Rector woman has active career in agriculture

The life of a career farmer is by no means an easy existence. The hours are long, while the elements take a toll on not only the crops and equipment, but physically, as well. There are no guarantees for growers, who rely on the production of their crops to not only continue their chosen business, but also provide many of the goods upon which the entire world depends.

Despite the number of difficulties the life of a farmer entails, Rector's Paige Dills has not only embraced the lifestyle, she's thriving in it.

Dills is one of a growing number of women in farming, not only in Arkansas, but all across America.

Although she grew up on a farm with her parents, Buddy and Sherry Dills, the 1988 graduate of Clay County Central High School in Rector was not always determined to enter into farming.

"I had no intention whatsoever of staying around here," Dills said.

While studying at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Dills received a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry and had plans to enter the pre-med field with an eye toward being an anesthesiologist. She came home during the summer before a planned return to Little Rock to continue her studies.

"When I came home, I went out and helped dad on the farm," Dills said. "Basically, I realized I liked the small town better than the big city. I came home that summer and decided to stay. I've been here ever since."

Though she continues to farm with her father on land throughout Clay and Greene Counties, Dills also has her own ground which she works. She does any type of job required on a farm and takes pride in the quality of her work.

With cotton being one of the biggest crops in the area, Dills is well-versed in its care. She handles most of the spraying required for the crop, as well as doing all the necessary scouting, a task which many growers hire out specifically.

Her skill at handling the various tasks of farming have led to other job offers.

"Some of the other local farmers have tried to get me to come work for them," Dills said. "The other farmers around here know that I work hard just like everybody else. They don't think of me as a girl working on a farm. They see me as a farmer who just happens to be a woman."

Though it's hard work, Dills is happy with her profession.

"I do enjoy it. I like being outside and working. I think I'd go stir-crazy if I had a regular 9 to 5 in an office. When you're outside, you can feel the sun on your face. You know when the wind's blowing because you can feel it. You're not looking at it through a window. You're right out there in it. I like that."

Dills began working on the farm at age six.

"Dad started taking me out with him when I was young. I started off driving tractors and trucks and just moved on from there. Now, there's not a job that I haven't done. Instead of going shopping with mom and doing things like that, I wanted to go work with my dad."

Dills plans to continue farming. She already handles several duties in her work with her father, with more responsibilities likely coming in the near future.

"This is what I want to do," Dills said. "I like it and it's important work. I can't think of anything I'd really rather be doing."