Let's try some word association: Potato state. What comes to mind? If you're like most people, you think Idaho.

But that funny-shaped state wasn't always king of the spuds.

In the 1800s, Michigan's potato farmers were among the leading producers in the country, and a small exhibit at the MSU Museum aims to bring some of that history to life.

"We touch on how MSU has contributed to better farming techniques," said Val Berryman, the museum's curator of history.

Berryman said the exhibit features 10 major pieces of potato farming equipment, including a bug slapper - a hand-operated device designed to knock bugs off the plants.

Museum spokeswoman Lora Helou called the contraption a "good example of old quirky machinery."

Berryman said it was cheaper and better for the environment than the pesticides used today.

The bug slapper would be pushed over the rows of potatoes, hitting the plants and knocking the bugs into a pan on the machine. The pan was usually filled with kerosene, Berryman said.

And although the antique is no longer used in this country, Berryman said it still has useful applications.

"A few years ago, someone took some photos of our machine and took the idea back to Russia," he said, adding some old inventions are still practical for poorer countries.

Other items in the exhibit include some material related to the "300-Bushel Club" - a group of top farmers who grew at least 300 bushels of potatoes per acre.

"At that time, getting 300 bushels out of one acre was quite a good feat," Berryman said. "Lots of little awards were given out."

And although Michigan is now known more for its apples and cherries, Berryman said the potato equipment is still worth a look.

"The machinery itself is interesting," he said. "It's just fun seeing them."

Admission to the museum, which includes numerous other exhibits, is free.