Ag Mag Featured Farmer
HILL of a Good Time
T
he story of Benjamin and Tonya Hill is part romance, part fairy tail and with a pre-written ending that reads “and they lived happily ever after.” Benjamin is a third-generation rancher and farmer who grew up in the rice fields of South east Texas. He is the Farm Manager for Rio Fresh Farms in San Juan and owns a custom harvesting business that specializes in grain harvesting and hauling.
Tonya has worked multiple jobs, from the finance department of construction companies to many years in the fresh produce business. She owns TM Hill Produce, LLC, a company she started in March 2020. She specializes in tropical imports from Mexico and South America. Together they own Brolaco Cattle Company, which trades in the breeding stock of Simbrah, Percentage Simbrah, and Brahman genetics. Brolaco is a combination of their three children’s names, Brody, Lorelai and Codie. Brody is a Junior at Texas A&M University, majoring in engineering industrial distribution and supply. Lorelai is a junior at Sharyland Pioneer. Codie Marie is a fourth-grader at Brewster Elementary. “Ag is so important to our family because it is the literal backbone of our family unit,” Tonya said. “Our careers, our lifestyle, our work, our time, and our faith goes into making sure that we help feed the world with healthy, safe products. “Ag creates special people. It makes you tough, but also compassionate.” As the Hills have grown both in numbers and in experience over they years, they realize that depending on one another is critical to “make our life work,” Tonya said. “Every summer, Brody leaves College Station and works the combine for Benjamin in his custom harvesting operation. He started cutting his teeth in the fresh produce business, learning the supply chain aspect of importing fruit, packing, and the distribution network. “Lorelai is our barn manager. Her passion lies within the show cattle barn and nursing pens. She has a great passion for public relations and fiercely defends the industry. She wants to pursue a law degree with a specialty in agriculture and markets. “Codie Marie is passionate about her home garden and cooking the fresh veggies that Benjamin brings home. All of these passions, curiosities and future plans revolve around their participation in our Ag businesses. The glue that holds us together is our mutual love for Agriculture.
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