Know Your Farmers: Roberts Farm makes 'Ends Meat' to prep for the future
{Photos by copyright Geocore Creative, Inc.}
First-generation farmer Lloyd Roberts and wife, Tammy, call farming rewarding but they say at times it’s hard for locals to make “ends meat.” Roberts Farm continues to thrive despite challenges brought on by COVID.
The Randolph County natives are a first-generation cow/calf operation their namesake was established in 2012 with the purchase of more than 200 acres that straddle the fence between Randolph and Davidson counties.
Owners Lloyd and Tammy Roberts {Photos copyright Geocore Creative, Inc.}
Roberts said it was a dream come true as his passion for agriculture and farm life was inspired during his early career with John Deere Company. Tammy has always dreamed of life on a farm and truly values the lifestyle and way of living. They are currently living out their dreams at Roberts Farm.
The couple didn’t realize the obstacle of being the first generation. “It’s very challenging to start and grow this operation,” Roberts admitted. “But now we supply beef to our local market. It’s pretty amazing to secure land, capital to have a sustainable farm.”
The couple takes pride in their practices. “Our cattle are pasture raised and we practice rotational grazing [move to a new pasture every four to five days]. These cattle have access to clean water, grass and grain daily. Our cattle range in age between 16-20 months at processing, which produces a tender product. We work with our local veterinarian to establish a herd health program that keeps cattle healthy and happy. Our bulls are carefully selected with genetics to provide a beef end product that meets the qualifications of certified angus beef.”
{Photos copyright Geocore Creative, Inc.}
The farm transitioned to selling freezer beef full time in March of 2020 with the opening of their retail Farm Market on S. Main St. in Denton. They partner with other local farmers to provide their products for sale in their local store to complement their beef products (pork, chicken, honey, baked goods, spices, fresh vegetables, etc.). They sell at local farmer’s markets to gain brand awareness and get out the word. They said processing issues with local companies during COVID and getting the word out have been some of their greatest challenges.
Yet, they see the reward every day as customers come into the store from Denton and beyond. The Roberts recognize they are providing an important fresh food source for local families.
And while the two primarily operate the farm, they have occasional help from their children. They recently took steps to protect the future of their hard work with a voluntary conservation easement in partnership with the Salisbury-based Three Rivers Land Trust. Conservation easements are voluntary, legal agreements that permanently protect land from subdivision and intensive development. According to Three Rivers Land Trust, “the easement preserves the natural characteristics of your land, and also offers you and your family substantial estate and income tax benefits. Conservation easements are negotiable documents that match owners’ property-use needs with long-term benefits to their community.”
Tammy recalls that her passion for farming started on her grandparents’ land. She hopes to provide the same joy and love of nature. Lloyd said his hope is the easement ensures that, and while this is his family’s first farm, he hopes it will not be the last.
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