Stephenson: 'We’re in this together'

FRANKLIN, Ind. — David Stephenson always dreamed of being a farmer.

After years of hard work and planning, his dream came true. And this year his family was honored with the 2021 Indiana Farm Family of the Year award.

David shared his story with AgriNews.

What did you do before farming?

“I worked 32 years and five months as a federal aircraft inspector for Rolls-Royce Corp. I had wanted to farm my whole life. But I was not born into a farm family.”

Was it hard to start a farm?

“When I decided to start I had one John Deere 4630 and 24 acres. Those first few years were very hard, learning how it’s done, trying to get better equipment. Finally, we got to where we’re at now.”

What do you grow?

“Corn and soybeans.”

Have other farmers helped you along the way?

“My best friend is 86 years old. He encouraged me to farm. When I had questions, I would ask him. He was honest with me. We served on the school board together for 16 years, so that’s how I made his acquaintance.”

What’s the bond like between a father and son farming together?

“I feel that farming is a great way to spend quality time together. When equipment breaks down, we find a way to fix it. Doing that together makes us closer. We’re in this together.”

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned while farming?

“Every year is so different. It’s a guessing game. The lesson I’ve learned is that no two years are the same. No matter how hard you try to figure out what the year has in store — it’s never what you predict.”

How did harvest go this year?

“It went really well. We made it through harvest in record time. We started late, but finished quickly.”

Are you already planning for next year?

“Yes. I’m thinking about what seed varieties to plant in some of my problem fields. Some fields I have it nailed down, others I don’t.”

What are your hopes for the future of the farm?

“My hope for the future would be to turn it over to my son and grandson.”

Tell me about your involvement with the community?

“I served for 16 years on the Clark Pleasant School Board. When I started farming, I had to give that up. I’m a pastor at the Restoration Church. Now that we have a new building, the growth of this church comes first.”

When did you become a pastor?

“2004.”

What do you love about the Restoration Church?

“The people are what make the Restoration Church special. We welcome everyone from all denominations. Because we have so many people from so many denominations, they bring a variety to our church. It’s a beautiful thing to see people come together and say, 'We’re Christians, we love the Lord.’”

Do you ever feel God’s presence out in the field?

“Yes. I’ve had the Lord deal with me about sermons while I was in the field. It’s a very peaceful time for me.”