Fridays on the Farm: Grounded on the Ranch

This Friday meet Jim McClain, Marine Corps veteran and owner of Flying Leatherneck Ranch in North, South Carolina, where he grows hay and raises 100 head of beef cattle on 600 acres of beautiful, rolling hills. Jim decided to get back to his farming roots after years of serving in the Marine Corps as a flyer, infantry officer, and public affairs officer, as well as working as a senior vice president in corporate America. 

Jim and his wife, Linda, purchased the land in 1991 and began growing their farm in 1995, with Linda being instrumental in getting the business off the ground. Marketing premium hay was a challenge, but the McClains soon found it profitable, and the local horse community appreciated his product. 

“We provide superb service and superb hay,” said Jim. “There is no better grass hay than the hay that we grow here.” 

The McClains take a scientific approach to growing hay, going to great lengths to ensure that they are giving their customers a premium product. Coastal Bermuda, the warm season grass grown at Flying Leatherneck Ranch, is fertilized, well limed, and sprayed to control invasive pests and weeds. Each cut of hay is analyzed, and a copy of the analysis is given to the customer, so they understand the nutritional value of each purchase. 

“Understanding and catering to the needs of our customers is important, and I hope the care and dedication that we devote to our product it is one way we stand apart from our competitors,” said Jim. 

McClain also believes soil health is an important part of farming, and adds nutrients, such as a nitrogen/sulfur mix, back to the soil after each cutting. Annual soil analysis is also a critical component of his operation.

A Vital Difference

Working with USDA since 2010, the McClains have utilized both Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs to help improve and restore their operation. Jim credits USDA with providing much-needed assistance over the years.

“USDA has been a great ally in helping us accomplish our goals on our property,” he said. 

FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) helped the McClains recover from flood damage to their property in 2015, aiding in the restoration of a dam on a 20-acre spring-fed lake. They also received cost-share assistance through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for cross fencing to practice rotational grazing, the installation of water troughs and heavy use areas for his cattle, and a pivot irrigation system for his hay. 

“I have had the privilege of working with Mr. McClain the past several years, and it is always a pleasure,” stated Brice Shuler, FSA county executive director for Orangeburg County.  “His passion for agriculture is reflected in every conversation, and his well-managed operation is a prime example of his hard work and dedication to his premium hay operation.”

Jim currently has 150 acres of hay under irrigation and says this has made a vital difference in helping to sustain his four to five annual hay cuttings. 

“The accessibility to water has been key in helping us maintain our hay production, and has been especially critical during years of drought,” he said.  This has also helped the McClains to maintain their customer base over the years.

A New Title

Recently, Jim added another title under his belt:  USDA Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee Member. In August 2024, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the appointment or reappointment of 55 members to serve on agricultural trade advisory committees. Jim will serve on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products. The advisory committee system was created by Congress to ensure that U.S. agricultural stakeholders have input and insight into U.S. trade policy and negotiating objectives. 

“I was honored to have been nominated and selected, and I am honored to serve in this role,” said Jim.

In the future, Jim hopes to pass on the legacy of the ranch and his love of farming to his daughter and grandchildren.

“I love where I live, and I love what I do, I have a true passion for it,” said Jim.  “I grew up walking behind a mule and plow, and the smell of freshly plowed earth, freshly mowed grass and freshly dried hay can never be replicated.  As I walk out over the beautiful hills, some of the highest points in the county, I know that I am where I belong.”

More Information

Visit local farms, ranches, forests, and resource areas through our Fridays on the Farm stories. Meet farmers, producers, and landowners who are working to improve their operations with USDA programs.

Are you returning home to the family farm or ranch, or starting your own after military service? USDA has resources available to help. 

USDA offers a variety of risk management, disaster assistance, loan, and conservation programs to help producers weather ups and downs in the market and recover from natural disasters as well as invest in improvements to their operations. Learn about additional programs.

For more information about USDA programs and services, contact your local USDA service center.

Sabrenna Bryant is a communications coordinator for FSA in South Carolina.