Meet Wayne Hughes
USA Regenerative Ag Director
Rocky Field Farm along the banks of Lick Creek in Greene county Tennessee has provided a home to 9 generations. Wayne Hughes and his family feel fortunate to continue long held traditions and incorporate regenerative agriculture practices that will keep the land productive for future generations.
Wayne fondly remembers the wildlife that inhabited the farm while he was growing up. Trout in the creeks, quail softly whistling in the meadow, bees buzzing around the clover in pastures. The traditional farming methods that were the norm during his childhood - tilling, extensive use of pesticides and herbicides, had taken its toll by the time bought the farm from his dad in the early 90’s.
“The reduction of biodiversity on the farm opened my eyes to the impact of traditional farming methods,” Wayne notes. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that I could improve the land using rotational grazing and changing our focus to improving the soil.” Moving from dairy cattle to beef cattle and using what had been hay ground for pasture has provided more management options that better suited the family’s lifestyle and the land. The registered Angus cattle now enjoy being on pasture most of the year feeding themselves and the soil.
While change always takes time, the healing of the land is evident in the health of the cattle and the returning wildlife. “We have been experimenting with bale grazing this year. Temporary fence is used to give the cattle a few bales at a time.” The cattle eat the hay, leaving manure and urine to feed the soil microbes. The hay that is not eaten becomes mulch, keeping the soil covered and decomposing into nutrients for next year.
When Wayne is not on the farm with his family and taking care of the livestock, he works as Tennessee Farm Bureau Insurance agency manager in Washington County. He enjoys serving others in his community and is ready to lend a hand when needed.
Always trying to be a better steward of the gifts he has been given, Wayne believes in regenerative agriculture and continually working toward living in harmony with nature.
In 2019 Wayne was recognized as Green County’s Farmer of the Year. He became a director of USA Regenerative Ag Alliance to assist others and encourage them on their own journey.
“The older I get, the less I know.” – This sentiment from Wayne reveals his commitment to continual improvement of himself and of the land he calls home.
