The Miller Family Farm - Galveston, Indiana
Red Gold Tomato growers since the company’s very beginning in 1942. Eldon Miller started growing tomatoes in Galveston, Indiana for the same reason Red Gold began canning them – to help feed the troops during World War II. And he never looked back.
The Dining Tailgate
Spending dinnertime together is incredibly important to the Millers. (Some of the family faves are lasagna, spaghetti and tacos.) Although, as Ashlie will tell you, dinner’s not always at the dinner table – especially come harvest time.
“A lot of the times it’s out in the fields on the back of a pickup tailgate. And really those are some of my favorite meals. I just love the conversations. Everyone just kind of drops what they’re doing for the day, and enjoys good food and just enjoys each other.”
More Than Just a Company
The partnership between the Miller's and the Reichart's – Red Gold owners – has been strong for over 70 years now. And that family tie is what makes the difference in every tomato.
“It’s never been a business where you don’t know the owners. They’ve always been involved. When grandpa passed away, and then dad…they were always right there. More like a family organization instead of a big company.” - Drew
Through the Eyes of a Child
“It really is a blessing raising our daughters Dylan and Layne here," says Ashlie. "And it’s neat to kind of see and experience farm life through their eyes. The girls love any chance they get to help set tomatoes or bring meals out during harvest. The tomato fields have become a second playground for them growing up. They love to dig in, get dirty and just enjoy being farm kids.
Ashlie continues, "Our daughters are also learning so much along the way. Our oldest, Dylan, even gave a presentation at school this past year about growing tomatoes and shared some of her favorite Red Gold products with her class. That was a proud parent moment for sure.
Now in the third generation, Drew and his long time employees have assumed the mantle.
I learned so much about raising tomatoes from my grandpa and dad and wish they were still with us today. But I'm grateful to have the opportunity to carry on their legacy and very thankful for our employees who are like family to us, we couldn't do it without them," says Drew.
Drew adds, "It's also special to not only see my daughters but also my nephews and nieces taking interest in the farm. They love to come out and help. Those are some of my favorite moments in the field, when they are all there."
TV correspondent, journalist, mother, cook, bookkeeper, Red Gold recipe innovator – about the only thing Drew’s wife Ashlie doesn’t do is fit the mold of a stereotypical “farm wife.”
Ashlie: “A lot of times when I meet someone and tell them we farm – they say, ‘Well you don’t look like a farmer.’ I always kind of laugh at that, because I’m like, ‘What’s a farmer supposed to look like?”’
Family Owned, Grown, and Made.
