Farm families from Howard, Lafayette selected for honor
Farm families from Howard County and Lafayette County were recently selected as the 2016 District Farm Families of the Year.
A total of eight district winners were selected in the 69th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program and represent the diversity of Arkansas agriculture, the state’s largest industry.
The district winners will now be judged to determine a state winner to be announced Dec. 8 at the Farm Family of the Year luncheon at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock.
Stephen and April Allen of Lewisville in Lafayette County were selected in the Southwest District.
The Allens raise poultry, cattle, timber, wheat and hay on 660 acres. They also own a lawn care business and construction business. They have three children, Geordan, Josiah and Garrett.
Joel and Amanda Whisenhunt of Nashville in Howard County were selected in the West Central District.
The Whisenhunts raise poultry, cattle and hay on 368 acres. They also raise and train purebred border collies for working cattle. They have three children, Hayden, Lauren and Caleb.
“What a great reflection on the bounty of Arkansas agriculture,” said Randy Veach, president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau. “This program is a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on the great farm families that are far-too-often overlooked.
“No other business sector has a larger economic impact in Arkansas. The men and women of agriculture and their families work diligently every day to maintain a business and a lifestyle that represents the very best our state has to offer,” he said.
The Farm Family of the Year program begins each year with selection of top farm families in each county and culminates with the selection of the state Farm Family of the Year who will then go on to represent Arkansas at the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. All winners are judged on their farm production, efficiency, management, family life and rural/community leadership.
“These families are the backbone of our state and we are honored to recognize them for their excellence not only in farming, but also in their community,” said Mollie Dykes, coordinator of the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program.
“It’s important for us all to stop and thank these farmers and ranchers who ensure we have food on our tables and clothes on our backs,” he said.
Sponsors of the Farm Family of the Year program are Arkansas Farm Bureau, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and the three Farm Credit agencies that serve Arkansas: AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas and Midsouth Farm Credit. Additionally, support for the program is provided by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, Arkansas Press Association, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development.