This episode dives deep into the strategic choices and mindset required to disrupt a category dominated by giants, offering invaluable insights for anyone in the food industry or aspiring to launch a CPG product.

Our guest, Mark Samuel, is the founder of Mark Snacks, a seed oil-free kettle chip brand, and host of the "Let's Eat" podcast, bringing over two decades of experience in building and exiting businesses across fitness and consumer packaged goods. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on innovation, supply chains, and the future of snack brands.

This Podcast Was Provided To You By: [Projex Consultants](https://projexconsultants.com/)

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From Pharma to Fries: Eyal Pauker on Scaling Complex Food Operations

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:04:35 GMT

Ever wondered what it takes to rapidly scale a complex food manufacturing operation, especially in a niche market like French fries? This episode takes you on an incredible journey from the pharmaceutical world to the heart of Israel's burgeoning potato processing industry, revealing the innovative strategies behind accelerating major industrial projects. Join Mike DeLong as he chats with Eyal Pauker, CEO of Green Frost Foods, about his unique path and the challenges of building a thriving food enterprise.

Eyal Pauker, CEO of Green Frost Foods, shares his unparalleled expertise in project management, operational excellence, and scaling complex manufacturing environments. Dive into the world of potato innovation, food processing, and the global supply chain challenges faced by a rapidly growing industry.

This Podcast Was Provided To You By: [Projex Consultants](https://projexconsultants.com/)

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PMI Talk: There's More to Project Success Than Startup

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:02:58 GMT

Does a successful project end at the handover? For many organizations, startup day is treated as the finish line, but for the operations team, it’s only Day One.

Mike introduces the Project to Performance (P2P) Framework, a structured approach to operational readiness that bridges the gap between traditional project metrics and long-term business results.

Whether you are in industrial construction, IT, or business services, this framework provides a mindset shift to ensure your project doesn't just start but performs.

Connect with Mike DeLong:
LinkedIn: / mike-delong-pmp

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Why Drainage Is Essential Food Safety Equipment With Viking Kristjansson

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:00:17 GMT

When you think of food safety, your mind probably jumps to stainless steel equipment, high-tech sanitation, and rigorous inspection programs. But what about the often-overlooked area right beneath your feet: the drainage system? For too long, drains have been treated as a mere afterthought—a simple hole for wastewater to disappear. However, in the high-stakes world of food processing, this passive approach is creating massive, unseen risks, from decaying cast iron piping to environments where deadly pathogens can thrive. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Viking Kristjansson / viking-kristjansson-global-drain-technologies , Vice President of Sales Engineering at Global Drain Technologies https://globaldraintech.com/, to discuss why it's time for the industry to embrace a critical culture shift: viewing drainage as truly essential food safety equipment.

Chapters:
[00:00] - Introduction
[01:45] - Viking Kristjansson’s Background And Career Path Into Drainage Industry
[03:10] - Shift From Home Building To Food Safety Drainage Industry Entry Story
[04:20] - Engineering-Led Innovation And Problem-Solving In Food Facility Drain Systems
[08:47] - Drainage As An Overlooked But Critical Food Safety System In Plants
[13:00] - Alliance Partner Program And Turnkey Solution For Food Facility Drainage Projects
[16:35] - Development And Expansion Of The Alliance Partner Network Across North America
[19:52] - Service Excellence, Innovation, And Manufacturing Philosophy Driving Company Growth
[25:36] - DrainWorks Platform And GDT University Enabling Partner Marketing And Training

20 Years Of PotatoPro: Mapping The Global Potato Industry With Paul Van Eijck

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:55:31 GMT

Potatoes are harvested, processed, and manufactured around the world. Keeping up to date on everything about the global potato industry can be a chore, but thankfully, one website is doing all the hard work. Mike Delong is joined by Paul Van Eijck ( / potatopro , owner of PotatoPro (http://PotatoPro.com), one of the top digital media platforms covering all about this particular business area. He talks about the origin story of his website that offers all of the latest news, the biggest developments, and some statistical data – all available for free and without subscription fees. Paul also explores how the shifting supplier base, the ever-changing weather conditions, and rapid AI adoption are transforming the global potato industry, and what they mean for its future.

