Veteran Levi Sortomme found opportunities in farming

Submitted Photos

Taking an Opportunity

By Larry Burchfield

Sortomme Family Farms began after Levi Sortomme spent 15 years in the military

Levi Sortomme of Ward, Ark., a result of the pride they take in excellence grew up in a family of veterans. in all they do,” Levi explained. “While in His father James served in the Arizona the military, failure drives us but success from Air National Guard, with his grandfa- hard work and planning empowers us. Agrither James having served in the Navy culture is so very similar to military service and his step-grandfather Lyndon “Dutch” in that failures breed ingenuity and successes Vrooman in the Marines. breed pride. As an agriculturalist the tangi-

Although Levi’s father never attempted ble success of any operation is paid in multo persuade him into a military career, he titudes when one observes the acres of baled often spoke passionately of his own mili- harvest at the end of the day or the survival tary experience and upbringing. of a struggling calf after an enduring sleepless

As a child, Levi never thought he would night. Building and operating our farm with join the military but rather pursue a ca- my wife and children is a joy and tradireer in information technology tion I expect to continue to build and programming. Then as upon long after retirement.” his adult life took an un- Levi and Brianna have expected twist, he fol- known each other for lowed the desire for a nearly 20 years with Levi Sortomme and his family operate Sortomme Family Farms, which has change to be proud both having been multiple operations. of, and joined the raised in producAir Force remain- tion agriculture. ing on active duty Then another one Levi maintains that the secret to suc- and another two from veteran Nathan for 15 years and of those twists of cess in agriculture is to start small and let Whatley at WW Farm and Cattle Compatook advantage of life brought them the small mistakes and successes allow for ny in the Mullberry area. the opportunity to back together as she learning and growth. He says those enter- “Knowing who you buy from is very imexplore more than helped care for three ing the industry often have had experience portant and makes visual selection more a 50 countries. The time of Levi’s children and as a youngster or knowledge from books. matter of making sure the animals have a away from agriculture her own daughter. The However, real life always brings about healthy appearance with no visual genetand his family’s substantial couple recently celebrated unexpected changes and challenges that ic defect. The goats we purchased came Arizona cattle ranch and ad- their first anniversary. They force practical growth; and if new farm- from someone I didn’t know well who was ditional dairy goat farm made him own 40 acres and lease another 360 ers start small, they grow without a dev- downsizing, which may partially explain realize how suited he was for agriculture. as hay ground. Sortomme Family Farms be- astating cost. An example is the Nigerian their unexpected deaths,” Levi surmised. He switched gears once again and joined gan as a forage farm, with Levi and Brianna Dwarf goat herd which started out with The pureblood Angus heifers will not be the Arkansas Air National Guard with the taking a chance and appropriating retire- eight does and two bucks. Last year sev- bred until they are 24 months old to mini154th Training Squadron where he works ment funds to purchase farmland and equip- en of the does died from unknown causes. mize birthing issues, which means they have as a C-130 H loadmaster flight ment outright to forego the typical Driven to succeed, Levi and Brianna plan another year to go before breeding. Then instructor in addition to build- agriculturist’s banker burden. to rebuild the herd again with the inten- Lady Luck smiled. Nathan was looking for a ing his and Brianna’s full-time farming operation in preparation Ward, Ark. Now, after even just two years in operation much of the hay is tion of selling meat, as well as cheese, with dairy and cheese-making familiar to Levi temporary location for a breeding bull to allow recovery to breeding weight and agreed to for his military retirement in the sold before it hits the ground. Ad- from his parents’ goat operation. loan the bull to Sortomme Family Farms. The next five years. ditionally, resourceful farm manage- The Sortomme Family operation is in its heifers will be ready to breed about the time

“Veterans have enormous agri- ment stores enough forage for their infancy. Last year Levi bought two heifers the bull should be back to breeding weight. cultural potential which is largely own cattle and goat operation. from the St. Joseph Center in Little Rock Levi and Brianna’s goal is to build a herd of 40 16 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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cows and to sell high quality, grain and grassfed, fresh beef on the hoof.

“My wife brings a lot to the table,” Levi said. “She worked full time as a vet tech many years before coming to Arkansas where her veterinary expertise is valuable. She is a military spouse and full-time farmer as well as bookkeeper, sales manager social media coordinator.”

Because of Levi’s strong belief that the military and agriculture are a natural pairing, he joined the Farmer Veteran Coalition, founded by Michael O’Gorman in 2007. Levi and Brianna were part of the driving forces behind the founding of Arkansas’ chapter, Arkansas Farmer Veteran Coalition which is the most recent addition to the coalition. The organization also operates under the label Arkansas Homegrown by Heroes in the media. Regardless of how natural the pairing of military and agriculture is, entering the industry has numerous challenges, often compounded by personal challenges especially transitional difficulties including PTSD.

The chapter took over a year to organize and is composed of a board with both Levi and Brianna being board members, as well as a diverse group of advisors with direct access to legislators and a wide range of assistance. Easy access to people knowledgeable about information sources including grants and programming is through a website or Facebook using “Arkansas Farmer Veteran Coalition” as a search term.

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