|
As
with most farm families, he was expected to help when needed. And Mitch
was most needed when his father Harry had health issues in 1993 which
prevented him from carrying out his farm duties. Mitch picked up the
pace as his father was not able – and he has not stopped since. Mitch
manages 600 acres of family timberland and farms 700 acres of cotton,
peanuts and small grains like wheat and rye. Harry can still be seen
around the farm checking crops and performing other daily activities; he
now serves as a knowledgeable farm consultant to Mitch.
"After
farming for more than 50 years, Dad offers a wealth of technical
expertise and real-world experience," shared Mitch. "When I
have questions about how to handle a situation, I look to Dad for advice
and a recommendation."
Having
a farm consultant is important to Mitch, as is having a farm partner.
Since 2000, Troy Sims has worked with Mitch as a farm partner. The two
men have known each other for years.
"Mitch
and Troy have been friends since they were six," said Dawn.
"Troy is a great asset and a great friend. He is newly wed to
Jennifer, who has proven to be a great helpmate in life and on the
farm."
With
the drought experienced in the Southeast in 2007, this has been a year
like few others. On the approximate 400 acres of cotton he planted,
Mitch estimated he will only be able to harvest about 40.
"Cutting
your losses is something farmers have to learn all too well,"
declared Mitch. "Unfortunately it has been one of those kinds of
years. This is my 17th crop; things have never been so bad we would not
even harvest!"
The
cotton will surely be a significant loss this year (much of the cotton
cropland Mitch farms is at a 600 lb/ac base); the story with his
approximate 300 acres of peanuts sounds much the same. At the time of
this writing, Mitch was just beginning to combine peanuts. During a
typical year, he expects 4,000-5,000 lb/ac; however, results show this
year’s production at approximately 1,000 lb/ac. Mitch proclaimed
farmers have been hit hard this year but the full story will not be
available until probably December, once everything "shakes
out." Success for farmers is usually judged by whether or not a
farmer decides to farm another year.
"When
things are going good, we all tend to put on our blinders," said
Mitch. "A year like this one forces you to re-evaluate the scope of
your operation. Many positives come out of a negative year. For example,
diversification makes a difference."
By
diversification, Mitch means agritourism. Over the past couple of years,
he and wife Dawn have grown the agritourism side of their business.
Sitting only a few miles outside the Auburn/Opelika city limits, this
couple realizes the full potential diversifying into agritourism could
mean for them. They plant several acres of corn, pumpkins and other hand
crops each year. Already more than 2000 visitors in the past four to
five years experienced farm life through Lazenby Farms. With a new 6,000
sq. ft. building, Mitch feels he now has the infrastructure in place to
accommodate even more guests. Dawn intends to put more effort into this
side of the business as well. Whether a hayride or a hoe down, southern
hospitality is sure to be found on Lazenby Farms!
Lazenby
Farms depends on Taleecon Farmers Co-op in Notasulga for much of their
farm needs, such as seed, fertilizer and chemicals.
"The
service at Taleecon is outstanding," claimed Mitch. "When
store Manager Scott Hartley took the business 10-15 years ago, he took a
sow’s ear and turned it into a silk purse. The store is very
organized, clean and offers a great selection whether it is chemicals or
clothing."
According
to Mitch, Scott’s attention to detail, care of the customer and
restless nature to be the best drive him to make Taleecon one of the
nicest Co-op stores in the state. Mitch and Dawn recommend visiting the
brand new storeroom where it will be easy to understand how Taleecon has
earned this family farm’s business.
As
talk turns to Thanksgiving and the things for which he is most grateful,
Mitch quickly smiles and shares how thankful he is for his family, his
wife Dawn and their new little one, Jamie Claire, who was born on May 18
of this year. Farming and the lifestyle it offers have become even more
important to Mitch since the birth of his daughter. A sentimental sort,
he values family, farming and traditional values. In the cool morning
air as he rocks in the chair on the front porch of the restored
farmhouse that sits next to his cotton field, Mitch Lazenby dreams big
and hopes for the best. With wife Dawn beside him and daughter Jamie
Claire to boost him forward, Mitch is a thankful farmer ready for future
challenges.
Ashley
Smith is a freelance writer from Russell County. |
