TPPB Directors
Don Keith
Dublin, Texas
Don Keith farms in Dublin, Texas, with his brother Robert. Depending on the year, Keith may grow 700-800 acres of peanuts, 350-400 acres of coastal hay, and 150 acres of corn silage for the dairy cattle he owns. For the first time this past year, Keith tried his hand at growing a new commodity; 550-600 acres of cotton. Keith’s dairy operates 150 head of Holstein cows.
Dublin has been Keith’s home for his entire life and farming has been a part of his life since he was born.
“I actually taught school for four years and farmed on the side,” Keith says. “In 1985, I came back to run the farm after my father had passed, and I’ve been solely farming ever since.”
Being a third-generation farmer has added to Keith’s passion for farming, but he has always been intrigued by agriculture.
“I was always interested in the tractors,” Keith says. “Farming is the only thing I’ve ever done since I’ve been able to walk.”
Serving as a board director for TPPB is worthwhile to Keith because he says it is important that the assessment dollars are spent wisely. He also says that if the peanut industry wants to survive in his area, the board has to exist.
“Even if you think you don’t have time, you have to make time for organizations that are important,” Keith says.
The main issue concerning Keith is the constant production of new seeds and new seed varieties. He says that every time a new kind is released, the farmers have to start all over with their practices. Another factor that Keith sees as crucial for producers is maintaining communication with the peanut manufacturers and consumers.
Keith has been married to his wife Susan for 28 years and they have one son: DeWayne, 22, who is a senior computer engineer major at Tarleton State University.
Beyond family and his extensive involvement in the agricultural industry, Keith is very involved with his church, the Highland Missionary Baptist Church, and is in charge of the music for every Sunday service.
