Where are you from?
McAllen, Texas.
When did you start becoming interested in agriculture?
I started with Rogers Produce as a dispatcher. They needed someone to convert the cabbage line into a cantaloupe line. They wanted someone out in the field with the packing crew. That’s where it all started.
How long have you worked at Little Bear Produce?
I’ve worked at Little Bear Produce for 29 years.
What are your responsibilities as a farm manager?
Growing crops and helping with the harvesting. Mostly at the Edinburg location (Little Bear), but also at other locations when they need help.
What do you think is the most challenging part of your job?
Having a lot of planning and coordinating with spring and watering. The weather greatly influences the planning process, so you have to stay on top of the forecast every day.
What do you think is the most rewarding part of your job?
Watching the harvesting. Sometimes it’s hard to watch because it’s so beautiful. There are so many different colors, and it’s amazing to see the different plantings and colors.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Like your job, stay on top of things, never give up, and have lots of patience. Keep going and maintain a positive attitude.
What does an average day look like?
I wake up around 5.
Get here around 6 — 6:30.
Start getting the tractors ready and setting them up where they need to go.
Planning, spraying, cultivating, or watering.
What happens in the afternoon?
Getting ready for the nighttime.
Watering or planting.
Basically setting things up for the next day.
I leave between 5:30 and 7, working 7 days a week.
On Saturdays, I work all day, and on Sundays, I try to leave around noon.
Three words to describe your role at Little Bear?
Growing beautiful crops.
What is your favorite crop? And how do you like to eat them?
Eggplant, arugula, and radishes.
I like eggplant lasagna and eggplant parmesan.
Of course, arugula in salads.
Radishes raw.
Maroon carrots out of the field; we will have them in December.