Heather Robertson, a proud member of the royal family of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, has been named the 2026 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Blossom. This honor recognizes her dedication to the strawberry industry and her community contributions.
A Strawberry Story and a Love Story
As featured on WGNO Good Morning New Orleans by reporter Bill Wood, Heather Robertson’s story is both a strawberry tale and a love story. She married into the strawberry business when she wed her husband, Dale Robertson. Together, they founded Johndales Farm in Ponchatoula, marking the beginning of a fruitful journey.
“We were high school sweethearts, and as soon as we got married, we planted our first batch of strawberries,” said Heather Robertson. What started as a small endeavor with a few acres and thousands of plants has now grown into a thriving farm with nearly a quarter of a million strawberry plants across 30 acres.
Growth and Success in the Strawberry Industry
Robertson’s journey with Johndales Farm has been a remarkable success, with the farm now flourishing as one of the largest strawberry producers in the area. The farm’s growth reflects her passion and hard work, which earned her the esteemed title of the 2026 Strawberry Blossom.
“The Blossom is an honor, and you’re chosen by your peers for the hard work in the strawberry industry,” said Robertson.
The Berry She Believes In
Though Johndales Farm has seen great success, Robertson’s commitment to the berry that started it all has remained unwavering. For Robertson, the strawberry is not just a crop; it’s the official state fruit of Louisiana, and a symbol of her family’s dedication to the land and community.
