Jacksons named Benton County farm family

GENTRY -- Jeremy Jackson grew up in a Benton County farm family, but left to attend college and pursue a career as a firefighter.

He returned after six years and Jeremy and his family were honored Tuesday as the Benton County 2018 Farm Family of the year.,

Jeremy, his wife, Michelle, and their children, Wyatt and Emily, operate Jacksons Double J, a Brangus seedstock operation near Gentry. Jacksons Double J also operates two Tyson poultry houses, which produce around 3 million eggs per year.

They also run Eagle Corner Farms, a Tyson broiler operation, which produces about 9 million pounds of chicken a year, in partnership with Jeremy Jackson's parents.

"We've been farming in Benton County for at least five generations," Jackson said Tuesday.

Jackson said his father bought a 100-cow dairy operation in 1979 and began to transition to a beef cattle operation when he was in high school. He went to college and spent time with the Fayetteville Fire Department and as fire chief for Highfill.

"I came home about six years ago," he said. "I wanted to be at home with my family, have more time to raise my kids and be with my wife."

Jackson said the family's operation now includes about 240 acres, where it is likely to remain. He said the growth in Benton County is raising the cost of land, which is squeezing farms and farmers.

"There's no way for a young person to get into farming," he said. "The average age of our farmers is in the 60s."

The is the 71st year of the Arkansas Farm Family of the year program. Jim Singleton, chairman of Benton County's selection committee, said the program is meant to give encouragement and recognition to farm families who are doing an outstanding job in their communities and to disseminate information on the importance of improved farm practices and management.

Each of the state's 75 counties has a selection committee that chooses a farm family to represent the county at the district level. Eight district winners will be considered for the statewide award.

Benton County leads the state in beef cattle and poultry production, according to Johnny Gunsaulis, Benton County Cooperative Extension Service agent. Gunsaulis said the agriculture sector provides about $500 million annually to the county's economy.