Name: Bruce Anderson
In Town: Anderson’s Paint & Body in Lowell, Ark., has been a full-time job for owner/operator Bruce Anderson for the last 20 years. He does automotive repair and painting at his shop, located adjacent to his farm.
In The Country: Not only does Bruce tend to his 50 head of cattle and two horses but he also manages another farm for his neighbor. Born and raised in Texas, Bruce has been around cattle and farming his whole life, following in his father and grandfather’s shoes.
Family: Wife, Ann; daughter, Courtney and son, Casey. “We’re a blended family,” Bruce said of Ann’s three adult daughters, Gina, Kristy and Kari.
How do you make farming and a full-time job work?
“Lots of hours," he smiled. "It takes lots and lots of burning the midnight oil, good time management and making things work together. If I’ve got to run into town to pick something up for the shop, I try to make the trip count for farm errands too.” Bruce also cited the fact that he’s his own boss makes wearing several hats much easier than if he worked for someone else. “I couldn’t do it if I wasn’t my own boss.”
How do the farm and business compliment each other?
Anderson says he does quite a few “farm jobs” for customers like trailer repair and welding. He also says his body repair and welding expertise comes in handy for his own needs on the farm equipment.
What would you say to young people wanting to get into farming?
“Don’t go into farming with the ‘get rich’ idea. It’s like going into any business, especially right now.” He cited the high cost of feed and fuel. “It’s a lot of hard work but very satisfying though, especially if you like the land, being outdoors and working with animals.”
By Pam Long
