Our people: Life of farmer fits Oklahoma native

Originally from Oklahoma City, April Roberts met her Texico-native husband, Jason, in college at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. After marrying, the two decided to move back to New Mexico to farm.

Growing up, Roberts' only experience with farm life was the time she spent at her grandparent's farm (which they ran for over 50 years). Roberts said some of her best childhood memories were walking out into the cotton field with her Pa. Those sweet memories with her Mimi and Pa, are held especially dear by Roberts as she and her family have begun their own local farming operations at Five Heart Farms.

Roberts and her husband are parents to their two young daughters. Between raising their girls and running their farm, Roberts and her husband are kept busy. On top of all the demands of parenthood and farming, Roberts enjoys working on home projects, gardening, reading, running and participating in and leading worship services at Restoration Baptist Church.

Q: What is the best thing about running Five Heart Farms?

A: The best thing is seeing people out at the farm. Connecting to one another and nature, it's a beautiful thing. Being able to provide an opportunity for people to know where their food comes from and see how it's grown is such a gift.

Q: What is one thing you absolutely love about living in Clovis?

A: Community. There is just none like it. We get the best of both worlds at the farm. From getting to work alongside the best staff, to partnering with amazing local businesses, to then sharing the farm with so many wonderful visitors. It truly is the people that make it the best here. Getting to bring that into our business has been such a blessing.

Q: What's the funniest thing that's ever happened while working on the farm?

A: Our staff always has a blast. We are always laughing together. Last year we gave out awards at our end-of-the-season party. After the serious awards, Jason hand wrote funny ones. It was like a giant "roasting" of all of us and we were all crying laughing so hard at how accurate they were.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: I would love to go to France (minus the flight because I hate flying). I have always dreamed of going there. The closest I've been is visiting France in EPCOT at Disney World.

Q: If you could have only one dairy product for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why?

A: Queso. I could eat queso every day for the rest of my life.

Q: Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

A: My Bible.

Q: What is your favorite season, and why? 

A: Summer. I love gardening and growing flowers. All of the colors just bring me so much joy. Summer is when our family makes the most fun memories. Being outside with the girls is just a ton of fun.

Q: What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

A: Starting Five Heart Farms. I had no background in growing flowers, marketing, sales, etc. I just had a vision and decided to go for it.

Q: If you could eat dinner with anyone from history, who would you choose? Why?

A: Hands down my Mimi. She was my inspiration, my best friend and mentor. She passed away in 2020 and there isn't a day I don't think about her and miss her. I would love to show her all that we are doing and how our business has grown. Oh what I would do to have one more meal with her, hold her hand and tell her that she is my "treasure."

Q: What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? 

A: "Do it scared."