BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Next year marks the 250th birthday of the United States, and as we look ahead to that, we are sharing stories of Southern Idaho history that helped shape our nation.

In this month’s, “We the People,” we look into the past and present-day significance of the humble potato.

Brian Hansen of Hansen Farms in Minidoka County is a third generation potato farmer.

“Potatoes have been a part of our farm since almost the beginning,” Hansen said.

Right now harvest season is underway at Hansen Farms, where millions of potatoes are being picked, cleaned and sent to storage for processing.

“Some of our potatoes go to the processing industry and get turned into French Fries and tater tots,” Hansen explained.

But, contrary to what you may think, the potato is not native

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