David Edwards of near White Hall says that after more than a half-century of involvement in ranching and farming, he knows that being a farmer is often a financially-challenging occupation.
“But if you love something, you take the risk of making it work,” said the 54-year-old. “I love it, and I’ve always believed it’ll pay off.”
Edwards’ affection for his vocation has already reaped an unexpected prize. He and his 50-year-old wife, Sue, and their three children – son David, 23, and daughters Andrea and Valerie, 20 and 15, respectively – have been named Jefferson County’s 2012 Farm Family of the Year.
“My nephew and I had been teasing each other about the possibility of us winning the award,” said Edwards, a 1976 graduate of White Hall High School. “I didn’t think it was possible. I thought one of the big farmers, one with so much more acreage, would win it.
“Then I found out we had won it, and I was pleasantly surprised,” he continued. “I look at farming as a privilege, and the award is a nice, big honor.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Edwards has 160 acres surrounding the family home on Charles Road, just off Gravel Pit Road. There and on a 60-acre spread off Highway 270 near the Grant County line, he’s been operating a cattle ranch for 32 years.
Five years ago, he became a farmer. He produces soybeans, wheat, rice, hay and corn on just under 800 acres at Pastoria. But Edwards is familiar with farming. His agricultural roots run deep, as his father decided to start farming on the very land the younger Edwards now oversees and was “born and raised.”
The enterprising Edwards, who also operates a small trucking company, figures ranching and farming are “addictive.” He’s glad the work “is in my blood” because “it’s never-ending.”
“There has been some sacrifice,” he said, “but it’s a beneficial sacrifice. Running the farm has taken more of my time and taken away from my family time. I’m sure my wife would like for me to be home more, and I’m working for that. I believe my social time will eventually increase.”
Edward’s favorite work activity is “operating the equipment in the field,” which makes up for “setting the rice levies,” a chore he wouldn’t mind living without.
Sue Edwards is a full-time homemaker and serves as a White Hall High School substitute teacher. Their son is his father’s “right-hand man” on the farm, which the elder Edwards hopes to someday “pass down” to him.
Andrea Edwards attends college in Fort Smith, where she’s majoring in nursing. Valerie Edwards is a White Hall Junior High School student.
Edwards said he and his family live and work by “principles” they’ve learned in part through their membership in the Church of the Living God, which is near their residence. Edwards is a deacon and Sunday school teacher there.
Among the principles he referenced were a love for one another, others and the land on which they farm. Edwards said he wants to make a profit healthy enough to “afford good equipment and pay laborers a decent salary,” and aims at farming in an “environmentally-friendly way.”
“We use Biblical principle in everything we do,” he said. “I was taught and raised to do my best whatever I’m doing. And with this award, it seems that people have taken notice of us.
“We weren’t looking for or expecting to be the Farm Family of the Year, but it’s great to be recognized like this,” he concluded. “It makes us feel so good.”