A recent visit to a small farm operation in Concordia Parish provided an opportunity to talk with Stacy McGraw about how NRCS helped her expand her small business. During the Covid shutdown, Stacy became concerned with food supply issues and saw a need for more locally grown food in her area. Stacy knew that she and her family had the capacity to help fill that need. Since then, CM Farm Ranch has been working to provide locally grown fresh produce.  

Their U-pick operation started with just four blackberry bushes in their backyard. Over the last few years, though, the operation has grown into a thriving small farm. They now offer herbs and vegetables along with the berries. Stacy is determined to continue growing her business all while supporting local food production and encouraging others in the area to start their own food production.

During the process of expansion, Stacy sought help from NRCS. She worked with local NRCS Soil Conservationist, Marty Kennedy, to address her resource concerns. They came up with a plan for constructing a small high tunnel house and installing a micro-irrigation system. NRCS helped with both technical and financial assistance to implement the plan.

Last summer, CM Farm Ranch finished construction on the high tunnel and were excited to expand their operation. However, Mother Nature decided to throw a bit of a wrench in their plans. Even before Marty could come inspect the high tunnel, a storm destroyed the structure. Stacy and her family had to rebuild and that’s exactly what they did. This time though, they built the high tunnel with high winds and heavy rains in mind. The improvements have allowed them to expand their production under cover and protection of the high tunnel and allow for consistent irrigation.

The setbacks were no match for Stacy’s determination and enthusiasm which seems to be infectious. She’s recently added fruit trees and blueberries to her farm. We were there when she picked and sampled her first ripe blueberry. Her delight in the experience was written all over her face. Perhaps the joy with which she approaches farming is her secret ingredient to success. Well… that and partnering with NRCS to help her help the land.

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