10 Aug 2025 Born to fly
By Judy Riley
The term lifelong learner does not begin to describe this gentleman’s search for knowledge. Keith Feather’s life as a farmer, a business owner and community servant has been an ongoing learning process. He is intentional, focused and thoughtful, always with a look to future benefit, not just for his family, but also for his community and the world around him.
“I knew as early as high school that I wanted to pursue a career in farming, although my parents never pushed me to do so,” he said. “What they did was offer to help with my dream.” He was encouraged by his dad, Floyd, to get a good education. After a degree in plant science from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro in 1982, he returned to Griffithville, a small White County town. He intended to farm with his dad and marry his bride-to-be, Tammy Flowers. His study of applied agriculture began in earnest while he and Tammy raised their family.
The farm was originally a modest-sized row crop farm, but it grew to 1,500 acres, one of the most profitable and diverse farms in Central Arkansas. Typically, the farm included 50% soybeans, 25% rice and 25% corn, rotated on an annual basis. After much study and research, the farm now includes 130 acres (about twice the area of a large shopping mall) of pecans.
“We were the first in the county to own a laser land leveling system just as rice acreage was expanding,” Feather said. “My dad started surveying rice levies for other farmers all over the county. Because of the drought in 1980, precision land leveling became key to better water management. Today, except for a field just purchased, the entire farm is leveled. We have about 20 miles of underground irrigation piping with four reservoirs, which helps to make our irrigation system more efficient. We can recapture and recycle around 90% of our water. In 1990, my dad retired, and we sold the surveying business. The farm was incorporated as Feather Farms Inc.”
Feather is recognized as a leader in agriculture by his peers and associates. “Keith is a faithful steward of the land,” said Amanda Mathis, State Conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service. “That takes a willingness to adopt new and innovative techniques for long-term sustainability. He has drawn on mentors in the farming community and used all available resources to improve his operation. When he ever decides to retire, he will be passing down an operation that has been enhanced by his hand and care.”
To diversify, Feather and two college friends purchased Gym Masters, a gym floor installation and refinishing business. After the death of one of the partners, he and remaining partner Brett Farris employed Keith’s son Koby as part of the team. “Whatever Keith gets into, you can be assured he has researched it thoroughly,” Farris said. “He will know more about it than anyone else. He is first a Christian, with good moral character and a pleasure to work with.”
The farming enterprise is moving into the third generation. “Tammy and I raised our sons Koby and Jacob with a focus on providing a good education, encouraging a good work ethic and modeling strong Christian values. We never pushed them into farming,” Feather said.
Their youngest son, Jacob, started college intending to become a nurse but decided that was not for him and asked his parents if he could farm. He completed an MBA at Harding University and formed Dogwood Farms LLC along with his wife, Callie. Father and son then partnered, creating Feather Farms Partnership.
Feather is diminishing his role in the partnership and concentrating on Feather Pecan Co. “The farm as it exists is not large enough to sustain a multi-family row crop operation. Given the location, expansion was not an option,” he said.
To solve this problem, he researched several crops, and planting pecan orchards was the answer. He even intercropped soybeans between the pecan trees to generate income until the trees mature. In six short years, the first crop was harvested. Plans include expanding the acreage and providing locally grown pecans for direct marketing. Learn about them through featherpecan.com.
Maintaining, improving and diversifying the farm is a result of Feather’s need to learn. “Whenever I became interested in a new venture or investment, I dedicated countless hours to studying the subject in-depth,” he said. When he developed an interest in rental properties, his research led him to earn a real estate license. When he began earning an income, he became motivated to better understand taxes. That led to a part-time job with H&R Block. He admits not every venture turns out as expected, but there is always value in the process.
The reason for his success? “I read frequently, though not typically for leisure. I read for information or knowledge. I enjoy learning, which is likely why I enjoy spending time with people who are smarter than me.” This philosophy, plus his desire to serve others, has led to his making time to give back. He served on the Board of Directors of Unity Health for 24 years during Unity’s unprecedented growth. Much of that time, he was vice chair and involved in the expansion from one three-story hospital in Searcy to a network of acquired hospitals and clinics in Central Arkansas. His service includes, but is not limited to, the Southeast White County Fire Department, the County 4-H Foundation Board, the Community Foundation and his church. He recently led efforts to revitalize the Griffithville Community. He chairs the town’s Community Development Organization and is a member of its Civic Club.
Feather is an unassuming, humble, all-American guy who grew up a farmer’s son and returned to his roots. He made his family’s life better, then helped make his community, his town and his county better. Simply put, his lifelong quest for knowledge makes him a 501 star.
