The Louisiana Yambilee Association Board of Directors has chosen Matthew Garber of Iota to serve as their 2009 Mr. Yam.

Mr. Yam is selected by the Board for his significant contribution to the development and growth of the sweet potato Industry. Matthew is the son of Wayne and Glenda Garber and was raised on the family farm in Iota. He is a graduate of Iota High Class of 1991. He graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1995 where he received a Bachelors Degree in Food and Resource Economics.

Upon graduating from LSU, he began working full time at Garber Farms, and in 2001 became an equal partner with his brother, Michael and father, Wayne. Together, the Garbers farm rice, milo, soybeans, and sweet potatoes, totaling over 4,000 acres.

Beyond the 915 acres of sweet potatoes raised on their own farms, the Garbers market about 50% of Louisiana’s total fresh sweet potato crop. Matthew handles the sales and communications with all of the cooperating packers that pack in Garber Farms cartons.

The Garbers ship their products to wholesale and retail outlets across the United States, Canada, and England.

Matthew follows in his father Wayne’s footsteps as being selected as Mr. Yam. Wayne Garber was named Mr. Yam in 1996.

As a Yambilee Dignitary, Matthew will be introduced at all Yambilee functions. For a schedule of events, please visit www.yambilee.com.