This spud’s for you

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This article was published 25/07/2024 (781 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Last year’s harvest produced more potatoes than Carberry-area farmer Don Dickson knew what do with.

After fulfilling orders for thousands of pounds of taters for his clients, he’s giving the rest away.

Between 30 to 40 vehicles have come through daily since Dickson began his Russet Burbank potato giveaway on Monday.

“I’ve had people from all over … all over the province,” he said, adding he never anticipated the big response.

“People are making use of them.”

There’s still a massive pile left from the 2023 harvest at Dickson Farm Ventures, located less than five kilometers south of Carberry, on Highway 5, across from McCain Foods.

Anyone wanting to get in on the free potatoes has until Sunday.

“If they want to come for a truck load … come for a truck load,” Dickson said.

Some of the those stopping by the farm have transported potatoes to Brandon’s food bank, run by Samaritan House Ministries, executive director Barbara McNish said.

Word about the giveaway quickly reached her earlier this week.

“We are also sending our clients, letting them know,” McNish said.

The food bank is busy handing out hampers every day, according to McNish, and potatoes are a key staple among the 10 to 12 items received by those in need.

“You can make so many things with potatoes, and it’s filling,” she said, adding, “it’s just a very versatile vegetable that goes a long way.”

The food bank regularly receives donations of a variety of foods, including produce and potatoes, from area farmers and Hutterite colonies.

On Tuesday, a delivery of 500 kilograms of potatoes arrived.

“We would go through that in a week or so … because people are hungry,” McNish said.

“We’re very grateful to anyone who donates to us, we don’t do this alone; it’s because we have many people who want to support those less fortunate.”

Dickson has farmed the 835 acres of land he owns with his wife, Pat Dickson, since 1996.

A harvest like last year’s comes along every decade or so, he said.

“Last fall was an unbelievable yield. The weather was right, everything just clicked.”

Though the potatoes have aged a bit, he said they’ll last between three to five weeks before sprouting, if stored in a cool, dry basement.

Plus, when it comes to making perogies or potato salad, “there’s nothing better than an old potato,” Dickson said.

jordan.snobelen@freepress.mb.ca