norman and gwen pierce

Transcription

Delaware Farmers
Norman and
Gwen Pierce
2014 Farmers
of the Year
Issue
Contents
Volume IX Number III
12
Cierra Publishing Company
Victor L. Harris
President
Cierra N. Harris
Executive Assistant
Lemar Harris, Jr.
Marketing Intern
Minority Landowner Magazine
Victor L. Harris
Publisher and Editor
Graphic Designer
French Harris Design Group
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Editor’s Page
2014 Farmers of the Year
14
15
Michael Chaney
James Childs, Sr.
8
Farmers of the Year
Charles Adams
16
Jui-Lien “Lillian” Chou
17
Thomas Coleman
9
Juan Carlos Arango
Marilyn Nefer Ra Barber
18
Rev. William Curle
10
Pedro and Adela Bautista
Tuwanda Smith Beck
19
Dee Dotson
Ronald Drown
11
Armajit Brar
Carrie Lee Brown
20
Hazel DuRant
Jose Fonseca
12
Fabiola Calderon
Richard and Ruthie Carter
21
Thomas Freeman
22
13
Gerald Chacon
Roberto C. Gonzalez
and George Gonzalez
Samantha Green
Editorial Board
Jerry Pennick
Arthur Phalo
Drenda Williams
Minority Landowner Magazine
is published quarterly by Cierra
Publishing Company. Address all
inquires to:
Cierra Publishing Company
P.O. Box 97033
Raleigh, North Carolina 27624
Phone: 919.215.1632
Email: [email protected]
www.minoritylandowner.com
Editorials, news releases, photographs and artwork are welcomed. Material received becomes the property of Cierra Publishing Company. Cierra Publishing
Company reserves the right to edit all manuscripts and letters for the sake of clarity, style and space limitations. All opinions expressed in Minority Landowner
Magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or the Editorial Board. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Copyright 2014.
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Contents
Volume IX Number III
27
46
23
Alfred Greenlee
Paul Tim Haggard
37
Roberto Perez
38
Norman and Gwen Pierce
24
Bobby Hardin
Rosie Harris
39
Wesley Ratcliff
James Edward Ray
25
Jack Hicks
Melvin E. Hill, Jr.
40
Mae Redden
Beverly J. Robinson
26
Rose Hill
27
Ruby Hollembaek
41
Hallie Robinson
Robert Robinson
28
Phillip H. Jones, Sr.
Maria Kendall
42
Reid Saito
29
Beth Leier
Lyavans Lowry
43
Jerry Tominaga
Arnold and Ida Trejo
44
Arvind and Shaelish Trivedi
30
Louis Manigault, Sr. and Family
45
Sandra Tweedy
31
Carlos and David McDermott
32
Candis (Hill) McKelvy
46
Dory Wegrzyn
Rev. Ozell White
33
Lynn and Jim Michael
Fred Newhouse
47
Ryan Wiebe
34
Phillip and Deanna Outlaw
48
Chou Yang and Chou Yang
Alfredo and Sabrina Zamora
35
Jane Parres
49
Xin Miao Jiang and Shao Zhi Kuo
36
Ann Perez
50
Vusumuzi and Nothando Zulu
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Editor’s Page
T
hroughout the years we’ve
produced several special
editions of Minority
Landowner. There have been issues
dedicated to Urban Forests, Natural
Resources Conservation Service,
Forest Stewardship, the Office of
Advocacy and Outreach, and of
course our Anniversary Issues. But
the one that creates the most excitement is our annual Farmers of the
Victor L. Harris
Year issue.
Registered Forester
This year we feature farmers
literally from across America, including Alaska, New Mexico,
Idaho, North Dakota, Mississippi, Indiana, Virginia, and
Massachusetts. Farmers were selected by USDA agencies, state
agencies, community-based organizations, and universities.
The farmers represented produce everything from flowers to
forests, blue corncobs to blueberries, and chickens to cattle.
This is a very diverse group of farmers in many ways.
The 2014 Farmers of the Year share their stories of how
they got started, what inspired them to begin farming. They
share their challenges and obstacles, and how they are overcoming those challenges with the help of resource professionals, community organizations, and the support of family.
They share a desire to prepare their farming operation so that
it is ready to one day be led by the next generation of their
family.
This is our 6th Annual Farmers of the Year issue, and
this year we received the largest number of farmers ever for
this special recognition. That’s the result of the many agencies, organizations and universities who take time to ensure
their local farmers, ranchers and forest landowners receive
this national attention. It is not a competition, but rather an
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opportunity for us to recognize those who are positively representing agriculture and themselves within their communities.
I hope to see all of our Farmers of the Year at the Minority
Landowner 9th Anniversary Conference, being held February
26-28, 2015 in Houston, Texas. Our local partner is Texas
Natural Resources Conservation Service, and we’re expecting
our largest conference ever.
Throughout the conference we’ll continue to address issues
and opportunities relating to financial management, technical assistance, marketing and succession planning, the four
components of our Farm Turnaround Team. And we’ll also
explore “Agricultural Diversity on and off the Farm” in three
major areas: 1) The opportunities and challenges of a diverse
agricultural operation; 2) Using the recent Ag Census data,
we’ll examine the diversity of America’s farmers; and 3)
We’ll explore the opportunities and benefits of a diverse agricultural and forestry profession. Conference registration is open and a limited number of
scholarships are available for farmers, ranchers and forest
landowners. You can contact our office to receive a conference registration form, or retrieve it off our website at www.
minoritylandowner.com. Follow us on Twitter @minorityland
and on the web for conference updates.
Congratulations to all of our 2014 Farmers of the Year.
Thank you for all you do representing agriculture across
America.
All the best,
All the best,
Victor L. Harris
[email protected]
Minority Landowner
9th Anniversary Conference
Agricultural Diversity on and off the Farm
February 26-28, 2015
Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport
Houston, Texas
Registration is Open
Conference registration $250
A limited number of scholarships are available
for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.
Follow conference updates @minorityland
and www.minoritylandowner.com or
(919) 215-1632
Local Partner is USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service-Texas
Farmers
of theYear
Charles Adams, My Secret Garden, Notasulga, Alabama
Charles Adams is a
small producer in Notasulga (Macon County),
Alabama. I met him
at his farm “My Secret
Garden” when James
Currington of the Wiregrass Resource Conservation and Development
(RC&D) Council was
building a demonstration
project wooden seasonal
high tunnel house, or hoop house, on his property funded
by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS).
Charles had signed up for an NRCS funded hoop
house, but he said, the 72’ x 30’ size was really too large
for his operation. His farm is only about two acres. “The
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large house would take up too much room. The smaller
size wooden hoop house (20’ x 42’) is perfect for me,” he
said. “I will start using it by planting Swiss chard, kale, and
lettuces from seedlings.”
The Wiregrass RC&D Council received a grant from
Alabama NRCS to build 10 wooden hoop houses across
the state. The standards for the NRCS Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) calls for installing a
purchased kit. So far the only kits available are metal kits
that are hard to install and costly to ship. The council
was charged with developing and putting together a kit
that included step-by-step instructions on how to erect
the house and some standards and specifications to meet
NRCS needs.
James said the process is being fine-tuned as they build
the pilot houses. One of the main objectives is keeping
prices down so more people can participate in NRCS
programs. “The more kits we can produce,” he said, “the
cheaper they will be for our customers.” He stated that
building hoop houses using wood will help promote the
Alabama forest industry, which is the state’s second largest
manufacturing industry, and it will also benefit the local
economy by providing fresh produce to consumers.
“Using the tunnel house is going to greatly extend my
growing season,” said Charles. “My wife Cheryl and I are
extremely satisfied with it. We are tweaking the growing
process in it little by little and sharing our information
with Mr. Currington. It seems to be far more functional
than the metal tunnel house.”
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Alabama
Fay Garner, Public Affairs Specialist
Juan Carlos Arango, Morgantown, Indiana
Marilyn Nefer Ra Barber, Detroit, Michigan
Juan Carlos Arango grew up in Columbia. As a
longtime resident of Indiana, he and his partner Robert
helped form the Bloomington Habitat Stewards and are
involved in the Bloomington Community Supported
Agriculture. His interest grew for the environment and
sustainable agriculture through friendships formed
with local small farmers. This created the inspiration to
purchase farmland in Monroe County with the goal to
grow diversified crops.
Juan installed a seasonal high tunnel with federal
assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). This structure and the use of
cover crops will extend the growing season for his wide
range of produce.
Juan and Robert have incorporated numerous
multi-cultural and historical farming practices such as
permaculture, hugelkultur, and chinampa. Working
closely with permaculture design expert Keith Johnson
from Renaissance Farm, the farm is being developed
with a permaculture approach.
Hugelkultur is a practice borrowed from Eastern
Europe and Germany, meaning “mound culture” which
mimics the nutrient cycling in the natural woodlands.
Chinampa is an ancient method used in Central and
South America incorporating small rectangular islands
extending into shallow bodies of water. This practice
creates a micro-environment suitable for achieving high
crop yields.
Marilyn is a leader in urban farming in Detroit. She
gave up her career in corporate to devote herself to helping
people in Detroit create urban farms that allow them to
have their own business, provide for their family’s future,
and provide healthy food for their community.
Marilyn is the person who jumped in to participate
in educational workshops, learned from service providers,
and now she teaches others in her community all she has
learned. Marilyn has taken more than 50 people through
a nine month educational program to become urban
farmers. She is changing lives and changing the quality of
food available in her community. People now have access
to fresh healthy food and as Marilyn helps to create more
beginning urban farmers, this access to fresh healthy food
will continue to increase.
Marilyn started with the Greening of Detroit and developed a passion for urban farming. She became the farm
manager for D-Town Farms. Marilyn was part of the team
that developed a food policy for the City of Detroit. She is
currently at the Earthworks Farm and teaches their urban
farming program.
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service-Indiana
Kristi Kennedy
Selected by the Michigan Family Farms Conference Committee
Morse Brown and Michelle Napier-Dunnings
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Pedro and Adela Bautista, Grand Junction, Michigan
Pedro and Adela came to southwest Michigan a little
over a decade ago after 28 years living in Chicago. They
knew they wanted to be farmers, owners of their own
enterprise – working for their dream – not working for
someone else. The Bautistas purchased a blueberry farm in
Grand Junction, Michigan and began their journey towards
success. They work as a team, both in the field, in the
home, and in the educational arena. You
can count on Adela and Pedro participating
in all educational activities, seeking advice
from the Extension Service and other
service providers, and participating in USDA
conservation programs. They make use of all the
services and networks available to help smallscale farmers.
As a team, Pedro and Adela Bautista have taken their blueberry business from a lower yielding farm, to a high yield farm utilizing the best
production and conservation practices available.
They have also purchased more land adjoining
their original acreage and planted additional blueberries
and expanded their business to include chestnuts. Adela
and Pedro are also founding members of “Farmers on the
Move” a cooperative of Spanish-speaking farmers in southwest Michigan.
