Jacksonville, AL – For generations, the Dothard family has called the Nances Creek community near Jacksonville home. Today, Joseph and Sabrina Dothard are continuing that legacy at Nances Creek Farms, where agriculture, family traditions, and agritourism come together on land that has been in the family since the 1800s.
Nestled beneath the Appalachian foothills, the farm welcomes visitors throughout the year for seasonal activities ranging from strawberry picking and pumpkin patches to summer produce and flower harvests. For Joseph Dothard, however, the farm represents far more than a business venture.
“We are so thankful to steward the farm my family settled in the 1800s,” Dothard said. “God had to bring me to my knees for me to see that I wasn’t in control. He led me to this life. I look at this century-old farm and strive to protect it for future generations.”
The Dothards’ children — Libby, Lorelei, and JT — are the seventh generation of the family to grow up in the Nances Creek community. According to Dothard, becoming a father played a major role in his decision to return to agriculture after spending nearly a decade working in occupational safety.
“My perspective changed after we had children,” Dothard said. “I grew up thinking farming wasn’t for me. I was working a job off the farm for almost a decade in occupational safety. Once having kids, I realized this is where I needed to be.”
In addition to managing the farm, Dothard works at Greenway Plants, a nearby nursery. He credits that role and involvement in agricultural organizations with helping strengthen the family’s farming operation.
The farm’s modern chapter began in 2020 when the family launched a U-pick strawberry operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That timing was impeccable,” Dothard said. “People wanted to get out and be outside with family. Our farm offered that. It took off from the beginning.”
Today, the farm operates around seasonal offerings. Strawberries are featured in the spring, while summer brings sweet corn, okra, and cut flowers. Fall activities center around pumpkins. The family also participates in community events such as the Piedmont Strawberry Festival.
Agritourism has become a significant part of the operation. A 94-year-old rock house on the property now serves as an Airbnb, attracting visitors traveling to Jacksonville State University and the Talladega Superspeedway.
“This model allows us to always have people coming out to the farm,” Dothard said. “Agritourism is our market. There is something different about putting your hands on the plant and seeing how it was produced. Our town loves that.”
Neighbor Gail Pollard said visiting the farm reminds her of her own childhood growing up on a family farm.
“It’s worth the time coming out here to see the beauty of this land and taste the difference in these berries,” Pollard said. “This is the life of the country. It’s what we were built on. We need more farmers.”
While this year’s strawberry season was successful, Dothard said the farm faced challenges in 2025 when concerns surrounding Neo-P disease in strawberry plants forced the family to close the operation for the season.
“We made the hard decision to not open for strawberry season last year,” Dothard said. “It was heartbreaking telling the community we were closed. But that’s part of farming. You face obstacles and figure out how to overcome them. We came back stronger.”
As the family continues to grow crops, raise livestock, and welcome visitors, Dothard said his focus remains on preserving the land and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
“I want to leave a good legacy,” Dothard said. “I am thankful the Lord put us where we are. He has worked and built a paradise here.”
