Get to Know Kimm Seed Potatoes [Photo Gallery]
American Vegetable Grower‘s March issue cover story focused on how the Kimm family ensured its potato seed crop remained healthy. Take a look at the family at work and learn more about how they operate.
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Healthy Ground Leads to Healthy Potatoes
The Kimms rotate crops on a seven-year cycle to keep the soil happy and to reduce disease.
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All Hands on Deck
The entire Kimm family pitches in on the farm.
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Three Generations
From left: Mark Kimm, his son Lyle, Bill Kimm (holding Lyle), and Jason Kimm.
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The Kimm Men
From left: Scott Kimm (Bill’s brother); Alan Venema (son-in- law); Bill Kimm; Mark Kimm (son), and Jason Kimm (son)
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A Group Effort: Cutting Mother Seeds
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Mother Seeds Ready to Plant
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Quality Control Through Samples
The Kimms tag each plant Montana State University samples and tests.
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Roguing Potatoes
If one potato tests positive for disease, all plants from the same nuclear parent are destroyed.
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Kids Are Involved, Too
The Kimms start teaching how to plant seed potatoes early. Shown here: Addison Venema, Jodi Kimm, and Alan Venema.
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Harvesting Nuclear Plot
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High Generation Potato Plot Storage
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The Kimm Family
View all
Healthy Ground Leads to Healthy Potatoes
All Hands on Deck
Three Generations
The Kimm Men
A Group Effort: Cutting Mother Seeds
Mother Seeds Ready to Plant
Quality Control Through Samples
Roguing Potatoes
Kids Are Involved, Too
Harvesting Nuclear Plot
High Generation Potato Plot Storage
The Kimm Family
Here are a few basics about the operation:
- Name: KV Farms, dba Kimm Seed Potatoes
- Location: Churchill, MT; Manhattan, MT
- Owners: Bill Kimm (father), Jason Kimm (son), Mark Kimm (son), and Alan Venema (son-in-law)
- Size: 1,400 acres
- Crops grown: Primarily seed potatoes, but also alfalfa and grains.
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Carol Miller is Editor of American Vegetable Grower. See all author stories here.