The Farm Family of the Day is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and seeks to recognize and celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage and many farm families that are behind the state’s agriculture and agribusiness industry. One family is recognized each day of the Fair, either nominated themselves or by members of their community. Congratulations to the 2023 Farm Families!
Say hello to our Farm Family of the Day for Friday, Oct. 13, Rudd Family Farm! Rudd Family Farm is a fourth-generation farm from Greensboro. In the 1900s, the family grew tobacco and wheat but in 2000, they planted their first strawberry crop. Now, over 20 years later, the farm grows 15 acres of strawberries as well as greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
Rudd Family Farms has a farm store that is open during the spring, summer and fall growing seasons. They also operate a drive-thru during strawberry season. No matter the time of year, the family strives to impact their community through providing a reliable and transparent source of high-quality fruits and vegetables.
Being located less than half a mile from Highway 29, Rudd Family Farm enjoys having the opportunity to allow customers to see agriculture in action. They are dedicated to helping visitors of all ages learn how food goes from the farm to your table.
“Our location on the outskirts of the third largest city in North Carolina allows us to welcome many city residents onto our farm each week to purchase produce that is picked just feet from our farm store,” Chelsey Rudd said.
The Rudd Family Farm doesn’t stop there. They also impact their community by combatting agricultural misconceptions and sharing agricultural experiences and practices with others.
“We are grateful to be able to donate produce to various non-profits and food banks in our community and provide food assistance for Thanksgiving meals for students and families in need at our local schools,” Chelsey said. “We also serve our community through agricultural outreach projects with Guilford County Young Farmers & Ranchers, as well as through the North Carolina Farm Bureau YF&R State Committee.”
The Rudd family truly loves being a part of North Carolina agriculture. Providing produce for their community might mean hard work and long hours, but the appreciation from their customers, friends and neighbors makes it all worthwhile.
“We feel humbled to be stewards of a small part of our state’s beautiful land, and we consider it an honor to have a role in feeding members of our community. Our state’s agriculture industry is an incredibly supportive community of friends and colleagues—from fellow farmers and ranchers, Extension resources, regional agronomists, N.C. Farm Bureau programs such as YF&R, and NCDA&CS supports for farmers — we feel so fortunate to be in the agriculture industry,” Chelsey said.
The North Carolina State Fair offers so many things from fair foods to rides and even music. For some, it can be difficult to choose a favorite part, but the Rudd Family loves it all. However, the competitions that celebrate our farmer’s hard work is always enjoyable.
“As former tobacco farmers who have participated in the tobacco tying contests at the fair, we love that the fair is both a celebration of our state’s agricultural heritage, as well as an exhibition of modern-day agriculture in our state,” Chelsey said.
Join us in thanking Rudd Family Farm for their commitment to our states number one industry! If you see the members of Rudd Family Farm today on the fairgrounds, be sure to say hello. We are honored to have them as the Farm Family of the Day for October 13th!