Where is Rob visiting this week?
The Farm 1780 is an eighth-generation family farm dating back to the original King’s land grant of 1787. Originally, the grant covered 986 acres; today, the farm comprises 34 acres and is run by Brett and McKenzie Flashnick. The Farm is located off Corley Mill Road in Lexington.
Brett and McKenzie’s goal is to continue operating a successful family farm while maintaining family stewardship of the land. To remain viable, the business is devoted to agritourism, offering U-Pick blueberries, blackberries and muscadines, as well as cut flowers. Some seasonal produce is grown for the restaurant, Keg Cowboy, located in Downtown Lexington.
Seasonal produce also includes Dutch Fork pumpkins for sale in a fall pumpkin patch, again maintaining the close community ties. The pumpkins also provide raw materials for a recently launched fall/Halloween decorating service that leverages its own produce and imported specialty gourds. Continuing with the fall theme, the farm also produces popcorn for sale.
Brett and McKenzie are committed to sustainable agriculture and, as such, educate the public through U-pick operations and summer camps, while also bringing them to the site to use their on-site event space. Some examples include Hen’s Nights Out and event space rentals. For more details about the farm and opportunities to visit, see their website.
This month’s spotlight is from Rob Last, Midlands Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 