2022 Packer 25 — Troy Bland
The 2022 Packer 25 is our annual tribute to 25 leaders, innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. Each year, The Packer invites the produce industry to nominate distinguished veterans, leaders and rising stars of the fresh produce industry. As always, our editorial team was energized and awed by the talented pool of nominees this year. Now in its 18th year, The Packer is once again spotlighting 25 dynamic and inspiring people who are moving the produce industry forward.
The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Troy Bland, CEO of Bland Farms, Glennville, Ga.
How did you get your start in the produce industry?
Bland: Growing up on this farm, I never knew why, but my mother made sure I rode with my granddaddy every day in the truck. I didn’t really know what was going on, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It all makes sense now — I am a farmer, like my dad and my granddad. Both wanted to instill in me that farming is the backbone of our country. There is no more honorable profession than providing food and fiber for our fellow man.
How would you describe your current role?
As CEO I am responsible for the overall day-to-day operations at the farm. I have the honor of coming to work every day and doing the job that I have wanted to do since I was two years old.
I grew up in the business and whether we were farming five acres or 5,000, it is in my DNA. My Dad made sure I knew the business from the ground up. I have planted, harvested, packaged and shipped. You simply cannot lead an enterprise unless you know and have done all aspects of the operation.
Currently, I manage approximately 600 employees in numerous operations and facilities in three countries. I am focused on the impact of long-range growth initiatives, planning and introduction of new strategies and regulatory actions with a focus on innovation to meet customers’ ever-changing needs.
What do you hope to accomplish/contribute through that role?
I am extremely fortunate to oversee a company that was built from the ground up and to continue the family legacy that one day I will be able to pass down to future generations.
My father now entrusts me to carry on the family name and whenever a customer picks up a Bland Farms sweet onion, they know the quality and hard work that goes into each onion.
Bland farms is a big business, but we have never forgotten our roots. Trust is huge in our industry, and our customers know that when Bland Farms is on the label, a family is putting their three-generation legacy behind it. Our farm will celebrate 75 years next year.
Bland Farms continues to accomplish new goals every day and I am fortunate to have a strong and dedicated team to help make that happen. Our focus right now is to have the storage and drying capacity so that we can get our onions out of the field as quickly as possible and start the cold chain process so that we can provide a better-quality product for a longer period. We installed a state-of-the-art packing facility that is entirely controlled atmosphere, allowing for precise control of humidity, airflow, and temperature throughout every stage of the drying and packing process. We are always looking at new technology to lead and embrace innovation, but whatever direction we go quality will remain our top priority.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Gaining the trust of my father to allow me to run the company. My grandfather founded the company, my dad grew it exponentially, and as the third generation, it is my job to keep up with modern technology and keep our company on the cutting edge. I have and continue to modernize our operation.
Who has been a mentor to you in your career?
Bryce Edmonson and my dad have been two of my greatest mentors. I want to acknowledge what Bryce has meant to me personally as a mentor and all that he’s done to lead Bland Farms for the last 10 years. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.
Of course, I want to thank my dad, Delbert Bland, for all he’s taught me about the business. He’s shown me how to balance what you love to do with the people you love, family. Dad is the eternal optimist and the greatest salesman I’ve ever seen. We will continue to grow and embrace innovation to meet our customers' ever-changing needs, while remembering our roots in family and faith.
An industry issue that I think about often is...
Water! Water may be the currency of the next generation. Everyone in our ag industry should never take for granted our water supply.
What's your favorite efficiency hack, or something you do to be more effective at your job?
I rely heavily on technology to help me be more efficient and effective. For example, we have used technology to automate processes we used to do manually.
Another has been learning to delegate work to the team I depend on. We are lucky to have such wonderful employees at Bland Farms that I trust, so this has been easy to do.
I also must balance my time between my wife and two sets of twins. Yes, I said two sets of twins.
