Page 11 - Spring 2021

Vaughan hopes to start an Oconee Grower’s association. Those interested in joining can contact her at reddirtroadfarm.com.
state supervisor of agricultural education for the state of Georgia and was the state FFA advisor. Curtis was a major influence on Bonnie’s love of agriculture, gardening and making wreaths and bouquets.
Bonnie and Tedd have focused their time and energy on a field that had not been farmed since the late 1800s. They purchased, moved and remodeled a small barn that was previously at Ray’s Corner, where the new Presbyterian Village of Athens is located. They began selling crops in 2018.
With increased land prices preventing many people from starting new farms, the Vaughans were fortunate to own their land. Bonnie said federal and state agencies, as well as the University of Georgia Extension Service, provided great assistance. She took advantage of educational, technical and cost- share programs.
The Vaughans believe that food harvested ripe and close to home offers better flavor, better health and the best value.
For any small retail business, reaching customers is essential. According to Bonnie, positive world-of-mouth is the most effective form of advertising. Bonnie also reached out to businesscustomers,suchasrestaurants,hotelsandflorists.She and Tedd took sample products to these businesses and created a brochure.
When harvest began, they opened a farm stand at the intersection of Elder Mill and Saxon roads in south Oconee. Plans are to build a permanent structure in the near future. Bonnie is also working with other local producers to form an Oconee
As owner of Red Dirt Road Farm, Vaughan loves making bouquets and flower arrangements.
Grower’s association. She encourages farmers who may be interested in joining the association to contact her at reddirtroadfarm.com.
Sales have grown at Red Dirt Road Farm over three years, despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19 the past year.
In early February, seeds were started in flats that will be transplanted this spring. With cost assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Watkinsville, a high tunnel, or hoop house, was constructed this winter. The high tunnel provides protection from frost, strengthens the impact of spring sunlight and allows for early season plantings and harvests that can last well into fall. A second high tunnel will likely be added in time for the 2022 crop.
The mix of products has continued to be adjusted with new flower varieties and a broader offering of heirloom vegetables and berries. Free range chickens now produce eggs for sale, strawberries, radishes, lettuce and early blooming flowers will kick off their harvest season in early April.
“Starting a business is both rewarding and difficult at the same time and can be exhausting with long hours, especially during theGeorgiaheatinJulyandAugust,”saidBonnie.“Iamfortunate to be able to grow a business around my passion for flowers, and I love giving classes and meeting my customers. Every year, I watch in amazement as the tiny seeds grow into beautiful flowers and vegetables. There is a strong sense of satisfaction as our crops are selected for the homes and tables of our friends and customers in Oconee and surrounding counties.”
SPRING 2021 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | PAGE 9