Gary Shields | Red River Farm Network

Red River Valley Growers Tour Agristo Operations in Belgium

Published March 11, 2026

A group of nearly 50 potato growers and industry representatives from North Dakota and Minnesota made the trip to Belgium to tour facilities operated by Agristo. The European frozen potato processor is building its first North American plant in Grand…

Potato Growers Heading to D.C

Published February 13, 2026

Potato growers are ramping up advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., to address transportation, labor, and policy challenges affecting the industry. Gary Shields, executive director, Northland Potato Growers Association, says federal policy remains a top priority for maintaining a competitive and…

Celebrating Rising Consumer Demand

Published January 7, 2026

Potato industry leaders say new federal dietary guidelines and shifting consumer habits are reinforcing the nutritional and economic importance of potatoes. Speaking at Potato Expo 2026, Northland Potato Growers Executive Director Gary Shields said national unity and research-backed messaging continue…

Spuds Shaping Up Nicely

Published August 1, 2025

Potato fields across North Dakota and Minnesota are showing excellent potential. Northland Potato Growers Association Executive Director Gary Shields says growing conditions have been favorable with no major issues reported so far. “You get up to the Canadian border, they…

Huge Opportunity for Grand Forks and the Region

Published January 10, 2025

Stevens Point, Wisconsin was under consideration for the new Agristo potato processing plant. Those negotiations have ended and the European company has selected Grand Forks for the facility. "We have 12-plus counties where we have the potential to grow dryland…

Potato Harvest Nears Completion

Published October 30, 2024

Northland Potato Growers Association Executive Director Gary Shields said less than five percent of the crop is left to harvest. “Yield is good. Some varieties didn’t quite size, but overall it was a good crop.” The dry harvest weather was…

Shields Excited for His New Role

Published August 6, 2024

The Northern Potato Growers Association's new executive director is settling into his new role. Having been in the industry for over 30 years, Gary Shields is not new to the business, having served as president of the Potato Associates for…

NPGA Names New Executive Director

Published July 19, 2024

The Northland Potato Growers Association has named Gary Shields its new executive director. Shields has been involved in the potato industry for over 30 years. For the past 14 years, Shields has been a territory sales manager for Central Bag…

Consumer Demand Evolves

Published February 22, 2024

The potato industry continues to evolve. Northland Potato Associates President Gary Shields says innovation is happening to meet consumer demand. "We've seen a little shift with the yellow potatoes on the market and our reds still are what I would consider…

Northland Potato Associates Re-Brand

Published January 7, 2023

Following the lead of the Northern Potato Growers Association re-brand to Northland Potato Growers Association, Northland Potato Associates President Gary Shields says his organization will also rebrand to Northern Potato Associates. "We're very excited to promote the new brand and…

Articles tagged under: Gary Shields

Red River Valley Growers Tour Agristo Operations in Belgium

Potato Growers Heading to D.C

Celebrating Rising Consumer Demand

Spuds Shaping Up Nicely

Huge Opportunity for Grand Forks and the Region

Potato Harvest Nears Completion

Shields Excited for His New Role

NPGA Names New Executive Director

Consumer Demand Evolves

Northland Potato Associates Re-Brand

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Articles tagged under: Gary Shields

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