A dream: that is what paved the way for Jimmy Thomas to become the remarkable farmer he is today. Located in Person County, spread across 3,500 acres of diversified farmland, lives this inspiring farmer. Thomas serves as the ASA (American Soybean Association) director on the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association board. He has graced the NCSPA board since 2002, where he has had the opportunity to create meaningful relationships with the other directors, giving him the confidence to say that engaging with the other directors is his favorite part of being on the NCSPA board.
The remarkable accolades received by Jimmy Thomas are a demonstration of his commitment and contributions to the agriculture industry. In 2015, Thomas’ commitment to sustainability earned him the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award. Not stopping there, Thomas was also named a Water All-Star by the United Soybean Board for his superb efforts toward sustainable production.
A key component to having a successful farm is ensuring diversity. Thomas Family Farms, Inc. exemplifies the fundamental principle of diversity on their farm by growing a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, soybeans and tobacco. Living alongside the crops Thomas grows are the hogs that he raises. Farming practices have become increasingly more efficient in an era enriched with evolving technology. As technological breakthroughs continue to occur, Thomas believes there is greatness in the future for farming.
When Thomas takes a well-deserved break from his efforts on the farm, he indulges in his favorite combine snack, Swiss Rolls. Though being a farmer does not allow much free time, what free time there is, Thomas enjoys traveling. Like a seed planted in a field, a seed of determination was planted in Jimmy Thomas, allowing for his dream of being a farmer to come true.