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Message KIMBERLY RATCLIFFTexas Rancher Chairs USDA Advisory Committee on Minority Farming 2023 FARMERS OF THE YEAR ISSUE

4 www.minoritylandowner.com 6 EDITOR’S PAGE We celebrate 2023 Farmers of the Year.8 STEVE ARCHER II  TherstthinghegrewwasapumpkinfromaseedthatheplantedinthedicultsoilofhisbackyardinChicago.9 TONY BERRY MultiplegenerationsoftheBerryfamilyworktogether,usingsustainableagriculturaltechniques.10 NATHANIEL “JUNE” BRADFORD Heutilizessocialmediaregularlywherehehasover60,000followers.11 LEMUEL NICHOLS LemuelandHelenhopetheirdaughterwillonedayreturntotheareatoreceivethemantleandmanagetheirprize-winningcattleoperation.12 NAIMA DHORE ShefoundedtheSomaliAmericanFarmersAssociation,andherworkcaughttheattentionoftheFoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNations.14 CHRIS GRIFFIN USDANaturalResourcesConservation ServiceinitiallystartedworkingwithChrisbecauseofhisinterestinrotationalgrazing andtheneedforanalternativewatersourceonhisproperty.15 JULIUS GRIFFIN Convertingrawproduceintojuicesallowshimtomultiplytheincomehegetsfromeachofthefruitsandvegetableshegrows.16 REX HEIDELBERG In2010,onaleapoffaith,RexreconnectedwithruralAmericabypurchasinglandandstartinghiscattleoperation.17 JAMERSON-GREER FAMILY LegacyTasteoftheGardenworkstoteachcommunitymembersaboutthevalueofhealthyfoodsandhowtogrowthemsustainably.18 KIMBERLY RATCLIFF ShemadeamovefromNewYork,NewYorktoCaneyCreekRanchinOakwood,Texas,tohelpotherBlackfarmersandranchersprotectandbuildtheiroperations.22 DEBRA SYKES DebrainitiallystartedthegardenprojectinthecityofWinonaonlessthananacreoflandbehindaneighbor’shome.23 DONALD W. NEWTON Donald’sfatherpurchasedthepropertyin1947,theyearbeforehewasborn.TheynowhaveaboardfortheNewtonFamilyFarmTrustinwhicheachfamilyisrepresented.24 WILLIE DEWALT Hisimpactonsweetpotatoresearchhasbeensoimpactfulanewvarietywasnamedforhim:the“Willie40.”9Volume XIX Number ICONTENTSBerry Family Farms is known for growing fresh blueberries, okra, peppers, tomatoes, peas and squash and for producing high-quality beef. Photo courtesy Berry Family Farms

www.minoritylandowner.com 5 Editorials, news releases, photographs and artwork are welcomed. Material received becomes the property of Cierra Publishing Company. Cierra Publishing Company reserves the right to edit all manuscripts and letters for the sake of clarity, style and space limitations. All opinions expressed in Minority Landowner are those of the author and do not necessarily reect the opinions of the publisher or the Editorial Board. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Copyright 2024.Cierra Publishing ComPanyVictor L. Harris CEO and PresidentCierra N. HarrisExecutive Assistantminority landownerVictor L. HarrisPublisher and EditorCoPy editorApril AustingraPhiC designerFrench Harris Design Groupeditorial boardDrenda WilliamsMinority Landowner is published by Cierra Publishing Company. P.O. Box 97033Raleigh, North Carolina 2762433Phone: 919-215-1632info@minoritylandowner.com www.minoritylandowner.comMinority Landowner Magazine @minorityland25 ETHAN PARKER Althoughtheyareintheinfancystagesofdevelopingtheirfarmenterprise,theyalreadyhavecattleandgoatswithplanstogrowvegetables.26 SHAR CARTER & JANE BRECKINRIDGE Theysharealoveoftheland,aloveforpreservingnature,apassionforprotectingmonarchbutteriesandacommitmenttohelpingOklahoma’sbeautifulruralcommunities.28 ZULEYJA PRIETO InnorthernIndiana,ZuleyjaPrietohasbeenworkingwithotherlocalfarmerstopreserveancientcornvarieties.29 MATTHEW RAIFORD GilliardFarms,establishedin1874bytheRaifordsiblings’great-great-grandfather,JupiterGilliard,standsasasymbolofperseveranceanddetermination.30 BOBBY JOE SPIVEY BobbysaidattendinganoutreachmeetingaboutUSDAprogramschangedhislife.31 PEDRO LOPEZ MOREL HebeganworkingaskitchenhelpataNewJerseyrestaurant,workedhiswayuptochef,thenrealizedhecouldultimatelymakemoremoneysellingproducetohisformerrestaurantthanhecouldbyworkingastherestaurant’sheadcook.32 JULIUS TILLERY HiscompanyBlackAcresdevelopedapartnershipwiththeVansClothingCompanytoproducealineofT-shirtsusingthecottonproducedonhisfarm.33 ARMONDO WHITE AU.S.ArmyveteranandBlackfarmer,Armondoworkswithhiswife,Andrea,andtheirtwodaughterstocombatfoodinsecuritybybringingfresh,healthyproducetotheircommunity.COVID-19 caused Armondo to imagine how he would feed his family if the grocery stores shut down.Photo by Claire Kausch, NRCSPhoto by Je Wilson Photography

6 www.minoritylandowner.com EDITOR’S PAGE2024 began our 19th year publishing Minority Landowner. is is our 14th production of our annual Farmers of the Year issue. Each year as we produce our annual Farmers of the Year issue, I say to myself that this class of Farmers of the Year cannot be as impressive as the class before. And, each year, I am proven wrong. Our Farmers of the Year issue recognizes farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who are doing great work representing agriculture within their communities across America. is year’s class includes our cover story Kimberly Ratcli, a Texas rancher and chair of the USDA Advisory Committee on Minority Farming. Kimberly leads the national eort to advocate for minority farmers across the country. Her story is impressive. She moved from New York to the family ranch in Texas and serves on state and national boards and commissions as a national leader in agriculture. We also feature Nathaniel “June” Bradford, an Oklahoma rancher who has over 60,000 social media followers. Nathaniel is a fourth-generation rancher and landowner. Along with his brother and cousin, they host an annual Black Ag Producers Gala in the historic Black town of Boley, Oklahoma. You’ll meet Naima Dhore, a farmer in Dalbo, Minnesota. Her work growing millet was seen by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and was recognized as part of the International Year of Millets 2023. Chris Grin is a rancher in Tennessee who works with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and uses a solar intake system for pumping water to supply multiple tanks on his ranch. In Indiana we meet the Jamerson-Greer Family and Legacy Taste of the Garden, a farming operation that uses traditional farming practices to teach the value of healthy food, urban farming techniques and they work to make more fresh local food available in food deserts. Pedro Lopez Morel is a Virginia farmer who discovered he could make more money growing and selling produce to his former restaurant employer, than he could working there as the head cook. Donald W. Newton planted longleaf pine trees on his South Carolina property. He knows that as he waits for the trees to grow to a merchantable size, which will take decades, they will generate pine straw that will produce an annual income while he waits. In northern Indiana, Zuleyja Prieto collaborates with a group of Indiana farmers to preserve heritage corn, and a connection between land, culture and community. Meet these farmers and the rest of the class in this Farmers of the Year issue. I’m also excited to announce the return of our in-person Farmers and Landowners Conference. e 2024 Rural Farms and Urban Agriculture Conference will be held October 6-8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. In the past we’ve held our traditional Farmers and Landowners Conference, and our National Urban Agriculture Conference separately. is year we’re bringing everyone together under one roof. We’re inviting national agriculture and forestry leaders to provide updates on urban and rural farm programs and initiatives, including recent programs designed to address discrimination claims. Experts will speak on technical and nancial assistance programs, farm loans, wills, estate planning and heirs’ property. Some of the best time spent at our conference is time spent networking with other farmers to hear their success stories and challenges. We’ll discuss how to get started as a rural or urban farmer and share mentorship opportunities. Follow us on Facebook, X and minoritylandowner.com for conference details including the announcement opening conference registration. Congratulations to all of our Farmers of the Year. Despite the many challenges that still exist, you push forward with the support of family and community to succeed. Some of you produce in urban communities. Some are stewards of 100+ year- old farms in rural America. You represent the best in agriculture, and I am proud to present you to the rest of America. All the best,Victor L. HarrisRegistered Forestervictor@minoritylandowner.com

