Natural beauty: Mark Hall values reward of farming

Success is measured in different ways for different people. Some measure their success by how much money they make, and some measure success by the fruits of their labor – or in Mark Hall’s case, the cotton of his labor, or corn or wheat or soybeans.

Pretty much any row crop is the name of Hall’s game.

Hall is the agronomic crops Extension agent for Franklin and nine other counties. He spends his time working in his communities, answering questions and holding meetings, as well as doing his own planting and growing at home.

“One of my favorite parts is helping people one-on-one and developing those relationships,” Hall said.

He educates people on numerous topics like plant diseases, fertility and crop production. Hall even worked with the Tennessee Valley Research Station on how crops respond to chemical fertilizers versus natural fertilizers.

One of the most important topics Hall said he deals with is educating farmers on crop protection chemicals because they are constantly changing, and farmers have to have a license to buy them.

“There are real consequences when it comes to planting and growing. You have to do things right. Mother Nature doesn’t accept excuses,” Hall said.

The economy doesn’t accept excuses either, which is why Hall said it is a stressful time for farmers right now. Input prices for the crops, the seeds and the crop protection are still the same, Hall explained, but prices for crops like soybeans and corn have dropped – which could leave farmers in a financial bind.

“You have to plan and be diligent and put in the work,” Hall said, “but that work is rewarded.”

That reward is one of the reasons, Hall said, that he enjoys what he does so much. He said as a child he loved participating in 4-H in Limestone County, where he grew up. Hall participated in many 4-H programs, like show hogs.

He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture from Auburn University and has worked with Extension his whole career.

“It appealed to me at an early age. I like doing outside activities, and it’s something positive to do,” Hall said.

On his own time Hall grows his own shrubs, flowers and vegetables like tomatoes, okra, beans, peas and corn. “I like growing things – the natural beauty of it. There’s a cause-and-effect balance to it,” he said.

His love for agriculture runs in his blood. Hall’s grandfather was a farmer, and even though he was too young to experience that with him, the love for it has clearly passed down the line.