The First Fernandes
From Madeira Island, Portugal, Joseph and Virginia traveled to the United States in the early 1900s. Far from home and everything they knew, Joseph and Virginia found a small Portuguese community in southeastern Massachusetts, and each other.
In 1919, Joseph and Virginia purchased what is today's family farm. Starting with crops they knew personally is what started the legacy. They began to grow their family with the addition of children: Joseph, Mae, Cora, Vicky, John, Laura, and Edie.
The Second Wave and New Ownership
After many years and many hours, Joseph and Virginia transferred ownership of the farm to son, John Fernandes and his wife, Jeanne. John and Jeanne brought the farm into its golden years and earned many accolades within the agricultural community.
John and Jeanne began the development of some of the farms core values, specifically community. This dynamic duo understood that in order to manage and operate a strong business would take the help of many. John and Jeanne partnered with location constituents including Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, Massachusetts to provide an opportunity for young people to learn about farming and giving back to the community. This was further enhanced by the dedication from their children Carol, Mickey, Cathy, Susie, Lynne, Tina, Tom, and Virginia, as well as their numerous grandchildren.
John and Jeanne's motivation, drive, and values, still guide the farm in its current iteration to support community and promote education and kindness.
An Industrial Shift.
Over the course of John and Jeanne's tenure as owners of Fernandes Farm, there was a large shift in the labor force of the United States, one that hit the agricultural industry particularly hard. With revolutions in transportation, agricultural materials were cheaper and more cost effective to transport in from other countries. This importing of agricultural products directly impacted the small farmer's ability to sustain.
John and Jeanne's eldest son, Antonio (Mickey) Fernandes eventually took over the family business. Mickey continued his work as professional septic installer and heavy equipment operator while still maintaining the farm. Under Mickey's leadership the farm changed crops and focused on hay as this required less people power in a market where there were less people seeking manual labor. Mickey created many impactful and lasting relationships with agricultural suppliers and farmers in the New England and Mid-Atlantic region.
Revitalizing and Re-energizing
In May 2022, Mickey's children, Aimee and Aaron, took ownership of the family farm after Mickey's passing. Aimee and Aaron have worked with each other and the consultation and advisement of their family members to develop a new image of Fernandes Farm. Aimee and Aaron have partnered with their cousin Mark to expand the farm and bring back our community focus. This new iteration of the farm brings back a multitude of crops, practices, and partnerships that center the success of the surrounding community and greater southeast Massachusetts area.