Any individual who both farms and is heavily involved with farm loans in the banking industry has a unique perspective of the challenges facing both. Such a person is Aaron Holcombe who owns a poultry and hay farm east of Jay, Okla., where he lives with his wife, Tammie, and their two children, Ashley, 13, and Caleb, 9.
Aaron and Tammie bought the land from Aaron’s father soon after they married in 1991. Aaron’s family has been farming in the area for over 100 years with Aaron being the seventh generation.
Aaron is now Arvest’s Vice President Commercial Banker in Siloam Springs, Ark., and believes that the face of farming has changed significantly in the last 20 to 30 years. The most significant change is in the size of farming operations. Now farms tend to be much larger and full-time operations for the owners whether those farms are poultry, cattle or crops. According to Aaron, the huge increase in farm size is necessary for a financially successful operation and technology has helped make that possible.
Aaron added, “Because of the large numbers, farmers not only have to be good at production agriculture, they also have to have sound business knowledge.”
Aaron’s farm is typical of the older style poultry farm. He has two of the smaller sized chicken houses and raises pullets. A year ago Aaron and Tammie completely retrofitted their pullet houses. They added computerized controllers, modern feeders, cool cells and energy efficient fans and heaters. The controllers monitor and control all environmental aspects of the houses including: feed, water, lights, heat, cooling and ventilation. Aaron said, “The newly retrofitted houses are more energy efficient and provide a better environment for the pullets.” He also stated, “There has been a decrease in the labor that was associated with maintaining the older equipment.”
Part of their lifestyle choice is a recent change from stocker calves to haying. Until recently they ran about 200 head at a time but got tired of feeding in the dark and losing time with their family. The result is their new haying business. So now, Aaron hays about 95 acres with some of the acreage being Bermudagrass and some Fescue. The haying is done on a crop-sharing basis with someone else who does the actual labor.
Aaron and Tammie want their children to be raised much the way they were. Tammie said, “This is home. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s where we grew up and where our families live. It’s my comfort zone.” Aaron smiled and said, “Another good thing is we don’t have to travel during the holidays.”
Their farming lifestyle is centered on family and church though Caleb really enjoys typical children activities like riding his bicycle and occasionally driving a 4-wheeler. Another indication of that choice is Tammie’s decision to be their church’s leader for children’s ministry.
Aaron said, “I love how we live. I really like the interaction with other farmers and talking about farming and production agriculture. I also enjoy being a good steward of the land.”
