Our Story

History

Michael Family Farms is a 4th generation family potato business, located in the Ohio Central Valley. Starting in the 1950s, Michael and Sons grew only round White varieties and sold them seasonally. The potato industry has changed a lot since then and so has the Michael Family. Michael Family Farms currently sells over 30 different types of potatoes all year-round. In the 2000s, knowing we needed to continue to innovate, we helped create a national marketing group named Fresh Solutions Network with other like-minded family growers. The Network allowed us to innovate new products and service both regional and national accounts with locally grown potatoes. After years of outside industry experience, both Kyle and Kathy (the 4th generation) were able to come back to their true passion, continuing to grow the family business.

Outside of growing, packing and shipping potatoes, we all enjoy spending time together as a family. We love water sports, snow skiing/boarding, cheering for the Buckeyes and traveling.

 

Our Values

Todd Michael

Todd received his BS in Agricultural Business and Vegetable Production from The Ohio State University. He is the recipient of several industry awards:

  • American Vegetable Grower Achievement Award
  • NPC/EPA Environmental Stewardship Award
  • OVPGA Distinguished Service Award
  • Three (3) Golden Potato Awardsâ—¦

Todd served as the president of the National Potato Council and Ohio Potato Growers Association. He has also held leadership positions with the Potatoes USA Board, including Chairman of the Board and Domestic Marketing Committee Co-Chair.

Kyle Michael

Kyle received his BS in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Agronomy from The Ohio State University. He is an alumnus of the Potato Industry Leadership Institute and is currently a Potatoes USA Board member serving on the Admin committee. Kyle started his own business while in college, growing it to be the premier innovative diesel performance hub in the area. His mechanical expertise and agronomy background is invaluable on the farm. Kyle is a co-owner and manages all growing operations.

Kathy Michael Sponheim

Kathy received her BS in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and Agronomy from The Ohio State University. She served as a Potatoes USA balloon ambassador for the Healthy Mr. Potato Head balloon in the 2006 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, received The Frieda Rapport Caplan Family Business Scholarship to attend United Fresh’s Washington Conference in 2019 and is an alumni of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Leadership Class 26. Kathy worked for John Deere before returning to the family business; roles included tactical sales, dealer development, new product development, and territory sales management. She is a co-owner and manages sales, marketing, and administration.

Virtually Step Into Our Fields

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Podcast of Michael Family 4th Gen Farmers

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Partner Owner

Michael Family Farms is a partner-owner in Fresh Solution Farms, LLC, a state of the art growing, storage, packing, and shipping facility. Built-in 2008 in White Pigeon, Michigan with a large storage addition in 2018.

Storage

Tank Room

Pack Lines

Exclusive supplier of the Side Delights brand /// Proud Fresh Solutions Network Partner

 

Grower of the Month!

In January 2020, Michael Family Farms was featured as “Grower of the Month” for Potato Grower Magazine.

Read the Article