Simplot Company

From The Big Spud to The Silent Spud - the Simplot Company legacy continues!

On April 25, the USS Idaho (SSN‑799) was officially commissioned into the U.S. Navy.
Tom Basabe, President of Land & Livestock, and a group of Simplot employees traveled to witness the moment firsthand. For Tom, it was especially meaningful. His father, John Basabe, former Simplot Land & Livestock president, hired by J.R. Simplot himself, served aboard the USS Idaho (BB‑42) during World War II.

John enlisted just weeks after Pearl Harbor at only 17 years old, forging his mother’s signature to join, and went on to fight in six major battles - earning a battle star for each.
Supporting the military is part of Simplot’s history. This milestone was made possible in part by the Simplot Company Foundation and other Idaho businesses and nonprofits that helped raise more than $1 million through the USS Idaho Commissioning Foundation.

Like Simplot, the USS Idaho carries a legacy rooted in innovation, pride of place and a commitment to something bigger than any one generation. The Simplot Company and the State of Idaho stand proudly behind the USS Idaho as it begins its service, it does so backed by a state that stands behind it, proud of what has been built and confident in what lies ahead.

This month, we honor the rich history, culture, and countless contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. At Simplot, we value the unique perspectives and experiences that strengthen our teams and help us feed the world.

At Simplot, our passion for people drives everything we do. That’s why is such a meaningful opportunity for our employees to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and encourage conversations that challenge harmful misconceptions. Today, we proudly wear denim to foster a culture of respect understanding.

Happy Earth Day! At Simplot, our theme this year is Our Power, Our Planet, a reminder that every action, big or small, makes a difference. It takes all of us working together to move sustainability forward through innovation, everyday decisions, and a shared commitment to bringing Earth’s resources to life for today and for generations to come.