“We had back-to-back hail storms in June that were two weeks apart,” said Carter. “The first one caused quite a bit of damage but the second one wasn’t as bad. But together they caused a setback.”“We saw a stable market for Florida and Georgia, and we’re hopeful for the same through our season in Indiana,” she said.
Leger & Son, as well as Carter herself, are strong advocates for American agriculture, and in fact the company is dedicated to U.S.-grown crops.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our country, and we are extremely proud to be an American grower and we applaud everyone who supports the American farmers,” said Carter.
Leger & Son has been in business since 1965, having been founded by family patriarch Buddy Leger. In 2001, Buddy passed the torch to his son, current president and owner Greg Leger.
Recently, Greg’s daughter Bailey and son Cole have joined the family business, representing the third generation of the Leger family.
“It’s exciting to see the next generation becoming more involved in the business,” said Carter. “I have watched them grow up, and I know they will do a great job as they continue to mature with the business.”
In fact, Bailey Leger has been nominated to join the board of the NWPB and would be installed in January, which coincides with Carter rotating off the board after serving two terms.
“The appointments will be officially made in the fall, but it would be great to have Bailey serve and keep a Leger voice at the table,” said Carter. “I am so grateful for the time I served. I learned a lot and I am so impressed with the research and work they do to help increase consumption, which is so important for all of us watermelon growers.”
Carter also is excited for the third-generation family members to bring their ideas to the company and help continue promoting the Leger & Son brand.
“Leger & Son has been in business for nearly 60 years and we have done a good job in making our name in the industry,” she said. “We have a solid brand that is well respected throughout the industry, and we are very proud of that and looking forward to the next generation continuing to promote that brand.”
Leger & Son will be exhibiting at the NEPC Expo, marking the third year it is participating in the show.
“We decided to exhibit for the first time three years ago because we do a lot of business in the Northeast and the NEPC expo is a great way to increase our presence in a key market,” she said. “It’s a growing show at a great venue with a strong retail participation and Boston is a wonderful city, so we are very much looking forward to being there.”
