Honored West Virginian

“The harvest is my favorite time of year.”  

Todd Butler, 2025

This year’s Honored West Virginia recognition is awarded to 4th generation farmer, Todd Butler, who is the son of Mrs. JoAnn Taylor Butler and the late James William (Bill) Butler.  Butler Farms was established in 1919 and was a Dairy Farm for 75 years. The orchard was established in the 1950s, and Todd has been involved in the family orchard business since the late 1970s.  

According to Todd, “Being involved in agriculture was always something I wanted to do. After graduating from college, I’ve been a farmer ever since.”  He is a 1980 graduate of Musselman High School and 1982 graduate of Potomac State College.

Todd is also active in the community, serving as a member of The Arden United Methodist Church, and currently serves on the Farm Service Agency, Soil Conservation District Board and WV Livestock Cares Board. He was a member of the South Berkeley Fire Department, Inwood 4H Club and was a State FFA Officer. He also worked actively with Farm Link to Feed the Hungry with apples from the farm. 

In 2010, Todd was awarded the WV Farming Heritage Award and in 2014 he was honored to accept the WV State Conservation Farm Award.

Todd resides in Inwood with his wife, Tari Jo Butler, who is the owner of Tari Jo’s Dance Studio. Todd loves spending time with his family at the farm. When it comes to apples, Todd says  “My favorite is the golden delicious because it was developed here in WV and found on a river bank in Clay County.  It is one of the best tasting apples we grow!”

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More about Butler Farms:

•  900 acres of farmland producing 40,000 plus bushels 

   of apples annually

•  Markets corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and beef cattle 

   (consisting of 120 head of commercial Angus cattle 

   and 50 head of show cattle)

•  Shenandoah Valley Sportsman (established in 2000) 

   an upland bird hunting business, releasing an average 

   of 20,000 upland game birds a year, such as pheasants,    

   chukars and quail. Offers the opportunity for deer and 

   turkey hunts.  

•  2-day dove-hunting event at the farm over Labor Day

•  Host of dog trials

•  Butler Farms Show Cattle hosted The Apple Harvest 

   Production Sale 2013-2023 and has switched to now 

   doing online production sales.

•  Dignitaries, politicians and professional football players have hunted and attended/visited the farm for special events.

•  The Freedom Alliance honoring and supporting 

   America’s wounded service members, combat veterans,   

   and military families was held at the farm by Lieutenant 

   Colonel Oliver North.

•  Welcomed the Wounded Warriors from Walter Reed 

   National Military Center

•  Provides a venue for family and community celebrations

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 Congratulations Todd!

The MSAHF Board is looking forward to celebrating your many contributions to our Apple Heritage at The Royal Gala on October 16th.​​​ ​​​​