DENVER — Brett Jensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was elected chairman of the United States Potato Board (USPB) March 13 at the organization’s 42nd annual meeting in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Jensen is serving his sixth year on the USPB. In 2013, he served as co-chairman of the Domestic Marketing Committee. In 2012, he served as co-chairman of the Industry Communications and Policy Committee. During 2011, he served on the USPB Administrative Committee as a member of its International Marketing Committee.
Jensen learned the art of growing potatoes from his father, Wayne Jensen. He then started farming on his own in 1994 after attending Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Today, Jensen grows Russet Burbank potatoes for the fresh market and Ranger Russet potatoes for processing. He is part owner of a fresh-packing shed and also grows wheat, malt barley, alfalfa and corn. He is a district chairman for United Potato Growers of Idaho, and serves on the Bonneville County Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee.
Jensen and his wife Kristy have five children—Jace (age 18), Rylee (15), Brayden (12), Karson (10) and Bella (4). He likes to spend time hunting, fishing and traveling with Kristy. They also enjoy participating with their children’s basketball, baseball and football teams.