Forever Green: 418-Acre Farm Near Fountain Inn Protected from Development

As rooftops continue to rise across the Golden Strip, one local family has taken a permanent stand to ensure a massive stretch of Upstate farmland remains exactly as it is. Platt and Ashley Moore of AM-PM Farms announced this week that they have established a conservation easement to protect 418 acres of their beef cattle operation.

Preserving the Working Landscape

Located just a short drive from the heart of Fountain Inn, AM-PM Farms is a primary supplier of local beef for several butchery and market locations across the Upstate. By partnering with the SC Farm Bureau Land Trust and the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the Moores have legally ensured that this land—home to over 500 Angus brood cows—can never be sold for residential or commercial development.

For the Moores, the decision was about more than just land; it was about legacy. Protecting this farm means ensuring that future generations have a place to continue the agricultural traditions that built this region, even as the urban footprint of Greenville County expands.

A Buffer Against Urban Sprawl

The 418-acre easement serves as a significant “green buffer” in an area that has seen some of the most rapid development in the state. Conservation experts note that protecting large contiguous tracts of land like AM-PM Farms is vital for:

• Water Quality: Maintaining natural soil and vegetation helps filter runoff before it enters local watersheds.

• Local Food Security: Permanent easements guarantee that prime agricultural soil remains available for local food production.

• Wildlife Habitats: The sprawling pastures provide a corridor for local species that are increasingly displaced by new construction.

The Rise of Conservation in the Golden Strip

This move reflects a growing trend among long-time Upstate landowners who are utilizing conservation easements to balance the region’s economic growth with environmental and historical preservation. While the “Front Porch of the Upstate” continues to welcome new neighbors, projects like the AM-PM Farms easement ensure that the rural charm and open vistas that draw people here in the first place aren’t lost to progress.

For residents who want a taste of what this protected land produces, the AM-PM Farms butchery in Fountain Inn remains a staple for locally raised, grass-fed beef.