A Greater Mater: Third annual competition ripe with tasty entries
Published 3:09 am Saturday, July 19, 2025
The third annual Greater Mater Competition was a smashing success on Saturday, July 12, at the Athens Farmers Market. Tomato lovers turned out for a day full of flavor, fun and community.
Many visitors picked up soil sample kits, learned about upcoming workshops and most importantly — left with new tomato varieties they can’t wait to try in their gardens next year. After the judging was complete, market-goers enjoyed sampling all kinds of tomatoes, showcasing the wide variety our local growers brought to the table.
The 2025 winners of the Greater Mater Competition were:
Best Tasting Tomato: Mike Craig, Craig Family Farms
Largest Tomato: Garrett Nunley with a tomato weighing 1.9 lbs.
Slicing Tomato: Ron and Vicki King
Heirloom Tomato: Matt Leicher, Rose and Graham Farms
Junior Division: Evie Leicher
The Master Gardeners of Limestone County, Alabama and the Limestone County Extension staff helped with judging.
