To be the best tomato processor in the East, you need to have the best growers. We are proud of our 2005 champion tomato growers listed below. These growers were honored on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 at the Tomato Awards Luncheon at the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

Representatives of Furman Farms were honored as the Class 1 –100 acre + category champion. Furman Farms were represented by Barry Page, farm supervisor, Jim Wentzel, Jim Clemens, Mike Masser, and Debbie Masser. Furman Farms had a record yield of 36.7 ton/acre on 199.5 acre. This was the best yield average Furman Farms has ever had.

Ulmer Farms of Lock Haven, PA, represented by Seth Ulmer won the Class 2 –75 to 100-acre class with a record yield of 37.9 ton/acre on 88.7 acres. Seth is a Furmano TOPS grower.

Charles Farms of Lancaster, PA, represented by Cliff Charles, won the Class 3 –45 to 74-acre class with a record 45.7 ton/acre on 71.6 acres.

Vincent Metzler of Lancaster was the Class 4 –30 to 44 acres winner with a record yield of 38.9 ton/acre on 41 acres.

Craig Metzler of Delta (York County) was the Class 5 winner with a 43.8 ton/acre on 25.9 acres.

All of the above growers contract with Furmano Foods of Northumberland, PA. There were approximately 1500 growers and vendors present for the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention with lasted 3 days.

Congratulations to all the award winners for all of their “STICK-TO-IT-IVENESS” in growing these record crops.

Release Contact

Lori Engle
Furmano Foods
1-800-952-1111 ext 534
lori.engle@furmanos.com