February 2021 - 6

TAKING STOCK
EDITOR'S LETTER
Office 616-887-9008
Finding a way
The headline for Idaho Potato Commission President & CEO
Zeke Jennings
Managing Editor
Frank Muir's column in this issue is " The show must go on ...
and it did. " For context, Muir writes about
commission meetings and marketing campaigns
still taking place, although in unusual and
unpredictable ways.
That's symbolic, I thought. How many Zoom
calls, shared screens and virtual events have
we all been a part of the past year? How many
times have we heard, " This isn't how we would
normally do this, " " We know this isn't ideal " or
some other variant?
And how many times before we even reached the point of hearing
those lines, someone somewhere sat alone and muttered, " I don't
know how I'm going to pull this off " ?
As I thought about it, my mind went from virtual meetings,
seminars, workshops - or putting out a magazine about potato
growing - to far more serious things. People have lost their jobs or
had their businesses hurt significantly, perhaps even beyond saving.
Those are just the ramifications of the COVID's presence.
There is the far greater damage done to many lives who have caught
the virus.
It has taken a toll on all of us as individuals, but collectively as a
society. Farming is already a stressful industry because of natural
uncertainties to do weather, nature and other factors. The pandemic
has only added to the anxiety.
Yet, here we all are. Still working. Still pushing. Still producing.
Finding a way to get things done.
When we talk about traits to look for in employees, or even
friends, resiliency oftens does not get mentioned. Intelligence.
Experience. Loyalty. Trustworthiness. Positivity. All are hugely
important and valuable, but can be negated without the ability to
push through adversity.
I've noticed a lot of resiliency in the past months, whether in this
industry or beyond. Noticing and appreciating it is inspiring.
So, take a second what your farm, business or organization has
been through over the past year. You've found a way. Take a second
and appreciate it.
Like Muir said, " the show must go on. " It did, it does and it will.
Managing Editor Zeke Jennings, 616-520-2159
zjennings@greatamericanpublish.com
Contributing Editors Gary Pullano, 616-520-2144
Stephen Kloosterman, 616-520-2152
Multimedia Designer Greg Ryan, 616-520-2145
spudproduction@spudman.com
Editorial Board
Randy Hardy, Oakley Farms, Oakley, Idaho
Andy Jensen, Northwest Potato Research Consortium
Don Sklarczyk, Sklarczyk Seed Farms, Johannesburg, Mich.
Robert Thornton, Washington State University, Pullman, Wash.
Integrated Marketing Andrea Schafer, 616-520-2139
Consultant spudmanads@spudman.com
Editorial Director Tim Hodson, 616-520-2161
thodson@greatamericanpublish.com
Creative Director Kristina Howell, 616-520-2168
khowell@greatamericanpublish.com
Custom Marketing Jess Schmidt, 616-520-2141
Manager jschmidt@greatamericanpublish.com
Circulation Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@spudman.com
Vice President/Group Gerry Bogdon
Publisher gbogdon@greatamericanpublish.com
CFO & Director of Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
Human Resources dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
COO & CMO Kimberly Baker
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
CEO Matt McCallum
publisher@spudman.com
The Magazine: Editorial and advertising offices at Great American
Publishing, P.O. Box 128, Sparta, MI 49345, Phone: 616-887-9008
Fax: 616-887-2666
SPUDMAN volume 59 number 2 (ISSN 0038-8661) is printed 8 times
a year in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May/June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec
by Great American Publishing, 75 Applewood Drive - Suite A, Sparta,
MI 49345. Periodical postage paid at Sparta, MI 49345 and additional
mailing office.
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
advertisers in Spudman do not necessarily reflect those of the
editors and publisher. Appearance in Spudman does not constitute
endorsement by Great American Media Services or Spudman of the
advertiser, its products, or services. Great American Media Services
and Spudman accept no responsibility of liability for the validity
or accuracy of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers, or advertising agencies. Great American Media Services
and Spudman do not make any claims or guarantees as to the
accuracy or validity of information supplied by contributors, vendors,
advertisers or advertising agencies. Copyright 2021.
Subscriptions: Subscriptions are free to qualified U.S. potato
growers. Canada: $56 per year U.S. funds. International: $100 per
year U.S. funds. Single copy and back issues: $6
Postmaster: Please send address changes and corrections to: Great
American Publishing, PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
Reprints: Permission is granted for reprinting material, except for
commercial or advertising purposes, providing Spudman is given full
credit. Call 616-887-9008 regarding reprint information.
6
Spudman.com
http://www.Spudman.com
February 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2021
