A field of canola at Batey Farms in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Meet John Blandford, an eighth-generation farmer on his family farm and member of the Stewarts Creek FFA Chapter.
Batey Farms is a 1,500-acre row crop farm that includes corn, soybeans, wheat and strawberries. Blandford’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) involves bagging corn, welding, and helping his grandfather fix small engines or barns.
Expanding His SAE
When Blandford was in fifth grade, he showed one of the world’s most recognizable pigs, Wilbur, from the movie and book cover of “Charlotte’s Web.” His family owned the pig. This experience was just the beginning of his SAE, as he has expanded it recently.
Blandford showing his pig, Wilbur.
This year, Blandford and his family received canola from Corteva Agriscience to plant at Batey Farms. They planted canola in an effort to increase the market for it in their region. Because of the new crop, Blandford has started helping in the drone spraying process by pouring pesticides into the drones.
Overcoming Challenges
Challenges have arisen with this new form of spraying, as workers have been unable to fly them. A pilot’s license is required to fly the drones, which has restricted many workers at Batey Farms. However, Blandford learned more about this innovative technology and how drones work. In the future, he would like to get licensed to spray.
Additionally, Blandford has identified another issue he and his family face. Batey Farms is in the county of Rutherford, which has held the title of the fastest-growing county in the state for the past eight years. This causes other issues with the workers at Batey Farms, as traffic is a big disadvantage of working in Murfreesboro.
Likewise, Blandford and his family have faced the pressure of the high demand for land in the area. However, he says that he is excited to go to policy meetings with his chapter to learn and advocate for farmland loss around his area.
Blandford on his tractor at Batey Farms.
Blandford is not done learning yet; he wants to enhance his welding skills and learn to operate more advanced equipment. He hopes to pursue an agriculture career with a reputable seed company like Pioneer. He has also become active in his chapter and looks forward to becoming more involved.
