Smith Family named 2025 Izard County Farm Family
Ryan and Sabra Smith own Smith Farms in Violet Hill where they breed cattle, chickens, bale hay and have their own Farmers Market Stand. The Smith Family moved to Violet Hill with a dream to build off of Ryan’s fathers farm and turn it into something more. Both Ryan and Sabra were raised on cattle farms and after they married, they eventually took over Ryan’s fathers farm, expanding it with each year. For several ears they talked about expanding; by buying a local chicken farm but it was not for sale. Once the owner was ready to sell the Smith’s jumped on the opportunity and with the help of AG Heritage, they were able to purchase the farms. Now with 42 cattle and over 148,000 chickens the Smiths are making their dream a reality. Sabra, who grew up gardening with her parents has an expansive garden with 28 raised garden beds and an 80×100 flower garden. She sells produce at their Farmers Market Stand from what she grows and also makes and sells baked goods along with coffee and fresh cut flowers. All this while homeschooling their three children; Drake,9, Kaiden, and Clay ,2.
They credit sustainable farming practices like using chicken droppings for fertilizer in their pastures to helping them run a more efficient farm. They also use rotational grazing and raised gardening to help sustain a healthy soil balance and prevent erosion. In the future they are hoping to start a feedlot so they will have the ability to sell their beef straight off the farm and also open a storefront to sell the items they currently sell at their market stand. The boys are young but help out on the farm as much as they can. Drake is slowly starting his own cattle herd, and both boys participate in the 4 H poultry chain.
While the farm takes up a majority of their time, they still find time for church and giving back to the community. The Smiths are members of the Myron Baptist Church where Ryan serves as a Deacon and Sabra teaches Sunday School. Ryan is also part of the Diabetes Research Foundation.
Congratulations to the Smith’s for being the 2025 Izard County Farm Family. (Images Courtesy of Pacesetting Times)
