Sweet Grown Alabama Blogs

Ballard Creek Farms in Butler County is a proud member of the state's new agricultural branding program, Sweet Grown Alabama. Operated by Trav Foster since 2017, Ballard Creek Farms grows a variety of produce, but is best known for its watermelons.

“I’m proud to be a part of a marketing outlet that promotes products that local farmers have grown,” said Foster. “It is important to have an organization that wants people to support our local farmers rather than buying products not produced in our state.”

Sweet Grown Alabama exists to connect Alabama farmers and families. The non-profit foundation helps farmers promote their products through a convenient online searchable database. Consumers can locate Sweet Grown Alabama farmers in their area by searching the database via zip code or by product. 

 “Trav is an inspiring young farmer who has taken initiative to start a produce operation, which is labor intensive and can be high-risk,” said Ellie Watson, Sweet Grown Alabama Director. “He does an incredible job growing high-quality Sweet Grown Alabama products for consumers to enjoy.”

Foster grew up on a cattle farm but began growing produce while in college. Over the years, he has expanded his farm by growing watermelons with an irrigation system, and he hopes to continue to adapt to new research and technologies.

Ballard Creek Farms produce is sold at a variety of grocery stores, service stations and roadside stands across Alabama. In addition, Foster recently began selling watermelons and sweet corn to the Elmore County School System as part of the Alabama Farm to School initiative, which strives to provide locally grown products to Alabama’s school children.

Visit SweetGrownAlabama.org to find other local farmers and learn more about the Sweet Grown Alabama program.