Liz , ..you have already mentioned top choices , but in my opinion the one that meets your requirements best is : BIG BEEF (F1).

---It is red, beefsteak , average 8-12 oz

- -- it is early, about 73 days from plant out.

--- It is productive , Plant size is just normal indeterminant.

--- Fruits are quite tasty all around.

--- It is Disease resistant to most soil borne diseases. It is so good in this department that it is also a popular root stock for grafting.

Some gardeners compare it to Better Boy but most prefer Big Beef over better Boy.

I grew one plant for the first time last year and this year I will plant two.

I will also grow Better Boy to compare side by side. I would suggest the same to you.

I second sey's opinion. Big Beef is a staple in my garden. I am not sure I have heard of any folks that dislike it for any reason. It is a tomato machine in my garden.

Having the same growing conditions as you Liz, I would have to recommend 'Old Virginia'. I counted 101 tomatoes harvested from one plant a few years back. It is now grown every year in my garden. It is a perfect, red, "canner type" with great acidity and flavor. It's not going to have the resistance packages of the varieties listed above, but in good years it is tough to beat this one. You can obtain seed for this variety from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (out of Louisa County) or off the rack at Strange's in Short Pump.

Big Beef