Whether it’s rolling through the fields on a combine, scouting white-tailed deer in the woods, or unwinding in one of the white, weathered rocking chairs under the awning of the tool shop, there are few things better to Tommy Cowell than being outdoors.
“Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed the scenery that God created for us,” says the New Johnsonville row-crop farmer. “Over time, working the land and spending time in the woods has become two of my biggest passions.”
Tommy attributes his love of hunting to his uncle, Joe Smith.
“When I was a kid, Uncle Joe took me coon hunting,” says Tommy. “I couldn’t get enough of hunting after that. No matter what was in season, I was ready to pack up my rifle and head outdoors.”
Over the years, Tommy has passed along Joe’s guidance and love of the Great Outdoors to many kids, including his nephews, Steven Banks, Tyer Banks, Andrew Reed, Nathan Reed, Casey Reed, and Chris Lyden.
“The boys always enjoyed being on our farm,” says Tommy. “As they got older, we introduced them to hunting, and I loved watching the smiles light up their faces when they found success. I’ll never forget when they took their first goose or deer on their own.”
But Steven and Tyler aren’t the only ones to benefit from Tommy’s mentorship. He shares his expertise with many other young people in his family and community.
“We have a lot of people visit our farm to hunt,” says Tommy. “Whether it be our four nieces and nephews, nine great-nieces and nephews, or the countless friends and members of our church, we have had an endless stream of folks with whom to share our love of the outdoors.”
Tommy also came to farming by way of family who were not his parents. Having grown up across the street from the Benton Farmers Co-op in Camden, he was exposed to agriculture from a young age, although his parents did not own a farm. His grandparents, however, were often in need of help with their Christmasville cotton crop and taught Tommy the fundamentals he needed to eventually purchase his own 30-acre farm in 1981.
“I’m thankful for the many childhood memories I have with my grandparents,” Tommy says. “I think if they could see my farm today, they would be proud.”
Tommy continues to support the Co-op and is a member of both United Farm & Home Co-op and Benton Farmers Co-op — a relationship that has spanned more than 40 years. Today, he and his wife Vickie — along with the help of his farming partner of 41 years, Eddie Breeden — grow 500 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay next to the Big Bottom Wildlife Management Center on Kentucky Lake. The property gives Tommy a place of his own to hunt when the mood and opportunity strike.
“One of the things I love most about our place is how close we are to the wildlife,” he says. “There’s nothing better than spending early mornings hunting with family and friends — almost in my own backyard.”
While at the Cowell’s farm, youth not only learn about hunting and safety, but are also taught valuable life lessons that Tommy hopes they will carry with them throughout their life.
“I enjoy watching kids succeed and being able to teach them manners and respect for one another while they are here,” says Tommy. “I consider myself very blessed, and I’m thankful for the impact that I’ve been able to make on young people over the years.”