A Fifth-Generation Future: How Legacy and Precision Guide Jamie Dean Atkins

Jamie Dean Atkins with his dad and grandpa.

At 24 years old, Jamie Dean Atkins isn’t just a farmer; he is carrying on a fifth-generation legacy in Hamilton, Miss. Since joining his father full-time in the spring of 2021, Atkins has stepped into a major role in the farming operation, which includes corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts and wheat — a diversified portfolio managed with cutting-edge technology.

Atkins embodies the modern agricultural spirit — one that respects the past while embracing technology to create a more efficient future.

“Farming isn’t a job you clock in, get your 40-hour check and go hang out with our buddies on the weekends,” Atkins says. “It’s a life full of memories that only a few get to share, and is the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. It might not be in money, but it will be with things money could never touch.”

The Weight and Reward of a Multi-Generational Farm

For Atkins, the farm is a profoundly personal place. His earliest memories are tied to the fields: “From naps behind the seat riding with my grandpa when I was little, to now being 24 years old, full-time farming beside dad here,” he says.

The commitment deepened about six years ago when his grandparents had to scale back. This transition highlights a common challenge in multi-generational farming: maintaining the operation while supporting family needs. Yet, this shared history fuels his drive.

“Why would I not want to one day pass these same memories, lessons and opportunities I’ve had down to my future kids?” he asks.

Atkins with his dad and Brent Murphy, the Delta Farm Press delta region writer this year, after they won the 2025 Peanut Efficiency Award in the delta region.

Precision Agriculture: Maximizing Every Seed and Drop

Atkins’s primary goal is clear: “To just keep expanding our operation, while also being as efficient as possible.”

The key to achieving this across high-value crops like cotton and peanuts, and row crops like corn and beans, is the full integration of precision technology. This investment pays dual dividends: economic savings and enhanced environmental stewardship.

Key Technology in Action: Using technology that monitors sprayer nozzles per gallon to the acre and row-by-row shutoffs is crucial. This precision avoids spraying or planting chemicals and seed in areas of overlap. This not only saves significantly on the soaring costs of inputs like fertilizer, seed, and chemicals, but also minimizes nutrient runoff, directly supporting water quality and sustainability. “Getting the technology installed on the equipment does cost a little bit, but when you start factoring in the money you’ve saved on seed costs and chemical costs over the years, you’ll ask yourself why I never did this sooner,” Atkins says.
Yield and Placement: The ability to “monitor every seed placement and depth” for crops like corn and soybeans ensures maximum plant health and yield potential.
Soil Management: Employing “air float controlled, no-till row cleaners” helps manage the residue from previous crops like corn and wheat, which is essential for preserving soil moisture and structure in their no-till system.

Advice for Future Farmers

As a former FFA member, Atkins’ journey offers valuable insights for other members considering a future in agriculture, especially in the challenging environment of fluctuating market prices and rising input costs. Success requires dedication and adaptability to new ideas and technology.

As a newlywed, Atkins looks to carry on the family farming tradition with future generations. He credits his wife, Katelyn, and his faith for the foundation of his success.