Celebrating Laurens County’s Farming Community During National Ag Week
March 18, 2026
As National Agriculture Week is celebrated across the country, it serves as an important reminder of the vital role farmers play in feeding communities and sustaining local economies. In Laurens County, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the county’s heritage, economy, and way of life.
From cattle operations and hay production to produce farms and agritourism destinations, Laurens County is home to a diverse and hardworking farming community. These farmers not only provide food and agricultural products for families across the region but also help preserve the rural character that makes Laurens County unique.
Agriculture touches nearly every part of life in Laurens County. Many families have farmed the same land for generations, passing down knowledge and traditions while continuing to adapt to new technologies and opportunities in modern farming.
Agritourism has also become an important part of agriculture in South Carolina, giving residents and visitors opportunities to connect with farms through seasonal events, farm markets, and educational experiences. These activities help families learn more about where their food comes from while supporting the sustainability of local farms.
Jonathan Watkins of JBW Farms, who was recently recognized as the Specialty Commodity Producer at the 2026 Laurens County Spotlight on Agriculture, said farming requires commitment, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land.
“Farming is hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” Watkins said. “You’re not just producing a crop or raising livestock—you’re providing food for families and continuing a tradition that has been part of Laurens County for generations.”
Dabs Davis, President and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, said supporting local farms is important not only for preserving the county’s agricultural heritage but also for strengthening the local economy.
“Our farmers are an essential part of what makes Laurens County special,” Davis said. “They provide food for our tables, steward the land, and contribute significantly to our local economy. Supporting local farms and agricultural businesses helps ensure that this important part of our community continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Across the county, farms of all sizes contribute to the local agricultural landscape. Some of the farms and agricultural businesses residents may recognize include:
• LushAcres Farm – Clinton
• Stony Creeks Farm – Clinton
• JBW Farms – Gray Court
• Barefoot Acres Farm – Gray Court
• Little River Farms – Mountville
• The Farm at Rabon Creek – Waterloo
• Stewart Farms – Cross Hill
• Babb Family Farms – Clinton
• Harris Farms – Laurens
• Chestnut Ridge Farms – Gray Court
• Rocky Creek Farms – Gray Court area
• Cedar Grove Farms – Laurens area
• Reedy Fork Farms – Laurens County
• Fox Creek Farm – Gray Court area
• Cross Hill Farms – Cross Hill
• Triple Creek Farms – Fountain Inn area
• Black Oak Farm – Cross Hill area
• Rolling Hills Farm – Laurens County
• Green Pastures Farm – Laurens County
• Heritage Farms – Clinton area
• Rabon Creek Farms – Waterloo area
• Little Mountain Farm – Gray Court area
• Laurens County Farmers Market – Laurens
• LushAcres Farm Market – Clinton
• Laurens County Ag + Art Tour locations – countywide
Of course, this list represents only a portion of the many farms that operate throughout Laurens County, where agriculture continues to play a vital role in the local economy and community.
National Ag Week provides an opportunity to recognize the farmers who work long hours in fields, barns, and pastures to provide food and resources for communities across the country. In Laurens County, that work continues every day through the dedication of the local farming community.
Residents can celebrate National Ag Week by supporting local farms, visiting farm markets, attending agricultural events, and purchasing locally grown products whenever possible. Buying local produce, meats, and other farm goods helps keep dollars circulating in the local economy while ensuring access to fresh food.
For Laurens County, agriculture is more than a tradition—it remains an essential part of the county’s present and future.
