Farming a tradition for Winn family

David Whitehead has been farming all his life.

In fact, he was raised on the same land he farms today.

“This farm was established in 1869. My father bought the farm from my great-aunt Suzie,” Whitehead said.

Whitehead said farming is no easy life. He came to realize this at an early age and he would not be able to support his family just through farming.

He has been an employee at Morbark Industries in Winn for the past 30 years, where he builds wood chippers, but he also continues to manage the farm.

Dave and his dog, Ed, walk back on Sept. 27 from their field off Broomfield Road in Winn after picking tomatoes for the road side produce stand. (Nathan Kostegian/Staff Photographer)

“I’ve been growing pumpkins and corn for the past 10 years, and it’s been successful,” he said.

He starts his day with chores around the farm, such as feeding his four beef cows and making sure the fresh produce stand is full and ready for the day’s sales.

Then, it is off to work.

Whitehead said he was able to help pay for most of his three kids’ college tuition from produce he pulled out of the ground. The Whiteheads sell their fresh produce right in their front yard year-round, which is the only way they make money off of their harvest.

Always producing

As the seasons change, so do the items for sale.

From sweet corn in the summer, pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter, the farm is always producing.

Whitehead is a cash cropper and trusts his customers will be honest about the amount they take and pay for, as the only cashier he has is a mailbox on the side of the produce stand.

Dave shares a treat with his dog and friend, Ed, on Sept. 26 as he fills a cow’s water trough on their farm in Winn. Ed plays a big role at Whitehead Farm and is found next to Dave on most days. (Nathan Kostegian/Staff Photographer)

Whitehead said farming has become a global market, but his customers like knowing they are getting fresh produce from a local source and are paying a fair price. He said if he is selling good quality products, then he does not need to worry about them selling.

Whitehead is not all business though; he also is a family man. While on the farm, he also bears the titles of husband, father, son and grandfather.

Even though the whole family is not always on the farm, they have been, are, and always will be Whitehead Farms.