Jaemor Farms: 5 Generations of Family Farming, Service and Community
It’s THAT time of the year in North Georgia! I’m talking about mouth-watering, absolutely delicious, farm fresh strawberry and peach picking time! And no one does U-Pick better than Jaemor Farms!
Drew Echols, Jaemor’s General Manager, spoke with host Phil Bonelli about this year’s strawberry and peach season, his dedication to our local community through service, and some of the interesting choices he’s had to make to ensure the business thrives no matter what.
The Essence of Service
Drew’s family legacy and commitment to community service exemplify the power of service in business. His grandfather’s wisdom about the importance of hard work and service left a lasting impact. Drew’s dedication to serving the community, from participating in agricultural leadership to his involvement in various volunteer organizations, reflects the profound impact of service on business growth.
Balancing Production and Sales
Drew and Phil delved into the intricacies of production planning and the critical balance between production timelines and customer demands. Drew’s experience with pivoting to pumpkin production after a frost affected their peach crop highlighted the agility and resilience required in agriculture. Balancing long-term production cycles, such as nurturing peach trees for three to four years, with immediate, high-pressure sales demands during harvest season was truly eye-opening.
The Wonder of U-Pick Farms
We also explored the amazing benefits of U-pick farms, particularly the unique experience they offer for families. Drew’s excitement about the upcoming strawberry season and the anticipation for the largest peach crop at Jaemor Farms showcased Drew’s delight in connecting with customers through their U-pick experiences. The sense of community and joy in seeing families pick their own fruit was genuinely heartwarming.
Connect With Drew and Jaemor Farms:
https://www.facebook.com/jaemorfarms/
http://instagram.com/jaemorfarms
Connect with Phil Bonelli:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/
https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/
https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/
Connect with Beau Henderson:
https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors
https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX
Highlights Of The Show
0:00:47 – The Legacy of Jay Moore Farms
Phil and Drew discuss the legacy of Jaemor Farms as a family business serving the community for many decades. They highlight the importance of service and community involvement.
00:05:16 – Serving Humanity and Sustainability
Drew shares the mission and motto of Jaemor Farms to be a service to humanity, emphasizing the importance of sustainability for future generations. He reflects on his grandfather’s influence on work ethic and service.
00:09:38 – Swerving into Different Areas of Service
Drew talks about his involvement in various organizations, including Leadership Hall and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, showcasing the opportunities to serve in different capacities beyond agriculture.
00:14:16 – Authentic Service and Networking
Phil and Drew discuss the importance of genuine service without expecting immediate returns. They emphasize the value of serving with the right motives and how it can lead to meaningful networking and business opportunities in the long run.
00:15:09 – The Power of Building Relationships
Drew talks about the impact of building relationships in the agriculture industry. He shares his experience of serving on the state young farmer committee and how it opened doors for him personally and professionally.
00:17:00 – The Value of Serving
Phil and Drew discuss the importance of serving others. Drew shares his journey of serving on the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the impact it has had on his industry and community.
00:18:32 – The Similarities Between Serving and Exercise
Phil draws parallels between serving and exercise, emphasizing the capacity it creates for individuals. Drew shares his perspective on the impact of serving others and the fulfillment it brings.
00:19:46 – The Joy of Farming and Family Experiences
Drew shares his excitement about the upcoming strawberry season and the growth in peach production at J. Moore Farms. He emphasizes the joy of providing families with a farm experience and the pride it brings.
00:27:57 – Resilience in Farming
Drew discusses the resilience required in farming, emphasizing the need to pivot in challenging situations. He shares the example of planting pumpkins to make up for a lost peach crop and the importance of keeping employees gainfully employed.
00:29:11 – The Power of “Have To”
Drew discusses the power of turning a “like to” into a “have to” and relates it to his experience of pivoting from peaches to pumpkins due to a significant decrease in the main crop.
00:30:07 – Balancing Production and Sales
The conversation shifts to the balance between production and sales in farming and direct-to-consumer business. Drew highlights the timeline for planting and harvesting pumpkins, as well as the importance of lining up customers in advance.
00:34:25 – Long-term Investment in Peaches
Drew explains the time and effort required for peach production, including the investment in trees, equipment, and manpower. He emphasizes the perishable nature of peaches and the need for constant attention and quick reactions during the harvest.
00:35:31 – High-Stress Farming
The conversation delves into the high-stress but rewarding nature of farming, especially during harvest time. Drew shares his dedication to meeting customer demands even at odd hours and the adrenaline rush of dealing with perishable products like peaches.
00:39:29 – Farm Experience in Verse
Drew showcases his creativity by rapping about the farm experience, including picking peaches, strawberries, and pumpkins. The verse captures the essence of the farm and the joy of serving the community through agriculture.
