The Jacobs family of Frederick was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 2 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 83rd annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Derek and Paige Jacobs share a long history with farm and ranch families. They now farm on a combination of owned and rented land in Tillman, Kiowa and Cotton counties. Their farming operation consists of cotton and wheat, with a recent introduction of corn on their crop land.
“Both of our families have been here for over 100 years farming and ranching.” Paige said.
Derek started a custom hay business when he was still in college. Their farming operation began in 2008 after Derek was offered to rent land. They started by growing alfalfa, cotton and wheat, while they still managed the custom hay operation and hauling cattle.
As their farming operation continued to grow, the Jacobs family began to slow down their custom hay business and added custom cotton, wheat and corn harvesting. In 2015, they began their trucking company hauling grain and cattle.
“I grew up helping my dad and uncle, who are partners on a beef cattle and farming operation,” Derek said “I really never thought of doing anything else. It’s a great place to raise a family.”
Along with their extensive farming operation, the Jacobses have been growing their cow-calf operation, running registered angus and commercial red angus cattle. For the past few years, they have introduced running stocker calves on their wheat pasture.
The Jacobses raise their two kids, Tucker, 12, and Jaycee, 4, on their farm. Tucker helps on the farm by running the grain cart, hay rakes and loader tractor. This year, he began plowing. He also helps with the cattle, especially in the sorting pen, and shows heifers which keeps him busy through the school year. Jaycee can be seen all around the farm, tagging along with her family.
“I want to teach our kids that community is important and our values on the farm are important,” Paige said. “I think being out here helps with that.”
The Jacobs family also strives to be involved within their community. Derek is on the Tillman County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Tillman County junior livestock show committee. Paige is on the Tillman County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, involved with both kids’ school activities and helps with several different community events. The family is also involved with the county 4-H and FFA events, especially with livestock shows.
“It doesn’t feel like we go to work really,” Derek said. “We have bad days like everybody else does, but this is who we are, it is what we do.”
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.
