The Mayfield Family - East Tennessee

The Mayfield Family – East Tennessee

Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.

In a recent interview with Scottie and Michael Mayfield, we explored the history of Mayfield Dairy Farms, the family’s dedication to agritourism, and their conservation efforts with The Land Trust for Tennessee. Scottie Mayfield, the former President of Mayfield Dairy Inc., is now retired, while his son, Michael, runs Mayfield Farm Park in Athens, TN. The Mayfields partnered with The Land Trust for Tennessee in 2007 to protect the Historic Mayfield Farm in McMinn County. Here’s their story.

A Rich History

Mayfield Dairy was established in 1820 when Jesse Mayfield moved from South Carolina to Tennessee. In the early 1900s, Scottie’s grandfather began milking Jersey cows and delivering milk to homes in a horse-drawn wagon. Post-World War II, Scottie’s uncle and father modernized the dairy plant, which led to higher quality milk with a longer shelf life. This commitment to quality helped Mayfield Dairy grow, and it is now known for its beloved ice cream. The business was sold in 1990 to Dairy Farmers of America, a relationship Scottie describes as wonderful.

Evolution to Agritourism

Although the farm and Mayfield Dairy Farms Inc. are now separate entities, the Mayfield family retained the historic farm. Twenty years ago, Michael Mayfield earned his degree in ornamental horticulture and initially grew vegetables. Today, he focuses on agritourism at Mayfield Farm Park, cultivating ornamental gourds and pumpkins. The farm also leases land to a local farmer for hay and grain, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Michael shared, “Agritourism exposes the community to agriculture and provides a place where kids can come and play without screens. It’s a great thing for the community and allows us to maintain a working farm.” The farm features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, obstacle courses, ziplines, giant slides, and even pig races. Michael is planning to add new seasonal activities around Christmas and start hunting tourism.

Commitment to Conservation

The Mayfield family’s deep connection to the land has inspired their commitment to conservation. Scottie highlighted the natural beauty of Tennessee, “We have mountains, rivers, lakes, hills, and valleys. It’s a beautiful area with four seasons.”

In 2007, the Mayfields placed a conservation easement on their property with The Land Trust for Tennessee in the hopes that it would remain farmland for years to come. Scottie explained, “One of the reasons I wanted to do an easement was so the farm wouldn’t be sold for development. My son has been a good conservationist, managing the land for wildlife and agriculture. We have a great turkey crop, a lot of deer, several coveys of quail, and it’s a nice place to live and visit.”

Michael added, “Hunters are some of the biggest conservationists in America. Teaching kids about conservation through hunting and managing resources is crucial.”

Supporting The Land Trust for Tennessee

Scottie emphasized the importance of supporting The Land Trust for Tennessee, noting the need for funding to manage their growing acreage of conserved land. “Any financial support toward that would be a great contribution to conservation,” he said.

The Mayfields’ dedication to conservation and appreciation for agriculture is a legacy they hope to pass down to future generations. Scottie shared, “My grandchildren come out to the farm, and they love it. Michael’s two boys get to enjoy it more than anybody.”

The Mayfield family’s journey from dairy farming to land conservation demonstrates their commitment to protecting Tennessee’s natural beauty. Through their partnership with The Land Trust for Tennessee, they have ensured that their land will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Find out how you can support The Land Trust for Tennessee’s conservation work.