Alsum Produce has farming operations of 1,300 acres in the fertile soil of the Lower Wisconsin River Valley near Arena. The cool northern temperatures, abundant underground aquifer, and sandy loam soil combine with Alsum's finest seed potatoes to give their customers the freshest, best-tasting potato varieties available.

Larry takes an environmental approach to growing potatoes. He hills the potatoes in rows to create the ideal growing environment. A field scout carefully inspects the fields and recommends the use of pesticides only when necessary. When they do use chemicals, they spray low to the ground, making it safer for employees and as environmentally friendly as possible. Minimum tillage and soil conservation practices round out their commitment to the environment.

Alsum Produce was started in 1973 by Larry’s cousin, Glen Alsum. Glen bought 50-pound and 100-pound bags of Wisconsin-grown potatoes and onions and repackaged them into 5-, 10-, and 15-pound bags. He then sold them store-to-store to grocers in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Business was good, and Glen doubled his warehouse space to just over 4,000 square feet.

Today, Larry ships over 5,000 truckloads of potatoes a year, and employs an average of 100 full-time employees. Take a virtual tour of Larry’s farm and packing shed at www.alsum.com.

Potatoes growing in “hills” on Alsum Produce Farm.
As the plants grow, the potatoes begin forming underground.

Potatoes being conveyed up an elevator for washing and sorting.