J. Cowart increases acreage and eyes expansion
J. Cowart increases acreage and eyes expansion
For nearly four decades, J. Cowart, Inc. has built its reputation on delivering consistent, high-quality Vidalia onions while adapting to the changing demands of the produce industry. As the 2026 season approaches, the company is expanding its footprint, investing in the future and preparing the next generation of leadership to carry the business forward.
“Harvest is always the most rewarding time for us,” said Anthony Cowart. “We work diligently from November to April growing our Sugar Sweet Vidalia onions and seeing them ready for harvest means we’ve done our job.”
J. Cowart typically farms between 450 and 500 acres of Vidalia onions each year, producing an average of 300,000 40-pound equivalents. Of that volume, roughly 65 percent is packed into consumer-ready formats, totaling an estimated 2 million packages annually, while the remainder is shipped in bulk.
Consistency remains the driving force behind the company’s success.
“It really comes down to consistent volume, consistent quality and strong communication,” Cowart said. “We work closely with our broker and our customers to make sure expectations are met every step of the way.”
Those relationships extend across a wide range of customers, including major retail chains and wholesale markets.
“Communication is key, but so is commitment,” Cowart said. “Our goal is always to provide a product that meets expectations and keeps customers coming back.”
Looking ahead to the current crop, Cowart expressed cautious optimism.
“The crop looks promising right now, but we are dealing with some adverse weather conditions at this point in the growing season,” he said. “As always, we’re monitoring it closely.”
Like many growers, the company continues to navigate rising production costs, including increases in fertilizer, fuel and land expenses. In response, J. Cowart is focusing on efficiency and innovation.
“We’re working to increase production on fewer acres, minimize fertilizer usage, and reduce labor costs through automation,” Cowart said. “We’re also upgrading our packing facility to improve efficiency and reduce waste.”
Another major milestone for the company is the promotion of Landon Cowart to chief operating officer, marking a significant step in the transition to the next generation.
“Bringing Landon into a leadership role is important for our future,” Cowart said. “It’s about continuing the legacy while also bringing fresh ideas to the table.”
As the Vidalia onion category continues to evolve, Cowart believes there is also an opportunity to connect more directly with consumers, particularly around the value of cooking at home.
“Educating consumers is important,” he said. “There’s real cost savings in preparing meals at home, and there’s also a social benefit that comes from families gathering around the dinner table.”
With expanded acreage, new product opportunities and a renewed focus on efficiency and leadership, J. Cowart, Inc. is entering the 2026 Vidalia season with a strong foundation and a clear path forward.
The company has been supplying Vidalia onions commercially since 1987, making the crop the cornerstone of its operation. Alongside onions, J. Cowart rotates row crops such as peanuts and corn to maintain soil health and maximize productivity. Now, the company is preparing to diversify further, with plans to introduce sweet potatoes into its production mix.
“We’ve been in discussions about adding sweet potatoes for the upcoming season,” Cowart said. “It’s an opportunity to expand while continuing to focus on what we do best.”
Growth is also coming in the form of increased acreage. The company recently acquired additional agricultural land to support higher onion production, positioning itself to meet rising demand and offset supply challenges in other growing regions.
“Increasing acreage allows us to strengthen our supply and better serve our customers,” Cowart said. “We’re seeing opportunities as other parts of the country face challenges like loss of farmland and water resources.”
