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President (Jeremie) and co-owners
Heartland Farms | Hancock
Having grown up on his family farm, Jeremie Pavelski and his wife, Alicia, now help lead the fifth-generation enterprise, Heartland Farms. Jeremie is president of the Hancock-based chipping potato supplier, under the leadership of his father, chief executive officer Richard Pavelski. The 27,000-acre potato and vegetable farm operates in five counties in central Wisconsin, supplying potatoes to the likes of Frito Lay. In addition to a variety of potatoes, the farm grows sweet corn, peas, green beans and soybeans.
Heartland Farms operates about 100 center-pivot irrigation systems, helping the farm maintain yield and quality of a sensitive crop. The farm also uses advanced irrigation technology, such as automatic rain gauges that shut down the system when the crop has received a sufficient amount of water. Heartland has also converted fully to LED lighting in its facilities, reducing its energy usage. The farm’s practices have made the Pavelskis leaders in the industry related to conservation.
The Pavelski family founded the Farming for the Future Foundation, a nonprofit that works to promote agricultural literacy and instill a greater appreciation for the origins of food through education outreach. Alicia serves as board president; Jeremie is emeritus director.
Jeremie was named “Young Grower of the Year” by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association in 2011. He has also served on the association’s board of directors as well as its chip committee and water task force.
Education: Jeremie: Associate, North Central Technical College | Alicia: Bachelor’s, Milwaukee School of Engineering
