The South Carolina Century Farms Program is pleased to announce that WR Simpson Farms, LLC, has been designated as South Carolina Century Farm, Clarendon’s County’s first designation. The farm was purchased by William R. Simpson in 1904 and has been owned by the family ever since. The Simpson family’s historic home and tobacco barn are included on the family farm. WR Simpson Farms, LLC, is currently owned by WR “Billy” Simpson, Sr., South Carolina farmer of the year 2001 and 6th generation farmer, and WR “Bill” Simpson, Jr., 7th generation farmer, of Manning, South Carolina.
The Century Farms Program was created to honor families who have owned and cultivated the same land for at least 100 years. The program was created in 1974 for Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. In 1976, the South Carolina Legislature expanded it to a state program. Since 1974, more than 400 properties have been designated as Century Farms
The Century Farms Program is administered by Lake Hartwell Country (formerly Pendleton District Commission), in Pendleton SC. This designation does not impose restrictions on ownership, nor does it offer legal protection. There is no cost to sign up. For more information, contact Executive Director Les McCall at 864-646-3782 or [email protected].
Be sure to check out the January 14th issue of The Manning Times to learn more about this story!