Kathy Sponheim of Michael Family Farms spoke to the Urbana Lions Club during a meeting held at the family’s farm, where members also received a tour of the operation and learned more about the local agricultural business.
Michael Family Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned potato business located in Ohio’s Central Valley. The company began in the 1950s as Michael and Sons, growing round white potatoes for seasonal sales. Over the decades, the business has expanded its operations and now sells more than 30 varieties of potatoes year-round.
The farm is one of five major potato farms in Ohio and supplies fresh potatoes to customers within a five-hour radius. The company says its location in the Midwest allows it to take advantage of transportation infrastructure and nearby markets to deliver potatoes efficiently while reducing the distance between the farm and consumers.
Sponheim, whose maiden name is Michael, is a fourth-generation co-owner of the business. She earned degrees in agribusiness and applied economics and agronomy from The Ohio State University before working for John Deere. Her career there included roles in tactical sales, dealer development, new product development and territory sales management.
She eventually returned to the family business, where she oversees sales, marketing and administration. Her brother, Kyle Michael, manages the farm’s growing operations, while the family continues to build on its agricultural roots through growing, packing and shipping potatoes.
In the 2000s, Michael Family Farms helped establish Fresh Solutions Network alongside other family-owned growers. The national marketing group allows participating farms to develop new products and serve both regional and national customers.
The farm grows round white and red potatoes on its home property, with russet and yellow varieties grown at partner farms in Indiana and Michigan. All the potatoes are transported to the company’s centrally located facility to be washed, packed and prepared for distribution.
Each variety offers different characteristics and uses. White potatoes are commonly used for mashed potatoes, salads and frying, while russet potatoes are popular for baking and French fries. Red potatoes are often used in salads, soups and stews, and yellow potatoes are known for their creamy texture and are frequently roasted, grilled or mashed.
Michael Family Farms supplies both retail and foodservice customers, including businesses that use potatoes for potato salad, fresh-cut fries and potato chips. The company emphasizes providing a consistent, year-round supply to its customers.
Outside of its daily operations, the Michael family remains involved in the broader potato industry. Family members have served in leadership roles with organizations including the National Potato Council, the Ohio Potato Growers Association and Potatoes USA.
More information about the family business, its history, and its products is available at Michael Family Farms.
