Burthel Thomas always dreamed of owning land. As a boy who grew up in Dumas, Ark., his experience of living and working on a farm was kindled through visits with his childhood friend after school and seeing the different aspects of the farming lifestyle. Nestled in the backroads of Arkansas, his farm is more than just acres of crop – it’s a living testament to perseverance, purpose, and partnership. 

     “I would always get off at the bus stop with my friend just so I could go and see his farm,” said Burthel Thomas, owner and operator of Thomas Farm Corporation. “I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a farmer.”

      Initially purchasing his land 10 years ago as a 10-acre strip, Burthel increased his land substantially over the past several years and now owns 275 acres. On his farm, he raises watermelons, soybeans, native plants for seed production and more. His passion, however, is growing watermelons to share during field days at the end of each summer. With more than 30,000 watermelon seedlings in the ground, he anticipates no trouble providing fresh produce to the community. 

     “If my watermelons aren’t good, I don’t want to sell them to anybody,” Thomas said. “I only deliver good, quality produce to people who are looking for it.” 

     Burthel explained that living and working on the land presents room for error. He emphasized that the key to being successful, however, is never letting the small things affect you. As a former Soldier who spent four years on active duty and the remainder of his career in the Arkansas Army National Guard where he retired, he was taught to never give up. 

     “Farming is about precision and preparation,” he said. “Just like in the military and the Guard, you have to be ready for anything – the weather, the market, pests, you name it. But you face it head-on, stay flexible, and keep moving. The lessons I learned in the Guard help me every single day out here. You’ve got to be disciplined to run a farm – just like the military. You’ve got to trust your team and know your land just like you know your equipment.” 

     Starting and maintaining a successful farm operation was no small task, however. Thankfully, Burthel found a steadfast partner in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through assistance with the NRCS, he not only succeeded and flourished because of his military experience but the connection with the NRCS helped him grow responsibly, sustainably, and with a long-term vision.

     Through his experience during his extensive career in the Arkansas Army National Guard and with the help of the NRCS, he learned how to manage his farm and implement several practices offered by the NRCS. Using these programs, Burthel elevated his operation and is hoping to enroll in the local Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program which is a USDA certified program. He plans to share this program’s information with other local farmers in the community to help them get certified as well. 

     With NRCS guidance, Burthel was able to implement practices that improve food safety, manage irrigation efficiently, and reduce risk to his crops. That support helped him prepare for local and regional markets with confidence, knowing his produce met high standards for quality and safety. 

     “The NRCS didn’t just show up once and then leave you hanging,” Burthel said. “They’re partners. They’ve been there, step by step, helping me improve the soil, conserve water, and grow smarter.” 

     For more information about the United States Department of Agriculture’s GAP Audits, visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/gap-ghp or visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/arkansas for NRCS initiatives and practices in Arkansas.