When a tornado tore through Duck Hill earlier this year, it left Bull Bottom Farms nearly unrecognizable. Fences were flattened, barns were damaged, and fields that normally welcomed families for fall fun were littered with debris.
For owners Nic and Katie Robinson, it was hard to take in. What began 16 years ago as a small idea to share farm life with others had grown into one of Mississippi’s most popular agritourism destinations—and in a matter of minutes, so much of it was gone.
Bull Bottom Farm is owned and farmed by the Robinson family, who have worked this land for three generations. The story of its name goes back to 1944, when Houston Robinson bought the property from a man named Mr. Bull. Houston always called it “The Bull Place,” and since much of the land sits in the low-lying bottoms along the river, the name Bull Bottom Farms just seemed to fit—and it stuck.
Today, Houston’s son Earl Robinson and his wife Vickie live on the farm and manage the family’s row crops of corn and cotton. Their son Nic returned home to the farm after several years in the corporate world and launched a new venture in agritourism with his wife Katie. The family enjoy being able to work together to run a successful, diverse farming operation that they can share with others.
Bull Bottom Farms opened its gates to the public in 2009, offering visitors a hands-on way to learn about agriculture and experience life on the farm. Each fall, the Robinsons transform their working farm into a family destination featuring a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, and other kid-friendly activities. What started as a simple effort to connect people with agriculture has grown into an annual tradition for families across the region—many returning year after year to make memories on the farm.
When the tornado hit, the Robinsons didn’t face it alone. Within hours, neighbors, friends, and local farmers started showing up to help. Chainsaws buzzed, tractors rolled in, and cleanup crews formed without anyone having to ask.
“It was devastating and heartbreaking,” said Katie, remembering the moments after the storm. “You never know how you’re going to react in a situation like that.”
The next day, Nic and Katie went to assess the damage at the farm and were surprised to see a parking lot full of people who showed up to help cleanup. Katie says despite the loss and massive undertaking it would take to rebuild, she knew immediately that is what they would
The months that followed were long and full of hard work, but thanks to that support, Bull Bottom Farms is back up and running for its 16th fall season. Families are once again exploring the pumpkin patch, riding the hay wagon, and making memories on the same land that now holds a new story of resilience and community.
“This place has always been about bringing people together,” said Katie. And that’s never been more true as Bull Bottom Farms continues to welcome families in the wake of a tragedy.
The Robinsons’ story is a reminder that Mississippi’s farm families share more than a way of life—they share a network of support that stretches far beyond property lines. When disaster strikes, neighbors step in. And at Bull Bottom Farms, that spirit is now built into every fence post, every hayride, and every family photo taken this fall.