Motor City Spuds: Previewing the 2026 NPC Summer Meeting in Detroit

The National Potato Council Summer Meeting heads to Detroit this July, and organizers have planned an incredible lineup of activities, sessions, and networking events to showcase the Motor City. Host Lane Nordlund welcomes NPC's 2026 President Ben Sklarczyk, a seed potato grower from Johannesburg, Michigan, and Kelly Turner, Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, to provide a Summer Meeting preview and talk about the history and impact of the Michigan potato industry.Ben shares the history of his family farm and explains how his background as a seed producer shapes his vision for protecting family-owned operations nationwide. He discusses his key priorities for his presidency and offers advice on how individual producers can connect with state and federal representatives to amplify the industry's voice in Washington, D.C. Kelly previews the unique activities, tours, and off-site events awaiting Summer Meeting attendees in Michigan and highlights the massive economic footprint of the state's agriculture industry.