One of my favorite parts of my job here at CPAC is the community/education outreach that our office is involved in. I love having the opportunity to “talk potatoes”, but I especially love learning from others about potatoes and other commodities. This year the CPAC Video Contest theme was “What Makes You Thankful for Colorado Ag?” This statewide contest is for students K-12 and it is one of my favorites!

The videos we got this year were SO good. Students from across Colorado discussing why they’re thankful for CO agriculture. Some were thankful for the their livelihood because of Ag, others were thankful for the opportunity it offers for all, and some were thankful for the delicious commodities we get to enjoy!

What makes you thankful for Colorado agriculture? I am thankful for Colorado Ag because….

• I love fruits and vegetables!
  • Anyone that knows me knows that fruits and vegs are my jam! I don’t think I have ever had one that I don’t like!!
• The many lessons I learned from growing up on a potato and barley farm.
  • Growing up as a farmer’s daughter is a dream, let me tell you! (Haha, I’m kidding!) I hated helping on the farms in the summer, because there were a million other things I could be doing for example, sleeping in! Anyways, I am so, so thankful for the early mornings, late nights and countless memories of farm labor and the lessons that I learned.
• I love my job in the Potato Industry!
  • I work for the most humble growers, shippers and industry people. I would never have imagined I would work in the Ag Industry but, I absolutely wouldn’t trade it for the world!
• I appreciate the sacrifice that growers make for us.
  • Being a farmer is risky business. I appreciate the gamble that growers take when they plant their crop every spring. I appreciate the time and love they put into nurturing their crops throughout the growing season. And I appreciate the long hours they’re putting in year-round to ensure we have the safest, most abundant food supply we’ve ever had.

Sending love and well wishes,

Jess

Hi everyone! I wanted to start this blog post off by saying “Thank You” to all of you! I appreciate the love, support, and encouragement that each of you have offered me along this journey.

October has been another busy month; with meetings, conferences, conventions, office duties and much more. I was fortunate enough to attend the Produce Marketing Association conference (PMA) again this year. PMA hosts the PMA Fresh Summit and Expo every year which I feel is the largest convention of the year. This year the PMA convention had over 25,000 attendees. (Seriously, it’s nonsense!) CPAC was fortunate enough to have a booth space within the Colorado Department of Ag Pavilion at the show. Throughout the two-day expo we are able to talk to many people in the produce industry from buyers and logistic companies to dietitians and media/press.  It is so much fun (honestly) and so interesting to have the opportunity to talk to so many people throughout the produce industry in such a short amount of time. Another grand perk to attending the PMA Expo is the fact that every (or almost every) produce company, including companies from outside of the US (Mexico, Guatemala to Chile to name a few) come and served new innovative samples of delicious fruits and veggies!

The 2019 PMA Fresh Summit and Expo was a success from Colorado Potatoes; not only did I eat half my body weight in Washington apples, but also, I was able to connect with many great people and help get them excited about Colorado Potatoes! (People were seeking us out, because they love CO Potatoes! There were great conversations and connections made.

Another awesome project that I get to be a part of is the GFPP in Denver. What is GFPP? It’s the Good Food Purchasing Program. As the City of Denver begins to analyze the need for a GFPP and the way that it could be implemented throughout the city; it has been so rewarding and beneficial that CPAC has a seat at the table. At our most recent meeting, we had the opportunity to hear from great professionals, along with sharing the room with buyers, growers, ranchers, and others. I have enjoyed being among these business professionals and talking about one of my favorite things; food! 🙂

This past week has been another fun time for the CPAC office. We were able to host the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) Annual Retreat in the San Luis Valley! It was such a treat to have the CFVGA members in the Valley and be able to chat with them at a dinner meeting one evening. It is humbling to work with veggie growers everyday, but being able to meet and mingle with other fruit and vegetable professionals is beyond rewarding!

