b'John Nordgaard To Be Honored WithNPPGA 2020 Meritorious Service AwardOver the past 23 years of service at Black Here are just a few of Johns accolades:Gold, John has seen the companys sizequadruple.Employeeshaveincreased JohnisamemberoftheAmericanfrom around 30 in 1997 to 185 fulltime SocietyofAgronomy,theAmericanstafftoday.AsDirectorofOperations PhytopathologySociety,ThePotatothen,andExecutiveVice-Presidentof AssociationofAmerica,wherehewasOperations now, John has been there for recently honored as a PAA Honorary Lifemuch of that growth. Member,andtheSoilScienceofAmerica.John is also very involved with researchefforts, especially at North Dakota State JohnscommittmenttoexcellenceinUniversity. He is a driving force for pri- thepotatoindustry,bothlocallyandvate variety research with input from a nationally,saysalotabouthim,saysgrowerperspective.Johnshareshis NPPGA President,DonavonJohnson.knowledge, insights, and experience of Our assocaition is honored to presentJohn T. Nordgaard of Black Gold Farms, the effects on the industry of new potato him with our 2020 NPPGA MeritoriousGrandForks,NorthDakotawillbe probems,suchasZebraChipand Service award.awardedthe2020NorthernPlains Dickeya.PotatoGrowersAssociationsMeritorious Service Award at the AnnualChairmans banquet held at the AlerusCenter on Tuesday, February 18th. JohnhasbeenwithBlackGoldFarmsforalmost 23 years.After his Bachelor of Science degree atNDSU,Johnstartedhisprofessionalcareer in 1976 as a scout in the field withAgvise,soonmovingontoleadershipwithinthatcompany.In1997,hebecame part of the team at Black GoldFarms.At Black Gold Farms John oversees alloperations for all farms across multiplestates.Healsomanagesallpersonnelandhasdirectedagronomicplantingandpractices,includingirrigationandgeneralproductionmanagement,forboth potatoes and sweet potatoes.PH: 218-346-3357Toll Free:888-884-807047418 US Hwy 10 Perham, MN 56573www.btuvent.com20 POTATO GROWER FEBRUARY 2020'