By Maggie Edwards 

Childhood dreams come to life at the Children’s Museum of the Shoals. Brightly painted murals and realistic agricultural exhibits give youth a place to play, explore and discover. 

Thanks to a generous tractor donation from James and Rosie Walker of Walker Ranch in Florence, kids can now experience farm life near the city. 

“Agriculture and forestry are the largest industries in Alabama,” said Walker, an Alabama Farmers Federation State Wheat & Feed Grain Committee member. “We donated a 1959 model John Deere 620 so children can see what technology looked like in the 1950s. We are hoping to continue collaborating with the museum so they also witness modern-day technology and see how far farming has come. Agriculture is one of the most technologically advanced industries in the world. Kids need to see that.” 

Walker said it’s a blessing to honor the farm’s legacy through this gift. 

“It was a family tractor we felt called to give,” said Walker, who is vice president of the Lauderdale County Farmers Federation. “Generations of my family have had an impact on agriculture in Lauderdale County.”

The tractor arrived at the museum earlier this year, joining a vibrant red barn in the “Farmtastic” exhibit. Children can also “sell” goods at a play area farm-to-table market. 

“This piece will highlight the agricultural heritage in our community and how it continues to inspire learning for children who visit the museum,” said Children’s Museum of the Shoals Executive Director Kimberly DeLape. “When James and I met, we both wanted it to be educational. James is a man of his word and helped make it happen.” 

A community-centered family, the Walkers have expanded their row crop, cattle and fertilizer operations to include agritourism activities that welcome thousands of visitors to their land each year through the Walker Ranch Pro Rodeo, farm tours, fall festival and more. 

“We try to promote agriculture in a positive light and welcome people to the farm,” Walker said. “The diversification also provides different streams of revenue during a tough farm economy for row croppers.” 

Walker said he and Rosie believe in being ambassadors for agriculture. They raised four children on the family farm. 

“We were taught to be good stewards of the resources God blessed us with,” Walker said. “The land means a lot to me because I grew up here. I understand the blood, sweat and equity the family puts into it. I want to ensure our generation recognizes the importance of agriculture. We’ve got to tell our stories as farmers and ranchers.”

Community outreach doesn’t stop at the Children’s Museum of the Shoals. The Walkers use their rodeo to give back through scholarships. 

“Education is one of the most important things we can have,” Walker said. “I feel it’s imperative we give back and show that we are a family farm that cares and wants to stay connected to community. We want local people to see how much we want to help.”