Tyler Heppell, also known as Potato Ty, shares why innovation on the farm is needed
By Haley Bilokraly
Farms.com Intern
Photo Credit: @Potayty on Instagram and @HeppellsPotato on Tik Tok
If your social media feed consists of farming videos, it is very likely that you’ve scrolled across Tyler Heppell, otherwise known on social media as Potato Ty.
Tyler Heppell is a fifth-generation potato farmer from British Columbia who is bridging the gap between traditional and new age farming. He has been featured in Spudsmart Magazine and shares his story to farmers across Canada when possible. He recently presented at Canada's Farm Show in Regina, Saskatchewan.
When Heppell returned to work on the farm, he noticed the need to innovate and encourage the younger generation to continue farming. As a result, he has been sharing his story on social media.
With a following of over 600,000 people on Tik Tok and Instagram, Tyler uses his platform to educate the end consumer about farming and as a way to share a farmer’s perspective on widespread issues affecting the agriculture industry.
After seeing great success with social media, Heppell is encouraging others to join in on the conversation, saying “At the end of the day, we need more ag tech, we need more farmers, we need more agriculture workers to be on social media to talk about the good, bad, and beautiful parts of producing food.”
Heppell’s message doesn’t stop at taking advantage of social media. With rising labour costs and a disinterested younger generation, Tyler shares how innovation on the farm is necessary for survival.
Listen to Tyler’s message about succession planning, innovation, and more below.