AUDREY SWEETON, age 6 ½, is making her mark on her sprawling family farm. As you engage with Audrey and her father, Matt Sweeton, among the charm of their farmhouse, it becomes evident that Audrey’s journey is about more than tending to animals and crops. It’s about instilling values, pursuing dreams, and breaking barriers in the heart of agriculture. Audrey’s cousin, Hadley, nurtured her love for the farm.
Audrey said, “I learned from my cousin, Hadley. She’s a cowgirl, and she’s one of my favorite cousins.”
Hadley’s passion for horses ignited a spark in Audrey’s heart. Hadley’s influence deepened Audrey’s connection to the farm and inspired her to explore new horizons within agriculture. She enjoys caring for the horses, chickens, and other farm animals, as well as doing the unconventional — mending fences and tagging calves.
Matt traces their farming roots back to his grandfather, Albert Chesley Sweeton, who laid the foundation with just 12 acres and a couple of cows. Over the years, the farm expanded to 250 acres, representing generations of dedication and hard work.
“We have a rewarding job watching God’s creation grow and become marketable,” Matt reflected.
The legacy of hard work and resilience runs deep in Audrey’s veins, fueling her determination to carry the torch forward.
“Teaching her how to set goals — short-term and long-term — and all those things she’s learning now will be rock-solid values for her whenever she’s of age.”
Raising a daughter as a single father is not easy for Matt. But he hopes to impress upon Audrey the importance of hard work, forgiveness, love, and compassion.
The family farm is a dynamic ecosystem where every creature plays a vital role. The beloved Belgian Malinois puppies are a crossbreed known for their intelligence and agility, making them perfect farm dogs. Partnerships with animals like these are essential. The symbiotic relationship between the farm and its furry residents is crucial. From herding sheep to patrolling the fields, these canine companions are special allies in Audrey’s daily routine.
Audrey’s aspirations go beyond the farm gates. She dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Through hands-on experiences caring for animals and learning the ropes of farm life, Audrey is laying the groundwork for her future career. With each tender touch and compassionate gesture, she shows the empathy and dedication that farm life instills, defining a true animal lover.
Balancing farm chores with school, sports, and extracurricular activities isn’t easy, but the Sweeton family manages it with grace. Early mornings, late nights, and weekends spent tending to the farm instilled in Audrey the value of hard work and time management. Whether she’s tagging calves or studying for a spelling test, Audrey approaches each task with determination and diligence, establishing her own work ethic.
Audrey’s recent accolade as Lion of the Month at school speaks volumes about her character. Accountability, kindness, and academic excellence are pillars of her success, reflecting the values her family and community instilled in her.
Beyond the toil of daily tasks lies a deeper legacy of faith, gratitude, and determination. Matt envisions Audrey passing down these values to future generations, ensuring that the farm remains not just a livelihood but a way of life. From the wisdom of her grandparents, Alan and Emily Sweeton, to the guidance of her father, Audrey is surrounded by a legacy of love and support.
In addition to her father and grandparents, she has many amazing supporters, including her number one customer, Mrs. Bobby Red.
“She is a very sweet lady,” said Audrey.
Mrs. Bobby is an older lady who lives in Lynchburg and runs a country store there. Audrey sells Mrs. Bobby hay for her goats. She’s another woman in the agricultural industry Audrey looks up to.
“Audrey really likes her because she’s also a woman in the same agricultural field. She has another woman to look up to in agriculture,” said Matt.
Matt and Audrey would like to express their gratitude toward Dusty Matlock and Rocky DaCosta. Matt personally looks up to them, as they have set an excellent example of starting on a smaller scale and working hard to build a successful farming operation. Their teamwork and dedication have resulted in one of the most successful farming operations in the neighboring Franklin and Bedford counties.
“It’s a blessing to have folks who have walked the path you’re on and understand the difficulties along the way. They help me more than I deserve,” Matt expressed. “Champions around champions. They’ve done everything from helping me work cattle to allowing me to borrow equipment that I didn’t have. I couldn’t have made it without them.”
In the near future, Audrey plans to expand her offerings by adding laying hens to her chores and selling eggs. Her ambition knows no bounds.
With a heart full of compassion, a mind set on goals, and a spirit nurtured by generations of farmers, Audrey Sweeton is poised to not only inherit her family’s legacy but forge her own path in the world. Her family’s farm and its harvests will forever represent her dedication, where the seeds of hard work, courage, and love for all creatures continue to blossom. GN
