The potato industry’s Leadership Institute added a new element in 2025, the addition of capstone projects, resulting in participants identifying an issue impacting the U.S. potato industry and developing a solution. This session will highlight one of these presentations exemplifying the strength and creativity of the industry’s future generation of leaders.
The capstone team, SPUD Team Six, will share their plan to increase industry engagement of Leadership Institute graduates participating in state and national potato organizations. With success they hope to double the participation rate within one year of completing the Leadership Institute.
Introduction by: Mike Wenkel, COO, National Potato Council
Michael Rainis, Friehe Farms, Wash.
Matthew McKenna, County Farms, Maine
Mike Murphy, Childstock Farms, Inc., N.Y.