We are #EssentialAg
March 24, 2020 was recognized by President Trump as National Agriculture Day. In recognition of the day, the National Potato Council launched a social media campaign to thank all of those working to keep America’s food supply safe, secure, and abundant.
The campaign was called #EssentialAg, and it aimed to thank the men and women of the U.S. food supply chain who are rightfully considered “essential workers” every day, but particularly so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A message from Tyler Thompson from Thompson Family Farm in Central Illinois: "My family and our 4th generation farm are thankful to be considered #essential to Americans during this crisis. No individual would have the strength or energy to fight COVID-19 if it weren't for the healthy, consistent, and secure supply of food and energy that U.S. farmers, support services, processors, packers, shippers, and outlets deliver to our neighbors. We are #EssentialAg."
Today's #EssentialAg submission is near and dear to the NPC family: They're three generations of east Idaho potato growers and three generations of NPC Presidents, Jeff Raybould (1997), Dell (1978), and Britt Raybould (2020), on their family farm in St. Anthony, Idaho. They are #EssentialAg. 📸: Spudman Magazine @schaefer1550
Today's #EssentialAg submission comes to us from RPE/Wysocki Family of Companies: "Our family-owned farm has been growing fresh produce for over 60 years. Committed to feeding our family, our community, and the nation, we are #EssentialAg."
An #EssentialAg submission from @strohauerfarms: “We are a 4th generation, family-owned and operated potato farm based in Northern Colorado who is proud of our local community, where during this time of need, they are donating their time and energy to utilize our imperfect potatoes to cook meals to distribute to the elderly, at our local food banks and homeless shelters. We are proud to call this country home, and we are #EssentialAg." @coloradopotatoes
Sent to us from the team at Techmark, Inc.: "We're proud to support growers with storage technology solutions. Storage of their crop is an important part of feeding the world. We are #EssentialAg!"
Jared Smith from Three S Ranch, Inc. along with co-owners Monty Smith and Cole Wakasugi grow russet, red, and yellow potatoes for the fresh market in Colorado's San Luis Valley. They are #EssentialAg. @coloradopotatoes
This one comes to us from Irving Farms in Caribou, Maine: “For generations, the Irving family has proudly been producing Maine potatoes. From our fields to your table, we are committed to keeping America fed. We are #EssentialAg.”
The Nissen family has farmed in the San Luis Valley of Colorado since Erin's Great Grandfather bought the first field in the 1940's. Erin and her father Lyle now grow fresh market potatoes and raise cattle. Thanks for being #EssentialAg! @coloradopotatoes
Roger Mix from Mix Farms: "I am a third generation grower of fresh potatoes in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. I am #EssentialAg." @coloradopotatoes
Morgan Andrus from Idaho Falls, Idaho writes: "I’m a fourth generation Idaho potato producer and 2018 graduate of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI), serving the industry on the fresh side at High Country Potato and Cornelison Trucking. I’m proud to be a part of potato production, not only for Idaho but for our country! I’m #EssentialAg!"
@thomashephard from Shephard Farm in Crystal, North Dakota writes in: "This is me and my dad Lyle in harvest. My great grandfather started our farm in 1910 and we have grown potatoes since 1937. We love what we do and that we get to do it together. Our family farm has taken pride in what we do for four generations, and I am honored to continue the legacy and tradition. We are #EssentialAg."
Dominic LaJoie and LaJoie Growers, LLC in Aroostook County, Maine: "Our family farm is built off the legacy and sacrifice of those who came before us. We’re proud to help feed America. We are #EssentialAg."
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📸: Spudman Magazine
Kitchen Farms, a fourth generation potato farm located in Elmira, Michigan, is operated by Don Kitchen and family. The farm has a 3-year rotation to allow them to "feed" the soil in between growing seasons. This process helps keep the soil healthy and provides the farm with the quality potatoes Michigan has grown to know and love. They are #EssentialAg! @michiganpotatoes
Jim and Alex Tiede: "We are 3rd and 4th generation Idaho potato growers. Our family has been farming on the outskirts of American Falls since 1908. We are proud to be #EssentialAg."
The Horkey family has been growing potatoes in Michigan for five generations. Brothers George and Carl Horkey formed a partnership in 1971, combining their fathers’ potato farm and Georges in-laws’ potato farm, calling the combined operation Roscoe and Horkey. Today the farm is called Horkey Brother Farms, operated by George, Carl, Travis, and Doug Horkey. They work side by side with dedicated employees, many who have worked for over 30 years. Thank you for being #EssentialAg! @michiganpotatoes
Elmaple farm in Kalkasa, Michigan is a 4th generation family farm specializing in fresh stock potatoes including russet and white potatoes. Bruce Cotton's great grandfather founded the farm in 1913 and named it Elmaple for all the Elm and Maple trees surrounding the property. Thank you for being #EssentialAg! @michiganpotatoes
@spudmann8 from Idaho Falls, Idaho: "I’m a 3rd generation potato grower, now raw product procurer for Idahoan Foods. My son’s a raw product procurer for High Country Potato. We are #EssentialAg."
Esienga Farms is a second generation farm located in Marion, Michigan growing 300 acres of red, white, and russet potatoes for the fresh market. Darwin Eisenga’s father Bruce established the farm in 1958 and still farms along with his sons Bryan and Darwin to this day. Thank you for being #EssentialAg! @michiganpotatoes
Bryan Folson from Folson Farms in East Grand Forks, Minnesota: "My family has been feeding America for 116 years and proud of it! We are #EssentialAg."
TJ Hall from J.G. Hall & Sons in Edinburg, North Dakota: "From our field to your table, we are proud to keep food on your table. We are #EssentialAg."
America’s potato growers and supply chain partners support the adoption of sustainable production practices that meet the needs of consumers and protect the natural resources of their local communities.
