January 2020 - 33

VGN
seven
Q&A WITH KELLY TURNER
Among the ranks
of state association
leaders in the potato
industry, Kelly Turner
is still something of
the new kid in class.
She's hardly new to
agriculture, however.
Turner, a lifelong
Michigan resident, took over as the executive
director of the Michigan Potato Industry
Commission in August following Mike
Wenkel's move to the National Potato
Council. Turner grew up on a farm and later
worked for a parks system administration
authority in metro Detroit before joining the
Michigan Farm Bureau, where she stayed for
11 years.
Turner has spent the past few months
diving into the state's potato scene.
3
What has stood out to you
about the industry so far?
I have been amazed at how well each
sector of the potato industry works together,
both at the state and national levels. I am
excited and invigorated by the amount
of research and marketing that goes
into the potato industry and the amazing
opportunities that exist.
4 What is the biggest
members?
concern for MPIC
I believe that the biggest challenges
are the same as what other areas
of the country are focused on.
Environmental issues, especially
those dealing with water are
continuing to take the lead in
this area. Second is food safety
compliance and staying vigilant
and at the forefront of the topic is
paramount, not only for growers but
the entire supply chain.
5
6
What is your top goal for the next year?
As the new executive ... my top goal is to become the spokesperson for
the industry and to gain a respectful reputation among the industry partners,
legislative partners and interested consumers.
What is your favorite
way to eat potatoes?
Potato soup with potato chips for
garnish is not only my favorite potato
dish, but also the favorite for my
family.
7
What do you enjoy doing
away from work?
I am currently working on achieving my
doctoral degree, so between that and two
kids who are involved in 4-H and after
school programs, I don't have much time.
When I finish my degree, I plan to get back
into running. Anyone up for the Dopey
Challenge?
1Could you share a little about your background?
2
I grew up on a beef and cash crop farm in mid-Michigan and come from a long lineage
of farmers. In the late 1980s, my dad declared that he wanted me to " do anything but be
a farmer. " I went to college at Michigan State University and graduated with a bachelor's
degree in parks, recreation and tourism - it's OK to insert a giggle here.
What attracted you to agriculture?
I have always had a love for the lifestyle that agriculture provides. Integration
of math, science, hard work and being able to be master of your own destiny molded
the person I am today. Being in close connection to the life cycle and understanding the
impact agriculture has on every person on Earth was - and still is - fascinating to me.
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VGN | JANUARY 2020 | 31

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January 2020

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