Farm History
"The story of sweet potatoes is just starting to be told." - Robert Boyette
1920’s
Guy Boyette began the North Carolina family farm legacy in a small community known as Rock Ridge.
Guy Boyette began the North Carolina family farm legacy in a small community known as Rock Ridge.
Guy's son, Armetus, joins him in operating the family farm in Rock Ridge.
Armetus continues the farm with his sons Wiley, Robert and Michael once the three brothers finish school.
In an effort to diversify Rock Ridge Farms and take advantage of the exceptional soil, the Boyette brothers optimistically begin growing sweet potato crops. Many farmers would later consider this year as one of the worst years for sweet potatoes, due to its significantly low market value.
Rather than replace the crop with a more profitable one after the first year, the brothers take a leap of faith and plant sweet potatoes again, despite an unpredictable outcome. They made the decisions with an eye for long-term growth instead of temporary trends. As Armetus said, The only way the price can go is up from here."
Sweet potatoes become a major point of focus as operations continue to expand.
Armetus passes away in November 1996, leaving the three brothers more determined than ever to carry on the family business.
The brothers make a strategic business decision to make sweet potatoes the #1 focus.
Farm acquires organic certification. Over the winter, Boyette Brothers Produce officially opens and Robert Boyette’s daughter Regan returns to the family business to help expand distribution to a growing market. (link About Us)
Boyette Brothers Produce exports to England for the first time, sparking a new foreign export arm that begins to attract more countries and buyers. (link Buyer Benefits)
An organic packing line prepares to open by year's end. New sweet potato packaging is released for the farm's Organic Sweet Supreme and Top of the Rock Premium brands. (link Products)
Boyette Brothers Produce qualifies for GRASP certification, addressing worker’s health, safety and welfare. A proactive measure that our production facilities are proud to maintain. (link Facilities)