| "The
farmers I worked with in the past have been good to me," said Kyle.
"They have all been willing to provide advice, loan me equipment
and help me get started in my new endeavor."
Kyle gives a special nod
of thanks to B & T Farms, John T. Ingram and Sons Farm, and Holt
Farms.
Three years ago,
he felt the timing was right for him to sow the seeds of his own
operation and see what he could grow. At the time, he and Joy, his wife,
had been married about two years. They lived in a beautiful brick home
in suburbia.
"When Kyle told me
he wanted to sell our home, move to the country and start farming, I
wasn’t real sure what to think," said Joy. "He was
considering going back to college and thought farming would be a good
fit, something he could do in-between classes. He was passionate about
it. Kyle has always loved the outdoors; farming seemed to be the natural
thing for him to do."
The young couple sold
their home and moved to the country. Not long after their move, their
family increased in size. Daughter Blair turns two in October and loves
living in the country, spending time outdoors and checking the crops
with her daddy. And farming has proved to be a good fit with their
family. Kyle is able to attend classes and maneuver his farming schedule
around classes and labs. He is working toward a Bachelor of Science
degree in Ag Economics. In addition to farming and going back to
college, he also works part-time as a technician for the Russell County
Soil and Water Conservation District. He meets even more farmers through
this work experience and gains a greater understanding of the farming
way of life.
"I feel fortunate to
have a valuable resource of farming friends," said Kyle. "And
with local stores like Taleecon Farmers Co-op, there is always someone
to go to when I have a question."
Local Quality Co-op
stores are a great source of knowledge for questions you may have about
farming. Store employees can help connect you with other farmers who
have dealt with similar issues or questions. And they can provide you
with the products and services you need on your own farm. At Taleecon
Farmers Co-op in Notasulga, Kyle purchases seeds, chemicals and
fertilizers.
Joy helps with farm
chores when she can; she also works full time, teaching sixth grade
special needs students at Phenix City Intermediate School. She shares
agriculture with her students on a continuous basis. In 2004, she
installed raised beds at the school so her students could grow
vegetables and learn more about the importance of farming in Alabama, as
well as in the United States. At home or at school, farming seems to
always be on her mind!
"I am really proud
of Kyle for deciding to step out and try to make a go of farming on his
own," shared Joy. "The future of our country’s food supply
depends on knowing the source of our food and having a sustainable
method for growing it. We need more young farmers!"
For this young family in
Russell County, farming is a way of life. Living on family property
miles from town, Kyle, Joy and Blair find the farming lifestyle offers
them the flexibility and benefits not found in many other occupations.
The Ross family may be fairly new to farming on their own but farming is
not new to them. Going out on their own has been a leap-of-faith; it has
been a growing experience both enjoyable and enriching. And much like
the older, more experienced farmers, Kyle agreed farming is an
occupation he would not trade for anything.
Ashley Smith is a
freelance writer from Russell County. |
