Spotlight: Big Smile Premium Peaches
J.W. Yonce and Sons: A Family Tradition
J.W. Yonce and Sons, more commonly known as Big Smile Premium Peaches, has been in business for over 90 years. Chris Yonce and his cousin, Josh, are the fourth generation to run the peach farm located in Johnston, South Carolina. Chris is an AgSouth Farm Credit customer that utilizes multiple loan services, including Crop Insurance. Chris has a wealth of knowledge to share with those looking to get into farming or those simply interested in what it takes to run one of the largest peach farms in South Carolina.
With 3,500 acres of peach trees and over 25 million pounds of peaches sold each year, Chris Yonce knows a thing or two about farming. The farm produces over 40 varieties of peaches yearly, and their busy season runs from May-August. However, they spend most of the year prepping trees for the next year’s harvest. According to Chris, “the varieties of peaches are what makes our operation successful. We must choose peaches that are good for production, shipping, and shelf life.” J.W. Yonce and Sons sells their peaches east of the Mississippi river all the way up to Canada.
As far as growing plans, Chris says they are basing their growth not in acres, but rather growth in diversification and variety of peaches. Both Chris and Josh Yonce are passionate about leaving a legacy behind for their families. “We have had great teachers and mentors and now we’re trying to lay the foundation for our children and one day grandchildren,” says Chris. He believes that for their fourth-generation farm to have a fifth generation, they will need to be creative and adapt to changing farming practices.
J.W. Yonce and Sons has been with AgSouth Farm Credit for five years and has been a Crop Insurance customer for four years. Chris says they chose AgSouth because, “we work with people who actually know about farming and their mission is to lend to agriculture-that is important to us.” Working with lenders and agents that understand the difficulties farmers face has made all the difference, states Chris.
Chris says his favorite part of being a farmer is working the land that his family owns. Farming is in his blood, and he hopes that passion will carry on to the next generation leading J.W. Yonce and Sons.