The Idaho Potato Commission announced the appointment of three new commissioners — Scott Mickelsen, Doug Ruff and Brad Russell — who were officially sworn in on Oct. 22. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and deep ties to Idaho’s potato industry.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Scott, Doug and Brad to the commission,” says Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. “Each of them brings invaluable experience, perspective and passion for Idaho’s potato industry. Their leadership will help ensure Idaho potatoes continue to set the standard for the quality customers expect and prefer.”
Scott Mickelsen is the business manager at Rigby Produce, where he brings decades of hands-on experience in the potato packing industry. Having grown up working alongside his father and brothers, Mickelsen has been immersed in Idaho’s potato business since childhood. A lifelong Idahoan, he’s proud to represent an industry that has been his family’s lifeblood for more than 60 years.
Brad Russell is the director of global potato procurement for Simplot Global Food, based in Boise, Idaho. With 28 years of experience in potato processing and procurement, including 10 years in fry processing and 18 years in procurement, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Idaho’s potato industry. A fifth-generation Idahoan and Oregon State University graduate, Russell and his family are proud to represent the state’s agricultural community and its long-standing potato heritage.
Doug Ruff is the owner and operator of Ruff Times Farms, which he runs alongside his sons. A third-generation Idaho farmer and University of Idaho graduate, Ruff also holds a CPA and brings a blend of business expertise and agricultural experience to the commission. He looks forward to helping promote and protect the state’s world-famous potato industry.
Nine commissioners represent Idaho potato growers, shippers and processors. They are nominated by industry peers and appointed by Governor Brad Little. The commissioners are:
- Daren Bitter (chairman) – Bittersweet Farms
- Brian Jones (vice chairman) – Sun Valley Potatoes
- Eric Jemmett – J&S Farms, Inc.
- Mark Darrington – Big D Farms
- Brian Lundquist – Idahoan
- Mike Telford – Sun Valley Seed
- Scott Mickelsen – Rigby Produce
- Brad Russell – Simplot
- Doug Ruff – Ruff Times Farms