Selected by the Michigan Family Farms Conference Committee
Filiberto Villa-Gomez and Michelle Napier-Dunnings
Tuwanda Smith Beck, Ellenwood, Georgia
Tuwanda Smith Beck is a new and beginning community
farmer whose journey began when a friend and co-worker
shared fresh vegetables from her garden. After experiencing the
great taste of growing your own vegetables Tuwanda started
her own gardening, but thought she was too girly to get her
hands and feet dirty.
Tuwanda said, “One fine spring morning I went to Lowe’s
and started browsing the garden section. I came home that
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day with three different kinds of peppers, cucumber, snap
beans and cabbage plants. Getting my hand in the soil for
the first time was a bit disgusting but I did it anyway. A few
weeks later I was so excited, my garden was so beautiful and I
too could share my vegetables with others and enjoy my God
gifted talents. Now I can’t help surfing the web for new planting ideas. Today, three years later I am growing a much more
productive garden. I will be carrying vegetables to the market
and some vegetables I am able to grow year round. I am grateful to my co-worker, pastor, family members, and especially
United Farmers USA and USDA agencies for the education
and technical resources needed to continue in becoming a real
female farmer as well as the opportunity to share what I’ve
learned with the community of farmers in Georgia. I want all
farmers to know that God has created a beautiful and perfect
world filled with these wonderful gifts. STOP! Take a look at
your garden! Can’t you tell?”
Selected by United Farmers USA
Hezekiah Gibson, President
Armajit Brar, Everson, Washington
Carrie Lee Brown, Kingstree, South Carolina
Armajit Brar (r), and his nephew Navjot Brar
Armajit Brar came to the U.S. in 1983 from Punjab,
India and resided in California until 1984 when he moved
his family north to Everson, Washington, 18 miles from
the Canadian border. Several of Armajit’s family members
were growing raspberries in Whatcom County and today,
Armajit and his brother, Mehar run Kissan Berry Farms
with 235 acres of blueberries and raspberries.
They have seen the blueberry and raspberry industry
grow significantly since 1984, when there were only about a
handful of growers in the area. Today, Northwest Washington is the number one raspberry growing area in the world
and Washington State’s largest blueberry growing area.
Armajit is proud to continue a strong family farming
tradition, dating back as far as nine generations in India
where they grew wheat, corn, rice, cotton, sugarcane, garbanzos and lentils on 40 feet of top soil! A farmer’s dream!
Each day, Armajit feels blessed to do what he loves--farm. “Everything we work for is a blessing,” said Armajit,
whose two sons, Virjot and Jagitvir, and Mehar’s sons, Navjot and Jiwan are looking to carry on the farming tradition,
after obtaining college degrees.
Armajit is a true believer in USDA Risk Management
Agency’s Multi-Peril Crop Insurance blueberry policy. “The
blueberry crop insurance policy has been there to help
sustain us in the years we needed it and has proved to be
the strategy to protect our margins when cold temperatures
and rain come when we least need it,” said Armajit.
Armajit, his wife, and family reside right next to their
beautiful blueberry fields. The perfect view! Congratulations Armajit!!
Selected by USDA Risk Management Agency
Spokane Regional Office
Jo Lynne Seufer, Risk Management Specialist
Carrie Lee Brown comes from a lineage of family farmers
and today the farm is known as The Conyer's Farm. It is a
five generation farm that has been part of a co-op for the past
10 years. Their co-op is open to the public and they sell fresh
fruits and vegetables to local churches, farmers markets, and
senior centers within their community and others within the
state. Carrie grows purple hulled peas as a specialty crop and
with her value added the peas are picked, shelled and bagged,
and thus have become a preferred item of buyers.
Carrie enjoys farming, meeting the people and selling
produce. She shares the importance of eating healthy and enjoying lots of fruits and vegetables. Carrie’s goal for the future
is to be able to sell to schools, and develop a nutritional plan
for youth that will include cooking fresh vegetables.
Carrie enjoys farming with her seven grandchildren, her
son Edward Brown, an aunt, Sarah Shepherd, and her parents, Professor and Jeannie Conyers. Five generations of love
and happiness that she says is the key in working together.
Carrie attends numerous workshops and acknowledges that
United Farmers USA has played an important role in educating her and seeking resources within USDA agencies that
have proven to be very helpful. Carrie says, “People got to eat,
and regardless of the time you put into farming you will be
able to support your efforts.”
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Fabiola Calderon, Vale, North Carolina
Richard and Ruthie Carter
Shubuta, Mississippi
In 1990, Fabiola Calderon came to the U.S. to progress
in life and provide for her family. Her husband Maurilio
Calderon had experience in agriculture and was able to
find a job harvesting fruits and vegetables. They both
worked and learned all they needed to know to start their
own farm operation in 2003. They settled down in Vale,
North Carolina where they began growing two acres of
tomatoes and as time has progressed, they are now running 30-40 acres of tomatoes, peppers and zucchini and
don’t plan to stop growing and learning the trade any
time soon. They continued to expand their operation and
education of processes with the help of USDA FSA farm
loan programs and workshops that are offered by North
Carolina A&T State University School of Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences. Mrs. Calderon is a part of the
Hispanic Women in Agriculture cooperative located in the
southern piedmont of North Carolina. The group consists
of six kindred spirits and their family, sharing resources to
produce quality products for large local distributors.
Richard and Ruthie’s farm is situated in the tri-corners
of Jasper, Clarke and Wayne Counties in the hamlet of
Eucutta, Mississippi. Richard said, “On this farm, my parents raised a family of two girls and four boys. We worked
as a family unit producing cotton, corn, vegetables, and
trees to earn a family income. My parents exemplified
strength and honesty in maintaining this farm and we
are thankful for this opportunity to continue my parents’ legacy. Today, we are raising cattle, hay, vegetables
and managing forestland.” The Carters are members of
Wayne County Self Help Organization which provides
services for small farmers. They have received technical
assistance and other valuable information to enhance
their farm enterprise. The Carters decided to sign up for
conservation practices through NRCS’ Environmental
Quality Incentives Program in December 2010. They
qualified for numerous practices including heavy use, water troughs, cross fence, pasture improvements, and corral.
“These practices have added income and reduced input
costs in managing our forages, and corral provides safety
in vaccinating and loading cattle,” says Richard. “We have
hosted field days and sponsored other education activities to heighten awareness of the natural resources. We
will continue managing our farm as long as God gives us
health and strength.”
Selected by USDA Farm Service Agency-North Carolina
Beverly Clark
Selected by Winston County Self Help Cooperative
Frank Taylor, Team Leader
Dr. Osei Yeboah of North Carolina A&T State University and
Fabiola Calderon
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Gerald Chacon, Espanola, New Mexico
Mr. Chacon has not shied away from challenges facing
farmers, ranchers and agencies alike. Rather than turning
to litigation or confrontation, he has worked diligently to
bring together diverse views and interests collaboratively
to address shared issues around restoring forests and range
conditions, reducing fire risk and providing for healthy
watersheds. In his leadership role in the Northern New
Mexico Stockman’s Association, Mr. Chacon facilitated
discussions with ranchers, the U.S. Forest Service, and
New Mexico Game and Fish (NMGF) to address elk
and cattle competition for range resources on private
and public lands. He has brought public and private
parties to the table on the Carson National Forest to
address sagebrush management, rangeland and watershed
restoration, and water availability during this time of
drought. He continues to be a key player on the Cebolla
Nutrias Watershed group drawing together those who have
an interest in protecting natural areas as well as wildlife
habitat in Northern New Mexico.
Mr. Chacon is also an active member of the San
Joaquin del Rio de Chama land grant and was a key
partner in a collaborative effort to improve access
to an historic land grant cemetery on the Santa Fe
National Forest. He represents the ranching and
farming community as a member of the New Mexico
Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Advisory Board which
provides guidance to NMGF on the management of the
statewide OHV program. By effectively providing local
leadership, building upon shared interests, and facilitating
management of large landscapes, Mr. Chacon is helping to
change the face of collaboration in Northern New Mexico.
Selected by U.S. Forest Service, Carson National Forest
Diana M. Trujillo, El Rito District Ranger
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Michael Chaney, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michael Chaney was born and raised on a 140 acre farm
in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. It was here that he learned the
importance of growing food and how farming can impact
others. In 1970, he moved to Minneapolis (MSP) where he
attended the University of Minnesota, and Brown Institute.
While attending the Brown Institute he took classes in
media broadcasting. This led to a position he held for 25
years at Fox TV, Channel 9 in MSP.
Since the 1980s, Chaney has been a community
organizer. He believes “we” need to invest in the
community and in ourselves. In the 1980s he founded
the MSP Juneteenth celebration which is held the third
Saturday every June to celebrate the last slaves in Texas. In
the 1990s he started the Wendell Phillips Credit Union.
This financial institution is now known as Wings Financial.
In 2010 Chaney initiated Project Sweetie Pie (PSP), an
urban farm movement that seeks to increase healthy eating
by growing, consuming, and marketing freshly grown
vegetables. Educational opportunities in horticulture,
entrepreneurship, and marketing/promotion are provided
through PSP. Through PSP an effort is made to engage
youth via the four Is, “Inform, Infuse, Inspire, and Instruct.”
Chaney has been a recipient of several awards in the
last few years including Collaborator of the Metropolitan
Consortium of Community Developers and Environmental
Institute Awards for Community Engagement of the Year.
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Recently, PSP was informed by Scotts Miracle-Gro that
they were one of five projects selected in the nation for
“GRO1000.”
Being an activist in MSP brings to light many memories
over the years. Projects such as PSP provide an important
platform for contributing to the community.
Congratulations, Michael Chaney!
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Minnesota
Cutrina Moreland
James Childs, Sr. Boligee, Alabama
James Childs, Sr. shares his lifetime of knowledge with others.
Mr. James Childs, Sr., 73, was raised on a farm and has
farmed all his life. He owns 25 acres in Boligee, Alabama,
and leases 75 acres where he cuts hay, plants row crops using
conventional methods and plasticulture with drip irrigation.
He has reforested over 10 acres in loblolly pine.
On his farm he grows a variety of crops and using his
hoop house he grows something, he said, about nine months
of the year. Crops include watermelons (mainly on plastic),
corn, peas, butter beans, turnip greens, collards, cabbage,
kale, onions, Irish and sweet potatoes, peanuts, squash, okra,
tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
The farm is not certified organic but he states he grows
his vegetables as organically as possible. He said, “I will not
sell anything I will not eat and I will eat everything I grow.”
Mr. Childs markets his produce directly to the community
through two farmers markets, and about five local grocery
stores. When he is informed that someone needs food, usually
the elderly, he delivers them fresh produce. He also donates
some of his harvest to organizations for special events.
Working with local organizations is important to Mr.
Childs. He makes available a building on his property with
a full kitchen, bathrooms, and central heat/air for farm
meetings and other community gatherings.
Instilling in youth a love for the land is very important
to Mr. Childs. He holds field days for school students and
area youth so they can see first-hand how crops are planted
and harvested.
Mr. Childs stressed that marketing was an important
step in farming. He uses the USDA Electronic Benefit
Transfer (EBT) payment system to help those on limited
incomes to buy fresh produce through the SNAP program.
