Farm families have long been the backbone of America.
For over 50 years, the Jackson County Farm Bureau has honored one of the area's farm families as best at the annual Farm Bureau meeting.

Thursday, more than 350 people packed the Jackson County Agriculture Center for the yearly ceremony. Honored, was the Jordan family- three brothers and fourth generation farmers.

The Jordan's have already collected a number of other awards, but they told us this one was the pinnacle.

"It's kinda like, in essence, being inducted into the farming hall of fame" explained Doug Mayo, Director of the Jackson County Agriculture Extension Agency.

But as the oldest brother, Mike Jordan explained, the dirt road to success has been a long one.

"Trust me, it's been a long time coming. It's not always been this easy. When you start, it's like starting any new job- you've got to walk before you can run" he said.

The Jordan's expanded their grandfather's 80-acre operation into 3300. They've raised peanuts, cotton and cucumbers for decades.

"It's a possibility, if you ate a pickle on your hamburger yesterday, it might have come from our field from Vlasic Pickles" Mike told us.

The brothers said the trophy reminded them of where they are, and where they came from.

"Technology is making a big impact in farming just like is in anything else" youngest brother, John Jordan said. Mike added, "Our grandfather farmed some of this land with mules. Now, we've got a tractor that practically drives itself."

And the brother's said believed in the saying, 'next to every good man stands a good woman'. Mike said, "[Our wives] have been a big help. We wouldn't be where we are today without them"
"Definitely not" John quickly added.

The Jordan's told us they hoped their children would go on to become the family's fifth generation of farmers.