Faith-based approach to business has kept Ray Farms in the Vidalia game for more than 40 years
Faith-based approach to business has kept Ray Farms in the Vidalia game for more than 40 years
Ray Farms Inc. of Glennville, GA, has been in the Vidalia onion deal for more than 40 years, and the family-owned company has always done things one way — the Christian way.
Ray brings a faith-first approach to every business endeavor and so far that has worked out perfectly.
In 2013, Ray Farms was selected by its peers as the Vidalia Onion Grower of the Year, so it is obvious the company is taking care of business at the same time it is giving credit to where it’s due.
“The main focus here is we try to take care of the family and we try to do whatever it takes to provide for them. And we always give credit to the Lord for what we get and don’t take nothing for granted,” said Danny Ray, who with brother Gary Ray runs the business their father, Avon Ray, founded. “When we say family farm, this is a family farm. My daddy retired 10-12 years ago; still, whenever we start doing onions, the same people come by to talk every year and he still likes to be down here and be right in the mix with us. Mama [Annette Ray] can’t do like she used to but she’ll still come in and get on the grading line, and you can still catch her down here once in a while.”
Ray Farms produces cotton, corn, peanuts, watermelons, peas and beans, but the Vidalia onion is the king of the crops. During the summer months, the entire family works in the packinghouse during the Vidalia onion harvest season.
“Gary is the one taking care of everything out in the fields; while I’m here in the office taking care of this end he’s out there growing,” Ray said. “It’s a team effort. My daughter [Whitney Ray Groover] came in when we started our food-safety program and also handles organics. Now she’s getting involved in sales and she’s handling the trucks and has taken quite a load off me. My wife, Patsy, she keeps the money side straight. Gary’s wife, Rhonda, comes over and helps during the bulk of the season to keep things organized. It takes the whole family to keep things going the way they should be going.”
Danny Ray’s other daughter, Bridgette Sapp, teaches, but comes in to help out afternoons and evenings during season. And his grandson, Gavin Sapp, is already a regular around the shop. Gary Ray’s young twins also pitch in; daughter Savannah answers phones and son Nicholas spends a lot of time in his dad’s truck and in the onion fields.
“We’re blessed being able to have our family come in and work so close. A lot of families get separated and it’s a blessing to be able to work together, I wouldn’t have it no other way — I love it,” Ray said. “I don’t have to worry about anything because I know who’s on the other side of the wall from me taking care of things the same way I do.”
