American Vegetable Grower‘s March issue cover story focused on how the Kimm family ensured its potato seed crop remained healthy. Take a look at the family at work and learn more about how they operate.
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Healthy Ground Leads to Healthy Potatoes
The Kimms rotate crops on a seven-year cycle to keep the soil happy and to reduce disease.
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All Hands on Deck
The entire Kimm family pitches in on the farm.
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Three Generations
From left: Mark Kimm, his son Lyle, Bill Kimm (holding Lyle), and Jason Kimm.
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The Kimm Men
From left: Scott Kimm (Bill’s brother); Alan Venema (son-in- law); Bill Kimm; Mark Kimm (son), and Jason Kimm (son)
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A Group Effort: Cutting Mother Seeds
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Mother Seeds Ready to Plant
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Quality Control Through Samples
The Kimms tag each plant Montana State University samples and tests.
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Roguing Potatoes
If one potato tests positive for disease, all plants from the same nuclear parent are destroyed.
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Kids Are Involved, Too
The Kimms start teaching how to plant seed potatoes early. Shown here: Addison Venema, Jodi Kimm, and Alan Venema.