I think as a consumer, I often forget how hard working, risky, and rewarding the work of a grower is. Farmers and ranchers work 365 days a year to ensure that we, as consumers, have affordable, quality and safe products easily accessible. As I continue to attend conferences, meetings and have conversations with growers of all types, I am continually reminded of how fortunate I am to be able to work for these individuals. I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to be present and to represent the Colorado Potato Industry.

Happy Halloween, y’all!

xoxo,

Jess

Hi everyone! Sorry for the long interruption. Life has been so busy (in a good way), from planning the 2019 Potato Festival to fighting off all the yucky seasonal change germs, our office has been SO hectic.

As the hamster wheel begins to slow a bit, I wanted to drop in and talk some mind-blowing potato facts. (I find them mind-blowing, that is…)

I’ve stated this multiple times, but I’m going to say it again… As a Potato Grower’s daughter, I really thought I knew everything. As I humbly sit in my office chair, I realize I knew VERY few things…

• I knew Colorado Potatoes were delicious!
• I knew planting was in late April and harvesting was mid-September (in Colorado).

• I knew potato growing was a gamble. (It’s so risky….)
  • I remember one day my dad saying “I could go to Vegas….”
• I knew minor details about shipping, selling and storing potatoes.
• I knew potato growers were people I wanted “in my corner”.
• I knew Rachael Flatt believed in the Super Carb… Potatoes!

• And, I also knew that being on the tractor, combine (barley), or harvester with dad after a LONG (ha-ha) day at school was the absolute BEST.

As knowledgeable as I all of that makes me, let me just say I had NO idea anything about growing, marketing, selling, shipping, etc. potatoes. NOT. A. CLUE. When I started at CPAC I was thrilled to be a part of an industry I love and I couldn’t wait to learn everything I thought I already knew. 😉

• Did you know that Colorado is the 2nd largest growing region for fresh market potatoes?

Fresh market potatoes are potatoes that will be sold unprocessed/raw. They will be sold to restaurants, institutions, and grocery stores. Isn’t that insane? Growers in the San Luis Valley produce just under 2 billion of pounds of potatoes every year. (Who knew?) In the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the San Luis Valley shipped 16,705,763 CWT (hundred weight) of potatoes! MY GOODNESS!! (16,705,763 CWT= 1,670,576,300 pounds). Believe me when I say that potatoes have a large impact on the Valley.

• Did you know one medium potato (5.3 ounce) with skin provides 620 milligrams or 18% of the recommended daily value (DV) of potassium per serving?

Potatoes are considered one of the best foods with potassium, ranking higher than other fruits and vegetables… Like a banana! “Potassium is an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function” (Potatoes USA).

• Did you know potatoes are a comprised of nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates?

One medium sized potato (5.3 ounces) has 26 grams of complex carbohydrates. “Carbohydrate is the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles. Our body’s own storage of carbohydrate is limited and may be depleted, even in a single session of intense and/or prolonged exercise. It’s important to replenish them” (Potatoes USA).

• Did you know potatoes contain different types of starch?

I know this question is kind of like “duh… potatoes are starchy”, but hear me out here.  My friend Sahar, who is a grad student at CSU is researching potatoes; different varieties, traits, etc. She explained the different starches that potatoes have and the importance of knowing these starches as a consumer. Potatoes contain starch and resistant starch. Resistant starch is a part of dietary fiber that has many nutritional properties, by its potential as a prebiotic product.  Prebiotic foods promote good bacteria in the gut, help with digestive problems and they boost your immune system. Resistant starch also increase the fullness and satiety (Sahar Potato Info). 

As consumers, I think it is really important that we stay “in the know” of all products. I also believe that it is important that we observe what we are fueling our bodies with. Potatoes USA “What Are You Eating?” campaign awakes a whole new idea… WHAT ARE YOU EATING? I’m a snacker, I love snacks, I could snack all day, (Not sure if “snacker” is a word…), so I have placed a “What Are You Eating?” magnet on my office snack drawer. (Complete side note: does everyone have an office snack drawer? Or???) Now when I reach in for a quick snack, I really ponder “What are you eating, Jess?” I guess my main point here, is what are we using as fuel? Are we making conscious efforts to feed our body what it needs?