Chapters:
[00:00] Intro
[1:00] How Paul Got Into The Potato Industry
[11:03] Establishing A Processing Technology Center For McCain Foods
[15:27] Career Transition From Researcher To Publisher
[21:47] Running The Number One Platform For The Potato Industry
[28:42] Meaningful Changes In The Global Potato-Processing Industry
[33:45] How To Adopt And Leverage Today’s Innovative Technologies
[38:12] Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words

Revolutionizing Potato Harvest: Inside Raytec’s Ingenuity Sorter With Mehtab Sarao

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:51:14 GMT

Modern potato harvesting requires more than just speed; it requires precision data and reliable automation. Today on Tater Talk, Mehtab Sarao of Raytec Vision (https://www.raytecvision.com/en/) breaks down the Ingenuity Sorter, a heavy-duty optical solution that handles up to 150 tons of unwashed potatoes per hour. From eliminating foreign objects to providing real-time size distribution, learn how Raytec is replacing the "headache" of manual sorting with consistent, 360-degree vision technology.

Chapters:
[00:00] Intro
[1:58] Global Expertise and the Journey to Raytec
[5:00] Market Drivers: Labor Shortages and COVID-19
[7:34] Mid-Air Scanning and Three-Way Sorting
[8:54] Data Harvesting and Size Statistics
[10:18] Solving the Unwashed Potato Challenge
[11:37] The ROI of Consistent Performance
[13:55] Protecting Brand Image: The "Golf Ball" Crisis
[27:23] The Move Toward Mobile Sorting Solutions
[31:52] Future Trends: Digitalization and Global Demand

Why Your Next Trailer Should Last Three Decades With Keith Eastman

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:46:36 GMT

In potato processing, moving the crop from field to facility is a critical logistics challenge. Processors need a reliable, efficient, and gentle way to transport potatoes—whether for immediate processing or long-term storage. Today on the Tater Talk podcast, we speak with Keith Eastman ( / keith-eastman ) from Trinity Trailer (https://trinitytrailer.com/) about transportation innovation. For nearly 50 years, Trinity Trailer has built equipment designed not just for the haul, but for the long haul. We explore Trinity’s pioneering self-unloading belt trailer, the Eagle Bridge design, and features like flexible side frames and the patented Ultra Spud tail fin, all engineered to extend trailer life, increase versatility, and minimize bruising and damage. Discover how this industry leader stays relevant with customer-driven customization, in-house financing, and a commitment to quality that keeps trailers running reliably for decades. A must-read for anyone in potato logistics, farming, or processing.

Chapters:
[00:00] Intro
[1:31] Background & Entry Into The Potato Industry
[6:31] Founding Of Trinity Trailers & Eagle Bridge Design
[16:44] Market Conditions, Purchasing Decisions, & In-House Financing
[20:50] Specific Trailer Design Advantages For Potato Handling
[26:45] Product Innovation & Automation In Potato Transportation
[32:48] Pride In Supporting The Potato Industry & “Feeding The World”
[37:45] Service And Parts Support, & Future Trade Show Plans

From Seed To Shelf: Revolutionizing Produce Traceability With Creg Fielding

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:39:13 GMT

In this digital age, where all kinds of technology are easily accessible, there is no excuse to stick to outdated ways to track your products. Mike DeLong is joined by Creg Fielding ( / creg-fielding-a677987 , Founder and CEO of Fusionware, a company at the forefront of digital transformation that helps retailers and farmers vastly improve their produce traceability. Together, they discuss how technology can eliminate data silos by tracking every touch point of the agricultural process, from seed certification all the way to harvest. Creg also explains how Fusionware (https://fusionware.com) seamlessly integrates its processes with a retailer’s existing ERP ecosystem and accounting systems, saving time, energy, and resources.

Chapters:
[00:59] - Looking Back To Creg’s Career Journey
[05:12] - Helping Companies Get Rid Of Antiquated Systems
[15:20] - How Produce Traceability Plays Into Quality Expectation Of Retailers
[21:49] -The Risk Of Not Having A Digital Platform
[26:14] - How Fusionware’s Solutions Fit Within A Company’s ERP Ecosystem
[31:27] - Fusionware’s Footprint Around the World Today
[35:27] - Advice To Entrepreneurs Getting Into The Agricultural Field
[37:08] - Get In Touch With Creg

Scaling Roots: Navigating The Competitive Potato Chip Industry With Ladd Wahlen

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:35:34 GMT

What does it really take for a fourth-generation farmer to step off the tractor and onto the fiercely competitive shelves of the snack aisle?

