Sam and Bobbie Hawk
In town: Sam and Bobbie Hawk have owned Hawk Fertilizer, in Bolivar, Mo., since 2000. They sell fertilizer, seed, lime, chemicals, custom spreading, no-till drill rental, spray rental and they are a dealer for the full-line of Kent Feed. Jerry, Sam’s dad, is a silent partner in the business. In addition to keeping the books for the farm and the business, Bobbie is also a full-time realtor at Century 21 Peterson Real estate in Bolivar and has been since 2007.
In the Country: Sam Hawk moved to Polk County in Missouri with his family when he was a small boy from Lebanon, Ind. Sam and his dad, Jerry, originally bought their present farm together and mom and dad are still co-owners. On their farm they raise registered Angus cattle and some feeder calves. They grow corn for silage for the feeder calves. Father and son work the farm together. Jerry spends most of his time on the farm.
How do you do both?
Bobbie said with good help they manage to keep everything going. They have a hired hand that helps at the farm during the day. Sam is at Hawk Fertilizer most of the time during the spring’s busy season but other than that, Dustin Jarmin pretty much runs the business allowing Sam to focus on the farm. Bobbie also pitches in more time at Hawk Fertilizer during their busy season. They all work together to find a balance and make it work.
They have two boys in grade school; one in fourth and one in fifth grade. Now and then they go to grandma Hawk’s house after school, which helps. The boys pitch in at the store every once in a while and every so often they get to show houses with mom.
Story and Photo by Carla Clark Carter
