Fifth-generation farmers
Siblings put own spin on family business
CLINTON
Samuel and Caroline Webb’s roots run as deep—maybe even deeper—in the Hickman County soil as the wheat and stalks of corn rustling in the spring breeze at Webb Farms. This brother and sister are fifth-generation farmers, cultivating a family tradition spanning more than a century on the same farmland purchased in 1899 by their great-great-grandparents, George and Stella Webb.
“It’s always been a part of me,” Samuel says, recalling childhood memories of working in the fields alongside their dad, Tommy, and grandfather, Thomas. At age 7, Samuel first drove a tractor; by 12, he’d mastered the combine. Not to be left out, then 10-year-old Caroline learned to maneuver the tractor and grain cart.
After high school graduation, Samuel became a full-time farmer—planting, harvesting and incorporating modern technology and precision farming into the operation, served by Gibson Electric. Caroline took a different path. She earned a health and human performance degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and contemplated chiropractic school before ultimately deciding to join in at the family farm. In addition to wheat and corn, they grow soybeans and have diversified into canola.
“Everybody works long hours to make it happen,” says Caroline. “It really is a family affair.”
Even so, perhaps having inherited an entrepreneurial spirit from great-grandmother Opal—an innovative, early 1900s businesswoman who was a beekeeper and ran an egg delivery route—Caroline wanted a niche all her own. So, in 2021, she established Heirloom Acres, which has grown from a booth at the farmers market to two greenhouses, a garden center and a gift shop.
“There are different ways to incorporate agriculture into your family’s business,” says Caroline. Customers can purchase bedding plants— like tomatoes, squash and peppers—as well as hanging baskets of geraniums, petunias and more. The gift shop features everything from seasonal items to home decor and women’s clothing.
Caroline was recently recognized with the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce Partner of the Year award. She plans to expand Heirloom Acres, saying, “It’s definitely taken off and it’s growing, and I’m trying to grow with that momentum that I’ve got going right now.”
AMY COBB is the author of two book series for children, Band Geeks and Libby Wimbley.
