Ron Norman to Receive NPPGA's Meritorious Service Award

After a half a century in the potato business in the Red River Valley, Ron Norman recently retired but that hasn't slowed him down, Ron now has more time to to do the things he enjoys like traveling, fishing and hitting the road on his Harley.

Retired but not forgotten, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association will honor Ron with its Meritorious Service Award at their banquet on February 17th at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.


Ron will tell you he works hard and plays hard, but it is his many friendships he takes pride in. From laborers in the plant to the icons in the potato industry, it makes no difference to Ron, he treats everyone with the same respect and warmth. He may even tell you a colorful story or two along the way.

The year was 1967 when Ron went to work in the warehouse for Jerry and Tom Ryan at the Ryan Potato Company in East Grand Forks. Trained as a welder he repaired and built equipment for the plant for three years. His great work ethic didn't go unnoticed, for the next 10 years he ran the seed department. The following 15 years beginning in 1979 he ran both the seed operation and the wash plant before becoming the Director of Operations in 1994. He held that title under three owners; sixteen years for the Ryan Potato Company, a year and a half for R.D. Offutt and the past three and a half years for Campbell and Kroeker Farms.

Much has changed in the potato business over the years, but one thing has remained steady. Ron Norman. Congratulations Ron!

The NPPGA Chairman's and Awards Banquet will be held on February 17, 2015. If you want to attend this event, contact the NPPGA.