3 Years Later: Following Up With the Trimble Family Farm

Back in 2024, we sat down with Joshua and Haley Trimble as they were just beginning their journey into poultry farming. Like many new growers, they were stepping into an industry they had little firsthand experience with—learning in real time, building their operation from the ground up, and figuring out what life as a poultry grower would actually look like.

ORIGINAL INTERVIEW:

https://southlandorganics.com/blog/how-to-start-a-poultry-farm-tips-from-a-new-poultry-farmer

At the time, there were plenty of questions—and plenty of skepticism. Some wondered how they would feel a few years in. Would the excitement wear off? Would the challenges outweigh the benefits?

Now, three years later, we came back for a follow-up.

The answer was simple: no regrets.

For Joshua and Haley, one of the biggest, unexpected benefits hasn’t just been the operation itself—it’s been the lifestyle. Coming from corporate jobs, they were used to long hours away from home, missing time with family and constantly working around someone else’s schedule. Poultry farming changed that.

Today, their work revolves around their home and their family. Children, grandchildren, and day-to-day life all exist in the same place. Instead of working away from their lives, they’ve built a life around their work.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Like most growers will tell you, poultry farming isn’t glamorous. It’s demanding, detailed and often unpredictable. But for them, that tradeoff has been worth it. If you’re going to work hard either way, doing it in a place you enjoy—and around the people you care about—changes everything.

One of the biggest surprises has been just how much the job pushes you.

When they started, they didn’t know the basics. They didn’t know equipment, terminology or even how to handle birds. In fact, during their very first flock placement, Joshua had never even touched a chicken before—learning on the spot in a high-pressure moment surrounded by company representatives.

 It was, in every sense, trial by fire.

 But that’s also where growth happens.

 Over time, what once felt unfamiliar became second nature. Tasks like managing feed systems, maintaining equipment, or troubleshooting issues—things that once felt overwhelming—are now part of the daily routine. What changed wasn’t just their knowledge, but their confidence.

 And in their case, they didn’t just learn the job—they excelled at it.

 Operating at the grandparent (GP) level adds another layer of complexity. The stakes are higher, the expectations are greater, and the level of detail required increases significantly. Every egg matters. Every process is tracked. Every decision has downstream impact.

 As they explained, a single egg from their operation can ultimately contribute to millions of birds over time. That level of responsibility requires precision, attention to detail and a commitment to doing things the right way—every single day.

 That kind of pressure can either overwhelm or sharpen a grower.

 For them, it sharpened.

 Another major factor in their success has been their relationship with their integrator. There’s often a narrative in the industry that integrators are difficult to work with or unsupportive. Their experience has been the opposite.

 From late-night phone calls to hands-on help in the field, they’ve found that their integrator is invested in their success. When issues arise, there’s support. When challenges come up, there’s guidance. That partnership has played a significant role in helping them navigate the learning curve and maintain strong performance.

 And that’s an important point.

 Poultry farming is not a solo operation. Success depends on relationships, communication, and a willingness to learn.

One of the most interesting insights from their journey is that coming in without prior experience may have actually helped them. Without bad habits or preconceived notions, they simply followed instructions, stayed consistent, and focused on doing the job well. That mindset allowed them to build strong habits from the start.

 Three years in, they are not just surviving—they are thriving.

 And for those considering entering the industry, their story offers something valuable: perspective.

 Yes, poultry farming is hard. Yes, there is a learning curve. And yes, not everyone stays in the industry.

 But it is possible to start with no experience, learn the system, build the right relationships, and create something sustainable.The key isn’t knowing everything at the beginning.

 It’s being willing to learn, adapt and stay consistent over time.

If you’re considering becoming a poultry grower or want to understand what the journey really looks like beyond the initial startup phase, stories like this provide a clearer picture of what to expect—and what’s possible.

 For more information or questions about getting started, reach out through Southland Organics, or connect using the contact details provided in the video.