Big Idaho Potato Harvest Meeting

Nov 11, 2026

Doors open at 7:30am. Event begins at 8:00am.
Lunch served immediately after.

Click here to register!

Phil McGrane, Secretary of State

“Peeling Back the Layers: Elections in the Potato State”

Phil McGrane is a 4th-generation Idahoan who loves this state. His happy, honest approach to public service earned him the opportunity to serve as Idaho’s 28th Secretary of State. Phil was born and raised in Pocatello until he was five, when the wind blew him and his family to the Boise area, where they still call home today. Growing up, he gained an appreciation for service through his church, the Boy Scouts, and, oddly enough, JROTC. Phil earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Washington. After graduation, he landed a job as an Election Specialist in Ada County, where he trained poll workers and counted chads back when Idaho still voted on punch cards. Little did anyone know where this would take him. Phil has since definitively earned the title of an “Elections Junkie.” Phil’s various efforts in public service have been recognized and celebrated by TIME, Best Places to work in Idaho, TEDxBoise, Fast Company, and even Food & Wine magazine for his “food truck” voting concept.

Garrett Lofto, President & CEO, J.R. Simplot Company

“State of the Industry”

Lofto is the seventh President and CEO since company founder Jack Simplot retired in 1973. He was raised on a farm in southern Manitoba, Canada and has lived in Idaho since 2001. Lofto attended the University of Manitoba graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He received his MBA in 2005. As President and CEO, Lofto plans to continue moving to the Company’s One Simplot strategic focus that will enhance efficiencies and agility across all of the business lines. Lofto sits on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, The Fertilizer Institute, Nutrients for Life Foundation and the International Plant Nutrition Institute. He and his wife, Carol, reside in Eagle, Idaho and have three boys. They enjoy numerous sporting activities and the outdoors. Lofto will assume his role as President and CEO as soon as transitions can be completed. A thorough search will commence soon to fill the AgriBusiness leadership role.

Blair Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Potatoes USA

“Rooting for Success: Potatoes in Politics and Global Trade”

Panel Discussion with Kam Quarrels, CEO, National Potato Council

It was a college class (Gig ‘em, Aggies!) on Agriculture Cooperatives that solidified Blair’s commitment to a career in agriculture. After a senior-year job researching ag cooperatives' impact on the Texas economy, he moved to California to begin his agriculture career in the cotton industry.  Since then, Blair’s worked in several different agricultural industries over the last 30 years.  Early in his tenure as CEO of Potatoes USA, Blair and his team decided to take on the challenge of changing consumers' perceptions of and conversations about potatoes, bringing more attention to their nutritional benefits. While there’s always work to be done, the team has made a substantial shift in the conversation around the nutrients in potatoes and the benefits of using the popular vegetable as fuel for an active lifestyle. Looking ahead, Blair is leading Potatoes USA through a quickly changing landscape, with more international competition emerging. He’s always thinking about how to adapt and where the U.S. fits in the global picture.

Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

“Rooting for Success: Potatoes in Politics and Global Trade”

Panel Discussion with Blair Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Potatoes USA

Since taking on the job of running the U.S. potato industry’s national trade association, Kam has overseen a comprehensive overhaul of the organization and its activities. These include building a strong team of professional staff and consultants, rebranding the organization and its signature Potato Expo, coordinating the largest disaster relief response in the industry’s history, securing significant victories in the long-standing Mexican trade dispute, and supporting a new multimillion-dollar foundation dedicated to industry leadership. Kam holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University in Virginia. He and his wife Karen live on Capitol Hill. Their daughter Cate is now a freshman in the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California.

Scott Bedke, State of Idaho Lt. Governor

“Update on Idaho and the Potato Industry”

Scott is a proud Idaho native and a 4th generation cattle rancher. Born in Twin Falls and a graduate of Oakley High School, Scott’s Gem State heritage stretches back even farther to the 1870s, when his great grandfather homesteaded in the Oakley Basin. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Brigham Young University in 1981, Scott returned to his hometown where he was later elected to serve on Oakley’s City Council. In 2012, Scott was elected as the 41st Speaker of the House, a role that he held with such sensibility and civility that he became the longest-serving Speaker in Idaho’s history. Scott is proud to have been directly involved in setting policies that make Idaho what it is today. Scott has been happily married to his wife, Sarah, for 45 years. Together the two are trying to keep up with their four children and 16 grandchildren. The 5th and 6th generations of Bedkes in Idaho are a big reason why Scott decided to run for Lt. Governor, to protect Idaho’s future and to give back to the state that has given his family so very much.

Leigh Vaughn, Director of Produce and Floral at Associated Food Stores

“Associated Food Stores and their growth and partnership with Idaho Potatoes”

Leigh brings nearly 40 years of experience spanning retail and wholesale produce, including 13 years with Lee’s Marketplace before joining Associated Food Stores. His work focuses on helping independent grocers succeed through strong supplier partnerships, effective merchandising, and the development of their produce teams. For our Idaho potato industry, Leigh brings a valuable perspective from the retail side of the business. Associated Food Stores has participated in our Potato Lovers Month display contest for more than two decades, and Leigh has helped connect winning produce managers with the growers and harvest behind the products they sell. We look forward to learning how Idaho Potatoes have played a role in Associated continued growth.

Jamey Higham, President/CEO, Idaho Potato Commission

“2025-2026 IPC Business Update”

Jamey Higham, President/CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission is no stranger to Idaho’s “Potato Country.” Born and raised in Shelley, Idaho, potatoes have played a big role in Higham’s life. He studied Political Science at BYU in Provo Utah. Received his MBA in International Marketing from The Thunderbird School of Global Management. After college Higham moved back to Idaho and worked in the industry for 25 years, primarily in sales, marketing, and shipping. He also spent 5 years working for Ford Motor Company in their marketing and sales division. Higham has given back to the produce industry throughout his career, as a current member of the United Fresh Government Relations Council, as part of United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership class 13, and serving on the board of directors for the International Fresh Produce Association 3 years. He has also given back to the community, serving for 12 years on the Shelley school board. Higham has been working at the Idaho Potato Commission since January of 2022 and currently resides in Eagle, ID.

Idaho State University, Bengal Alumni Center
ICCU Event Hall
1601 E. Bonneville
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 282-3730

Special Group Rate Hotel:
Marriott Courtyard Pocatello
290 Vista Drive
Pocatello, Idaho 83201
$114 per night [ Book Now ]