Celebrating 60 years of farming!
Frank Scott, Jr. grew up in a farming family on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. There, he met his friend Billy Long who persuaded him and his family of five to move to Florida. With only $500 and 100 acres the journey began. Long & Scott Farms was founded in 1963. Central Florida was booming with agriculture and within 35 years Frank expanded his farm to 1,200 acres.
In 1998, following the sale of the all surrounding muck farms, Billy retired from the farm. Frank’s farm was on the sand, not the coveted muck, thus his family farm could continue; however, gone was the network of farmers who once supported each other. Change was on the horizon if this small family farm wanted to survive.
Frank semi-retired and turned over management of the farm to his son Hank in the early nineties. In addition to trademarking the nationally known Zellwood Sweet Corn, we also grow Kirby pickling cucumbers, kale, cabbage, and other healthy crops. Sustainable bio-friendly farming practices have been key to our success, as well as the ability to adapt and grow. Reducing waste by partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and local gleaner groups has been an important part of supporting the community for years. Produce left in the fields after harvest is gleaned, and the “ugly”, but perfectly edible crops are sent to the food bank to be distributed across the country. Long & Scott Farms donates more than 4 million pounds of nutritious food per year for our neighbors in need.
In 2003, Frank’s daughter, Rebecca, and daughter in law, Cindy expanded into agritourism. They opened Scott’s Maze Adventures, an educational 7 acre corn maze, and Scott’s Country Market. Instilling valuable knowledge about farming to the younger generation has always been a high priority. Hosting groups of all ages for a day of fun filled learning at the farm, participating in teach-ins at local schools and setting up at events are a few ways they helped to spread awareness. Both are now semi-retired, but if you’re lucky you can still occasionally catch them at the farm.
A little over 10 years ago Long & Scott Farms further diversified and began growing turf grass in addition to produce. Frank’s youngest son Marks returned to the farm to build the sod division, after leaving the nursery business. The focus is on growing high quality sod able to thrive in Florida’s climate. By growing Zoysia, St Augustine, and Bahia grass we are able to help a wide array of customers with their sod needs.
The next addition was opening Great Scott Fresh Cuts. Currently shredded cabbage and a variety of pickles from produce grown on the farm are produced and sold to local restaurants and grocery stores. More products are in the works!
In 2023, we combined the agritourism side of the farm to create Great Scott Farms, where Frank’s granddaughter Haley is the Retail Manager. Frank’s grandson, Sonny, is the Farm Manager and is in charge of planting and field prep. Sometimes you’ll even find the fifth generation helping out around the farm!
We take pride in our history and continually conquer new horizons to protect the land we have nurtured for over half a century. Our highest priority is to feed our families and the surrounding communities as well as share the importance of agriculture for many years to come. So, come on out and get fresh with a farmer!