From First Responder to Forage Influencer

Jennifer Fitch is not your typical hay grower. By day, she's a dedicated paramedic, responding to emergencies and saving lives. But in her off-hours, she's the driving force behind OutKast Farm, a small but growing coastal bermudagrass hay operation in Rion, S.C. Driven by a passion for quality forage and a deep-seated desire to help others, Jennifer is leveraging the power of social media to build a supportive community of like-minded hay growers.

A Family Legacy

Jennifer's journey began alongside her father, Rusty Robinson, who instilled in her a love for the land and the satisfaction of producing high-quality hay. Jennifer and her father initially got started with hay production out of necessity, to provide feed for their own horses. At first, they did small-scale square baling, but as their operation grew, they purchased a round baler and began traveling to different locations across three counties, baling hay for people who wanted their fields cleared but didn't want to bush hog them.

As they gained experience and learned about herbicides, the father-daughter duo began to focus on improving their own land. This shift to a more intentional approach, including the use of preemergent herbicides and proper fertilization techniques, resulted in a significant increase in the quality of their hay. Once Jennifer and her father started taking care of their fields "the right way," she says they were able to get more hay from their 35 acres than they had previously been able to harvest from all the fields they worked across three counties. As the years rolled by, they transformed their fields into a source of pride and profit.

After baling hay for 20 years together, Jennifer lost her dad in 2021. Despite her grief over losing her self-described “best bud,” she persevered, determined to continue their shared legacy.

“My dad is definitely the reason I'm where I'm at today,” Jennifer declares. She credits her husband, Anthony, for stepping up and helping her manage the workload, allowing her to continue pursuing her passion for hay production.

Early challenges

Jennifer recalls how she and her father faced countless weed-related challenges in their early days of hay production. They often found that their bales contained a mix of desirable forage and undesirable plants such as bushes and briars, which reduced the overall quality of their hay. The presence of weeds also impacted their hay yield, as the undesirable plants competed with the hay grasses for resources.

As they gained experience, Rusty and Jennifer began experimenting with herbicides to manage the weeds but were often dissatisfied with their effectiveness. Jennifer remembers feeling “stuck in a cycle” of using these products because they feared that their fields would become overrun with weeds if they didn't, even though they weren't seeing the results they hoped for.

One product that has played a pivotal role in Jennifer's current success is Rezilon® herbicide, a preemergent solution introduced by Envu in 2020, which has effectively controlled persistent weeds like Italian ryegrass and crabgrass in her fields. Jennifer acknowledges that she might not have discovered the product without a friend’s proactive research and willingness to share his findings. The friend discovered Rezilon while researching preemergent herbicides and was so excited about the product's potential that he shared the product label and even tracked the release date with Jennifer and Anthony. For Jennifer, this was one of many instances that has demonstrated the importance of personal connections and knowledge-sharing within the farming community, particularly when it comes to adopting new practices and products.

“Once we started using Rezilon, we were like, “Wow! That's how that's supposed to work!” Jennifer laughs, noting that she’s still grateful for her friend’s advice. After more than three years of use, Jennifer’s enthusiasm for Rezilon is palpable; she describes it as a game-changer that has allowed her to finally achieve the clean hay that she and her dad had always strived for. Her outspoken enthusiasm about Rezilon’s efficacy eventually led her to partner with the herbicide’s manufacturer, Envu, to start developing Rezilon-sponsored video content in September 2024.

Growing a Community

Jennifer says that she was a bit of a tomboy growing up, describing herself as an “outcast" or “odd duckling” who didn't conform to the social norms. This feeling of being different inspired the name of her operation, OutKast Farm, symbolizing her embrace of individuality. The name also represents the unique approach Jennifer takes to hay production, choosing to implement modern techniques and prioritize quality over quantity. This sets her apart from some traditional farming practices and aligns with the farm's focus on innovation and excellence.

Jennifer's commitment to excellence extends beyond her own farm. Recognizing that many producers struggle to achieve the results they desire, she embarked on a mission to share her knowledge and experiences with a wider audience. Jennifer's social media presence, spanning YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, showcases her practical approach to hay production. Through informative videos, she offers tips on everything from weed management to equipment maintenance, all delivered with a down-to-earth authenticity that resonates with her followers.

Jennifer recognizes the power of community, both online and in person. She actively seeks out connections with other hay producers, valuing their insights and experiences. Industry events, like the Sunbelt Ag Expo, present an ideal opportunity for her to connect face-to-face with fellow hay enthusiasts, exchange ideas, and further expand her network.

"I love doing this because I know a lot of people feel the way that my dad and I used to; they don't think that clean hay is really achievable,” says Jennifer. “They just see obstacles and think that their fields could never look a certain way…but I know that, with the right tools, they can.”

Jennifer's story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to helping others. She embodies the spirit of the modern farmer, embracing technology and the online community to elevate the craft of hay production. Through her engaging online presence and genuine desire to connect, Jennifer Fitch is building a movement, proving that high-quality hay is achievable for anyone willing to learn and share.