Our Story
Dodson Farm sits in the heart of what was once known as the Dairy Capital of the South. Established in 1943—and expanded in 1952 with the addition of a Grade A dairy barn—our farm played a proud role in the thriving, family-run dairy industry of Oktibbeha County. By 1958, more than 123 dairies operated in the area, with the Oktoc community at its center.
Our story begins in the early 1900s, when Great-Grandfather John White acquired 2,500 acres in southern Oktibbeha County. Over time, he developed several dairy farms, partnering with tenant dairymen who cared for the cattle while he supplied the capital, feed, and equipment. The land was eventually divided among his eight children, including our Grandmother Mary Alice White, who had married Elder “Boogar” Dodson.
In the early 1940s, at just 34 years old, Boogar transformed their portion of the land into a flourishing agricultural operation. He and Mary Alice raised cows, chickens, and everything typical of a working farm. In 1952, they expanded into dairy with the construction of a dairy barn, a two-story hay barn, and multiple supporting structures. The 1950s were a booming time—more than 1,000 dairies stood across Oktibbeha County, with Starkville home to the Cooperative Creamery, the Cotton Mill, and the largest Borden Milk Plant in the South. Locals proudly called their town “the Dairy Capital of the South.”
Though the dairy industry peaked in 1958, it eventually declined, and many barns fell into disuse, were torn down, or simply faded into history. The last family-owned dairy farm in the county closed in 2016. Still, the industry’s legacy lives on in the growth of Mississippi A&M—now Mississippi State University—especially in its agricultural, veterinary, and mechanical programs.
Elder and Mary Alice raised two children, Donald and Cornelia Dodson Page. After Mary Alice’s passing in 2013 (and Elder’s in 1995), Cornelia’s children—Alan, Jason, and Kelly—acquired Dodson Farm. Though the years had taken a toll on the property, selling was never an option. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves and began the long process of restoration.
The early years were spent clearing fences, cleaning pastures, removing old structures, and restoring the pond. The original farmhouse—now Page Place—was uninhabitable, with a failed foundation, leaking roof, and outdated systems. In October 2016, a complete renovation began, rebuilding the home from the studs up. A new master suite, wraparound porch, and upstairs addition were added, and the project was completed just in time for the White Family Thanksgiving reunion the following year.
Next came the old cinder-block Grade A dairy barn—the structure that would eventually become The Venue at Dodson Farm. What started as a storage building was transformed into a beautiful event space. After clearing out years of clutter, relocating some very stubborn buzzards (and an annoyed chicken snake), the barn received a new roof, fresh concrete flooring, expanded terrace overlooking the lake, and later electricity, plumbing, and air conditioning—a must-have for brides. After a year of dedicated work, the venue officially opened in September 2018 and welcomed its first wedding on October 12th.
Today, we are honored to share Page Place and The Venue at Dodson Farm with couples, families, and guests celebrating life’s biggest moments. Whether you're planning a wedding or hosting a special event, we’re here to make your experience unforgettable. At Dodson Farm, it’s more than an event—it’s the beginning of a beautiful journey.
