Potatoes USA’s Hoverson reflects on year of service

Potatoes USA Immediate Past Chairman Carl Hoverson of Larimore, North Dakota, passed the gavel on to Mike Pink of Mesa, Washington, the board’s newly appointed chairman of the board for 2016-2017.

This past year has been a great experience,” Hoverson said reflecting on serving as Potatoes USA chairman. “Rolling out a new strategic plan for the board, creating a new business name, and identifying a new mission for our organization are some of the important highlights we can all be proud and thankful for.”

Hoverson paid special recognition to the board Staff and his family for their help and support during his 2015-2016 chairmanship. He particularly noted the academic and professional successes each of his children has made, and expressed gratitude for their accomplishments.

Harkening back to a moment at the board’s 2015 Annual Meeting, when he received his own chairman’s nomination, he once again donned his University of North Dakota hockey jersey and led the board in a final cheer for Potatoes USA. He challenged the industry to focus more on maintaining good taste and flavors in new potato varieties, and not be so quick to select potatoes based on appearances.

Hoverson grows Russet Burbank potatoes for frozen processing. He and his two sons grow 5,100 acres of irrigated potatoes for the JR Simplot Company. Sugarbeets, wheat, corn, soybeans, canola and navy beans are also produced on Hoverson Farms.

Hoverson has served as chairman of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, and also as the secretary/treasurer. He attended the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University studying civil engineering.

Hoverson has six children: sons Michael and Casey, and daughters: Alyssa, Fallon, Norah and Paris. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, and growing potatoes.

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