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A Leader in Conservation
From the Battlefield to the Streets of DC to Farming...A True Leader
![](corris_jenkins.jpg) |
It can be tough for anyone to examine their life and make a drastic
switch. However, when you have a calling to follow a new path, hard work
and determination will make it a success.
Two stellar examples of successfully changing paths can be seen in two
different poultry producers in Martin County: Mr. Corris Jenkins and
Mrs. Francis Bell. Both were on very different career paths, but with
faith, determination and hard work both have become well respected in
their industry.
Corris Jenkins, though raised on a farm, started working as a school
mentor in his local school district, but in 2004 he had the opportunity
to do something different.
“This farm was for sale and I wanted to take it and do something with
it,” said Corris.
“I knew that this poultry operation had been shut down twice for
underperforming, but I didn’t care about what it was, I wanted to do
something with it.”
He bought the operation, and between 2004 and 2006 he continued to work
in the schools, farm and raise chickens.
“I had no equipment when I started other than a 1979 Chevrolet Truck,”
said Corris. “I didn’t have a tractor, and didn’t know anything about
the chicken business -- or cleaning out a poultry house. There were big
litter piles behind both houses and both houses needed upgrades. I
didn’t know about the rules or regulations, but none of that stopped
me.” |
Mr. Corris Jenkins |
His determination led to success. To move forward, he worked hard.
Corris worked with the integrator to learn about the rules and
regulations for the business, and the upgrades that needed to be made to
the houses. He also worked with the USDA’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Martin County Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD). |
“I had gone to Farm Service Agency for loans and they told me about NRCS and
the District,” said Corris. “And they’ve treated me well.”
With the help of NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Corris was able
to develop a conservation plan and install a dry waste storage facility, which
prevents nutrients and pathogens from entering surface water.
“After I made changes, upgrades and got technical assistance, my first flock was
the largest ever produced on the operation,” said Corris. “My next flock made me
Purdue’s number one producer, and I’ve done it five or six times since then.”
“It is hard work, but it is worth it if you don’t mind the work,” said Corris.
Mrs. Francis Bell, a poultry producer in Martin County was working in a sewing
factory.
“I knew how to punch a clock, but I didn’t know anything about the poultry
business,” said Francis.
In the late 1980s, Francis’ husband Sterling came to her with an interesting
proposition that led her away from the dreaded “time clock” and towards becoming
a respected poultry producer.
“We bought this farm, and my husband said that he would remodel the one chicken
house on the farm if I would agree to run the farm,” said Francis. “I said go
ahead and remodel it.”
Francis did not let the prospects of venturing into the poultry business stand
in her way. “I had no fear at all getting into this. I had a service man that
gave me advice and a really good neighbor who showed me what to do,” said
Francis. “And my neighbor only had to tell me once what to do, and before long I
was producing more than him.”
Working with people in the poultry industry was not the only resource she sought
out for advice. Francis also worked with her local NRCS field office and the
Martin County SWCD. Through technical assistance from NRCS and participating in
Ag-Cost Share through the SWCD, Francis was able to install a dry waste storage
facility and a composter.
When asked about working with the local USDA Field Office and the Martin SWCD,
she quickly stated, “I would tell, and recommend them to, everyone…they’ve
always come through for me.” |
![Mrs and Mr Bell on farm in Martin County North Caorlina](francis_bell.jpg) |
Both Mr. Corris Jenkins and Mrs. Francis Bell are stellar examples of what you
can accomplish when you’ve set your goals, have determination and are not afraid
of following a new path.
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Mrs. and Mr. Bell |
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