8 www.minoritylandowner.com Marine Corps veteran Steve Archer II is growing sunowers and more on a patch of family land in Chicago that was once contaminated dirt. Since his service in the Marine Corps from 1999 to 2004, he has found purpose in restoring family land and teaching on a volunteer basis at a local Montessori school. Archer holds a degree in English and loves to teach children about farming with chickens, a donkey and a horse. He volunteers when his health allows.Archer recalled that the rst thing he grew was a pumpkin from a seed that he planted in the dicult soil of his backyard in Chicago. e plot of Chicago land was rst farmed by his great-uncle. Archer said that at rst, he couldn’t grow anything on the contaminated soil. But through a grant and with the help of his sister and others, he was able to remove eight inches of topsoil. e area was then covered with Mira, a cloth engineered to prevent chemicals from seeping into the soil. He restored the soil over time by adding organic matter. Wood chips and new topsoil were donated and layered on to make the urban land productive again.Despite the challenge of drought, he produced sunowers and grew sweet potatoes that he gave away.Archer, a disabled veteran, was named the 2024 Illinois Farmer of the Year in January at the Everything Local Conference in Springeld, Illinois. He said he shared the honor with his father, Leslie Archer II, an Army veteran who served in Germany in 1961 while the Berlin Wall was being built. In 2023, he lost a brother, Sgt. Leslie Archer III, who had served in Vietnam. e award presentation was made by Zaelon Rohwedder, a Navy veteran who announced that he will donate two pasture pigs from his farm, Shortlegs & Eggs, as a gift to Archer, and will train him and the schoolchildren how to care for the pigs.e father of four, including twins, continues to grow sunowers and raise honeybees on the one-eighth-acre plot that is the Archer Urban Farms Initiative on the West Side of Chicago. In an interview with Browneld Ag News, Archer said the farm is making a dierence in their community.“It’s not just about producing food that I then take and give away,” he said. “It is also about allowing an opportunity for children and adults to reconnect with nature.”Selected by Farmer Veteran CoalitionKen Sury and Diego LoredoFarmersOF THE YEARSteve Archer II examines the honey being produced at his beekeeping operation on family land in Chicago.Marine Corps Veteran Steve Archer II (left) talks with 6th Ward Chicago Alderperson William Hall. Photo by Simon ArcherPhoto by Simon ArcherSteve Archer IIArcher Urban Farms InitiativeLa Grange Park, Illinois

www.minoritylandowner.com 9 OF THE YEARTony BerryBerry Family FarmsLudowici, GeorgiaFifth-generation farmer Tony Berry, the vice president of Berry Family Farms in Ludowici, Georgia, grows organic produce, produces hay, and raises grass-fed, pasture-raised Black Angus cattle on an 800-acre farm that has sustained his family for nearly a century. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Tony is a passionate 37-year-old farmer with deep pride in his family’s rich agricultural heritage.Multiple generations of the Berry family work together, using sustainable agricultural techniques on a family-owned and operated farm that has been honored as the 2023 Natural Resources Conservation Service Farm of the Year. Whether he’s raising Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-certied beef or growing fresh blueberries to create the farm’s signature blueberry lemonade, Tony enjoys growing his own food with his aunts, uncles and cousins, describing the farm as “a true family aair,” explaining that “we all come from the same roots. Everyone farms, and we want to carry on our family legacy.” Tony’s grandparents, Curtis and Sarah Armstrong Berry, started Berry Family Farms in the 1950s with 88 acres from Curtis’ grandfather, George B. Smith. Curtis had a job making chicken feed but was focused on expanding his agricultural footprint in Long County, Georgia, while farming tobacco, soybeans and cotton. At 93, Curtis Berry continues to inspire his family members to combine traditional farming methods with modern-day techniques.Today, Berry Family Farms is known for growing fresh blueberries, okra, peppers, tomatoes, peas and squash and for producing some of the area’s highest-quality beef. Tony, Tonya, Trina, Paul, Aubry, Lamar and Cedric work together to carry on Curtis Berry’s legacy and uphold the practices and value of generating wealth from the land. Tony’s goal is to continue to grow and nurture the land so that other families can have access to fresh pasture-raised meats and seasonal produce.“We want to carry on the family legacy that my grandfather started,” he explained. “I love to be able to feed my community with good, healthy, clean food.” Tony also loves sharing his passion for farming with the next generation, teaching inner-city youth as well as his own sons that “farming is cool.” “Farming is becoming a lost art,” he said. “Growing your own food is extremely rewarding.”e Berry family participates in Local Food Purchase Assistance programs with the USDA and the Common Market, providing fresh local vegetables and beef. Every Saturday, they attend the Forsyth Farmers’ Market in Savannah, Georgia, bringing fresh vegetables, fruit, beef and other favorites produced on the farm. Tony recently joined forces with his cousin Cedric and McIntosh SEED, a nonprot based out of south Georgia, to launch the South Georgia Black Cattlemen’s Association, which now has more than 35 members. He is a passionate farmer who enjoys sharing his family’s heritage with his own sons and paying it forward. His commitment to family farming makes him an ideal candidate for the Farmer of the Year honor.Selected by Forsyth Farmers’ MarketAllison Hersh Tony BerryTony Berry, left, enjoys farming with his grandfather Curtis Berry, uncle Abruy Berry and cousin Cedric Berry (l-r) at Berry Family Farms.Photos courtesy of Berry Family Farms.

10 www.minoritylandowner.com Nathaniel Bradford is a fourth-generation landowner and rancher from the historical Black town of Boley, Oklahoma. e family operation dates back generations when the family started out in the local community of Georgia Line, which is six miles south of Boley. Nathaniel’s ancestors traveled up from Gareld, Georgia. e operation is known today as G-Line Ranch.Nathaniel has over 25 years of experience in the cattle industry and currently owns and operates over 1,300 acres in both Creek and Okfuskee Counties. He utilizes both his local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and County Conservation District oces to assist him with technical advice and various practices for him to run a successful operation. Nathaniel and his family primarily run a cow/calf and small stocker operation, where he manages nearly 200 head of Angus and Brahman-inuenced cattle. Nathaniel also sells farm-fresh beef and is looking to expand his business by oering specialty products, such as summer sausage and fresh hot links. He also operates a seasonal deer processing facility in Bristow, Oklahoma, all while maintaining a full-time job working in the natural gas industry. Nathaniel’s wife, Ruth, along with their three children, Nathaniel “Tre,” Fabian and MaShayla, when not working or in school, all have a hand in the day-to-day operations of G-Line Ranch.Nathaniel serves as vice president of the Deep Fork Quail Forever Chapter. He is a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, a member of the Boley Rural Water District 1 Board, a volunteer reghter and a member of St. John Baptist Church. Nathaniel is a huge advocate when it comes to educating, inuencing and promoting agriculture. He utilizes social media regularly, such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, where he has over 60,000 followers.Nathaniel, along with his brother Cleaon and cousin Damardray (“Dray”), have also formed Bradford Williams Bradford (BWB) and annually host a Black Ag Producers Gala in Boley, bringing minority producers together across the state of Oklahoma and providing them the opportunity to network, be informed and be educated as it pertains to agriculture. Nathaniel’s zeal for and devotion to agriculture and his desire to engage new, seasoned and minority producers are what continue to motivate him to have a prosperous operation.As always, Nathaniel will “holla back at you from the G.”Selected by Oklahoma Conservation Commission, District Services Division Rhonda D. Bowman, Area III District Coordinator Nathaniel “June” BradfordG-Line RanchBristow, OklahomaNathaniel checking on and feeding his replacement heifers and their rst calves. Photo by Rhonda BowmanNathaniel’s oldest son Tre lends a hand before heading back to college.Nathaniel Bradford, Damardray Williams (cousin), Cleaon Bradford (brother) “BWB” hosting and welcoming guests to their Black Ag Producers Gala in Boley, Oklahoma.Photo by Rhonda BowmanPhoto by Malcolm Jones

