By the time George Wedgworth passed away in November 2016, he had seen the family businesses grow dramatically over his lifetime. Wedgworth Farms, which his father and mother began with 320 undeveloped acres, now consisted of 10,000 acres of prime muck land and 10,000 acres of beautiful “old Florida” ranch land near Yee Haw Junction. Wedgworth’s, Inc., the fertilizer mixing operation that George’s father started in a wheelbarrow was now the largest fertilizer company in Florida with annual sales of over $100 million.
Many years ago, George entrusted the reins of the Wedgworth family businesses . . . and their future . . . to his son, Dennis. Dennis was born and raised in Belle Glade, earned an engineering degree from Duke University and an MBA from the University of Florida. He continues to serve as President and Board Chairman of both Wedgworth Farms, Inc., and Wedgworth’s, Inc. Dennis is a member of the Board of Directors of Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, and sits on its Executive Committee. He is also on the boards of the Bank of Belle Glade and the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association. Dennis Wedgworth has brought the highest standards of science and technology to both Wedgworth Farms, Inc., and Wedgworth’s, Inc., making both companies the leader in their respective industries.
In addition to Dennis, two great-grandchildren are working in the family business. Katie Wedgworth Bryson and Keith Wedgworth, a daughter and a nephew of Dennis, are both important parts of the fertilizer operation at Wedgworth’s, Inc.
Eighty-seven years after Herman and Ruth Wedgworth first arrived in Belle Glade, their legacy lives and continues to grow. Herman’s and Ruth’s foresight, work ethic, intellect, and willingness to take risks—characteristics which they taught and passed on to their progeny—continue to impact the Glades today through Wedgworth Farms, Wedgworth’s, Inc., Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, ASR Refineries, Bank of Belle Glade, Glades Day School, IFAS Research Center, and the Wedgworth Leadership Institute. Their heritage continues.
(Written by Thomas Altman, Wayne Boynton, and Lynn Oetzman Dixon)