Jacob is at it again! Selling pumpkins that is. He has a variety of pumpkins this year, including all the old favorites and has added a few new ones such as the yellow cushaw and many others.
Jacob is a senior at Union County High School where he studies with Mr. John Fugate and is his teacher’s assistant. Mr. Fugate has been a big influence on him by encouraging him to participate in the TVA Fair where he has won several ribbons. This year he took 17 first place ribbons in different categories, one being the tallest corn stalk at 15’7”. Jacob will also take place in the competition land judging on October 6.
In addition to pumpkins and cushaws, Jacob has developed an interest in plants, flowers etc. and has two greenhouses next to his home where he enjoys gardening. He would like to get a grant to purchase a Hoop House, a greenhouse that sits close to the ground and allows you to start growing earlier in the season like they do with the Grainger County tomatoes. Last season, Jacob teamed up with Allen Beeler of Little Valley Nursey in a joint effort of selling pumpkins and mums. This year he has helped Allen sell mums at Sunset Bay and various plants at the Union County Farmers Market.
After graduation, Jacob plans to go to the University of Tennessee to study agriculture and plant science. His goal is to become an Agriculture Extension Agent, like his great uncle Mike Heiskell who has been with the Claiborne County Extension Service for several years.
Along with his great uncle Mike, Jacob’s father, Jason Heiskell, and his grandfather, James Heiskell, has encouraged and taught him the skills needed for farming. They have also provided a place for Jacob to grow and sell his pumpkins on the family farm and at their place of business, Heiskell’s Service Station located at the corner of Maynardville Highway and Heiskell Rd.
The Heiskell Farm is located on the corner of Highway 33 and Ailor Gap Rd. It has been in the family for several years. His great grandfather, Roscoe Heiskell, purchased it in 1931 from the Federal Land Bank.
Jacob has all sizes of pumpkins and cushaws, including decorative pumpkins and gourds. The prices range from $1.00 to over $30.00. So, come on out to Heiskell’s Service Station and get your fall decorations and support his efforts as an entrepreneur.