www.minoritylandowner.com 11 Lemuel NicholsNichols Cattle FarmDecatur, Mississippie Nichols Cattle Farm is on the outskirts of Decatur, Mississippi, 20 miles south of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Decatur is the childhood home of Medgar Evers and the location of East Central Community College. One more notable fact you should know about Decatur is that you will meet some of the most knowledgeable cattlemen in the state of Mississippi. e Nichols family — Lemuel, Helen and their daughter Erica — embodies that statement. Lemuel and Helen are retired educators from the local school system. Lemuel said, “I spend long days and hours working on the farm’s infrastructure. We have installed various conservation practices with nancial assistance from our local NRCS [Natural Resources Conservation Service] oce. We love managing all the natural resources. We must manage our soil to grow healthy forages for our cattle to consume. is investment will help bring a premium price for our cattle when sold at the market. As landowners, we should be respectful to our non-farming neighbors by maintaining our farms’ appearance. We believe this could encourage the younger generation to embark upon careers aliated with agriculture. We manage our farm to prevent erosion, clean creek banks to avert downstream ooding and spray unwanted insects.”Lemuel talked about his maternal grandparents purchasing the farm property with their hard-earned money. “We are committed to protecting the integrity of land ownership. We will, as a family, continue to uphold my grandparents’ cornerstone. We have one child, Erica, and we hope she will return to the area in the future to receive the mantle of managing this prize-winning cattle operation.” e Nichols Cattle Farm consists of 40 brood cows and two grade Angus bulls. Lemuel highlighted the need to work with the local USDA oce. Lemuel serves as an adviser to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and NRCS oce in Newton County, Mississippi. He said, “We believe everyone should be recognized and heard, and this will generate more dollars for the local economy.” On April 11, 2023, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative and the Nichols family hosted a cattle eld day at their farm with more than 40 individuals in attendance, including Shani Hay, Mississippi State University Extension, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and 4-H agent. Shani’s oce is the rst stop on your 4-H journey. You will learn about current projects, how to start a new club or how to participate independently. Hillary Whittington, FSA, reiterated the importance of getting youth involved in agriculture. Also, FSA oers youth loans up to $5,000, with a low interest rate. Finally, Joe Addy, NRCS, discussed programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Joe emphasized that the Conservation Stewardship Program oers an annual payment to help farmers and ranchers foster enhancement conservation practices on their agricultural land or forestland. anks to the Nichols family for being good stewards of Mother Earth’s natural resources. Selected by Winston County Self Help CooperativeFrank Taylor Lemuel Nichols has used cross-fencing, weed control and lime and fertilizer practices from NRCS over the years. Lemuel Nichols with his wife Helen and daughter Erica.

12 www.minoritylandowner.com Naima Dhore is passionate about providing fresh produce to her community and involving more East Africans and immigrants in farming. Alongside her family, she grows various heritage crops on their Minnesota farm, including okra, cowpeas and millet. Despite not having a farming background, Dhore wanted to provide her children with healthy food and outdoor experiences and nd ways to integrate farming, community and culture. She founded the Somali American Farmers Association, and millet became a signicant part of her journey as she worked with Minneapolis, Minnesota’s East African population. After experimenting with growing millet on a small scale and adapting to Minnesota’s growing season, Dhore is now preparing for her rst marketable crop, overcoming challenges along the way.Dhore’s dedication recently caught the attention of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Her story was recognized as part of the International Year of Millets 2023, highlighting millet’s nutritional and societal benets, especially in harsh climate conditions.“It’s so important to remember we’re utilizing the land as a community and to think about protability and sustainability alongside biodiversity and investing in our community,” said Dhore. “Millet is a staple food back home in Somalia. I was drawn to growing millet because I want to serve it to my kids. Millet doesn’t require a lot of water once established; it’s resilient and low maintenance, and it can grow in soil you’re rejuvenating.”Selected by North Central Region SAREMarie Flanagan Naima DhoreNaima’s FarmDalbo, MinnesotaMillet is resilient and low maintenance. Millet has nutritional and societal benets. Naima DhorePhoto by Hannah GinderPhoto by Naima Dhore Photo by Naima Dhore

14 www.minoritylandowner.com Chris has been involved with USDA programs for years through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) eld oce in Pulaski, Tennessee. He started with a small commercial herd on his farm in Prospect, Tennessee, along Richland Creek. We initially started working with Chris because of his interest in rotational grazing and the need for an alternative water source on his property. We developed a water intake utilizing Richland Creek as the source and a solar pumping system to distribute the water. Chris was able to create a way to build a platform to get this system up out of the oodplain and pump water to a large storage tank on the high spot on his farm. is provided a clean source of drinking water to multiple frost-proof tanks in his now four-paddock rotational grazing system. In later eorts, a winter feeding area was developed to help maintain animal health in the winter hay feeding months. ere have also been multiple Conservation Stewardship Program contracts with Chris to implement enhancements on his farm, such as interseeding legumes in his pastures. Chris also works full-time and has more recently inherited the farm next to his at the passing of his late uncle. is almost doubled the size of the acres Chris now manages for his cattle operation. Having taken over this new farm, Chris has been quick to implement rotational grazing practices on this farm as well. In addition to working full-time and managing his farm, he is also a member of the Giles County, Tennessee, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee, which meets monthly at the Giles County oce to help implement the FSA programs.Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Tennessee Chip Rose Chris GrinProspect, TennesseeSolar panel system for pumping water on Chris’ farm.Chris with material for one of the frost proof watering systems in a cross fence on his farm.Chris showing off some of the cattle on his farm.

