McPherson Property

Three years ago while walking around the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Associate Director Kevin Redding struck up a conservation with a farmer selling organic tomatoes. While the impressive display of fruits and vegetables caught his wife’s eye, Kevin’s interest was spurred by the gentleman’s questions about farmland preservation, as well as the name of his farm, Uwharrie Farm. After a few minutes conversing, the farm, Larry McPherson, asked to set up a time when he and his wife could discuss what options might be available for preserving their farm along the banks to funds made available from the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the U.S.D.A. Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, that conservation has finally ripened into a conservation easement that will permanently protect their beloved farm.

Uwharrie Farm is a conservation jewel. The lowlands comprise over 8,000 feet frontage along the Uwharrie River. The property consists of 120 acres of high quality soils. The views from the ridge top look out over the Birkhead Wilderness Area, part of the Uwharrie National Forest. On top of all this, the farm is located in a strong farming community that goes by the name of Farmer. “We’re very pleased to be able to protect a farm with so many conservation benefits” says Kevin Redding. “From the agriculture to the water resources to the scenic beauty, this farm is really special.”

Larry and Judy McPherson have gone to great lengths to manage their farm in a responsible manner. Since acquiring the land from Judy’s parents in 1987, they’ve honed their skills at raising organic tomatoes. When Judy isn’t tending to the tomatoes, she’s busy in the kitchen baking up organic breads, granolas and other treats. In the summer months they diversify their produce to include peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, watermelons and other favorites.

Given all the hard work they have invested in the farm, Larry and Judy are very excited to see it protected.

As Judy tells it, “My parents moved to this farm in 1953 when I was 1 year old. My family and I fished and swam in the river, played in the woods and shared farm chores. The farm is a lovely place that holds many memories for me. A portion of the farm was divided before Larry and I purchased the remaining 120 acres. The fact that The LandTrust has enabled us to preserve this remaining portion for future generations is very special to me.”

By working with The LandTrust to place a conservation easement on the farm, Larry and Judy can rest soundly knowing that Uwharrie Farm will always be much as it is today: a place where fruits and vegetables can be grown in the fertile soil, where cattle can roam the lush pastures, where wildlife can enjoy the forests and fields, where canoers and kayakers can paddle the Uwharrie River, where travelers down Waynick Meadow Road can enjoy the remarkable view, and where children can learn about agriculture’s past and present.