I promise that if you start to do more research and really become aware of what you’re choosing as fuel, you will not be disappointed. Since July 2018, when the WAYE? campaign launched, my focus and goal whenever I grocery shop or eat is to really focus on not wasting calories… Don’t eat empty calories. If you’re going to eat carbs, be sure they’re nutrient dense and complex, to ensure that you’re really fueling your body. I’m a carb-lover…. I can’t get enough, but when I eat carbs now, I make sure that they’re packed with nutrients and they’ll benefit my body. Let’s be honest… Occasionally I waste meals, because empty calories (like soda) and “bad” carbs are calling my name; I’m human. Bottom line, be more mindful of what you’re eating.

Bon Appetit,

Jess

P.S. I’m not a scientist or expert, just wanted to share some science-based facts with you all. 🙂

Visit https://www.potatogoodness.com/performance/ for more information.

“Po-tay-to. Po-tah-to!”

As my year anniversary with CPAC is nearing (not sure how that’s possible…) and I can’t shy away from conversation with the excuse that “I just started” (even though I try… oops!), I am slowly becoming more confident in my “Potato knowledge”. Personally, I find it rather comical that I have been so uncertain about an industry that essentially raised me… Since I was 10, every summer I was on the farm with my dad; spraying and pulling weeds, renozzling sprinklers, riding in the farm truck, and “learning” all about Coors barley and Colorado Potatoes. I vividly remember how annoyed I was to be waking up so early on summer days to spray weeds or how cool I thought it was to get sunburned (every. single. day…), little did I know that those early mornings and aloe vera baths would be the beginning of a promising career (hopefully…). I will be completely honest, I never thought I would be professional in the ag industry, I was certain that my agricultural portfolio would remain small and consist of mainly “farm laborer”.

After (almost) a year, I am finally confident enough to be excited when people ask questions about Colorado Potatoes, instead of being anxious and extremely nervous! I remember feeling confident and knowledgeable about Colorado Potatoes, when I accepted my position… Nonchalantly walking into the office on Monday, May 7, 2018, foolishly believing I knew the industry and my job was going to be a “walk in the park”. One of the advantages I have had as the Marketing Administrative Assistant for CPAC is that I have been able to learn the industry from a whole new angle. A year ago, I knew the industry as a grower’s daughter (kind of from a grower P.O.V., if you will) and as a consumer. Total disclaimer: I think I purchased potatoes from a grocery store one time; it was an emergency and I needed them STAT but otherwise, I always had potatoes delivered by my dad or mom… (Perks of having family in the industry…) Learning about the Potato Community from a marketing standpoint has been a complete game changer!

I have had the opportunity to learn an immense amount from Linda, Jim and Dianna in my office, growers, national boards (i.e. Potatoes USA, National Potato Council, etc.) and many others. This last Friday afternoon I had three high school senior students from Bear Creek High School come to my office as part of their Senior Field Studies course. As part of their course they get to spend a week on a farm– just so happens that these three girls were staying with a grower family (my cousins) in our growing area! My Uncle Mike brought them by the office, in hopes that Linda and I could share some potato information with them… and that’s when it hit me! I can talk Colorado Potatoes! Do I have all the knowledge? Absolutely not. Will I tell you everything I DO know? Gladly! If you ask me a question I don’t have the answer for, will I do my research and get back to you with an answer? Definitely. Friday afternoon, I got so excited to discuss my job, the industry and honestly answer the questions that they may have. It was such a successful conversation (for me, anyways…), because in that moment I learned so much about myself. I know Colorado Potatoes! I LOVE my job, honestly! And, I am so excited to continue learning and growing in my position at CPAC.

This past year has completely flown by; I’m sad to not be the “new girl” anymore, but I’m so excited to continue paving my way through the industry.

Catch ya on the flip!

