U-Pick Market

Freshly Picked is a retail market specializing in the growth and distribution of whole plant produce.  It’s focused on providing higher quality organic fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to consumers in whole plant form.  This allows the consumer a u-pick atmosphere in the privacy of their own homes.  

A healthy lifestyle involves the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Fresh fruits and vegetables contain moisture, vitamins (antioxidants), and minerals; however, these micronutrients (essential nutrients) are required for proper bodily function and are not found in adequate quantities in the human or animal body.  Freshly Picked has a proper bodily function in mind by providing consistency in moisture and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).  

About the Agronomist

Hello, you conscious eaters; now I know some of you are maybe wondering, “What is an Agronomist”? Well, an agronomist is one who studies soil management and crop development.  I am apart of a community of accomplished scientists who use various skills to improve the quality of farms and crops.  Check out the American Society of Agronomy for additional information (https://www.agronomy.org/about-agronomy/).  I’ve been in the agricultural field for 5+ years as a student and a produce inspector.

I am passionate about growing healthier food that improves human and animal performance.  It is because of this purpose I obtained a Masters and Doctoral degree in agriculture, both degrees focused on crop science.  My matriculation allowed me to research various plants for their food (human) and feed (animal) capabilities. Plants have the ability to sustain a majority of life on earth and are the reason behind me pursuing such an endeavor.

• My time in school trained me to conduct research and lab work essential to the science surrounding the growing of crops. 

• Working for the state of Alabama as a produce inspector trained me on physically inspecting and grading fresh produce during the growth and harvest process following USDA guidelines.

Materials and Methods

I plan to do this by devoting all my time, energy, and wisdom to producing certified organic produce. Protected agricultural (PA) methods (greenhouse, mulches, row coverings, shade structures, etc.) serve as the primary growing environment allowing for closer attention to detail and extended crop growing seasons.  Only certified organic plant varieties are going to be produced.  Agritechtuer is a technological advancement that allows the farmer to grow more with less.  Freshly Picked will utilize agritechtuer and protected agriculture to mitigate negative environmental impacts that reduce soil health, arable land, and emissions, resulting in healthier, sustainable, and efficient crop growth.

Publications: Selected Abstracts

Training and experience propose the greatest aid in disseminating information to consumers through scientifically published findings in peer-reviewed journals or “DID YOU KNOW” pamphlets.  Listed below are some of the published abstracts presented to the scientific and farming communities. These publications are also presented on the USDA website for Research, Education, and Economic Information Systems (https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0215100-developing-pigeonpea-as-a-viable-cash-crop-on-small-farms-through-research-and-outreach.html).

• Rapheal Baggett, S.R. Mentreddy, J. Herring, and Udai R. Bishnoi. 2011. Pigeonpea: potential vegetable, grain, and forage legume crop in Alabama. 16th Biennial Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, 1890 Institutions. Atlanta, GA.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Udai R. Bishnoi, Ernst Cebert, Josh Herring, and Gamal Adrahem. 2011. Pigeonpea: A potential vegetable and forage crop for small farms in Alabama. Graduate Student Research Presentation. Ag-Week, College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences, Alabama A&M University.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Udai R. Bishnoi, Ernst Cebert, Josh Herring, and Gamal Adrahem. 2012. Evaluation of pigeonpea for growth, vegetable yield, and forage quality in North Alabama. Abstract. American Society Of Agronomy International Annual Meetings.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Udai R. Bishnoi, Ernst Cebert, Josh Herring, and Gamal Adrahem. 2013. Evaluation of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp] as a food and feed crop on small farms in Alabama. STEM Day. Graduate Student Competitive Poster Presentation. Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU), 2st Place Winner.
• Rao Mentreddy, Rapheal Baggett, Ernst Cebert, and Udai R. Bishnoi. 2013. Response of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp] to planting date and row spacing in Alabama. HortScience 47 (S): 52S.
• Rao Mentreddy, Rapheal Baggett, Ernst Cebert, Udai R. Bishnoi. 2013. Response of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) to planting date and row spacing in Alabama. American Society Of Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Udai R. Bishnoi, Ernst Cebert, Josh Herring, and Gamal Adrahem. 2013. The evaluation of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp) as a vegetable and forage crop in Alabama. M.S. Thesis Research Project.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Regine Mankolo, Kim Mullenix, Salama Khan, David Mays, and Udai. Bishnoi. 2016. Potential of pigeonpea as a forage crop in comparison with soybean and cowpea. American Society Of Agronomy Annual Meetings.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Regine Mankolo, Kim Mullenix, Salam Khan, David Mays, Udai Bishnoi. 2015. Potential of pigeonpea as a forage crop in comparison to soybean and cowpea. STEM Day. Graduate Student Competitive Poster Presentation. Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University (AAMU), 3rd Place Winner.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Regine Mankolo, Kim Mullenix, Salama Khan, David Mays, and Udai R. Bishnoi. 2016. Potential of pigeonpea as a forage crop in comparison to soybean and cowpea. 21st Biennial Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, 1890 Institutions. Atlanta, GA.
• Rapheal Baggett, Rao Mentreddy, Regine Mankolo, Kim Mullenix, Salam Khan, David Mays, Udai R. Bishnoi. 2019. Potential of pigeonpea as a forage crop in comparison with soybean and cowpea. Ph.D. Dissertation Research Project.

Outcome

Freshly Picked aims to provide high-quality fruits and vegetables to a community of people who want to be more conscious and aware of what they are eating and how it is being grown and cared for. Agronomist serves as liaisons to farmers to review and implement research findings to recommend farmers’ solutions regarding new scientific developments in crop production.  I plan to use these same attributes to improve fruit and vegetable crop development, resulting in tasteful, nutritious produce delivered to your front door. 

Crops to be produced and delivered are:

• Strawberries
• Lettuce
• Leafy Greens
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Cucumbers
• Spinach
• Herbs
• High-End Mushrooms
• GInseng
• Bamboo
• Onion
• Garlic
• Shallots

Additional varieties will be produced as Freshly Picked grows in operation.