The Greenbrier Valley Conservation District has recognized two Greenbrier County farms under the Century Farm Program for 2020. A Century Farm is one that has been in continuous operation by the same family for at least 100 years.
Ford Family Farm
The Ford Family Farm, owned by Glen and Christy Ford, was established in 1916. Over the years, the farm has been expanded from its original 120 acres to 500 acres and currently supports a cow/calf operation of 125 head and a Katahdin sheep lambing operation. The Fords’ children, Frank and Jessie, represent the fourth generation of ownership of the farm. Glen is a graduate of VA Tech, with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and assumed the responsibility of full-time farm ownership in 1991. His son, Frank, currently works with him full time on the farm and intends to keep the farm going for a fifth generation. The Fords have been active in 4-H and FFA and visit their local elementary school and nursing home with their lambs to brighten the days of students and residents. The family expressed “As a Century Farm, the Ford Farm will continue to hold traditional agricultural values while implementing new, innovative technologies and practices to remain a growing and prosperous farm in Southern West Virginia.”
L & J Farm
L & J Farm, owned by Lee and Jean Johnson, was established in 1892, by Samuel C. Johnson. Home to horses and 53 head of beef cattle (stockers and cow/calf operation), the farm currently consists of 240 acres and is operated by three generations. Mr. Johnson is very active in the Clintonville community. He is a 65-year member of the Ruritan Club, an 81-year member of the James Chapel United Methodist Church, and a member of the Farm Bureau. He also served as an Army medic in the Korean War and is an active member of the American Legion. Mr. Johnson says his philosophy in life is to always leave things better than he found them and therefore, he strives to improve the land for future generations.
For more information about the Century Farm program, please contact the Greenbrier Valley Conservation District at 304-645-6173 or you can download the application in PDF format from the West Virginia Conservation Agency website at https://wvca.us/education/century_farms.cfm.
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