Today, the average American is three
generations removed from the farm. For many
families in rural America this may be hard to
fathom, as agriculture has been a part of their
heritage for many generations. The Sam
Tuckwiller family is no different. For them,
farming is in the genes. This family is proud of
their heritage, and it is this passion that drives
them to be optimistic about the future of their
agriculture endeavors.
Proud History
Sam Tuckwiller, along with sons Byron and
Ben, operate Triple T Angus. The trio’s cow-calf
operation is located just off of beautiful Route
60, not too far from the hustle and bustle of
downtown, Lewisburg, West Virginia. According
to Ben, “The Tuckwiller’s have been farming for
probably five generations,” as the family has
resided in the Greenbrier Valley since the 1700s.
Rooted in rich tradition, it is no wonder Sam, a
son of a farmer, and part of a prominent farming
family, decided to remain in agriculture.
Ben and Byron caught the farming fever at
an early age, growing up helping and watching
their father and uncle John. After high school,
the sons headed to college to pursue agriculture
degrees, and returned to the Greenbrier Valley
in the late 1980’s to begin Triple T Angus. They
began with a few head of cattle and quickly grew
to maintain about 60 cows of their own. Byron
worked exclusively for Triple T, while Ben worked
with Sam and John until the division of the
Tuckwiller Brothers operation. In 1996, Sam and
John decided to divide landholdings and cattle,
and thus was the inception of the Sam, Ben, and
Byron operating exclusively as Triple T Angus.
As the operation has evolved over the years, this
team has worked hard to maintain a clear mind
and understanding of their business goals and
commitments. They strive to be progressive,
which is evident as each one of them can explain
their use of technology along with common sense
to benefit their operation in Southeast West
Virginia.
Farming Today
The demands of managing both land and
cattle have led the three man crew to take
on various roles within the operation. Byron
balances the breeding program, records, and
secretarial work, while Ben utilizes his versatility
and expertise to serve as the head mechanic,
and advisor on crops and feed rations. Sam, 78,
considers himself the chief errands runner these
days, but even though he may profess to play
a lesser role in the day to day tasks, it is easy
to see that he still enjoys all aspects of farming.
Even with their own specialties, there is no
hesitation to join together to complete a task.
Today, the Tuckwillers maintain a herd
inventory of approximately 275 head of purebred
Angus and commercial cattle. Each year,
about 20 yearling Angus bulls are sold private
treaty. Additionally, replacement females are
sold to producers in the surrounding area. The
Tuckwillers strive to develop a strong relationship
with their customers, and strive for the ability
to back up their cattle. Ben explained that they
work with their customers to make sure they are
satisfied with their purchase, and often purchase
some of the offspring back from these buyers.
This allows them to see how the calves perform.
Eye on the Future
The Tuckwillers have not turned their back
to the challenges facing agriculture. Economic
feasibility is of paramount concern. Sam
says, “Feed, fuel, and fence,” are just a few
of the inputs that are putting a strain on profit
margins. Byron sites that constant reevaluation
of farming endeavors is pertinent for future
sustainability. Sam is also quick to point out
that the global economy is a major player in the
beef industry as there is continuing demand
for the export of protein to areas of the world
with increasing standards of living. Globally,
there is also the factor of competition from other
countries producing and exporting beef. United
States cattle inventories at record lows, and
recent price vulnerability, are frequent topics of
conversations for the trio as they work together to
consider options for their operation in this time of
uncertainty.
The Tuckwiller family finds involvement in
Wes irgini Far
West Virginia Farm Bureau N
West Virginia Farm Bureau News
st gini Farm re News
i ia
23
3