Back to the Books: Farmers, ranchers returning to school

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

After re-evaluating his future options, ag producer Jason Holley decided his best bet was to pursue a college degree in agriculture science. -- Staff photo by Kramer

June 10, 2004 -- In times of economic uncertainty, some farmers and ranchers are opting to push business aside and return to the books.

Jason "JC" Holley has lived a life of agriculture for several years. He operated a dairy but sold the business in 1991. In 1995 he ventured into landscaping and in 1996 bought Robertson and Wolf Nursery and started "Little Miracle Plant Farm," which he still operates today in Hopkins County. Holley grows a variety of plants at his farm. Hydro-mulching services are also a popular part of his business. Holley uses hydro-mulching as a means of spraying grass seed with fertilizer for faster growth.

Despite his progress, Holley felt the pinch when the economy began to slump.

"People use extra money for plants and landscaping. Last year, there wasn't much extra money to be had."

Holley began re-evaluating the future for himself and his family. At over 30-years-old, Holley enrolled at Texas A&M University-Commerce and began pursuing a degree in agriculture science.

"I went back to school for a number of reasons. Number one is job stability. Second is a retirement. The farmer is kind of on his own to make some sort of retirement plan. Working for an ag related company seems to be more of a stable lifestyle," Holley said.

Holley is not the only farmer to return to college. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the number of farmers with some college has rose from 20.6 percent in 1991, to 24.2 percent in 2001. Not only have more agriculturalists attempted a college degree, more are completing the programs. The number of farmers with a four-year degree increased from 15.2 percent in 1991, to 20.4 percent in 2001.

Professor of Animal Science and Assistant Department Head of Agricultural Sciences at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Dr. David Crenshaw has seen an increase in the number of former agriculturalists who are choosing to return to the campus.

"Not only individuals who had degrees, but those who worked in an agricultural industry without a bachelor of science and now wish to get that degree so that they are more promotable. We are seeing a number of people who are coming back to gain teacher certification in the agricultural field," Crenshaw said.

Crenshaw accredits the increase in enrollment to changing business situations and lifestyles. He noted that some people have been caught in downsizes that are taking place in some agriculture sectors, and those downsizes have eliminated their jobs. He believed others were tired of the corporate "rat race" and wished for a quieter lifestyle that enabled them to spend time with their families.

"A large number of these wish to remain in agriculture, but want to re tool into another sector of agriculture such as teaching, Extension, or federal and state government jobs," Crenshaw added.

Holley, a husband and father of two girls, is now juggling a family, a farm, and an education.

"School has put a lot of strain on my work schedule. Not being out there in the field all the time is hard because there is so much to be done running a farm, you just have to adjust your thinking. My wife, Tia, and my girls, Brittany and Mackenzie, are all for my decision to go to school. They are hopeful that I will finish and we will be able to take a vacation," Holley said.

The conversion from farm life to school has not been easy and Holley does not believe his choice is the best choice for everyone in the farming business. He said he believed that those who plan on continuing with what they have always done may not benefit from the college experience.

"Hands-on is worth much more, but if they plan to make a career change then I feel college would benefit them in educating the person in the field he or she is choosing to pursue," Holley said.

Crenshaw believed more firmly farmers and ranchers can benefit from a higher education.

"It is to their benefit to return no matter what the reason. Agriculture is a science and a business. It is changing so rapidly that many of the topics and principles I teach were not even thought of or discovered when I was in school some 30-odd years ago. If you don't keep up, you will be left behind," Crenshaw said.

While Holley is not sure if everyone in his situation would benefit from a higher education, he is glad that he chose to attend A&M-Commerce, and feels that he will be more successful in the future.

"I have learned a lot of new ways of thinking and approaching different tasks. I have also learned patience. College life is so different from farm life. I feel that I am now a better and stronger person," he said.

Holley plans to join the group of other agriculturalists with four-year degrees within the next year. After graduation he plans on staying in the plant and landscape business, but intends to do it on a smaller scale, while pursuing other career options.