Where is Anna Sara visiting this week?
For this month’s Grower Spotlight, and in celebration of National Watermelon Month, Anna Sara visited Phil Sandifer and Sons Farms. They are a third-generation family-run farm that specializes in commercial watermelon and cantaloupe production. The beautiful 2,300-acre farm is bordered by the South Fork of the Edisto River and Hwy 78. Most of the acreage is in Barnwell County, with some across the line in Bamberg County. A portion of the land was the site of a historic battle!
The farm is named after the late Phil Sandifer, who inherited much of the land from his parents. Phil’s father passed when he was young, so he grew up learning and working with his older brothers as they took turns helping his mother keep the farm going. When he was old enough, Phil took his turn running the farm and eventually took it over. He was an innovator and was considered a pioneer in adopting practices that would improve production.
Through perseverance and dedication, with the help of his family and a wonderful wife, Jackie, he grew the farm into the large commercial farm it is today. Phil Sandifer and Sons Farms is now run by Phil’s two sons, co-owners Scotty and Chris Sandifer. Their children also work on the farm and hope to one day become partners and continue the family legacy.
Currently, the Sandifers grow row crops as well as produce. At one time, the farm was the largest cantaloupe producer, packer, and shipper in South Carolina and one of the largest on the Eastern Seaboard. In recent years, the acreage has shifted to higher watermelon acreage. However, they still grow their signature Athena cantaloupe. Last year, they grew 450 acres of watermelons and 56 acres of cantaloupes. Roughly 1/3 of the melons were minis. On a small scale, they grow other vegetables such as squash, peppers, and tomatoes, to sell locally.
The farm is a member of SC Grown and supplies produce to grocery stores, food service operators and other companies nationwide. In 2015, the farm partnered with Lipman to expand its consumer base. Sandifer’s also sells their melons at the State Farmers Market in Columbia and locally at an on-farm produce stand located at the corner of Mount Zion Road and Heritage Highway (Hwy 78).
The farm is self-sustainable, maintaining its own beehives to pollinate the produce. They cut overhead costs by owning their own packing house and coolers. The family even built a sawmill to construct their own pallets.
The Sandifers are always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need and have helped with disaster relief both locally and nationally on a large scale many times over the years. They are big supporters of the SC Watermelon Association (SCWA) and recently hosted a SCWA field trial and field day at their farm.
They attribute their success to hard work, determination, and strong values taught them by a “good daddy” and a “good mamma”. Another secret to their success is having a close-knit family with strong ties that work well together as a team. They “take pride in the fact that they get to see each other every day and enjoy working with each other”. They are also grateful to the “Good Lord, for all His blessings”.
For a nice outing, drive over to “Pappy’s Produce Stand” on the corner of Heritage Hwy (78) and Mt. Zion Rd. Purchase some of their seedless melons, mini melons, or cantaloupes. Feeling adventurous? Try one of their yellow meat or pink meat melons. If you are in the mood for squash, zucchini or tomatoes, grab some in a one-stop shop!
After visiting Pappy’s Produce stand, drive down Mt. Zion Rd. past the packing house and shop, around the curve past the lovely Mt. Zion church cemetery and old church. At the stop sign, hang a right onto Char-Augusta Road, and follow it down to the large five-point intersection. Along the way, you will see melons, sunflowers, and row crops growing in the fields. Notice the beehives scattered around the field edges. You may even get to watch melons being picked. As you drive, look out for the old ranch entrance, windmill and pecan grove, marking where it all started. At the 5 points stop sign, take Holeman’s road (the left leg of the Y) and continue straight for approximately 2 miles. Stop at the historical marker just past the Bamberg County line to read more about the Civil War skirmish, mentioned earlier, and learn a little more about local history. Take in the scenery and let your mind wander back in time to how things used to be while hydrating by eating that locally grown, juicy watermelon that you just bought!
This Grower Spotlight is dedicated to the memory of Phil and Jackie Sandifer, who loved God, their family, and their farm.
This month’s spotlight is from Anna Sara Hill, Coastal Region Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 