Jim Carroll is an Arkansas farmer in Monroe County, member of the United Soybean Board and Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, and Monroe County Farm Bureau Board Member. Mr. Carroll was a speaker at the Bean2Blog event I blogged about here. He was an inspiration to listen to, and I thought he would be perfect to profile for the “Faces of Agriculture” series. I caught up with him after the event for a quick interview. Check it out!
How are you involved in Agriculture?
I manage a family farm. I try to keep as much profit coming in every year as I can to stay in business and keep my family in good shape.
In your own words, what is Agriculture?
I’m a grain producer, which is corn, soybeans, rice and wheat. But it’s more than that. We also have livestock and poultry in Arkansas. There are a lot of aspects to Agriculture that, to me, are just as amazing as my side of it.
Why do you think Agriculture is important?
I’ve been around a few places in the world where they have too many people to feed, and I think it’s going to be the United States’ responsibility to help feed those people in a safe manner. I think we are doing that now and that we need to continue to do that.
What is the one thing you want everyone to know about Agriculture and farming?
I want them to know that most farmers are energetic and educated. If they weren’t enthusiastic about what they are doing, they wouldn’t be doing it.
Why do you think organizations like the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board and Arkansas Farm Bureau are important?
Both of these organizations have their place, but I think they are important, because they keep agriculture in the public eye and get the message of agriculture out truthfully. Both organizations are doing that now, and that’s the way I want it to be – truthful and responsible.