CLERMONT, Fla. – The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across the nation, preying on small businesses. Farmers and those in the agriculture industry have had a tough go as their businesses were badly bruised by lack of demand and manpower to safely get produce to stores.
Southern Hill Farms, located along the bumpy clay backroads of Clermont, nearly lost its entire season of the u-pick harvest due to the pandemic, but with some innovation and a multi-generational support system, the family farm was able to transform its entire business model.
David and Lisa Hill began Southern Hill Farms by planting landscaping trees but quickly expanded their operation by growing blueberries, peaches, sunflowers, zinnias, strawberries and sweet corn.