Every commodity group seems to have their own unique traits, some real and some perceived. Sugarbeet growers are a part of grower cooperatives and are deeply concerned about government actions. Pork producers are facing consumer perception issues from H1N1. Soybean growers have huge acres and pay close attention to world markets. Wheat growers graduate from North Dakota State University.

What about Potato Growers?

Potato growers also believe they are unique. They are extremely concerned about Acrylamide, they pay close attention to consumer eating patterns, they drink Bud Light, and their next big issue is consumer acceptance of GMO potatoes.

Frito Lay has tried to capture the essence and unique passion of potato farmers with their Great Debate campaign.

I know that potato producers are unique, as are their counter-parts in other commodities. However, I wanted to dig a little deeper into what makes potato growers so passionate about spuds. I asked some folks at Potato Expo in Orlando, FL: What makes growing potatoes so exciting and different?

• Having a different challenge every day

• The process of seeing something put into the ground, then see it as an end product

• I think I’m making a difference, and hopefully helping to feed the world

• I love being outside, getting dirty, and making things happen

• It’s just what I do

Love to Farm, What you Farm

This made me realize that potato growers may not actually be these distinctive and exclusive farmers they think they are. These answers don’t tell the story about potatoes. These farmers take great pride in potatoes and can talk seed spacing, packaging, and irrigation management all day. However, there’s an overall unrelenting passion for farming and food production. Undoubtedly the same passion beef producers have or the corn and soybean guys posses.

Here is Jimmy DeLoach of Black Gold Farms talking about why he loves growing potatoes. He just “loves to grow”:

Why do you love to farm, what you farm?