In this deep dive, we sit down with Ladd Wahlen ( / ladd-wahlen-104326a3 , a fourth-generation Idaho potato farmer and co-founder of Roots Chips (https://rootschips.com/), to unpack the bold leap from agriculture to consumer packaged goods. Ladd shares the hard-earned lessons behind building a differentiated snack brand from the ground up—starting with regenerative farming practices long before there was ever a bag to sell. From constructing a manufacturing facility from scratch to confronting the brutal realities of retail distribution, this conversation reveals the grit, strategy, and resilience required to compete in the crowded kettle chip market. Ladd opens up about launching with 25 SKUs (and quickly regretting it), carving out shelf space against industry giants, and shaping a brand rooted in both soil health and long-term vision.

Chapters:
[00:00] - Introduction
[01:40] - Heritage & The Transition To Vertical Integration
[04:41] - The Philosophy Of Regenerative Agriculture
[14:22] - Barriers To Entry In Food Manufacturing
[17:31] - Product Innovation: Tallow & Specialized SKUs
[23:47] - The Realities Of The CPG Supply Chain
[29:46] - The Shift Toward Regional & Differentiated Markets

Market Dynamics & Potato Potential In The Middle East With Abdulmohsin Aljarallah

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:28:49 GMT

The global french fry map is rapidly being redrawn, and the Middle East is emerging as a critical new center of gravity. Long reliant on massive imports—staggering figures that hit 500,000 tons annually in Saudi Arabia alone—the region is now witnessing a strategic shift towards localization.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Abdulmohsin Aljarallah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulmohs ..., General Manager at Al-Jouf (https://aljouf.com.sa/en ), a state-of-the-art french fry manufacturer in Saudi Arabia. Abdulmohsin shares his remarkable journey, detailing how a simple idea evolved into a high-speed, multi-million dollar operation backed by the Saudi Vision 2030.

Discover:
● The surprising reality of three potato growing seasons in Saudi Arabia and the push for agricultural self-sufficiency.
● How agility, strategic partnerships, and a focus on quality are helping Al Jouf compete with global giants.
● The role of advanced technology and AI in minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

If you’re tracking global food trends, supply chain shifts, or the immense untapped potential of the Middle Eastern agricultural sector, this is a story you can't afford to miss. Join us to learn how Al Jouf is building "The French Fries of the Middle East."

Chapters:
[00:00] - Introduction
[01:30] - Personal Journey Into The French Fry Industry
[03:27] - Securing Investment & Launching The Al-Jouf Factory
[15:59] - Rapid Execution & Expansion Strategy
[20:05] - Focusing On Quality, Waste Minimization, & Technology
[25:41] - Vision For The Future & Market Dynamics

How PEF Technology Is Revolutionizing Processing With Mark de Boevere

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:22:45 GMT

What if you could produce a crispier french fry, slash your energy bills, and increase your product yield—all by "drilling" microscopic holes with electricity? Today, host Mike DeLong sits down with Mark de Boevere (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdeboe ..., the founder of Pulsemaster (https://www.pulsemaster.us/), to discuss the "disruptive magic" of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology. Based in the heart of the Netherlands' potato country, Marc and his team are transforming the industry from the inside out—literally.

By applying precise electrical pulses to potatoes, PEF technology targets the cell membranes, creating minuscule openings that lead to:
● 40% less cutting force for smoother surfaces and less breakage.
● Reduced oil absorption for a healthier, crunchier bite.
● Shorter blanching and drying times, optimizing the entire production line.

From massive 100-ton-per-hour industrial systems to compact "plug-and-play" pilot units, PEF is no longer a futuristic concept—it's the new global standard for efficient, high-quality potato processing.

