By Julie Tomascik
Associate Editor

A Texas farmer could be a national spokesperson for agriculture. But he needs your vote.

Through Oct. 23, voting for the next class of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) Faces of Farming and Ranching is open.

Brown is one of eight finalists in the contest, which is a nationwide search to help put real faces on agriculture.

A fourth generation farmer, Brown has a unique agriculture story. It began on the South Plains of West Texas.

He grew up on a farm, watching and learning from his dad and granddad. Eager to join and do his part, Brown helped in any way he could.

He saw the struggles—both physical and mental. But the love for the land kept him intrigued, even when things changed.

While Brown was attending Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications, his dad decided to stop farming to follow a different career.

That started a 10-year period away from the farm for Brown.

After graduation, he went to work for a U.S. Congressman, trading in his jeans for a suit.

“That gave me a great perspective,” he said. “I learned more about the federal side and how farm policy affects us more on a local level and also how there’s a debate constantly going on about if (crop insurance) is something that’s needed or not.”

He also met with constituents, traveling the district to hear the struggles and challenges farmers and ranchers were facing. He could relate, because he’d seen his family face similar ones.

“That time away from the farm, I think, was a great opportunity because it gave me a greater appreciation for what I do here with the farm,” he said. “It gave me a greater appreciation for my love and passion for what I do.”

And it opened his eyes to new ways. New things. New opportunities.

He faced the many misconceptions about agriculture. Brown heard the criticisms of a way of life he cherished.

“I got to see different things, so it really gave me a different perspective and ideas on diversifying my operation,” he said.

But his roots deep in West Texas called him home.

“My desire, my heart, my passion has always been the farm and with the help of my father-in-law, I was able to get back into farming in 2008,” he said. “And I’m forever grateful for that. He gave me the opportunity and also introduced me to some new ways of farming.”

And now he gets to do what he loves every day.

He cares for his crops and the natural resources entrusted to him on his farm, Broadview Agriculture, Inc. Safety, quality, efficiency, stewardship and sustainability—each are equally important to the operation.

Because it’s a family farm. His wife, Sarah, and three kids work with him. He hopes one day his kids will have an interest in agriculture.

On the West Texas farm, Brown mainly grows cotton—both organic and conventional. But that’s not all. Wheat, rye, grain sorghum, peanuts and sesame can be found on his farm.

He uses many different types of farming methods—no-till, minimum tillage and cover crops.

Brown isn’t afraid of risks or trying new things. He even takes to Facebook to share his passion.

Because he realizes that beyond his turnrows are many who may not understand what he does. And how he does it.

But he wants to help bridge that gap.

“There’s this big debate about GMOs. There’s a big debate about organic,” he said. “And I think with me being a farmer who farms organic and non-organic, I think it gives me a great perspective. It allows me the opportunity to have those healthy dialogues with people.”

From family to farm policy, he hopes every post gives a glimpse into the life of a West Texas farmer. He wants to represent the passion and innovation of modern agriculture. And help reconnect Texas and America to its rural roots.

“I really love what I do. I’m passionate about farming. I love the fact that my kids come out here and they get to work with me. And I get to teach them hard work and life skills on the farm,” he said. “And I want to leave this land better than when I found it.”

He even answers questions from other farmers on his Facebook page. The photos, videos and articles he shares spread the message