By Randy Rice

This year’ s Farm Family of the Year for Carroll County is Flat Hat Ranch, in Oak Grove. Tom and Neeley Butler are the owners and operators, and live on the ranch with their three daughters, 6-year-old Vivian and 2-year-old twins Ida and Iris.

“ First and foremost, we love being

stewards of the land that God provided for us,” Tom began.“ We have an obligation and responsibility for the animals on our farm. But secondly, our love for this agricultural lifestyle stems from just wanting to be together as a husband and wife and family as much as possible. You really learn to depend on each other and on God in a whole new way.”

Tom grew up on a small dairy farm in Idaho and learned at an early age the importance of hard work as well as the respect and love of nature and animals.

“ I learned a love for all God’ s creations, specifically cattle,” he said.“ My wife, Neeley, grew up around farming and also has a love for the traditions. We both grew up in large families and learned the importance of

working alongside family from early on. Since being married 11 years ago and navigating college and family life together, we have both grown a deep passion for cattle production.”

When asked what they love most about running a family farm, the Butlers are quick to say that the time it allows them to be together as a family is number one for them.