Lil’bit about how we came to be…

to tell you about us, let me go back a few years. Our oil journey began with an idea Clay had around 2008 when there was a lot of talk about alternative fuel sources due to fuel prices soaring and the American economy faltering.  That sparked an interest in an area that Clay nor myself knew very little about. Clay began researching, visiting oil plants, and talking to individuals in this field. We were fortunate enough to meet a couple of people who influenced him to consider growing, processing, and selling food grade oil.  During this time he discovered the cold pressed method of oil extraction which does not use chemicals or high temperatures to remove the oil, leaving valuable vitamins and nutrients in the oil.  The oil also retains its natural flavor and color.   In 2012 Clay grew his first crop of sunflowers for oil production and by the end of that year we had pressed oil from sunflowers, pecans, and peanuts all grown in Wilcox County.  More oils followed and Oliver Farm Artisan Oils was born! We hit the road with our daughters, Maggie and Mollie, and began traveling and attending every event we could to spread the word about our products. In 2015 our Sunflower, Green Peanut, and Pecan were all winners of Garden and Gun’s Made in the South Award and that was the start to us really realizing that what we were doing was something special. That same year we won our first Good Food Award with the Pecan Oil and more awards followed. The oils quickly caught the attention of chefs and foodies from all over the country and in 2016 our Green Peanut Oil scored a sweet article in the New York Times. Then out of the blue in the summer of 2017 we received a phone call from a lady named Cat Neville, who was helping create a series called “Tastemakers” that would air on PBS. She thought that what we were doing was so unique and brought her crew with her from St Louis and spent a week with us around the farm. She told our story to all of America and when that episode still airs today we immediately know… Total game changer for us. Our episode is even on Amazon Prime now!!! It was pivotal moment for our business. It took our oils into the homes of your everyday cooks. It was no longer just for fancy restaurants. As oil production expanded and we began to understand a little more about the properties and uses of various oils, we are continuously filled with awe and wonder at the countless ways it can be used.  Naturally tasty, nut and seed oils are necessary for balanced nutrition.  They can be used in fuel, cleaners, soap, cosmetic products, and have medicinal uses as well!

We wanted some way to bring light to not only our family owned business, but to other small businesses in and around our community, so in 2019 we purchased and remodeled what is now “The Station 31072”. We carry a variety of carefully curated goods from makers just like us. If you have the chance we hope that you will come visit with us, and know when your here your gonna be treated like family!!

Much Love,

Valerie & Clay