Sunbelt - Sunbelt Expo Program 2019

have created a shelter for beneficial insects in many of the natural areas in and around the farm fields. All of this effort goes toward helping solve problems affecting food production in south Florida.

Obern says, “New bedding geometry has reduced our carbon footprint by 5 to 10 percent and has reduced costs.

In 1998 we began a new com-
posting facility that turns yard
waste into nutrients to improve
the farm’s weak soil.” He has also
expanded and altered existing
water detention areas with inter-
nal dikes that have the added
benefit of attracting a large
quantity and diversity of birds, including the
endangered snail kite. He says, “The National
Audubon Society does their Christmas bird
count here because of this healthy habitat.”
Obern employs technology through GPS
rate controllers and incorporates an inte-
grated pest control program to reduce pes-
ticide use. Use of flooding and cover crops
in the summer increases organic matter and
reduces weed and nematode populations,
thereby decreasing the need for fumigants
and herbicides.

Over the years Obern has also invested in custom computer software for mapping crop plantings, payroll management, scheduling of all farm production activities, and putting systems in place to track receiving, inventory, sales, and shipping of products.

Challenges of the mother nature-related
and economic sort have been regular visi-
tors to C&B Farms over its long, interesting
history. Obern notes, “We’ve seen our share
of hail, hurricanes, freezes, market dips, and
foreign competition, not to mention the
ongoing visits and demands of state and
federal regulators and agencies. Labor — its
availability, skill level, and cost — is always
a challenge, along with things like plant dis-
eases, harmful insects, profitability issues,
and sheer survival.”
But since Obern is a dedicated problem
solver and knows first-hand nature’s whims,
he has diversified crop plantings, developed
a hoop/freeze cloth system to protect crops,
and spent money on an extensive canal
system and dewatering pumps of high
capacity to protect against floods. C&B Farms
also has a tail water recovery system, the
primary water source, but has many wells
that can be used when surface water dries
up. Obern notes, “It doesn’t do anyone any
good to complain about things when you
can choose to put yourself in the place of
finding solutions instead.”
On an industry-wide level, Obern is
a member of many organizations. They
include: the American Farm Bureau, the
Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Hendry
Glades County Farm Bureau, the American
Horticultural Society, the Pumpkin Breed-
ing Research Project with Rupp Seed, the
Florida Nurseryman & Growers, UF/IFAS
Lettuce Advisory Committee, and the IFAS
Immokalee SW Florida Vegetable Advisory
Committee.
One of the most rewarding aspects of
farming for Obern has been, in his words,
“Working in an industry I love with like-
minded people: farmers, buyers, university
researchers, and consultants. We speak the
same language, have the same interests, and
pursue the same types of goals. We’re always
reaching into the future to hopefully make it
a better one.” Obern has also been involved
in community education efforts that include
hosting Hendry County agriculture tours and
being a presenter at Hendry/Glades County
Leadership Farm Tours. He also helped
lobby for the Country of Original labeling
of produce legislation passed by the U.S.
Congress in 2002.
What’s on the horizon at C&B Farms, Inc.
is finding a facility to allow consolidation
so that it can better serve its customers by
reducing freight costs during the summer
months. Plans are in hand to add additional
cooler and office space as well
to accommodate the amount
of product and keep up with
compliance and management
issues. Obern adds, “We want to
construct new housing to meet
the increased demand for H-2A
labor, and add products to our
existing product line, thereby
enhancing our brand value for
retailers and consumers. We also
want to continue our work with
IFAS and other local researchers
to solve problems affecting food
production in our region.”
In those spare moments when
Chuck Obern isn’t working, he
enjoys reading, swimming, and
spending time with his wife,
Roxana Vilela Guerra-Obern, a native of
Peru, and their two children, Maria and Issai.
Obern notes, “Maria is a senior in high school
who’s involved in many activities, including
the year book and student government. She
also has a very high GPA. Issai is a freshman
and is involved in FFA and loves the out-
doors, particularly fishing in his john boat
after school. We take occasional family trips
to Trujillo, Peru, where Roxana is from.”

Chuck Obern was nominated Farmer of the Year by Eva Webb, District Field Representative, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. She says, “Chuck was a worthy candidate because of his outstanding service to agriculture through his dedication, curiosity, and innovative farming methods. He did not come from a farming background but has a passion for the land and for research, which he has generously shared with others. Chuck has worked with scientists and university faculty from California to Florida on projects to improve his growing techniques. He began with very few resources, but through sheer determination and great effort, created a farming legacy to pass on to his children who share his love of farming.”