Three generations of the Schimming family gathered to celebrate the recognition of Rodney and Judy Schimming as the 2008 Clay County Farm Family of the year. Family members present included, from left: Front--Jacob, Rodney, Audrey and Judy. Back--Jana, Wade, Richard, Dena and Maddie. (Democrat photo/Ryan Rogers) [Click to enlarge]

The Rodney and Judy Schimming family of Peach Orchard are the 2008 Clay County Farm Family of the Year.

The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program began in 1947 as an effort to recognize those in the state who show excellence not only in agriculture, but in their communities, as well. The program is sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Press Association, Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Midsouth Associations and Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. The award is made possible through the cooperation of Arkansas Department of Workforce Education, University of Arkansas' Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Services and Rural Development programs.

Rodney began farming his entire life. A fourth generation farmer, he grew up with a strong sense of the importance of agriculture and its vital role in feeding the world. He would often be out in the fields with his father, T.H. Schimming.

"I've worked on the farm since I was a kid," Rodney said. "I don't remember exactly how old I was when I started. It's something I've always done. When I was nine-years-old, I started driving a tractor. I did chores and such before that. As I got older, I would help my dad after school and on the weekends until I graduated high school."

During his time at Knobel High School, Rodney met Judy. The two became sweethearts and married just months after both graduated from Knobel High in 1969.

In the fall of that year, Rodney and Judy moved to Nashville, Tenn. He furthered his education by attending the Nashville Auto Diesel College. Upon graduating in the fall of 1970, the couple moved back home and Rodney joined the farm in a full-time capacity.

Though he continued to work with his father, Rodney began farming some on his own in 1975. He was given his first tractor, a 1967 International 1206, by his parents. He still owns and uses the tractor to this day.

Rodney farmed with his father in a joint venture until T.H.'s retirement in 1999. Today, T.H. lives on his farm located near the family's shop. Though retired, he remains involved in the overall farming process, assisting with a number of tasks and keeping up with the latest happenings. Beatrice, his wife, passed away in 1978.

Judy is the daughter of John and Doris Day. Her father passed away in 2006. Doris resides in Knobel. Judy's brother John and his wife, Lynn, live in Stuttgart. Her sister, Lori Haley, and her husband, Brian, live in Piggott with their three children. Her youngest brother, Chad, lives in Searcy with his wife, Joni, and their two children.

Rodney and Judy have two sons, Richard, the oldest, and Wade. Richard is a 1989 graduate of Delaplaine High School were he finished as valedictorian of his class. He attended both Arkansas State University and the University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He now works at the Wells Fargo Bank in Fort Worth as a senior relationship manager and vice-president. He and his wife, Dena, married in 1994. She teaches Team Leadership at Mansfield Legacy High School in Mansfield, Tex. They have two children, Maddie, 12, and Jacob, nine.

Wade is the youngest son of Rodney and Judy. He farms with his parents. Wade is a 1994 graduate of Delaplaine High School. He also attended Black River Vocational Technical School. He married Jana Hayes in 2000. The couple have a daughter, Audrey, who is three-years-old.