Chapters:
[00:00] - Introduction
[04:09] - The Science Of PEF: Electroporation
[08:19] - Impact On Recovery & ROI
[10:27] - Downstream Process Optimization
[16:23] - Equipment Scalability & Testing
[20:12] - Market Advantage: "Better-For-You" Premium Products
[24:47] - Technical Execution: The Pulse Generator & Water Mix

Growing Organic, Building a Brand, and Taking on the Frozen Aisle

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:58:09 GMT

In this episode of Tater Talk, Mike DeLong sits down with Zach and Colton Troyer, fourth-generation potato farmers and co-founders of Folkland Foods, to unpack what it really looks like to bet the farm—literally—on organic agriculture and vertical integration.

The Troyer brothers share how a family legacy rooted in potato farming and food manufacturing evolved into a bold new venture: building a clean-label, organic frozen French fry brand from the ground up in an industry dominated by global giants. From transitioning hundreds of acres to organic production, to launching a retail brand, to building and operating their own manufacturing facility, this conversation digs into the grit, risk, and long-term thinking required to pull it off.

Mike, Zach, and Colton dig into:

The Troyer family’s deep history in farming and food manufacturing

Why organic farming is both a philosophical and economic decision

The realities and challenges of scaling organic potato production

How Folkland Foods went from idea to retail shelves in under a year

Why they chose to manufacture in-house instead of co-packing

What it takes to build trust with consumers through radical transparency

Lessons learned from launching a CPG brand straight into retail

This is a candid, behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship, agriculture, and manufacturing—told by founders who are living it every day. If you’re interested in food, farming, brand-building, or what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up, this episode delivers.

Episode 8: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

Inside the Incentive Playbook: Maximizing ROI on Manufacturing Expansions

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:55:47 GMT

In this episode of Tater Talk, Mike DeLong sits down with Marty Abbott, Founder and President of Incentive Management Group, to dig into one of the most overlooked drivers of ROI in manufacturing: state, county, and local incentives.

With nearly 30 years of experience helping manufacturers reduce capital investment costs by 7–15%, Marty breaks down how incentive strategies really work—and why most companies only capture a fraction of what’s available. Using a real-world case study from McCain Foods’ $250M Burley, Idaho expansion, Marty explains how early planning and disciplined incentive management helped unlock more than $26 million in incentives, including capital offsets and workforce training funds.

Mike and Marty explore:

How incentive negotiations actually happen (and what’s legally required)

Why timing is everything—and why calling too late can cost millions

The difference between statutory vs. negotiated incentives

How automation, wage growth, and job retention are reshaping incentive criteria

When expansions, startups, and training programs qualify—and when they don’t

Why manufacturers often underutilize incentives long after they’re awarded

If you’re considering a plant expansion, greenfield project, automation investment, or large-scale training initiative—especially in food, potato processing, or adjacent manufacturing—this conversation will change how you think about incentives and project ROI.

Episode 7: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

From Startup Strategy to Kettle Chips: Building Teton Valley Brands the Hard Way

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:53:10 GMT

In this episode of Tater Talk, Mike “The Fry Guy” DeLong sits down with Matt Price, President & CEO of Teton Valley Brands, to talk about what it really takes to build and scale a food manufacturing business.

They dig into Matt’s journey from venture-backed startups to potato chips, why strategy and resilience have to be baked into a company’s DNA, and how Teton Valley is pairing Idaho potatoes, smart partnerships, and differentiated products to grow profitably. From manufacturing realities to tallow-fried innovation, this conversation is a real-world look at building a brand the hard way — and doing it right.

From Pepperoni to Potatoes: Inside the Grote Company Story

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:50:35 GMT

In this episode of Tater Talk, Mike “The Fry Guy” DeLong is joined by Jack Grote, who leads business development at The Grote Company, to talk about personal growth, professional evolution, and what it really takes to build a food processing equipment business that lasts.

Jack shares the origin story of the Grote Company — from a pepperoni slicer created for a Midwest pizza chain to a global family of brands serving potatoes, protein, bakery, and beyond for more than 50 years. The conversation digs into the company’s guiding philosophy of “leading with love” and agape capitalism — the belief that business can be profitable while still putting people, integrity, and community first.

