Some brothers spend their time tormenting each other or fighting over the front seat. Teenage brothers getting along in peace and harmony might happen right after pigs learn to fly a stealth fighter, but this isn't the case in Eddy County, New Mexico.
The Colwell brothers not only get along, they operate their own business, raising steers, lambs, rabbits and pigs that they show at local events each year. They compete in county fairs and sell their award-winning animals. They were eager to discuss the success of their breeding operation.
"There's definitely some work in it," said Tylar, 19. "I'm happy my friends and family helped us out."
Tylar and younger brother Jacob, 16, started seven years ago with just one sow. Now, they have 23 hogs and sows, 10 cows, eight sheep, two boars and 74 piglets. One of those sows is about to deliver a litter. With the help of their family, the brothers recently built a 30- by 40-foot barn and an eight-crate shelter for farrowing.
"Their name is spreading around the county and beyond because of their show pigs," said Shyanne Trammell, the Chavez County Farm Loan Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). "They definitely surprised me from where they started."
Trammell has serviced the Colwells' loans since the brothers walked into the local FSA office. The brothers, who started farming to continue their family's legacy, saw top honors at Eddy County competitions recently. Tylar and Jacob have been using an annual operating Youth Loan from the FSA for the last five years.
New Mexico Farm Service Agency 6200 Jefferson Street, Ste. 211 Albuquerque, NM 87109 www.fsa.usda.gov/nm News Release
Youth loans are available for young farmers between the ages of 10-20 years old with a maximum loan amount of $5,000. Borrowers must be U.S. citizens or legally-admitted, resident aliens with permanent status, and provide a supervised operating plan.
The Colwell brothers used the money to purchase equipment, feed and animals. Loan funds also can be used for seed, supplies, rent or equipment repairs and other operating costs. Last year, Tylar, raised a Hampshire pig that was honored as "Best in Eddy County," and Jacob had animals win Grand Champion of Eddy County, Grand Champion at San Miguel in Mora County and Reserve Grand Champion at Harding County. They received more than just blue ribbons. Those prized animals brought in green cash.
"I like to show what our animals can be," said Jacob. "It's taught me responsibility for taking care of them and the business."
Jacob stressed "responsibility" more than any other principle in regard to his family and business. This principle is linked to their success in competition as well as paying off their loans and staying in good standing with FSA.
They have experienced a few challenges that included some losses in the beginning, but they bounced back after getting guidance from seasoned breeders and farmers. Some of that assistance the boys attributed to the FSA loans, which both admitted strengthened their financial credit and reinforced the strong sense of "responsibility" their mother, Donna, instilled in them.
"I think responsibility is very important," said the boys' mother. "Children who learn it will be better adults."
The siblings offered this advice to young people who are looking to move into the business, "Get involved with the 4-H and Future Farmers of America and go for it."
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But, Jacob warned, "You have to get up really early. It's what you have to do to take responsibility for your business."
To learn more about the FSA Youth Loans, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/youth-loans.