Charles Roberts' 200-acre Big Oak Farm has been in the family since the late 1800s.  Charles' great-grandfather was born on the farm and subsequent generations all worked the land in some capacity, including raising grains, cotton, and livestock.  

“We also have a long lineage in law enforcement dating back to my father who was the Cabarrus County sheriff for over 30 years.  Three of my five brothers and one sister retired from either federal or local law enforcement agencies.  And I was employed as a Special Agent and retired from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS),” says Charles.

When Charles retired in 2009, he came back to the farm determined to diversify the farm’s production system and develop a local market for their Angus-based beef herd.  Today, the Roberts family sells beef, goat, turkey and honey off the farm and finished grass-fed steers to Firsthand Foods .  

“As we began expanding our beef herd, we took the time up front to work with NRCS to fence out our creeks and set up a rotational grazing system that optimizes the use of our extensive pastures,” says Charles.  In the spring, they plant annual grasses and for winter feed, the Roberts make their own hay as well as use stock piled forages.   

The Roberts currently have 40 brood cows and all the cattle they sell are born and raised on the farm.  “We’re excited to be a part of Firsthand Foods and a growing network of pasture-based producers,” says Charles.

For more information about Roberts’ Big Oak Farm, visit their website at www.robertsbigoakfarm.com.