By Patrick and Anastasia Horton
In the heart of Bertie County, N.C., lies a testament to resilience, faith and generational stewardship — The Horton-Powell Family Farm (Rooted Acres). This 52-acre farm has stood the test of time, passing through the hands of family for over a century. It was established in 1906 and now is proudly recognized as a Century Farm by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The farm also is recognized by the Black Century Land Ownership Recognizing Program and is a member of the respected Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Program (SFLRP) sponsored by Roanoke Cooperative. The farm is also certified by the American Tree Farm System and the N.C. Tree Farm Program. But beyond the accolades, this land tells the story of our family’s unwavering commitment to preserving a rare piece of heritage, making it a living monument to the power of land preservation in Black history.
We purchased the land from a relative. Along with our young son Isaac, we are the current landowners and stewards of the land. Our journey into land ownership is marked by excitement, purpose and a deep sense of responsibility. “They’re not making land anymore” is a phrase Patrick often shares when talking about the farm—a rarity in today’s world, where land ownership, particularly in the Black community, has become scarce. Holding on to land isn’t just about owning property; it’s about preserving legacy, building generational wealth, and inspiring others to understand the power of land stewardship. In a time when many young couples are focused on buying homes or chasing modern conveniences, this young couple (we’re in our 40’s) has chosen a different path—one rooted in faith and legacy. We have embraced the responsibility of preserving our family’s 52-acre farm.
Buying the farm brought a renewed sense of purpose to us both. For us, it is not just an investment but a calling. The thrill of owning something so precious, knowing that it’s ours to nurture and pass down to Isaac, makes the moment even more special. In a time where less than one percent of U.S. farmland is owned by Black families, the family farm stands as a powerful reminder that land ownership in the Black community is an opportunity to reclaim heritage, build economic stability, and inspire others to hold onto what is rightfully theirs—or acquire it anew.
The management of our land consists of a recent planting of approximately 600-800 loblolly pine trees per acre. We are completing a herbicide release aerial spray to control the amount of woody and herbaceous competition on the land. In a few years, we will have a pre-commercial thinning to remove some trees to improve the growth of the remaining trees.
Rooted in faith, we view our land as more than soil and trees. We are passionate about inspiring other Black families to hold on to land—or even acquire it. Land is a rarity, and its importance goes beyond its monetary value. While our land is primarily dedicated to forestry, our family’s purpose goes far beyond agricultural management. We encourage people to follow this journey about faith, family, farming and forestry through our dedicated YouTube page, “Rooted Acres.” Our mission, “Rooted in Faith; Nurturing Family, Farming, and Forestry,” speaks to our commitment to preserving this land while sharing the love of God and the importance of family relationships. We see this land as a blessing from God and are dedicated to spreading God’s love and encouraging a deeper understanding of the ties between faith, family and land.
Embracing to a guiding scripture from Colossians 2:7—”Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving”— our family is focused on a future where faith, family and farming remain deeply intertwined.
To follow our journey and learn more about the Horton family, visit www.Rooted-Acres.com or follow us on YouTube @ “Rooted Acres.”