A family farm for 97 years, the Fugate Farm in Tazewell is seeing new life while another generation works on it full time.
Whitt Shuford’s great-grandparents purchased the acreage years ago, he said, and gradually over the years family members were not able to work on the farm like they wanted.
About six years ago, Shuford decided to take it on full time.
“I just have a love of the lifestyle,” he said. “I’ve always had an interest in it.”
Shuford obtained a degree from the University of Tennessee in agriculture economics, but worked at other jobs before making the decision to take on the farm more than part time.
“It’s really all I ever wanted to do,” he said.
He has turned the farm into a commercial cow and calf operation. He raises cattle and sells them locally at the Claiborne County Stockbarn.
The farm is a family operation for Shuford. His son, Jackson LeFevers, assists him.
“Jackson is a tremendous help, putting up hay, feeding, whatever I need him to do,” he said.
Shuford’s wife Dorothy and daughter Whitlee also live and work on the farm when needed.
His grandmother Ruth Fugate was raised in the little white house that still sits on the property.
“Now that I’ve taken over and I’m farming it, she’s tickled to death,” he said.
Although farming is hard work, it is rewarding for Shuford, who reiterated his passion for it.
“I absolutely love it,” he said.
Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
