Jackson Free Press

A.B. Nichols has spent a lifetime in education, but it never ceases to amaze her how much a person continues to learn throughout life.

"There's a million ways to learn now," Nichols says.

While Nichols sees the potential in educational tools such as the Internet, the 62 year old uses more immersive, hands-on techniques to introduce young children to Mississippi's agricultural traditions and lifestyle. She is co-operator and owner of Nichols Enterprises, a family-owned farm in Rankin County, with her husband Roy Nichols.

"You would be surprised how often children really don't know where their groceries come from," Nichols says. "We try to individualize our tours for our guests during the week by supplying a tour guide and tractor driver who explain to the visitors how pumpkins grow as well as what the harvest season is like. They also tell the kids about the animals that we have here on the farm."

Each October, A.B. and Roy team up with the adjacent Boyd farms to offer their annual pumpkin patch tour. The joint venture started in 1996 when the Nichols bought their property in Sandhill and grew Christmas trees until Hurricane Katrina took them away. Now, the multi-operational farm has a variety of livestock and crops.

"It's really rewarding to see the children enjoy themselves, since many don't enjoy this on a day-to-day basis," Nichols says.

Many of the seasonal employees at the pumpkin patch are also former educators. They try to give an educational experience to all who come to the farm. The staff considers the colorful wagons used in the tours as "mobile classrooms," which allow both the young and old to be more in touch with learning through the senses.

"Not only do we cater to children, but we also have senior citizens that come to the farm," Nichols says. "They are often individuals who grew up on a farm and are fascinated with (how) the farm has evolved."

Nichols and her husband also give back to the community with their "Nick Trees" operation for the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children. During the holiday season, they sell Fraser fir trees to different retail locations in the metro area, and a portion of the proceeds go to the children's hospital.

As for the future, Nichols hopes to take it "one season at a time."

"We have had children who came when it first opened who now bring their children," Nichols says. "It's been wonderful to be a part of many families' traditions."

To schedule a tour of Nichols Enterprises (3970 Highway 43 N., Brandon), call 601-829-0800. Unscheduled tours are only available on weekends. Visit nicholsenterprisesllc.com.