CST Farm
By Paige Kocourek
Tye Clark has always believed that farm fresh produce is higher quality than its frozen counterpart, which is why he began using a high tunnel structure to grow and provide farm fresh produce to his local community. A high tunnel is a temporary structure used to extend the growing season. While Clark and his family have always been subsistence farmers, the structure provided him with the means to grow the harvest yield necessary to begin selling at farmer’s markets in Cameron, WV. Eating fresh and locally sourced produce is pivotal to living a healthy life, and Clark is playing an important role in making eating wholesome food accessible.
He started his business two years ago and has successfully become proficient in growing high-quality produce. He does this through soil testing, crop rotation and proper fertilization. These three combined techniques help Clark keep his quality expectations high for the yield he sells.
Through the process of running his own business, Clark has gained an early understanding of fiscal responsibility and has newfound respect for the farm-to-table process. He discovered running a business requires the development of a diverse skill set and that it takes a lot more than an in-depth knowledge of agriculture to create a meaningful business. The 11th grader’s impressive work ethic, humble nature and future goals are making a difference in his community.
While he spends most of his free time in the garden or tending to his hens and 20 head of cattle, Clark also hands out boxes of food at his church and works with a local organization to install irrigation systems in gardens for community members with disabilities.
Following his graduation from Cameron High School, Clark plans to attend West Virginian Northern Community College to pursue a career in welding. He intends to do this alongside the continuation of his produce business and raising poultry and calves. Clark also has big goals for farming.
“I would like to extend my reach to more communities by taking my produce to more farmers markets,” he says. “I would also like to see my produce in local restaurants.”
The entrepreneur’s work is a good reminder to buy local foods and support West Virginia communities.
“It brings me a lot of pride to receive this award,” says Clark. “Agriculture and my family go hand in hand. I’m the fourth generation to farm this land and know that wherever my journey takes me, agriculture will have a large role in the person I am and will become.”
