STEP ONTO the vibrant and historic grounds of the Woodall Family Farm in Decherd, and immerse yourself in a history deeply rooted in agriculture. The Woodalls have birthed passionate agricultural professionals for generations, passing down their farming expertise from one hand to another. Their journey began when their grandfather Charles Woodall, from the charming town of Guntersville, Alabama, moved down with his family to Tennessee after his 7th birthday in 1936. Little did they know, this humble farm would carve its name in Tennessee’s rich heritage.
From a young age, the Woodall brothers, Jared and Justin, were instilled with a profound connection to the land. Guided by their father, Eddy, and their uncle, Bobby, they embarked on a journey that would forever bind them to their ancestral farm. Today, alongside their spouses, Jared’s wife, Angela, and Justin’s wife, JoCarole, the Woodall Grain Company flourishes, reaching new heights with every passing season.
While Justin oversees the farm’s operation, Jared takes charge of the grain enterprise and elevator. Growing up, Justin knew he would someday carry on the family’s farming legacy. When the time came, he hit the ground running, channeling his passion into transforming the Woodall Family Farm into a thriving enterprise.
Jared went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University before returning home to join the family farm. His path eventually led him to steer the ship of Woodall Grain Company, a business they established to meet the ever-growing demand for grain and risk management.
Reflecting on his journey, Jared shared, “When I came back from school, we always had family farm storage. There was just an opportunity in the marketplace here for additional services, as farms had grown. As producers had grown and yields were getting bigger, there just wasn’t enough local infrastructure or grain operations to handle the crop. We started helping neighbors get their crop out by buying their crop.”
The Woodall family graciously supports initiatives like Farm Kids Day, seeking every chance to impart the importance of agriculture to younger generations. In an era where agricultural pursuits often take a backseat to other career paths, the Woodalls aim to nurture a renewed interest in this vital field.
Each passing day witnesses the Woodall family’s unwavering dedication to serving their community and catering to the unique needs of individuals and businesses alike. They take immense pride in being stewards of the land, aligning their values with their faith in God.
Running a family business presents its fair share of challenges, and the Woodalls have encountered numerous roadblocks over the years.
But Jared readily acknowledges that working together has profoundly impacted their family dynamic.
“Working together, the family has definitely made us all grow closer together, as far as making decisions and as far as why our business has grown on the farming and grain end. We’ve been blessed by good people to work for us to help us through different obstacles that we’ve had. When we first started the grain business, I never in my wildest dreams thought we would be where we are today.”
The Woodall Family Farm operates primarily for commercial purposes, yet their commitment to the community shines through their unwavering passion for providing quality supplies and grain products to fellow agriculture enthusiasts and community members.
The Woodall Family Farm comprises 3,200 acres of corn, wheat, and soybeans. They produce an impressive 750 to 1,000 head of feeder cattle per year, which they feed until they’re 850 pounds.
Five generations strong, the Woodall Family Farm stands tall as an enduring example of family-owned legacies and businesses. Jared and Justin hope for many more years of Woodall family tradition.
Jared reflected, “I hope the next five generations can say they can. It’s humbling because we’ve been blessed. We’ve been surrounded by really good people. We’ve got an incredible team of people that work with us and for us and support us.”
For Jared and Justin, harvest time is a cherished moment when the fruits of their labor come to fruition.
“Harvest season is my favorite time of year,” Justin remarked. “Because you get to reap what you sow. You get to harvest the crops the good Lord sent you through the year. You get to reap the benefits, whether rain, drought, or whatever it might be.”
The Woodall family upholds tradition while embracing innovation. Their dedication to their craft, community, and family shines as bright as the sun. As their legacy continues to grow, the Woodalls remain firmly committed to stewarding the land and honoring their roots. GN