Jess

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.“

One of my many favorites of my job here at CPAC, is the planning of events– especially the annual Potato Festival! I am “one of those people” that loves to see smiles on others faces and that genuinely wants others to be happy! (Side Note: When I tried Googling a word to summarize that, I ended up on a Q & A website. One of the answers said “You call that person ‘one of a kind'” and the comment below that said “You call them a person with low self-esteem that thrives off others happiness…” Well, excuse me for wanting others to be happy?!)

Growing up I can remember countless times helping with CPAC events (when your dad is on the Board, that’s just sort of what happens… right?). I used to LOVE helping take dinner tickets at the Annual Dinner, pass out fresh Colorado baked Potatoes to the Ride the Rockies participants, and most of all selling t-shirts at the CPAC tent during the Potato Festival! The 2018 Potato Festival was nothing short of FANTASTIC! I was so excited to be a part of the festival again– when planning began, the excitement continued to build! As the day came and went, I learned something about having a “large role” with planning events… the good, the bad and the ugly. (I honestly feel that EVERY person should have to plan a large scaled event once in their life, just to fully understand it…)

As I stated earlier, I am quite a “people-pleaser” (there’s the word…). I want every person to have a good time, and I get upset when I “fail” at that. It was really hard for me to understand that when you plan and host an event with 40+ vendors and 1000+ attendees, the likeliness that EVERY SINGLE PERSON has the time of their lives is actually slim… and when people know that you are “in charge”, you will not get only the good feedback, but the hard to hear critiques. As I begin to gear up for another successful Potato Festival– I am so excited to continue growing and revamping the event!

I know that most people think September is a century away… but I promise that before we know it; it will be here! Sooo mark your calendars, Saturday, September 7, 2019 will be the BEST Potato Festival, yet!

XOXO,

Jess

P.S. Y’ALL it is more than okay to care about other’s feelings and it is more than okay to be kind and want to see others smile! Don’t let silly people on Q & A websites dim your smile or kindness!

“The noblest art is that of making others happy.” -P.T. Barnum

The best part of my job is the fact that I get to travel and that I am constantly learning new things! Last week I was fortunate enough to spend time in Denver, CO at the Potatoes USA Annual Meeting– where I learned more about the marketing and research of US potatoes as a whole!

As I was attending the meetings, I was struck by idea after idea. The true beauty of being surrounded by Potato Industry People constantly is that I am continually challenging myself to find “the best” idea of promoting and marketing Colorado Potatoes (anyone that truly knows me, will find this to be no surprise that I want to be “the best”…). During my week away from my desk, I learned so much about marketing and the need for the industry (as a whole) to leverage the marketing ideas and really push those campaigns. How beautiful is that? A whole industry striving to provide the best product and information to consumers?

I am so excited to share the sound nutrition science that so many scientists have been compiling in preparation for the “What Are You Eating?” campaign. Did you know that a medium sized potato (roughly 5.2 oz [2/3 cup]) contains more potassium than a banana? A potato (with the skin) contains roughly 620 mg of potassium! (Gee!) Another huge contributor to the fact that Potatoes Power Performance is their whopping 26 grams of complex carbohydrates! I think back to my short lived high school athletic days… In preparation for tournament days we would “carb load”, to ensure that we had glycogen in our muscles for the day of volleyball that awaited us. (Glycogen is basically sugar that is stored throughout your muscles and liver to assist in the nervous system functions.) Potatoes also contain many other important nutrients and are basically just the powerhouse of all goodness that we haven’t been getting… As we continue to deliver this message and people continue to trust the scientific proof that Potatoes Power Performance and will ultimately help you be a better “you” in all that you do, I’m excited to join the conversation and continue educating people.

I’m so excited for the opportunities I have had throughout my short career, thus far. I look forward to continuing learning and teaching others… (We learn so much more about the subject and ourselves when we teach others.. and we should never stop learning!) If you’re interested in learning more about the performance benefits of potatoes and get some delicious (and healthy, of course) recipes, visit our website at coloradopotato.org or feel free to contact me (Jess).

