By Andi Anderson
The King family’s Clover Meade Farms in Bellefontaine, Ohio, was recently honored with the Ohio Century Farm Award.
This recognition, presented by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, celebrates over 100 years of farming on their 118-acre property, originally purchased in 1915 by Amos Shem King.
Don King, the farm’s current operator, reflects on a life rooted in farming. “I love living out here. I wouldn’t want to live in the city,” he shared, recounting his childhood on the farm helping his parents, Paul and Ida King.
Don now runs the farm alongside his youngest son, K.C. King, cultivating corn, beans, wheat, oats, and hay, while also raising beef cattle.
The application process for the award required months of effort, including collecting land titles with the help of the Logan County Land Trust and Recorder Pat Myers.
Clover Meade Farms joins 23 other historic farms in Logan County and over 2,000 Century Farms across Ohio.
The farm’s legacy includes raising livestock for the Logan County Fair, where Don’s grandchildren now participate, and maintaining antique tractors used in local parades.
The name Clover Meade reflects the red clover once grown and sold on the property, adding a historical touch to the family’s story.
Beyond farming, Don spent decades as a Logan County Sheriff’s Office deputy, retiring in 2019 to dedicate himself fully to the land. His contributions to agriculture and the community continue through his family, including his four children, 10 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The Century Farm Award honors the Kings’ commitment to agriculture and community, celebrating a legacy that spans generations. Clover Meade Farms stands as a testament to the enduring values of hard work and family heritage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle