Today we’d like to introduce you to James Schilling.
James, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born in 1939 and having farmed rice and raised cattle my whole life, I began raising chickens and gardening in my so-called retirement. I think I’m busier now than when I farmed 100s of acres and ran several heads of cattle. I graduated from Texas Christian University in the ’60s and am still a die-hard Horned Frog. I’ve also been involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo most of my life. I serve as a Lifetime Director and am a former Chairman of the HLSR International Committee.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The demand for organically raised chicken eggs and organically grown produce has only increased since I started going to farmer’s markets several years ago. Trying to keep loyal customers happy while expanding to meet demands of other new customers can be a task. I do what I can to keep the chickens happy and fed, and they give me eggs for my customers. It’s pretty simple.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m old-style. I was brought up in a completely different time and out in the country. I like to know what I’m eating, I like my customers to know what they’re eating, and I like to watch things grow. There aren’t many 80 year old out selling at farmer’s markets, so I guess that’s one thing that would set me apart from others. My old cowboy hat usually sets me apart too. Lots of my customers know to look for it.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Success at 80 is a whole lot different than success was at 40 or 50. I can say that I’ve been a lot of places many people haven’t and done a lot of things most haven’t in my lifetime. I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in the small community of Garwood, Texas, just like my own Dad, and just like I raised my own daughters. Success right now is being healthy, busy, and happy with what you’re doing. I raise vegetables and chickens, walk over a mile a day on gravel roads for exercise, have healthy children and three beautiful grandchildren. If that isn’t a success, I don’t know what is.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 979-758-2212
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: facebook.com/schillingfarms/
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