Carl Hoverson of Larimore, ND, was elected to the United States Potato Board (USPB) Executive Committee on March 13, 2014, at the organization’s 42nd Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO.

He will also serve as a Co-Chairman of the USPB International Marketing Committee. He previously served two years on the USPB Domestic Marketing Administrative Committee. Hoverson has been growing Russet Burbank potatoes for frozen processing.

“My two sons and I grow 5,100 acres of irrigated potatoes for the JR Simplot Company,” he explains.

Sugarbeets, wheat, corn, soybeans, canola and navy beans are also produced on Hoverson Farms.

Hoverson has served as the secretary/treasurer of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association. He attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, and North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 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.

Hoverson assumed this leadership role from Idaho Falls grower Brett Jensen, who just completed his year as USPB Chairman, and will now support Hoverson and the USPB as the organization’s Immediate Past Chairman.

Receiving the gavel from Jensen, Hoverson addressed the USPB Board Members and thanked them for electing him as their new chairman, and entrusting him with this opportunity. In a brief and unexpected departure from the meeting program, Hoverson demonstrated what his priorities are for the coming year on the USPB, according to USPB.

“Who is proud of who they are? Are you proud you grow potatoes?” he asked. “Stand up if you’re proud of who you are and where you’re from.”

With the conference room standing, Hoverson stepped back from the stand, and pulled on a University of North Dakota hockey jersey.

He rallied a new call for team work and doing what’s best for the industry, finding new ways for the industry to work together and achieve higher goals.

Hoverson will host the USPB’s 2015 Summer Meeting in Grand Forks, ND, August 11-14.