The Farm Family of the Day is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and seeks to recognize and celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage and many farm families that are behind the state’s agriculture and agribusiness industry. One family is recognized each day of the Fair, either nominated themselves or by members of their community. Congratulations to the 2023 Farm Families!
It’s Saturday, Oct. 21st and our Farm Family of the Day is Andrews Family Farm from Trenton! With a total of 10 chicken houses, Andrews Family Farm is focused on commercial chicken farming, but also has varying row crops depending on the season.
The origins of Andrews Family Farm began around 1945 and have continued throughout the generations. Over the years, a variety of livestock such as pigs and cattle, have been raised on the farm, but with 10 chicken houses, the family has found their current focus. From parents to children, the family works to divide the responsibilities that come with owning chicken houses.
“This family knows the hard work and risks that come along with farming,” Leslie Jones, who nominated Andrews Family Farm, said. “Andrews Family Farm is a third-generation farm, and they are already teaching and working with the young fourth generation to share in the love for their land and livestock animals.”
In 2018, after Hurricane Florence, the farm and home were left flooded. With misplaced cattle and numerous repairs to be made, the family kept a positive attitude throughout their hardships, which showed their love and dedication to their operation.
“Within the next two years, four chicken houses and three dwellings on the farm were all renovated, and the family was back together again. The Andrews have strong ties within their family unit and they cherish eating a meal together every Sunday night,” Jones said.
This love and dedication continue to show throughout their work with the community. The family grew up showing livestock at county and state level fairs. As the third generation continues their lives with careers in agriculture, it is obvious that the Andrews family’s love for agriculture rubs off onto the family members. The Andrews family also employed many school children when growing and producing tobacco, who mainly work during the summer months.
“Around 2020, the farm began giving a $1,500 scholarship at the local high school each spring to a student with financial need. Additionally, participation in livestock shows seems to be a tradition, now that the fourth generation are members of the local 4-H club and showing livestock,” Jones said.
From young to old, the family loves the N.C. State Fair. The third generation looks back on memories of participating in livestock shows while the fourth generation gets to create the same memories now. The N.C. State Fair aims to promote North Carolina agriculture and educate others about the farming process, and that does not go unnoticed by the Andrews Family.
“The Andrews family believes the N.C. State Fair represents the NC Farmer from the past, the present and the future. They understand the hard work and daily life of farming the State Fair represents, including all aspects of the farming lifestyle,” Jones said.
So, if you happen to see the members of Andrews Family Farm today around the fairgrounds, say hello! We are honored to have them as the Farm Family of the Day for October 20th, thank you for your commitment to our state’s number one industry!
