ROYALTY

My name is Heather Robertson, your 2026 Strawberry Blossom. I was born and raised in Ponchatoula La and went to high school at Ponchatoula High. I was homecoming queen and graduated in 1991. It was here that I met my husband and high school sweetheart Dale Robertson, who was previously King in 2009. My father in law, the late John Roy Robertson who was my sidekick on the farm until he passed in 2012. My mother in law is Mitzi Robertson. My father, Harold Gomez does all of the tractor work, getting all of the fields ready for planting. My mother is Robbie Gomez, she helps out making jam and selling.

When my husband and I first started dating I would go after school to help plant. That’s where it all started. We married in 1995 and started with 5000 strawberry plants. We have grown now to over 30 plus acres and 200 thousand plants. Not only have the fields grown but so has or family. We have four children- Johndale Robertson, his wife Mahalie. Isabella Coker and her husband Jade. Cypress Robertson and his wife Mckailee. Addianna Sticker and her husband Evan. We have six grandchildren all under the age of two- Leighton Bay Coker, Collins Coast Coker, Rustin Roy Robertson, Briggs Hunter Robertson, Everleigh Ann Sticker and River Ryley Robertson.

I take care of everything on the farm with the help of 12-14 guys that are just like family. I, together with the guys we plant, water, pick and sell the strawberries. Most days I’m on the road before daylight until after dark. Selling at the farmers markets, crescent city, Covington and Gretna. Also selling to all of my loyal customers in Ponchatoula across from Paul’s Cafe every day during the season.

I have learned many things over the years of farming. First, the way of old farmers still works. The strawberry gets its name from the farmers putting straw in the rows to keep grass at bay and cover the plants for frost. We now use blanket but have recently discovered that going back to the old way works. Secondly, nothing grown from the ground is easy but it sure is a great reward when you harvest that first flat of berries. Last, but not least. Farming is not for the weak. To do this you must love it. You work by the sweat of your brow every day to bring your customers this sweet, amazing Ponchatoula Strawberry.