August 2022 - 10

SC farming family legacy
passes century mark
Jerrold A. Watson & Sons grows organic peaches, vegetables
Jeph and brothers Jerry and Joe Watson are the fourth and third generations of Watsons running Jerrold A. Watson & Sons. The Monetta, South Carolina, grower relies heavily
on Extension expertise to conserve water and grow its organic peaches, asparagus, squash, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and kale sustainably. Photos: Jerrold A. Watson & Sons
By Doug Ohlemeier
Assistant Editor
Jerrold A. Watson & Sons LLC
continues a legacy of growing, having
passed the century mark in operation.
The Monetta, South Carolina, grower,
which markets crops under the Watsonia
Organics brand, helped create the state's
peach and asparagus industries.
The fourth-generation family
operation grows, packs and ships from a
We offer a
full line of
fruit &
vegetable
equipment
Cross Action Forks
Double Forks
Box/Bin Nester
Brush Pusher
Conveyors
Mechanical Bulk Loader
Universal Dump All
Weed Spray Tank
3 Pt. Forks
3 Pt. Hi Lift
Sprayers
Freight-Mate
Lift, rotate and dump up to 3,000 lbs. on
24-inch load center
Dependable, low-cost hydraulically
Operated 180˚ or 130˚ rotator
Automatic box clamp also available
* Less than half the cost of most rotators.
* Smooth hydraulic operation - no gears or ratchets
* One man can attach and disconnect the rotator
* Can be used on conventional and rough terrain
forklifts
AUTHORIZED
DURANDWAYLAND
DEALER
PROVIDING
PARTS
&
SERVICE TO ALL
OF MICHIGAN
PHIL BROWN
WELDING CORP.
4750 8 Mile Rd.
Conklin, MI 49403
10 | VegetableGrowersNews.com
* Right to left rotation easily changed by operator in
the field
* Accepts standard forks on Class II fork mount
* Allows nesting and stacking from the driver's seat
while forks are at 180˚
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
HYDRAULIC CONTROL VALVE
HOSE REEL
HOSE PULLEY BRACKETS
PALLET GRIP
Phone: (616) 784-3046
Fax (616) 784-5852
www.philbrownwelding.com
catalog of 17 items, all certified through
the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
National Organic Program. The Watsons
began growing asparagus in 1918, later
expanding to peaches. In the early
1980s, the family diversified its product
line with yellow and zucchini squash,
eggplant, peppers and tomatoes. Other
items include cabbage, cucumbers, sweet
corn, kale, collards, strawberries, plums
and muscadine grapes. Watson harvests
kale throughout the year while the
other items are harvested in the spring,
summer and fall.
The company grows in three
neighboring counties in west central
South Carolina: Aiken, Lexington and
Saluda counties. The Watsons' farm on
" the Ridge, " one of the world's most
famous peach growing areas. While
the counties' climates and soils are
similar, the alternate growing areas
provide insurance.
" Because of insects, we try to spread
Equipment that makes dollars & 'sense'
out, " said Jerrold " Jerry " Watson Jr.,
co-owner. " We try to plant a little of
each crop in each county. When hail
comes, it won't wipe out the whole
crop of one commodity. It doesn't
always work that way, as every year
and every week is different, anytime
you're dealing with the elements. "
Cooperating with Extension
scientists at Clemson University, the
University of Georgia and North
Carolina State, the Watsons host field
trips and plant experimental blocks.
The universities help growers monitor
insect activity by placing traps in
fields, and suggesting beneficial insects
as well as positioning weather stations
on the farm.
Extension insights
One project places mulch on
top of molasses under plastic. The
method is designed to help counter
nematodes, improve plant structure
and help control weeds. In a previous
season, the Watsons cooperated with
a Clemson trial using bagging to grow
peaches and apples. The experiment
was so labor intensive, however, it was
too costly to be a feasible production
method.
The Watsons irrigate through wells
and ponds on plastic with drip holes.
Pump filters include sanitizing devices
that maintain water quality.
" Conservation of water is very
critical to us, " Watson said. " We try to
Asparagus at Jerrold A. Watson &
Sons. Joseph H. Watson, Sr., a Watson
forebear, planted the first asparagus in
South Carolina in 1918. The region was
formerly known as the asparagus capital
of the world.
minimize our use. We only use what
we have to as other states are really
suffering with water shortages. "
Cover crops are rotated and planted
between rows.
" Most all the vegetables we grow love
sand land, " Watson said.
He said universities, which keep
growers informed about research,
are lifesavers.
" A lot of times, the experiments
don't pay off, but we are always open to
new ideas and innovations, to try new
things, " Watson said. It's like throwing
darts. If one thing doesn't work, you
must try something else. "
It's also important for growers to
maintain good relationships with seed
companies, which can update growers on
varieties. Watson said there's less private
research on yellow squash vs. zucchini
squash. He said he isn't sure why, but said
zucchini squash is more grower-friendly
and yellow squash is more tender. The
Watsons grow both because of demand.
The Watsons also grow butternut and
kabocha hard squash.
Organic plunge
Growing organically since 2005, the
Watsons faced a myriad of challenges
and a learning curve.

http://www.philbrownwelding.com http://www.VegetableGrowersNews.com

August 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2022