"In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, a bridge to our future," summarizes Alex Haley, the author of "Roots." Family farming roots in Arkansas run deep, but the future generation of farmers is more in flux. However, in the Whorton family of Lincoln, Ark., there is no doubt that the farming tradition started by family patriarch and matriarch, Basil and Wilma Whorton will be continued on through the third generation. Basil was the Vice President of Phillips Food Center/Food-4-Less in Bentonville prior to retiring, but always farmed on the side. Sadly, Basil passed away two years ago, but his legacy endures. His wife Wilma still lives on the farm, and his son Tim, daughter-in-law Stephanie, and grandson Tyler run Whorton Cattle Company. Bridging not just generations, but careers, Tim and son Tyler also own Country Feed and Farm Supply in Lincoln. In two weeks, the family will expand, as Tyler weds his fiancé Matea Stilley of Kansas, Okla., and starts a second operation in Leach, Okla.
The Whortons raised breeder hens for Simmons for 15 years, but sold them six years back and are now strictly cattle. "Poultry made a good living for us. We felt like at the time it was right to get out, and right after we made the decision, we found out my Dad had cancer. It was meant to be," shared Tim. Tim and Stephanie joke about Tyler growing up in the poultry house, sitting on the monorail in his car seat as they hand collected eggs, before they switched to automatic nests. "Shortly after we sold out, we bought Country Feed," said Tim. "I started out managing the store, and then three years ago we bought it outright."
Showing their Maine Anjou cattle has been a big part of family life for the Whortons. Tyler has been showing since he was old enough to get in the ring. Whorton Cattle Company has had two grand champions at the Arkansas State Fair. "Last year, a heifer we sold, won the Arkansas State Fair, and we've had two heifers that won their Divisions at the Maine Anjou Junior Nationals," said Tim proudly. Having such a busy life makes taking time away from the farm hard. "Stephanie and I have had one vacation in 25 years of marriage. We went to Colorado one year for about six days." Shows in places such as Wichita Falls, Texas, and Murfreesboro, Tenn., constitute family vacations.
The Whortons keep registered Angus on the farm for crossbreeding, but their focus is Maine Anjou. "We're in the cattle business pounds is what sells. Grass has to be converted to pounds. We hope to have four or five good show animals each year to sell, but the rest go to the feedlot. The reason we went to the Maine Anjou bull is that we've upped our weaning weights over fifty pounds. The hybrid vigor is there," informed Tim.
"The Maine Anjou cattle ten years ago and the Maine Anjou cattle today are totally different. They used to be real hard keepin'. The Angus is what has made Maines really good."
Maine Anjou cattle can be crossed with an Angus bull and be registered as a Maintainer. "Today's cattle through interbreeding with the Angus, have really become good mommas. They will really work in our environment. They wean out better and some of the carcass trait data they are gathering on them now, they're tops in the beef breed. The marbling scores are really good. The best cow I know is a half Angus, half Maine. The Maine Anjou breed for us is all about pounds," Tim said.
Tim and Tyler plan on continuing to build their operation. Tyler is learning embryo transfer hands-on with friend and neighbor Dennis Avery of DNA Genetics. Tyler also plans on attending school in Kansas for a few weeks to learn even more about artificial insemination and embryo transfer. With a wedding, school and more cattle in the future the Whorton family is looking toward their bright future, while maintaining their bridge to the past by carrying on the family farming tradition.
