Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Indiana Farm Family Celebrates Ag Day

By Sarah Mahan

Ag Day holds a special place in the hearts of the Campbell family from Franklin, Indiana.  Jennifer (Jent) and her husband Chris, along with their kids: Casey, 16; Emi Lou, 12; and Cole, 9, farm approximately 2000 acres of corn and soybeans as well as 40 acres of wheat. They also own and operate a farrow to finish hog operation with 110 sows.  They have a small cow/calf operation.  Chris is the sixth generation to live and work on the farm.    



Jent and Chris strive to instill hard working values and a respect for the land and agriculture in their kids.  They allow the kids to work beside them every day with hopes that someday it will pay off but Jent says, “What they do with that knowledge is up to them.”

This is the first year that all three of the Campbell kids will be in 4-H.  They are all involved in the Johnson County Jr. Beef Association.  Casey is very active in FFA and serves on the Johnson County Soil and Water Youth Board.  Casey and Emi Lou have played fast pitch softball.  Cole loves to farm.  Jent recalls a time when the girls tried to convince him to play baseball.  He said, “Sure.  I’ll try it.”  Then Jent told him that he had to go to every practice and every game regardless of what his dad was doing.  His response: “No way!  Forget it!”

The Campbells are very active in the Ag Day celebration in their community.  For the past four years Jent and Cole have helped highlight agriculture at Needham Elementary.  The celebration at the state house has proven to be an exciting time as Casey won the essay contest for her age group last year and Emi Lou was one of the proud recipients this year.

When Jent was asked about her feelings toward Ag Day she said, “I personally think every day should be Ag Day.  We all eat every day!  I love every opportunity I get to tell and/or celebrate what we do every day and I feel privileged to be able to participate.”

If you would like to learn more about the Campbell family and their farm visit Jent’s blog at From My Front Porch

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Join the Campbells tomorrow at our Ag Day Celebration: From Tractor to Truck (#Tractor2Truck) at the Government Center in downtown Indy.

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