INDIANAPOLIS — Bill Gelfius, Justin Gelfius, and Steve Bennett, all of Hartsville, were recently honored as Red Gold Master Growers at Red Gold’s 29th Annual Grower’s Banquet held in Indianapolis.
The trio received their eighth Master Grower Award and were presented with a Red Gold plaque.
The Master Grower Award is given away each year to recipients who have distinguished themselves from others by delivering quality production, and exhibiting professionalism and industry leadership.
All growers for Red Gold have had training on good production practices, employee safety, and human resources.
As tomato growers for Red Gold, Gelfius Farms have excelled in stewardship and sustainable practices on their land and participate in the Red Gold IPM program.
This year’s production from Gelfius Farms would account for over 8 million cans of Red Gold whole, diced, stewed, and specialty tomato products.
Red Gold is the largest privately owned tomato processor in the country and specializes in premium quality tomato products for markets in all 50 continental states and over 55 foreign countries.
AcMoody Farms from Union City, Michigan, was recognized at the banquet as Red Gold’s Grower of the Year by receiving the coveted E. A. Reichart Quality Achievement Award.
The Reichart family was pleased to present the award to Brian and Vern AcMoody before the group of nearly 200, consisting of growers and their families and Red Gold employees in attendance..
The event was held in conjunction with Purdue University’s Horticulture Congress.
