African American farm owner feels connected to her Sumter property

Year 'round, month to month, the Natural Resources Conservation Service in South Carolina serves to support the landowners, farmers and ranchers of private lands in the state. Whether that land is passed from one generation to another or procured through other means, the NRCS staff works to help both technically and financially to assist South Carolinians with conservation concerns.

This month, during the observance of Black History Month, one of South Carolina's landowners talked about her experience of being a landowner.

"I feel connected to the property," said Sandra Myers, Greenfield Farms' landowner. She and her husband, Mark Myers, have lived on this land in Sumter County since the early 1990s, but her family bloodline on this more than 60-acre property extends long before then.

This couple purchased their land which is also part of their ancestral history dating back more than 200 years ago from slavery. Myers said she feels spiritually connected to the land.

"[I feel] safe and protected here," said Myers. "I never feel like I am in danger."

She said there is a force on the property that others who visit have also mentioned.

"Some people who come to visit don't want to leave - the air is thick with spirits … it's awesome, and it's a blessing," said Myers.

One way that Myers and her husband have been able to share their blessing is by hosting an annual horse event during May, the Black Cowboy Festival. People come from not only South Carolina, but also North Carolina, New York, Canada and even Germany to learn about the contributions of the Black cowboy and to experience the display of horsemanship during the festival.

What started out as a neighborhood church fundraiser is now 27 years later a four-day festival of educating people about African American cowboys and Southern Black culture.

Myers said her husband grew up watching TV westerns such as "Bonanza" and dreamed of having a horse ranch. His dream became reality, and they are proud to express the feeling that comes with landownership.

"There is nothing like having your own land where you can visualize and create on it," said Myers. "It's a piece of earth for yourself, your family and the future."

She said unfortunately, she has seen declining interest in landownership during the past years within the African American community and said that she's heard some concerns expressed that there is not enough financial benefit involved in farming.

"Young folks say 'why would I do that' if it's no money to show?"

Myers also said historically, it has been a challenge for minorities to get help from agricultural organizations in creating sustainable farms and that is a turnoff. She thinks the future of farming in the Black community is dissipating, but she said NRCS programs are helpful.

Within the past 15 years, NRCS programs played a role in the current and future success of Greenfield Farms by providing technical and financial assistance with conservation efforts by helping with efforts in irrigation and fencing.

"We were the backbone of farming, and it is our heritage," she said. "We are agriculture people, and we belong to the land."

For more information about NRCS programs, visit your local service center or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/south-carolina.