Most farmers have similar stories. They begin with a boy growing up on a farm, helping out on the farm, until eventually, he takes over the family business. However, this isn’t one of those stories. Garrett Moore’s journey back to his family farm hasn’t been so predictable.
Garrett Moore grew up in Enterprise, AL, helping his dad raise cattle and produce. In 2008, they entered the row crop business and now grow 1,400 acres of peanuts, cotton, and corn. After graduating from high school, Moore joined the U.S. Marine Corps, leaving his farm and his family behind. His four years of service had highs and lows, but he knew the farm would be waiting on him when he returned. “It was eating me up so bad, I couldn’t stand it. Farming is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” says Moore.
In 2018, Moore made his way home from Korea at the end of his contract. Although he was welcomed back into the fold, farming in Southeast Alabama had challenges that Korea didn’t. Moore recalls a story from a few years ago where he tried to remove a snake from a peanut picker. He found out too late that it was a rattlesnake. “He was a lot faster than I was,” said Moore. The bite was followed by a trip to the emergency room and a stay in the intensive care unit.
Moore and his dad, Kevin Moore, have faced other issues related to the economy. “The problem is, the economy prices are so low that even when we have a decent year, we still don’t come out on top,” said Moore, regarding the current state of American farming. There are many changes Moore would like to see this coming year for farmers, and as a member of the Peanut Leadership Academy, he hopes to learn how to make those changes come to fruition. “I’ve made many connections through PLA, which is important and has been helpful to listen and learn how others produce peanuts. It’s already challenged me to change things that could improve our production practices.”
Despite hardships, Moore is surrounded by positive influences. He looks up to his dad for his perseverance and work ethic. He appreciates his grandpa, Fernie Moore, for his optimism and faith in God. He also looks to his son, Jack, for inspiration and strength. When asked what makes farming special, Moore remarks, “There’s no better life on earth than growing up on a farm. You learn so many life lessons from work ethic, respect, humility, honesty, and, most importantly, faith. There’s nothing like watching God work and bringing life out of your labor and watching things as simple as a seed growing into a crop.”