The Odells of C&C Farms – Rooted in Tradition, Fueled by Family

As one of the honored 2025 County Culture Farm Families, C&C Farms, short for Chad and Cheryl Odell, is a shining example of agricultural dedication in southeast Jackson County. Headquartered in Amagon, Arkansas, this family-run operation thrives on a strong foundation of generational knowledge, hard work, and a shared passion for farming.

C&C Farms was established in 2011, but the Odell family’s farming legacy runs much deeper. Chad Odell, a fourth-generation farmer, holds a degree in Agricultural Business and has spent much of his professional life in seed and plant research, as well as managing large farming operations. But it was the desire to build something of their own that led Chad and Cheryl to start their own family-centered farm.

Today, C&C Farms primarily focuses on rice, with some acreage dedicated to soybeans. Farming is a year-round commitment, and for Chad and his two sons, Cody and Colton, every day starts early with a meeting on the farm to map out priorities. Whether it's planting, irrigating, harvesting, or managing field conditions, the work changes with the seasons but the dedication remains constant.

While Chad oversees the farm’s operations, Cody and Colton share in the day-to-day labor and strategic decisions. Cody, who is also a licensed pilot, brings an added layer of expertise and perspective. The next generation is already learning the ropes, riding tractors, climbing into combines, and playing with their toy John Deere tractors, just like their dads did.

Cheryl is more than just a co-owner, she’s the heart of the operation. Known as the “glue” of the family, she handles critical organizational roles such as managing paperwork, coordinating with the bookkeeper, and keeping schedules on track. She and their daughter, Chloe, also support the farm in more hands-on ways, running errands for parts or bringing meals to the crew during long workdays.

Cheryl and Chloe also contribute to the community through Blue Bridge Brews and Bakery in Newport. Cheryl owns the café and Chloe manages it, serving as lead barista. Colton’s wife, Samantha, a certified barista, also works there while raising their young daughter. Cody’s wife, Alexis, bakes and sells her homemade treats at the Newport Farmers Market each Saturday and cares for their two small children.

The family agrees that during planting and harvest seasons, or "crunch time," the farm takes precedence. Long hours and missed weekends are a sacrifice, but the satisfaction of producing a high-quality grain product that feeds so many and strengthens the agricultural industry makes it all worthwhile. C&C Farms is the primary support for both Odell families and those employed through the operation.

Beyond the fields, the Odells are deeply committed to their community. They bank locally, shop locally, and support Newport businesses first. Their hope for the future is to continue being a strong agricultural partner in Jackson County, working hard at what they love and doing it to the best of their ability. With their roots deep in the land and their hearts in the right place, the Odell’s are truly cultivating more than crops. They are cultivating a legacy.