6 | Summer 2025
From Pasture to Plate: HOW BURNS FAMILY FARM IS REVITALIZING AGRICULTURE IN THE OZARKS
Nestled in the rolling hills outside Harrison, Arkansas, Burns Family Farm— lovingly known to many as“ Farmer Jack”— is carrying forward a legacy five generations strong. Today, Billy Jack Burns, his wife Shawna, and their daughters Lily and Bellah, are not only raising premium Angus cattle but are also championing a cause bigger than the original Burns’ Family 1,100-acre operation: restoring pride and sustainability to the Ozarks’ farming community.
Billy Jack was born and raised on the land he stewards today. With a 350- head cow / calf operation and small crop production for personal food supply, farming isn’ t just a job— it’ s a way of life. Yet the broader reality facing American agriculture is sobering. Only 1.9 million farms remain in the United States, and 80 % of farmers must juggle second jobs just to survive. Many make more profit renting land to hunters than raising food.
The consequences? Food shortages and an increased reliance on imported meats— over 4.6 billion pounds annually.
At Burns Family Farm, they’ re determined to be part of the solution. They sell farm-raised beef directly to
The Burns family’ s long-term dream is clear:
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help rebuild the livestock industry in North Arkansas and stand up for farmers often left out of government subsidy programs.
“ customers through www. farmerjack. com, offering local delivery, meeting customers nearby, or shipping orders across the country. In the coming year, they’ ll debut an innovative vending machine program at RV parks, recreational areas, and health food stores, making it easier than ever to access high-quality, local beef products like premium ground beef, hot dogs, brats, burgers, snack sticks, and jerky.
Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce