Fridays on the Farm: The Fruits of Service

This Friday, meet Burthel Thomas of the Thomas Farm Corporation in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. As a boy, Burthel always dreamed of owning land. His dream became a reality in 2015 when he purchased a 10-acre strip of land. His operation now spans 275 acres where he raises soybeans, watermelons, cut flowers and more. Burthel’s farm is more than just acres of crop – it’s a living testament to perseverance, purpose, and partnership.

Never Giving Up

Growing up in Dumas, Arkansas, his desire to live and work on a farm was kindled through visits with his childhood friend after school and seeing the different aspects of the farming lifestyle. 

“I would always get off at the bus stop with my friend just so I could go and see his farm,” said Burthel. “I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a farmer.”

To Burthel, the key to being successful is never letting the small things affect you. As a former member in the Arkansas Army National Guard, he was taught to never give up.

“Farming is about precision and preparation,” he said. “Just like in the Guard, you have to be ready for anything – the weather, the market, pests, you name it. But you face it head-on, stay flexible, and keep moving. The lessons I learned in the Guard help me every single day out here. You’ve got to be disciplined to run a farm, just like the military. You’ve got to trust your team and know your land just like you know your equipment.” 

Partnership with NRCS

Starting and maintaining a successful farm operation is no small task. Thankfully, Burthel found a steadfast partner in USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Connecting with the NRCS helped him grow responsibly, sustainably, and with a long-term vision.

Burthel participated in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement several conservation practices on his farm, including cover crops, nutrient management, integrated pest management, irrigation water management, reduced tillage, crop rotation, deep tillage, and crop residue.

Burthel also expressed that soybeans play an important role in his crop rotation, especially when paired with alternative crops across his land. He noticed that his soybean yields consistently improved when they followed a cover crop. This reinforced his commitment to soil-building practices that support long-term productivity and regenerative agriculture. 

He also refined his nutrient management system to focus on improving plant performance through the targeted application of micronutrients and biological stimulants, helping him boost efficiency while supporting healthier, more resilient crops. 

Implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) also helped Burthel elevate his operation. With NRCS guidance, Burthel was able to implement practices that improve food safety, manage irrigation efficiently, and reduce risk to his crops. This support helped him prepare for local and regional markets with confidence, knowing his produce met high standards for quality and safety. 

“The NRCS didn’t just show up once, they’re partners,” Burthel said. “They’ve been there, step by step, helping me improve the soil, conserve water, and grow smarter.”

More Information

Visit local farms, ranches, forests, and resource areas through our Fridays on the Farm stories. Meet farmers, producers, and landowners who are working to improve their operations with USDA programs. 

USDA offers a variety of risk management, disaster assistance, loan, and conservation programs to help producers weather ups and downs in the market, recover from natural disasters, and invest in improvements to their operations. Learn about additional programs. 

For more information about USDA programs and services, contact your local USDA service center.