He indicated that preparation for marketing was also
important to the marketing process. He said that most customers buy what is pleasing to the eye and that his produce
is fresh, clean, and arranged
in a way that people are
drawn to it. He stressed that
obtaining and keeping his
customer’s trust in his growing practices and quality of
produce, is significant to his
success as a farmer.
James Childs’ life revolves
around farming and meeting the nutritional needs of
people in his community
and surrounding areas. His
expertise and love of the
land and people, makes him
a very successful farmer.
James Childs, Sr., (r) and his son James, Jr., ready the tractor to lay plastic and micro-irrigation.
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Alabama
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Jui-Lien “Lillian” Chou, Lubbock, Texas
Tree Grace Farms in Lubbock, Texas is growing in popularity for the fresh and healthy produce and student educational opportunities provided to city and rural residents.
Known for specializing in organic fruit and vegetables in
the city limits, Tree Grace Farms is a unique farming and
gardening business where families can visit to harvest their
own fresh produce.
Farm owner Lillian Chou said conservation has become
the mainstay of their operation. Chou’s daughter, Szu Han
Ho started conservation efforts on the 250 acre farm in
2005 and requested assistance to develop a conservation
plan with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) and the Lubbock County Soil and Water Conservation District.
NRCS District Conservationist Randy Underwood said
the farm was a good fit for the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) where he assisted Chou’s farm
managing assistant, Sherry Pullen, with an irrigation water
management plan to increase irrigation efficiencies using
low precision in canopy spray application.
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Although current drought conditions have presented
challenges, Tree Grace Farms continues to implement
conservation practices such as native grass plantings and
surface roughening as an alternative to controlling wind
erosion. They have also implemented nutrient and pest
management in their conservation plan.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Texas
Quenna Terry
Thomas Coleman, Louisville, Mississippi
Perhaps, you can best describe Thomas Coleman as a
humorist, historian, businessman or simply the Garden Doctor. Thomas is on a purposeful mission to help sustain rural
communities by transferring place-based knowledge and
assisting families in growing fresh vegetables. Thomas stated,
“I enjoy working with people and sharing my agriculture
experiences to help produce quality vegetables. My vast
farming experience spans more than 70 years. At one time
each family here in the Pleasant Grove and Mt. Olive Communities maintained a working garden and additional acres
to provide vegetables for extended family members.”
However, today there are twenty or less working gardens
within a four miles radius of the Thomas’ farm and he provides daily assistance such as tilling, planting, hoeing, cultivating, harvesting or humor to make life simpler for beginning
farmers. Some community people call Thomas the Garden
Doctor because he dispenses relevant information to eradicate
insects or teaches individuals to plant by the “sign system”
(almanac). Thomas’ rule of thumb for planting vegetables is
to plant above the ground vegetables on the full moon and
underground vegetables on the half moon. Thomas’ farm
operation consists of five acres of vegetables which he sells
through local farmers markets and regular customers.
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Rev. William Curle, LaRue County, Kentucky
Left to right: Joel Theirestein, Provost; Carolyn Parker, Director of USDA OAO; Eunice Curle, Rev. William Curle II; Ed Thompson USDA
1890 Program Liaison and President of KY NOPBNRCSE; Dr. Teferi Tsegaye, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food Science and Sustainable Systems; Lacey Gawn NRCS ASTC for Field Operations; Billy Finkbeiner, NRCS Lead District Conservationist
Rev. William Curle is a willing and able farmer who has
used plenty of practices over the years to focus on conserving and better utilizing the resources available in LaRue
County. With a Nicholson type soil on-farm, William has
built a soil structure that erodes less, holds nutrients better,
and decreases contaminants into the local watershed. Over
the past 10 years we’ve worked with Mr. Curle to improve
his pasture. In doing so we have added new species of cool
season grasses. With proper management and technical assistance we have seen an improved pasture on-farm and an
increase in animal unit density.
Frost-free waters, exclusion fencing, and other practices
have been added in order to strengthen the total farm plan
of forage management. A heavy-use area has been added to
aid in nutrient management and make sure the livestock
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are comfortable.
Lastly, William has added an EQIP high tunnel frame
to his operation to better utilize nutrient and soil practices.
The last practice is a new enterprise, one that has proven to
be economically feasible.
William Curle has been a great mentor to younger
farmers in LaRue County and other counties in the region,
mentoring more than five farmers in the region who have
not reached their 40th birthday. William has plans of doing more planned practices on-farm and aiding younger
African American farmers either with existing enterprises
that have been historically on-farm, and also to enter new
markets in the future.
Selected by Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension
Dee Dotson, Louisville, Mississippi
Dee Dotson said “I am no ways tired of loving God’s
natural resources because this has been my way of life for
90 years. I have spent my entire life planting, managing,
harvesting and selling the fruits of my labor to earn income
for our family.” Dee’s diverse farm operation is nestled on
the rolling hills of Louisville, Mississippi. “We raise three
acres of vegetables including greens, peas, corn, green beans,
watermelons and others. We normally produce vegetables
eleven months out of the year before December’s killer
frost. My regular customers place their orders by phone and
others will visit our farm which allows these individuals an
opportunity to ask questions and observe our farm operation. Additionally, we manage 30 acres of forestland and
raise beef cattle.” Dee is a founding member of Winston
County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) along with
his late wife Omerio Dotson. “WCSHC has provided my
family and others with leadership in times of crisis to help
maintain ownership of our lands in the 1980s. We have
received animals, farm supplies and most of all technical support to ensure success in rural communities. I am
thankful to have lived for more than 32,000 days on earth
and I am looking forward to continue managing Mother
Earth’s natural resources.”
Ronald Drown, Pineville, Arkansas
Ronald Drown has been actively managing his 226 acres
for close to a decade. He has 200 acres of timberland and
26 acres of open land in Izard County. Over the past few
years Ronald has converted acres of open land into loblolly
pine plantations.
Ronald received forest management advice and a forest
management plan from the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC). He began implementing practices outlined in
his forest management plan by having a light chemical site
prep of 40 acres done, followed by a 40 acre site prep burn.
Both practices were needed to prepare the site for planting
the loblolly pine seedlings during the next planting season.
In 2013 Ronald became a certified forest steward
through the AFC’s Forest Stewardship Program. To be
eligible for this program, private landowners must choose
which resource objectives they will manage their property
for. Once their objectives are identified, they must actively
implement their multiple-use forest management plan.
Ronald chose to manage his property for wildlife and
timber. He has established a food plot on his property
for wildlife to feed and provide nutrients for the deer and
turkey that visit this area of his property.
Selected by Arkansas Forestry Commission
Kenny Smothers
Independence, Izard, Lawrence and Randolph County Forester
19
Hazel DuRant, Manning, South Carolina
Jose Fonseca, O’Fallon, Missouri
Hazel DuRant has been farming all his life except for
the time he decided to move to New Jersey and work.
This third generation farmer is training his son (Hazel
DuRant, Jr.) to carry on the family legacy. His son said,
“It has been a pleasure learning the proper techniques of
farming from someone so dear and I will do my best to
see my dad’s legacy continue in the farming industry.”
Hazel raises Angus beef cattle and grows a variety
of vegetables, hay, rye and oats. With the assistance of
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s EQIP
program he was eligible to receive financial assistance for
a high tunnel, fencing and a watering well. Hazel’s love for
farming gives him a peace of mind and the opportunity
to spend time sharing his work with his son and grandchildren. He sells his vegetables close to the I-95 Corridor
where the community and people from other states are
sharing his produce. One Georgian said, “His collard
greens are the bomb” because they are very tender and
can be eaten raw. Some vegetarians make roll up sandwiches from the collard green leaves.
Hazel wants to continue the legacy of growing vegetables and feels a lot of his success has come from the
various conferences, educational classes, workshops, and
hands on demonstrations given by United Farmers USA
and USDA agencies. He encourages people to enjoy the
simple life and continue in the path of their youth for it
leads to bigger and better things in the future and farming is one of them.
Jose Fonseca immigrated to the United States in the
late 1980s. When he first arrived in the U.S. he began
working for his sister in a small restaurant in the St. Louis
metropolitan area. As his knowledge about food and production increased he began thinking about other options.
He began leasing small acreages in the St. Charles county
area to raise fruits and vegetables. He sold his crops at
a small produce stand and, in time, began marketing
to area grocery stores. In 2004, he was able to purchase
some land in the Missouri river bottom. He continues to
raise his produce, but now he grows it on his own farm.
His marketing and delivery has grown to include several
major grocery stores in the county, and increasing the size
of his produce stand. In 2013, he added a high tunnel to
his farm allowing him to extend his growing season. This
allows him to plant much earlier and continue much later
into the fall, adding to his marketing season, thus allowing him to deliver a much higher yield of produce and
increasing his income. Jose is a very hard working individual. He puts in many long hours to make his operation
successful. He is now a U.S. citizen and has raised five
children and several grandchildren. Jose is truly an immigration success story. He recently hosted a 20 member
delegation from Argentina and Colombia. He shared with
them how he became a landowner and vegetable producer. It was very moving to see the pride on his face as he
spoke to the delegation about his journey from Mexico to
the United States and his own little piece of the American
dream; HIS American dream.
Selected by St. Charles/St. Louis County Farm Service Agency-Missouri
Connie Gibson
20
Thomas Freeman, Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Terry Cosby, NRCS Acting Southeast Regional Conservationist; Mary and Thomas Freeman; and Dr. William Puckett, Alabama NRCS
State Conservationist
Thomas Freeman of Colbert County is a prime example
of a small farmer. That is why he was named the Alabama
NRCS 2014 Small Farmer of the Year.
His main income does not come solely from his 41 acre
farming operation. The Freeman’s farming enterprises are
diverse and include growing vegetables and raising cattle. To
address some natural resource concerns, Mr. Freeman sought
and received technical and financial assistance through the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).
To grow fresh vegetables for his family and local community, as well as gain additional income, he built a 72 by
30 foot seasonal high tunnel, or hoop house using EQIP
financial assistance. In it he grows regular and Savoy cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and collards. The hoop house
benefits his farm including energy reduction, increased water
quality (with reductions in pesticides and nutrient inputs
and outputs), and improved soil quality. Freeman wants to
add a heating system to grow tomatoes, squash, cucumbers,
and other warm weather crops throughout the winter.
Freeman also owns a cattle operation with grazing land
that needed many conservation practices. During the past
six years he improved his grazing land using USDA NRCS
programs. In his pastures he installed cross fencing, a watering facility with a heavy use area, a well with pipeline, and
planted grass.
The Freemans feel it is important to share the farming
knowledge they have acquired over the years. They host
field days, demonstration workshops, and other educational
events on their farm. Thomas is a member of the county
EQIP Work Group that makes decisions for the conservation
activities of the local NRCS/Soil and Water Conservation
District (SWCD) office.
Farming and raising cattle are not Freeman’s only jobs.
He also delivers large trucks for Bennett International and is
known for his good heart and soul singing. Freeman is quick
to inform people that his God-given talent is singing. He
is spreading the gospel through his singing as he travels the
nation delivering trucks, in addition to being a good steward
of the land.
