Growing Together: Trever Belnap

Trever Belnap grew up working on his grandparents’ farms, so hard work was nothing new when he married into the fourth generation of a farming family in eastern Idaho.

Before joining the family operation, Trever spent several years working for the U.S. Department of Energy, applying his background in environmental science, biology, and business. Thirteen years ago, he transitioned into agriculture full-time. Today, he serves as production manager of Hamer Farms, as well as general manager of Ball Brothers Produce, the family’s packing operation.

“My education and background have really helped,” he said. “With food safety being so important, we go through multiple audits each year for both the farm and the packing operation. My experience has helped me develop the policies and procedures we need to meet customer requirements and prove our potatoes are safe and ready for the market.”

Hamer Farms grows 1,500 acres of potatoes, as well as alfalfa, corn, wheat, and mustard. The business also has cattle and sheep operations.

The bulk of Hamer Farms’ potato crop is fresh russet potatoes. Most of them are shipped east of the Mississippi River, but Trever said they also ship to markets as far as Malaysia and Central America.

The farm grows about half to two-thirds of the potatoes needed to fill the family’s packing house, so Trever said they also contract with local growers to pack their potatoes as well. Across the farm and the packing operation, the business employs almost 60 people.

Trever’s son has also joined the family business – adding its fifth generation – after earning a degree in agribusiness and gaining experience at a large farm out of state.

This year is Trever’s ninth on the Potatoes USA board since 2016. He previously served four years as an Administrative Committee member (2018-22) and as Chair of the Production Research Committee (2023-25), and currently serves as Chair of the Communications Committee. He says Potatoes USA helps U.S. growers stay competitive.

“The longer I’ve been involved with Potatoes USA, the more I appreciate how much they do to help drive demand for potatoes,” he said. “Without their support, I think growers would really struggle to compete, especially with the increasing pressure from imports. I also doubt we’d have the international market presence we have today. Their staff is so professional and engaged with what’s happening – it’s money well spent.”

When it comes to eating potatoes, Trever said, “It’s hard to go wrong with fried potatoes, but I like au gratin.”

Trever also likes the versatility of potatoes for cooking.

“I use them in a lot of things,” he said. “I really like fresh hash browns. They have to be crispy, though! I like it when I can cut out a square and they stay together.”

When he isn’t working, Trever spends time outdoors.

“We like to backpack in the summer and get away where there’s no cell coverage, and we just have to check out,” he said. “It’s hard with everything going on, but it’s really nice for a couple of days to just get away and relax.”

Trever is also an avid pilot.

“I love flying, so every chance I get, I’m in the air somewhere, usually cruising around the mountains and looking at pretty things from the air.”