The Hoodenpyle family of Walters was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 4 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 83rd annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Weston and Lacie Hoodenpyle run a primarily stocker calf operation, with cow-calf growing on winter wheat to complement their beef production. They also grow a percentage of the summer crop, sudan, for hay purposes. Their farming and ranching operation consists of 3,000 acres of cultivation and grass.
Weston finds passion through taking care of the land. He is a fourth-generation farmer, learning from his great-grandfather, grandfather and dad. He grew up helping his dad on his farm and ranch where he farms about 5,000 acres and runs about 3,000 head of stocker calves and about 600 head of cows.
“To me, why it is important to take care of the land is to leave something for the next generation,” Weston said. “I think I care on a deeper level then what most people know. I just want to leave the place in better shape than I got it.”
Weston and Lacie raise their daughter Jaycee on their farm and ranch. She helps with the responsibilities with moving hay, hauling hay, feeding cows, putting out minerals and rotating cattle from pasture to pasture. She also plays softball, basketball, runs track and shows sheep.
Lacie did not grow up with the farming life, but now helps in each aspect of the farm and ranch.
“I didn’t come from a farm life, I married into it,” Lacie said. “I always said I wanted to be a farmer’s wife. I wouldn’t want any other life than this.”
Along with their farm and ranch operation, the Hoodenpyles also lease their hometown golf course.
“This is something I always wanted to do,” Weston said. “I always wanted to be in the turf management field. I love taking care of grass.”
The Hoodenpyles utilize their golf course to also give back to their community.
“Every Wednesday night we have a big scramble,” Weston said. “After everyone finishes their nine holes, my wife prepares food for everybody, and we hang out and have fellowship and eat. That’s what a lot of guys look forward to it to get them through the week.”
Weston served for five years on the Association of Southwest Oklahoma Governments and now serves as a board member of the Rural Water District Three and Cotton County Farm Bureau.
“I can’t change the world, but I can start right here, I can go out from here,” Weston said. “I want to grow a product that I’m proud of, that if I can just start right here in my community, helping the popple around us comes first.”
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program celebrates nine farm and ranch families from around the state who carry on the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and our rural communities.
“Our state’s family farmers and ranchers do so much for our state from feeding and clothing Oklahomans to taking care of our natural resources,” said Mignon Bolay, OKFB WLC chair. “Our Women’s Leadership Committee is proud to recognize these nine farm and ranch families and share their stories of agricultural excellence and rural community involvement.”
As part of their recognition, the family received a cash award and a custom sign to hang at their farm gate. The family was also recognized at the 2024 OKFB convention with a video sharing their agricultural operation and heritage.
