Meet the Farmer

Donald Sherman can trace his love of the land to his parents, who farmed in Louisiana in the late 1940s. They passed down this passion to their children: Donald’s older brothers both worked as farmers and pursued careers in agriculture. Growing up in the South, Donald learned firsthand of the vast food inequity low-income people faced. Many people in his community were not accustomed to having fresh produce readily available. As Donald became more involved in his brothers’ businesses, he saw how happy people were to taste farm-fresh food. . 

Sadly, his brothers passed away and their plan to run the business together was cut short. But Donald continued farming, hoping to carry forth their family’s legacy. Donald began selling to local markets and realized farming was the work he truly wanted to do. Even though he worked for the State of California for more than two decades, the desire to own land and grow food never left. 

In the mid-90s, Donald found an abandoned building that needed refurbishing—the perfect launching pad for his business idea. He wired the space himself, and spent years getting it  ready; then, in 2005, he established Sherman Produce. Now, Donald sells produce from his retail space while also featuring goods from other local farmers. As Donald continues to grow his business, he shares his knowledge with his son and daughter. 

While Donald grows a little bit of everything, his specialty is melons. Every summer, Donald organizes a melon tasting event in the Central Valley, showcasing different varieties of red and yellow watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydew. It’s a community event, and a collaboration with other farmers in the area.