Matthew Copeland, Colbert County NRCS district conservationist, says, “Mr. Freeman lives in harmony with nature
and mankind. He is truly making an impact on the earth by
making his Colbert County farm a better place than when
he obtained it. That will carry over for generations to come.”
The Freeman’s were named the Alabama NRCS Small
Farmer of the Year for FY2014 at the August 2013 Federation
of Southern Cooperative’s Annual Meeting, in Epes, Alabama. They were presented a plaque and an engraved clock.
21
Roberto C. Gonzalez and George Gonzalez, Concepcion, Texas
Dionico Elizondo acquired the El Senor de la Carrere Land Grant from Spain
of 10,078 acres on November 29, 1835. After seven generations the management of
cattle continues to be the heart and soul
of the property as it first began in 1835.
In 2013, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program
recognized the family for keeping the
ranch in continuous agricultural production by the same family for more than 150
years.
The family continues to pay a tribute
to the ranch family antepasados. About
50 percent of the property is still owned
by family raising beef cattle on this land
and that has been kept in conservation since 1954.
Rancho Gonzalez is operated today as a cow/calf operation by great grandsons, Roberto C. Gonzalez, a Vietnam
veteran who was wounded during the war, and his brother,
George Gonzalez, a soil conservationist technician with the
USDA NRCS. The Gonzalez’s are active with Farm Bureau,
American Quarter Horse Association, and Paint Horse Association along with the Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico
Horse Racing Commission. The Gonzalez family has showed
livestock at Jim Wells County Fair for more than 50 years.
Sammy Guerra
Samantha Green, Cordova, Tennessee
Samantha Green was recognized this year for her vision
and commitment to developing
a commercial, wholesale bakery
producing healthy muffins
using locally grown zucchini
from her small family farmers
in Mississippi and Tennessee.
Samantha is CEO of Lilee’s
Gourmet Bakery, headquartered
in Memphis, Tennessee. She and
her brothers and sisters are also fifth generation farmers in
Tate County, Mississippi on land originally farmed by her
great grandfather, Jeff Green.
Working with the Mississippi Association of Cooperatives, Samantha Green has created a home-based business,
22
developed a brand, Z-MuffinsTM, and launched the wholesale bakery producing traditional flavors like cinnamon
spice, raisin, carrot-pecan, chocolate, in addition to creating
a zucchini-jalapeno cornbread and several gluten-free muffins. Samantha is also a member of the Mid-South Progressive Agriculture, a cooperative of small chicken, egg, and
produce growers.
Today, Ms. Green sells Lilee’s muffins at 11 farmers
markets in and around Memphis, and in Mississippi every
week at a local grocery store in Harbor Town called Miss
Cordelia’s. She is also launching internet sales. This spring,
Ms. Green completed negotiations with Whole Foods to
have her products sold at their Memphis store, and also
distributed by Triple R Foods throughout the Southeast.
Selected by Alcorn State University/Mississippi Association of Cooperatives Small Farmers Conference
Alfred Greenlee, Albany, Georgia
After retirement in 2008,
Alfred Greenlee purchased the
52-acre Green Oak Farm. He
pasture board horses, grows
hay and watermelons. He has
proven to be a man of great
integrity, is hardworking and
trustworthy. Mr. Greenlee
has a wealth of knowledge in
agriculture and is affiliated
with various USDA agriculture
programs. He supports the
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) Cooperative Extension
Programs on and off campus, Southern Sustainable
Agriculture Working Group, and Professional Agricultural
Workers Conference. He also participates in various FVSU
agriculture outreach and education workshops/conferences,
and multiple USDA educational training programs.
Additionally, he was a participant in the 2012 Small
Farmer Leadership Institute Program (Program) graduation
in June 2013 in Washington, DC. He states, “The Program
equipped me to work with a diverse audience, share ideas
in group discussion, develop leadership skills, enhance my
communication skills, and become a better advocate for
farmers and my community.”
Currently, he is engaged in USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service cost share programs and recently
installed a high tunnel hoop house in April 2014. He works
closely with his county extension agent, who will host an
“Agriculture Educational Field Day” on his farm in the
summer of 2014.
Selected by Fort Valley State University
Cooperative Extension Service
Paul Tim Haggard, Newark, Ohio
Paul Tim Haggard worked as a WAE (part-time)
employee with the USDA Soil Conservation Service in
Circleville, Ohio when he was a young man. Tim and his
father purchased a 33 acre farm located on State Route 661
in Licking County, Ohio. They started with greenhouses
and raised nursery container stock. For the last 30 years,
Tim has been carrying out his father’s vision for the family
farm. He opened Paul's Nursery World & Landscaping
in Utica, Ohio, which is now recognized as a leader of
landscape companies in the area. The business specializes
in mums, perennials, annual bedding plants and vegetables.
They also continue to grow evergreen nursery stock for the
landscaping business. Most recently, Tim has completed
installing two high tunnel green houses partially funded
by the USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives
Program. The project also included a well pump installation,
500 feet of waterline, a drip irrigation system and external
drip trenches with an underground outlet. Throughout the
years, Tim and his family have shown their acknowledgment
of the importance of protecting and conserving our natural
resources by developing a conservation plan, implementing
conservation practices on their farm and promoting
conservation to others throughout the community.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Ohio
Justin Hunter, District Conservationist
23
Bobby Hardin, Louisville, Mississippi
Bobby Hardin is
a fourth generation
farmer in Louisville,
Mississippi. Bobby is
a founding member of
the Winston County
Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC). We
organized this prolific
vehicle of change for
small farmers in 1985 to help save rural communities by
providing leadership in times of uncertainty. WCSHC
assists beginning and returning farmers with mapping the
processes for building successful farm operations. WCSHC provides technical assistance, financial management,
livestock production and risk management tools to ensure
long-term profitability.
Bobby said, “I never envisioned of living on a farm after
graduating from high school. I lived in California and Tennessee for more than twenty years, before returning back
to my southern roots to generate income from my forefathers’ natural resources.” Bobby’s farm enterprise consists
of swine, forestry, livestock, and vegetable production.
Bobby markets and sells locally within a 10 miles radius
of his farm. This helps eliminate transportation costs and
ensures quality of produce. “I attend meetings sponsored
by WCSHC to source services through USDA, CBOs and
Extension. This opportunity has been beneficial in terms of
learning innovative strategies and promoting sustainability.
I have received numerous conservation contracts through
Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve my
forages and water quality. Finally, we are committed to help
save Rural America.” Visit www.wcshc.com.
Rosie Harris, Louisville, Mississippi
Rosie Harris, native of Louisville, Mississippi, has
worked on the farm all of her life. However, after the
demise of her husband of 52 years, Isaac Harris, Rosie’s
life changed tremendously. She wanted to continue the
legacy of farming but lacked the knowledge and resources
needed to maintain such an operation. Consequently, Rosie
became an active member of the Winston County Self
Help Cooperative (WCSHC). She learned about the many
resources available to her and was educated on programs
through USDA that could aid in her daily farm operations.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also
provided her with forestry services which included cleaning
forest land for replanting, prescribed burning, and thinning.
Rosie said, “Through the programs that WCSHC have
offered, I have learned about my rights as a farmer and
how to make my farm more profitable.” Currently, Rosie
maintains and operates 118 acres of farmland. She continues cattle farming, gardening, and has now added forestry
to the list. Her future plans for the farm include increasing
her herd of cattle, resetting her land in timber, cross fenc-
24
ing, and managing the farm so that it will be profitable for
the next generation.
Jack Hicks, Hugo, Oklahoma
Jack Hicks,
enrolled member
of the Choctaw
Nation and currently the director
of agriculture and
ranching operations for Choctaw
Nation has been
farming for over
30 years on his
own land. Jack also manages the Choctaw Nation ranches.
He has been instrumental in implementing conservation
practices to improve the quality of Choctaw agriculture
land now and for its future generations. Jack has worked
effectively within all aspects of managing over 59,000 acres
of agriculture land, within the Choctaw Nation boundaries, which encompasses 10-1/2 counties in southeast
Oklahoma. Jack has a true understanding of how important it is to implement effective conservation practices
to protect and improve the quality of the land. Jack has
administered and implemented the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship
Program on tribal lands for the last eight years. He oversees
all the cattle and buffalo operations that include breeding,
marketing and financial management of these operations.
Jack is also serving on the NRCS Regional Tribal Conservation Advisory Committee and is a board member on the
Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council.
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service-Oklahoma
Melvin E. Hill, Jr., Warfield, Virginia
Melvin E. Hill, Jr., has more than 100 good reasons
to protect and conserve his 285 acre Brunswick County
farm. Purchased in 1880, the land is part of a family legacy
that began with his great grandfather and continues to
this day. Melvin grew up raising tobacco, small grains,
and soybeans with his father. Though he no longer grows
tobacco, Melvin continues to raise a variety of vegetable
crops and has a small cow-calf operation, tending a herd
of 19 cattle that graze on 33 acres of pasture. The original
farmhouse is being added to the Virginia Department of
Historic Resources’ historic register and Melvin has been
working with NRCS since 2007 to make sure the land is
protected too. He has built soil organic matter and reduced
erosion through conservation crop rotation and continuous
no-till on 62.9 acres through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). He also actively manages
his forestland to control hardwood competition. Today, he
spends less time in the fields with improved crop yields
and reduced fuel consumption. His environmentallyfriendly practices earned him the Lake Country SWCD
Conservation Farm Award for Brunswick County in 2007.
As a county executive director for Farm Service Agency,
Melvin knows about the importance of agriculture to rural
economies and is a strong supporter of USDA’s StrikeForce
for Rural Growth and Opportunity. On the job, he works
closely with other farmers and reaches out to Greensville
County residents to increase awareness of USDA programs
and services. He also participates in the South Hill Farmer’s
Market group, which supports area growers to keep dollars
in the local economy, and donates vegetables from his farm
to neighbors in the community.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Virginia
and StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity
25
Rose Hill, Camden, Alabama
It has been said that “children are
our future.” Rose Hill, a socially
disadvantaged farmer in Camden,
Alabama, fully believes that is
true. She also knows that someone
is going to have to teach them to
become sustainable producers in
their rural communities and the
importance of where their food and
clothing comes from. She took on
the challenge in her rural area.
“I started Women and Youth
in Agriculture back in 2009,” she
said. I chose to work with the area
elementary school students to show
them how to find new sustainable
ways to grow crops. I tell them why
and how to grow a variety of products and they get to see some other
aspects of a farm like my goat herd
and chickens from my pastured
poultry.
She intentionally came up with
ways to gain the interest of the
students and allow them hands-on
access to planting, harvesting, and
other farm life. She holds a one-day
Farm Camp each year. The first
year she hosted about 180, 4-6 grade
Rose Hill shows Wilcox County NRCS District Conservationist Craig Johnson a new planter
students from the nearby schools.
that was donated to her farm effort.
“The children had a wonderful
time,” she reported. “USDA personnel made presentations
Mrs. Hill. It will help show students how to add value to
about their programs and gave the students information to
the produce, package it, bar code it, and distribute it to the
carry home. A plasticulture demonstration was held to show
market. “It will be a tool for me to help teach children life
them how plastic is put on the ground, and then they were
skills on how to survive by growing their own food and
able to plant seeds into the rows. We even had people set up
preserving, packing, and putting it on the shelf.” It will also
to do health screenings.” Afterward the students ate lunch
enable local farmers and people in the community a place to
on the farm and a DJ kept them entertained with music.
process their harvest.
