Name

Adam Jay

Occupation

Chief Operating Officer, G. Visser & Sons

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised on a dairy farm, so agriculture has always been part of my life. I pursued an undergraduate and master's degree in mechanical engineering, which led to five years in construction project management with APM Construction. During this time, I realized my passion for managing large projects and overseeing all the moving pieces to bring things together efficiently. Eventually, I returned to my agricultural roots and joined G. Visser & Sons, where I currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer. I help manage our farming and packing operations, blending my engineering background with agriculture.

How did you transition from construction to farming?

It was a significant shift! Engineering gave me a broad foundation in problem-solving, leadership, and management, which applies well to farming. When the opportunity arose to work with G. Visser & Sons, I felt a calling to take the leap into farming. While it was a big change from project management in construction, I find it rewarding to apply my skills to help our farming and packing operations run efficiently.

What does your day-to-day look like?

No two days are the same. On the packing side, I oversee raw product sourcing, manage the production schedule, and supervise our maintenance team. I also handle planning plant upgrades and improving efficiencies in our production lines. On the farming side, I focus on crop planning, managing irrigation, and working closely with our farm leadership to ensure a successful growing season. It's a dynamic role with a lot of variety.

Tell us about your sustainability practices.

Sustainability has been a core value at our farm for years. We focus on soil health, incorporating a four-year crop rotation, and reducing chemical inputs. We’ve shifted away from cash crops like soybeans to soil-building green manure crops, and we work closely with the Department of Agriculture on soil conservation and water flow management. Additionally, we’ve implemented wind power generation on the farm, furthering our commitment to sustainability.

What does farm ownership look like for you?

Last year, I had the opportunity to buy into the business alongside one of the Visser family members. This has been an exciting chapter for me, offering a deeper sense of responsibility and pride in our farm’s future. Transition planning was crucial for us, and we worked with consultants to ensure a smooth, long-term strategy for the farm.

How is your family involved?

My wife and I have six children, and they’re already starting to help out on the farm. My 11-year-old managed a produce stand this summer, and the younger ones dig potatoes in the fields. It's important to us that they connect with agriculture from an early age, learning different parts of the business.

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