Five generations of my family have lived under the same roof. The tradition of farming stretches back farther than any of us can remember. Over the years, our farm has seen many changes and much diversity—dairy, hogs, chickens, corn silage, sheep, burley tobacco, and beef cattle. We have grown, adapted, and changed with the demands of the market, yet one truth remains and always will: a farm feeds people.
In 1987, my dad, Jeff, began finishing six to eight beef cattle a year for friends and family. A little over a decade later, it became necessary to replace the primary income from tobacco production. He and my mom, Charlotte, made the decision to pursue beef production full time. They were blessed with a steadily growing and successful business.
In the spring of 2007, our family suffered the unexpected loss of my dad. At the time, my mom was teaching full time, and we were still in school—my brother a freshman and me in seventh grade. We were both deeply involved in sports, FFA, clubs, church, and community. Because of these demands, we made the difficult decision to downsize the farm, herd, and business. Though it was not easy, we trusted in God’s promise—that even in the darkest times, He would never forsake us. And He never has.
Since 2007, we have seen God bless our family and farm time and time again. The herd and production have steadily increased as we stepped more fully into the business. My sister-in-law Taylor officially joined our family on July 19, 2014, when my brother Jordan was married.
On March 1, 2024, after much prayer, Jordan took a leap of faith. He and his family felt called to a new season of ministry and moved off the farm so he could serve full time as the Manager at Camp Calvary. Alongside his wife, Taylor, and their four beautiful children, they are faithfully doing God’s work each day—serving, teaching, and investing in lives for Christ.
Today, I have the honor of continuing the work here on the farm and carrying forward what my dad started. The name Rising Sons Beef was chosen as a tribute to him and as the beginning of a legacy for generations to come.
As I continue this journey, I am also stepping into a new chapter in my personal life. I will soon be married to my fiancée, Shelby, in October of 2026. Together, we will come together as one and begin building a life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. I am grateful for the future God is preparing for us and look forward to continuing this legacy alongside her, both in life and on the farm.
Through every season—loss and growth, struggle and success—one constant has remained: our faith in Jesus Christ. I may not always understand why things happen, but I trust that “He has made everything appropriate in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I draw my daily strength from the hope I have in Jesus Christ, my Savior.
I believe God’s Word is our foundation. The Bible is my guide for all teaching and instruction. I hold to the truth that belief, repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and obedience to Christ through a life of surrender and discipleship are God’s plan for salvation. As much as I love farming, I know my greater purpose is to serve God. It is my prayer that I glorify Him through my life and through this business.
Jeff & Charlotte
Jeff was a third-generation farmer, continuing a family tradition rooted in hard work and dedication. In 1987, he began selling beef on a small scale, offering just six to seven animals per year to friends, family, and neighbors.
Following the tobacco buyout in 2004, Jeff and his wife Charlotte made the decision to expand the operation and transition into selling beef full time. Their shared vision marked the beginning of a new chapter for the farm.
After Jeff’s passing in 2007, Charlotte stepped into a significantly larger role. While continuing her career as a schoolteacher and raising their two sons—then a freshman and a seventh grader—she took on the challenges of running the farm and sustaining the business.
Over the years, roles have evolved, but Charlotte remains deeply involved. She continues to play an active part in decision-making and regularly works at the farmer’s market, staying connected to the community that has supported their farm for decades.
Outside of farm life, Charlotte enjoys playing the piano and teaches preschoolers at Mackville Christian Church. She is also actively involved in Vacation Bible School each year, teaches piano lessons, and treasures every moment spent with her grandchildren.
Jacob & Shelby
Jacob and Shelby will be married in the fall of 2026 and look forward to building their life together on the farm. Following their marriage, they will both be actively involved in the daily operations of the farm. Jacob manages the entire farm operation, overseeing the cow herd, feeding program, forage production, and overall farm management. Together, Jacob and Shelby are committed to maintaining the farm's values of hard work, stewardship, and quality livestock care for future generations.
Shelby is the owner of Triple S – Shelby Sherrill's Soap Co., a small business specializing in handcrafted, all-natural soaps and skincare products. She also helped establish and now manages the Supported Employment Program at the Guthrie Opportunity Center in Bardstown, Kentucky, where she supports individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals and becoming active members of their communities.
Shelby is passionate about serving others and volunteers with the Embrace Program at Fern Creek Christian Church and Adventure Camp weekends at Camp Calvary, where she helps individuals with disabilities grow in their faith while fostering friendship, inclusion, and community.
Jacob is deeply devoted to his role as Youth Minister at Mackville Christian Church, where he actively leads and serves each week. He also serves as summer camp faculty at Camp Calvary and volunteers throughout the year to support the camp's ministry. In addition to his work on the farm, Jacob works part-time with the Kentucky Beef Network, providing education and support to local farmers throughout the community.
Together, Jacob and Shelby share a strong commitment to faith, family, agriculture, and service. They are grateful for the opportunities God has provided and look forward to building a life centered on Christ while serving their community, church, and future family.