Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1471258
2022 Farm Family Salute 9 June 2022 Josh and Amber knew they both wanted the same things in life and decided to get married in 2006. Four years later, in 2010, after several rented places and a lot of growing pains and hard work, they purchased the place they now call home. "We are so blessed to raise our kids on this beautiful ranch," Josh said. "It's fun watching our girls learn and grow in this industry. Watching their own dreams take root." Josh and Amber's two girls—Ava, age 14 and Ruby, age 10—have both taken to the family business like naturals. "Our daughters both show cattle for 4-H," Josh said. "They are members of the Arkansas Junior Cattlemen Associ- ation and numerous breed associations. Livestock showing is a family affair. We enjoy bringing in new animals each year and watching them and our kids grow throughout the season." And the Thomason girls have their own success stories. Ava has won Supreme Overall Heifer at the County Fair for the past four years. She also won Supreme Breeding Heifer at the Arkan- sas Youth Expo and at the Arkansas State Fair in 2021. Ruby prefers steers and has held on to her County Fair Steer Cham- pion title the last two years. "We sell the steers at the end of a program to families to stock their freezer," Josh said. "The money from that sale is used to buy the next project. They have grown their own small herds from the show animals they retire. They enjoy playing a role in breeding them back to improve the herd and see what they get when it calves. It's instilled great work ethic in them both." When asked what advice he might have for young people considering a farming life, Josh is quick to underscore the importance of having a good partner. "It is incredibly hard work that will humble you in the most gratifying way," he explained. "When you are exhausted and it seems never ending and you wonder if it is worth it. Please remember that is absolutely is. It is so worth it. So my advice is, don't give up. But definitely find someone worth sharing the tears, laughs and triumphs with. Amber and I couldn't do this without each other." Both Josh and Amber have been active in the community. Josh served on the Krooked Kreek Fire Board from 2013 to 2017. He was an FSA Board Member from 2008 to 2015. He also spent a couple of years as a First Presbyterian Church Elder. Amber has served on the Boone County Fair Board since 2016. As for being named Farm Family of the Year, Josh says: "We were surprised. There are so many worthy families in this area. So I guess you could say we are humbled and grateful for the recog- nition." BOONE