Local farmer paves way for females in the Ag industry
In this week’s Home Grown we feature a local farmer who is just about as sweet as the melons she grows. We introduce you to Diana Russell with Savor Fresh Farms.
Diana is from Brawley, California. Growing up, she often tagged along with her father who worked as a labor contractor. Even though he would always tell her to stay out of the fields still to this day, she finds something unique about them that draws her in.
“At least once a week I go out there just to check on the crew and make sure all of the food safety protocol is being followed but when we are harvesting melons I go out there just about every day,” Russell told 13 On Your Side.
She married her husband 40 years ago and together they started their own harvesting business. Now she is one of the only female farmers in Yuma and the Imperial Valley who not only owns but also works in the fields.
“As far as owning it and being out there from the time they start until the time they finish in 115 degrees, I think I am the only one who is crazy enough to do that,” she said.
Russell grows specialty melons like the Sugar Kiss, Honey Kiss, Summer Kiss, Golden Kiss and Kiss Limon. All of the melons have different colors, flavors and textures unlike your traditional cantaloupes and watermelons. It wasn’t always sweet and easy, being one of the only female farmers, “When I first decided to start my harvesting company about 14 years ago I didn’t realize the challenge having to deal with a mostly male controlled industry,” she explained.
“I think there was only a couple women, myself being one of them who actually owned and worked out in the fields with the crews so it was very unique. A lot of the men had a very difficult time dealing with me being their boss and it was a challenge,” she said. “I went through a lot of different formans for about two years but now I have a really good crew. I have some of the people that have started with me from the very beginning and I am very fortunate that I have a nice following,” she added.
Russell purchases melon seeds from all over the world. Most of her seeds come from Taiwan, China and Israel. Stay tuned into 13 On Your Side as we bring you more about Russell and the incredible story behind her business in our future Home Growns.
