Sharon Farm Has Strong Showing In State Tomato Contest

SHARON, MA — If there's anything we learned this week, it's that one Sharon farm has some awesome tomatoes. Massachusetts environmental officials joined farmers from across the state Tuesday at the Boston Public Market and held the Commonwealth’s 35th Annual Tomato Contest. Ward's Berry Farm in Sharon had one of the strongest showings of the day placing in every award category.

Ward's placed second in the slicing category for its BHN 964 tomato losing out only to MacArthur Farm in Holliston. The farm's Rojita cherry tomatoes placed ninth in the cherry category, while its Striped German tomato took the bronze in the heaviest category, weighing a whopping 2.07 pounds.

In the Heirloom category, Ward's had two of its crops place highly. Its Arkansas Traveler took second place while the farm's Paul Robeson tomato placed third.

Bill Ward, who's family owns the farm, told Patch the farm has competed in the contest annually the last 30 years. He said he was proud that Ward's Farm did so well in so many categories.

"I think it shows the diversity of what we grow," Ward said. "We don't focus on one tomato ... " We had the best crop we ever had. The weather has been ideal."

But most importantly, Ward said him and his brothers love competing and are most passionate about deciding what crops to enter. He said a lot of it comes down to seeing a plant, predicting its quality and guessing the tastes of the judges.

"We really enjoy choosing what tomatoes to submit because you can't taste them first," Ward said. "It's a little bit of a mystery."

If you want to try some of these award winning tomatoes, Ward's Berry Farm is located at 614 South Main St. The farm is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.