ROOTS IN AG

Blake’s roots in agriculture run deep—so deep they’ve shaped nearly every part of his life. He is the fourth generation of Allens to raise cattle in this part of North Carolina, carrying on a legacy built by hard work, determination, and a deep love for the land and its creatures. Blake’s great-grandfather ran a dairy farm in Mint Hill, NC, where his grandfather, Blake Houston Allen, grew up. Later, his grandfather moved to Concord, NC, where he farmed commercial beef cattle and worked as an agriculture and woodshop teacher at a local school. He was larger than life—so much so that, to this day, people still share stories about the lessons they learned in his classroom when they meet Blake. Blake’s dad, David Allen, grew up working cattle alongside his father and brothers. But when his father died in a farm accident in the late 1970s, he had to step away from farming to take what he called a "real job." While other kids spent weekends at the mall or playing video games, Blake wanted to be on the farm. He spent his free time helping family and friends with their hay crops, working cattle, and learning the ins and outs of farm life. He even sketched out plans for what his own farm would look like one day. Even though Blake was raised in Charlotte, he spent as much time as possible on the family farm. By the time he was 12 or 13, he was determined to have cattle of his own. In 2009, at just 15 years old, he bought his first cows on March 5—a date he still remembers as the true beginning of his farming journey. With his dad and Uncle Mark, he cleared overgrown land, built new fences, and replanted pastures, working toward a shared vision of rebuilding the family’s cattle operation. His dad and uncle gave him a strong foundation, teaching him how to care for the land and livestock. But during college, Blake suffered a heartbreaking loss—his dad passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. That loss solidified what Blake already knew: life is too short not to do what you love. After earning his degree in Agricultural Business from NC State University in 2017, he returned to the farm full-time to continue the work his family started. Farming hasn’t always been easy, and there have been plenty of challenges along the way, but Blake wouldn’t choose anything else. Every day, he works to raise quality livestock and care for the land, carrying on the legacy of those who came before him.