Stacy Finley, J & S Farms
Stacy and her husband, Jerry, have been farming together for some 23 years. Actually, Jerry has farmed his whole life, but Stacy joined in when they got married. They live in Santo, TX, about 75 miles west of Coppell, with their two daughters ages 8 and 4 years old. The Finleys live on about 15 acres but lease other land to farm on, including a peach orchard. Hummm, don't we look forward to those peaches! A hard worker and open to new things, Stacy has started raising mushrooms. They are a whole new ballgame for her, but we are reaping the benefits of her experimentation! If the name Finley sounds familiar, it's because Jerry's uncle is Jack Finley, another popular Coppell Farmers' Market vendor.
Jack Finley, Finley Farms
Jack has farmed out of Lipan, TX for about 35 years. That's not far from Santo, between Mineral Wells and Stephenville. He and his wife, Betty, have one son, Kevin, whom many of you know from the Market. You might also recognize another regular helper, Jay Carpenter, of Coppell. Jack owns about 78 acres, but leases other acreage here and there for his watermelon and cantaloupe, and so he can rotate crops. If you ever wonder how to cook a certain vegetable, Jack and Kevin can give you instructions. They'll also help you pick out the prettiest produce. Ever notice that Jack cuts out of the market once dove season opens? Hunting and fishing is a great reward for a summer of hard work.
Gene Holmes, Oak Ridge Valley Farms
Farming has been Gene's whole life, but becoming Certified Organic meant learning new ways to do it. When asked why he switched, Gene indicated that cancer in his rural family prompted his research into other farming methods. He now feels that the flavor and nutrition of organically raised foods rewards his efforts. Gene has five children ranging in age from 22 to 2 years old. Joed and Christina are manning the Coppell booth on a regular basis now. Gene lives with Teresa, his wife, and family in Grand Saline, about 90 miles east of Coppell. They plant 4.6 acres in crops, though they live on 22 acres. Joed currently has about 280 laying hens, free range in organic pastures, of course.
Keith Copp, Copp's Vegetables
Keith first took up farming as a hobby about 20 years ago, but it has grown into the best way for his children to finance their college educations. It was hard for the kids to get summer jobs when sports teams wanted them to play all summer, too. So farming allowed the kids to work on their own time and still play sports. Keith and his wife, Kassandra, have three children, but his best friend's three children also work the farm and produce stands. The Copp's live in Ponder, about 35 miles north of Coppell, with about 35 acres cultivated. In winter the kids are far flung at Lubbock Christian, UNT and Texas A&M, but growing season fits in well with summer "vacation" so we look forward to seeing them in Coppell.
