Bowie Creek Orchard
Bowie Creek Orchard is owned by Mike and Jenny Pepper. Mike was raised on this farm in Jefferson Davis County. Mike inherited his love of farming from both his father and step-father who were both full-time farmers. As a young adult, Mike did not feel the calling to farm but received a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and a Masters in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. Through the unexpected death of Mike’s step-father in 2000 and lack of sibling participation, Mike took over the family farm....
Jenny was new to the farming world having grown up in Memphis, TN. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Millsaps College.
Currently, Bowie Creek Orchard harvests 32 acres of blueberries, down from the original 48 acres planted in the 1980s. The orchard produces 6 different varieties of blueberries. What was once picked by hand, blueberries are now mechanically harvested. Also, what was once sent to the fresh market for grocery stores during the months of May and June is now freshly frozen and delivered throughout the year.
Market challenges from logistics in shipping and transportation, quality, governmental regulation, and interaction with foreign governments have forced changing our business model to focus more on local distribution. However, finding this market for tens of thousands of pounds has been challenging.
Bowie Creek Orchard has its own label and partners with grocery stores, sausage makers, restaurants, bakeries and government entities seeking nutritious fruits as an option.
Featured Farmer
"Farming is in my blood. I grew up roaming the fields of Bowie Creek Orchard that produced the blueberries in this bag. My boyhood summers were spent on the farm, my education is in agriculture, and following the unexpected death of my father, I chose to continue the farm for a second generation. Now the 3rd generation of our family farm has arrived."
Products that support Bowie Creek Orchard
Look for Seal the Seasons Mississippi Blueberries at a grocery store near you.
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