“I have continued to host the Farm Camp,” said Mrs. Hill.
Rose, her husband, Andrew, and their children and grand“This year, so far, we have had about 280 kids participate. The
children live on the farm and tend vegetables, a herd of goats,
Farm Camp has been very successful and the students have
and a grove of pecan trees on the 25 acre homestead. They
come a long way in understanding the farming process.” Last
also have about 66 acres planted to trees and other uses.
year students planted collard greens that were offered in their
school lunches through the farm-to-school program.
Building a processing kitchen is a long-term vision for
26
Ruby Hollembaek, Delta Junction, Alaska
Ruby Hollembaek is a lifetime farmer-rancher and
one of Alaska’s best agriculture advocates. She has resided
in Alaska for the vast majority of her life and graduated
from the University of Alaska campuses with a master's in
language and literacy and education administration. Ruby
taught school for 15 years.
In 1977, Ruby married hometown sweetheart and farmer,
Scott Hollembaek. In 1979 they purchased 1,000 acres south
of Fairbanks through the Delta One Project (a state lottery
that included a development schedule of seven years to take
forest land and convert to farmland). Using Alaska resources, they built a pole barn from buying telephone poles
for $1.00 each. They purchased more land during a second
phase and raised Angus cattle and hay through 1991 when
they converted solely to bison and elk.
Today, Ruby and Scott operate Alaska Interior Game
Ranch where their stock graze on a 2,000 acre fenced
grassland. They grow rhubarb, herbs, berries, cucumbers,
tomatoes and corn in a high tunnel and raise hogs and
chickens. “We rarely have to make the 25 mile trip to town,
as we’re able to produce all we can eat and store during the
summer months,” says Ruby.
Ruby’s community involvement is extensive, vice-president of Alaska Diversified Livestock Association (www.
adlainc.blogspot.com) and she maintains two agriculture
blogs: We Can Grow it in the Land of the Midnite Sun
(http://www.wecangrowit.blogspot.com) and Alaska Rhubarb (www.akrhubarb.blogspot.com).
Ruby and Scott raised five girls and two boys. Congratulations Ruby!
27
Phillip H. Jones, Sr., Huntingtown, Maryland
Maria Kendall, Cheraw, South Carolina
Maria Kendall’s son John Kendall, Maria Kendall, and District
Chairman Dwight Johnson
Phillip Jones is an African American farmer who has
lived all his life in Huntingtown, Maryland. He inherited
60 acres of his family’s farm that’s been in the family
since the late 1800s. As a boy, Phillip was in 4-H while
attending school and working on his family’s farm. After
college, he turned the farm into a beef operation.
Phillip was one of the first in the county to adopt forage varieties and artificial insemination, has participated
in university forage research, and continues his education
by attending conservation training. When physical limitations threatened his ability to farm Phillip arranged for
special farm equipment through USDA’s AgrAbility program that allowed him to continue his farming operation.
Phillip has been an associate supervisor with the Calvert County Soil Conservation District (SCD) since 1995,
and was also a Resource Conservation and Development
board member from 2004 - 2012. Phillip has incorporated
best management practices on his farm since becoming
a cooperator with the Calvert SCD in 1967. He’s fenced
cattle out of streams, planted riparian buffers, installed a
waste storage structure, and manages his nutrients while
rotationally grazing his cattle. He continues to be very
active in agricultural activities.
In 2006, Maria Kendall assumed responsibility for
roughly 1,500 acres of property when she lost her husband
“Buck” Kendall to cancer.
Maria works with a consulting forester to maintain a
comprehensive forest management plan encompassing her
properties and goals. The goals are built to match the site
and species on each tract, with consideration given to soil
types, drains and any wetlands that exist.
Maria schedules management practices in a way that
reduces environmental impacts, and contractors agree
to follow best management practices spelled out in their
contracts. The practices include the strategic location of
logging decks, using vegetative buffers around streams and
seeps, and keeping logging trails seeded. Where possible,
harvested areas are planned in irregular blocks as opposed
to square blocks. Logging debris is scattered evenly across
the site to help reduce soil erosion and rainfall runoff.
Ms. Kendall may not have initially chosen to be a
conservationist, but she has certainly embraced the very
essence of what it means to be one. And while we often
do not think of a forest manager as a typical farmer, their
conservation efforts are no less important.
When Maria Kendall accepted her Chesterfield Soil and
Water 2013 Conservation Farmer of the Year, she did so in
honor of her husband, and looks forward to continuing
Buck’s vision in the years to come.
Selected by Calvert Soil Conservation District (Maryland)
William A. Clark, District Manager
Selected by Chesterfield Soil & Water Conservation District
Heather R. Rivers
28
Beth Leier, Dawson, North Dakota
Beth Leier enjoys all of North Dakota’s seasons, but
loves North Dakota winters. That alone should give
some insight into the toughness of this rancher. Ranchers around these parts need the winters to regroup. Beth
owns and operates the same ranch that she and her husband bought in 1987. Twenty years later, her husband Dallas was killed in a motorcycle accident, leaving the mother
of three to manage the 500 livestock and 7,000 acre farming operation on her own. Her children call her the truck
whisperer – she’s the only one who is able to start the old
truck that sits on the ranch – and they have threatened to
send the truck with her if she ever moves away. Beth has
also been the organist at her church for 33 years, teaches
Sunday School, and has served on the township board
for 14 years. She credits her father for instilling in her the
work ethic and passion for farming, which she is now
passing to her youngest son as he prepares to take over
the ranch. Beth says, “Farming is what I want to be doing.
It’s who I am.”
Selected by USDA Farm Service Agency-North Dakota
Charlotte Beachler
Lyavans Lowry, Pembroke, North Carolina
The Lowry family is a known leader in Robeson
County, the Native American community, and respected
among their peers for their more than 50 years of leadership in farming. The Lowry farm is a 600 acre generational farm that took a management shift in 1963 when
Lycurous Lowry took the helm. Under his leadership, the
farm expanded and has become a “center of excellence”
for the farming community, providing a source to learn
about progressive agricultural management practices.
The farm is now entering into a new era of excellence as
Lyavans Lowry, Lycurous’ son, takes the helm.
During his leadership, Lyavans has added 20 poultry
houses, and with the assistance of USDA NRCS expanded conservation efforts to include forced air composters,
waste storage facilities, and sustained natural resource
conservation practices such as a no-till conservation
system. He has also expanded the operational structure to
include raising and training race horses. Like his father,
Lyavans is a leader in the industry, being named poultry
“Producer of the Year” three times.
When asked why farm and be a leader, Lyavans states,
“I just love doing it, I don’t know anything else but
farming and taking this farm even further.” Mr. Lyavans
Lowry is Robeson County’s choice for Farmer of the Year.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-NC
Soil and Water Conservation District, Robeson County
29
Louis Manigault, Sr. and Family, Summerville, South Carolina
Photographed (l to r): Louis Manigault, Jr., Hester Manigault, Louis Manigault, III, Louis Manigault, Sr., Megan Manigault, and Renida
Manigault.
Many years ago, Louis Manigault’s father gave him and
each of his eight siblings a piece of land in the Moncks
Corner, South Carolina area. He has taken good care of
that land and added 160 more acres to pass to his own nine
children.
His love and respect for the land led him to teach
agriculture to 9th through 12th graders for 35 years, inspiring
his students to be good stewards of the soil, crops and animals
in their care.
After retiring from teaching, he continued to raise deer
corn, soybeans, hogs and cows and, at the fruitful age of 87,
still goes into the fields where the hard work is now left to his
son Louis, Jr.
30
Today, through the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservations’ Sustainable Forestry Program (SFP), the Manigaults
are being assisted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the South Carolina Forestry Commission
to replant loblolly pine for sustainable timber farming, to
lease their property for hunting and to harvest deer corn.
These innovations are greatly helping the next generation.
“It’s given my family hope,” said Louis, Jr. “Hope that we
can develop an economic plan for the future to hold on to
our land.”
Selected by Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation
Jennie L. Stephens, Executive Director
Sam Cook, Jr., Sustainable Forestry Program Director
Carlos and David McDermott, McDermott Land and Cattle, LLC, Live Oak County, Texas
The McDermott Brothers, Carlos and David, have been
active in transforming their Live Oak County ranch in
South Texas into an oasis near Clegg. Their grandfather,
Leocadio Casas, purchased this property in 1937, and it has
remained in the family since that time.
Their mother, Ninfa Casas McDermott, who passed
away in February 2014, was the owner and matriarch of the
ranch while her sons, David and Carlos, were the stewards
of the ranch. They have continued to improve the property
to benefit both the livestock and wildlife.
In 1995, the McDermott family started utilizing
technical and financial assistance from their local USDA
NRCS office for their conservation efforts. Since that time,
the family has completed more than 230 acres of brush
management, 285 acres of range planting, and numerous
water development projects. The McDermott brothers sold
their Brangus cow-calf operation due to the drought. The
ranch has been deferred from livestock grazing since 2012.
Wildlife is also a main focus, with white-tailed deer, dove,
and quail, being an important part of their operation.
Their brush management projects have been completed
with respect to all riparian areas, while providing water
sources for wildlife habitat.
Due to the McDermott’s conservation efforts, the
ranch has been able to regain grazing acreage in 2014.
More favorable weather conditions will be needed before
rebuilding their cattle herd.
James Demoin
31
Candis (Hill) McKelvy, Minneapolis, Minnesota
In the 1950s and 1960s, Candis (Hill) McKelvy grew up
on a dairy farm in Fresno, California. When she was out
of school in the summer months, Candice worked on the
farm, tending to cotton and grapes. She would be the first
to admit that she hated when school was let out because
the family worked very long and intensive hours in the
farm fields.
In 1978, she moved to Minnesota where she went to
school at the University of Minnesota, later receiving a BA
in theology in 1996. For several years Candis was a fulltime, stay-at-home mother and worked in a florist business
with her husband in a project area in North Minneapolis.
It was during this time that Candis decided to take up
gardening. Folks to this day still remember the beautiful
gardens that Candis had when she lived in the project area.
Since 2009, she has been a community activist in
North Minneapolis. Her involvement was triggered when
the North Community Reinvest Coalition (NCRC) was
developed due to the foreclosure of homes. At about
the same time she became involved in Northside Fresh:
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“Healthy food for the community.” It was through the
urban gardening that she was able to teach the youth and
other members of the community about planting, growing,
harvesting, and the marketing of garden produce.
Since 2013, Candice’s neighbor Claire has allowed her to
use her land for a community garden. Youth ranging in age
from 3-17 can now garden in her neighborhood. This has
been a great opportunity for kids who don’t have jobs to
learn about gardening, healthy eating and how to generate
income from selling garden produce. Through gardening,
children can learn about hope, dreams, growing up healthy
and reducing the threat of diabetes, cancer and obesity.
