The Importance of Relationships
When first-generation cattle producer Caleb Beason discusses agriculture, he consistently returns to two core themes: people and relationships.
“We value relationships, and we value the people that we interact with,” he said. “We rally together to overcome the challenges and hard times and congratulate each other on successes in the good times. Strong relationships are crucial to the success of anyone.”
Beason operates Star B Cattle in Russellville, Alabama with his wife Emily, a veterinarian, and his children Everett and Eliza. He takes pride not only in his family operation, but in his supportive community of agricultural producers.
“Specifically dating back a few years ago, we became so isolated,” Beason said. “What was unique was us as agriculturalists from that time, or any time in history, is we were truly there to support one another and help one another in the time of need.”
Empowering the Next Generation
For Beason, starting a family farm isn’t just about producing a commodity—it’s about inspiring the next generation of farmers and ranchers. He hopes that teaching his children the skills of farm work will empower them to be leaders in the future.
“We hope that the responsibilities, the memories and the skills and traits that we instill in them at a young age they’ll be able to carry on as they get older and truly be world changers in the agriculture industry and in life,” he said.
Outside of his operation, Beason also teaches agriscience at a local high school and is a Future Farmers of America advisor, where he mentors young people training for careers in agriculture.
“Statistics show that less than two percent of the overall U.S. population is actually involved in production agriculture,” he said. “That should motivate us and provide fuel for our passion, to really plant that seed and see it cultivated in the youth of today to be leaders in agriculture of tomorrow.”
A Powerful Partnership with Farm Credit
Beason’s commitment to strong relationships extends to his choice to partner with Alabama Farm Credit, which he says has gone above and beyond in support of Star B Cattle—even attending local events to support cattlemen.
“They want us to thrive and not only from a financial standpoint, they provide manpower,” he said. “Many times with our events, they’re willing to send some of their employees to help guide some of our contests, to help grill and cook the meal there. That is dear to my heart because it’s not just a single item that they’re willing to do, it’s truly the whole gamut.”
And when it is financial information he needs, Beason says the employees of Alabama Farm Credit are only a phone call or text message away.
“They truly are friends,” he said. “And they know that for them to be successful, their members and stockholders have to be successful as well. So, they really encourage us. They want us to do well.”
