Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Nelsons Picked As Top Farm Family In Nevada County For '98 (cont)

he fall, the pastureland gets a dose of lime at the rate of 1,000 pounds per acre, though soil tests results don't indicate the lime is needed.

Once the calves are ready, they are shipped to Hope where they are sold at livestock auctions, with some being sold through private treaty.

The Nelsons share the bill paying and record keeping chores.

They make use of a system devised by the Cooperative Extension Service, a Farm Record Book. They say it has been a valuable tool for recording various financial information concerning the overall operation of the farm.

Household bill paying and record keeping is also shared by Kay and James. They use the same system for the house as the farm. The Nelsons, at tax time, have a certified public accountant handle the tax work.

When the Nelsons first cleared their land, they left the timber and underbrush on the hillsides as habitat for wildlife in the area.

To help further protect the environment, they keep chemical use to a minimum and all containers are disposed of according to manufacturers recommendations.

While working to protect the environment, the Nelsons also work to conserve the land. Their pond has been stocked with various types of fish, and is enjoyed by their sons and grandchildren when they visits.

The excess hay produced on the farm is utilized to help prevent soil erosion during the wet season.

The Nelsons work to conserve energy as well. They use a 60 kilowatt generator with an automatic switch gear as a back up system to support the farm in times of power outages. James said the generator kicks on 15 seconds after the power goes out.

A pump was installed at the pond to act as a back up for water supply for the chicken houses.

The pond water, though, is used to operate the cool cells in the houses. Keeping chicken houses at cooler temperature, James said, increased egg production and ensures the overall well being of the birds.

Working on the farm makes it a bit difficult for the Nelsons to eat nutritious, well- balanced meals daily. In the past several years, Kay said, they have become aware of the need to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

They each have medical checkups annually as a preventative measure.

"James and I enjoy working together on the farm," she said, "and over time we have seen our relationship strengthened. We are fortunate to have a loving support group which includes our parents, children and grandchildren. Their love and support has meant everything to us over the years."

While trying to follow an annual budget, there are things which will go wrong and skew budgets out of kilter. Still, by staying close to their schedule, the Nelson's are able to stay within their home and farm budgets.

To help offset the cost of food, they have a small vegetable garden, as well as some fruit trees. This produce is frozen for future use. The Nelsons also comparison shop and clip coupons to help with the food budget.

They also shop economically, trying to find the most durable clothes they can for the money.

Their family home is constructed of brick and is well insulated for energy efficiency. Ceiling fans are in every room of the house to circulate both warm and cool air, depending on the season.

Several years ago, the fireplace was closed, with James welding a wood burning stove. This stove, while being a decorative piece of furniture, is also the sole source of heat in the family home.

Once James quit working for others and began life as a full-time farmer, he joined the Arkansas Farm Bureau and Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. He has been chairman of the cattlemen's membership committee in the past.

Kay is a member of the Bluff City Helping Hands Extension Homemaker's Club and has worked with the Nevada County Cancer drive as well.

Both James and Kay are members of the Bluff City Church of Christ.

Their first son, Vince, is an assistant terminal manager for American Freightways in Little Rock. He and his wife, Tonja, have two children, Lindsay Niocole, 6, and James Tyler, 4.

He graduated with a degree in business and finance from Henderson State University in 1988, after graduating from Prescott High School in 1984.

During his high school career, Vince was involved with the 4-H Club, and FFA program.

He won the FFA State Farmer Award in 1983, and was president of the Arkansas Junior Brangus Breeders' Association.

Andy is a sales representative for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He and his wife, Elizabeth, also have two children, Lauren Elizabeth, 7, and Alexis Katherine (Lexi), 3.

He graduated with a degree in Industrial management from the University of Arkansas in 1992, being a 1988 grad of PHS.

While he was at PHS, Andy was also in 4-H and the FFA. He, too, showed Brangus cattle, winning several trophies and awards for his efforts.

He brought home the Purple Circle Club award from the Arkansas State Fair in 1987. Andy was also a president of the Arkansas Junior Brangus Breeders' Association.

In addition to his showing livestock, Andy was involved in sports for the Curley Wolves. He won the 1987-88 Scholar Athlete Award in this venue.

James and Kay are a relaxed couple who enjoy one another and having a good time. Kay will sit down at the piano and pound out some serious honky-tonk and jazz.

James, though, is more likely to be found with his nose in a grassland magazine, looking for new and better ways to provide for the livestock.

Theirs is a happy household, filled with plenty of joy and laughter.