Quinton Whitener explains his philosophy: “If you’re not willing to go broke over it, you shouldn’t be doing it.”
It may seem like a surprising stance for someone with a thriving farm business. But Whitener’s commitment to quality is evident in how he nurtures his livestock, maintains his land, and upholds his family’s farming traditions.
Feature Image: Quinton Whitener raises cattle and sells premium hay.
As the owner of Whitener Farms LLC, Whitener raises beef cattle, maintains pastures, and supplies premium hay to the local community. But his journey into agriculture wasn’t a straightforward one—it was shaped by family, service, and a deep-seated passion for the farming lifestyle.
Whitener’s love for farming started at an early age. Following the death of his grandfather, he found solace in working alongside his uncle on the family farm. Those years laid the foundation for what would become his lifelong calling. However, before he could fully immerse himself in agriculture, he enlisted in the military in 2017 and was quickly deployed to Iraq. Whitener says serving two years overseas gave him a new perspective on life, reinforcing the values of hard work, resilience, and perseverance.
Upon returning home, Whitener worked various jobs before eventually finding his way back to farming. By 2023, he committed himself to full-time cattle and hay farming. Today, he manages a thriving feeder calf operation, growing all the grass necessary to sustain his herd while supplying high-quality hay to local farmers.
Beyond daily farm operations, Whitener is dedicated to personal and professional growth. He actively participates in agricultural programs across South Carolina, including the AgSouth AgBiz program and South Carolina Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers. He constantly seeks ways to optimize his operation and expand his expertise in the industry. Farming across a wide area from Jonesville to Newberry County, he is committed to ensuring the longevity and success of Whitener Farms LLC.
“I’m just trying to keep their legacy going,” he says, reflecting on the generations before him who built the foundation of his farm.
About the South Carolina Department of Agriculture
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture was established in 1879 to oversee and promote agriculture in the Palmetto State. With services as diverse as food safety inspections, entrepreneurship development, and the Certified South Carolina branding program, we help the state’s farmers and agribusinesses grow and prosper.