www.minoritylandowner.com 15 Julius Grin, founder, owner and operator of Jewels of Health Farm in Louisburg, North Carolina, turned his family’s 180 acres into a productive and innovative farm enterprise with a focus on producing healthy, nutritious food and protecting the land. He has operated the farm for 13 years, producing watermelon, ginger, herbs and vegetables and using them to create a one-of-a-kind product.Julius uses the produce to make juice. Converting the raw produce into a value-added product allows him to multiply the income he gets from each of the fruits and vegetables he grows. He has grown the products using plastic mulch, high tunnels and a greenhouse, meaning he can grow in every season. He also built a commercial kitchen on the property where he can cold-press and bottle the juice on-site. Julius has avoided a great deal of cost by utilizing various programs. For example, while using plastic mulch, he avoided having to purchase a plastic mulch layer by using the North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension’s plastic mulch layer leasing program. Instead of taking on the complete cost of building a high tunnel, he used the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. He also received support from various nonprots, such as Operation Spring Plant and the Rural Advancement Foundation International.e success that Julius has had on his farm has drawn a great deal of admiration and respect from the North Carolina agriculture community. As a result, Julius has been nominated for many awards. He was recognized as the Young Farmer of the Day at the 2023 Got to Be NC Festival. Also in 2023, he was a nalist for the North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year Award. In 2024, he was a seminalist for the National Outstanding Young Farmer Award.rough Jewels of Health Farm, Julius has become a model for young farmers looking to return to rural communities and take control of their destinies through entrepreneurial innovation and land stewardship. Controlling the production of his juice inputs and the processing and bottling allows him to provide a healthy and natural alternative that his generation demands.Selected by Franklin County Cooperative Extension – North CarolinaWilliam Landis Julius GrinJewels of Health FarmLouisburg, North CarolinaJulius on a camping trailer he converted to a booth which he uses to sell at the Durham County Farmers Market. Julius on his horse Josey in the pond on the farm.Julius works in his greenhouse while talking with his local extension agent.Photo by Julius GrinPhoto by Milton MannPhoto by Dustin Chandler

16 www.minoritylandowner.com Before we introduce Rex Heidelberg, I want to preface this narrative by acknowledging two remarkable individuals from Laurel, Mississippi. e city of Laurel is home to Mary Violet Leontyne Price and Ralph Boston. ese two stalwarts achieved success against all odds and helped lift the veil of hatred in America. Leontyne Price was the rst African American soprano to receive international acclaim. From 1961 she began a long association with the Metropolitan Opera, where she was the rst African American to be a leading performer. She pursued a music degree from Wilberforce College, now Central State University. Ralph Boston was the rst man to jump more than 27 feet in the long jump. Boston participated in three Olympics. He earned a gold medal in 1960, a silver in 1964, and a bronze in the 1968 Olympics. Boston excelled in the high jump, triple jump and hurdles at Tennessee State University. Now, we will underline Rex Heidelberg. As a young child, Rex learned the art of farming from his paternal grandparents and parents. ey raised peas, cotton, green beans, greens and other southern staples. After completing high school and college, Rex worked to establish other careers to sustain his family. However, Rex’s passion for managing the natural resources never diminished or dissipated after leaving the farm. In 2010, on a leap of faith, Rex reconnected with rural America by purchasing land and starting his cattle operation. Rex said, “is has been an amazing and educational journey for me and my family. I was fortunate to connect with a group of individuals who share the common goals of being good stewards of the natural resources and producing quality cattle. I have developed relationships with experienced cattle herders throughout the southeast. I would encourage farmers and landowners to participate in meetings with extension, USDA, and other entities who provide technical assistance.” Rex has implemented a bevy of conservation practices funded through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), which include cross fences, heavy-use pads, solar water pumps and other unique practices that have enhanced Rex’s cattle operation.Additionally, Rex serves as a commissioner for Jones County, Mississippi Soil & Water Conservation District. As a commissioner, Rex provides advice on shponds, pond maintenance, grasses, erosion control, gardening, forestry, grazing, wildowers and wildlife habitats. Although this is a nonpaying position, Rex is committed to helping farmers, landowners and others manage their natural resources. Winston County Self Help Cooperative and the Heidelberg family hosted an outreach meeting at their farm on October 10, 2023. USDA Farm Service Agency and NRCS sta members shared information with an audience of 55 attendees. anks to Laurie Heidelberg and friends for serving a scrumptious meal.Selected by Winston County Self Help CooperativeFrank Taylor Rex HeidelbergRex Heidelberg Cattle FarmLaurel, MississippiRex Heidelberg at a cattle watering trough. Laurie and Rex Heidelberg.

www.minoritylandowner.com 17 Legacy Taste of the Garden, based in Princeton, Indiana, is more than just a farm — it symbolizes strength and empowerment. Founded by the visionary Jamerson-Greer family, it nourishes the land and the community’s spirit. Norman Greer runs Greer Farms in Lyles Station, Indiana, a farming community near Princeton. e community was founded by free African Americans in the 1800s and had a rich history before the Civil War. To honor Norman Greer’s family’s passion and legacy in Indiana agriculture, his daughter Denise Jamerson, her husband John and their son DeAnthony started an agriculture business called Legacy Taste of the Garden.Legacy Taste of the Garden uses traditional farming practices, working with a network of like-minded farmers and partner organizations to teach community members about the value of healthy foods and how to grow them sustainably. is work increases the availability of fresh local food in food deserts in Princeton, Evansville and Indianapolis. e Jamerson-Greer family also teaches youth and adults about urban farming techniques and business opportunities, and they help provide resources for other Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) farmers across the state. ey created the Indiana Black Loam Conferences, introducing USDA programs and resources to BIPOC and socially disadvantaged farmers, producers and communities. To quote the Jamersons, “Legacy strives to create a hub and network of individuals, co-ops, and communities in the farming arena. rough the network, all aspects of the agriculture world can be at the hands of those who desire to enhance their farming desires.”Selected by North Central Region SAREMarie Flanagan Jamerson-Greer FamilyLegacy Taste of the GardenPrinceton, IndianaNorman Greer operates Greer Farms. The farmland has been in his family since 1855, and he’s been recognized by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.John, Denise and DeAnthony of Legacy Taste of the Garden.This is one of Legacy Taste of the Garden’s urban garden beds, where they grow produce and offer educational opportunities to the local community.Photo courtesy Legacy Taste of the Garden Photo courtesy Legacy Taste of the GardenPhoto courtesy Legacy Taste of the Garden

18 www.minoritylandowner.com Kimberly Ratcli is on a mission to make a dierence and bring generational change to minority farming enterprises. In 2007, this mission began with a move from New York, New York, to Caney Creek Ranch in Oakwood, Texas, leaving the city to help other Black farmers and ranchers protect and build their operations despite their lived experiences—toiling and carving out a living. Fast forward to 2020 up to today, the Advisory Committee on Minority Farming (ACMF) synced up so well with these objectives Kimberly sought and acquired an appointment to the ACMF to make sure that the voices of minority farmers were always at the table. To understand her passion for the future of farming in America in general, and more specically—the future of minority farming businesses, let’s briey look at the history of Black farmers and ranchers in America and the inequities encountered throughout decades. Kimberly focuses on Black agriculture because she is intimately familiar with this as one of few Black female ranchers in agriculture in the nation. We know that Black agriculture has been hampered by relentless systemic discrimination and land dispossession. Even after the period of slavery, many Black farmers and ranchers faced barriers and hurdles in appropriating land to begin edging enterprises. Looking back, we know many were forced to work on plantations with no ownership or control over the land or animals. Even years later, once land was acquired, Black farmers and ranchers faced relentless discrimination, and racial violence, and ultimately lost control or ownership of their property. ese days, Black farmers remain at a systemic disadvantage to access capital or obtain nancial assistance which is critical for any business venture—and even more for agricultural pursuits. e United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to address the inequities of Kimberly RatcliCaney Creek RanchOakwood, TexasPhoto by Je Wilson Photography

