By Julie Tomascik
Associate Editor
A West Texas cotton farmer is part of a national team to help bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers who are hungry for more information about their food.
Jeremy Brown, who farms on the South Plains, is one of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance’s (USFRA) new Faces of Farming and Ranching, following a nationwide search and online voting process.
“I’m humbled by this opportunity to represent the hardworking people who provide a good, safe food and fiber source across America,” Brown said.
He, along with four other farmers and ranchers, is sharing the story of agriculture on a national stage through consumer-facing public appearances, media interviews and events. They promote the passion behind agriculture and share the drive for sustainability and technology on today’s farms and ranches.
“I think it’s important to have a face to the people who are actually growing our food and fiber,” Brown, a fourth generation farmer, said. “Having those healthy dialogues with consumers, answering their questions and really explaining to them what we’re doing on our farms, is something that needs to continue as more and more people move away from the farm.”
The five farmers and ranchers selected represent diverse sectors of agriculture. From poultry and cattle to dairy, sheep and row crops, each of the class members has different farming methods. But they all share a passion for agriculture.
“Agriculture today is driven by technology and an unparalleled commitment to animal care, and this group of exceptional farmers and ranchers is such an accurate portrayal of the entire agricultural community,” said Brad Greenway, USFRA chairman and South Dakota crop and livestock farmer. “With their sustainable practices ranging from no-till and cover crops to pollinator habitat and state-of-the-art animal facilities, I’m proud to have these five represent USFRA and all of agriculture.”
Brown, his wife Sara and three kids grow cotton, organic cotton, wheat, grain sorghum, rye, peanuts and sesame. He also uses cover crops, minimum tillage and no-till in order to help build organic matter on his farm.
Follow along with Brown and his family on their Facebook page, Broadview Agriculture.