Tyler Seal: Ferrum College Senior and First-generation Cattleman

An Interview by Tyler Van Allen

For Tyler Seal, easy days don’t come often, especially when he is taking 18 credit hours during his senior year. However, four years ago a degree from Ferrum College seemed like an afterthought for him. A year after leaving school, Tyler knew he had to find a way to become successful. He had a conversation with a co-worker about cattle and it sounded like a great way to make an income. Tyler knew he needed to learn the ins and outs of the cattle business. “I ended up checking the Madison County Livestock Market and knew this is what I needed to do,” he said.

By the time he was 18, Tyler had nine head of cattle (six heifers, three steers) and then acquired an additional two heifers by the time he was 20. After a year away from school, Tyler knew he needed to get back to school.  He decided to use his earnings from selling cattle to help further his education. Without his time in the cattle business, Tyler’s educational future would not be where it’s at today.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CATTLE BUSINESS?

“I chose cattle for the money purposes at first, and I am now fully invested in the cattle business. Anyone who is a farmer knows that you will sometimes put more into farming than you get out of it and some years it is very profitable. Farming is a passion. It’s not something you can enjoy one day and not the next. If you do that you will not get the moral aspect or the money satisfaction.”

HOW MANY HEAD OF CATTLE DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE BACK HOME?

“As of right now I have six cows and one bull. I recently sold six calves ranging from 350-425 pounds. I reduce my herd each fall. That is because of hay prices and it is also a way of grossing more profit each year."

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOUR CATTLE BUSINESS?

“I hope to be able have multiple farms and continue to grow my herd each year, producing the best beef I can.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS ONCE YOU LEAVE FERRUM COLLEGE?

“I will definitely continue to farm. I do not intend on stopping because I have become very involved in the cattle business and have invested a lot of time and money. Secondly, I’m a first generation farmer and I have had to accomplish everything on my own. It has been one of my greatest accomplishments."