www.minoritylandowner.com 19 their past when Black farmers were systematically shut out of funding assistance and loan programs. Black farming communities could not rise and barely thrived enough to take care of one’s family. e color of one’s skin made it doubly dicult to farm back then; building an enterprise was beyond their reach. Many Americans are blind to the condition of Black farmers and reject notions of equity and reparation because it is easy to do so—not having a historic reference to race in agriculture. e USDA established its Equity Commission several years ago for such a time as this. Given the outpouring of support and commendations during the Commission’s convenings (e.g., gatherings around the country) it was a fruitful venture. Kimberly believes, however, that the Commission’s work has only just begun. So much more remains to be addressed and she hopes that the ACMF will pick up the baton and take it forward, working with Commission members and key USDA stakeholders to continue this critical body of work. Kimberly is currently the Chair of the ACMF, and in this role, she believes that, along with her fellow members, she may continue to marshal recommendations yet to be implemented and help keep the USDA on track toward making meaningful and veriable changes in how the USDA engages its minority stakeholders. It will take that, and much more, to reverse the impacts of unrelenting racism and injustices toward Black Americans—particularly in agriculture. Authorized by Congress in 2008, the ACMF was put in place to perpetually review USDA programs and recommend how the USDA might best serve all minority producers in more meaningful ways. On Kimberly’s watch, she hopes to keep the dialogue open on former and current recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture and to take on evolving issues regarding minorities in agriculture on matters relating to civil rights, equity, inclusion, access, breaking down barriers to participating in USDA programs, and more. is is what passion looks like. Now, a little about Kimberly’s personal story. Kimberly’s father, Wesley, purchased Caney Creek Ranch in 2002. At that time, Kimberly was steeped in a career with Bloomberg in New York. Not long after that, she began thinking about the future of the family ranch and how she might be part of something bigger, even in a small town. She left the “Big Apple” and moved home and jumped right into studying ranch management at Texas Christian University, and set out to help her father build the business. Together, they started Ratcli Premium Meats—a high-quality beef production company of locally sourced products selling to carnivores across the country! Kimberly’s story begins and ends with community. Her community starts with family: her father and two brothers-- Dwayne and Ben. Wesley is the patriarch and the ‘connector’ and oversees all operations, making sure all are working in tandem to meet the family objectives. He keeps the mood light and constantly cracks jokes. Kimberly’s brothers have unique roles on the ranch where Dwayne is the xer-upper and runs fulllment in Ratcli Premium Meats. Ben is the salesman and plays a crucial role in the business workings of the business. Moreover, Ben is introducing his children to work on the ranch. e Ratclis know that their next Kimberly Ratcliff and her dad Wesley Ratcliff.Photo by Je Wilson Photography

20 www.minoritylandowner.com generation of farmers will be the ones to continue the legacy of the family ranch and the business. It has been a critical goal and mission within the family to develop and embrace notions of generational wealth. It has been unfortunate that so many in minority farming communities do not have this privilege because it is hard enough just to keep an enterprise aoat for far too many. Notions of acquiring and building generational wealth should be the rule and not an exception. Kimberly’s family is engaged in the long game of operations by building the collateral meat nishing business, investing in solar operations, and building the family trust for estate plans. Estate planning in minority farming communities has not been front and center because it was impractical to do so when many are stepping in keeping it going year to year under dire circumstances. is must change. ere needs to be a legal bearing and understanding to minority communities to protect their substance and disentangle their properties and land records.Kimberly also shared about how she and her family have discussions to put plans in place to protect their ranch for future generations as they work together on the family mission, hoping to be an example for other ranchers and farmers on how to protect the family assets and build wealth. “We have to start somewhere!” For Kimberly, her community and the future of farming extends beyond her immediate family. e community embraces developing new and forward-thinking sustainable farming practices throughout the locale and across the entire country. When people think about New York City, agriculture is not what comes to mind for most. Until recently, urban agriculture as a business venture was unheard of in most population-dense cities throughout the country. ings are changing rapidly in that regard. Urban agriculture has taken on a new face in 2024. In fact, in July, the ACMF is meeting in New York to discuss new initiatives in farming to ensure others are thinking more expansively about agriculture in the United States and what that means for the next generations of farmers and ranchers. As agriculture evolves, the changes in the industry are set to make farming more sustainable and climate-smart. Tomorrow’s agriculture practices are already here - today. To amplify the voice of minority farming communities, Kimberly has become a megaphone for her fellow farmers and ranchers. Aside from her work with the UDSA, she is a member of quite a few boards and committees all with a mission to bring her unique perspective to the stakeholders of these inuential organizations. Recently, Kimberly was invited to join the Independent Cattleman Association, Governor Abbott’s Commission for Women, and the Texas Rural Leadership Board, amongst many others. She goes on to say, “I spread my wings as far as possible to explain what needs we have, what challenges we face, and where we can use support.” In this way, being at the table is crucial for changing the tides and bringing balance and equity front and center—keeping it there in perpetuity or for as long as barriers and exclusion exist. e future of minority farming and ranching—or all of farming and ranching—depends on us harnessing the collective strengths of all. e ACMF prides itself on representing those of us who have not had a voice or felt comfortable engaging with the Department on their experiences. Kimberly conrms, “We are here to tell our stories.” Finally, Kimberly began a charitable organization—Ratcli Community Based Organization (Ratcli CBO)—to minimize and break down barriers for minority farmers. It is her hope that this organization will be that beacon of hope for Black farmers and ranchers based on her own experience over the years. Its mission is deeply rooted in justice and empowerment and stands at the forefront of advocacy and support for minority farmers who have long been underserved and overlooked. Recognizing the lingering eects of past injustices and barriers to federally funded programs, the CBO will be proactive in addressing these disparities head-on, bridging the gap between underserved farmers and vital resources necessary to build and sustain their operations. e Ratcli CBO is all about support, advocacy, and education, paving the way to a more inclusive and sustainable future for minority farmers, nationwide. Selected by USDA Advisory Committee on Minority Farming Photo by Je Wilson Photography

22 www.minoritylandowner.com Debra SykesSeed of Unity Lights GardenWinona, MississippiDebra Sykes received spiritual orders to feed the community as an outreach project. Debra acknowledged the call and moved forward to create an impact in Winona, Mississippi. She received support from local churches. Winona is the midpoint between Jackson, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, just o Interstate 55. Winona is the infamous place where civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and others were arrested and jailed on June 9, 1963. Mrs. Hamer and cohorts were returning from South Carolina after participating in the Citizenship School of the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference).Debra initially started the garden project in the city of Winona on less than an acre of land behind a neighbor’s home with moderate success. e initial name of the project was Seed of Unity Garden. Four years later, they added “Lights” and created the acronym SOUL: Seed of Unity Lights Garden. is helped propel Debra and her siblings to gain access to 11 acres of land through their great-grandfather, Price Gayden. is swath of land is situated in the southeast corner of Carroll County. Debra said, “is transition allowed the project to expand and add more activities for the youth. We use this project as a teaching tool to educate families’ minds and hearts and feed their bodies with locally grown vegetables.” Debra shared her SOUL vision with church members and others. Her nephew Riccarrio Townsend bought into the vision by providing labor and teaching character-building skills. He echoed the mantra of giving back to your community and to those individuals who are in need. Debra reiterated SOUL’s purpose: “We are building relationships and bridges with our children as they progress in adulthood. ey will have learned how to plant and grow vegetables to feed their families. SOUL provides a mechanism to establish trust with the older community members by working together as team members on the farm. We plant a variety of vegetables, including crooked and straight-neck squash, tomatoes, rattlesnake pole beans, zucchini, corn, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, and hot peppers.” Seed of Unity Lights Garden participates in the local farmers market in Winona. e Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) provides technical support to SOUL. Mayla Odom, of WCSHC, said, “We champion SOUL due to their eorts to manage our natural resources. ey are stalwarts in keeping the family’s legacy of land ownership alive in rural America.”Selected by Winston County Self Help CooperativeFrank Taylor Debra Sykes harvesting zucchini.“My main principle is to give rst, whatever is left over we can have.” –Debra SykesSOUL Garden is humility, generosity and resilience.

