The Farm Family of the Day program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the N.C. State Fair – who work hard every day 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. 13-23.
Located in the Archers Lodge area of Clayton, Pace Family Farm offers the community a large variety of produce and beef. Pace Family Farm has been in operation for over 100 years, and the current generation has graduated college with degrees in agricultural studies. Jerry and Deborah Pace and their two daughters, Michelle Pace Davis and Cara Pace Dunnavant, work together as a well-oiled machine to keep their farm producing high quality products. The Pace Family Farm grows red potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, squash, zucchini, green beans, peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, onions, sweet corn, okra, collards, turnips and sweet potatoes. They also produce high quality beef and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries in the spring.
Pace Family Farm offers a variety of produce through their summer CSA program as well as local farmers markets. The farm also hosts special events, outdoor movie nights at the farm, a Christmas craft fair, concessions, and areas for photography sessions.
Michelle Pace Davis ran for the 2020 County Commissioner in a race won by her opponent by only 51 votes. Several of the Pace family members have served the Fire Department and local/national FFA. Pace Family Farm also belongs to the N.C. Farm Bureau, Johnston County Visitors Bureau, the N.C. Strawberry Association, and N.C. Agritourism.
“They love God, are very involved in their church, and treat everyone like family,” Farrah Baynes goes on to say, “I’ve watched them transform to sustainable farming in a way that makes it “cool” to be a farmer again. They work tirelessly for others.”
The Pace Family Farm loves the N.C. State Fair because it reminds the people in North Carolina of their agricultural roots, because without farmers, no one eats. They also love the exhibits and food that the N.C. State Fair provides to the community.
If you see the Pace Family Farm on the fairgrounds today, be sure to thank them for their tireless work throughout their generations as well as their contributions to the local community. We are honored to have the Pace Family Farm as the Farm Family of the Day for October 23rd! We look forward to watching future generations grow and contribute to the agricultural industry and their community.
