THE SUN gracefully illuminates the Moore family’s farm, and its hues create a breathtaking glow across its fields. In the early morning light, you might find Kelly and Gina Moore and their sons, Whitson and Walter, managing their farmland. The three Moore men are reflections of the generations that have tilled this land before them. The sound of the combine and the steady movement of grain trucks signal the start of another day in their legacy.
The Moore family’s farm actively builds an agricultural legacy that transcends generations. Their land carries a legacy passed down from Charles Andrew Vanzant and Zona Grant Vanzant in 1928 when they purchased the beautiful farmstead that anchors the operation today.
Farming has been challenging lately for the Moore family, but they’ve always strived to adapt and keep pace with modern agriculture. Kelly sees himself continuing a legacy that was only made possible by his beloved parents and grandparents. The farmland has even weathered tough times like the Great Depression, thanks to his grandparents’ love and care for their legacy.
“I’m the first to admit I don’t always do everything right,” Kelly said. “But being in this position makes me want to do my best and do what I can to leave things even better for those coming after me.”
Kelly and his wife, Gina, saw hints of their children wanting to help tend to the farm when they grew up.
“Megan was all about the animals, Whitson the equipment, and Walter the plants. Those leanings, which were obvious at such young ages, have had strong staying power,” Gina fondly remembered.
Today, Whitson and Walter work alongside their father, each playing their part to help strengthen the family business. While Megan lives away from home finishing her surgery residency, she still researches genetic matings for their cattle herd. Together, they tend to their family farms and several rented ones throughout the county, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and cover crops with love.
But this year, in particular, hasn’t been easy for the family. The couple openly acknowledges that farm life is demanding. Managing land rent, equipment expenses, deer pressure, infrastructure, investments, a depressed grain market, and the unanticipated hot, dry spell during the growing season has been challenging for the Moore family and other local farmers.
“It’s a way of life, and it’s obviously beautiful and rewarding in many respects,” Gina explained. “But it comes with plenty of sacrifice and faith-testing times. While it’s definitely nice to even have the opportunity, the sacrifices must continue. Expanding our family operation to include our children (and their families), the growth mode we have been in for eight to 10 years has filled Kelly’s plate for sure.”
Nevertheless, they embrace each day with faith and rely on God’s provision and strength.
Courtnee, Whitson’s wife, juggles raising their little boys while helping monitor the cattle herd and filling in during harvest.
Courtnee also has a strong farming heritage, with her 90-year-old grandfather, Byron Mayes, still actively farming. Similarly, Gina’s maternal Quandt family has a deep farming tradition, with multiple generations working together on their farm, part of which is now rented by the Moore family.
Gina, part of the family’s support system, runs errands and cooks, but as she humbly admitted, “My most important contribution is praying.”
Faith is the Moore family’s foundation.
“We all feel so blessed God placed us in this beautiful spot to be stewards in His world. His love, goodness, and faithfulness can never be measured by crop yields or numbers on any balance sheet. This is the focus I pray for our family,” said Gina.
Their deep respect for the land guides them toward sustainable practices. The Moores have been committed to no-till/minimum tillage for over 30 years, creating healthy soil and minimizing environmental impact. They utilize soil sampling and targeted fertilizer treatments for optimal crop growth while minimizing runoff and waste.
The Moore family has big dreams for the future of their family’s farm.
“[We want] to be good enough managers to enable the family farming operation to continue for generations to come,” Kelly said. “We want to honor the legacy we’re part of as well as plan for the future.”
Kelly encourages young people considering a career in agriculture to remember why they started when challenges arise.
“In farming, it can be easy to get discouraged. But remember the legacy you’re part of. It’s very humbling. I’m very thankful as well as hopeful for the future.”
The Moore family’s future holds both significant challenges and possibilities. Whitson and Courtnee’s young sons, Boone and Milan, are already showing an interest in the land, potentially carrying the torch for the sixth generation. The Moores know it won’t be easy, but they’ll keep their faith strong and continue to adapt, blending tradition with innovation to ensure the farm’s survival. GN
