The Billion-Pound Legacy: 5 Shocking Facts About Black Gold Farms And Their 2025 'Potato Person Of The Year' Honor

Black Gold Farms, a name synonymous with large-scale potato and sweet potato production, continues to dominate the agricultural landscape, proving that a fourth-generation family business can still be a beacon of innovation and massive growth. As of late 2025, the company is celebrating a major industry recognition while simultaneously managing a vast 25,000-acre operation that spans over 10 states, from their Grand Forks, North Dakota, roots to the fertile Macon Ridge in Louisiana. This deep dive uncovers the sheer scale, strategic genius, and recent accolades that solidify Black Gold Farms' position as a global leader in specialty crops. Founded on a humble 10 acres in 1928, the company has transformed into an agricultural giant, producing nearly a billion pounds of potatoes and sweet potatoes annually for both fresh and process markets. The secret to their enduring success lies in a strategic, multi-state farming approach that ensures a year-round supply of high-quality products, a critical factor for major snack food manufacturers and grocery chains. This massive operation, built on a foundation of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology, is anything but a traditional farm, making it a fascinating study in modern agribusiness.

The Halverson Legacy and the 2025 Potato Person of the Year

Black Gold Farms is a testament to the power of generational commitment, built by the Halverson family. Their journey from a small North Dakota farm to a global powerhouse is marked by strategic expansion and a relentless focus on quality.

• Founder: A.E. (Hallie) Halverson
• Founding Year: 1928
• Original Location: North Dakota
• Initial Crop: Started with Angus cattle, then quickly expanded into potatoes.
• Current Leadership: Fourth-generation family members, including Gregg Halverson (President and Board Chairman) and other key family members.
• Headquarters: Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Major Accolade: Gregg Halverson was named the 2025 Potato Person of the Year by The Packer.
• Reason for Honor: Recognized for his dedication to mentoring and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders, underscoring the company’s commitment to the future of farming.
• Global Partnership: The company recently became a Silver Sustaining Partner of the World Potato Congress (WPC), further cementing their international influence and commitment to the global potato industry.

The recognition of Gregg Halverson as the 2025 Potato Person of the Year is a significant moment for the company. This honor is not just about the volume of their production but a nod to his leadership in fostering innovation and ensuring the vitality of the potato industry for future generations. This focus on legacy and succession planning is a core entity that differentiates Black Gold Farms from many competitors.

A Multi-State Strategy: Why Location is Everything for Quality Potatoes

The term "farm" often conjures an image of a single location, but Black Gold Farms operates on a scale that defies this traditional view. Their success is intrinsically linked to their strategic multi-state footprint, which is key to producing specialized crops like chip potatoes with superior solids content. The company manages approximately 25,000 acres of farmland spread across more than 10 states. This geographic diversity is not accidental; it is a calculated move to mitigate weather risks, extend the harvest season, and match specific potato varieties to the ideal soil and climate conditions. Key locations include:

• North Dakota (Grand Forks) & Minnesota (East Grand Forks): The historical and primary potato growing regions.
• The Midwest (Sturgis, MI; Winamac, IN): Strategic locations for regional supply chains.
• The South (Charleston, MO; Arbyrd, MO; Camden, NC): Critical for early harvests, such as the recent red potato harvest in Southeast Missouri, which reported exceptional quality and yields.
• The Mid-Atlantic (Rhodesdale, MD): Supports the eastern market and processing demands.
• Louisiana (Macon Ridge): The flagship sweet potato farm, leveraging the region's long-standing reputation for growing some of the best sweet potatoes.

This dispersed network allows Black Gold Farms to be a reliable, year-round grower, shipper, and marketer of all types of Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other commodities. By partnering with other grower-shippers across the country, they can satisfy all fresh potato demands, from creamers to chef-grade reds and whites.

Innovation and Sustainability: The Future of Farming

Black Gold Farms’ commitment to innovation goes beyond just planting and harvesting. They are recognized industry leaders for their adoption of advanced technology and sustainable practices, ensuring that their nearly billion-pound annual production remains environmentally responsible.

Precision Agriculture and Data-Driven Decisions

The scale of their operation necessitates a sophisticated, data-driven approach. Black Gold Farms utilizes innovative technology in every step of the process. This includes using advanced sensors and mapping tools to monitor soil health, water usage, and nutrient levels across their 25,000 acres. By employing precision agriculture techniques, they can optimize inputs, reduce waste, and increase yields, making their farming more efficient and sustainable. The company understands that a potato is not simply a potato; they grow specific varieties for the sole purpose of being turned into delicious golden french fries or high-quality chips, requiring meticulous control over factors like specific gravity and superior solids content.

The Sweet Potato Expansion

While their heritage is rooted in Irish potatoes, the strategic move into sweet potatoes has been a major growth driver. The decision to establish their flagship sweet potato farm on the Macon Ridge in northern Louisiana was a deliberate one, capitalizing on the region's famous growing conditions. This expansion showcases their ability to diversify their product offerings and become a premier producer for both the fresh and process sweet potato markets. This diversification strengthens their topical authority across the entire root vegetable sector. The company’s commitment to fertile soil, fresh air, and clean water is a core business principle. As a fourth-generation business, they prioritize the long-term health of the land, understanding that responsible growth is the only path to a sustainable future. Their continuous investment in research and development solidifies their reputation as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious agribusiness leader.

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