By Maggie Edwards 

Scott Poague is known for his love of watching things grow. 

Whether it’s planting seeds of knowledge in the Elmore County High School (ECHS) wood shop or cultivating crops for nursery customers, Poague is passionate about one thing — agriculture. 

“I always wanted to do something in the ag industry,” said Poague, the ECHS agriscience teacher. “I’ve loved it since I was little. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go into the farm supply business like my dad did, so I ventured into agricultural education. Now, I get to share my love of ag with students — not to necessarily make farmers out of everyone but to educate them about where their food and fiber come from.” 

Poague, 43, discovered a talent for construction in high school, a skill that has served the Eclectic community for decades. 

“Construction is the fabric of this town,” said Poague, an Elmore County Farmers Federation board member. “Agriculture laced with construction is so integral to our economy. If this sparks an interest in farming, great. But it’s more about teaching kids skills they can use later in life as consumers or stewards of the land.” 

 In addition to teaching full time, Poague operated a landscape and lawncare business early in his career. There, he found a love for horticulture and began planting his own shrubs and trees. 

“I quickly realized I’d rather grow the plants than install them,” said Poague, the Alabama Farmers Federation State Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod (GNS) Committee vice chairman. “I saw a need to serve homeowners. I am selling customers a service to help lay out their landscape or give advice. I grow a large percentage of what I sell, but I do supplement from local growers. It’s a labor of love.”

Poague Tree Farm & Nursery was established in 2016. The retail and wholesale market began small with Poague working off the tailgate of his truck. Every year since, it’s expanded.

“The Lord has been really good to me,” Poague said. “It’s all His. I’m just there to be a steward of it.”

The Elmore County roots run deep for Poague, who was raised on his family’s century-old cattle and hay farm in Eclectic. When customers visit his nursery, they’re stepping foot on that same land in search of azaleas, roses or other classic Southern landscape staples. 

“It’s pretty special to me having this land in operation this long,” he said. “It’s a different shift from when my great-granddaddy was walking behind a mule on the farm, but it’s one of the things I am most proud of. I hope my grandparents are, too.”  

Poague said connections made through the Federation have been vital for the nursery’s success. He joined the Federation, and his county Young Farmers chapter, at 17.

“I have developed a great network with Alabama growers through my time serving on the GNS Committee,” he said.

Establishing working relationships with farmers is a major component of the Federation’s work, said Federation GNS Division Director Blake Thaxton. Poague’s success and impact is a prime example, he added.

“Helping farmers address everyday challenges is a key part of our mission,” Thaxton said. “Scott laid out a vision to continue the legacy of his family farm. It’s impressive to watch him develop his nursery, while inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture.”