One last food for thought…. WHAT ARE YOU EATING? (Pun intended!)

XOXO,

Jess

P.S. The “What Are You Eating?” campaign is not just for athletes… Potatoes Power Performance in all aspects of life; school, work, musically, athletics, etc.

Let us help you perform better.

What a whirlwind of meetings my life has become!! As I approached the sign-in table at the Potatoes USA meetings this morning, I had to do a double take at the date on my watch…. How is it already March 12th? (Seriously, where is time going?!)

As I begin to reflect on my first day at the Potato USA meetings and the mounds of information that was given today, I cannot help but begin a list (a LONG list) of “key points” that I will be researching as soon as I return to the office. One of my favorite things about being a part of this industry is the opportunities I have to continue learning!

I remember starting my job at CPAC, believing that growing up in the industry gave me an advantage because “I already knew the industry!” (Let’s all take a moment to laugh at how ridiculously uninformed I was!) As much as I want to believe that I knew a lot because I “farmed” (if weed control even counts?) with my dad in the summers that I knew the industry, the more I dive into my position, the less I know!! I am so thankful for the Colorado Growers in my area though, because they have a way of seeing my blank stare and understanding that there are SO many questions running through my mind… (What’s that acronym stand for? How can that be implemented at our level? Why not try this? etc.) and they’re always willing to explain or assist in answering the mounds of questions I have. Another advantage that I have with working for such awesome growers, is their ability and willingness to challenge me! They constantly giving me new ideas to chase… That’s the true beauty of my position!! I get to take an idea and turn it into a reality!

As I sit through these countless meetings and take pages and pages of notes… I cannot help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness! I’m working for one of the best industries in the world (I would argue that it’s THE best, but…), I get to work for and with highly influential individuals, and I get to learn to have more appreciation for the American Farmer.

Friends, learn to love, appreciate and trust the producers in the US. (I guarantee they’re the most humble, hardworking and honest people you will meet…) Every time I am at these meetings, I cannot help but hear Paul Harvey’s “So God Made A Farmer” constantly… “It had to be somebody who’d plow deep and straight and not cut corners…” Such a powerful and honest message…

How did I get so blessed? Honestly?

Chat soon!

Jess

P.S. Here’s the link to Paul Harvey’s audio… https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/paulharveysogodmadeafarmer.htm

I don’t even really know how to begin this blog… to be honest. I have been completely overwhelmed with gratitude about the amazing opportunities I have had as the Marketing Administrative Assistant at CPAC. Not only do I work for a Potato Community full of humble, hardworking Growers, Producers, Shippers, etc. in Colorado, but I have had tremendous opportunities to meet and network with genuine industry personnel from across the United States!

As I prepare to spend the day on Capitol Hill today, with the Colorado Potato Growers, educating our Senators and Congressmen on our industry… I can’t help but be completely star-struck!! This last week I have had the opportunity to participate in the 2019 Potato Industry Leadership Institute (an opportunity of a lifetime, honestly!). I began the week last Wednesday, when I flew out to Portland, Oregon. As my plane touched down and I ushered my way through the airport, the fact that I was surround by the University of Oregon apparel (almost immediately), was the first sign that I was going to LOVE this trip! (For anyone that cares, I have been obsessed with the U of Oregon Duck apparel and sports, FOREVER.) I instantly began to meet people when I arrived to the hotel shuttle at the airport– the first two people I met were Wendy and Rachael. We arrived at the hotel, got settled in and went out to lunch together! (I think it’s so vital and heartwarming that “Potato People” (as we were known by the Oregon Hotel Hosts) across America can be instant “friends” (if you will…), all because we share common ground (no pun intended ;)), and truly enjoy our professions.)

