Farm family 2014 section

June 11, 2014

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

The Polk County Pulse Proudly Presents the

2014 Polk County Farm Family of the Year

Richie & Jennifer Broach Family

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

June 11, 2014

Farm Family of the Year

June 11, 2014

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

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BY LEANN DILBECK The Richie and Jennifer Broach family of Vandervoort have been selected as the 2014 Polk County Farm Family of the Year.

When learning of the prestigious honor, the couple said they were excited, surprised and proud all at the same time. The couple operate their 465 acre farm with the help of their three sons: Tyler, 17, Trevon, 14, and Tayden, 5, and they will all very quickly tell you that running 6 chicken houses and 85 head of cattle takes the entire family to make it all work.

The farm began with just 20 acres in 1995 and over the years has grown to its current size. Richie’s parents, Richard and Carlene, were also farmers and he said it was from them that he gained his passion for farming. The couple said they were also instrumental in getting their farm started, allowing him to run his first herd of 10 cattle on their land.

No stranger to hard work, Richie remembers the early days when he worked

CONGRATULATIONS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Richie and Jennifer Broach 2014

Polk County Farm Family of the Year

870-584-3113

Connie Jones and Kasey Frachiseur

We finance farms, homes, land, livestock, equipment, and MORE!

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Congratulations!

Congratulations Broach Family!

ALIGNMENT CENTER

479-394-4100

LOCATED BETWEEN TOWN & COUNTRY VET AND COPELIN MOTORS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF 71S

479-394-3800

J & B LIQUID FEED & FERTILIZER

1357 Polk 74 • Mena, AR 71953 Office: 479-394-6111 Jerry & Barbara Hansbrough Cell: 479-243-5608 Fax: 479-394-6110

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BROACH FAMILY!

Farm Family of the Year

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THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

at Tyson Foods at nights and ran a litter cleanout service during the day. By 2005, the couple was able to build 4 chicken houses and said the success from that has enabled them to expand to their present operation.

Tyler and Trevon both attend Cossatot River High School. Tyler is a member of the FCCLA, the bowling team and the trap shooting team. He is also active in FFA, where he is a member of the electricity, livestock judging and mechanics Career Development Education Teams. Tyler shows both cattle and swine and has won numerous shows, including 2012 Polk County Grand Champion Steer – County Bred… and has the buckle to prove it. Trevon is on the basketball and track teams and is also a member of the trap shooting team. He is also a member of the FFA where he shows cattle and swine.

Tayden, aka “The Boss,” just completed preschool and enjoys little league baseball, growing tomatoes, and trapping. He is currently persuading his parents for rabbits to begin showing like his big brothers. All of the boys said they plan to follow in their father’s footsteps to farm.

Jennifer said she greatly appreciated the life farming had provided for her family and it allowing her to be home with the kids and flexible schedules.

The family plans to grow their cattle operation by clearing 200 acres of land to implement rotational grazing the near future. Currently, the family harvests 4 to 5 tons per acre and are even able to sell some of their hay each year.

The 6 chicken houses hold 23,900 birds per house with 143,400 birds per flock and they grown 5 flocks per year. The sale of the litter from the poultry houses is also important to their farming operation. With the production of 1,080 tons of litter per year, it allows the Broach’s to get the excess amount off of the farm. The proceeds from the sales help with the cost of the cleanout of the poultry houses and the replacement bedding.

Like most farmers will tell you, it’s a 24/7 lifestyle with no breaks and lots of hard work. “We have overcome many obstacles since we began farming,” said Richie. “We have had drought periods as well as winter storms and power outages due to ice. Most recently, we ran our poultry operation for a week on generators because of an ice storm.” He explained that they have learned to wear many hats, “we have learned to be electricians, plumbers, and veterinarians… to help have a profitable outcome.”

When asked what advice they could provide to young farmers just starting out, Richie said, “Never give up. It’s all worth it.”

SHELBY’S APPLIANCE SERVICE, INC. 870-387-5946 Vandervoort, AR Congratulations Broach Family!

June 11, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BROACH FAMILY! OPEN AT 11 A.M. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY • CLOSED ON TUESDAY

ON THE CORNER OF SHERWOOD AND SEVENTH STREET IN MENA • 479-437-3240

SUPERCENTER 67 • 600 Hwy. 71 N

Congratulations to the Broach Family!

FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR

June 11, 2014

THE POLK COUNTY PULSE

Congratulations to The Broach Family

2014 Farm Family of the Year

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Gilchrist Tractor Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS BROACH FAMILY! 2642 Hwy. 71 N., Mena, AR 71953

(479) 243-9494

CONGRATULATIONS BROACH FAMILY!

MENA HATFIELD - WICKES

479-394-2211

www.unionbankofmena.com

Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m.-Noon

CONGRATULATIONS FROM

FULL ATV

SERVICE & REPAIR David Dilbeck 20+ Years Experience

Hwy 71N/Hwy 88E Junction (behind Terminix) 479-216-3519 • OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR MEMBERS,

The Broach Family

2014 Polk County Farm Family of the Year

Congratulations to the Broach Family!

515 Janssen, Mena

309 S. Morrow, Mena • 479-394-3650

394-4140