JD Organic Farms was founded in 1988. It originally began as a hobby for Jackie and his family. Jackie worked in Houston for over 20 years as a produce broker and was very knowledgeable of agriculture and produce in general. The property already had about an acre of blueberries planted when Jackie bought the property. He quickly realized how prosperous they were and began to build his crop. Jackie spent almost every weekend and free chance he got on the farm with his family and friends. In 2004 Jackie was diagnosed with kidney failure, was placed on the transplant list and began the tedious task of dialysis. He eventually sold his produce brokering business and focused solely on his passion – Jackie’s Dream (JD) farm. Jackie received a transplant in March of 2005 and made a speedy recovery. The battle with Jackie’s health is still ongoing, but the farm still continues to prosper. The farm has always been in the family and Jackie’s wife, Anne, and 6 children, Courtney, Steven, Hannah, Maureen, Maggie and Robert, are quick to help when the busy harvest season comes. In 2001 Jackie officially became USDA certified organic and still continues to be to this day. Jackie firmly believes that Mother Nature gives back to you what you give to her, and the better you treat your land, the better your berries – so organic we will stay! The farm now contains over 60 acres of blueberries and 30 acres of figs. We are also opening up the farm this year for the first time for U-pick. We are so excited to invite everyone out to pick their own berries and experience this harvest season with us! We look forward to seeing you all soon!
My name is Stacie, and my husband Garrett and I are starting our own farm. We currently have 45 acres, and since we are just starting out, the land is about all we have. If we were given the opportunity to receive a grant we would use the money to buy a tractor. The last tractor Garrett’s family owned is from the 1960’s. And when it breaks it is near impossible to
a) find parts for something that old
b) find the money to pay for something most people would call an antique.
We would also use the money to build an equipment barn to house all of our equipment out of the weather. And finally our true passions… Garrett grows hydroponic tomatoes and currently has four greenhouses. He would love to one day be able to expand and try growing other vegetables hydroponically. And I have a huge heart for animals, especially animals that are abused, neglected, have special needs, etc. I feel like every animal needs a home and these poor things are most likely the ones that won’t get the chance at a happy life.
What Garrett and I would one day like to have is what we call a pick-your-own petting zoo. A farm that will educate people on where their food comes from. Most children don’t really know anything about where and how food is grown. Some probably think their food comes from McDonald’s. We would like to give educational tours to school aged children teaching the importance of healthy eating, which is also something that is lacking in today’s society. And finally… after all that talk about food, they could relax and go pet all they animals… that would brighten anyone’s day!!