The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24.
Wadsworth Acres in Carthage has been under family operation for over 200 years. Current farm owner and manager, Bradley Wadsworth, is the eighth generation to work on the farm.
“Our family farm has been around so long that most people in Moore County know of the ‘Wadsworth’s,” Bradley said. “My uncle, who used to run the farm, won many awards, including ‘Family Farm of the Year’ and it is an honor to continue on that legacy.”
This rich history and family legacy classifies them as members of both the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Century Farm Program and Bicentennial Farm Program.
In 1812, Bradley’s ancestors moved to North Carolina from England and began farming the land. Through the years, Wadsworth Acres has grown tobacco and a variety of row crops as well as raised chickens. Today, the family focuses on raising commercial beef cattle. In fact, next year the Wadsworth’s will expand their operation into the meat market and start selling locally grown beef from their farm for the very first time!
Bradley grew up on the farm, working under his uncle RG Wadsworth, who recently passed away and handed the farm down to Bradley. Growing up in the industry, Bradley has always known he was a farmer and takes pride in what he provides for the community.
“Farming is instilled in your blood and I am proud to be a farmer,” he said. “Farming is a way of life. You have to wake up every morning and pray that the Lord will bless your land and the crops you grow so that you can make it another year, but I love nothing more than to ride around the pastures with my wife and daughter and see a new baby calf on the ground!”
In addition to farming, Bradley grew up attending the N.C. State Fair every year with his family and looks forward to carrying on that family tradition with his daughter.
“There’s something about fair time every year that you just look forward to,” he said. “It means fall is coming, harvest time is on the way and there is an excitement in the air.”
They are honored to represent the N.C. agriculture industry this year at the fair because it helps educate the community and allows them to show that their farm is a small part of the agricultural community and impact in our state.
Bradley’s wife, Austin, is an agent with N.C. Farm Bureau in Carthage but she also helps Bradley on the family farm. They both love the opportunity and pride that comes with carrying on such a rich family legacy and look forward to expanding the family footprint in the years to come. If you see them on the fairgrounds this year be sure to congratulate them as our Oct. 18 Farm Family of the Day and keep an eye out for their farm fresh meat in stores soon!
