18 POTATO GROWER | SEPTEMBER 2017
"As diverse as we are," says Michael, "we
have to rely on our employees to make
decisions on their own and think outside
the box. They do a good job of that."
While running the farm provides more
than enough challenges to keep the
Kirsches busy, both Tom and Michael feel
it is vitally important to remain involved
in the community and the industry. Each
has sat on several boards and committees
aimed at promoting agriculture and
educating the public. They view public
questions and political challenges not
as obstacles, but as opportunities to
showcase how growers like themselves
are trying to forward the mutual interests
of both sides.
GROWER OF THE MONTH
18 POTATO GROWER | SEPTEMBER 2017
The Kirsches have only been back in
the potato business a few years, but
they plan to gradually increase their
acreage over the next several years.
Madras Farms produces high-quality seed of several crops. Among
them is hybrid carrot seed, which Tom Kirsch says is among the most
risky and the most rewarding of the farm's diverse crop portfolio.
