In 1916, the first real field day was "staged" at the Aberdeen station. Approximately 350 farmers from Southeastern Idaho spent the day inspecting the station plats and securing information regarding experiments being conducted. The superintendent accompanied the visitors about the farm, showing them the various items of interest and explaining results already collected.

One of the major victories of the Aberdeen research station has been over ringrot. This disease, which often would destroy an entire potato field or all the potatoes in a single storage unit, now can be controlled by the use of clean seed and good sanitation practices in handling potatoes. One of the major carriers of bacteria of the ringrot organism was discovered to be the cutting knife, which can become infected by one potato and pass the bacteria to the next 20 tubers.

In sorting out some of the major accomplishments of the research center in the area of potatoes, Sparks listed the development of proper management methods for sanitation, correct irrigation practices, and the encouragement of farmers to use them, as among the most important. For many years, the potato crop was the one taken care of after the wheat was threshed and other crop chores were completed on the farm.

The research center soon learned that to prevent "pointed-nosed" and "bottle-necked" potatoes, the tubers should be watered at the correct times. But there were also many other advantages in taking care of the potato plant at the proper time.

"The work at the research center is never done," according to Sparks. One answer for an inquiring farmer may develop into three or four more questions each needing an answer.

Estimated value of four to ten million dollars per year is measured for work done in saving potatoes in storage cellars alone.

It is the nature of scientific research that, when properly done, all projects produce data and information, but not all research finds solutions to problems. The potato industry in Idaho has contributed generously to the cost of projects seeking solutions to growing problems and to basic research into the fundamental nature of potatoes. The USDA has supplied financial assistance in certain areas and the University of Idaho College of Agriculture has also made substantial contributions.