through pastures, woods & streams
through pastures, woods & streams
Shel-Clair Farms
Where horse riding is peaceful and serene, full of beautiful scenery.
We are:
a family farm,
raising cattle,
growing crops,
offering riding trails,
and horse boarding
close to Birmingham, Ala
Shel-Clair Farms History
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.
Find out more about our family in this Alabama Pioneer article.
Ralph and his 2 sons
Ned and Ma
The Bearden cousins
Randy and his family
