Sion was born in Chicago, moving around quite often before ending up in Oklahoma for college. While there, he began working weekends and summers on a cattle farm in Seminole. The work was challenging but gratifying and provided a sense of peace in a busy world. It also brought back memories of a farm his family owned in his childhood. Sion enjoyed working outdoors. He liked the sense of accomplishment each day and working with animals. There were moments, working in the field with the sun on his face when he describes feeling tired but still refreshed. He describes it as good tiredness that keeps you going, feeling positive, and looking forward to what’s next.
During this time, Sion received an intriguing proposal from his father, Michael. While pursuing a Ph.D. at Benedictine University, Michael learned about a new program at The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, a part of the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture. The CAFF Farm School teaches small-scale farming with regenerative methods and farm entrepreneurial skills. Michael was interested in signing up. He had purchased land in Arkansas and wanted to start a farm there.
There was an obstacle to Michael’s dream of a farm. As a disabled veteran, some of the physical labor would be challenging. Michael was injured while serving as a marine corps reservist in the Gulf War. He was on the front line with the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, when a battle injury left him in a coma for six months. After a long recovery, he left the hospital dependent on a heart pump, receiving a transplant four years later.
Michael contacted his son, hoping Sion might join him as a student in the CAFF Farm School. In addition to coursework, the program includes hands-on field experience at the CAFF teaching farm in Fayetteville. Sion could fully participate in the program’s more labor-intensive learning opportunities and farm with his father afterward. The land Michael had purchased would become a family farm. He presented the idea to Sion, who agreed, and they became the first family duo to enter the CAFF Farm School.
Until his father came to him with the proposal, Sion hadn’t envisioned himself as a farmer. Now he sees that as a possible future. He knew he felt something special while working on that cattle farm. He discovered joy in farm life with its purposeful work, interaction with nature, and sense of self-sufficiency. Sion realized he wanted to keep that peaceful feeling in his life and continue producing food. Those were uncoalesced thoughts until his father’s proposal; after that, all of the pieces fell into place, and he could see farming in his future.
Sion is now excited to see where this experience takes them. Continuing as a farmer on the family land is a solid option. Through the CAFF program, he’s learned there are many opportunities for small farm businesses in the rapidly growing northwest Arkansas region. These include agritourism, market farms, hydroponic operations, you-pick fruit farms, and more. He is also considering a degree in horticulture which would open additional opportunities.
For now, Sion is excited about building a farm with his dad, helping him in any way possible. Learning everything he can is his current priority. He says, “I’d like farming to be a generational thing in our family, something I share with my dad and then pass along to my children.” Sion is looking forward to the future and excited about what he’s learned in the program, calling it a blessing.
When asked what advice he can offer others interested in farming, he says, “They should explore what’s driving that curiosity. Take the risk of signing up if possible because learning to grow food is always beneficial. It’s a valuable skill for yourself, your family, and your community.” He adds that enjoying the process is essential. “You can go through it or grow through it. It’s not easy, but it’s tremendously rewarding.” Sion says, “Anyone who learns to grow food will be glad they did.”
There are scholarship opportunities available, including Home Grown by Heroes for veterans. Learn about other scholarships, all of the CAFF programs, or apply for the CAFF Farm School at LearnToFarm.org
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