Austin’s connection to agriculture began in childhood, deeply rooted in family tradition and the values passed down by his Depression-era grandparents. In their homes, food wasn’t just sustenance—it was freedom, responsibility, and love. These early experiences shaped his understanding that food production is not only practical but also powerful. The interplay of function and mystery of plants and animals, along with their economic and cultural roles, captivated him from an early age.

As a teenager, Austin pursued personal growth through FFA, rodeo, and hands-on work in commodity agriculture. He gained experience in land evaluation, plant identification, forest and natural resource management, and leadership across various organizations.

Austin earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Arkansas State University, where he was honored as an Outstanding Agriculture Education Graduate. He later completed his Master’s Degree in Agriculture at Southern Arkansas University. Over the past 18 years, he has taught high school students across Arkansas in agriculture, food systems, and natural resource management, sharing both practical skills and ecological literacy. He also served multiple terms on the board of the Arkansas Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association, advocating for educators and future agrarians.

He lives in the Boston Mountain region of North Central Arkansas with his wife Amber and their four children, where they operate a diverse, multifunctional homestead. Their efforts were recognized with the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award in 2017, and Austin was named the AFB YFR Discussion Meet Winner in 2018.

Austin lives out what he teaches—raising a wide range of plants and animals with a permaculture-inspired approach focused on family well-being, economic resilience, and land stewardship. Today, Austin and his family are dedicated to helping others develop strong, sustainable foundations in personal, business, and natural resource management, with an emphasis on resiliency, community, and regenerative living