What a wonderful first trip for the Class of 2024!

The STEP-UPP Retail students participate in field and plant tours to learn how to partner with growers more effectively, and gain a better understanding of the industry through an emphasis on strategic orientation, personal leadership, as well as hands-on field experience. 

For the class of 2024, their first trip began with dinner on Tuesday night at Manchester Arms Restaurant in Atlanta.

Wednesday: EarthFresh, Pure Flavor, Lane Southern Orchards

Early Wednesday morning we were off to EarthFresh with a great tour of their facility to learn about their potato operation. Much thanks to Director of Operations Pedro Lopez and his team. Then off to Pure Flavor to tour their impressive tomato facility in Fort Valley, Ga. Thanks to Tiffany Sabelli, Sr. Director of Sales and to Miguel Puebla the Head Grower. Back on the bus and off to visit Duke Lane and his team at Lane’s Southern Orchards where we saw the packing line for peaches, had an opportunity to drive the pecan shaker, toured the pecan packing facility, had an amazing lunch, and ended with fresh strawberry and peach ice cream! Thanks Duke Lane and team!

We finished the day with an amazing dinner at Pond Restaurant in Warner Robbins, GA. Where there was much conversation about what they witnessed all day. Everyone was tired but really enjoyed the packed schedule.

Thursday: L.G. Herndon Farms & SuperFit Greens, Vidalia Onion Museum, Bland Farms, Shuman Farms

Back on the bus and off to L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms in Lyons, GA where Director of Sales John Williams shared with us the variety of products they grow, and we had an amazing tour of the SuperFit Greens facility. The highlight for me was seeing Mr. Bo Herndon, who in my mind is a legend in the farming community. 

Back on the bus and it’s Onion Time! First stop, the Vidalia Onion Museum where the group learned about the history of Vidalia onions! Followed by lunch at the well-known Hardware Pizza restaurant where Cliff Riner of G&R Farms also Chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee gave us additional information about the present and future of Vidalia Onions. Aries Haygood, also a grower of Vidalia Onions joined us.

Next stop, Bland Farms. Thanks to Sloan Lott and Troy Bland for an extensive tour of their facility and later we were joined by Delbert Bland in the conference room for additional history of Bland Farms. Our last stop was Shuman Farms where we saw and learned even more about Vidalia onions! We even went out in the fields and pulled onions! John Shuman and his team along with his son Luke and brother Mark did an amazing job of showing us around and sharing new additions that will be in operation by April 17th, the OFFICIAL start date for the 2024 Vidalia Onion season!

The day ended with a very nice dinner at Elements with the whole gang of onion growers. David and Sarah Sherrod joined us as well!

Finishing Strong On Friday: Paul Anderson Youth Home

The Paul Anderson Youth Home is an SEPC Cares charitable partner working provide valuable mentorship and change the lives of toubled young men, and our last day ended with a wonderful tour of the AMAZING Paul Anderson Youth Home by Advancement Officer Victoria Shuman, along with Mark Shuman and the staff!

Can’t wait for our next trip in June!