Two years ago at Agape Daycare in North Minneapolis
a young lady said, “I don’t like gardening. I love gardening.”
A change in attitude toward gardening has been happening
and is continuing to make a difference in North
Minneapolis.
Congratulations, Candis!
Cutrina Moreland
Lynn and Jim Michael, New Hill, North Carolina
Lynn and Jim Michael have been raising Shetland sheep for
20 years and Shetland sheepdogs for 40 years. The Michael’s
farm was accepted in the Animal Welfare Approved Program
in 2009. The 21.7 acres of pasture are rotationally grazed with
waterers and paddocks divided to manage grazing pressure.
The Michaels family won Wake Soil and Water Conservation
District’s 2012 Conservation Farm Family for their outstanding
management. The recent herd includes
59 ewes, 27 lambs and six rams. The
herd is certified a Scrapie Free Flock
and has been a closed herd for several
years. They have sheep in all the natural
colors found in Shetlands and many of
the patterns.
Lynn has won so many ribbons at
the NC State Fair and the Mountain
Fair; it looks like wallpaper in her
office. She took the Golden Wheel
at the NC State Fair in 2012. Lynn is
scientific in her herd management,
utilizing lab analysis of each ewe’s wool and temperament to
guide her breeding and culling choices. Her wool now is less
than 25 microns in width. Lynn is a member of the Twisted
Threads Fiber Art Guild and the Triangle Weavers Guild. She
travels often to give demonstrations.
Selected by Wake Soil and Water Conservation District
Teresa Hice, Natural Resources Conservationist
Fred Newhouse, Walker County, Texas
There’s one native Texas rancher, Fred Newhouse, who
knows the true meaning of “going for the gold.” He is an
Olympian who won gold and silver medals in 1976. Fast forward 38 years and it’s this same drive and discipline to excel
that has helped him build a successful ranching operation
in Walker County. He currently runs a commercial cow-calf
operation on 890 acres and operates a 60-acre tree farm.
Through Farm Bill programs, he successfully implemented
natural resources conservation practices into his sustainable
management system. An exceptional rancher who always
seeks to gain and share knowledge, he is a board member of
the 100 Ranchers organization which promotes agriculture
at the local level and holds educational meetings. Members
are an integral part of sharing information, resources and
connecting people through a strong network. Newhouse
brings a skill set honed over the years to his ranching and
local community activities. He has electrical engineering
and international business degrees and recently retired
as public affairs director for Valero Energy refineries. His
leadership qualities were also honed serving in civic positions including the United States Olympic Committee/USA
Track and Field, Chamber of Commerce, Houston’s Community Family Center and the Black Heritage Committee/
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Floyd Nauls, District Conservationist
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Phillip and Deanna Outlaw, Evansville, Indiana
The Outlaw family has owned Ohio River bottomland
in Vanderburgh County, Indiana for many years. The land
has been used for conventional corn and bean crops for
many years. The Outlaws had been thinking for quite a
while about devoting the land to reestablish forest, and in
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2011 they began their reforestation efforts. They started with
the acreage around their home and it was reestablished with
a CREP bottomland tree project. Then in 2013 they also
planted the remaining crop acres to a CREP bottomland
tree planting. These two projects together total almost 70
new tree acres. They also own 22 acres of existing forestland
adjacent to the newly planted acres and together these areas
help to establish and enlarge wildlife habitat and corridors. They knew that the best way to assist threatened and
endangered species in their river bottom area was to create
new habitat. High quality bottomland forests help control
erosion, and reduce nutrient and pesticide losses. Landowners have many factors to consider when making land use
decisions such as economics, extended family, and future
impacts. For the Outlaw family they decided the value
of the land as forest was the best option for them and the
future of their land.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Indiana
Mark Cambron and Linda Powell
Jane Parres, Moon Dance Farm, LLC, Owensville, Missouri
Jane Parres has farming in her roots. Farming in her
family can be traced back to the American Revolution.
But when her mother died in her arms in 2009, she was ill
equipped to step into her shoes. An accident had left Jane in
a wheelchair for 17 years and she was told she would never
walk again. Years of physical therapy and five operations
proved them wrong. Her mother’s last request was to “Take
care of the farm.” Jane left her city life and moved in….not
knowing a thing about farming, soil, management, grass, or
cattle.
Jane says that “God, however, sent amazing mentors that
helped me learn from the grass-roots up.” Working with
NRCS, Jane has established a management intensive grazing
system of nine paddocks on her 120 acres of rolling pasture
in the Missouri Ozarks. Moon Dance Farm is now being
established as a sustainable farm, raising all natural grass fed
Angus beef.
The cattle herd has grown and rotating to fresh grass
almost daily. Bees, free-range pasture chickens, composting,
and growing non-GMO vegetables compliment the
beef herd.
Moon Dance Farm has just completed construction of
a 30’ x 72’ high tunnel through the NRCS Seasonal High
Tunnel Initiative. Jane is looking forward to marketing her
produce along with her beef.
At the age of 63, Jane calls herself a farm-her, with much
still to learn and goals to achieve, but she is walking in her
mother’s shoes.
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service-Missouri
Stacie Gresham, Rolla Field Office
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Ann Perez, Falfurrias, Texas
In 1968 Paulette Pinon Perez came to Falfurrias, Texas at
the age of 30 from Paris, France. Born and raised in Paris
she embarked on a new adventure and searched for wide
open spaces. A year later, in 1969 she married Leonel Perez
from where their family grew and they had two girls, Ann
and Danielle and a son Andres.
Before her marriage in 1969 Paulette bought 417 acres in
Brooks County, with a French inheritance from her father.
This land already had one existing water well and water
trough. Both parents of Ann ran commercial livestock on
the property and had a business sprigging coastal. Ann
states that while growing up on the property she remembers
her parents carried 160 head of cattle on the land. The land
has been in her family for 45 years.
In 2010 Ann inherited the 417 acres her mother had
bought, and she bought 279 acres in 2012 which had
no water. Her land totaled to 951 acres. She heard of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service in Brooks County
in 2011 and worked closely with the agency in developing
a conservation plan. With the conservation plan she
realized in order to manage cattle one would need to know
how to manage grass. Ann saw her goals and objective in
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a much clearer light with the conservation plan, which
ignited her interest in applying for cost share assistance
through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Her first objective was to drill a water well on the 279
acres. Practices that have been accomplished through this
program on the property consist of a water well, a water
trough and a water storage facility. And, both properties
have practices that consist of brush management and
range seeding. She is currently installing six miles of cross
fencing to improve prescribed grazing and use proper
grazing strategies. Today Ann runs 60 head of cattle and
follows a grazing plan which was uncommon back then to
her family.
She is an inspirational rancher in the community of
Falfurrias and in Brooks County. Ann Perez is a remarkable
woman who is a role model to other ranchers in South Texas
and aspiring young women in the community. Her passion
for conservation is evident as she strives to improve her
property not only to achieve her own goals, but also for her
grandchildren’s future enjoyment of the land.
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service – Texas
Joel Torrez and Jessica Benavides-Paredes, Falfurrias, Texas
Roberto Perez, Turlock, California
Roberto Perez was born in Jalisco Mexico. He began
farming at the age of 14 with his father, working on dairy
facilities and in vineyards. He has been farming almonds
for the past 20 years in Stanislaus and Merced counties in
California, where he lives with his wife Maria and their four
children. In 2011, Mr. Perez began working with NRCS to
develop a conservation plan for his farm. Having a good
experience with NRCS, he opened his home to 13 additional Spanish-speaking farmers new to conservation planning, for an outreach event, and invited NRCS to begin the
planning process on their farms. Through his initiative and
cooperation with conservation partners, the community has
developed annual Spanish workshops that attract dozens
of farmers each session. In February 2014, Mr. Perez was
interviewed by Univision television where he continued to
promote conservation to yet an even larger audience.
With NRCS, Mr. Perez has implemented water conservation practices by installing a micro-irrigation system and
employing irrigation water management strategies on his 13
acre farm. His estimated water conservation has improved
approximately 40%. He also has addressed his air quality
contributions by employing precision technology sprayers
and replacing his older inefficient farm equipment with
cleaner engines.
Selected by NRCS California
Modesto Service Center, Diana Waller
For faster service, back orders or bulk purchases:
Phone: (919) 215-1632 or www.minoritylandowner.com
Mail: P.O. Box 97033, Raleigh, NC 27624
37
Norman and Gwen Pierce, Townsend, Delaware
Small farmers Norman and Gwen Pierce stand in their rotationally grazed goat pasture.
Delaware natives Norman and Gwen Pierce are the
proud owners of Union Ridge Farms, a small five acre
operation where they raise, breed and sell Boer goats for
meat. Being in a specialty market, the Pierces have had their
share of challenges in seeking information specific to their
operational needs. Fortunately, through a joint partnership
effort with Delaware State University Cooperative Extension
program, they were connected with NRCS to address some
of their resource concerns.
Working with their local NRCS representative in a
conservation planning session, they were able to identify
practices to improve their operation. The Pierces improved
a ditch to alleviate standing water in their fields to improve
the stand/growth of grasses with assistance from the local
conservation district and NRCS. This reduced the potential
for foot problems with the goats.
38
The Pierces also signed up for NRCS financial assistance
through (EQIP) for rotational grazing, installation of waterers and cross fencing for their goats. All of which benefit
not only the health of their livestock but downstream water
quality and soil quality for their pastures. The impact has
also reached their pockets since the Pierces used to buy hay
year-round and now have only purchased it once for the
winter since installation last fall.
Both Norman and Gwen emphasize just how much
they’ve benefited from the practices and see a difference.
They are top notch examples of how putting conservation
first benefits not only their pockets, but leads to a more productive and more environmentally-friendly operation too.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Delaware
Dastina Wallace, Public Affairs Specialist
Wesley Ratcliff, Oakwood, Texas
James Edward Ray, Coyle, Oklahoma
Native Texan, Wesley Ratcliff, has led a colorful life.
Over the years, he’s farmed, been a college professor,
worked with NASA in planning manned flights to the
moon and lived and worked in New York. Throughout
these years, his love of agriculture from being raised in a
farming family and desire to return home to Texas never
left him. It was when he retired in 2000 that Ratcliff
returned to Texas. His goal was to build a ranch that
produced quality forage, and commercial and registered
Charbray cattle. What began as a 150 acre operation has
grown into the scenic 1,400 acre Caney Creek ranch.
Today, as a respected community and agriculture industry
leader, Ratcliff works to share his passion and knowledge
of agriculture with young and old alike. He is an active
member of the 100 Ranchers organization and works
closely with the USDA’s NRCS and FSA. Through these
partnerships, he has strengthened his outreach efforts and
has been able to provide ranch visits that highlight successful resource conservation management practices. In
recognition of his leadership qualities, the White House
recently named him to the USDA FSA State Committee. It has been quite the accomplished and influential
journey for Ratcliff.
James Edward Ray is a producer from the Frost Community in Logan County, Oklahoma. James has 80 acres
and runs the traditional cow/calf pair operation. He also
grows alternative vegetable crops. With Oklahoma’s versatile weather, James has found it challenging to grow these
vegetables. So with the planning assistance of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, it was determined that a
seasonal high tunnel could expand and protect the life of
his crops.
