Friesland, Wisconsin — Registration is open for the National Potato Council (NPC) Summer Meeting July 10-12 in Wisconsin Dells at the Chula Vista Resort. The meeting is open to all potato growers and industry partners to discuss national potato industry policy priorities impacting potato farms. Attendees will hear from a dynamic group of speakers on climate change, a global perspective on farm and food exports to leadership development. A highlight of the meeting will be a special celebration to honor long-time NPC President and CEO John Kneeling who will retire this June. To view the agenda, speakers and to register for the NPC Summer Meeting, click here.
Wisconsin is hosting the NPC Summer Meeting as Larry Alsum, President & CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland, Wis., serves as the NPC President.
“We are looking forward to hosting more than 150 potato farmers and industry leaders from all major potato growing regions in the United States,” says Larry Alsum, NPC President. “It will be a great opportunity to display the strength and unity of the Wisconsin potato industry to other growers and partners.”
Highlights of the meeting will include:
Monday, July 8 – Golf Tournament to benefit the NPC Scholarship Fund
Tuesday, July 9 – NPC Executive Committee Meetings
Wednesday, July 10 – Wisconsin welcome during breakfast from 72nd Alice in Dairyland Abigail Martin, the State’s Agricultural Ambassador. Followed by a general session of topics presented by engaging speakers that will include:
· Agricultural Outlook – An Ag Lender’s Perspective by Michael Swanson Ph.D., Ag Economist – Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
· Leadership – Becoming A Person of Great Influence by Courtney Booth, John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach
· Weather for Agriculture: What will 2019 and beyond bring? by Dr. S. Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University Professor Emeritus of Agronomy & Extension Climatologist
Afternoon will include NPC Committee meetings with an evening dinner as well as a live and silent auction.
Thursday, July 11 – Breakfast kick off speaker will be Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff followed by NPC Committee member meetings. Luncheon speaker Dr. Matt Ruark, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will highlight The Potato Soil Health Project followed by the NPC Board of Directors Meeting. A special retirement celebration honoring long-time President and CEO John Keeling and the evening will feature a Dells dinner cruise.
Friday, July 12 – Farm Tour Day that will start with a tour at Alsum Farms & Produce, then travel to Trembling Prairie Farms, lunch and conclude with a tour and tasting to J. Henry & Sons.
NPC is the national advocate for the economic well-being of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental and trade issues. NPC supports the U.S. potato industry by monitoring issues affecting the strength and viability of the industry, influencing regulators and legislators on critical issues.
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About National Potato Council
The National Potato Council is the advocate for the economic well-being of U.S. potato growers on federal legislative, regulatory, environmental, and trade issues. For more information, visit https://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/
About Alsum Farms & Produce
Alsum Farms & Produce, Inc., is a grower, packer and shipper of potatoes, re-packer of onions and a wholesale distributor of a full line of fresh fruits and vegetables. Headquartered in Friesland, Wisconsin, Alsum Farms is also a member of the eco-friendly Wisconsin Healthy Grown® Potato Program. To learn more about Alsum Farms & Produce, its full-line of products or for delicious potato recipes, visit www.alsum.com.
