Vidalia Onion Committee Names Grower & Producer of the Year
Courtesy of the Vidalia Onion Committee
The Vidalia Onion Committee recognized two leading farming operations during its Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 7, honoring excellence in production and long-term investment in the Vidalia Onion industry.
Bland Farms was named the “2025 Vidalia Onion Grower of the Year', an award sponsored by R.W. Griffin Warehouse. The Grower of the Year Award recognizes a Vidalia Onion farm that exemplifies excellence in production, innovation, stewardship, and leadership within the industry.
This award honors farms that continued from page
consistently demonstrate a commitment to quality, innovation, and responsible farming practices while contributing positively to the strength and reputation of Vidalia Onions. Farms considered for this award represent the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, balancing productivity with care for the land, their employees, and their communities.
“We are honored to receive the 2025 Vidalia Onion Grower of the Year award,” said Troy Bland, CEO of Bland Farms. “It is very special because Vidalia Onions will always be our number one priority; it’s what we built this farm on, and what keeps us rooted in the community. However, this recognition belongs to all employees at Bland Farms. This is a team effort. We say it all the time, we can’t bag onions by ourselves.”
Finalists for the 2025 honors included Bland Farms, Dry Branch Farms, and L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms, each recognized for operational performance and industry engagement.
The award reflects the dedication and teamwork required to sustain a successful farming operation across seasons and generations, values that define Georgia’s Vidalia Onion industry.
The Vidalia Onion Committee also introduced a new distinction for 2025: the Vidalia Onion Producer of the Year Award, recognizing a Vidalia Onion farm whose collective efforts resulted in the highest peracre paid assessments during the season.
The inaugural award was presented to L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms. This distinction reflects exceptional production performance and the coordinated work of an entire farming operation, owners, managers, and employees — whose shared dedication drives success in the field.
Assessments paid by producers are a direct investment back into the Vidalia Onion industry. These funds support research, promotion, education, and brand protection efforts that ensure the continued strength and recognition of Vidalia Onions for future generations. Paying the highest assessments per acre is not only a measure of productivity but also a demonstration of commitment to the broader industry and its long-term sustainability.
“At Herndon Farms, our mission has always been and always will be to provide a consistent supply of the highest quality onion to everyone we partner with,” said Jason Herndon, CEO of L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms. “I think to be recognized as the Vidalia Onion Producer of the Year further validates our commitment to excellence in producing everyone’s favorite onions year in and year out. We are truly honored to receive the inaugural Vidalia Onion Producer of the Year award.”
The Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony brings together growers, packers, and industry stakeholders committed to maintaining the integrity, quality, and long-term competitiveness of one of Georgia’s most recognized specialty crop brands. About the Vidalia Onion Committee The Vidalia Onion Committee administers the federal marketing order 955 Program for Vidalia onions, supporting research, promotion, compliance, and brand protection efforts to preserve the integrity and value of the Vidalia Onion name.
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms received the inaugural Vidalia Onion Committee Producer of the Year Award, which recognizes Vidalia Onion farms whose collective efforts resulted in the highest per-acre paid assessments during the season. L to R: Jason Herndon, Wesley Gay.