www.minoritylandowner.com 23 Donald W. NewtonNewton Family Farm TrustJasper County, South CarolinaDonald Newton has a deep connection to his family land in Jasper County, South Carolina. His father purchased the Jasper County property in 1947, the year before he was born. He is one of 10 children, and all but one of his siblings are boys. When Donald graduated from college, he was commissioned in the military as a second lieutenant. He returned to the family land and fullled his mother’s wishes of dividing it among her children. Donald began planting some of the land in 1976-1977. When that forest was harvested, he replanted and is now well into the second rotation. e high ground on the family land was in agriculture for many years. Donald learned there was funding available to help landowners plant trees. He had the soil tested and learned that longleaf pine would grow best on his site. ey will produce pine straw to generate annual income for the family while waiting for the trees to become merchantable.is year, he completed a prescribed burn, which is imperative for longleaf pine because it keeps the understory clear. Donald plowed his own re lines. is will allow the family to lease the longleaf pine stand for raking pine straw in the not too distant future.Donald is helping the Newton Family Farm Trust generate income with a Conservation Stewardship project. He has installed a pollinator plot for bees, butteries and other pollinators that are in decline. Donald installed the pollinator plot under a power line where they are not allowed to grow trees. is is a way to provide income for the family and help improve habitat. In addition, there will be fewer acres for the utility company to maintain.Donald hopes that the next generation will continue to keep up the legacy of his parents who sacriced to be able to own this land. ey have set up a board for the Newton Family Farm Trust in which each family is represented. Donald brings the family together annually to break bread under the live oaks and walk the ground. is year at the reunion, Donald plans to hand the reins over to his son as the family representative on the board. ey have written in their charter that any family member wishing to sell their portion of the original holding must give other family members rst right of refusal so that the land will remain in the family. Despite all his eorts, over the years, Donald credits his only sister, Dorothy Newton-Hall, for the success of their family venture. He stated that “Dorothy’s Christian values and love for others was the driver providing resources for [his] parents purchasing the original property in 1947 and the inspiration for the family carrying on that legacy.”Donald Newton continues to set an example of how families can keep their family land and build generational wealth into the future. is is why we believe Donald is worthy of being considered as Minority Landowner Magazine Farmer of the Year.Selected by the Center for Heirs’ Property PreservationDavid Bourgeois Donald inspecting his recently prescribe-burned longleaf pine trees.Donald standing in his recently disked pollinator habitat plot.

24 www.minoritylandowner.com e Texas Coalition of Rural Landowners (TCRL) is pleased to select Willie DeWalt as their 2023 Farmer of the Year. Mr. Willie, as he is aectionately called by all who know and work with him, is a 40-year employee of the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Agriculture Department and a farmer/rancher. He maintains a small herd of beef cattle, his passion since he was a young man growing up in east Texas, as well as a market garden. Just as James Brown was known as the “hardest-working man in show business,” the sta at PVAMU would agree that Willie is the “hardest-working man in the Ag Department.” He often works late and on weekends to ensure that research projects are conducted per the protocol and that the student garden is watered and cared for when students are on break. Willie’s impact on sweet potato research has been so impactful a new variety was named for him: the “Willie 40.” Willie’s impact on agriculture extends far beyond the campus. He can often be found assisting local producers in tasks ranging from repairing farming equipment to working cattle or planting crops. In all his endeavors, he remains true to the land grant mission of delivering research-based information to the public. Willie often uses produce from his farm to support other growers at farmers markets or needy individuals in the community. Willie has often credited his success to the technology and knowledge gained from attending many conferences and workshops, and he enjoys talking with fellow growers. Willie is always willing to share his knowledge with new and established growers.Selected by Texas Coalition of Rural LandownersBilly C. LawtonWillie DeWaltDeWalt FarmPrairie View, TexasMr. Willie preparing a test plot at Prairie View A&M University.Mr. Willie among test sweet potatoes.

www.minoritylandowner.com 25 Ethan ParkerParker FarmsLawrence, MississippiYou would normally think to receive recognition as the Farmer of the Year, you would be a seasoned individual or family with years of farming experience. In the 2022 farm census from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), this report indicated that the U.S. farm population had increased in age. e average age of a farmer in the U.S. is 58 years old. We wanted to highlight a family who is in the infancy stages of developing their farm entity. Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) selected Parker Farms located in the small hamlet of Lawrence, Mississippi. e Parker Farms owners could be the antidote because they are young with a growing family. e family unit is composed of Ethan and Grace, their daughter Elva, and the family dog Macy. e farm operation consists of cattle and goats with the intention of growing vegetables. e Parkers have spent long hours clearing pastureland and repairing fences for their animals. ey are planning to refurbish several structures on the farm. Grace has plans to make value-added products from their goat milk. e Parkers have not yet applied for service through the USDA. is is the reason the WCSHC conducted an outreach meeting at Parker Farms on October 23, 2023. Hillary Whittington, county executive director of USDA Farm Service Agency, Newton County, Mississippi, dispersed relevant information for beginning farmers to start or expand their farm operation. e supervisory district conservationist of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Joe Addy, highlighted conservation practices to improve the growth of forages, implementation of cross fences, heavy-use pads, watering troughs and the small ruminant program. WCSHC sta and members, along with individuals from neighboring counties, attended and verbalized support for this young farm family. Allen McReynolds from WCSHC stated that farming can be challenging due to the cost of land and supplies. However, this couple epitomizes our dreams of helping to save rural America. We are here today as farmers and believers to oer our support and encouragement. We hope NASS’ 2027 census reects a dierent outcome. WCSHC and other community-based organizations will be working feverishly to help change the results for the 2027 farm census. Perhaps being chosen as Minority Landowner Magazine Farmer of the Year could be the true impetus to encourage the Parker family to soldier on as farmers. Selected by Winston County Self Help CooperativeFrank TaylorEthan (r), with his family from left, Grace, Elva and dog Macy.Parker Farms has goats and cattle.

26 www.minoritylandowner.com As children, our lives are guided by the passions of our mothers, our fathers and our older family members. ese passions can resonate for generations, sometimes in very unexpected ways. Bettie Boyd Caldwell (Chickasaw/Chickasaw Freedmen) and Maxine Maxey Aker (Muskogee Creek/Euchee) never met. However, the passions — as well as the interests and applied talents — they shared with their children and with their children’s children had a surprising impact many years later. Decades later, Shar Carter, the granddaughter of Bettie Boyd Caldwell, received a call from John Blue (Choctaw), a former work colleague now employed by the Muscogee Creek Nation. He wanted to introduce Carter to someone he casually referred to as “the buttery lady.” Blue didn’t share many details about the buttery lady, such as how she came about such a representation or what inspired his proposal. When Carter visited, the property she stepped onto was the farm where Jane Breckinridge’s grandmother Maxine Maxey Aker was born on a Native American allotment deeded to her mother as a young girl. It was where Aker had taught her own daughter the love of the land, and it Shar Carter & Jane BreckinridgeEuchee Buttery Farm & THRIVE, OklahomaBixby, OklahomaShar (l) and Jane host an annual STEM Day at the farm bringing in over 100 kids. Activities are led by students from Langston University.Photo by Gene Aker

