Paul Sowinski of Sowinski Farms, Rhinelander was named the WPVGA Young Grower of the Year. Paul serves as Vice President of Sowinski Farms, with potato and vegetable operations in Rhinelander, Wisconsin and Charleston, Missouri. Paul represents the fourth generation of his family to run the farm. His grandfather, Henry Sowinski, was inducted into the WPVGA Hall of Fame in 2000. His father, Alvin Sowinski, is a former President of the WPVGA Board of Directors, and his mother, Shirley Sowinski, was named the Potato Industry Woman of the Year in 2004. In 2009, Sowinski Farms received Frito-Lay’s North Central Region Grower of the Year Award. They were cited for delivering outstanding quality and the highest solids in Wisconsin, while delivering on their supply commitments at 100% contract compliance. Paul currently serves on the WPVGA board of directors and is very active locally, working with several clubs and service groups as well as serving on the Sugar Camp Town Board

 

The WPVGA Researcher of the Year Award went to Alex Crockford. Alex is the Langlade County Agricultural Extension Agent in charge of managing the potato research station based in Antigo, where 36 acres of oats, clover, field corn and potatoes are grown. The research program includes seven to nine potato projects annually. Alex has experience as a farmer, as the owner and operator of the dairy operation, Crockford Family Farm in Deerbrook. He received an MS Degree in Natural Resources from UW-Stevens Point and has a BS Degree in Biological Sciences from Michigan Tech University. He also graduated from the Farm and Industry Short Course at UW-Madison. Alex is active on the WPVGA Research Committee, WPVGA Grower Education Committee, and the WPVGA Water Task Force; he has a professional affiliation with the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association; and is a member of the UWEX Fresh Market and Commercial Vegetable Team. 

 

 

The WPVGA Associate Division presented the Associate Division Business Person of the Year Award to Bill Zelinski of Big Iron Equipment, Plover. Bill is a long-time member of the Associate Division who has served a five-year term on the Associate Division Board of Directors. He has been exhibiting at the WPVGA Industry Show for as long as his company, Big Iron Equipment of Plover, has been in business. He is very helpful to growers and has brought many new ideas and technologies in regard to potato planting and harvesting to Wisconsin.

 

The Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary named Brenda Bula of Antigo, the Potato Industry Woman of the Year. Brenda served on the Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary Board of Directors for many years, including a stint as President.  She also served as the State Fair coordinator at the Wisconsin State Fair for many years as well.  She was recognized for her volunteer efforts, donating a tremendous amount of time and effort in helping to promote and market Wisconsin potatoes. She works with her husband, Dennis, and son, Adam at Bula Potato Farms, Inc. in Antigo, which raises approximately 500 acres of certified seed potatoes. 

 

The Agri-Communicator Award for excellence in communication and dedicated service in presenting a positive message about the agricultural industry was presented to Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Hancock. The 2011 WPVGA Young Grower of the Year, Jeremie currently serves as Vice President on the WPVGA Board of Directors. He is the Chairman of the WPVGA Chip Committee and Co-chair of the WPVGA Water Task Force. He is also one of three Wisconsin representatives on the National Potato Council board of directors, and serves as co-chair of the NPC Water and Endangered Species Sub-Committee. He also serves on the US Potato Board’s Chip Committee. In January 2012, Heartland Farms was named the winner of the NPC Environmental Stewardship Award. Jeremie is a 2002 graduate of North Central Technical College in Wausau, with an Associate degree in Computer Networking; he also attended business management courses at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He is a 2006 graduate of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute and graduated from the Portage County Leadership Institute in 2008.

 

2011 WPVGA President Kirk Wille of Wysocki Produce Farms, Bancroft presented the President’s Award for outstanding leadership and guidance to Louis Wysocki, retired owner/partner of Wysocki Produce Farms, Bancroft. In making the presentation, Wille thanked Wysocki for “the many years of teaching, coaching, and including me as one of your sons.” A member of the WPVGA Hall of Fame, Wysocki is a former President of the National Potato Council as well as the WPVGA, and is well-known and highly respected for his tremendous contributions to the potato and vegetable industry on state and national levels.