Diversified Farmer Feature: Ben Gilbert

Diversifying the farm has helped Ben Gilbert’s farming operation evolve and remain profitable.

QUICK STATS

Farmer: Ben Gilbert
Location: Grainger County
Member: Tennessee Corn Promotion Board
Acreage: Approx. 2,500 acres
Row Crops: Corn and soybeans
Diversified Crops: Pumpkins, mums, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers
Livestock: Approx. 1,000 stock calves

Growing up on a family farm, Ben Gilbert has always had strong roots in agriculture. Following his dad’s footsteps, he started his own farm in 2013 and began raising cattle. Three years later, he added a few acres of pumpkins. After pumpkins came row crops of corn and soybeans. And from there, cantaloupe, watermelon and cucumber were added – making for a diverse range of crops, produce and livestock grown on the farm. 

“I have always been fascinated with pumpkins,” says Ben. “The first year, we decided to grow three acres just to try it and it took off and grew from there.”

Today, Ben grows over 120 acres of pumpkins and about 10,000 potted mums yearly. The pumpkins, mums and other fall items are sold as far south as Florida and at their Gilbert Pumpkins retail location. Open to the public during weekends in September and October, a peak Saturday in September might garner nearly 700 people. Food trucks and other experiences make it an appealing weekend activity for visitors. From an agritourism perspective, Ben says there is potential for people to experience agriculture. 

“Where we are located, farmland is leaving like crazy,” says Ben. “There’s a huge opportunity for people to get in touch with agriculture; people that are just wanting somewhere to go, hang out for the afternoon, and walk through the pumpkins and flowers.” 

Additionally, the retail location has a few acres of sunflowers, zinnias and even cotton, allowing for picturesque scenes open to professional photographers who can book time slots throughout the open weekends to take photos. 

While the retail side of the farm is booming, so is the produce. Ben grows cantaloupes, watermelons and cucumbers, supplying to local mom-and-pop grocery stores as well as farmer’s markets. 

Ben says diversifying the farm has helped his operation evolve and remain profitable and attributes much of its success to its employees. 

“The operation would be nothing like is today if it wasn’t for the great employees who have been with me for several years,” says Ben. 

In the future, Ben hopes to expand by adding things like spring flowers and vegetable plants. 

Ben is a member of the Tennessee Corn Promotion Board and works as a Member Services Representative for East Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina at GreenPoint Ag. He and his wife Gigi have two boys, Glen Thomas and Houston.