A New Family Tradition

Oak Hill Farm

By Shelby Kirton

A farm is more than just the land, cattle and crops. A farm is the family’s heritage and future lying firmly rooted in the operation. Family traditions provide an opportunity to live productively in the moment and create a sense of belonging to a rich, dynamic history. The Stalvey family rides strong in traditions at Oak Hill Farm, nestled in the wiregrass portion of Georgia in Hahira.

Just like many operations, the Stalvey family has multiple generations present on the farm. Four generations, to be exact. Third-generation proprietors Mark and Pam Stalvey raised their two daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth, on the farm. Now, both daughters get to raise a brand-new fifth generation on the very same soil that they grew up on.

It all started in 1932, when Annie Belle and Eason Stalvey inherited a portion of land. They would then raise their family and begin farming on that land. Ninety years later, that inheritance is now a part of the unique group of centennial family farms – and the legacy behind the Stalvey family.

Tommy and Nan Stalvey – the second generation – have kept the legacy and traditions of the farm going, passing it along to Mark and Pam’s generation. “It is only through Tommy and Nan’s thoughtful planning and actions that the farm is being passed down to future generations to love, manage, enjoy, and share with others,” Elizabeth observes.

Tommy began his branch-out into the cattle industry in the early 1990s, initially forming the framework for the herd with primarily Brahman and Simmental cattle. He then passed the herd down to Mark, who branched out further and grew the herd with commercial Angus cattle. “As with most cattlemen, a desire to develop a quality animal and build a quality herd of cattle was a driving influencer in getting into cattle production,” Mark notes.

As a multi-generational operation, Oak Hill Farm had an already-established infrastructure. This created some challenges for Mark; but in the end, it would add fewer complications than starting from scratch. “We started very slowly a nd built our herd, for many years, utilizing AI breeding to custom-build our genetics for the future. As our herd size grew, we had to balance time constraints and moved to utilizing quality herd bulls, to continue building and developing our genetic brand,” Mark recalls.

When determining which breed of cattle would best fit Oak Hill Farm, marketability and handling played a major role in the decision. “After having Brahman and Simmental cattle on the farm in earlier years, we decided that the Angus-influenced cattle were a better fit for us,” Elizabeth explains. The family chooses to utilize registered bulls at Oak Hill Farm, to add the genetics that tailor to their operation’s requirements to build a successfully functioning and profitable herd.

Small farms play an enormous role in the future of our industry, ultimately serving as its backbone. The Stalvey family celebrates the sense of fulfillment and meaning that comes from being a part of this essential industry and lifestyle. Elizabeth expresses it eloquently: “We work to provide quality cattle to feed America, and at the same time creating a legacy for our family that is as old as America itself.”

A new – and creative – tradition was added within Oak Hill Farm just a short six years ago. A Communications Class project for Elizabeth sparked interest on social media; and that is when the “wedding venue” concept was born. The venue consists of an old, small horse barn transformed into a charming pavilion; an intimate chapel; and an Airbnb converted from a grain silo. Mark and Pam own and operate Oak Hill Farm, including its wedding venue, alongside their two daughters and sons-in-law. Thus each generation of happily married couples plays a key role in operating this truly family-friendly venue.

Over the years, the venue has grown and flourished. The Georgia Centennial Farm designation adds an extra touch of the history and legacy behind Oak Hill Farm. Elizabeth highlights the importance of this: “It adds to the overall style of our venue, and we know diversification is the key in any operation, whether it’s row crops or weddings.”

The Stalvey family uses wedding-venue events on Oak Hill Farm as educational opportunities for their guests to see up-close what it is like to operate a farm. They offer tours to their guests – many of whom have never stayed or grown up on a farm or been involved in the agriculture industry. “We use this time as a teaching tool for those guests to educate them about our stewardship and love for the land and animals. They always leave with a much different perspective about the industry and the work that we do,” Elizabeth proudly reports.

Tommy – also known as the Stalvey Patriarch – grew up being a part of the second generation of the family’s farm. He has been a part of every inch of the operation’s growth, and he has witnessed new traditions being formed. The fifth generation is now starting to join the family. This next generation is vital in helping to continue the legacy and traditions of Oak Hill Farm. “I hope to pass on to my grandkids, if nothing else, a message of family tradition, history, hard work, and simple satisfaction. The importance of them knowing the work and sweat that has gone into our small piece of earth over the generations that have worked it. And no matter what type of agriculture it sustains, the gift of being able to feed others is unique.”

Ranching and farming are not merely activities that you engage in when you choose to; they constitute a way of life for families in this time-honored industry. In light of this, the Stalvey family offers time-tested wisdom: “Our advice to those interested in entering the industry is to not enter this field unless you are driven and passionate about doing it. It must be a way of life. There aren’t any sick days or holidays – but it is rewarding in the best kind of way if you truly live the life.”

While their traditions may vary slightly from one generation to the next, the core values remain constant: the Stalveys’ commitment to investing in the future of the beef and agriculture industry – and keeping their family legacy growing and thriving. Though their operation is nearly a century old, each generation keeps life at Oak Hill Farm – their firmly rooted centennial tradition – feeling fresh and new.

Tommy sums up their vibrant success story with nicely traditional phrasing: “Annie Belle and Eason would be so proud of what the farm has become today.”