Spudman 7: Jeff Bragg

Jeff Bragg has been involved in the potato industry in varying capacities from the time he was in grade school, doing chores such as furrow irrigating with his father.

He has served on the following boards: Potato Growers of Idaho, California Research and Advisory Board, California Asparagus Commission, National Potato Council, Idaho Potato Commission, Idaho State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Licensing, Idaho Crop Improvement Association, North Snake River Pumpers and The Potato Association of America.

Jeff presently is the VP of Meijer North America, representing the breeding company from Holland with the same name. He is very proud to be a member of The PAA and the potato family it represents. He has served in the Marketing and Utilization section of PAA for the past three years.

Jeff and Sandy Bragg have been married for 35 years and this year will be the second season for their organic seed and consulting company called Everything Potatoes. They were recipients of the 1999 Environmental Stewardship Award presented by the National Potato Council and the EPA. They are the proud parents of Danielle Bragg, Heidi Quintela, and Sarah Bragg.

What are the best words of advice you’ve received?

From my father —”can’t never did anything” and follow the Golden Rule — treat others like you like to be treated.”

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

Set into place a current program I am working on, be productive in my daily work and enhance the potato family I work with.

What do you do to relax?

I love to cook for my family and friends. I also love great books and magazines as they take me away to other places.

What would you like to be your lasting legacy?

My lasting legacy is to be remembered as a gentleman and an agriculturist —dedicated to helping others, no matter how rich or poor.

What job or work would you have pursued if you had not become involved in the potato industry?

I would have loved to have been a professional chef and have a small bistro.

What are the top three things on your bucket list/must do list?

Own a nice jet boat to take my friends and family fishing for king salmon and steelhead. Winter in a warm place. Get my grandfather’s rock saw cutting gemstones again.

What is the one truth you’ve learned about the potato industry?

What you don’t know today you will have to learn tomorrow!