Farming on a Third Generation
Photo and Story By Jordyn Rohrman
When you ask most kids what they want to be when they grow up they’ll respond with an actor, a doctor or maybe even a jet pilot.
This was never the case for the Hawman brothers, Alex and Kevin. Taking on the family farm located outside of Hermiston was always on their agenda.
For 32 years the Hawman family has farmed their 2,500 acres with perennial rye grass seed, Bermuda grass seed, radish seed and other small seed crops. They also lease out acres to other local farms for watermelon, potatoes and onions.
The thought of running a family farm these days is quite ambitious and can scare some away. However, neither Hawman brother contemplates choosing a different path than their dad Mike Hawman, and before him, his dad Phil Hawman.
Into the 21st Century their father-like-son tradition continues. All three generations have pursued higher education with focuses in agriculture. Alex, the oldest, graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a degree in Ag Business in 2011. Kevin is currently pursuing a degree at Blue Mountain Community College in Crop Production and Ag Business. When asked about following another career path, both Alex and Kevin laugh.
“I think about doing something else and it just doesn’t fit,” Alex explained. “When you go home and you start dreaming about it, it must mean it’s part of you.”
And the farm is certainly a part of the whole family.
“I’ve always looked up to my dad and what he does,” said Kevin.
All three generations take pride in their progressive farming and are in constant pursuit of different approaches to a successful farm.
“It will be a challenge for them to take on the family farm, yet exciting at the same time,” said Mike Hawman.
Between the growth of agriculture technology and corporate farms it is increasingly difficult for family farms to stay afloat. Efficiency and productivity in the next decade are just two areas that the Hawman brothers want to focus on to be competitive.
None of the Hawmans take their business lightly. With computer controlled pivots, GPS tractors and circle mapping to pinpoint areas that need more fertilizer, their process is constantly evolving. New technology allows the Hawmans to have a progressive style of farming; using a variable pump allows water to be pumped from the Columbia River when needed to increase energy and water efficiency.
“We’re always experimenting and trying new things out here,” says Alex.
Alex and Kevin have a positive outlook on where their family farm is headed in the future. Hawman Farms look to markets in North America, Australia, Europe, South America and all over the world to sell their seed. This past summer seed was sent to the World Cup in Brazil. They plan to expand their seed plant and its capabilities to a larger scope in the upcoming years.
The brothers are both passionate about their third generation farm and look into the future with goals and positivity. Mike Hawman explained that the combination of Alex and Kevin’s strengths are the perfect pair for the Hawman Farm’s next generation of business.
“Most farms are having a hard time staying on track once they get to the third generation, but I feel like we can change that. I think we can do just as good, if not better.”