Farmer Story

NAME: Craig Solomon
OCCUPATION: Organic Farmer
LOCATION: Vega, TX (20 miles North of the Arrowhead Mills Plant).
ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE ARROWHEAD MILLS: Integrity

Craig Solomon is a third generation farmer on the fertile high plains of Deaf Smith County Texas. Craig’s first contract with Arrowhead Mills was in 1989 for Organic Yellow Corn; at the time Arrowhead Mills was still family owned and operated. As Arrowhead Mills has grown and joined THE HAIN-CELESTIAL GROUP Inc. so has Craig; he is now one of Arrowhead’s leading local suppliers of Hard Red Winter Wheat and Organic Yellow Corn. One thing that has not changed is Craig’s close working relationship with Arrowhead Mills, a company whose principles have not been compromised by growth.

Craig’s loyalty to Arrowhead Mills stems from the 20 year longstanding partnership he has built and maintained with the staff. He works with the Arrowhead Mills Quality Assurance Team to track the genetic breeding patterns of his wheat and corn crops. Each year they collaborate with on opportunities to optimize production, while remaining true to organic standards. Craig constantly challenges himself to produce a higher quality crop year after year with higher protein and nutrient levels.

Craig describes himself as a “Steward of the Land” and says it is his responsibility to take care of the land that has been provided to him, and to leave it more productive for future generations. The Solomon family believes that farmers should produce safe, reliable, diverse and nutritious crops, by not utilizing harmful chemicals that could deteriorate the land. His family’s simple farming principles were passed down to him from his Grandfather and father, and he plans to carry on this tradition with his own son and future generations.

Deaf Smith County sits at an elevation of 4,000 ft above sea level and is often referred to as “The High Texas Plains.” Craig believes, “The natural fertileness of the land and availability of irrigation compliment the organic industry,” thus allowing for diversification of organic crop production, while minimizing the potential negative impact of environmental factors

Over the past 50 years Arrowhead Mills and The Solomon Family Farm have not changed their farming practices; using standards and principles that will continue to guide and ensure good productive crops, leaving something for their legacy. Over 70% of Arrowhead Mills Ingredients are locally sourced within 100 miles of the manufacturing plant in Hereford, TX and Craig is happy to be part of the Arrowhead Mills Farming Family.