Phil Sandifer and Sons Farms.
Photo credit: Sandifer Family
Celebrating National Watermelon Month with a Family Legacy
For this month’s Grower Spotlight, and in celebration of National Watermelon Month, Anna Sara visited Phil Sandifer and Sons Farms. They are a third-generation family-run farm that specializes in commercial watermelon and cantaloupe production.
The beautiful 2,300-acre farm is bordered by the South Fork of the Edisto River and Hwy 78. Most of the acreage is in Barnwell County, with some across the line in Bamberg County. A portion of the land was the site of a historic battle!
Farm signs at the corner of Hwy 78 and Mt. Zion Church Road.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
A Story of Perseverance and Innovation
The farm is named after the late Phil Sandifer, who inherited much of the land from his parents. Phil’s father passed when he was young, so he grew up learning and working with his older brothers as they took turns helping his mother keep the farm going. When he was old enough, Phil took his turn running the farm and eventually took it over. He was an innovator and was considered a pioneer in adopting practices that would improve production.
A Phil Sandifer and Sons watermelon field with sunflowers in the background.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Through perseverance and dedication, with the help of his family and a wonderful wife, Jackie, he grew the farm into the large commercial farm it is today. Phil Sandifer and Sons Farms is now run by Phil’s two sons, co-owners Scotty and Chris Sandifer. Their children also work on the farm and hope to one day become partners and continue the family legacy.
Phil Sandifer with sons Scotty (Left) and Chris (Right).
Photo credit: Sandifer Family
What They Grow
Currently, the Sandifers grow row crops as well as produce. At one time, the farm was the largest cantaloupe producer, packer, and shipper in South Carolina and one of the largest on the Eastern Seaboard. In recent years, the acreage has shifted to higher watermelon acreage. However, they still grow their signature Athena cantaloupe.
2024 Acreage
Last year, they grew 450 acres of watermelons and 56 acres of cantaloupes. Roughly 1/3 of the melons were minis. On a small scale, they grow vegetables such as squash, peppers, and tomatoes to sell locally.
Ben’s of watermelons.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Where to Find Their Produce
The farm is a member of SC Grown and supplies produce to grocery stores, food service operators and other companies nationwide.
In 2015, the farm partnered with Lipman to expand its consumer base. Sandifer’s also sells their melons at the State Farmers Market in Columbia and locally at an on-farm produce stand located at the corner of Mount Zion Road and Heritage Highway (Hwy 78).
Trucks waiting to be loaded with melons.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Sustainable and Self-Sufficient Practices
The farm is self-sustainable, maintaining its own beehives to pollinate the produce. They cut overhead costs by owning their own packing house and coolers. The family even built a sawmill to construct their own pallets.
Beehives on the edge of a field ensure watermelon crops are properly pollinated.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Supporting the Community
The Sandifers are always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need and have helped with disaster relief both locally and nationally on a large scale many times over the years. They are big supporters of the SC Watermelon Association (SCWA) and recently hosted a SCWA field trial and field day at their farm.
Faith, Family, and Farming
They attribute their success to hard work, determination, and strong values taught them by a “good daddy” and a “good mamma”. Another secret to their success is having a close-knit family with strong ties that work well together as a team. They “take pride in the fact that they get to see each other every day and enjoy working with each other”. They are also grateful to the “Good Lord, for all His blessings”.
Jackie Sandifer and her granddaughter Karaline Sandifer.
Photo credit: Sandifer Family
Visit Pappy’s Produce Stand
For a nice outing, drive over to “Pappy’s Produce Stand” on the corner of Heritage Hwy (78) and Mt. Zion Rd. Purchase some of their seedless melons, mini melons, or cantaloupes. Feeling adventurous? Try one of their yellow meat or pink meat melons. If you are in the mood for squash, zucchini or tomatoes, grab some in a one-stop shop!
Pappy’s Produce Stand.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Take the Scenic Route
After visiting Pappy’s Produce stand, drive down Mt. Zion Road, past the packing house and shop, around the curve past the lovely Mt. Zion church cemetery and old church. At the stop sign, hang a right onto Char-Augusta Road, and follow it down to the large five-point intersection. Along the way, you will see melons, sunflowers, and row crops growing in the fields. Notice the beehives scattered around the field edges. You may even get to watch melons being picked. As you drive, look out for the old ranch entrance, windmill and pecan grove, marking where it all started. At the 5 points stop sign, take Holeman’s road (the left leg of the Y) and continue straight for approximately 2 miles. Stop at the historical marker just past the Bamberg County line to read more about the Civil War skirmish, mentioned earlier, and learn a little more about local history. Take in the scenery and let your mind wander back in time to how things used to be while hydrating by eating that locally grown, juicy watermelon that you just bought!
Gate Entrance to the Old Ranch.
Anna Sarah Hill, ©2025, Clemson Extension
In Loving Memory
This Grower Spotlight is dedicated to the memory of Phil and Jackie Sandifer, who loved God, their family, and their farm.
Phil and Jackie Sandifer, who loved God, their family, and their farm.
Photo credit: Sandifer Family
