Richard “Dick” Pavelski (right), owner of Heartland Farms Inc., Bancock, Wis., was named the 2014 Potato Man for All Seasons by The Packer in conjunction with the National Potato Council. 

The award was announced at National Potato Council’s annual Awards Banquet, January 9. Pavelski is at fourth-generation Wisconsin potato grower, following his father’s leadership. 

The award, presented by Packer national editor Tom Karst, recognizes someone who has devoted a lifetime to bettering the potato industry.
Pavelski said he was deeply honored to receive the award. 

“Our specialty is chip stock, and we are passionate about serving customers and developing products for the chip industry,” he said after receiving the award. “The industry has been good to me.”

With about 15,000 acres of potatoes and diversified vegetables, Heartland Farms also is a large supplier of chipping stock to Frito-Lay.