Growing up in a small Arkansas town, Edgar Montgomery reminisced of the days working with his father Martin (Gent) Montgomery on the farm – driving the tractor, picking cotton and more, all while learning the rhythm of the seasons. But it wasn’t until later in life that Edgar decided to follow that spark his father had and turn his new passion into a profession. 

     With a dream of growing and selling his produce at local farmers markets, Edgar began mapping out a plan. But starting a farm from scratch isn’t easy. Land, equipment, knowledge – it all comes at a cost. That’s when he found a partner who would help bring his vision to life: the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

     From the beginning, NRCS district conservationists, soil scientists and others worked alongside Edgar to understand his goals and guide him through conservation-focused practices that would lay a strong foundation for his farm. The first big step was a high tunnel system – a tool that would change the game for his vegetable production. 

     “When you’re fortunate enough to inherit a family farm, you can just let it go to seed or you can do something with it,” said Montgomery, “The NRCS helped me build the high tunnel and get a start on my farming. It’s its own ecosystem so it makes it much easier to manage. The high tunnel allows me to grow earlier in the Spring and keep going later into Fall.”

     Using the high tunnel also means more potential for vegetables and fruit, a longer market season, and better income. Plus, it protects the crops from all kinds of weather. 

     NRCS helped Edgar design and install the high tunnel through their High Tunnel System Initiative, part of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). It wasn’t just about putting up a structure however, it was about teaching Edgar how to manage it efficiently, rotate crops, and maintain healthy soil. 

     “They didn’t just say, ‘Here’s your tunnel, good luck.’ They stuck with me, made sure I understood what to plant and when, how to manage moisture, how to build soil health – it was real support,” Edgar said. 

     Now, Edgar grows a colorful variety of vegetables and fruit: tomatoes, peppers, squash, and watermelons. Eventually he wants to spend weekends setting up a booth to sell his product at local farmer’s markets, proudly offering fresh-picked produce to the community. He hopes that shoppers will walk away not only with a bag of crisp fruits and veggies, but also a sense of connection – to the land, to the farmer, and to a community built on sustainability and health. 

     Edgar’s farm has become a small but growing hub of activity and inspiration. He hopes to have additional high tunnels and pollinator plants in the future. 

     “NRCS helped me turn my vision into a real, working farm,” he said. “They’re not just about land and water – they’re about people. They invest in your success.” 

For Edgar Montgomery, farming is more than a business, it’s a calling to his origins and a vision rooted in care, service, and the joy of watching something grow. Thanks to his determination and the support of NRCS, his future, and his vegetables, are thriving.