AUXILIARY NEWS

By Datonn Hanke, vice president, WPGA

Hello, everyone! Welcome

back to Auxiliary News. If you recall, back in September, I interviewed new Wisconsin Potato Growers Auxiliary (WPGA) Board member, Misti Ward. This month, I’d like to introduce you to our other new board member, Erin Baginski. I had a few questions for Erin, so I’ll let her answer them herself.

Tell us about yourself, your family,

and your farm. I was born and raised in Antigo. I was a city girl and met my husband, Mike, in high school. I went to UW-Stevens Point and graduated with a degree in elementary education. I taught for a few years before Mike’s mom, Sue, decided she wanted to retire, and so I started working on the farm in 2001. I handle all the finances and human resources responsibilities. Baginski Farms has grown over the years. It used to be run by Mike’s father, Ted, and his two brothers. Now it is just Mike and I along with our incredible employees, many of whom have been here longer than me. I also now have two other wonderful ladies on the office staff with me. I have learned so much about the industry through the years, but truly value the relationships that have been created with all our customers. Many of them have bought seed from us for many years, so they seem like family. Mike and I have been married for 23 years. We have three children. Grace is 20 and currently a sophomore at UW-Oshkosh studying international business. Maggie is a junior at Antigo High School. Teddy is in the 7th grade at All Saints Catholic School.

Erin Baginski (center) of Baginski Farms shared this family vacation photo. From left to right are her daughter, Grace; husband, Mike; Erin; son, Teddy; and daughter, Maggie.

What are you most excited for now that you’re on the WPGA Board?

I served on the Auxiliary many years ago when Mike and I first got married. I wanted to learn more about the industry, and spending time with women who had been involved for many years was a great way to learn and connect with other ladies like me. I enjoyed participating in many of the activities back then and look forward to having that opportunity again.

What programs do you plan to get involved in through WPGA?

I think I am most excited to serve on the Promotions Committee. I am just finishing a six-year term on the Potatoes USA Board and have learned so much about how, as an industry, potatoes are promoted domestically and internationally. I look forward to working with Wisconsin growers to learn more about how they promote the industry. I also look forward to connecting with new women in the industry. The Auxiliary has changed a great deal over the years, as well, and has taken on several new projects. I’m so excited to have Erin on the Board with us, and I know she’ll do amazing things! Until next time, Datonn