Two leaders at Hastings-based Tater Farms received statewide recognition at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's 82nd annual convention in Naples.

Carleton Johns, vice president of Tater Farms and son of founders Frank and Polly Johns, was elected as an at-large director on the FFVA board of directors. Gage Hjort, the farm's turf operations manager, graduated from the association's Emerging Leaders Development Program as part of Class 15.

FFVA members approved Johns' nomination during the association's annual board and membership meetings, St. Johns County announced Sunday.

Board seat and leadership program honors

Johns also serves on the St. Johns County Agriculture Advisory Committee, which connects the county government with local farmers and helps identify ways to support agriculture in St. Johns County.

The Emerging Leaders Development Program gives participants leadership training and a deeper understanding of Florida's specialty crop industry. Hjort graduated from the program at the convention.

Prissy Fletcher, agricultural liaison for St. Johns County, highlighted the recognition in the county's announcement.

"This farming family and their team understands how to evolve with the times, all while creating a supportive work environment for their employees," Fletcher said.

From potatoes and cabbage to turfgrass

Tater Farms is a multigenerational, family-owned operation founded in 1975 by Frank and Polly Johns. The farm started with potatoes and cabbage. In 2005, it planted its first turfgrass crop. That single field has grown into more than 4,000 acres of improved turfgrass varieties, now the core of the business. The farm supplies turf for athletic fields, commercial developments and large-scale landscapes across Florida.

A new generation adds citrus groves

Frank Johns died in April 2014 after living with ALS for six years. Polly Johns remained a guiding force in preserving the farm's mission after his death. In 2018, the farm converted 35 acres of turfgrass into citrus groves and began growing Noble Juicy Crunch tangerines. Citrus production has since grown to several hundred acres. Eric Hjort, the farm's president, and Carleton Johns now lead the operation.

Residents interested in local agriculture news can sign up for the quarterly St. Johns County Agriculture Newsletter through the county's website.