Rice and almonds. Almonds and rice. 

The production of both of these crops has been key for Kelli Evans and her husband Tim Taylor at Evans Farming. When the market for rice crashed, Kelli and Tim were thankful their farm operation was diversified. They knew they could rely on profits from the almond operation to balance out the losses from rice production.  

Kelli and Tim, with their two young children, farm alongside Kelli’s father and brother in Live Oak, California. 

Highs and Lows

Farm Credit West has been an important partner for Kelli since she started farming nearly 15 years ago. “Farm Credit really takes the time to understand what’s happening on a farming operation and to understand how it works,” she said.

The Good Life

Despite the challenges they face, the agricultural lifestyle is one that suits Kelli, especially as her family continues to grow. “I get to see my brother every day. I get to see my dad every day. I get to see my husband every day and spend a lot of quality time with them,” she said. 

Tim agrees and strongly values raising his kids on the farm where they have the opportunity to “see where their food comes from, play outside and get muddy instead of staring at their phones all day.”