PROUDLY FARMING NORTH CAROLINA LAND FOR OVER 250 YEARS

In the mid-1700s, 27-year-old Gasper Schmidt traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to make a new home for himself in North Carolina. Gasper bought 210 acres in the rolling hills of North Carolina near the Yadkin River amidst tall loblolly pines, evergreen magnolias, cedars, and oaks. He established roots in Davidson County, farming his land. Gasper became a naturalized citizen in 1763, changed his name from Schmidt to Smith, and fought in the American Revolutionary War. He and his wife Margaret raised their seven children while farming. The home they built was on the land now called Riverwood, made famous by American painter Bob Timberlake who in the 1970s launched his career from a studio on Gasper’s land.

For hundreds of years, Gasper’s family continued to farm in North Carolina. Pictured above is Grandmama Emma Smith from the early 1930s. Guided by the principles of respect, accountability, perseverance, family, and faith, the Smith family endured many challenging seasons. In 1924, following the death of her husband, Julius Marcellus Smith, Grandmama Emma and her children showed courage and steadfastness as they struggled to work and live as tenant farmers in Davidson Country throughout the Great Depression.

FSC Ranch Beef is operated by brothers Fred and Irvin Smith who began cattle farming in Johnston County, North Carolina in the 1970s.

The Smiths’ attention to quality and their passion to help add value to their community is grown from their great respect for cattle and their commitment to be good stewards of what God has provided. That respect has been handed down from generation to generation.