MEET THE MITCHEM'S
about us
Wayne and Crystal Mitchem, along with their daughters Regan and Jordan, own and operate Mitchems’ Farm 3C in Vale, NC, located in the foothills of Blueridge Mountains on Wayne’s family's farm. Wayne and Crystal have a rich heritage in agriculture and are 6th generation farmers.
our heritage
Crystal’s roots in agriculture run deep. Raised in eastern North Carolina, she grew up on her grandfather’s farm, where he started a Polled Hereford herd in the late 1950s. Crystal and her sisters followed in his footsteps, becoming deeply involved in the National Polled Hereford Association. She was crowned National Polled Hereford Queen in 1990, and all three sisters went on to serve on the National Junior Council. Her strong work ethic was forged during long summers in the tobacco fields. Crystal earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University and a Master’s in Cattle Reproductive Physiology from the University of Missouri. Today, she puts that expertise to work as the owner of West Lincoln Veterinary Hospital.
Wayne Mitchem’s agricultural roots are equally strong. His family’s farm has long raised commercial cattle and registered Simmentals, while also growing everything from row crops and vegetables to hay. Alongside his brother Carrol, Wayne continues the family tradition, cultivating fresh market blackberries, blueberries, and grapes, and producing hay, oats, wheat, and soybeans.
empowering the next generation
Regan and Jordan Mitchem are actively involved in the farm's cattle operation while pursuing their academic goals. Regan obtained her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Nutrition from North Carolina State University in 2023 and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, expected to be completed in 2027. Jordan is pursuing a degree in Animal Science and Biochemistry at NC State University and serves on the National Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors.
The farm's involvement with Hereford cattle is the direct result of a 4-H project gone wild. Regan and Jordan's request for a Hereford heifer stemmed to a love for the breed and passion for the cattle industry.
At Mitchem’s Farm 3C, we are dedicated to breeding a high-quality herd, leveraging superior genetics from some of the most renowned Hereford ranches in the United States. In conjunction with three other farms we started the Partners in Performance Bull Sale in 2023. This annual event offers Hereford bulls designed for commercial producers. Our breeding program focuses on producing high-quality bulls and exceptional show heifers, highlighting the breed's undeniable value to cattlemen across the Southeast.
We are committed to raising Hereford cattle that combine structural soundness, eye appeal, and the performance characteristics required for success in the beef industry.
