To first-generation Louisiana farmer Warner Hall, agriculture is a passion — not just his career. Hall finds pleasure in being outdoors, engaging in exercise, and putting food on the table. Now, running a successful small vegetable operation of his own, Hall also dedicates some of his time to helping educate young minds about farming.
While Hall’s success foremost hinges on his passion — as This Week in Louisiana Agriculture explains — it also perfectly illustrates the supporting role played by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs in helping new farmers and small operations like Hall’s find success.
Hall recently hosted a field day at his vegetable farm. This gathering was not only a chance for him to showcase his crops. More so, it gave him a platform to share knowledge. The recent field day was a testament to his commitment to encouraging the next generation of farmers.
“Some of them don’t know what a plant looks like in the field,” Hall said. “When they come in the field with me, I’ll show them and tell them the different plants —and that makes you feel good that they are learning something.”
Eugene Livingston from the NRCS expressed pride in Hall’s success story under the protective shade of Hall’s high tunnel, which he acquired with the assistance of cost-sharing programs through the NRCS. According to Livingston, in a way, the structure exemplifies the importance of these crucial programs in helping farmers manage rising costs. Emphasizing that the NRCS’s attendance at events like Hall’s field day is a crucial part of their ability to understand the needs of the producers they serve.
At the workshop, Hall proudly touted his role in providing his community and neighbors with fresh produce from his fields, urging everyone to recognize the significance of agriculture in daily life — from the breakfast table to the clothes we wear. Livingston also assured that the NRCS has more funding on the way to aid farmers like Hall.
Hall emphasizes the need for young people to engage in agriculture, and he sees events like field days as crucial for them to discover a potential future in farming. The NRCS, with its myriad programs, stands as a valuable resource for beginning farmers and historically underserved producers.
To learn more about the NCRS programs for new farmers, visit:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
