Russet Potato Exchange
Bancroft, Wisconsin
Russet Potato Exchange, established in 1950, is Wisconsin’s largest fresh potato packer/shipper and is family owned and operated with six owners, four of which are second generation farmers. In general, Russet Potato Exchange employs 250 people to oversee 13,000 acres of land total - 3,500 of which are potatoes.
Their potato growing season lasts anywhere from 90 to 120 days with planting in mid April and harvest from late August to October. Potatoes can be provided year round because of storage facilities that Russet Potato Exchange has. Onions are planted in late April and are harvested in late August to early September and matured for about two weeks before they begin shipping.
Although their product is not organic, Russet Potato Exchange takes pride in growing a sustainable potato that is certified under the Protected Harvest program. Protected Harvest certification ensures that their potatoes are grown in compliance with the most environmentally strict standards for soil, water and additives. Sustainability engulfs all aspects of the Russet Potato Exchange farm from generating electricity at their dairy facility to creating a solid company foundation for the next generation of family owners to take over.
If you’d like to see first hand how Russet Potato Exchange operates, consider attending the Spud, Berry, Dairy Tour in late September that will feature their packaging shed. For more information on this tour, please click here.
