Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Padgett.
Veronica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started off as a waitress in a tiny diner in a tiny town. My regulars were known as “the bee people” because of their bees and honey. I worked for them for some time and then moved to the big city of Atlanta for a few years to tend bar and explore new experiences. I met many great people, shared some amazing memories, and learned the importance of hard work.
After moving back to the Acworth/Woodstock area, enrolling in the Horticulture program and being reconnected with the “bee people”, I dove head first into beekeeping and learning more about these amazing little pollinators. Today, I run/own Ross Berry Farm from my home, and tend the hives that are placed on local farms and private land. I create new uses for old beeswax, like candles and lotions, and give honey bee presentations at local schools to help promote education for pollinators.
Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest challenge is teaching people the importance of all life, big or small. We all have a place on this Earth, but we must take care of it together, Finding a box full of dead bees is always heartbreaking. Especially if it points to spraying pesticides and lawn treatments.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ross Berry Honey Farm story. Tell us more about the business.
Ross Berry Farm supplies many local businesses and families with local raw honey, educates the public on the importance of bees and other pollinators, and strives to make the community a better place all around by working with local farmers.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Our five-year goal is to establish more hives throughout the north Georgia area and connect with other local farms/businesses in order to expand our reach. From there, I hope to acquire more land and create a new space for farmers and communities to connect with each other.
Pricing:
- 22oz Jar of Wildflower Honey-$12
- Case of 2oz Mini Honey Bears-25 per case-$44
- Various Beeswax Candles $7-15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rossberryfarm.com
- Phone: 678-608-8360
- Email: Veronica@rossberryfarm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossberryfarm/
Image Credit:
Dane Weldon
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