Beyond the Fence Post

Welcome to Beyond the Fence Post. Here you will find ramblings about some of my favorite things- Jesus, Agriculture, and adventures with friends and family.

I was raised in rural farming America – Wrights Corner, Loudon Township, Beecher City IL. As the locals say, “It’s God’s country – because only He can find it.” The family farm was home to a host of livestock (shorthorn cattle, Southdown sheep, rabbits, goats, chickens, horses of all kinds) over the years but the pride of the farm was Belgian draft horses. I shoveled manure, sweated in the hay field, hauled water in dry summers, and busted ice covered water tanks alongside my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and siblings. Graduation took me to Southern Illinois University where I earned a degree in Agriculture followed by a school counseling degree (a different kind of herding).   My first teaching assignment was in a rural migrant community, Cobden, IL– Home of the Appleknockers!   My drive to school miles of orchards, vineyard, and family produce farms. I loved every thing about that community. I would have lived there a lifetime, but the Lord had other plans for me.

Those plans brought me to the Brazos Valley in the heat of the summer, June 2017, as a part of a church plant team to College Station, Texas. It was quite possibly the hardest thing I would ever do –leave my family, friends, and the most amazing career. I did it knowing that Jesus is faithful and that He would bless me beyond measure. I miss everything about home most days, but it makes the trips back home so much sweeter and precious. At times that is easier than others, but it always brings joy. Prior to moving here, I lived in Southern Illinois where Jesus saved me. Since that day, Jesus has continued to grow my understanding of him and who he has made me to be. He is continually showing me how he loves me. Even though I’m along way from the farm these days, God has maintained my passion for Agriculture and continually gives me moments to breathe it in and share it with others.

Today’s agriculture is so much more than Ole McDonald and Charlottes’ Web. That version of agriculture (without talking pig, rodents, and spiders) still exists, but agriculture has and is continuing to change to meet the demands of the growing world. The men and women champions of today’s farms are brave and bold in their passion for their niche crops and products. Underneath the callused hands, sweat stained work clothes, and dusty boots, you will find innovative business people dedicated to supporting their families and continuing an agriculture legacy. They have a story to be told, a way of life to be shared, and so much knowledge to be gleaned. From apples to zinnias, these farmers are as interesting as their ventures. I don’t know where this journey will take me but I am excited to explore the Brazos Valley and share my love for agriculture with all of you.

-Charlee