Name: Gary Clay
In The Country: Gary owns a 50 head cow/calf operation in Casa, Ark. Gary bought this 125 acre farm from the family when his dad passed away. He also grows about 275 bales of hay a year.
In Town: Gary works for Green Bay Packaging, Arkansas Kraft Division, a paper mill in Morrilton, Ark. He has been there 19 years and is a shift millwright in the maintenance department. Before this he was an Ironworker.
Family: Wife, Regina, together they have raised one son, four daughters and have seven grandchildren.
How do you farm and work full time?
"It's not easy. My brother and I trade out a lot of work. There are times during the year that are better than others but I never really catch up completely."
How does your job compliment farming?
"By working a rotating shift I have extra daytime hours at home. This really helps during the winter when it gets dark so early."
What would be your No. 1 improvement on your farm?
"I'd build another hay barn."
What do you tell young people wanting to get into farming?
"Be patient. Start out small, work into it and keep your debt low."
