Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1195707
18 POTATO GROWER | JANUARY 2020 MICHAEL FAMILY FARMS is located right in the kind of sweet spot that has the potential to make a lot of growers jealous. Urbana, Ohio, where the Michaels have farmed for four generations, is certainly rural enough to be considered a farm town. But crucial infrastructure and population centers are close enough to make getting products like potato to market a relatively simple matter: All of the Michaels' considerable customer base is located within a five-and-a-half-hour driving radius of the farm. "A successful operation in our area utilizes the unique strengths we have based on geographical location," says Kyle Michael, who, along with his sister Kathy and their father Todd, co-owns and operates the farm. "This area is known as 'the heart of it all,' so properly leveraging infrastructure, people and sustainable farming practices sets operations up for success." Todd Michael and his wife Jill have for decades been active in the potato industry and helped to nurture a love for that industry in his children from a young age. "Since before I could drive a go-kart, ride a bike, or even walk, I have been involved in farming," says Kyle. "Feeding the world is a calling for all farmers, and it has always been my passion." In a region where the agricultural landscape is dominated by At the Heart of Michael Family Farms of Urbana, Ohio GROWER OF THE MONTH Kyle Michael fills the potato planter in spring of 2019.