Wisconsin Foodie: Exploring the Innovation Behind Potato Chips

Community
Written By Caitlin Sparling

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Wisconsin Foodie to Plover to explore the roots of one of America’s favorite snacks and see how we’re bringing the story of agriculture to life.

Agriculture is the heartbeat of Wisconsin, but how often do we stop to consider the journey our food takes before it reaches our plates? At Food + Farm Exploration Center, our mission is to bridge that gap, educating current and future generations about the incredible innovation and sustainability driving modern farming.

A Legacy of Growth: Heartland Farms

Our story is deeply intertwined with Heartland Farms, a fifth-generation family farm that has been a cornerstone of Wisconsin agriculture since 1873. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Pavelski family, whose vision and support were instrumental in founding Food + Farm Exploration Center.

Today, Heartland Farms manages roughly 12,000 acres of potatoes, producing over 650 million pounds annually. While the scale is massive, the focus remains on a "mixture of technology and old-school grit." From utilizing AI-powered optical sorters to ensure only the best potatoes make the cut, to implementing advanced sustainability practices, they are proving that large-scale farming can be both high-tech and high-care.

What Makes a "Chipping Potato"?

Not all potatoes are created equal. Unlike the russets you might use for baking, "chipping potatoes" are specifically bred for the perfect crunch. These varieties feature:

  • Higher Starch Content: Ensuring a consistent, crispy texture.

  • Lower Sugar: Essential to prevent burning and maintain that signature golden-brown color.

  • Shape and Skin: Typically round for consistent chips and paper-thin skin, so there’s less waste when processing.

Cultivating Understanding in Plover, Wisconsin

"People don't protect what they don't understand." This philosophy, shared by our founder Dick Pavelski, is at the core of everything we do. Our state-of-the-art center in Central Wisconsin features 61 interactive exhibits and five acres of demonstration fields where we grow everything from sweet corn to six different varieties of potatoes.

Whether you are exploring our greenhouse or engaging with our farm-to-table exhibits, the goal is the same: to reconnect with the land and the people who grow our food. For travelers seeking authentic tourism options in Central Wisconsin, the Center offers a unique look at the science behind the snacks we love.

 

The Kitchen Lab: Recreating the "Perfect Bite"

One of the most popular ways to experience the Center is through our Kitchen Lab. Led by Chef Davey Lynch, these hands-on cooking classes show how local ingredients can be transformed into world-class dishes using the same tools you have in your own home.

In the Wisconsin Foodie feature, Chef Davey demonstrated the "perfect bite"—a Wisconsin Potato Chip-Encrusted Pork Schnitzel with Italian Agrodolce Sauce. This dish elevates local pork loin by encrusting it in crushed Lay’s potato chips (sourced right from Heartland Farms!). It is served over creamy Wisconsin cheddar grits and topped with a vibrant maple-cranberry Italian agrodolce sauce. We’ve recreated this recipe over with the community in many sold-out classes! We have one more planned for this year.

Register for the Wisconsin Foodie Cooking Class
Register for the Wisconsin Foodie Cooking Class
 

Focus Crop: Wisconsin Cranberries

The agrodolce sauce highlights the cranberry, another vital part of our state's agricultural identity. Wisconsin is the world’s leading producer of cranberries, harvesting more than 60% of the entire nation’s crop!

 

Plan Your Visit to Food + Farm Exploration Center

Ready to see the innovation for yourself? Whether you're a local family or a visitor exploring the best of Wisconsin’s food scene, we invite you to discover a new way to experience your favorite foods.

 
Caitlin Sparling
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Education News — Summer 2026