About Circle V
We’re more than just lumber. We’re a family growing children and vegetables while milling with a mission to support a better Alabama. We know that the work we do now- in all aspects- will impact our children and future generations.
Our Farm Dreams
We’re Hunter and Jessica Vick. Our dream has always been to have a farm of our own. Taking the route from generations before us, we thought that we would get into the cattle business and live our days with children, a garden, and some head of cows. Though we purchased our farm with that intent, God certainly had other plans.
In 2022, we were one of the 5 recipients of the Alabama Ag Credit Union’s JumpStart program. This allowed us to begin our plan for cattle and egg production. In 2023, we experienced a rather devestating machine fire that placed us out of work for months. At this same time, we found out that we would be having twins.
Renewal for Restoration
After selling our herd for financial support, we took some time to thoroughly consider what we wanted from our farm. We decided to renew our outlook on our little homestead in a way that would further support restoration of the Black Belt Prairies. We decided to begin milling the Eastern Red Cedar logs that we harvested with our land management business, Land Revival. With Hunter’s experience running sawmills and farm equipment growing up, this shift from bovine to board foot was just another day for him.
But milling these cedar trees is so much more than the “run of the mill” lumber. Each tree that is milled on our farm has been removed to help restore native vegetation, increase pollinator populations, revive bob white quail sightings, create cleaner air and water for the people in and around the region, along with many other environmental benefits. Additionally, the logging and milling of these cedars helps us provide our restoration services at a cost reduction for the landowners needing the work.
Commitment to our Customers & Conservation
It’s not just the “why” that makes our milling unique, but it’s the milling process, too. No matter the size, we like to take the time to get to know the project the lumber is being used for, along with the person. In doing so, if we don’t have the right tree already on the farm mill, Hunter will go and find the tree that will make the right boards for our customers’ projects. As Hunter’s wife, I like to brag on him for knowing that when he sees these cedars, he’s seeing more than just business. He sees the people and the projects he’s cutting for, all the way to the butterfly that will need the flowers replacing the tree he is removing. He’s also thinking of the future generations that will benefit from the restoration efforts of today.
Milling with a Mission
Our intent for our farm certainly changed, along with an addition to our name-Circle V Farm & Lumber. Our purpose to be stewards of our relationships and the land hasn’t changed. Getting our farm seemed like a “full circle” moment for us at the time. However, getting it was just the arc in our story. Today on our farm, we are raising children and milling with the mission to restore the Black Belt Prairie.