Klamath Courier: Rykbost to retire

KLAMATH FALLS - Dr. Ken Rykbost will retire at the end of February
after almost 19 years at the OSU Klamath Experiment Station in
Klamath Falls and 33 years of field research experience with potatoes.
Rykbost grew up in the upstate New York town of Marion on a dairy
farm, with 40 cows, and also raising hay, beans and corn.

"I had a little experience with potatoes though." Rykbost told the
Klamath Courier, "My grandfather raised potatoes on a small scale."
He graduated with a BS in Agricultural Engineering and an MS in
Agronomy from Cornell University with a major interest in soil and
water conservation.

Rykbost joined the Soil Science Department at Oregon State University
in 1967, where he worked with a team to estimate long term water
supply needs for irrigated agriculture in Oregon. In 1973, he
completed a PhD program and accepted a position on Long Island to
investigate the source of ground water nitrate/nitrogen contamination
and develop potato fertilization management practices to minimize the
contributions from this important crop.

Ken joined McCain Foods Ltd. in Canada in 1976, moving his family to
a small town in Maine near the Canadian border to take an applied
research and extension position with the world's largest manufacturer
of frozen French fries.

Working with Agriculture Canada's potato breeding program, Rykbosts'
work resulted in the development of the Shepody variety of potato,
the first major variety to become a supplement to or in some cases a
replacement for Russet Burbank for the fry industry.

In 1987, Rykbost returned to Oregon after accepting a job at the
Klamath Experiment Station for administrative and potato research
responsibility. During his interview for the position, Ken was
assured the Klamath Reclamation Project was the most secure
irrigation project in the west. He quickly learned otherwise, and
during his last decade on the job devoted a significant portion of
his efforts to participate in the contentious battles involving water
quality and water supply for irrigated agriculture.

"The most gratifying moment of my career was the announcement of the
NAS committee conclusion that there was no scientific basis for the
cutoff of irrigation water to the Klamath Reclamation Project in
2001." Rykbost said, "I have great admiration for the many farmers,
ranchers, and others in the Klamath Basin who devoted so much time
and energy to fight for this cause. That decision vindicated them
and their efforts."

Ken also notes that the potato variety development team was a great
group to work with. He notes with pride, that of the 23 varieties of
potatoes developed, 9 have come from Oregon and three have come from
the Klamath Experiment Station. All three are red varieties, Modoc,
Winema and Mazama.

Ken has been married to his wife Shirley for 38 years, and they have
4 children, Ronnie, of Keno Oregon, Tanya of Gillette, Wyoming,
Debbie of Casa Grande, Arizona and Jim, Columbia, South Carolina.

As for future plans, Ken lists traveling to see his widespread
family, and also doing a little fishing at Klamath Lake, Lake of the
Woods and Howard's' Prairie. He also hopes to do a lot of varmint
hunting.

"I'll also be keeping a close eye on the new NAS study." Rykbost
says, "And probably come out here (Klamath Experiment Station) and
mow lawns and replace guys if they're in a pinch."

Talking with Ken, you notice immediately the pride he takes in the
work he's done for the Experiment Station and also for the water
issues in the basin. He definitely likes his job.

Rykbost explains how the genetics of potatoes are more than twice as
complex as the genetics of humans. Because potatoes are so complex,
there is a great potential to produce more with the plant.

After 19 years in the basin, Rykbost has become more than just a
friend to so many in the basin. He is a vital and important part of
the livelihood and economy of this whole area. It is hard to imagine
his shoes being filled.

Luckily, he doesn't plan on just stopping all his work. He is a
member of the Klamath County Commissioners Natural Resources Advisory
Council until 2008, and one gets the distinct impression he will do
more than just mow lawns at the Station.

Good luck and Godspeed Ken, your service and input to the community
can never be repaid. The community is far better off for you having
chosen to live and work here with us and for us.

Rykbost is one of five Klamath Experiment Station employees who will
or have retired within a one and one half year period. How many of
them will be replaced remains to be seen.

Rykbost to retire - sorta kinda