For Hayley and Tyler Lay of East Tennessee Feed & Seed, they see their operation as more than a business. For the Lay’s, it’s a commitment to family, community and the evolving nature of agriculture. What began with Tyler’s father as a heavy focus on tobacco has pivoted into a diverse, multi-generational agribusiness that includes row crops and livestock.
Family Farm Pivots to Grain
According to Tyler, the operation employs his parents, brother and brother-in-law. The feed and grain business has become a central hub, alongside the farm’s traditional focus. This diversification was driven by the decline of their previous mainstay crop. “Tobacco is obsolete in this area, so we’ve pivoted more toward the grain side,” Tyler said.
In their shift, they’ve also incorporated beef cattle, which are a perfect fit for the rolling hills of East Tennessee. “If we can grow anything in East Tennessee, we can grow grass,” he said. “It really works well with what we’ve got, putting them in areas where you can’t necessarily grow crops.” This philosophy of working with the land, underscores their sustainable approach to farming.
The Crucial Role of Financial Partnership
Navigating the financial complexities of a modern farm requires a partner who understands the agricultural economy, something Tyler found in Farm Credit Mid-America. Since graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2014 and purchasing his first farm, he has been a loyal customer.
“I think having Farm Credit Mid-America, who understands how the farm economy works, has been crucial to keep us going,” he shared.
Tyler values the understanding that not every year will be profitable, but that farming, when managed well, is a sound long-term investment. This partnership allows the Lays to act quickly on opportunities. “If you do see an opportunity, you’re able to jump on it knowing that Farm Credit Mid-America can provide capital to help you get it done,” Tyler said. Unlike other lenders that might not understand the nuances of the agricultural market, Farm Credit Mid-America provides the support that makes growth possible.
Dispelling Myths of the Modern Farmer
Beyond running a successful farming operation, Tyler and Hayley are passionate about correcting misconceptions about their industry; believing it crucial to share their story. “Unfortunately, public perception often lags behind reality. They see farmers as people who wear overalls with straw hanging out of their mouth and a pitchfork,” he shared.
For Tyler, he wants people to know the truth. “Folks in this industry are smart. They’re driven and they know what they’re doing,” he said. They believe modern farming is about efficiency, technology and a dedicated effort to produce a high-quality product.
The ultimate goal for the Lays is instilling a love for this way of life in their own children, who are already eager to get involved. Tyler wants them to have the opportunity to farm if they choose, but more importantly, he wants them to learn the invaluable lessons that the farm teaches: patience, problem-solving and a versatile skill set.
The Lays are not just farming for today. They are building a legacy, one field and one family member at a time.
Learn more about how Farm Credit Mid-America can support your operation.
