SUSTAINABILITY
stewardship in action
Preservation. Conservation. Sustainability. Recycling. Big words - but they only matter when action is taken. At Jim Rash Inc., we take a practical approach - making both big and small improvements to reduce our impact while growing sweet, high-quality watermelons and strawberries.
We believe in taking care of the land that takes care of us. Because at the end of the day - our future depends on it.
We don't just farm the land - we take care of it.
The choices we make today impact the land, our communities, and the future of agriculture.
That's why we focus on practical, measurable improvements - because doing things the right way isn't optional. It's part of who we are.
Soil & Crop Health
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Crop rotation to reduce inputs and maintain soil quality.
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Planting cover crops in the off season to reduce wind and water erosion. Cover crops are tilled back into the ground when season starts.
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Wind rows prevent soil erosion and protect small watermelon plants.
Water Management
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Drip irrigation helps deliver water directly to the plants. It's our largest water conservation effort!
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We utilize wireless soil moisture technology for real-time irrigation plan decision making.
Responsible Crop Protection
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are utilized on all of our farms - to identify, monitor, evaluate, prevent and take action if needed. We manage pests with the most current methods while addressing only what is seen in that particular farm or area within a farm.
Efficiency & Technology
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GPS guided tractors help reduce overlap and fuel use
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Precision ag practices to improve accuracy
Packaging & Supply Chain
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For watermelons we use recyclable cardboard bins from Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified suppliers.
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For strawberries we use recyclable cardboard flats from Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified suppliers. Our strawberries are packed in PET #1 plastic containers. PET is the most recyclable type of plastic available, with each clamshell containing between 50 and 70% post-consumer recycled plastic. Our label adhesive will wash off during the recycling process, making our clamshells completely recyclable.
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We utilize a pooled pallet program that helps reduce emissions.
Using a pooled pallet program allows us to eliminate empty transport miles and packaging waste. In 2025, this program allows us to save 3,131,100 lbs of CO2 which is the equivalent the CO2 absorbed by 1,732 acres of forests.
At the end of the day, a lot of what we do comes down to what we were taught growing up - take care of what you have, don't waste it, and use it wisely.
It's not complicated. It's just common sense farming.
FARM FRESH MATTERS.