Every year the N.C. State Fair thrills people of all ages and backgrounds from across the state for 11 exciting days. Fairgoers get the chance to enjoy exciting rides and delicious new foods. The State Fair is also a time to celebrate N.C. agriculture and the hardworking families who make it our state’s leading industry.
Farm Family of the Day, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co., is a program that recognizes one standout farm family each day of the N.C. State Fair. To honor these families’ accomplishments and contributions to North Carolina agriculture, they are awarded tickets to attend the fair on a day of their choosing, where they will be recognized through PA announcements and signs on the fairgrounds.
Today, the N.C. State Fair and Tractor Supply Co. congratulate Clapp Farm of Chatham County!
Clapp Farm is a multi-generational family farm located in Siler City and today mainly focuses on rearing cattle. The farm was founded by Raymond Clapp in 1865 on 200 acres of land. The farm business has been passed down through the family for generations, with Raymond teaching his son Ed to farm, who later taught his son, Al. Additionally, the family also started their own tractor business called Clapp Brothers Tractor in 1937.
The family’s legacy is deeply tied to the farming community and the agricultural field. To this day some of the barns built during the farm’s early days are still standing.
“I love my family name and our deep connection to farming in the area,” Caroline Clapp, daughter of Al Clapp, shared.
Although today the farm focuses on the cattle, in the past the farm has had everything from hogs to dairy calves, and they’ve also focused on growing a variety of crops. Over the years the family has adapted to the changes in the area and in the farming community and they remain a leader in the agricultural world.
“My dad has farmed as long as he can remember and he knows about everything there is to know about farming equipment. When a farmer breaks down on Saturday, he’s in their field on Saturday,” Caroline shared. Her father is incredibly dedicated to their local farming community and will drop everything to help support others. The family is well known in the area not just for their prominence in the agricultural world but also for their kindness and constant support.
They make it a point to value and preserve the traditions of farm life. It takes an incredible amount of work and dedication to run and maintain a farm as well as a good amount of patience for when things don’t go as expected. For Caroline’s father, some of his best memories have come from farming and knowing that he’s following in his father’s footsteps.
“There’s a special identity in being a farmer. He’ll always mow the fields and feed the cows until he can’t anymore, even if he doesn’t earn a penny. He’s got a deep appreciation for the land his family came from and the traditions it represents,” Caroline reflected. For her, most farmers have a humble and down-to-earth perspective on life that makes them a unique and passionate group of people.
The Clapp family is a longtime supporter of the N.C. State Fair. Caroline shared that her father, in 64 years, has only missed the State Fair twice. Once when he was a child and the second time during Covid. For years the family has been making memories at the State Fair, and they can’t wait to return to make more memories this year. Some of their favorite things to do include riding the fair rides and walking around the fairgrounds. They’re especially looking forward to dropping by Al’s fries, something which has been a tradition in the family since Al was a child.
Last but certainly not least, congratulations to Clapp Farm!