Name: Sandy Hamm
In Town: "I am an agricultural economist at the University of Arkansas. I work for H.L. Goodwin Jr., UA professor and state poultry economist. We have been working on several research projects baling and transporting poultry litter to the delta region for fertilizer. I went back to school after 10 years in retail and graduated in 2002 with a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics. During this degree program, I really began to understand how to manage a farm productively and Sandy Hamm Horses began to operate efficiently."
In the Country: Sandy Hamm Horses began in 1985 with the purchase of the first "Off the Track Thoroughbred". This horse later sold to a foxhunter in Tennessee. My father-in-law, Dr. Doyne Hamm, was an equine veterinarian in Fayetteville. I was fortunate to work in his clinic for many years. He taught me everything about thoroughbred horses. I attribute my success today on his teachings and my degree from U of A. The operation buys three to five thoroughbred horses from the race track each year. With the help of college students who love to ride, I rehabilitate and train the horses for a new career in either foxhunting, showing or cross country eventing. The horses are usually placed in good homes within three years of purchase. My son, Preston, manages the farm. He handles any and all repair work, designing and building new structures and keeps all the machinery working. He also manages our small cow-calf operation."
Tell me about your family:
"Preston can fix anything from the plumbing to fences, welding and repair work, you name it. We rarely have to call any professional service. Economically, that is a lifesaver on a farm. Preston is studying Agriculture Systems Technology Management at the U of A. During the past four years in this program, he has learned every aspect of running his own farm. I highly recommend this area of study. He will graduate next spring and be the brains behind the specialty crop venture. My husband, Chris, is a city boy. Need I say more?"
How do you balance work off and on the farm?
"It is very hard. My husband does not always understand the philosophy that the animals get fed first. I get up very early in the morning and come home at dark."
By Stephanie Burroughs
