With such a growing urbanization in the Bessemer-McCalla area, farming is not something that immediately comes to the mind of someone new to the community. However, this is closer to reality than most in Jefferson County realize. Just outside the main urban area, you quickly find yourself in a rural setting. Tucked away in the Dickey Springs area of McCalla, young farmer Evan Nelson and his wife Christy keep a small herd of black angus cows on approximately 1,300 acres of green pasture. Previously a firefighter, Evan recently chose to dedicate all his time to become a fulltime farmer. Although Evan credits his farming interest to his grandfather, who mainly farmed out of necessity during the Great Depression, Evan is a true, modern-day, first-generation farmer in his family. A father of three boys, he and his wife hope to pass down the family values and good land stewardship lessons they have learned along the way.
Since learning about the many program opportunities through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Evan has hit the ground running with several enhancements. Cross fencing, watering pipelines and facilities, grass plantings, and installing a heavy use area are some of the practices that he has included to enhance his farm during the past three years. NRCS offers a wide range of conservation practices and programs for farmers of all types, including those who manage cattle and other livestock, forest land, and habitats for wildlife.
All of these practices have helped the Nelsons to not only conserve their farmland, but also streamline their processes and allow their farming enterprises to expand. This includes their new venture into freezer beef production, raising Brangus cattle for direct purchase to consumers in their local area. Consumers have the option to purchase small or larger quantities through their website.
The Nelsons also believe in actively participating within the agriculture community of not just their county but their state too. Evan serves as the Jefferson County Young Farmers Chairman, a program through the Jefferson County Farmers Federation. He also serves on the Jefferson County Cattlemen Association Board. Both of these great organizations allow for networking among local farmers, as well as helping to educate students and their community about their local agriculture industry.
Just spending one afternoon with both Evan and Christy, their passion and love of the land becomes obvious and apparent. The District awarded them with a metal sign to display on their farm and awarded them with a $500 check. With hard work, strong traditions, and the help of their three boys, the Nelsons will continue to explore the many possibilities of their growing farm, and will no doubt be successful at whatever they wish to accomplish. The Conservation District is proud to award them as a finalist of the newly created Conservation Farmer of the Year program.
*You can follow the Nelsons on Instagram, @nelsoncattleco and visit their website at https://nelsoncattleandhay.com/
article by Holly Lynne Killian, District Administrative Coordinator for Jefferson County Conservation District
photography by Christy Nelson and Holly Lynne Killian