Name: Matt Crawley
In the Country: Matt is a fifth generation farmer on land that his family was deeded in 1885. The original 180 acres of homestead are still intact, as well as an additional 40 acres. The family farm is near Bugscuffle, Ark. In partnership with his father, Matt runs a cow-calf operation, much the same way that his family has since the original deed was issued. Additionally, he leases out pasture at his wife’s family farm in Stilwell, Okla.
In Town: Matt is the Assistant Vice President for Commercial and Agricultural loans at the Arvest Bank in Stilwell, Okla. Matt has been with Arvest for six and a half years. In addition to working at the bank he’s also a member of the Adair County Cattlemen’s Association and the Kiwanis Club.
Family: Matt’s wife Monica is the general counsel for East Side Abstract in Stilwell, Okla. Matt has two daughters, Hailey and Isabelle.
How do you make farming and a full-time job work?
"It’s a hard balance to find enough time to get everything done, but scheduling is the most important part to help make every thing possible with maintaining a full-time job and a farming operation.”
How does banking compliment farming?
"Banking compliments farming in the aspect of providing a strong background for money management which has become increasingly important with the rising cost of feed, fuel and materials to keep a farm operating.”
What would your number one improvement at the farm be?
"Being able to leave the farm in better condition for future family farmers who have the draw to agriculture that I have. Hopefully my daughters, Hailey and Isabelle will have a desire to carry on the family tradition.”
What do you say to young people wanting to get into farming?
“It’s difficult to succeed in farming today with the ever-rising cost of production, but farming is one of the most rewarding and satisfying careers that you could ever imagine.”
