At SouthWind Farms Potato farming is what we do and it's who we are. Don't laugh. We know it sounds sort of funny to admit that one is a potato farmer in this day and age. But there are a few things you should know about us. First and foremost, we're not afraid to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. Just like our parents and our grandparents, we understand that the best potato farming doesn't happen in an office. It happens out in the field, which is where you'll usually find us from dusk 'til dawn, ensuring maximum quality in all of our crops. We're dedicated stewards of the land, bringing more than 85 years' combined experience in sustainable agriculture to our farming practices. The hands-on approach our grandparents instilled in us is coupled with the best technology for water and soil conservation, ensuring maximum sustainability and growth. We have regular third party food safety audits and have received superior ratings throughout. Most importantly, we love what we do and we're proud to be potato farmers.
At SouthWind Farms we focus on personalization, whether you're an individual customer or a national company. Our farms are nestled along the Snake River at the base of snowcapped Idaho mountain peaks, and in the past five years, we've grown our fingerling crop from four to 750 acres with a lot of care, innovation and pride. We grow potatoes and we market specialty farm products, and we do it all with an unprecedented level of dedication. We know that providing a healthy, quality harvest in a sustainable way is a very important job and one we take very seriously...most of the time. We've been known to crack a joke or two!
Juan Juarez is the General Manager at Southwind by Wilcox in Heyburn, Idaho. Southwind Farms specializes in growing and shipping fingerling potatoes.
Juan Juarez brings over two decades of agriculture experience to his role as General Manager at Southwind Farms by Wilcox.
His journey in the agricultural industry began with hands-on work in the fields, cultivating crops and learning the intricacies of
agriculture enterprises. Juan oversees year-round operations at Southwind by Wilcox packing shed and the farm.
He actively implements innovative techniques that enhance quality while minimizing environmental impact.
When he is not immersed in potatoes, Juan enjoys mentoring young farmers, sharing his knowledge, and fostering a sense of community within the industry.
Wendy Cottom is the Assistant General Manager at Southwind by Wilcox, where she has been contributing to the company's growth since 2015.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management and brings a wealth of expertise in food safety and compliance, being HACCP certified, Primus trained, and FSPCA certified.
Her commitment to excellence in the agricultural industry ensures that Southwind by Wilcox consistently meets high standards in both food safety and production.
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys kayaking, hiking, and traveling, bringing a sense of adventure and balance to her life.
She is also a proud mother of two adult sons and enjoys life with her husband and their dog.