b'John Nordgaard Receives Honorary Life Member Award To The Potato Association Of Americaby Dr. Andy Robinson, Extension Potato Agronomist, NDSU/UMNJohnNordgaardwasawardedthe leagues to improve the potato crop. thisaward.WhenWillemintro-highesthonorbestowedbythe To demonstrate his commitment to ducedJohn,hementionedthatPotatoAssociationofAmerica the industry he has participated as a Johnwantedtobeapartofthe(PAA),HonoraryLifeMember,on groweradvisorfornumerous entire cycle of potatoes from seed toJuly 31, 2019. This award recognizes national research projects including thegrocerystore.Johniswellthelife-timeachievementofthose Texas Zebra Chip Initiative, Potato knownforhispotatopassion.dedicatedtoimprovingpotatoes. Virus, Dickeya Research, Soil Health PeoplecallhimaproblemsolverThisisrarecompany,asthePAA InitiativeandDiploidBreeding and that he has a large impact onbestows no more than four of these Project. Locally he has served on the the potato industry. He is engagedawards each year.NPPGAResearchcommittee, withthepotatoindustryandputsPotatoes USA Chip committee and growers interests first. He has devot-JohnT.NordgaardofBlackGold ND Certified Seed Growers commit- edhislifetotheimprovementofFarmshasattendedeveryPotato tee.Hehasbeenveryinvolvedin potato production.AssociationofAmericaannual researchatNDSU,oftenvisitingmeeting since he became involved campus to bring samples or discuss CongratulationstoJohnforbeingin potatoes in 1976. John wants to specificpotatoquestionswiththe recognizedwiththiswell-deservedhelpthepotatoindustry,ashe researchers. awardforyourcommitmentandshares his knowledge, insights and passion to the potato industry. experience of the industry with col- Willem Schrage nominated John forJohn Nordgaard of Black Gold Farms (left) receives his Honorary Life Member award from Willem Schrage.SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 POTATO GROWER 29'