Anthony Farms: A Grower To Remember

Growing up, when September rolled around, I knew many new things would be happening — the new school year, seeing old school friends, the possibility of making new friends and, of course, new shoes. Today, I still think of September as the start of something new but I’ve got a different perspective. School may be a thing of the past for me, but I’m still learning. As growers, I’m sure you still take every opportunity to learn, as well.

As the month of September is upon us again, take the time to assess your operation, and find out what you can do better next season. Be sure to investigate any new varieties that offer disease resistance or ones that grow well in your region.

Take inventory of your equipment, as well. What needs to be repaired? What needs to be replaced? Do your homework and find out about the latest technology that is available to you.

As sales to your farm market begin to wind down, ramp up your research on improvements for the market next year. Now is your chance to take the time to think about the future of your farming operation and what you’d like it to become. Plan accordingly.

A Winning Operation

One grower who has taken the time to plan ahead in virtually all aspects of the operation is Anthony Farms. This operation located in Scandinavia, WI, is the 2007 Grower Achievement Award winner. Anthony Farms also exemplifies the four principles of the SEED Initiative.

Stand Tall Together. Owners Chris and Vic Anthony grow potatoes, among other crops, and work side-by-side with the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Association and the United States Potato Board, among others. Chris Anthony, in particular, has worked hard over the years to encourage increased consumption of potatoes.

Engage The Consumer: Because consumers weren’t being provided with enough information on the health benefits of potatoes, Chris worked to change that via packaging. She was instrumental in getting verbiage on potato packages that not only let consumers know just how good potatoes are for them, it also offered different ways to prepare them.

Embrace New Technology. Keeping up with the latest gadgets is no easy task, but in order to have potatoes receive the Wisconsin Healthy Grown label, monitor irrigation sites, and traceback produce and chemicals to the fields on which they were grown or produced, the Anthonys submerged themselves in computers and the programs that go along with them.

Deliver Quality:  To provide customers with the best quality produce possible, the Anthonys have changed farming practices over the years to include IPM and they have participated in food safety programs for years.

So take a hard look at your farming practices and determine what can be done to improve your operation. Use the principles of SEED as a guide. You will be glad you did.