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All Famoda Farm forage fields are biannually fertilized based on soil analysis provided by Clemson University and managed for all types of weeds.
Fa-mo-da- n. Derived from the first two letters of Father, Mother, and Daughters. An intricately woven business, spanning decades, built on family values and the love of Angus Cattle.
Read more about Famoda Farm's History...
Shirley Brown & Doris Blackmon
Our story begins in 1945 when William Paul Brown along with his wife, Minnie, opened Brown's Packing Plant in Gaffney, SC. What was to be a small business that would support his family of four, ultimately turned into a thriving business and meat market. Brown's quickly expanded as Shirley, the eldest daughter, began to take an interest. In 1952, while watching the newest load arrive at the plant, Shirley was credited for noticing that one was "fixin'" to calve and insisted that she be separated and allowed to finish. To the amazement of the fmaily, Shirley was right and she now had her first calf.
Like many families, all siblings must have the same thing. Doris, the youngest Brown daughter, was no exception and insisted on having her own calf as well. In 1955, with steers in tow, the Brown girls discovered the American Angus Association and started showing.
Brown's Packing Plant became Famoda Farm in 1962 with the purchase of 350 acres in northern Greenville County. The packing house soon became the farm house and the barns were quickly filled with blue ribbons. The same year, Doris was named the American Angus Queen while Shirley served as the Shorthorn Princess. Shirley and Doris had proven that, in fact, there was room for women in the fitting business and that they could compete with any other fitting crew on the road. They became extremely successful and took pride in their work everytime they stepped into the show ring. The Brown girls lead champions all over the east coast.
Like many of us know, there are many stories and friendships made both in and out of the show ring. A few of their highlights included Winning Champion Steer at the Bourbon Beef show in Louisville, KY then promptly being asked to take him to the TV station for an interview. Not only was the interview successful, but they managed not to have any accidents on the elevator as they lead him to the top floor. They've been shot at for "attempting" to steal chickens as they changed a tire in Georgia coming back from the Florida State Fair, and they even once got arrested for not having mud flaps on their truck while hauling cattle through Ohio. From the way I hear it, Doris had to do some creative talking to get out of that one. They avoided jail by tying two feed sacks under their truck until they could get home. Famoda cattle have been known to keep company with politians and movie stars. In 1967, one was even presented to the Governor of the great state of South Carolina.
Today, life is much quieter for the Brown girls. The focus is more on family and the breeding of top Angus cattle. In the recent years, Famoda progeny have topped the state sales, been slapped for champion in Denver, and even been internationally exported to Pakistan. Both Shirley and Doris remain active with local 4H and FFA clubs and on more than one occasion, Famoda has hosted judging teams from around the upstate. They are always willing to give a word of encouragement to any member of the Jr. Angus Association.
What started out as a family business has evolved into so much more. Famoda was built, and still stands, on Faith, Family, and the Farm. When looking at the years of service, dedication, and impact on the Angus Association and the Angus breed itself, Shirley and Doris embody what being a member of the Hall of Fame means. I am proud that they are my family.
