What Put the Regional 2021 Grower Achievement Award Winners Over the Top

How did we pick the three regional winners for the 2021 Grower Achievement Award?

It all starts with someone thinking highly enough of a grower to put their fingers to keyboard and tell us what makes that grower great.

We read through every nomination, making note of what makes a grower stand out. Next, we reach out to those who may know the grower, asking for their honest opinion. If that person immediately says, “Wow, that would be a great choice!” then we know we’re on to something.

We end up with several finalists for each region and weigh all the various strengths and the responses we received during our vetting process, then we examine how much each grower’s story may spark ideas for other growers. It’s a months-long process we take seriously. But it all begins with your nominations.

Here are some excerpts from this year’s nominations.

West Region – Arnott Duncan, Duncan Family Farms

“Arnott deserves the grower achievement award because he doesn’t just grow produce … he grows people.

“Duncan Family Farms is different than most businesses. Arnott Duncan (our owner, Chief Agronomist, and Chairman of the Board) would tell you that it’s because of the amazing people working here. However, those people do what they do because of his immense care for them.

“He has always led our business with his vision to ensure we are a farming company with a soul. Arnott is an amazing human who puts people first, always. His commitment to sustainability is rooted solely to ensure a better planet for all mankind. … His food safety standards are higher than required because he truly believes that it is his job to provide families with food that they can feed their kids without fear.

“His drive to innovate and continue to grow the business is driven to ensure that every employee (he has many who’ve been here for more than 25 years) has room to grow professionally and provide for their families for generations to come. Arnott offers all of his employees full tuition reimbursement, has founded a Duncan Family Farms Youth program for family members of employees that helps prepare junior high and high school students for their time after graduation, whether they go to college, attend trade school or get a job, and has created Duncan Family Farms University, an online training platform aimed at ensuring all employees are provided trainings on leadership, communications, agricultural safety, food safety, and computer programs in order to further their professional development.”

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Central Region – Trent Rothert, Rothert Farm Inc.

“Striving to be a sustainable vegetable grower is at the core of Rothert Farm Inc.’s (RFI) mission. Trent Rothert, owner of the seven-generation family, multi-state business believes that our food is our future, and growing the safest, highest-quality crops will sustain the lives of millions of people throughout the region and our nation.

“RFI has become one of the largest cabbage farms east of the Mississippi River, and that is just the beginning. Key examples of how RFI stands out as an innovative growing operation:

• RFI is certified in the following health and safety qualifications, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association (OPGMA), Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), Ohio Produce Marketing Agreement, Ohio Farm Bureau, NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) Small Business Association, Primus GFS, and more.

• RFI believes education is critical to moving forward … educating its team … but also educating the community where their food comes from and how the farm practices safe growing measures.

• RFI shares this valuable information through its website and social media channels to over 4,438 followers on Facebook, 668 followers on Instagram, and 75,000 followers on TikTok.

• RFI gives back to its community by donating millions of pounds of produce to local food banks, supporting local festivals, fundraisers, and school scholarships.

• RFI uses a technology system called JDLink to connect and manage all pieces of equipment. The system provides alerts and important information — including the location of equipment, how it is being used, performance, and maintenance data — to be more efficient with farm operations.

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East Region – Frank (Hank) Scott III, Long & Scott Farms

Editor’s note: Hank Scott received multiple nominations. The following are from two employees and a customer.

“Frank Scott is truly the best and brightest vegetable grower around. Everyone around knows that Long & Scott Farms corn is the absolute sweetest, juiciest corn around. Corn is only one of his crops that he pours his heart and soul into. Every veggie is grown to perfection. When most farms left the area many years ago, Long & Scott Farms persevered and continues to grow and sell the best vegetables. Trucks come from all over the country, even though the other farms are gone. For several years, Disney has used Long & Scott Farms for their Field to Feast event.”

“Hank Scott is a farmer who cares not only for what he grows, but for the community that he lives in. He has been growing the finest produce since the day he took over the farm from his father. [He] not only grows produce, but he also gives many, many thousands of pounds a year to Second Harvest and many other food banks. Hank Scott has the respect of all his employees and the vendors. He is willing to help anyone who needs help.”