2010 Southeast Region: Erika Forsbach

Farms: Corn, Soybeans, Winter Wheat and Grain Sorghum
Savannah, TN

"I am absolutely thrilled, excited and proud to have been chosen as the Farm Mom of the Southeast Region. I am sure there were many other well-deserving farm moms out there! It has always been our number one priority to provide our children with the best education and to encourage them to always strive to do the best of their capabilities, and when a child returns to the family farm after a good college education to carry on the tradition of a fifth generation in family farming and honors his mother with such loving words in this manner, I am deeply touched. It’s the ultimate compliment." — Erika Forsbach

Erika Forsbach is the backbone of Karl Forsbach Farms Incorporated located in Savannah, Tennessee. Her role in the family farm extends to every corner of the row grain operation. She often gets questioned about what consumes her time since both sons are out of school. Her reply, “maintaining detailed books,” does not even begin to cover her presence on the farm. My mother and father started farming in the early 1980s. They faced high interest rates, high land values, and fluctuating grain prices that required strong determination and support from both decision makers. Mom drove the tractor to help prepare the ground for planting, brought lunch and dinner to fields to keep the crew going, and perhaps most importantly, raised two boys that she is very proud of. Today, she doesn't have to drive the tractor but her role is just as strong. Big decisions about where to construct pivots, what equipment is needed, and helping her son start out farming take up most of her time. She is also the chairman of Savannah's renaissance committee, board member of the Chamber of Commerce, and travels to support the Tennessee Soybean Association and Farm Bureau events. She has a talent for decorating and volunteers her time to various community events. Erika Forsbach is a strong woman who has seen the tough times and the good times of farming. She’s a farming advocate and knows what it means to take a gamble in the river bottom. Her determination and work ethic are a direct reflection of what Karl Forsbach Farms Inc. has achieved today. As a family we joke that without our mom, dad would have given up many years ago. It’s beneficial that they make a good team because that is what takes for a family farm to endure. (nominated by Carl Forsbach)