In Oregon, there were 26 “Potato People” leaders ready to learn and grow throughout the industry. We had intense training, but also SO much fun! We went on tours and met with very many intelligent personnel throughout Portland. (I considered calling Jim and Linda one day to let them know I would be staying in Oregon to work for The Kettle Chip Co.; fresh Kettle Chips EVERY week, YES PLEASE!!) We also jumped the boarder and I got to mark Washington State off of the list of states I hadn’t visited! As we began to board the plane in Oregon; I was sad to be leaving so soon, but I was so excited to be heading to Washington DC and the opportunities that awaited me here. Today is day 5 in DC, and I still can’t believe I’m here. (I’m not sure this should be considered a “business” trip… I have had way TOO much fun to consider this work ;), but don’t tell Jim.)

Our industry has hard times and by no means are we perfect, but I admire and truly enjoy the Potato Community. I love working for Growers, that are energetic, enthusiastic and genuine!

In a general conclusion, I’m not sure I will ever be able to truly express my gratitude to the Industry Personnel for truly believing in me and pushing me (FAR) out of my comfort zone!!

Guys, don’t be afraid to take the leap… there’s tremendous things awaiting! “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” -John Maxwell

Xoxo,

Jess

P.S. work for and with people that believe in your ability and are willing to help you grow… it’ll make your heart happy… I promise!

Oh my goodness! I cannot believe it is already the end of February– seriously, where does the time go?

In November I had the opportunity to apply for the 2019 Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI) that takes place in February and I got accepted! PILI is an 8 day leadership conference full of workshops and training for young growers and industry personnel. As I am preparing to depart for my trip tomorrow, I can’t help but be in “awe” at how quickly it approached! I am excited to attend the 2019 PILI. I look forward to expanding my knowledge on the US Potato Industry as a whole.

With all of my excitement, there has also been a lot (I mean A LOT) of anxious and nervous feelings as well. If you have ever had the pleasure of traveling with me, you understand that I am a relaxed traveler– I don’t ask many questions, I tend to remain calm and composed, and I LOVE new adventures. However, I feel that I have been fooling everyone (including myself) on my preparation for this trip. I have been contemplating what to pack for approximately 3 weeks now, I’ve checked to make sure my license isn’t expired a FEW times (for those of you who care, it doesn’t actually expire until 2020, so there’s that), and in the last 48 hours I have checked my flight departure approximately a thousand times… I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge and bring so much back to the SLV and CPAC… Although  getting there might be a chore!

I’ll keep you all posted on my adventure in the big city, let’s just hope they have a Chick-fil-A close! 😉

Bon Voyage,

Jess

2019 got off to a RUNNING start…. geesh. As the year continues to zoom by, I am wearing out the lead on pencils scheduling meeting after meeting.

As January comes to a halting stop, I am so excited for the opportunities awaiting me in the next 3 months. The journey begins next week with the Southern Rocky Mountain Ag Conference. Growing up “in” the industry, I have attended this meeting a few times, but this year I will be apart of the show! Every year CPAC has a booth were growers and other industry personnel vote for the upcoming board members and this year, I get to assist in holding down the fort there.

February is full of new experiences! Toward the end of February, I get to ship out for the Potato Industry Leadership Institute (PILI). PILI is a national conference that is held annually for Potato Industry personnel (duh…. PILI?). This conference kicks off in Portland, Oregon where we will spend a few days touring and learning, before we travel to Washington D.C.. When we arrive in DC, we will have learning sessions for two-three days, where we learn about the industries issues, how we can help and prepare for a day on Capitol Hill. As I gear up for this journey, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with nerves, excitement and gratitude. (I have begun packing my bags for this trip approximately 3 times…. I have nothing to wear; of course..).

March and April are already piling up with meetings– but I promise they will not be boring destinations and I am excited to learn!

As I reflect on my short time with the Potato Committee, I am in awe of how many opportunities I have (already) had! I never fully understood the “Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” quote, until now. I LOVE what I do, and I LOVE the industry I work for! (Take this as a simple reminder to never settle; true happiness is SO worth it, guys!!)

Chat soon,

Jess

P.S. I wrote my first Block Grant Concept Proposal for CPAC this month… fingers-crossed that it advances to Round 2.