alafarmnews

(From left) Bud and Steve Seward and Kelvin Stokes of Agri-AFC. The Agri-AFC store in Wilmer is happy to assist Seward Farms with any need that may arise.

The leaves are changing and there’s a chill in the air, and with the change in the season people are taking time to harvest their crops, enjoy some weekend pigskin and for one Gulf Coast family, share with others their passion for agriculture.

Seward Farms, known for its "Good Farmin’ Fun," opens its gates each fall and invites the public to see "agriculture in the process." But forget the reading and writing —the Seward family teaches it in a way anyone is sure to enjoy.

Before you can be an effective teacher, you have to know your subject matter and the Sewards have spent their lives working in the agricultural industry producing a number of valuable commodities for a public who rarely gives thought to the calloused hands that

If that wasn’t enough to keep them busy, in 2002 they started an agri-entertainment business that has Southeast Mississippians and Southwest Alabamians seeing first hand where their food and fiber comes from. Using their farm-themed corn maze as a calling card, they spend the months of September and October accommodating approximately 23,000 people who come to visit their farm.

Visitors can lose themselves in over two miles worth of TWISTS AND TURNS before they exit the maze. But before most of those visitors can meander through the corn maze, the Sewards take some time to share with them the importance of agriculture.

"When field trips come to the maze, we provide them with a 20-minute curriculum teaching ‘Farm to Factory,’" explained Steve Seward, a fourth-generation family farmer.

Steve’s sister, Susie (Seward) Kelly and his wife, Susan Seward, are responsible for teaching the agri-educational material. Steve said by watching a five-minute movie and participating in Susie and Susan’s presentation, visitors are able to see exciting ways to use some of the commodities they’ll enjoy once they begin exploring the farm.

Bud Seward, Steve’s father, stressed the importance of opening their farm and sharing their passion with children and their parents.

"It’s important for us to give back to the public what we all take for granted. It’s not just the kids who don’t know about agriculture. We’ve had parents come here and see our peanuts and say, ‘there’s no way those are peanuts because peanuts grow on trees,’" he said.

Seward Farms can continue their success in agricultural production, entertainment and education with a fifth generation of "future farmers" following in their family’s footsteps. Cole Kelly, 2, is already working on perfecting his tractor-driving skills.

There’s a lot more to Seward Farms fall activities than the corn maze. Guests can take some target practice using some unusual ammo — corn cobs.

Using a farming-themed corn maze as a calling card for the public, the Sewards are able to teach thousands of visitors about agriculture.

Seward Farms has a unique "Cow Train" for their guests to ride.

After their educational presentation, the visitors are invited to explore the farm which is home to much more than the headlining corn maze. Guests to Seward Farms can take a ride on the "Cow Train," watch the "Racing Pigs" streak across the track, practice their aim while firing off some corn cobs in the "Corn Cannons," get up-close and personal with some farm animals and even give goat roping a try.

Starting October 24, as the moon rises, the goblins will appear - in the haunted maze,at least. For those brave enough to swallow their fear, the 20-minute hay ride will take guests through a separate maze where fear waits around every turn.

It takes a great deal of toil and dedication to prepare for the fall festivities. Seward Farms is truly a farming operation and it takes the cooperation of each member to handle all of the farm duties. Steve said it takes three weeks of hard work for the family to get ready for visitors and once visitors start coming in, he and his father go pour themselves back into their passion and make preparations for harvest season. They rely on the other family members for the operation of the corn maze and the other agri-entertainment activities.

The Agri-AFC store in Wilmer is always available to provide products and services to Seward Farms. Kelvin Stokes with Agri-AFC commented that the Sewards have relied on Agri-AFC for many years.

"They have been a part of our company for a long time, even before I came to work here," Stokes said. "They’re smart people and they always ask good questions. We have a real open relationship and it’s one that is rewarding for us."

If four generations of Seward farmers isn’t enough, there’s a new generation of "future farmers" following in the footsteps of their father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather! With children who already show a love for the farm and an interest in the work of their parents and grandparents, Seward Farms is sure to continue its success in agricultural production, entertainment and education.

For more information, call (228) 641-3936.

Grace Smith is an associate editor for AFC Cooperative Farming News.