J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 24 POTATO GROWER National Potato Council And Potatoes USA Representatives Visit The Region Representatives from the National Potato Council and Potatoes USA were in North Dakota and Minnesota on a grower outreach program from May 6th thru May 9th. CEO and Executive Vice President, John Keeling, who will be retiring this year, and new CEO and Executive Vice President Kam Quarles along with COO Mike Wenkel attended from the National Potato Council. Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA and new Potatoes USA Chairman Phil Hicks from Virginia attended also. The group flew into Minneapolis on Monday and then drove to Fargo, North Dakota to meet with Keith McGovern of RDO and Dr. Andy Robinson, NDSU/UMN Extension Potato Agronomist for a short visit and then dinner. On Tuesday, Dr. Andy Robinson and NPPGA’s President, Donavon John- son as well as NPPGA’s Marketing and Communication Director, Ted Kreis, drove to Carl Hoverson’s Farm in Larimore, North Dakota with the group to take a look at his farming operation. They also visited J.G Hall and Sons and Brad Nilson Farms in Hoople, North Dakota. A stop by Campbell Farms of Grafton, North Dakota rounded out the day. NPC’s Mike Wenkel said, “Special thanks to Dr. Andy Robinson of North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota. His expertise in potato production chal- lenges in both states was extremely valuable.” The group then headed to dinner in Grand Forks, North Dakota were several other growers had the opportunity to talk and visit with them. Blair Richardson says, “These trips allow us the opportunity to better understand some of the concerns and challenges facing growers in different regions, which allows us to better rpresent our industry. I feel very strongly that it is important we develop strong relationships between our industry members and those of us who work for the national and state organizations that are funded by these same farm- ers. These trips are one way of achieving that goal.” The National Potato Council staff said they were honored to spend several days in North Dakota and Minnesota. John Keeling, Kam Quarles and Mike Wenkel were all on hand as the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, Minnesota Area II Potato Growers Research and Promotion Council and NDSU/UMN Extension hosted tours of several farms and packing operations. “We very much appreci- ate the time spent with us during this tour. It is extremely helpful for our D.C. work to hear first-hand about getting the trade agenda right and also finding a workable solu- tion to the growing crisis in ag labor,” said Kam Quarles. The next day they headed to Deulm, Minnesota to visit with John Keeling, outgoing Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Potato Council (left) and Carl Hoverson of Hoverson Farms discuss planting at Hoverson Farms in Larimore, North Dakota.