As is often the case, following a recent visit to a working farm, I left with a handful of new friends. I also came away from the Grills farm with a deep appreciation of how seriously the family takes the responsibility of preserving, maintaining and enhancing the legacy of a ninth-generation farm in Dyer County, Tenn.  

I had looked forward to this farm visit for several months, initially intrigued by a press release. I did a phone interview with two of the brothers, Rusty, 36, and Hunter, 31. Their younger brother, Cody, 29, and their father, Jack, were not available. I got enough information in a 40-minute conversation to write something, but, after reviewing my notes, I knew this story begged for in-person conversations.

We set up a visit, had to reschedule once, then hit on a day when harvest was in full swing and everyone was available.

We gathered around the dining room table, enjoyed Ann Grills’ — mom and wife —banana nut bread, and met Rusty’s wife, Christi and daughters, Hadley, 7, and Jaxie, 4.

The conversation was far-ranging, from production practices, conservation, matters of faith — an omnipresent quality in everything they do — and the possibilities of the Braves and the Cardinals getting to the playoffs.

See also: Ninth generation feels privilege and responsibility for farm - Part one

I learned how the farm passed from generation to generation through Jack’s grandmother’s family, the Mulherins.

I discovered that their commitment to stewardship is a means to “honor the Lord.”

I found out that Rusty is a County Commissioner. Hunter is youth director at their church and a pilot. Cody earned enough college credits in high school to complete a college degree at 20 and works three nights a week as a radiologist in a nearby hospital.

See also: Managing weeds essential to farm stewardship

The Grills’ family gatherings are a lot like mine—a lot of good natured teasing and laughter.

We finished the day in a soybean field. Hunter ran the combine; Cody manned the grain trailer; Jack pulled the bean header to the field and let me hitch a ride. Rusty ferried me from one end of the field to the other in a four-wheeler, positioning me for photo ops as the combine made its way through what looked like a good field of beans.

By the end of the day, I had an invitation to come back anytime and a further temptation of a fishing trip on Reelfoot Lake.

I left knowing I had witnessed something that’s rare in other parts of the country, but not in rural communities where I’ve spent countless delightful, enlightening hours, and where I have witnessed generosity, unmatched work ethic and deep-rooted faith.

The Grills have relied on those qualities, especially their faith, through nine generations, qualities they hold as dear as the legacy of the land they continue to maintain and enrich.