In 1970, the NC State Fair’s theme of “Salute to Agriculture” initiated a search for all families who owned a farm in North Carolina for 100 years or more. It became a tradition at the NC State Fair thereafter, celebrated every four years. The Century Farm Program is sponsored by NC Department of Agriculture.

Amazingly, two LifeTime employee’s families were honored at the 2024 NC State Fair as Century Farms. On Monday, October 21, record attendance of nearly 2,300 people gathered for the Century Farm Family reunion, held at the Hunt Horse complex. At this celebration, a bluegrass band provided entertainment, Commissioner Troxler gave a celebratory speech and Chip Carter, host of “Where the Food Comes From” series on RFD-TV, made a keynote speech. It was a wonderful day of celebration.

Will Martin’s family owns Conyers Family Farm in Franklin County. This farm has been in Will’s family since 1881. It was originally purchased by Will’s great grandfather and run as a cotton and tobacco farm. Will’s mother grew up on the farms. When Will’s parents retired, they moved to the family farm property and built the home they live in now. It is now an active pine tree farm.

Sandy Russ has fond childhood memories visiting her grandparents and helping them around their tobacco farm. After learning about the Century Farm Program this past spring, Sandy was inspired to research her family farm’s history. She discovered documentation from 1901 where her great, great grandparents deeded land to their youngest son. The farm passed through several generations of Sandy’s family thereafter.

In 2023, Sandy and her husband Jerry made the commitment to buy the farm to keep it in the family. She is the 5th generation owner and they intend to preserve it for all the future generations. The house on the farm was built by Sandy’s grandfather in 1955. Her husband, Jerry remodeled it last year. A tenant farmer on the property is currently growing soybeans and a portion of the land is timber. Sandy named her family farm The Reuben and Mary Matthews Family Farm in honor of her great, great grandparents.

Today, there are about 50,000 farms in North Carolina, but only 1,982 have the distinct honor of being a Century Farm. Some farms date back to colonial times, others have just reached their century mark, but all are equally important to North Carolina’s agricultural heritage. You can read more history on the Century Farm program here: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/public-affairs/public-affairs-history-century-farm-families

Will Martin’s family / Conyers Family Farm

Sandy’s Russ’ family / The Reuben and Mary Matthews Family Farm

Congratulations to both families!