Washington potato grower honored by Ag Forestry Class

Farm and Ranch May 14, 2010 Skagit Valley potato grower Roger Knutzen has been honored by Ag Forestry Class 31 with the Stu Bledsoe Leadership Award. Knutzen, who was in Ag Forestry Class 1, was honored as an individual whose outstanding leadership has made a difference to the natural resource industries in Washington State.

Knutzen says there are a couple of reasons the Stu Bledsoe Leadership Award means a lot to him.

Knutzen: “Number one; I knew Stu Bledsoe and I carry a great deal of respect for him. Some of the things he did in my eyes were just gigantic and so made it special that I receive that award because I carry so much respect for him. And the other thing is that my daughter was in Class 31 so she made the presentation, which is another reason it was very, very special. So, all around the award meant an awful lot to me for many, many reasons.”

Knutzen’s daughter is Konnie McCutchin.

In getting the award Knutzen joins the ranks of outstanding leaders such as Dr. Walter Clore, credited with developing the Washington wine industry; former member of the United States House of Representatives Sid Morrison: State Senator Linda Evans Parlette; and Horse Heaven Hills potato farmer and viticulturist Bud Mercer.

That’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition Today. Good health tomorrow. I’m Bob Hoff on Northwest Aginfo Net.