Bruce Sackett was named farm manager of the Michigan State University Montcalm Research Farm, Feb. 11.

As farm manager, Sackett will oversee the facility's farm operations and work closely with technicians, principal investigators and affiliated groups and offices.

"We are pleased and excited that Bruce has agreed to become the new manager at the Montcalm station," says Charles Reid, director of the MSU Land Management Office. "With Bruce's knowledge of the potato industry and his long-standing relationships with potato producers, we believe he will have an immediate impact on station management."

Sackett succeeds farm manager Dick Crawford. "He's done a good job," Sackett says. "My job, when Dick retires at the end of February, will primarily be to manage the farming operations and work with the researchers who use the farm's research plots. I'm excited about the opportunity to use my experience and knowledge to move the work done here forward."

Sackett comes to the Montcalm Research Farm with an extensive farming and business background. He co-owned Sackett Ranch from 1964 to 1993 and then sold his share of the business and opened Sackett Farm Equipment in 1994. He is often praised for his long-established relationships within his community and with farmers and suppliers.

"We want the Montcalm facility to be a beacon that reflects the quality reputation and research MSU is known for," says Chris Long, a potato specialist for the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. "Bruce's personality and attention to detail can make that light shine even brighter."

The Montcalm Research Farm conducts studies for Michigan's potato and dry bean producers. Established in 1966, the 57-acre facility near Stanton examines potato varieties and weed, insect and disease control - all aimed at providing growers with innovative techniques that have the least possible environmental impact.

The MSU Land Management Office, established in 1979, manages all university off-campus properties and facilities - University Farms in East Lansing, the 14 off-campus Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station field research facilities, and all other agricultural and natural resources properties owned by the university or the MSU Foundation. The properties encompass more than 20,000 acres at 44 locations in 28 counties and two states.