The N.C. State Fair is a place where thrill-seekers and foodies can enjoy exciting rides and tasty treats; however, it is also a time to celebrate local agriculture and the hardworking folks who make it our state’s leading industry.
Farm Family of the Day, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co., is a program that recognizes one standout farm family each day of the N.C. State Fair. To honor these families’ accomplishments and contributions to North Carolina agriculture, they are awarded tickets to attend the fair on a day of their choosing, where they will be recognized through PA announcements and signs on the fairgrounds.
Today, the N.C. State Fair and Tractor Supply Co. congratulate Winston-Salem’s Shoaf Farms. Currently owned and operated by Jimmy Shoaf Sr. and Jimmy Shoaf Jr., the farm and the surrounding land have been in the family for three generations. Between the farm and neighboring land is a church where many generations of the Shoaf family are laid to rest in its cemetery. Surviving Shoafs and loved ones deeply cherish these family ties and the memories they cultivate.
“Jimmy Sr. and his brother Billy used to ride their grandfather’s sled, which was pulled by a mule, throughout the farm,” said Mariette Riedell, the nominator of Shoaf Farms for Farm Family of the Day. “Jimmy, Billy and their other brother, Paul, would help with the tobacco and other crops, and Jimmy and Paul still farm today.”
It’s an eclectic farm that specializes in raising hay, sweet potatoes and beef cattle — mainly crossbreeds of Red and Black Angus. Shoaf Farms also raises a few hogs and hybrid daylilies for gardeners.
Jimmy Sr. possesses skills in carpentry and mechanics that have proven useful in enhancing the farm. He’s built his own barns and repaired broken equipment, much like his ancestors before him. Jimmy Sr. was excited when his son started to show interest in farming and farm equipment, but he didn’t want to pressure him into pursuing the same occupation.
After Jimmy Jr.’s parents divorced, he found that diving into farming was a therapeutic outlet. Jimmy Sr. eased his son into the field by having him care for a few pigs and handle some basic farm equipment. Jimmy Jr. also got involved with the Davidson County FFA, exhibiting crops at the Davidson County Fair.
“Jimmy Jr. took to agriculture like a duck to water,” said Mariette. “His love of farming continued to grow with age, and despite having a job, he’s continued the work that allows Shoaf Farms to thrive!”
What makes the two Jimmys special is their ability to keep farming alive in their area despite a rise in developments. They’ve also given back to their community by providing sweet potatoes for a local Meals on Wheels program, daylilies to brighten people’s yards and reasonably priced hay for neighboring farms. Additionally, the Shoafs are always willing to share advice they’ve learned along the way.
The Shoafs are incredibly honored to be named an N.C. State Fair Farm Family of the Day. The fair has always provided the Shoafs with opportunities to connect with others who share their agricultural interests, as well as a time to explore new farming technologies that help improve productivity on the farm.
Jimmy Jr.’s family, including his wife, son and twin daughters, loves going on the rides, eating tasty treats and exploring the fair’s family-friendly exhibits. At three years old, his daughters are already avid tractor riders! Jimmy Jr.’s son is also showing a passion for farming and maintaining the family legacy. He even exhibited at the N.C. State Fair’s Flower & Garden Show at the age of five and hopes to gradually transition to showing livestock and various horticulture.
Shoaf Farms is in good hands with its current operators, the two Jimmys and Paul, along with Jimmy Jr.’s children — the up-and-coming farm enthusiasts. The family proudly sustains an unbreakable bond that gives them the strength to overcome setbacks and achieve major accomplishments within their farming community.
Congratulations to Shoaf Farms! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Farm Family of the Day feature.