#EscapeWithNCAg is a year-long series that will focus on agritourism across North Carolina. Many farms, wineries and other agricultural businesses in our state offer events such as tours, yoga, educational classes, pick-your-own events and festivals, to entertain the public and teach them about our state’s number one industry. Each Thursday, we will feature a new site for you to visit with friends or family. Stay tuned and learn how to escape the stresses of life by diving into agriculture!
** This farm is a Got to Be NC member **
Agriculture is often less about the individual and more about the community. Robertson Family Farm embraces that ideology on their fourth-generation family farm in King. “My husband, Steven, grew up farming tobacco with his family, and although we have since transitioned to growing strawberries and a variety of other produce, this farm and its influence still runs through our blood and the life of the community,” said April Robertson. Today, the farm offers a variety of products direct to the consumer, including watermelons, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, okra, field peas, sweet corn, and pumpkins.
In 2017, the family decided to begin opening the farm to the community through pick-your-own strawberries. Since then, they have expanded to offering three community events each year that not only involve families across the state, but also local businesses.
In May, the farm celebrates Mother’s Day with food vendors and local businesses. “Mothers and daughters come out to shop with us and find the perfect gift to celebrate,” April said. “It’s so good to see the families enjoying time together on the farm, while also supporting local companies, buying local products and celebrating everything that mothers are to our families and communities.” The on-site farm store, where Robertson Family Farms sells most of their products, is also open during this event as well as other events throughout the year.
Most recently, the farm hosted their Summertime Bash, which featured live music, local vendors, food, and other products. They also plan to host a similar event in the fall, so mark your calendars to attend. “Our events work to bring the community together for a fun time in support of companies in the area,” April said. “We’ve seen major success through these events and people from as far as Charlotte have come to join us.” In addition to these community events and pick-your-own strawberries, April also hosts homeschool days on the farm during strawberry season to educate kids in the community and allow them to get their hands dirty on the farm.
April and Steven homeschooled both of their children, Abigail and Colby, so they understand the value of providing experiences that help children learn and get involved. “We offer these days during strawberry season because that’s the best time for kids to come and work on the farm with us,” April said. “They come out for the day, get their hands dirty, ask all types of questions and learn about the world of agriculture. This past season we had 250 kids join us for this event!” Homeschool Days are $8 per person and include pick-your-own strawberries and an ICEE. “We love teaching the kids about agriculture and watching them grow up as they come back year after year,” April said. “It’s a privilege to watch them learn about our state’s number one industry and discover a new passion within themselves.” Keep an eye on their social media pages next year if you would like to take your kid for a day on the farm.
Although homeschool days always bring joy to her heart, April’s favorite part of co-owning and operating Robertson Family Farm is being around the people within the community that come out each year. “A lot of people don’t know what it takes to grow these products, so it’s a true honor to be able to educate them and help them learn the value of local products,” April said. “Visitors learn a lot about the heart of a farmer when they come to visit us, which is something I hope they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”
When visiting the farm, be sure to stop by the farm stand for products from Robertson Family Farm as well as other local products from surrounding farms, including hydroponic lettuce, grilled dishes, and pickles. We are proud of all that they are doing to further the agriculture industry in the Piedmont region of our state, and we look forward to seeing their agritourism continue to grow!
