Farming on Mars

Josh Snodgrass is a farmer in Crosby County. We talked about how he got started farming, the goals that he has for his operation, and daily habits that benefit him as a farmer. 

Melba Ware moved to Cone, TX with her parents and siblings (one of them being my dad's dad) in 1920. She recounts moving to the plains, family history, and how farming had progressed at that time in this interview. Melba would have been 70 at the time of this recording. Recorded January 1980 in Cone and interviewed by Richard Mason. Received a copy from the Southwest Collection on the Texas Tech University Campus. 

Chaney Light is a farmer in Lubbock, Hale, and Floyd County. We talked about why he loves farming dryland cotton, farming on his own at such a young age, and how to avoid comparing yourself to other farmers.  Special Guest: Savana Ware --- Podcast Music: Kody West "Melody" 

Katy Jane Seaton owns Farmhouse Vineyards in Meadow, TX, along with her husband and his sister and their brother-in-law. We talked about how she got into the wine industry, the grapes that they grow and the wines that they sell as part of their own brand, as well as the obstacles and best parts of growing grapes on the South Plains.  Farmhouse Vineyards has a tasting room in Brownfield open Thursday- Saturday, as well as one in Johnson City, TX in the Hill Country. --------------- www.farmhousevineyard.com -------------- Podcast Music: Melody - Kody West

Greg Mattocks is the owner of Crosby Co. Pump & Machine in Crosbyton, TX. We talked about how he got into the pump business, making recommendations to farmers, and how farmers can make their pumps last longer. 

Dusty Cornelius has a diversified operation in Crosby County. He owns a drip irrigation business, farms, and is a partner in Blanco Gin, among other ventures.

Podcast Music: Kody West - Melody

Luis Sanchez is the Owens Coop Gin Superintendent and a farmer in the Owens area. He talks about how he started out working for the gin, farming on his own, and how both of his roles influence each other. 

Gary Evitt is a recently retired farmer from the Idalou area (Lubbock County). We talked about how he started using cover crops on his fields and switching to no-till, his thoughts on the future of cotton farming on the South Plains, and the peaks and valleys of his farming career. 

Kevin Brinkley is the president and CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association (PCCA), which is a marketing cooperative based in Lubbock owned by farmers in TX, OK, KS, and NM. We talked about the history of PCCA, how they help farmers market their cotton, and how PCCA innovations like TELCOT and the Seam have enhanced their ability to help farmers get their cotton to the right people at the right time. 

Walt Norris is a farmer in Crosby County. We talked about his farming operation, how rain influences his mood, the good and bad years from his farming career, stories from his family, and the future of farming on the South Plains. 

This week's photo taken by Canyon Ware

Podcast Music: Kody West - "Melody"