Sanderson Farms : G&P FARMS

Much like the two generations before him, Gary Malone had a life-long dream to become a poultry farmer just like his parents and grandparents. After working at a sawmill for nearly twenty-two years, the opportunity presented itself for him to enter the poultry industry and become a family farmer for Sanderson Farms. Soon afterwards, Malone and his wife, Pam, began construction on their three-house breeder farm in Waynesboro, Mississippi.

In the spring of 2009, the Malones received their first flock of birds, and they have been growing chickens for the company ever since. In addition to his poultry farming operation, Malone also raises cattle and cuts and bales hay on his farm.

Malone and his wife have been married for 17 years, and they have two sons, two daughters and four grandchildren. The Malones' passion for poultry was passed down to their children, as one daughter and her husband now own a broiler farm of their own. Malone and his wife are active members of Lee's Chapel Church, and he also serves as the District 4 Supervisor for their county.

Now that their children are all adults with careers of their own, the Malones believe that raising their children on the farm helped them to grow closer to one another and learn to appreciate the value of a hard day's work. Malone is thankful that his career has allowed him to provide for his family and pay for his children's education.

For Malone, the most rewarding factor of growing poultry is knowing that he is playing a small part in providing food for the world. "Farming gives my family a strong sense of accomplishment, and farming is a way of life," said Malone. "You don't take for granted what the Lord provides from the land and nature." He believes his biggest responsibility is maintaining efficient operations on the farm to ensure that the health and welfare of the flock are in order.

Malone and his wife also believe it is important to educate future generations about farming and teach others how to keep the cycle of the chicken industry running. To a young farmer, he would encourage that farming is challenging, but there are many rewards in meeting each challenge.

"Farming takes commitment," said Malone. "It is time consuming, but you can see the product of your labors paying off."