February 2024 - 21

Andrew Jensen
With a life-long enthusiasm for
Manager, Northwest Potato Research Consortium
entomology, Andrew Jensen became
exposed to the potato industry at the age
of 20, when his quest for a summer job
connected him to his mentor, Gary Reed,
who has become a major influence in
Jensen's career.
As as student, Jensen worked with Reed
on potato-aphid-virus research, which led
to Reed becoming his undergraduate and
graduate advisor.
" From him, I learned about doing
science rigorously. He also taught me
a lot about institutions and people and
how to navigate a career in research and
industry outreach, " Jensen said.
From 1999-2012, Jensen worked for the
Washington State Potato Commission,
implementing ideas generated from its
advisory boards.
Jensen is proud of his work he
accomplished at the Washington State
Potato Commission, as it ultimately led
to " the leap of forming the Northwest
Potato Research Consortium " that he
said was a cooperative research effort
funded by the state potato commissions
in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
The best advice Jensen has received
is to double- and triple-check the
work, and he most enjoys the diversity
of scientific expertise and techniques
involved in his work. His favorite potato
variety is Alturas, because he has " seen it
support an incredible diversity of insects,
including herbivores, and still produce a
good crop. "
Bryan Wada
Family is a defining theme in Bryan
CEO, Wada Farms
Wada's career.
Wada, CEO of Wada Farms in Pingree,
Idaho, is a third-generation potato
farmer. His potato industry path began
when his grandfather, Frank, relocated
to Idaho in 1942, and Bryan credits his
father, Albert, as his biggest influence.
Bryan's father, Albert, took over the
family farm in 1976 and helped guide
the business' growth into an operation
spanning nearly 30,000 acres.
" I have had the chance to meet a lot
of people in agriculture and business
in general, and I have yet to meet
anyone with the same level of passion,
commitment, and attention to detail that
my father has, " Wada said. " He and my
mother both have set a very high standard
that I hope to get close to one day. "
After graduating with a business
degree from Pepperdine University in
1996, Bryan joined the family business,
beginning his career in the fresh packing
operation. The best thing about his job,
he said, is the people he works with.
" Every day, I learn something new
from them. Every day I am so very
appreciative of their dedication, skill,
professionalism, and integrity, " he said.
" It is great being part of a great team
and makes challenges more manageable
and successes more rewarding. "
That said, Wada ranks his own family -
wife Julie and children Elizabeth, Andrew
and Jack - as his proudest achievement.
James Ehrlich
Executive director, Colorado Potato Administration Committee
Beer and basketball led James Ehrlich
to the potato industry.
Ehrlich, executive director of the
Colorado Potato Administrative
Committee (CPAC), was familiar with
potato growers and was interested in
the industry when he was approached
by the late Tom Ford, then chair of the
Colorado Potato Committee. That's
when Ehrlich changed his career focus
to spuds.
CPAC, founded in 1941, supports San
Luis Valley growers and shippers with
quality standards, sustainability best
practices, research and marketing. The
organization has helped spur expansion
into new spud varieties while ensuring
that more than two billion pounds of
Colorado potatoes produced each year
are of the highest possible quality.
Ehrlich is proud of the teamwork
within the state's potato industry and
its synergy with national organizations,
including the National Potato Council
and Potatoes USA - and teamwork is a
concept Ehrlich puts a lot of stock in. He
credits his high school basketball coach,
Larry Hicks, as the most influential
person in his life.
Spudman.com 21
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February 2024

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