In 2012, James constructed his high tunnel house. This
structure has helped increase his production while allowing him to try new specialty crops. James enjoys growing
different types of greens. In the last four years he has been
growing kale. James sells his produce at farmer’s markets
in seven different counties and also ships produce to
other states. He educates his customers about the importance of eating healthier diets. One way he accomplishes
this is to encourage people to try new foods by sending a
sample of kale home with them along with directions for
its preparation. James reaps the rewards of his education
when he sees these people as return customers to purchase the greens and to try other varieties.
Beverly Moseley
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-Oklahoma
D’Ann Peterson
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Mae Redden, Decatur, Georgia
Beverly J. Robinson, Soperton, Georgia
Mae’s interest in farming began when her job was to
pull weeds in her mother’s garden for the summer and
later help freeze and can the vegetables for the winter
months. They also shared their vegetables with their
neighbors. Years later she decided it had to be a better way
and began educating herself by completing the Extension
Master Gardeners program, volunteering for the extension
office answering calls about landscaping and vegetable
gardening, and volunteering for the Botanical Fern and
other gardens in Dekalb County, Georgia.
Mae became a part of her church’s Community of
Farmers outreach program and started attending workshops, meetings, and conferences to learn techniques on
being a successful farmer. She took the information she
learned, a quarter acre of land and developed a plant and
garden site. Today she has a beautiful vegetable, plant,
flower and shrub garden that catches the eyes of all her
neighbors because it incorporates a variety of landscape
techniques and a combination of beautiful colors.
Mae’s garden name is Helping Hands and she is old
school like her mother and shares her vegetables and
plants with those in her community and church. Where
the youth, veterans and seniors come together to grow in
life from the therapeutic healing offered in the peaceful
surroundings contained within her garden. Mae says, “We
all share our stories, ideas and suggestions, but none of us
have all the answers. It’s a joint effort.”
RobinsonHouse Farm, Inc. is a socially-disadvantaged
and a first time family goat meat farm located in Treutlen
County, Georgia. The farm consists of Kiko crossed with
Spanish, Boer and Toggenberg goats. The farm is operated by the owner, Beverly Robinson. The goats are raised
on grass, hay and minimum grain and field corn. With
the assistance of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, RobinsonHouse Farm successfully installed
a livestock grazing system through the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program to better manage the goats. It
has helped to better prepare for the sale of their goat meat
to local meat stores and community type grocery stores,
as well as individuals who are their main customer base
in Georgia, with future expansion within the Southeast
region. Practices installed include fencing, livestock well,
pipeline, heavy use areas and watering troughs. RobinsonHouse Farm, Inc. currently has an individual buyer base
of all cultures and religions and is working with restaurants in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Hezekiah Gibson. President
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service-Georgia
Vontice Jackson, District Conservationist
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Hallie Robinson, Lee County, South Carolina
Supervisory District Conservationist Lori Bataller (left) reviews
plans with farmer Hallie Robinson.
Hallie Robinson of Lee County, South Carolina, is a
dedicated small farmer with an enormous amount of energy
and ingenuity. She and her husband William farm three acres
of vegetables, and raise ducks, geese, goats, and cows. As one
of fifteen children, Mrs. Robinson watched her great-grand-
father, Joe Jenkins, work this same land, and her ties to this
land are unbreakable. She was inspired by her great-grandfather’s dedication and passion for farming, and she has poured
her heart and soul into continuing the conservation ethic
which he instilled within her. She has worked with her local
USDA NRCS office to erect a seasonal high tunnel through
the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Mrs.
Robinson is writing a book to tell the story of her family, and
particularly her great-grandfather, who taught her to farm, to
love the land, and how to care for it. She loves to show visitors
the fruits of her labors inside the tunnel, which is teeming
with an abundance and diversity of crops, including watermelons, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, sunflowers, and more.
Her NRCS district conservationist says that she has been
a joy to work with. “It’s rewarding to provide assistance to
someone who is really dedicated to protecting soil and water
quality, and to stewardship."
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-South Carolina
Robert Robinson, Brookhaven, Mississippi
Mississippi legendary farmer Robert Robinson of Brookhaven, Mississippi
continues to farm land which his daddy farmed under the iron fist of “Jim Crow
Laws” during the 1930s. Robinson said he is committed with the help of God to
manage his natural resources and he hopes the next generation will share in his
dreams. “We have made significant improvement over the years to enhance production and added value to the local economy through purchases of implements
and fertilizer.”
The Robinson Farm operation consists of vegetables and beef cattle production. “We plant upward of four acres of vegetables in spring and fall and this is
challenging work; however it brings great reward in feeding families throughout
central Mississippi. We raise a variety of vegetables including greens, tomatoes,
squash, peas, cucumbers, green beans and others. Our clients place orders in the
month of March for different types of vegetables; therefore, this helps determine
what and how much to plant.” Mr. Robinson primary sells directly from the
farm with a lengthy list of regular customers. “My wife Anna manages finances,
marketing and sales of produce to customers.” The Robinsons host farm tours
and other events to share their knowledge. “In 2012 we sponsored our first Saving
Rural America Rally to promote our farm practices in conjunction with Winston
County Self Help Cooperative and Alcorn State University Extension Program.”
Selected by Winston County Self Help Cooperative, Frank Taylor, Team Leader
41
Reid Saito, Nyssa, Oregon
Reid (left), President of Malheur County Onion Growers and Ron
Mio President of Idaho Onion Growers
Reid and his onions in a Costco Store
Reid and his family at the Onion Festival. (Left to Right, Reid,
Kimberly, Kaylene (wife) and Randy)
Reid Saito was the first male baby ever born at Malheur
Memorial Hospital in Nyssa, Oregon. That was 1950 after
his parents Kayno and Kae Saito moved to Nyssa from
the internment camps during WWII. Kayno and 15 other
Japanese-American farmers volunteered to go to Malheur
County to set up the first camp which would eventually
accommodate 3,000 workers for the sugar beet fields. Many
of them, including the Saito's stayed in the area after the
war ended.
Growing up, Reid weeded onions, sugar beets and later
moved up to tractors and irrigation. Reid is a “Lone Duck”
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graduating from the University of Oregon while his siblings
and most area farmers attended Oregon State University.
Today, Reid operates KLG Farms (named after his father
and two uncles, Larry and George). He grows onions, sugar
beets, potatoes, wheat, hay, bean seed, sweet corn seed and
certified alfalfa seed on 1,000 acres of irrigated ground.
Reid’s community involvement is extensive (Malheur
County Onion Grower’s, past chairman Oregon State Board
of Agriculture, chairman of Malheur County Health District,
etc.) and his leadership has resulted in several accomplishments: 1) the passage ballot initiative creating a tax district
increasing funding for the area’s OSU Extension and Experiment Station; 2) worked with USDA Risk Management
Agency to improve the Onion Insurance Policy; and 3)
serving 33 years on the Onion Growers Board, 14 as president
initiating the first Idaho Eastern Oregon Onion Festival.
“Agriculture research is critical for our future and constantly improving our products will ensure farming will
continue to excel for many generations to come,” says Reid.
Reid and his wife Kaylene have a son and daughter.
Congratulations Reid!!
Jerry Tominaga, Rupert, Idaho
Arnold and Ida Trejo, Alice, Texas
Jerry Tominaga is carrying on a family tradition as a
third generation farmer in southern Idaho. His grandparents immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900s and his
parents obtained farmland through the G. I. Bill for World
War II veterans.
Jerry obtained his bachelor of arts in marketing/management from Boise State University and has been growing potatoes for the past 34 years.
Today, Jerry is an owner of Southwind Farms, Inc. and
grows a specialty variety, fingerling potatoes on 700 acres
of irrigated ground. A fingerling potato is a small, stubby,
finger-shaped type of potato and is not to be confused
with new potatoes. Wheat, barley, beans and alfalfa are
grown for rotation purposes. Jerry markets his potatoes
nationwide and recently, the Idaho State Department of
Agriculture, Idaho Potato Commission and U.S. Potato
Board are providing the groundwork and connections for
several Idaho potato growers to include export potatoes to
Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Jerry’s community involvement is extensive. In April of
this year, Jerry was appointed to serve on the U.S. Potato
Board by USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack for a three
year term. Jerry is also a member of the Idaho Grower
Shippers Association, Idaho Farm Bureau, served as Chairman of the Minidoka County FSA Committee, and served
on the Idaho State FSA Grievance Committee.
Jerry has three grown sons and they all enjoy hunting
and fishing together. Congratulations Jerry!
Driving through the Trejo Ranch, green grass puts
a big smile on the faces of Jim Wells County ranchers,
Arnold and Ida Trejo, who less than a year ago destocked
their cattle due to drought. Today, the grassy fields and
the stockpile of hay, show the benefits of the Trejo’s conservation efforts of resting the land and keeping forage
residual on the ground to absorb any rain.
Trejo and his wife sought out the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help with improvements on the land. They developed a conservation
plan to improve grazing distribution of livestock. They
also learned about programs, such as the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), that can help with
the costs of implementing the recommended conservation practices, including brush clearing, grass seeding,
pasture planting, upland wildlife habitat management,
and cross fencing on their land. The EQIP’s Strike Force
Initiative assisted the Trejos in implementing many of
the conservation practices, like the cross fences and the
livestock watering system, that are essential to Trejo’s
ranching operation.
“Even though we sold the cattle for less than what we
are buying them back now, what we would have lost in
time, money with sick cattle, and future forage resources,
more than makes up for the cost difference,” said Trejo.
“We know now after all we have learned that running
the ranch the right way makes a big difference.”
Selected by USDA Risk Management Agency – Spokane Regional Office
Bruce Healy
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Arvind and Shaelish Trivedi, Fallbrook, California
The Trivedi family owns a small cut-flower operation
on 4.5 acres that sells to local florists. Family patriarch
Arvind Trivedi first heard about the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) after the 2008 catastrophic
wildfires destroyed much of their farm. NRCS assisted in
the replacement of their damaged irrigation system with a
high efficiency drip system, as well as conservation treatments to prevent mudslides and down-stream flooding in
the stream that passes through the family’s property.
Once the immediate dangers caused by the fire passed,
the Trivedis looked to NRCS for more conservation
technical assistance to help improve the environment for
wildlife and increase the overall sustainability of their
family farm. With the help of NRCS staff, a plan was
44
made to revegetate the stream bank and burnt hill slopes
to native vegetation. The 4.5 acre property was covered in
mulch and their bromeliad shrubs were interspersed with
planted native coastal sage scrub. Arvind Trivedi and his
son Shaelish are very thankful to NRCS for the improvements on their operation, but the conservation plan by
NRCS makes more than just farmers happy; the stream
habitat was regenerated to create habitat for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and the slopes form
the perfect ecosystem for California gnat catcher, Coronado skink, and other rare species.
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service-California
Cori Calvert and Daniel Holtz
Sandra Tweedy, Knickerbocker, Texas
Before her days were filled with doctoring cattle, spraying
mesquite trees and building fences, Sandra Tweedy taught
school in Fabens and Comstock, Texas. She returned home
to help with the family ranching operation and soon took
an active approach to preserve the land that has been in her
family for five generations.
