26 Sep 2009 Schaefers enjoy farming lifestyle

The Schaefers family has been working the land in the Lollie Bottoms since 1972, growing soybeans, wheat, corn, hay and beef cattle. “It keeps us busy,” Bob said. In addition to the 900 acres, the family also farms in three other locations.

Bob, who worked for about 10 years for the Cooperative Extension Service, and his wife, Pat, purchased about 900 acres in southern Faulkner County and harvested their first crop in 1973. The land was part of the original J.E. Little Plantation.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Bob said.

The couple’s four grown children are also involved in agriculture. Their son Daryl and his wife Lisa (children Daniel and Andy) operate the pumpkin patch – started about 12 years ago – that adjoins the Schaefer Corn Maze.

Bob and Pat’s son Chris (wife Debbie and children Cole, Kyle and Caleb) and son James (wife Brandi and children Kennedy Hancock and Emma) farm full time as well and have leased 1,300 acres in Perry County.

Their daughter Angela (husband Robert and children Lucas and Annamarie) helps with the corn maze.

“Everyone’s involved with it, even the grandkids,” Bob said.

CORN MAZE

The corn maze was “Momma’s idea,” according to Bob, and a good one. Pat had read about similar mazes in other places and thought it was a good fit for the family’s farm. The couple said the only other maze they are aware of in Arkansas is located in Augusta (Woodruff County).

In its fifth year, the maze is plenty of work but it has attracted thousands of visitors and provided an opportunity to expand the farm’s operation. “We have met so many people,” Bob said. “That’s what I enjoy. Of course, it’s a lot of work too.”

The family submits ideas to a company based in Kansas City that designs and cuts the trails for the maze. While most of the corn on the farm is planted in March and April, the seeds for the maze go in the ground in early July. “It’s planted late so it’s green when the maze starts,” Bob said.

This year’s design – which involves about 14 acres – sports the University of Central Arkansas bear logo. Last year, the design featured the Statue of Liberty and two years ago it was an Arkansas Razorback.

The couple is uncertain how many have actually been through the maze each year, noting that during the most popular weekends in October that several thousand attend. That leads to parking problems and long lines for hayrides but rarely does anyone get upset.
“I hate the book work and the worry about our crops,” said Pat. “I love this part because of the people and the kids. Very few go away unhappy. I also like having the family all together.”

According to Pat, the maze and pumpkin patch have attracted visitors – including school and church groups – from all over the state who want to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about farm life. In fact, a preschool group from De Queen (Sevier County) is already booked for October.

Beginning in mid September and running until the first of November, the maze is open for groups by appointment through the week with special rates for groups of 20 or more. On the weekends, the maze is open to the public until 11 p.m.

The complex features a concession stand, picnic area, corn pit, tricycle corral, straw tunnels, horse shoes, sack races and hay bales to climb on. There is also a “corn maze express ride” for little ones.

Each year, the family tries to expand its offerings so visitors will want to return every year, Bob said. This year, an addition has been made to the barn so the children’s play area will be covered. The expansion also provides additional space for picnic tables.

THE FUTURE

As interest increases in activities like the corn maze – called “ag tourism” – the Schaefers hope to continue to grow and expand this aspect of their farm, perhaps adding a second maze at some point.

Pat anticipates a “big future” for those interested in pursuing agriculture-related tourism because “people are looking for things to do. Already we have people who come from all corners of the state to our corn maze.”

There’s even the notion of promoting “hay-cations” where individuals pay to work on a farm, similar to time spent on a dude ranch in other parts of the country. “We could do that right here,” Pat said.

The Schaefers are also looking for opportunities to expand this aspect of their farm year-round, not just in the fall. “We have to expand,” Bob said. “People expect you to do more. They don’t want the same thing.”

FARM FAMILY HONORS

In the meantime, the family is proud of the county and district farm family recognition it has received. This is the second time that the Schaefers have been named as the Faulkner County Farm Family. It is the first time they have been named district winners.

“It’s an honor,” said Pat, noting that agriculture is a big industry in the state. “We are thrilled to be chosen.”

Bob points out as district winners the family will be treated to a dinner with Gov. Mike Beebe. At the banquet, scheduled in December, the state farm family will be announced.

Farming isn’t without its challenges and difficulties. Bob points to the competition for land and property values, which are higher in central Arkansas than in other parts of the state. The Schaefer farm is located along the Arkansas River, which Bob admits adds another worry for the family.

When Pat reflects on their years in farming, she wonders how the family survived. There are several factors which don’t make it appealing, including long hours, expensive land prices and the market for products. “It is the riskiest thing you can do,” she said. “You have to love farming or you wouldn’t do it. It’s a lifestyle. Not one a lot of people would choose.”

Pat considers the fall a special time of the year. “You reap the rewards, you hope, of what you worried with the rest of the year.”
While there are obvious challenges in farming, Bob said he enjoys the independence that it offers versus working with the public. “I just thought it was an opportunity down here.”

Farm families in the 501

First established in 1947, Arkansas’ Farm Family of the Year program is the longest running effort of its kind in the nation.
Program sponsors are Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Press Association, Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas, Farm Credit Midsouth, ACA, AgHeritage Farm Credit Services and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, with the cooperation of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, USDA Rural Development, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Arkansas Department of Workforce Education and the Arkansas Agriculture Department.

Conway County
Eric and Carla McClaren of Hattieville

Cleburne County
Dewayne and Kim Ezell of Drasco

Faulkner County
Bob and Pat Schaefers of Conway

Garland County
Clint and Marti Henson of Bonnerdale

Hot Spring County
James and Karen Bozeman of Malvern

Lonoke County
Jim and Louise Malone of Lonoke

Perry County
Ted and Terry McClenning of Perryville

Pulaski County
Britt and Amy Roper of England

Saline County
David and Karen Glenn of Benton

Van Buren County
Larry and Susan Housley of Leslie

White County
Phillip and Dena Hamilton of Searcy