FARMING: THE STORY OF OUR FARM LIFE “The gentle “howdy” and “hello friend” given by Hannah and Haidyn pave the way for readers to tag along with them and their parents, Jason and Candice Barnard, and little brother, Ethan, to experience farm and ranch life.” BY AMBER MORIN PHOTOS BY SCOTT T. BAXTER
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o tell any story, but especially the stories of our lives and our family, is an invitation for others to connect with us, understand us, and relate to us. The best stories take us on a journey, beckon us to follow along, and we cannot help but say, “Yes, let’s go!” Hannah and Haidyn Barnard welcome children of all ages and backgrounds to join them in reading their newly published book, Farm Kids – Growing up WhiteBarn. Their book highlights a year of their life growing up on their family farm and ranch at the foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains in the San Simon Valley. The gentle “howdy” and “hello friend” given by Hannah and Haidyn pave the way for readers to tag along with them and their parents, Jason and Candice Barnard, and little brother, Ethan, to experience farm and ranch life. As a reader, you will find yourself riding along in the cab of a tractor to plant forage crops, saddling up a horse to check cattle, or playing in the water of a center pivot. Life in agriculture is a balance of responsibility and adventure. The girls describe each job with playfulness that reflects their age and pulls you into their story. They keep you wondering what will be on the next page. Their enthusiasm for agriculture and their daily tasks is heartwarming and infectious! Hannah and Haidyn’s roots in agriculture run deep on both the Barnard and White sides of their family. Their great grandparents, the Curry’s, Jason Barnard’s grandparents, began farming in the Elfrida area in the early 1950s. However, when asked how far back farming went, Jason says that the family has been farming for as long as they can remember. Candice’s family, the White’s, also began farming in the Elfrida area in the 1950s. With historical knowledge and heritage behind them, it is no wonder that Hannah and Haidyn have a love for agriculture, conservation, and livestock! Like the generations before them, Hannah and Haidyn wake up before the sun to work on the family farm. They are used to hard work and enjoy the simple things that their rural lifestyle offers them. Both girls love driving the John Deere Gator utility vehicle, riding their horses, and checking cattle with their dad. When asked if they ever thought they would write a book about their lives, without hesitation they said, “No!” The idea for the book came from their good friend, and owner of the X Diamond Ranch, Wink Crigler. Wink encouraged the girls, and convinced them that their story was worth telling. It did not take too long, PG. 4 :: FALL 2020
