The Chesterfield Berry Farm is owned and operated by the Goode family. They have been farming in the Skinquarter area for over 100 years. The Goode’s have been farming now for four generations. Let’s go back and see how they got started in farming.
It all started with Wister and Mary Goode (many of you may know her as Mamie). Back in the 1940’s, they ran a sawmill operation in the Skinquarter area. They also ran a dairy business which was known as “Skinquarter Dairy.” Both Wister and Mary were active in farming until they passed away.
Wister and Mary had a son named Angus. Angus became active in the dairy operation when he was small and loved life on the farm. Angus married Betty and they remained committed to working on the farm and staying in the dairy business.
Angus and Betty had two boys, Aaron and Richard. The two boys, just the same as their father, were very active in the family business from the time they were small. As the boys became teenagers, Aaron became a tobacco farmer and Richard stayed in the dairy business. Aaron began to look into other venues of farming as the tobacco industry began to flutter and Richard began raising beef cattle. Both boys were still committed to the dairy business.
Aaron and Richard both had their own little stint in the world of NASCAR racing while they were teenagers. Richard became a driver at the local NASCAR tracks and Aaron was on the pit crew for Cecil Gordon and Buddy Arrington. Regardless of how much fun they may have had during their stint in racing, they still stayed true to their roots and kept on farming.
Skinquarter Dairy, the last fully functional dairy farm in Chesterfield County, ceased operations in 1984. It was probably the hardest decision that the Goode family ever had to make, but it was a wise one. The family left the dairy operations to devote themselves to their new farming operation, the Chesterfield Berry Farm.
In 1983, we harvested our first pumpkin crop. In 1984, we harvested our first crop of strawberries. Our pick-your-own operation was well on its way! In 1986, we opened the Market on Route 360. The farm and market have definitely expanded over the past few years. We now grow over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables. We also have three pick your own seasons and they include strawberries, blackberries, and pumpkins.
Now, let’s get back to those Goode boys. Aaron married Betty (yes, the same name as his mother) and together they have five children. Richard married Christy and together they also have five children. Aaron, Richard, their mother Betty, and their families are all involved in the day to day operations of the farm and the market. The Goode’s have a lot of help on the farm from their friends and other family members. The Goode’s remain committed to their roots and will be farming long into the future. After all, farming is in their blood!