A Fresh Perspective on a Timeless Legacy
1960s: Humble Beginnings
The story of Western Potatoes began in 1963 when Louis Knoflicek, a man with a deep connection to the land and a vision for the future, founded the company in Alliance, Nebraska. With the support of Ed Weaver, Louis set out to cultivate the finest seed and chipping potatoes in the region. His dedication to innovation and quality quickly set Western Potatoes apart. From the very beginning, Louis emphasized the importance of innovation—whether it was through adopting new farming techniques or constructing climate-controlled storage facilities. His legacy is one of foresight and dedication, which laid the groundwork for decades of growth.
1970s-1980s: A Period of Growth
As the company grew, Dale Moore took the helm, guiding Western Potatoes through a significant period of expansion. By the mid-1970s, the company had secured a crucial partnership with Frito-Lay, a relationship that would become central to our growth and success. The company expanded into Colorado in 1984 and Kansas in 1985, becoming a key supplier not just for Frito-Lay but for other industry leaders like Old Dutch. Throughout this period of growth, the values that had been instilled from the start—innovation, quality, and a deep respect for the land—remained at the core of everything we did.
1990s-2000s: Innovation and Continued Commitment
In 1994, Jim Allen became president, continuing the legacy of growth and technological advancement. Under Jim’s leadership, Western Potatoes expanded operations into Gordon, Nebraska, in 2008. Jim’s era was marked not only by the introduction of new technologies but also by a commitment to maintaining the high standards of quality and community engagement that had always defined us. Our employees, many of whom have been with us for years, are the backbone of Western Potatoes, and their dedication is something we never take for granted.
2014-Present: Embracing the Future
In 2014, Troy Sorensen joined Western Potatoes, bringing with him a forward-thinking approach to farming. Together, we’ve expanded our operations and embraced new technologies to enhance our farming practices. As we continue to evolve, we’re also focused on digitizing our operations to ensure that the rich history of Western Potatoes is preserved and shared with future generations. But as we look forward, we remain deeply grateful for the past. For us, this journey has been guided by a sense of faith, believing that our successes are not just the result of hard work and innovation but also of divine guidance. This legacy, built by the hands of so many, is something we cherish deeply.
A Legacy Rooted in Community
Western Potatoes isn’t just a business; it’s a cornerstone of our community. Currently, we employ many dedicated full-time workers, most of whom have been with us for years—some even decades. Over time, others have retired, moved on to new ventures, or taken different paths. But each year, during our busiest seasons of planting and harvest, we bring in hundreds of seasonal workers to help ensure our operations run smoothly. These employees are more than just workers; they are a vital part of the Western Potatoes family. Our commitment to the community extends beyond our fields, as we partner with local schools and support nonprofits focused on addressing food insecurity.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Western Potatoes is our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This plan means that every full-time employee is also a part-owner of the company. This not only reflects our commitment to our employees but also ensures that the success of Western Potatoes is shared with those who help achieve it. It's a model that fosters dedication, pride, and a sense of ownership among our team members.
As leaders in the potato industry, we proudly serve on boards like Potatoes USA, working to promote the health benefits and versatility of U.S.-grown potatoes. Our involvement in these organizations underscores our dedication to advancing the industry while holding fast to the values that have guided us since the beginning.
Looking Forward: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
As we continue to grow and innovate, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude—for our employees, for our community, and for the many blessings that have allowed us to thrive. The legacy of Western Potatoes is one of resilience, community, and faith, and it’s a story we are honored to continue.
From the early days when Louis first planted the seeds of this company, to the expansion under Dale and Jim, to the forward-looking innovations under Troy, one thing has remained constant: the belief that our success is a result of dedication and hard work, guided by values that have stood the test of time. As we move forward, we carry this legacy with us, ensuring that the principles that have guided us since 1963 continue to thrive.
To everyone who has been a part of this journey—past and present workers, partners, and collaborators—we thank you. We look forward to the road ahead and to continuing this legacy together. It is our personal prayer that God continues to bless and guide this company, watching over all the individuals and families who have been part of our story, and granting us a bountiful harvest this season and in the years to come.
