Who Are This Year’s Grower Achievement Award Regional Winners?
August 3, 2022 Three excellent vegetable operations earned top plaudits for their regions in the American Vegetable GrowerSM Grower Achievement Award program.
These growers personify excellent practices all of us can learn from.
Lipman Family Farms | Grower Achievement Award Regional Winner: East, Immokale, FL
CROPS: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, green beans, eggplant, watermelon, and specialty crops
LOCATIONS: Headquarters in Florida, multiple sites throughout the U.S., Mexico, and greenhouse production in Canada
Lipman Family Farms’ production methods in the fields and greenhouses use techniques that not only increase yield but ensure the land remains healthy long into the future. For example, the operation was one of the first in the U.S. to convert to drip irrigation under plastic, a practice widely adopted today by others across the country.
From pre-plant to postharvest, they test nutrient availability in the soil and water resources, plant tissue, and their final produce commodity.
The farm partners with the University of Florida in trialing new production techniques. In a current study, it and other area growers have devoted 10 acres to learning how best to use phosphorus in tomato and potato production.
“Lipman is one of the most proactive growers I know,” says Shinsuke Agehara, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Head of Agehara Horticultural Science Lab, University of Florida. “They are already excellent growers, but they continue to adopt new technology and best management practices to improve their production efficiency. Not only do they have positive attitudes toward sustainability and environmental conservation, but they are extremely committed to making positive changes.”
Lipman’s motto, Good From the Ground Up, aligns with its business goal of no short cuts, sustainability, and longevity.
Photo courtesy of Lipman Family Farms
The team at Lipman Family Farms is active in its community, including organizing teddy bear drives for highway offices in California, preparing dinners for the homeless in Mexico, and collecting school uniforms for Florida elementary school students. These are just a few of the operation’s many charitable efforts, which have donated more than one million dollars to schools, scholarships, building facilities for children’s organizations, and schools serving migrant workers’ children.
It has also adopted a system to ensure it adopts the ag technology that will keep the farms working at top efficiency. From moisture sensors to tracking produce for optimal food safety practices, Lipman Family Farms is an industry leader in finding, testing, and using new tools.
Morrow Farms | Grower Achievement Award Regional Winner: West, Hatch, NM
CROPS: Melons, onions, green and red chiles, beans, seasonal vegetables, cotton, corn, and alfalfa
THREE MAIN PARTNERS: Joe Morrow and sons Harvey and John
In its 30-year history, Morrow Farms has accomplished quite an impressive reputation. Founder Harvey Morrow and his partners Joe Morrow (his father) and John Morrow (his brother) pursue the combined ambitions of a well-run operation and supporting the local community.
The 1,500-acre farm was the first to install subsurface irrigation in Southern New Mexico. Today, its drip irrigation on the rotational plantings is computerized — just one of the high-tech adoptions for the operation.
Knowing how vital natural resources are to the industry, the Morrows serve on soil and water boards. They also donate to local food banks and offer time and resources to the community. They are true ambassadors for agriculture.
[From left] John Morrow with his dad Joe Morrow and older brother Harvey.
Photo courtesy of Morrow Farms
“Family partnerships can be difficult, but these guys make it work,” says family member Sandra Morrow.
Tenaza Organics | Grower Achievement Award Regional Winner: Central, McAllen, TX
CROPS: Parsley, broccoli, beets, bunched spinach, Swiss chard, kale, and cabbage
CUSTOMERS: Large retailers and restaurants throughout Texas and exports to Canada when availability allows
Jen Murray, Owner of Tenaza Organics, is an advocate for all fresh produce. Through his roles as Chair of the Texas International Produce Association, participating in the Organic Standards board, and his advocacy for the industry in politics and public speaking, Murray promotes how much produce benefits health and how delicious it can be.
“Jed could practically host a cooking show with some of the creative and incredibly fresh produce dishes he puts together,” says Dante Galeazzi, President and CEO, Texas International Produce Association & Texas Vegetable Association. “Ask him about red Swiss chard or deconstructed beet-cheesecake. I promise, you will not be disappointed with the results from either.”
Tenaza Organics promotes the health and value of its produce to consumers. It also promotes buying from local growers. The bunch spinach label points out that it’s grown in Texas.
Photo courtesy of Tenaza Organics
Murray also speaks with college and high school students about job opportunities in agriculture, and he advocates for growers when the news media runs stories on the industry.
In addition to owning Tenaza Organics, Murray is Co-Owner of MO Produce, which provides large retailers in Texas vegetables.
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