J&E Homestead, a fiber mill and farm based in Lancaster County, has been named one of 13 recipients of funding through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship (ACRE). The farm will use the awarded funds to procure new spinning equipment, significantly enhancing its ability to serve fiber clients throughout the region.
The funding is part of ACRE’s Advanced Entrepreneurship Program, which awarded a total of $200,000 across 13 innovative agribusinesses throughout the state. Finalists were selected based on comprehensive business plans, five-minute video presentations, and a proven track record of business success. Each awardee is poised to use the funds to expand operations, improve infrastructure, or reach new markets.
J&E Homestead, known for its local fiber production and on-farm processing, stood out for its commitment to supporting South Carolina’s growing fiber industry. By acquiring new spinning equipment, the homestead aims to increase efficiency and production capacity, benefiting artisans and small-scale fiber producers across the region.
“This is a tremendous opportunity not just for our business, but for the fiber community we support,” said a representative from J&E Homestead. “With the new equipment, we’ll be able to deliver higher-quality fiber products and support more local farms looking to process their wool and fleece.”
Other awarded entrepreneurs include produce farms, flower growers, agritourism operators, and even a banana grower, reflecting the diverse nature of South Carolina’s agribusiness sector:
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Kindlewood Farms (Colleton County) will expand tomato production with a new high tunnel.
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Billue Family Farm (Aiken County) plans to scale its hay bale business.
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Relinoca Farms (Sumter County) will develop a retail and education facility.
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Old McCaskill’s Farm (Sumter County) is creating freeze-dried, farm-grown MRE-style meals.
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Livingston Farms (Orangeburg County) will improve infrastructure for client access.
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Bushels and Bags Farm (Fairfield County) is boosting organic vegetable production.
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Harvest Moon Farm and Flower (Anderson County) will open a U-pick flower field and farm store.
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Roots and Shoots Nursery (Charleston County) is expanding native plant offerings.
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Set In Stone Sustainability Farm (Fairfield County) will launch a children’s agriculture education program.
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Merry Mixon Christmas Tree Farm (Chesterfield County) is enhancing visitor access.
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Carolina Bananas (Charleston County) is expanding cold-hardy banana production.
ACRE, launched in 2018 under Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers, supports the next generation of South Carolina agricultural innovators through funding, mentorship, and connections. Executive Director Kyle Player praised the 2025 awardees for their creative and impactful business models.
“These entrepreneurs are pushing the boundaries of what agribusiness can look like in our state,” said Player. “We’re excited to help them grow and shine a spotlight on the incredible work they’re doing.”
To learn more about ACRE and its programs, visit acre-sc.com.
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