Here at McCall Farms we operated solely as a farm until 1954. It was then that James Woodrow Swink, who had married Mr. McCall’s granddaughter Harriet McCall, constructed a 5,000-square-foot canning operation right on the farm. The original canning operation operated just ten weeks out of the year, as they concentrated on canning only the freshest locally grown tomatoes, okra and corn. Thanks to a combination of gifted hands, dedicated employees, divine precipitation and a community populated with support, we prospered and continued to grow. The success of the original tomatoes, okra and corn quickly expanded and soon we added squash, string beans, peas, potatoes, peanuts, peaches and a bountiful selection of greens to our product line. It was during this time that we began year-round operations. Over the years, the Margaret Holmes label became known for its commitment to quality, freshness and taste. The line was available in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas. It was during this time that McCall Farms was continuing to grow. Looking for an opportunity to expand with a company that shared its values, commitment and reputation, McCall farms acquired the Margaret Holmes brand in 1985 and moved all of its operations to the family farm in Effingham. All of Mrs. Holmes’ recipes, along with her commitment to freshness came with it. Due to the success of the Margaret Holmes brand, we decided to put all of our canned and frozen products under the Margaret Holmes label.