www.minoritylandowner.com 27 was where the paths of the granddaughter of Bettie Boyd Caldwell and the granddaughter of Maxine Maxey Aker would come together and start a new journey. Breckinridge and Carter’s relationship over the next decade would be highlighted by a love of the land, a love for preserving nature, a passion for protecting monarch butteries and a commitment to helping Oklahoma’s beautiful rural communities. As Carter explained, “Our ancestors believed in what the rest of the world knows as biodiversity. Wherever we live, pollinators account for a third of our food. Yes, we carry on our ancestors’ traditions. Our traditions help preserve pollinators aecting crop yields for fruits, vegetables, and owers.” Breckinridge and Carter’s love of conservation inspired an exploration of how technology impacts environmental sustainability. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are now the center of their more recent focus, advocated through THRIVE, Oklahoma, a local nonprot committed to bridging the economic and digital gap experienced by marginalized Oklahoma communities. An organization that Carter’s family founded, THRIVE, Oklahoma has developed and successfully introduced programming that provides Oklahoma youth with the opportunity to embrace all aspects of STEM and the ways they may discover their passions through STEM.In addition to THRIVE, Oklahoma, Carter works at Langston University (Oklahoma’s only HBCU) and regularly partners with the Cherokee Nation and the Euchee Buttery Farm (founded by Breckinridge) on STEM initiatives. Next on their agenda is to extend monarch buttery STEM initiatives into north Tulsa, taking their projects to underserved populations that might not otherwise be able to experience the healing, educational and economic opportunities created when agriculture is used to teach STEM. Selected by the Euchee Buttery Farmnativebutteries.org hoto by oss ohnsonPhoto by Jane Breckinridge Photo by Jane Breckinridge Monarch butteries nectaring on the native wildower boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), a very important plant during their fall migration.This native prairie supports pollinators and is a living classroom for children and adults.

28 www.minoritylandowner.com Zuleyja PrietoRooting rough Corn, Planting FamiliesGoshen, IndianaIn northern Indiana, farmer Zuleyja Prieto has been working with other local farmers to preserve ancient corn varieties like Avati Moroti Mita, Bofo, and Walpole Island White Flour Corn. Together, Prieto and these farmers are cultivating not just corn but a rich legacy that will endure for years to come. e growers’ group is called Maíz y Raíz (Rooting rough Corn), and throughout their work, they emphasize the importance of honoring traditions in farming and creating strong bonds within the community. Preserving heritage corn requires minimizing cross-pollination and contamination from genetically modied varieties of corn. Prieto and the group of Indiana farmers worked together to use dierent pollination windows to avoid pollination times with nearby commercial corn and even do hand pollination to help limit contamination. rough careful techniques and shared knowledge, they are working to ensure that their cultural heritage lives on for future generations.For Prieto, this endeavor is more than agricultural stewardship; it’s a testament to the profound connection between land, culture and community. With each seed saved and each harvest celebrated, the group infuses new life into their heritage. In the words of Prieto, “Encouraging farmers to hold space for cultural and ceremonial practices adds value and intention to our farming practices.”Selected by North Central Region SAREMarie Flanagan 24 pounds of Avati Moroti Mita corn seed, collected in 2022. Photo by Zuleyja PrietoZulejya PrietoPhoto courtesy Indiana UniversityFarmers learning a hand-pollinating technique.Photo by Zuleyja Prieto

www.minoritylandowner.com 29 Matthew RaifordGilliard FarmsBrunswick, GeorgiaIn the heart of Georgia, Gilliard Farms lies a testament to resilience, heritage and sustainability. Here, CheFarmer Mat-thew Raiford and his sister, Althea Raiford, Gullah Geechee natives of Brunswick, Georgia, carry forward the legacy of their ancestors, embodying a profound connection to the land and a commitment to organic farming practices. Gilliard Farms, established in 1874 by the Raiford siblings’ great-great-grandfather, Jupiter Gilliard, stands as a symbol of perseverance and determination. From its inception, the farm has been a beacon of sustainable agriculture, eschewing chemical inputs and embracing organic methods. Matthew and Althea, the sixth generation to steward this land, con-tinue this tradition with unwavering dedication.Central to Matthew’s philosophy is the concept of “Bress ’n’ Nyam,” encapsulated in his cookbook of the same name. rough his writing, he not only shares treasured family recipes but also celebrates the symbiotic relationship between food, culture and community. His culinary creations serve as a bridge between past and present, honoring the generational knowledge embedded in Gullah Geechee tradition.At Gilliard Farms, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a way of life. Matthew’s certication as an ecological horticul-turalist from the University of California’s Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems underscores his commitment to environmentally responsible farming practices. Together with Althea, he cultivates an ecosystem where diversity thrives, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings.Beyond the elds, the Raifords are educators and advocates for sustainable living. rough workshops and classes, they empower others to embrace organic gardening practices, from composting to pallet gardening. eir outreach eorts extend online through engaging videos that showcase the beauty of farm life and the importance of sustainable agriculture. e Raifords’ impact transcends the boundaries of their farm, resonating within the broader agricultural commu-nity. As members of organizations like Georgia Organics, Southeastern African-American Farmers Organic Network, and Farms to Grow, they champion inclusivity and equity in farming. eir advocacy amplies the voices of minority farmers, promoting a more diverse and resilient agricultural landscape.Some of the crops grown on Gilliard Farms are hibiscus, rice, turmeric, oregano, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, tomatoes, lemongrass, elderberry, and a variety of peppers. ey also raise chickens and hogs.In CheFarmer Matthew and Althea Raiford, we nd exem-plars of stewardship, innovation and cultural preservation. eir unwavering dedication to organic farming, coupled with their commitment to community engagement, makes them worthy recipients of this prestigious award. rough their labor of love at Gilliard Farms, the Raifords inspire us to cultivate not only the land but also the bonds of kinship and heritage that sustain us all. ey remind us that the true essence of farming lies not merely in the harvest but in the stories we sow, the traditions we nurture and the legacy we leave for generations to come.Selected by Smalls Cultural ResourcesVictoria A. Smalls Tia and Matthew Raiford right after they were married.Tia and Althea butchering a 200-pound hog.

30 www.minoritylandowner.com Spivey Farm was created through the blood and sweat of Joe Spivey (Bobby Joe’s father). He bought 27 acres of land in the 1950s to start his cattle operation. is property is found on Spivey Road in Forest, Mississippi. Bobby and Ann, his sister, learned the art of working under the tutelage of their parents. is challenging lifestyle instilled responsibilities and integrity into Bobby and Ann. e Spivey family raised typical crops, which included peas, corn, green beans and greens. After completing school, both siblings moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to source work. Bobby found a niche in driving trucks as an occupation to create income for his family. is aorded him an opportunity to venture across the United States. In Bobby’s travels, he would meet individuals with similar backgrounds in farming, and these newly formed friendships constantly reminded Bobby of living on the farm in Forest, propelling him to often visit on the weekends to help support the farmstead. ese trips home kept farming near and dear to Bobby’s heart and fueled his desire to return home. e unthinkable occurred on August 29, 2005: Hurricane Katrina changed the course of life for families in Louisiana and Mississippi. e unforeseen action of Mother Nature opened a window for Bobby to spend more time in Scott County, where Forest is. After lengthy discussions with his wife, Sherrie, they made a thoughtful decision and returned home permanently. In 2009, Bobby bought a substantial parcel of land. is ignited his dreams of developing BJ Farm. Bobby rekindled friendships from his boyhood and connected with local cattle farmers. Bobby visited the local stockyard weekly in Forest, and through this venue, Bobby developed a network of veteran and beginning farmers. He heard about a farmers’ outreach meeting in the neighboring county through the network. Bobby attended the gathering with the hope of learning more about the USDA’s programs to aid small producers. Bobby said, “is outreach meeting changed my life in terms of learning how to navigate programs to help small farmers build sustainable cattle farms. e Winston County Self Help Cooperative [WCSHC] sta provided me with technical help. I visited the Farm Service Agency and applied for my farm and tract number. I made an appointment with the Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]. eir sta helped me to develop a conservation plan for my farm. is plan provided guidance in applying for conservation practices. We have employed numerous practices through NRCS’s EQIP [Environmental Quality Incentives Program] to improve my cattle operation. We attend conferences, take part in Zooms, and visit other farmers to engage in fruitful conversations.” Several local individuals organized the Central Mississippi Small Farmers Alliance in 2023 to help our members connect with service providers and obtain supplies in bundles to reduce input costs. BJ Farm and WCSHC hosted a eld day on October 16, 2023.Selected by Winston County Self Help CooperativeFrank Taylor Bobby Joe SpiveyBJ FarmForest, MississippiBobby prepares to plant rye grass seed.Mississippi farmer Bobby Joe Spivey.

