Grower Spotlight
Grower Spotlight: M&T FarmsM&T Farms is located in the heart of the Vidalia® onion growing region in Lyons, Georgia. The company started when two independent farmers from Toombs County named Mike McKinley and Terry Collins decided to grow Georgia’s sweetest commodity, Vidalia onions.
M&T’s Vidalias are grown from transplants that are seeded in September and transplanted into the ground from the end of October through December. The sweet Vidalias are harvested in the middle of April to the middle of June. Vidalias can be stored in modified atmosphere storage to prolong the season until mid September.
For nearly 25 years, Mike and Terry have been growing Vidalia onions together. Starting with 50 acres of Vidalia farm land in 1985, the operation has grown to produce 500 acres of onions today. The legacy of this farming operation will continue to grow sweet Vidalia onions by McKinley and Collins family members for generations to come.
Vidalia Onion Fast Facts
Did you know?
1. Only onions grown in a 20-county production area defined in 1986 by the Georgia State Legislature can carry the name "Vidalia Onion."
2. There are roughly 100 total registered Vidalia growers who are certified to grow and sell Vidalia onions.
3. Vidalia Onions are sweet due to Southeast Georgia’s mild climate, sandy and low sulfur soil, exclusive seed varieties and precise farming practices.
1. Only onions grown in a 20-county production area defined in 1986 by the Georgia State Legislature can carry the name "Vidalia Onion."
2. There are roughly 100 total registered Vidalia growers who are certified to grow and sell Vidalia onions.
3. Vidalia Onions are sweet due to Southeast Georgia’s mild climate, sandy and low sulfur soil, exclusive seed varieties and precise farming practices.
