You could say farming is just in their blood for Tim and Betty Jo Ratliff. When visiting their farm, you quickly notice that it is not your typical farm, as they have an array of areas they specialize in. Their love for the land and the farming way of life is evident almost immediately.

Deere Creek Farms has been home to Tim and Betty Jo Ratliff for the last 38 years. They have raised their 4 children Brian, April, Trey and Kayla on this very farm and now they enjoy sharing it with their grandchildren. Deere Creek Farms has over 100 acres that they raise cattle, hogs, beans, corn, hay, tobacco and fresh water shrimp. In addition to the 100 acres they rent land to also add to their yearly harvest.

For Tim, raising tobacco is something he has done his entire life. It started with his grandparents, then his parents, and now him. It is also something that he has instilled into his children. His youngest son has started this year with 3 acres and farms alongside Tim.

Although planting, tending to and harvesting tobacco is hard work, the Ratliff’s don’t mind it. Working in the fields and in the tobacco barn brought their family closer together. It also has allowed them to instill the values of hard work and dedication to their children and now their grandchildren.

Tim and Betty Jo have never shied away from trying new things. That is why their operation has encompassed many different aspects of farming over the years and will continue to do so. Recently, they have added a few black Hereford cattle to the farm. Another interesting aspect of their farm is the fresh water shrimp ponds. Several years ago, Tim was reading an article about freshwater shrimp farming and decided this was something he was interested in pursuing. Betty Jo convinced him that they needed to research it a little more before making a decision to pursue it. They contacted Piketon’s Ohio State research center and started utilizing them for further information and education. They also received a grant to invest in freshwater shrimp and it’s what got them involved in the shrimp.

Each spring the Ratliff’s purchase young shrimp to raise in their ponds. The process to reach a successful harvest includes paying attention to the PH levels and temperature of their ponds to ensure the shrimp have the proper care. They also take time to feed the shrimp each day and then increase the feeding as the summer progresses and harvest nears. Each September, people gather in anticipation of the shrimp harvest. For two weekends, the Ratliff’s harvest and sell their shrimp to the public.

Paul Hall & Associates is proud to work with Tim and Betty Jo Ratliff! Thank you for your business!