Jim, Sherry, & Shiloh Lyttle
1660 Copper Ridge Road
Castlewood, VA 24224
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276-608-2851
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James “Jim” Lyttle
was born on this Virginia Century Farm and moved with his family in 1961. He completed his degree from Loyola University and returned to the farm in 1990. With his father (Thomas Heelen Lyttle) they started converting this Burley tobacco farm to a “naturally-grown” sustainable agriculture farm. Jim added the “meat sheep” operation in 2005. He believes as Henry David Thoreau said “If you build a fence you become a steward of all within.”
Sherry Lyttle
A native of Southwest Virginia with degrees from Clinch Valley College (now the University of Virginia College at Wise) and Pepperdine University; Sherry is the driving force for the marketing efforts of the farm. Her recipes and value-added items can be sampled and purchases at the local farmers markets. Sherry believes as Herman Cain “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Shiloh "The Boss" Lyttle
Age 9, is a 3rd grader at Castlewood Elementary School. Our desire to provide a healthier lifestyle for her is one of the main reasons we are involved in sustainable agriculture. Shiloh is the 5th generation Lyttle on this farm and our hope is that she continues the tradition.
In Memoriam
We would like to dedicate this section to the ones who made this farm possible. Jim’s parents and grandparents. Charlie E Lyttle bought this property in 1901 and built his mountain home here. From his marriage to Ida V (Johnson) Lyttle they had six children (2 died in infancy) Charlie Herbert, Joseph Hester, Verdie Jane, and Thomas Heelen. Charlie raised cattle, sheep, hogs, chickens, burley tobacco, and a wide range of produce. Often going as far away as Dante, VA to sale his farm goods he provided for his family till his death. Thomas Heelen continued in the tradition of his father while adding modern practices to the farming operation. Thomas and his wife Ina Irene (Minton) Lyttle left the farm in the 1960’s while Thomas went to work for the Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. Though gone from the farm he returned each year and continued to maintain the property while leasing it out. Upon retirement from the government Thomas and Irene returned to their roots and worked at reestablishing the farm. It is with respect for them and the land God has provided we dedicate our efforts.
3 Generations of the Lyttle Farm
Thomas Heelen Lyttle, Jim Lyttle, and Shiloh Lyttle