United Farm and Home Co-op member Richard Hopkins won first place in the hay and field crops orchardgrass-round bale category at the Wilson County Fair - Tennessee State Fair in August.
The fair’s agriculture commodity promotion for 2022 was hay, which was fitting because the crop is grown within all 95 counties in Tennessee.
The hay and field crop category was open to Tennessee farmers ages 18 and older and required submissions to be grown by a state resident. The entries were judged on the physical aspects of the hay including leafiness, maturity, odor, color, cleanness, and texture. The entries had to be composed of forage that had been cut, cured, or baled.
Richard grew up helping his father farm and continues the tradition with his brother, James, and his father, Tex, in the Laws Hill community of Marshall County.
“We have raised hay for as long as I can remember,” says Richard. “I placed third in the competition last year, and when our local Extension agent asked for participants this year, I decided to enter again – and I’m glad I did.”
Today, the Hopkins family bales alfalfa and orchardgrass square and round bales on 800 acres in Marshall County and offers custom bales to people across the Southeast. They also raise wheat, soybeans, and corn on 1,000 acres and own 110 head of cattle.
“I have enjoyed working with the Hopkins family through my career at Co-op,” says Keith Farmer, United Farm and Home agronomy manager. “They purchase farming supplies from us such as chemicals, fertilizer, and twine, and I’m proud they won in the hay category at the state level.”
Richard says that he values his relationship with the Co-op and the role that they play in helping his family run a successful business.
“I enjoy shopping at the local Co-op because of the personalized service I receive from the staff members,” says Richard. “They know me and my family and truly care about the success of my operation.”
If you are interested in submitting an entry in any of the State Horticulture competitions at next year’s Wilson County Fair - Tennessee State Fair, contact your local University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension agent.