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SUSTAINABILITY

PRESERVING OUR RESOURCES

Preservation, conservation, sustainability, recycling.. all words with big impacts, if action is taken. Our philosophy is to take steps, both large and small, to reduce our environmental impact while growing our sweet, delicious watermelons & strawberries.

We realize the responsibility we have to our local communities to be good stewards of the land and resources we use. Our business depends on it. So, what steps do we take? We are glad you asked!

We use different techniques:

Planting wind rows

Planted between the rows of watermelons, wind rows lessen soil erosion and help to reduce

the amount of crop applications needed. This benefits the surrounding areas and overall

soil health.

integrated pest management systems

By implementing IPM programs, we work at each farm to identify, monitor, evaluate, prevent, take action if needed and monitor some more... all to manage pests with the most current methods while reducing risks to people and the environment.

drip irrigation

One of the largest ways our farms conserve water is using drip irrigation to deliver water to directly to the plants.

crop rotation

Being mindful of crops grown before and after our watermelons assists in the reduction of crop applications used by reducing the exposure to weeds and unwanted insects. Crop rotation also assists in developing and maintaining healthy soil.

wireless soil
moisture systems

Utilizing these solar powered systems we are able to see real time data such as root level moisture, temperature, humidity, weather data, precipitation. Real time access to this data allows for better nutrient application and better water management.

gps guided tractors

Precision agriculture assists in eliminating overlap in the field. This results in reduced fuel use and increased accuracy in field applications.

shed construction

To reduce electricity use, sheds are constructed with translucent panels to allow for lighting during the day. Motion detectors are used in areas where translucent panels can’t be installed to only run lighting as needed.

hybrid Vehicles

With each corporate vehicle purchase, we are reviewing hybrid options that are available. Currently, 20% of our corporate fleet is hybrid.

packing materials

We use cardboard bins made of recycled material. We partner with suppliers that are certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

We use a pooled program consisting of block wood pallets. This program uses an efficient circular supply chain. Two of the goals

of this supply chain are to eliminate empty transport miles and eliminate packaging waste. In 2023, this program allowed us to

save 3,131,100 pounds of CO2 which is the equivalent to that

absorbed by 1,732 acres of forests.

Of course, we live by what our grandparents taught us... take no more than we need and use it until it doesn't work anymore - then use it again for something else. Simple, common-sense approaches that have worked for years.