Family Farm 2.0
June 13, 2009
Filed under People and Places
Mike Watson grew up on a family farm in rural southwestern Virginia. Having made a career at the electric company, he never imagined himself – let alone his children and grandchildren – back on that farm.
Ten years ago it was widely assumed here that the decline of big tobacco heralded the end of a way of life. Old farmers thought they were the last of their kind. The next generation, unable to foresee a viable livelihood on the farm, was leaving the area for college and careers elsewhere.
See a photo gallery from this story here.
Today that rural exodus continues; make no mistake. But on a few small farms tucked among these gentle but imposing mountains, there are hints that something new may be starting.
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For the past few years, Mike Watson and his family have been raising organic vegetables to be sold to big corporate buyers through a group called Appalachian Harvest. It began as a hobby but became a way of life. Mike’s 18-year-old son Matthew has enjoyed the effort so much that he may choose not to follow many his age out of the area and instead make a career of the family farm. He would be the fourth generation of Watsons to work this patch of valley land.
If Matt stays on the farm, his operation will be vastly different from the one his father remembers from his childhood. Tobacco, long this region’s agricultural staple, will be replaced by vegetables grown according to organic standards and livestock raised with methods believed to be more ecologically sustainable. Predictability and tradition could give way to farms driven by creativity and entrepreneurship. Call it Family Farm 2.0.
In this video story, Mike Watson and his family tell us how they rediscovered small-scale agriculture and how they may find themselves at the beginning of a new kind of family farm.
What do you think? Can you imagine your family trying to make a living on the farm? Do you think the Watsons are onto something? Let us know in the comments below!
Let me clarify that the reason we are compelled to farm is our God-given calling to take dominion and be wise stewards of His creation. This has become our multi-generational vision and as Proverbs 28:19 says “He who tills his land will have plenty of food, but he who follows empty pursuits will have poverty in plenty.” Thanks again for including us!!!
Michael, Ginger, Matthew, & Aaron Watson
H.F. Watson & Sons
Great to see young people interested in farming. America’s farmers have fed this country since it was founded. And the Watsons seem to be continuing that tradition.
So good to see you all in this article and video! Thanks for sharing. What a blessing you are to the community and to the Church!
It’s nice to see that farming is becoming fashionable again!
We are so proud of your family and all that God is allowing you to accomplish. We can’t wait to see all that God has in store for your future. We love you,
The Goodmans