Century Farm
I would like to say how proud we are to be awarded the Century Farm designation, but in reality, we are honored and humbled to be part of this special Tennessee program. Humbled because it was only by the grace of God that we were born into this extraordinary situation. Ivester Family Farm isn’t just a piece of land to me. It’s my childhood memories of fishing in the pond my dad and I built, playing with toy tractors in the barn my great granddad built, and hiding from my cousins in the milk house my grandad and uncles built. It’s my toil and sweat, as I learned alongside my father how to plow, sow, bail hay, mend fences, bushhog fields, raise crops, and care for livestock. It’s the place where my dad met my mom, and I met my wife at the church that sits on land my grandad donated to the congregation. It’s the place I called home and always came back to when I became a U.S. Marine and left the farm for twenty years. I left it to serve my country, but it never left me. It’s the place I came back to, because it never was just a place. It was and is a part of who I am. And it’s now the place where my younger son, Jacob, has chosen to continue the legacy and both keep the farm in the family, and keep the farm alive. My older son, Zach, and his wife, Katherine contribute as well with marketing and the website.
A Century Farm is important because it represents a significant piece of agricultural history, showcasing the endurance and legacy of family farms and their contributions to the state's economy, culture, and heritage. Century farms often play a key role in the economic and social development of their communities, and their continued existence demonstrates the enduring value of family-owned businesses and their contributions to the area, from our great grandfather’s expertise as a local black smith, my grandmother’s role in beginning a library down the street, and our great grandmother’s skills as a midwife/nurse. While some of these skills have all but been forgotten, we’re striving to keep what skills do remain intact for future generations.
Century farms are a testament to the importance of local food systems and sustainable agriculture, as they demonstrate the ability of family farms to produce food for generations. As a regenerative farm, we are taking a more difficult path by not using chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to provide healthier food for our local customers. We also have a unique role in protecting natural resources like water quality, wildlife habitat, open spaces, and most importantly, the health of our living soil.
Only a few days ago, I ran into a neighbor I haven’t seen for decades. He commented that he sees renewed activity on the old farm. I told him we’re not letting go and we aim to preserve it. To which he replied, “thank you… thank you for not letting that place get full of houses.” Gratefully, after over 100 years, we’re still there, still learning, still teaching, and still striving to leave a place for future generations to live off the land of their ancestors and have a place to call home.