Simplot Company

First domesticated in the Andes of modern Peru and Bolivia 7,000–10,000 years ago, the potato has long been a cornerstone of human survival. Indigenous Andean farmers cultivated more than 5,000 varieties and developed freeze-drying techniques, creating chuño that could last for years. Centuries later, similar innovation fueled the early success of the Simplot Company, which shipped millions of pounds of dehydrated potatoes overseas during World War II to feed soldiers. Introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the late 1500s, the potato quickly became a staple. But dependence on limited varieties had devastating consequences during the Irish Potato Famine, when blight led to roughly one million deaths. Today, advances like Simplot’s blight resistant potatoes aim to prevent such losses in the future. Now the world’s fourth-largest food crop, potatoes feed over one billion people and grow in more than 100 countries. Hardy, efficient, and nutritious, rich in vitamin C, potassium, and energy, potatoes remain essential to global food security. From ancient Andes to modern Idaho, the humble potato has shaped history and may be the closest thing we have to a truly global vegetable. Dare we say, the potato is the MVP of the vegetable world?

Did you know that back in the 1980s, Simplot turned heads across the country with a 20-mule team pulling a custom covered wagon to promote our potatoes, processed foods, and even early farm computers! These weren’t just any mules, they were all pure white, bred by crossing Spanish jacks with Shetland pony mares. Of the 40 foals produced, 26 became part of our team. Standing about four feet tall, these skilled performers could pull off figure eights and even spin in a full circle. According to Farm Show magazine in 1985, “It’s the only team we know of that has 20 perfectly matched white mules.” Talk about a showstopper!

At Simplot, safety is at the center of everything we do. This week, we took the time to reinforce the importance of keeping safety at the forefront of what we do, every day, as part of Simplot’s Global Safety Week. As the week comes to a close, our commitment continues. Across our company, we work to protect ourselves, look out for one another and manage risks before they lead to harm. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped reinforce a culture where every choice matters. Together, we can keep safety at the center of all we do, every day.

From golden fries and crunchy chips to fluffy baked potatoes and everything in between, potatoes do it all. At Simplot, we love the potato not just for its flavor but for its versatility and ability to bring people together around every table. Today (and everyday), there’s no wrong way to enjoy a potato!

We were proud to welcome the 2026 Idaho FFA Association State Officer Team for a behind-the-scenes look at agriculture in action. These future leaders embarked on a journey through southern Idaho, gaining hands-on experience across Simplot’s operations. Thank you to the Idaho FFA Association for partnering with us to share the many opportunities within agriculture and the positive impact it brings every day!

Happy National Intern Day! Today’s interns are tomorrow’s innovators, leaders and problem solvers. We’re grateful for the contributions our interns make across North America. Thank you for bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas and enthusiasm to our teams! Thinking about a future internship with Simplot? You can learn more about our program and upcoming opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/eTB3DQ23

What makes Simplot special? Our people, and you could be one of them. Whether you’re just getting started or bringing years of experience, there’s a place for you at Simplot. We’re hiring—join the team at: https://lnkd.in/eynRtEda

For 15 years, Simplot’s Rescue Competition has brought teams together from across our Mining and Manufacturing operations to prepare for the unexpected. This year’s event in Nampa challenged participants with real-world scenarios such as high-angle rescues and simulated structure fires. These exercises help us sharpen our skills and build confidence for the moments that matter most. Explore how teamwork and training help keep our people and communities safe in the full article.

A Boise favorite rolled back into view this Fourth of July thanks to Simplot volunteers and community partners. Discover how this historic train was restored for the America250 Parade in our full story below.

They're golden, crispy and unforgettable. Fries have earned their own holiday, and we’re proud to have played a big role in their journey! Since pioneering the development of the frozen french fry in 1946, we now have 17 potato processing plants across the globe, dedicated to producing billions of pounds of frozen potato and sweet potato products annually for our global customers. Happy National Fry Day!