Landscapes Magazine is an award-winning publication of the Texas Farm Credit District lending associations. 
Photo by Megan Bean
In just three seasons, Rob and Jordan Jones have become known for outstanding produce — guaranteed.
You grew up in town. Never farmed. And were living in North Carolina. So why would you buy acreage in Mississippi sight unseen?
In the case of Rob and Jordan Jones, they knew it was what they were meant to do.
Rob visited a farm as a kid and decided right then he’d be a farmer someday. He got the chance when a 35-acre tract went on the market near Water Valley. With financing through Mississippi Land Bank, the Joneses became farmers in 2018.
Photo by Megan Bean
At the peak of this summer, crews handpicked about 800 pounds of tomatoes, 300 pounds of sweet corn and 600 pounds of okra every two days.
Thriving business in three seasons
Since then, the couple has built a successful farm with 20 employees. In July alone, they handpicked 800 pounds of tomatoes, 300 pounds of sweet corn and 600 pounds of okra — every two days. That didn’t include all the other vegetables they grew.
“We have something in the ground year-round,” Rob says.
Five-star produce – guaranteed
In just three years, Jones Family Farms have become widely known for quality.
Often customers are lined up at their produce stand long before it opens. People drive 90 minutes from Memphis, Tennessee, just to buy their vegetables – rated 5-stars by customers.
“We guarantee our product,” Rob says. “If a customer isn’t happy, we replace it free.”
Photo by Megan Bean
Customers travel up to 100 miles to buy produce from Jones Family Farms. Family is at thecenter of their operation. Their motto even reflects it: “We bring family to the table.” Rob Jones says, “When families gather at the dinner table, they’re closer. We help make that happen.”
Handpicking to automation
“Efficiency is always a challenge since we pick everything by hand,” he says. That’s why he looks for ways to innovate.
The Joneses took a step toward automation by buying a new tractor with financing from Mississippi Land Bank.
“We talked with several lenders before choosing Mississippi Land Bank. They were the easiest to work with and most helpful,” Rob says.
Family key to success
There’s a reason their operation is named Jones Family Farms. The whole family is involved. Rob manages the growing. Jordan handles business operations. And two-year-old Reagan raises bunnies.
Family is so important, their motto is “We bring family to the table.”
Photo by Megan Bean
This year the Joneses grew about 6,500 pounds of watermelon, along with several other types of
vegetables and melons. Jordan Jones oversees the couple’s produce stand and business operations.
“Christ leading the way”
Not only is Rob a full-time farmer, he’s a part-time minister. He became pastor of Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Water Valley this past summer.
“We’re where the Lord wants us to be,” Rob says. That’s why “Christ leading the way” is printed on their logo.
“The produce stand is a good way to share the Gospel,” he adds.
“The Joneses have become a staple of the community in a short time,” says Matt Crick, their loan officer. “They’re a good example of the next generation of farming.”
– Staff