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Tony
James, ATA general manager, agreed with Booker’s comments saying
Womack is a "top notch guy" and "one of the go-to
guys" on their board.
"He’s
a great guy; he’s one of the guys everyone in the community looks up
to," James said. "I’m tickled to death he has the
opportunity to serve on AFC’s board."
James
added that Womack is one of the best farmers in their area.
Growing
up with a grandfather and father who farmed, farming has always been a
major part of Womack’s life. But a full-time farming operation was not
necessarily in his initial career plans. After graduating from Escambia
County High School, Womack chose to take a job with Rural Electric
Association (REA).
"That
was during the early 80’s when agriculture was really tough and I
guess I just wanted to try something different," he said.
During
his time with the power company Womack continued to assist his father
with the operation. He said the operation, at that time, had an emphasis
on livestock production with about three or four hundred acres of
cotton, corn and soybeans.
Womack
enjoyed his career with REA, but five years later, the call of the land
brought him back to the farm and he began a full-time career in
production agriculture. It was at that point he decided to shift the
focus of the operation from livestock production to row crop production.
It’s
been more than 20 years since Womack decided to return to the farm, and
through challenges like devastating weather patterns and nematode
infestations, his farm is a successful business. This year his operation
includes 800 acres of cotton, 800 acres of soybeans, 400 acres of
peanuts, 150 acres of corn and approximately 600 acres of custom
planting and gathering for area farmers.
Womack
admitted his employees are essential to the success of his operation.
"I
have a good crew, no doubt," Womack said. "They are here daily
if need be. I couldn’t have taken the [director] position without
them."
While
he understands the tremendous responsibilities a board member has,
Womack said he’s looking forward to the challenge and representing the
farmers of Southwest Alabama.
With
two teenage children, farming is not Womack’s only responsiblity. He
and his wife, Janet, a schoolteacher at Excel High School, have two
daughters, Shelly and Morgan, who find time between their studies to
participate in band activities at Excel High School.
"Every
area of the state is different, from crop conditions to crop
inputs," he said. "Serving in this position will give me the
chance to carry out the viewpoint of the farming community in my
area."
Grace
Smith is an associate editor for AFC Cooperative Farming News. |
