By Sarah Mahan of This Farm Family's Life
The Lawson family began farming in Boone County over 50
years ago when Donnie’s dad, Don Lawson began raising brooder chickens for
laying houses throughout the Midwest.
Donnie and Tammy were married in 1985 and returned to the farm after
graduating from Purdue University. Their
daughter, Kay Leigh, and her husband Jeremy joined the operation full time
after their wedding in July of 2013. The
Lawsons also have a son, Clay who is in the Army.
The Lawsons raise corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa near
Thorntown, Indiana along with their large beef cattle herd. Additionally, they run
a finishing operation that cares for 500 beef cattle up until they are ready to
enter the food supply.
Like all other farms, each family member has their own
responsibilities or niche. Tammy and Kay
Leigh focus on managing the cattle, feeding, breeding schedules, calving and
pasture management while Donnie and Jeremy focus on crops, trucking, and
equipment maintenance and together everyone contributes to the daily surprise
tasks that are omnipresent on a farm.
“Beef is nutritious and a great source of protein and
vitamins. Most cuts are low in fat and
superior to many other types of protein,” Tammy says. The Lawsons sell freezer beef and schedule
processing upon request.
When asked what she wishes the public better understood
about farming or the beef industry Tammy replied, “We suspect that most
consumers are confident of the safety of their food, but it is always important
to reassure them that our land and our animals require a large investment that
has and will be passed from one generation to the next. Healthy, wholesome and safe food is our
commitment.”
Tammy feels that the greatest reward of farming is, “The
combination of working the land, protecting the environment, managing the
animals, caring for the calves, reaping the rewards from a long growing year or
enjoying the outcome of a difficult calving season are all reasons why we farm. We feel blessed that we were born in this
industry.”
Visit this link for
the recipe of a Lawson family favorite that is perfect for grilling on the
Fourth of July.
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