WPVGA Inducts Tom Wild and Gary and Lynda Bula into Wisconsin Potato Hall of Fame 2026

Tom Wild of Wild Seed Farms Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin, and Gary and Lynda Bula, owners of Gary Bula Farms Inc., Oxford, were inducted into the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) Hall of Fame during the association’s Annual Awards Banquet held February 4, 2026, in Stevens Point.

The WPVGA Hall of Fame recognizes lifetime achievement and significant contributions to the development of Wisconsin’s potato industry.
 

Tom Wild: leadership in seed and industry development

Tom Wild has been involved in his family’s potato operation since graduating from Antigo High School in 1968. Wild Seed Farms was founded in 1948 by Leonard Wild and Lukas Sikora. Over the decades, the farm expanded both in acreage and technology, evolving into a multi-generational seed potato business. Today, the farm produces approximately 500 acres of certified Frito-Lay and Atlantic seed potatoes, along with oats and clover. The fourth generation of the family is now involved in ownership and operations.

Wild has held numerous leadership roles within the potato industry. He served on the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association, chaired the Seed Promotion Committee, and contributed to the WPVGA Inspection and Research Committees. He has been a member of the Wisconsin Potato Industry Board since 1992, including 11 years as president.

Nationally, Wild served two terms on the U.S. Potato Board beginning in 1988, including time as chairman in 1992. His work included involvement in export promotion and seed potato development initiatives.

Tom Wild:

"I want to thank all my growers and customers for allowing me to work with them over the years. After my wife, Caroline, and family, the next most important thing in my life is the opportunity to be involved in farming."

Gary and Lynda Bula: diversification and community engagement

Gary and Lynda Bula have been growing potatoes for more than 50 years. Their operation includes diversified crop production in Wisconsin and Missouri, incorporating potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, peas, soybeans, alfalfa and other rotational crops.

In Wisconsin, approximately 850 acres are devoted to potatoes, with production allocated to frozen processing, chip production, table stock and restaurant markets. The Bula family also established a potato farm in Missouri in 1989 and previously grew potatoes in Illinois for McCain Foods.

Lynda Bula became the first woman to serve on the WPVGA Board of Directors in 1992, contributing 12 years of service. Gary continues to serve on several WPVGA committees, including Chip, SpudPro and Research.

The Bula family has also been active in local and state agricultural organizations, including the Adams County Farm Bureau and related committees focused on policy development and agricultural education.

Gary and Lynda Bula, owners of Gary Bula Farms Inc., Oxford

Gary Bula:

"We want to provide our children and grandchildren with the opportunity to care for our farms the way we have, and to have the tools and resources to make better choices. That requires working with growers, researchers and partners, and using new technologies and practices to grow food better and safer with a smaller footprint."

The 2026 Hall of Fame induction highlights the long-term contributions of both families to Wisconsin’s potato sector through production, leadership and industry engagement.