This idea, born from our grassroots, might’ve seemed only a dream a few years ago. But since the official launch in June of 2023, the South Carolina Farm Bureau Land Trust has brought that idea and dream to life.
The SCFB Land Trust was established to assist the state’s farmers, forestland owners and ranchers to ensure their lands can be passed to future generations while providing present financial benefit. While South Carolina is home to a wide range of land conservancies, the focus has largely been on protecting our state’s natural beauty and less on protecting working farms, forests and ranches. The SCFB Land Trust focuses specifically on protecting agriculturally important land.
In its first year, the Land Trust signed eight easements protecting some 2,500 acres of farmland around the state.
When asked ‘why SCFB Land Trust,’ Katheryn Shealy, one of the property owners, responded: “I grew up on the farm and loved walking in the woods, wading in the creeks, riding my horse and watching the cycle of planting and harvesting. It was a wonderful childhood, and I wanted to preserve that opportunity for others.
“As I witness the loss of farmland today,” she noted, “it saddens and concerns me. Realtors and solar companies are relentless with their offers. I felt that I must protect the land for agriculture.
“I had been investigating options over several years,” she said. “As I got older, I knew that I had to take action. Boyd Parr told me about the newly organized Farm Bureau Land Trust and after I met Richard Carr, I was ready. It was an interesting journey."
Demand is high for the SCFB Land Trust, which is the only land trust in the nation to be established by a state Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau’s long-standing reputation of supporting farmers has given it much credibility in the conservation easement community. As the Land Trust continues to expand, more and more farmland will be saved from development. We are excited to watch our easements grow.
The original eight easements are a captivating scrapbook of South Carolina agriculture. They run the gamut from timberlands to livestock pastures to fields of row-crops and hay. Enjoy a look at these beautiful farms and find joy in knowing they will always be this way.
Shealy Farm
Owner: Katheryn Shealy
County: Newberry
Acres Protected: 340.68
The Shealy Farm dates back in family ownership to the early 20th century. Today, John Long and Jimmie Lee Shaw lease the property from Katheryn where they grow corn, soybeans, cotton and sunflowers. They have installed an irrigation system on one of the larger fields. Ms. Shealy resides on the property in the family homeplace that was originally built at the turn of the last century before her family took ownership.
Hazelwood Farms
Owners: The Bedford Family
County: Chester
Acres Protected: 373
Hazelwood Farms has been in agricultural production since the 1700s. Today, the Bedford family, who has owned and operated the farm for three generations, runs a 33-head Jersey herd producing Grade A raw milk for direct-to-consumer sales at both local retailers and their own farm store. Additionally, they raise and sell pasture-raised beef and pork. The family hosts farm tours and participates in their county’s annual Ag-and-Art Tour. They’re in the process of constructing a rodeo arena with plans to host cowboy church on the property.
Dogwood Hill Farm
Owner: The Ligon Family
County: Anderson
Acres Protected: 182.29
Martha Ligon, along with her two children Polly Sullivan and Mark Ligon, own Dogwood Hill Farm. Their father James, a professor emeritus at Clemson University, raises beef cattle on some of the land and a local farmer leases a portion for growing row crops. The property is adjacent to the Clemson University Research Farm at Simpson Station.
"We wanted a way to protect the acreage that our parents and grandparents farmed. We chose the SC Farm Bureau Land Trust because we felt they understood out desire to protect the property and our need to maintain flexibility in the future." -Polly Sullivan
McCannon Farms
Owners: Steve and Nancy McCannon
County: Anderson
Acres Protected: 175.44
Steve and Nancy, both high school agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors for local schools, farm this land just east of Pendleton. The land has been in Nancy’s family since the early 1700s and has been designated a SC Century Farm. Today, along with their two adult children, they raise sheep for meat and breeding stock, ducks and chickens for eggs and vegetables.
"It is a great source of pride for us to have this agricultural legacy. It has always been a family goal to protect our land from development, avoid having it split up, and be responsible stewards of it. Since we have been involved with SC Farm Bureau since 1989, choosing to use SC Farm Bureau Land Trust was just a natural partnership for us. I cannot imagine trying to navigate the process without the assistance of the Farm Bureau staff. We are thankful that the SC Farm Bureau Land Trust was established and are proud to be one of the early farms to close an easement here." -Steve McCannon
Jacres Farm
Owners: Mark and Anne Kaiser
County: Pickens
Acres Protected: 186.48
The Kaisers own and live on this scenic cattle farm, which was passed down to Anne from her father who bought the land to raise black Angus beef cattle in the late 1970s. Over the past decade, the couple has worked hard to revitalize the homes, barns, pastures and fences around the property. In addition to their home and several restored barns, there is also a family chapel that was built by Anne’s mother.
Thrailkill Farm
Owner: Earl Thrailkill
County: Chester
Acres Protected: 1,065.49
Thrailkill Farm is an expansive cattle farm located just 12 miles south of Rock Hill. The SC Century Farm dates back several generations within the family. The old “Post Road” that ran from Columbia to Charlotte as far back as the 1700s forms the eastern border of the property. The farm was in full operation as a beef cattle and poultry farm until about eight years ago when Earl Thrailkill began his retirement. Today, he leases the pastureland to local farmers for grazing and cutting hay. In addition to the pastureland, the farm is comprised of native hardwood timber with some managed pines. Of special note, the farm served as an ideal filming location for The Patriot.
Grimshaw Farm
Owners: Phillip and Taylor Grimshaw
County: Laurens
Acres Protected: 124.37
Grimshaw Farms is a family-run livestock farm that produces pasture-raised lamb and sheep for meat. Specializing in Katahdin hair sheep for their resilience and excellent-tasting meat, they offer whole and half freezer lambs, and select cuts of lamb for sale direct-to-consumer and local restaurants. Phillip and Taylor purchased the property in 2019 and have been working diligently to clear and restore the pastures.
Cedarleaf Farm
Owner: Joanna Angle
County: Chester
Acres Protected: 64.96
Cedarleaf Farm is an historic farm owned and managed by Joanna Angle and her partner, Dr. Bill Altman. The farm includes pasture and pollinator habitat, 20 acres of managed loblolly pines and an area of native hardwoods. In 2012, the farm was designated a South Carolina Stewardship Forest and Joanna and Bill were awarded South Carolina Tree Farm of the Year by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. In 2015, the property was designated as a state archeological site due to the prevalence and quality of arrowheads found there, some dating to 7,000 B.C.