In 1999 she enrolled in her first conservation program
with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
(TSSWCB) and began removing invasive brush species.
As native grass took the place of bare ground and water
consuming trees, it turned Sandra into a firm believer in the
art of conservation.
Sandra was introduced to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) while working with TSSWCB.
She wanted to extend her efforts and preserve the creek her
family settled on so many decades ago. Making water quality her new priority didn’t just benefit Sandra and her land,
but Dove Creek is a water source for the city of San Angelo
and its residents.
Over two miles of Dove Creek was fenced-off and enrolled in the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program. As
a result banks have stabilized and are covered in vegetation.
The improved water quality has provided enhanced fish and
wildlife habitat during the extreme drought.
Utilizing the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives
Program and Conservation Technical Assistance, Sandra
has built her conservation blueprints and is accomplishing
her management goals. She has sprayed hundreds of acres
of prickly pear, mesquite and juniper. To improve grazing
management, with only the help of a family friend, she
built over two miles of cross-fence. Water distribution was
the next challenge. A well was drilled, troughs and storage
installed and lines ran across the pastures to utilize available
forage for grazing.
Sandra works with Texas Parks and Wildlife to manage
wildlife numbers and is an active member of the Texas and
Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. In 2009 she was
named the Tom Green Soil and Water Conservation District’s Conservation Rancher of the Year for her continued
conservation efforts.
When Sandra Tweedy’s great-great-grandfather traveled
from New York and settled in Texas on Dove Creek in 1876,
little did he know that five generations later the Tom Green
County ranch would be a premier example of the positive
effects of range conservation.
As she begins to contemplate retirement, Sandra’s conservation practices will not go idle.
“Even if I sell my livestock and retire from ranching, I
will still be a conservationist,” Tweedy said.
Jaime Tankersley
45
Dory Wegrzyn, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dory Wegrzyn owns and manages Red Tractor Farm,
a two-acre farm in the South Valley area of Albuquerque,
New Mexico. One of her specialties is heirloom tomato
seedlings with varieties ranging from the popular Brandywine to a Black Krim from Russia. Wegrzyn is currently
on the Vendor Advisory Committee of the Albuquerque
Downtown Grower’s Market.
Wegrzyn also hosts interns and student groups at her
Red Tractor Farm, promoting holistic treatment of the
land and adopting best management practices such as
cover crop, crop rotation, nutrient management/soil testing. The Red Tractor Farm has been a CSA (Community
Supported Agriculture) and sells products at the local
downtown market.
With help from the Natural Resources Conservation
Service in New Mexico, she constructed a seasonal high
tunnel which enabled her Red Tractor Farm to grow and
produce food through the winter season. Blue corncobs
from Cochiti Pueblo inspired the launch of one of Red
Tractor’s earliest seasons. Dory produces a fine ground
cornmeal and created a delicious recipe for pancakes. She
grows cardoon, an attractive plant with silvery grey foliage
similar to artichoke. Wegrzyn creates opportunity for
food, training and innovation – a small farm right in the
heart of an urban setting.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-ABQ FO
Jean Foster
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Rev. Ozell White, Prentiss, Mississippi
The Alcorn State University Extension Program
(ASUEP) selected Rev. Ozell White, a native of Prentiss,
Mississippi, as its 2014 Small Farmer of the Year. White,
who is in his seventh year of farming, produces hay and
a variety of produce crops including his signature watermelons. In addition, he raises a herd of beef cattle.
A fourth generation farmer, White was motivated to
enter the industry by a desire to continue his family’s
legacy. He reflects that the decision to become a farmer
was worthwhile and positive, despite the initial challenges
he faced when entering the field.
Today, White’s growing, lucrative enterprise is involved
in a cooperative agreement and his products are marketed
to various commercial outlets in the surrounding communities. He also operates a fruit stand adjacent to his
home. White cites the ASUEP’s products and services as
one of the many catalysts which propelled his operation
toward success.
In the future White says that he will not only continue
to farm, but will continue to help and inspire others to do
the same. “We have a valuable resource, the land, at our
disposal,” he stated. “It is important that we learn to make
use of that.”
Selected by Alcorn State University Extension Program
Ryan Wiebe, Burnsville, North Carolina
In a state where the
average age of a farmer
is 57, the new face
of farming in North
Carolina belongs to a
34-year-old grower from
Yancey County with a
passion for agriculture,
six acres of USDA organically certified vegetables, and an earlier
career as a model.
Ryan Wiebe (We Be) was named the 2014 North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year by The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
State University during ceremonies on the campus. Wiebe’s
recognition was of special note given the theme of this year’s
Small Farms Week celebration: “Innovations for the Next
Generation.”
The six acre Wiebe Farmin’ began in 2004 with assistance from Yancey County Cooperative Extension and
A&T’s Extension program. Known for its organic vegetables, quality packaging and clean operation, Wiebe Farmin’
ships 3-5 tons of produce weekly during its peak growing
season and about 20 tons annually. The operation has expanded from a quarter-acre garden yielding produce sold to
individual customers at tailgate markets to an agribusiness
that cultivates a wholesale market of grocers, restaurants and
other food suppliers.
“I’d like to thank A&T for starting me off in farming
10 years ago and I’m continuing today,” Wiebe said to a
packed campus audience. “I owe a lot to Yancey County
Extension and (retired agricultural technician) Claude
Deyton. He really saw something in me that I didn’t know
even existed.”
In addition to his successful organic operation, Wiebe
was noted for his willingness to help other farmers, and
his innovative use of plasticulture, which involves growing
vegetables on black plastic and drip irrigation. N.C. A&T
officials presented Wiebe with a plaque, monogrammed
jacket and $1,500 gift.
Small Farms Week recognizes the small-scale producers
in North Carolina who generate $250,000 or less annually
in agricultural gross sales.
Selected by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Cooperative Extension Program
47
Chou Yang and Chou Yang
Alfredo and Sabrina Zamora
Claremont, North Carolina
Elfrida, Arizona
As is common with immigrant farmers, language barriers can create a wall. For Catawba County Hmong husband and wife farmers, Chou Yang (husband) and Chou
Yang (wife), their desires for natural resource conservation
were stronger than language differences. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill conservation
program participation was sought by the Yang family to
help them in their land stewardship efforts.
With the invaluable translation assistance of Der
Xiong, immigrant agriculture agent for Catawba County,
Mr. and Mrs. Yang became interested in, and received,
NRCS technical and financial assistance for conservation
planning, and seasonal high tunnel systems. Today, their
cut flower farm operation in Claremont, North Carolina,
is actively utilizing technical conservation management
assistance and a seasonal high tunnel system.
The seasonal high tunnel system, along with improved
natural resource management, will allow them to increase
farm profit by having flowers earlier and later in the year,
and help sustain Catawba County’s valuable resources.
The USDA Service Center in Catawba County is very
proud of the partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Chou Yang
and their efforts to spread the conservation partnership
message and opportunities throughout the Hmong community.
Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Soil and Water Conservation District
Newton, North Carolina
48
Alfredo and Sabrina Zamora grew up in Cochise
County, Arizona and from a young age they were in the
fields working for area farmers. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an MBA, Alfredo
and Sabrina returned to Cochise County, rented 90 acres
and began their farming enterprise. Almost immediately
after getting 90 acres to rent, Alfredo consulted with
NRCS about available assistance. Alfredo said, “It was
very hard for somebody like me with very little experience and no money to go into a government office and
ask for things.” Through several years of renting farmland,
they had saved enough to purchase land of their own to
farm. Through years of hard work, determination and a
little luck, their present farming operation now consists of
3,960 acres where upon they produce cotton, corn, alfalfa
and pecans. Recently they replaced old center pivots with
new center pivots that will increase water savings significantly. This is a story of a Hispanic couple who through
determination, sought advice and financial assistance, and
built a very successful farming operation. They are truly
role models in their community.
Selected by Natural Resources Conservation Service
Douglas, Arizona
Xin Miao Jiang and Shao Zhi Kuo, Jiang Farm, Montague, Massachusetts
Xin Miao Jiang and Shao Zhi Kuo are the dynamic
couple that has built this successful family enterprise in the
western Massachusetts town of Montague. In China, Xin
studied crops for four years and moved the family to
Massachusetts in 1980. The couple recently celebrated their
30th wedding anniversary.
Xin & Shao purchased their property in 1998 with an
FSA Farm Ownership Loan. They manage their risk with
FSA NAP insurance and use greenhouses to extend their
season and get correct conditions for their crops which
include baby bok and yuchoy, bitter melon, pea tendrils,
gailon, Chinese celery, edible chrysanthemums, long beans
and other specialty crops.
Jiang Farms markets their produce mainly through the
Amherst Farmer’s Market and the University of Massachusetts. They have adapted growing methods for our local
climate and import new crops to expand their offerings.
This area’s five colleges provide clientele, Asian and American, searching for Chinese produce.
June bounty of crops from Jiang Farm
Shao is quick to give credit to Xin for his hard work in
making their farm a success but her contributions as the
public face to the farm also makes her a vital part of their
enterprise. We are pleased to recognize Jiang Farm as an
outstanding farming operation in Massachusetts.
Shao Kuo in her gardens at Jiang Farm
Selected by USDA Farm Service Agency-Massachusetts
Heather Baylis, County Executive Director
49
Vusumuzi and Nothando Zulu, Minneapolis, Minnesota
When Nothando left her family peanut farm in Virginia
at age 17, she vowed she’d never farm again. Twenty two
years ago when her granddaughter turned five she felt it
was time to reintroduce her family to gardening. There has
been no looking back since the gardening activity began in
the Zulu household. Nothando and her husband, Vusumuzi
have found gardening to be very therapeutic and a way in
which they can give back to their city of Minneapolis.
For the last three years the Zulus have been serving as
caretakers of the Karamu II Garden. Karamu Gardens were
first formed in 2011 in response to a challenge by Homegrown
Minneapolis, the city’s local food program that encourages
neighborhoods to come together to grow their own food. As
caretakers, the Zulus till the garden and work with volunteers
in the planting, maintaining and harvesting of the garden.
Working with volunteers and local community residents
in the garden has served as a foundation for this community
garden. Along with hands-on-experience in tilling, planting,
50
maintaining and harvesting of garden produce, Karamu II
Garden provides learning opportunities about how to garden and make connections in the local community.
The Karamu II Garden has spurred the planning and
implementation of other gardens in the North Minneapolis
neighborhood. Anyone who wants to stop by the Karamu II
Garden is welcome.
Recently the art of storytelling has been included in the
garden experience. A connection has been made with the
Black Story Tellers Alliance. This nonprofit organization
in Minneapolis is dedicated to the art of storytelling as a
primary source for positive instruction and reinforcement
of the rich beauty embodied in telling the story. This made
sense to the Zulus as there are many stories that need to be
told and telling the story in a garden while pulling weeds,
planting vegetables and harvesting made sense.
Cutrina Moreland

norman and gwen pierce

Transcription

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