www.minoritylandowner.com 31 Pedro Lopez MorelLawrenceville, VirginiaLopez came to the United States in 1985 and began working as kitchen help at an Italian restaurant in New Jersey, working his way up to chef before relocating to Virginia. He began farming full-time in 2017, when he determined he could ultimately make more money selling produce to his former restaurant employer than he could by working as the restaurant’s head cook. Not long after that, he became a U.S. citizen. Lopez grows an astounding variety of fruits and vegetables on a 1-acre property that also includes his home. Many of his crops are associated with his original home in the Dominican Republic and can only thrive in Virginia if they are protected from the cold in the winter months. He has nine high tunnels on his property to help him do this. He sells directly to regional restaurants and at farmers markets in Southside Virginia. Employing some local people as weekend employees enables him to leave his farm to sell at the farmers markets.Lopez made extensive use of Virginia State University’s Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP), and he is still involved with SFOP, although he’s now a mentor rather than a student. Lopez’s contacts at Virginia State made him aware of potential assistance he could apply for at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He’d also learned about the agency through independent research. NRCS has assisted Lopez in purchasing four of his high tunnels. He built the others himself. e land behind Lopez’s home is occupied by his numerous high tunnels, which allow for year-round production of some tropical fruits and vegetables. ey help him produce more than three dozen dierent crops. In a very short amount of time, Lopez basically created a small but productive operation on a residential property that had never been used for farming. While doing so, he worked closely with NRCS and Virginia State to implement conservation measures while he expanded the scope of his business. He makes use of solar power in his farming operations.e high tunnels allow Lopez to provide seasonal shelter to tropical specialty crops that are unsuitable for Virginia winters, such as limes, plantains, tomatillos, and several varieties of peppers and chilies, so he can oer tropical produce to his customers at times when it might not be available elsewhere. e tunnels also allow him to be exceptionally productive in a small amount of space. Lopez is generally conservation oriented and wants to farm in a responsible manner. He’s hosted several clinics at his home for specialized instruction on how to grow some of the tropical plants that can be dicult to produce in Virginia’s four-season climate. In October 2022, Virginia NRCS featured Lopez’s operation in a press release that was eventually developed into a news story by two regional newspapers. Lopez said he always mentions NRCS and its oerings to people interested in learning how he got started in farming.Lopez learned basic carpentry to build some structures on his property, one of them being a climate-controlled room for cold storage and packing. In addition, he has shown a air for agribusiness, negotiating agreements with other farmers that allow him to oer products at farmers markets that he doesn’t produce at home.Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Virginia State OceJohn Markon Pedro Lopez Morel with his front yard in peak growing season.Lopez works in an air-conditioned “cold room” he built and attached to the side of his home.Photo by John Markon, Virginia NRCSPhoto by John Markon, Virginia NRCS

32 www.minoritylandowner.com Julius TilleryTillery Farm — BlackCottonGarysburg, North CarolinaJulius Tillery is a fth-generation, lifelong row crop commodities producer (cotton, soybeans, peanuts) from northeastern North Carolina. rough his companies and brands, BlackCotton (BlackCotton.us) and Black Acres, Julius has worked to transform the negative views African Americans have about cotton and farming. He has been quite successful at it. Black Acres developed a partnership with the Vans Clothing Company to produce a line of T-shirts using the cotton produced on his farm.e land was originally acquired by Julius’ great-great-grandfather, Reverend D.L. Tillery, early in the 20th century. Julius, along with his father, grandfather, and relatives, manages their growing operation, which consists of rotating crop production, hunting and — of course — cotton. While his father is the lead agronomist in the farm operation, Julius leads the marketing side and spearheads the farm-fashion venture BlackCotton, creating genuine and distinguished home décor, jewelry and accessories handmade with cotton cultivated from their farm.O the farm, Julius has been an advocate for the farming community. In his career, he has worked as an advocate and resource provider in the North Carolina agriculture and environmental sectors since 2009. Julius has also worked at Rural Advancement Foundation International and the Conservation Fund. Julius currently serves on the Administrative Council for Southern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) and the North Carolina Forestry Advisory Council. Julius is a rural economic development advocate.You can nd Julius on his farm working on producing crops, on another farmer’s farm helping consult with new enterprise development, or any meeting that is focused on improving the lives of farmers and farming communities across the USA. Julius graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008 with a degree in economics and minor in entrepreneurship.Selected by North Carolina Cooperative ExtensionWilliam LandisPhoto by Day’s Edge ProductionsJulius wearing a shirt from the clothing line he produced with Vans.Photo by Victor Manley

www.minoritylandowner.com 33 Armondo WhiteSunlight FarmMarvell, ArkansasMeet Armondo White, a veteran and Black farmer in Marvell, Arkansas. Amid the sprawling elds of the Delta, Armondo works with his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters, Madam and Ava, to combat food insecurity by bringing fresh, healthy produce to their community. Farming has always been in Armondo’s DNA. His father and grandfather were sharecroppers. Growing up, Armondo and his family spent long hours tending to and harvesting crops — just so they could give them away to their neighbors.“I didn’t understand at the time why we were working so hard just to give all that food away. But that’s the most important thing my father taught me: seless love for my community,” Armondo explained. “Now, I have this desire to be able to oer everyone access to fresh fruits and vegetables.”is desire remained dormant until Armondo’s service with the U.S. Army in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. Witnessing hunger and scarcity sparked a re within him, especially once he realized that hunger was not a distant issue — he’d seen it back home. en the COVID-19 pandemic hit, underscoring our food system’s fragility.“I asked myself what would happen if the grocery stores shut down while I had a family to feed. It was a huge eye-opener.”Armondo’s perspective shifted from farming as an extracurricular activity to a full-time job. Realizing he could grow more than enough food for his family, he began cultivating for the wider community too, recognizing the need to address food disparities especially within Black communities. He carted along his fresh fruits and vegetables and oered them to people when he’d deliver newspapers, with many customers oering to pay what they could for the produce.“I wanted to purchase a mobile food trailer and oer ‘take what you need, give what you want’ days to help [provide access] to high-quality, fresh, aordable organic vegetables,” Armondo said. By fostering a culture of mutual support, he’s helping create a network of neighbors who look out for each other.Armondo grows a variety of produce, including cantaloupe, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, salad greens and okra, and he raises chicken, sh, lamb and cows. His commitment extends beyond providing fresh produce. Armondo believes in teaching the value of connecting with others. “I feel an obligation to Black communities and younger generations to put the ‘neighborly’ part back into the meaning of the word ‘neighborhood,’” he said. “If I don’t set a good example by reaching out to others, who will? I’m just doing what I believe we were all put on this earth to do — and that’s to help one another.”Selected by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Arkansas Claire KauschArmondo and Andrea grow a variety of produce and raise chicken, sh, lamb, and cows.Armondo and his daughter, Madam, inside their hoop house.Photo by Claire Kausch, NRCS Photo by Claire Kausch, NRCS

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