Shel-Clair Farms History

Find out more about our family in this Alabama Pioneer article.

Family Farming

The Bearden family has been farming in Shelby County, Ala. since 1929, when J.E. “Ned” Bearden started a dairy farm in Helena. He and his wife, Irene “Ma” Bearden, raised six children on the farm.

Their son Ralph and Ralph’s sons, Randy (me) and Wayne, started Shel-Clair Farms in Vincent in 1972. At this property, we ran a dairy operation until 2005, when we transitioned to a row crop and beef cattle operation. We added the horse trails and horse boarding in 2007.

The Name

The name was chosen because the border between St. Clair County and Shelby County goes right through the farm property.

Nestled in the Appalachian foothills, the farm includes rolling hills, creeks, forests, waterfalls, and more. There’s enough open space to lose yourself–and your troubles–for a whole day.

Our family has spent decades laughing, relaxing, and enjoying the company of good friends on the farm. We invite you to come enjoy it, too.

Ralph and his 2 sons