By Hillary Hibbard, Arizona Farm Bureau Intern: Veteran Farm Bureau leader (a member for more than 50 years) has seen lots of changes and keeps a humble perspecitive regarding his lifetime of experiences. 

An ongoing series: An Interview with Jim Houser, owner of Jim Hauser Farms

Tell us about your farm and ranch

All I do is farm. I farm mostly alfalfa and Sudan grass. The last few years we have been short on water, so we have not been able to farm as much as we did in the past.

 Jim Hauser (left) confers with Rancher David Brown about some old Apache County Farm Bureau photos. 

What changes have you seen in your lifetime as it relates to farming and/or ranching?

Up in this country, we definitely have much less water than we used to have. More specifically the past 20 years. In the 1970, 80’s and 90’s we had plenty of water and we have struggled to get water since.

Why did you choose to go into agriculture?

My granddad on both sides, as well as my father, were all farmers so I just followed along with the family farming tradition.

Will anyone in your family -younger generation -pursue farming and/or ranching?

Some of my grandkids enjoy farming and helping me around the farm, so maybe they will. My boys were very helpful but have chosen another path now.

Would you ever consider growing an emerging crop or changing your farm or ranch model?

No, there is not much to change in this county.

What are your community activities? Why are you involved?

I am on both of the water boards: St. Johns Irrigation Company and the Lime and Water Company, they are the water district in this area.

What is one fact/experience/achievement no one knows about you?

People know more about me than I know about myself! (as he breaks out in laughter)

What do you think you do really well? Explain.

That is hard to say. I do what I can and that’s about it!

Why are you a farm bureau member?

I have been a member for over 50 years. I have been President of Apache County Farm Bureau up here for several years. You definitely meet quality people through the Farm Bureau, that’s for sure!

Jim Hauser during his time as president for Apache County Farm Bureau a few years back during a food drive on behalf of the community.

How will the next generation of farmers have to operate?

If they don’t want to work they better stay out of agriculture!! That’s about all I can say!

Editor's Note: Apache County farmers and ranchers consider Jim their historian as he can most likely tell you who's who in an old historical Apache County Farm Bureau photo. 

Join our Family!