Wisconsin’s Potato Harvest: From Field to Fine Dining

Ever wondered how Wisconsin potatoes go from local farms to fine-dining dishes? In this episode of Wisconsin Foodie, Chef Luke Zahm takes you on a deep dive into the farm-to-table journey of one of the Midwest’s most essential crops. Step into the kitchen with Chef Luke as he transforms these humble spuds into a high-end culinary masterpiece at the MKE Chef Collaboration Dinner, featuring a silky potato purée, crispy thousand-layer potatoes, and black truffle-infused confit. But before the magic happens on the plate, we take you back to where it all begins: Sterling Farms – Meet Wisconsin potato farmers who use sustainable growing practices to produce some of the best potatoes in the country. Alsum Farms & Produce – Go behind the scenes at a potato packing facility, where technology and tradition ensure these farm-fresh potatoes reach kitchens nationwide. MKE Chef Collaboration Dinner – Watch Chef Luke craft a dish that celebrates the flavors, textures, and versatility of Wisconsin-grown potatoes in front of Milwaukee’s top chefs. This is more than just food—it is a tribute to the farmers, the land, and the flavors that make Wisconsin’s food scene unforgettable. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment 00:20 Chef Luke Zahm at the Milwaukee Athletic Club 00:51 Showcasing Wisconsin Potatoes at the MKE Chef Collaboration Dinner 01:43 The Importance of Wisconsin’s Culinary Scene 03:11 A Journey to the Central Sands Region 04:07 Visiting Sterling Farms and Meeting Farmer Joe 06:01 The Process of Harvesting and Sorting Potatoes 07:55 Understanding Sustainable Potato Farming 09:50 The Role of Healthy Grown Potatoes in Wisconsin 10:38 From Farm to Processing at Alsum Farms & Produce 12:00 How Potatoes Are Cleaned, Sized, and Graded 14:26 The Final Sorting and Packaging Process 16:53 Chef Luke Prepares for the MKE Chef Collaboration Dinner 17:45 Crafting a Fine Dining Potato Dish 18:35 Chef Justin Evans Tastes the Final Dish 19:33 Reflections on Wisconsin’s Farming Heritage 20:18 Closing Thoughts from Milwaukee 21:29 Episode Conclusion and Sponsor Acknowledgment Sterling Farms – Meet Wisconsin potato farmer Joe Sisson, who uses sustainable growing practices to produce some of the best potatoes in the country. Learn more: https://www.wisconsinpotatoes.com/grower/sterling-farms/ Alsum Farms & Produce – Go behind the scenes at a potato packing facility, where technology and tradition ensure these farm-fresh potatoes reach kitchens nationwide. More info: https://www.alsum.com/ Chef Adam Pawlak (Egg & Flour Pasta Bar) – A Milwaukee-based chef and restaurateur known for fresh, handmade pasta. Visit Egg & Flour: https://www.eggandflour.com/ Hancock Agricultural Research Station – A leader in potato research and sustainability practices in Wisconsin. Learn more: https://hancock.ars.wisc.edu/