Patrick Smith loves his farming operation. “I grew up learning to farm as a boy with my mom and dad. I have land that came from them and I enjoy this life so much, I have been farming on my own for over 15 years now,” the personable young man says. Smith is known as a hard worker and will tackle any job in his farming operation without hesitation. “I farm a little over 3,500 acres all in Washington County and don’t mind the work. I am thankful for the tremendous advances in farm machinery. These days they come with GPS, everything is computerized and it makes a farmer’s work a lot easier and more enjoyable,” he comments. Smith grew up in Washington County near Avon and now lives in Greenville where he has his farm headquarters. He is busy now planning his 2017 crop year. “I will again plant corn, soybeans and wheat—I don’t plant cotton and won’t unless the market changes drastically,” he says.
About 1,200 acres of Smith Farms is irrigated. “With the Delta’s unpredictable weather, it is almost necessary to have irrigation,” Smith says. Although he does all of the day-to-day operations of his farm at peak times of planting and harvesting he relies on the help of his brothers and friends. He said that he also uses contractors at times. Like most Deltans Smith loves the outdoors even when he is not farming. “I enjoy hunting and fishing and I have several old cars that I like to tinker with. I can’t wait to get my little Volkswagen convertible ready for the road. There is nothing better than riding down a Delta road on a warm spring day with the top down,” he laughs and says. Just as he grew up, Smith is teaching his four children about farming. “They already know a lot about my operation. Of course, like all dads I would like to see them grow up to be doctors and lawyers. Even if that should come true, they can still farm on the side. It’s a good life,” he says.
Like other Delta farmers, Smith is hoping the weather cooperates this season “The rainy weather gave us a late start in 2016. We hope to get started planting in March, but there is plenty to do around the shop getting the equipment in tip-top shape,” he says. Smith says that as long as grain crops are bringing decent prices he will continue with the soybeans, corn and wheat. “That’s another thing about farming, you must be aware of the business end of it. Gone are the days that you plant the seed and harvest, you have to have knowledge of the market. I do all of my own marketing,” he comments. Smith is a member of the Sunrise Church just south of Greenville and graduated from Riverside High School. He not only loves farming, he loves Washington County and takes pride in his farm ownership and is known for striving to continue to make it a profitable one.
