unning a f amily f arm is a f ull time o p eration

In the beginning stages of the English farm operation, they were able to participate in many NRCS programs under the Beginning Farmer Program. That allowed them to level ground and put in tail water ditches, underground pipelines, and drop pipes to keep erosion down at the ditches.

The pipe planner from Delta Plastics has been a game changer for the family’s irrigation system. The computer program allowed T. J. to enter flow rates and furrow elevation data, producing detailed plans for hole size and pipe grades. Iriigation is now far less wasteful and is more efficient.

Starting an operation on his own was challenging, and obtaining funding for equipment was by far the most difficult part. “FSA had programs that allowed me the opportunity to get started and provided me with opportunities that I otherwwisewwould not have had,” T. J. says.

Learning the business side of farming, or “desk farming” as Robin calls it, has also been challenging. But T. J. says that he has learned a lot and that he is learning more each day.

There have been a few bad years to overcome T.

J. admits, but this has created resilience, more learning opportunities, and new perspectives on how to manage the farming operation. “It has built our faith in the Lord more and more,” T. J. says. “For the day to day operation, I am constantly trying to do less tillage wwith row crops by rotating soybeans and corn to reduce cost and erosion.

Presently, the farm contains 600 acres of irrigated corn, 1200 acres of irrigated soybeans, and 100 acres of irrigated rice. For the 2023 season, Hurley and

Associates will do all of the crop marketing.

Prior to this, the family marketed, booked, and sold all of the farm’s inventory.

“My wife, Robin, helps the most when she brings lunches and or dinner to the field while we are planting or harvesting.” When she is not working, she often gets to help move from farm to farm. “Robin is the family scheduler,” T. J. says. “She keeps up with all of our family events and makes sure we are all cared for.”

T. J. says that he wants to transition from a primarily rent-based farming operation to ownership. He has been able to acquire one farm for the partnership so far.

“We are always eager to expand our operation,”

T. J. says. “Adding grain bins, keeping excellent employees, and being the best stewards of the things we are blessed with drive the heart of English Family Farms.”

Learning the business side of farming, or “desk farming” as Robin calls it, has also been challenging. But T. J. says that he has learned a lot and that he is learning more each day. There have been a few bad years to overcome T. J. admits, but this has created resilience, more learning opportunities, and new perspectives on how to manage the farming operation. “It has built our faith in the Lord more and more,” T. J. says. “For the day to day operation, I am constantly trying to do less tillage wwith row crops by rotating soybeans and corn to reduce cost and erosion.

Presently, the farm contains 600 acres of irrigated corn, 1200 acres of irrigated soybeans, and 100 acres of irrigated rice. For the 2023 season, Hurley and Associates will do all of the crop marketing.

Prior to this, the family marketed, booked, and sold all of the farm’s inventory.

T. J. says that he wants to transition from a primarily rent-based farming operation to ownership. He has been able to acquire one farm for the partnership so far.

“We are always eager to expand our operation,”

T. J. says. “Adding grain bins, keeping excellent employees, and being the best stewards of the things we are blessed with drive the heart of English Family Farms.

(Ruth Corley photos.)