Mike and Jack explore Jack’s own journey from public accounting to custom equipment sales, why food processing is full of some of the smartest people you’ll ever meet, and how perception challenges continue to affect talent recruitment across the industry. They also dig into Grote’s Lifecycle Initiative, aftermarket strategy, and how proactive service, training, and equipment insight are helping potato processors run more efficiently today.

The discussion spans global growth, innovation in potato equipment, labor challenges, modernization of peelers, specialty products like curly fries, and why efficiency and yield recovery matter more than ever in today’s market. Jack also reflects on the responsibility that comes with having his family name on the business — and how that shapes how he shows up at work and in his community.

It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation about values, innovation, and the future of food processing — with plenty of potato talk along the way.

Episode 5: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

Beacon Beneath the Dirt: SoilTech’s Journey from Farmer Wish List to AgTech Powerhouse

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:30:12 GMT

In this episode, Mike “The Fry Guy” DeLong interviews the SoilTech founder, Ehsan Soltan, and digs into how a simple farmer's wish list evolved into a data-driven platform reshaping modern potato production. From sensor durability to data reliability in harsh field conditions, they break down the engineering realities behind building tools that actually work for growers, processors, and supply-chain teams.

You’ll get a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the technical decisions, field-tested failures, and validation steps that transformed SoilTech from a startup idea into a trusted agtech partner across the potato industry.

In this episode, they cover:

The sensor design challenges unique to potatoes and specialty crops
How farmer and processor feedback reshaped product direction
Key data points that matter most for quality, yield, and storage
Lessons learned scaling hardware + software in production agriculture
The engineering mindset that turned SoilTech into an industry powerhouse

Episode 4: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

Learning from Life's Lessons: Navigating the Potato Processing Industry

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:26:48 GMT

In this episode of Tater Talk, Mike “The Fry Guy” DeLong sits down with Dan LeBlanc, a 25-year French fry processing veteran and the new Director of Industry Insights at Potatoes New Brunswick, as he shares his journey, the evolution of the industry, and valuable lessons for young professionals entering the potato industry.

Episode 4: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

The Truth About Potatoes: Nutrition Myths Debunked

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:24:01 GMT

In this episode, Mike DeLong and Stephen Fleming, PhD, delve into the nutritional science surrounding potatoes, exploring their reputation, dietary patterns, and the implications of the glycemic index. Stephen shares his journey into potato research, the misconceptions about potatoes, and the need for a balanced perspective on their health benefits.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding dietary patterns and the cultural context of potato consumption, while also addressing the ongoing debate about potatoes and type 2 diabetes.

Ultimately, the conversation advocates for a more positive narrative around potatoes in the context of nutrition science.

Episode 2: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

Sweet Potato Energy: Family, Fuel, and the Future of Root Vegetables

Mike DeLong — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:02:39 GMT

In the inaugural episode of Tater Talk, Mike “The Fry Guy” DeLong sits down with Max Cutler of Race West — a fourth-generation produce professional who lives and breathes sweet potatoes.

Together, they dig into how a family-rooted business stays relevant across generations, why sweet potatoes are seeing explosive growth in processing but flat retail demand, and what’s really driving consumer behavior today. Max shares how passion, authenticity, and community involvement shape his approach to sales, marketing, and leadership — plus why sweet potatoes are his fuel of choice for endurance training.

From global supply chain shifts and export pressures to creative recipes, food waste challenges, and giving back through excess produce, this conversation goes far beyond the field. It’s an honest look at where the sweet potato market is headed — and why caring deeply about the product still matters.
If you’re in potatoes, produce, processing, or just want a fresh perspective on building a values-driven business, this one’s for you.

Episode 1: Tater Talk
Host: Mike "The Fry Guy" Delong
Provided By: Projex Consultants (www.projexconsultants.com)

Episode 0 - Introducing the Tater Talk Podcast with Mike DeLong

Mike DeLong — Wed, 15 May 2024 04:23:09 GMT

Introducing the Tater Talk Podcast with Mike DeLong, where we explore the fascinating global potato processing industry. We’ll share stories and insights about flakes, fries, chips, and crisps, and everything in between.

This podcast is all about meeting people throughout the industry, hearing their stories and sharing with you the insights that they bring. My goal is for you to learn something valuable or interesting about the industry and its people. And I hope that makes your life a little bit better.