Dedicated to the changing shape (and size) of farming
Feb. 16 - 23 is National FFA Week
Anderson County Co-op manager Jeremy Horne talks to FFA members from Anderson County High School. Pictured are, from left, Horne, Skylar Shores, Olivia McClure, John Smiddy, Ethan Lawson, and Ethan McAnally. (photo:Ken Leinart )
Jeremy Horne, manager of Anderson County Co-op in Clinton spoke to a group of Anderson County High School FFA members Monday. The students visited the Co-op to meet the FFA State Board and to garner a little knowledge from Horne, who’s been with the Co-op since before it renovated in 2006.
Horne told the students the agronomy of Anderson County has changed since the Co-op first opened in 1959, saying that the trend everywhere leans toward very large farms and farms where the owner holds a job during the day and works his land once he gets off work.
The Anderson County Co-op, Horne said, had adapted to the changes.
“When we renovated the Co-op in 2006 we went from a 1,800-square feet showroom to an 8,000-square feet showroom,” he said.
“That is our main entrance,” he said, pointing to the front door. “This is where home owners can find what they need.”
He pointed out the Co-op still has a back lot catering to working farmers.
“We still carry those supplies … The feed, medicine for animals, fencing, things needed for a working farm.”
But he said, the day of the medium sized farm are about over.
Horne said the Co-op is dedicated to farms and farmers of any size. They support the Clinton and Anderson County chapters of the FFA, are big contributors to the annual Farm Day in Anderson County, and work diligently to support agronomy in Anderson County. He told the students that while the Anderson County Co-op is “smaller” than some others across the state, it is still a vital resource for farmers in the county.
He told the students that if they should work in agronomy they have to, “Sell yourself. You’ll work long hours. Step up, take it on.”
You will be noticed.”