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Family’s Traditions Grow at Sharperson Farms
Story by Hianna Sabo
As dawn breaks over Mount Croghan, a familiar ritual unfolds. Shaquille “Shaq” Sharperson clips on his detective’s badge while his wife, Whitleigh, gathers her social work files. But before they can rush off to their day jobs, 1 crucial task awaits—tending the animals at Sharperson Farms.
“We get up at 5 a.m. with our headlamps on while the baby’s still sleeping,” Whitleigh says. Before the sun rises, they move through their 20 acres, tending to horses, hogs, and other livestock. Their son, Colt, is never far from their minds. “You know, it’s a big task with a 1-year-old,” Whitleigh says.
The seeds of Sharperson Farms were planted long before Shaq and Whitleigh met at Livingstone College. Shaq, who grew up in Orangeburg, was inspired by his grandfather and uncle, who raised pigs, and other local farmers. Whitleigh, with roots near Mount Croghan, comes from a family steeped in agricultural tradition.
“My maternal grandfather was a cattle farmer his whole life,” she says. “And my paternal grandfather owned horses. I was in 4-H until I aged out, showing everything from cows to turkeys.”
Starting small in 2019 with just 5 goats and 2 pigs gifted by Shaq’s Uncle Henry, they’ve expanded to include horses, chickens, and a thriving hog business.
Everyone Can Be a Farmer
For many visitors, Sharperson Farms offers a first glimpse into agricultural life. “We’ve had hundreds of people come and visit us who have never touched a horse before or who have never seen watermelons grow or a hog up close,” Whitleigh says. This hands-on exposure to farm life is at the heart of the couple’s mission to “diversify farming 1 day at a time.”
“We bring so much diversity into farming,” Whitleigh says. “We’re showing people that it’s OK to be different. Not all farmers look the same.”
The Sharpersons’ annual Farm Day event puts their mission into practice. In only its second year, it drew over 500 guests last June. Visitors enjoyed tractor rides, horseback riding, educational booths, and local vendors.
Behind the scenes, Farm Day is more than a community event. “It’s a family thing,” Shaq says. Relatives and friends travel from as far as Orangeburg and Charleston to lend a hand. Local volunteers offer to manage games, help elderly visitors, and ensure safety around the animals.
“It’s such a proud moment when you take a step back and see hundreds of people enjoying what you have started,” Shaq says. “That’s been our biggest accomplishment so far.”
Running With the Views
Shaq and Whitleigh have found strength in a community eager to share wisdom. “A lot of people get to a point where they don’t want to ask questions,” Shaq says. “But it’s OK to ask questions. If I don’t know, I can find out for you.”
This approach has helped the Sharpersons build a network of support and connect with experienced farmers like the folks at Five Forks Farm and River Bottom Dairy, who’ve become mentors and friends.
“We’ve asked questions I don’t know how many times,” Shaq says. “Those guys over there, they’re amazing. I’ve been there, asked questions, ‘Hey, I’m unsure how to go about this process.’ And they’re so helpful.”
Thanks to access to reliable high-speed internet, these young farmers have embraced social media and are building an online following. “The internet has been top tier for our success,” Whitleigh says. “We post pictures, we post events, and then people share it. We also have a really cool 1-year-old. People like to see him doing cool things. And so, they start to share it. Social media is so crazy because 1 share could reach so many people.”
Legacy In the Making
Sharperson Farms is embracing growth and continues to add new events like December’s Polar Express at the Farm. The couple is also working on making the farm more accessible to the community year-round.
“We’re working on having a little shop here where people can actually come to the farm and purchase our produce and meat,” Shaq says.
The Sharpersons look forward to continuing to be a strong presence in their community, focusing on business growth, hosting school groups, participating in 4-H programs, and judging equestrian events in neighboring counties.
“We’re all about giving back,” Whitleigh says. “Most of the time when we have events, it’s really not for profit. It’s just to show people that it’s OK to come and enjoy nature and enjoy what we have.”
For those inspired by the Sharpersons’ story and looking to start their own farm, Shaq offers this advice: “Start small, remain open, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you love it, do it.”
To stay updated on the family’s latest adventures, upcoming events, and adorable snapshots of Colt’s farm life, follow Sharperson Farms LLC on Facebook. Their story might just plant the seeds for your own journey.