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Roots: Episode 1 – Origins

29Apr

https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/agcj366/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2022/04/Origins_mixdown.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to Roots. I’m your host, Abby Huie, and I’ll be walking with you through the story of my family’s farm and ranch outside of Beeville, South Texas.  We will dive into the origins of 1349 Food and Fiber, its struggles and successes, and the outlook for future generations. We’ll also explore the ways that agriculture has evolved for small production businesses like ours, gaining a deeper understanding of the realities an American farmer faces everyday.

James Riggle riding a horse with his grandson, Matt Huie, on the 1349 Food and Fiber ranch.

James Riggle riding horses with his grandson, Matt Huie.

In The Beginning

In episode 1, we will explore the origins of the 1349 Food and Fiber farm and ranch. We’ll date back to my great-grandfather and the origin of our roots, James Riggle, who handpicked cotton during the great depression. James and his wife, Frankie, would go on to build their own farm and ranch operation with all of the blood, sweat, and tears that this lifestyle demands. James, who was “Grandaddy” to us all,  embodied the spirit of the Texas cowboy. He embraced the land and it in turn bared the fruits of his diligent work. Though he and Frankie are not physically with us anymore, their legacy remains at the root of our family and our love for agriculture.

Our First Guests:

To get a first hand perspective of life growing up on the original family land, we will hear from Cherry Pichot, one of James’s three daughters, and her husband Claude Pichot, who in later days helped James with the finances and business aspect of his farming operation. Although James’s daughters never officially took over the operation, they were vital in its lasting success and in its continuity in the next generation. In speaking with Cherry and Claude, we will lean into stories of the old days, when pastures stretched to the horizon and $200 was a lot of money.

Side Profile of James Riggle, 2010

James Riggle, 2010

Farming and ranching are not for the faint of heart. This life requires faith, perseverance, and grit to be successful. It is these values and this story that shaped who I am today. It is my hope that through this podcast, you too will feel these roots. As Grandaddy always said, move forward in your life rooted in the past, but with steady eyes on the future.

 

Roots: Episode 2 – 1349 in 2022

29Apr

https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/agcj366/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2022/04/1349in2022_mixdown.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In episode 2, we are exploring the modern-day farm operation at 1349 Food and Fiber. Our discussion will cover the everyday routine, how farmers handle financial risk, and the why behind the commitment to this lifestyle. 

FM 1349

JR corn field in early growth stage

The 1349 Food and Fiber ranch is rooted in roughly 900 acres up and down Farm to Market Road 1349. This land is where James Riggle began his original operation in 1945 and what my family considers the “homeland.” However, today’s farm operations span far beyond the bounds of 1349. The business is now located in 5 counties, covering roughly 6,000 crop acres and 10,000 acres of cattle pasture. For perspective, 6,000 acres is about 4,500 football fields. 

Matt Huie standing in a JR cotton field during harvestThe operation currently produces corn, cotton, and grain sorghum. In addition, seasonal cover crops such as winter wheat are grown to enhance soil matter. Most of these products are sold or traded to make animal feeds and textiles. However, we use some of these products to feed the ranch’s livestock. The planting season for these crops usually begins in late February and spans until early May, ending just in time to prepare for summer harvest. This period is one of the most stress-inducing parts of the production agriculture process. The weather in these months can make or break a good crop.

So how does it all happen?

Tune in to hear from our guests, Matt and Shambryn Huie, who currently own and operate the 1349 Food and Fiber farm and ranch. Matt will dive into the modern-day farm operation, providing a first-hand perspective of the realities American farmers face in production agriculture everyday. Shambryn will also chime in on farm finances and how family helps keep this operation moving. Oh – and they’re my parents.

Matt, Shambryn, Abby, Riley, and Zac Huie on a John Deer G model tractorThis episode is special to me, as it encompasses my life growing up. This is what made me who I am. So, welcome to the family! These are the roots.

Stay up to date with Roots on AGCJ366 or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

 

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