By Shirely Shuman
Recently John and Sara Wayne of Chapel received a National Young Farmer Award. The award, one of four, was presented at the Outstanding Young Farmer’s Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Waynes, owners of Wayne Cattle Farm, have been farming full time since 2009. To be eligible for the award farmers must be between the ages of 21 and 40 must be actual farm operators who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farming, and they must be nominated. WVU Extension Agent Debbie Friend nominated the Waynes.
Sara Wayne explained that nominees must complete an initial application form. From those forms, the organization chose the top 22, which included the Waynes. Following that selection, the 22 were asked to complete a second application. From those, ten were selected. These ten flew to Des Moines, Iowa, where they were interviewed by an Outstanding Farmers of America committee. Using the judging criteria that includes financial progress of their farm (50 percent of the score), soil and water conservation practices (25 percent of the score), and contributions to their community, state, and nation (25 percent of the score, the committee) chose the four national winners.
As the name of the farm implies, the couple raise cattle. Currently they have 80 cows for breeding purposes, 60 yearlings, and others which the Waynes raise and sell themselves.
Sara Wayne explained that they sell their yearlings to an individual who buys a large number of yearlings and transports them to the Midwest to sell. “We raise some calves which we sell ourselves,” she said, “and actually sell some of those in Mississippi.”
Asked about individual roles in their farming enterprise, Sara noted, “John takes care of most of the day – to – day. I help wherever needed and take care of our paperwork and record keeping.”
The Waynes have found many rewards in their endeavors, but they emphasized, “The biggest reward for us is raising our boys on the farm. It allows us to teach them responsibility, and life lessons.” Each of their two sons has his own herd that he owns and takes care of.
Obviously, the two are busy and apparently successful in the farming endeavor. However, they take no credit for their success. “God has blessed us tremendously. We would not be here without His blessing and the vision and the passion he gave John. We could not have done what we have done without His guidance.”
The Waynes also noted, “We have worked very closely over the years with several organizations: The WVU Extension, National Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Elk River Soil Conservation District have helped us a great deal.” Sara also noted that “These are a lot of really beneficial programs for farmers.”
In addition to these organizations, the couple want to thank their families and their community for the support they received from them.
