Our Story

 

The farm has been in Wesley’s family since 1904 when his great great grandfather purchased the land. In 1919, he split the farm between two of his sons.  The Hardwick Family worked the land raising pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, watermelons, & tobacco.  Wesley’s Papaw, Rufus Hardwick, sold milk, butter, & buttermilk before pasteurization & then sold milk to Pet Milk Company.  He even made butter in a washing machine once! Wesley’s parents, Dean & Martha, took over the farm operations as his grandfather grew older, & own most of the farm where we live. They work on the farm full time now. (Isn’t retired life fun?!)

Wesley's Papaw, Rufus Hardwick, in a field he had planted of red clover.

Denise’s family has been in the agriculture industry for over five generations as well beginning when her great grandfather purchased a farm in Lafayette, Tennessee, in 1910.  Coley Hereford Farm-operated by Denise's grandfather & great uncle & their families-held an annual cattle sale from 1953 thru 1978 with an exception in 1955. Her parents operate Coley Herefords in Lafayette, Tennessee (back now on the "home farm").  They sell many Hereford bulls each year by private treaty & Denise's dad, Jim, is a board member of the American Hereford Association.

Denise's great grandfather, grandfather, & great uncle on their farm-Coley Hereford Farm.

 

Wesley has a job in town as a pharmacist & works on the farm three days a week. Denise & the kids care for the animals daily as well while we homeschool the children.

In 2024, the farm was named a Century Farm by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. 

The blessing of farm life & raising kids on a farm is not lost on us.  We have a rich agricultural heritage & fully intend to pass this on to our children.  We love to share our story with you. You can find us on Instagram & Facebook @thousandhillsfamilyfarm to follow our daily adventures.