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 Concord’s Walker Farms, a five-generation Century Farm currently operated by three generations: Jason Walker, his wife, Jennifer, their twins, Silas and Sloan and Jason’s parents, Carl and Pam.
“Our motto is to ‘keep it going,’” said Jason. “That means introducing the younger folks to the industry itself in hopes of them continuing the legacy.”
The farm covers approximately 240 acres, mostly pasture, with the rest in alfalfa, fescue hay, corn, oats, wheat and forest. The Walkers raise Angus cattle, and many clients who raise horses, goats and cows purchase their alfalfa square bales and fescue round bales.
“Working outside in the fields, checking and mending fences, working cows and other activities let us see nature and know that God is great,” said Carl. “We love farming because it’s about faith, family and tending the land we have as caretakers.”
Walker Farms has changed over the years as they updated machinery and equipment to keep up with advances in agriculture.
“We take care of the property, livestock and crops as we should, and move with newer technology,” said Jason. “Because of this, we’re growing quality products as stewards of the land. We’ve won competitions at the N.C. State Fair the past two years with our alfalfa, and we’re all very proud of that accomplishment!”
The Walkers’ favorite part of attending the N.C. State Fair is checking out all the entries, seeing the animals, learning about new farming equipment and appreciating the good smells that come with a fair that has amazing food. Foot-long hot dogs are a must for Carl and Jason.
Walker Farms is all about community. Over the years, an old hickory tree acted as a gathering spot where generations of Walkers and friends would stop by every morning, telling tales about each other. During the cold winter months, a wood stove in the milk barn replaced the hickory tree for meetups.
Additionally, customers come to Walker Farms to purchase their hay and livestock, allowing them to see where the products come from, how they’re grown, the caretaking methods and the equipment that’s used.
“It allows them to ask questions about the beginning-to-end stages and acts as an educational and outreach piece,” said Jason.
The Walkers are ecstatic to be named Farm Family of the Day, paying homage to past relatives who contributed so much to Walker Farms’ legacy.
“My father grew up on this farm — working a dairy with his dad and working in the field,” said Carl. “I think he’d be proud to see how far we’ve come in the last 10 years. This Farm Family of the Day title is in honor and memory of Pop.”
Congratulations to Walker Farms! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Farm Family of the Day feature.