June 2024
2024 Farm Family Salute 31
is extremely expensive,” Larry said.“ Every rancher / farmer needs to be able to repair equipment, but even parts are way more expensive. There is still some good farmland around, but it too is very pricey.”
Larry noted that those men and women, boys and girls, who want to live and work on a family farm are committed to finding a way to do what they love, the way he and BeAnn did.
“ We started a construction company when I was 25 years old with our third child on the way,” Larry recalled.“ We started small, but every time we could we bought more land and cattle, and delayed vacations or other expenses that we could, until many years later. After selling our construction company, we were able to have only one full-time job, the one we’ ve always loved – our family farm.”
The Walkers are concerned about the future of the family farm in America today, but hopeful that those who love the life, even with all the sacrifice and challenges that every farmer / rancher faces in the future, will stay with it.
“ Our three sons will tell anyone who listens that their days on this farm is where they learned how to work, how to value and work with others, the land and livestock, and what helped them to be the men they are today,” Larry said proudly.“ And I can honestly say they are all great men. We pray that the future of the family farm will never change for the sake of all Americans.”
“ It’ s not about the money, the expense, the weather, the market, the hard work, the success or lack of it, the challenges,” BeAnn added.“ Farmers / ranchers won’ t quit, they don’ t want to, they will always exist. Because what would happen to our country, our families, if we didn’ t have farmers / ranchers who love what they do?”
Regarding being named Washington County Farm Family of the Year, Larry and BeAnn are honored and humbled by the recognition.“ We feel totally unworthy, considering how many other worthy farm families are just as deserving,” they said.
Congratulations Walker Family!
From promoting local crops to advocating public policy, Arkansas Farm Bureau is working everyday to improve the lives of Arkansas farmers.
Washington County Farm Bureau Fayetteville 479-442-4266 Springdale 479-750-2062 www. arfb. com
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