Many producers in North Carolina come from a long line of farmers… not Benjamin Long! Relatively new to the game, Ben is a first-generation farmer who has been raising crops on his land for the past 7 years. Ben’s team of 2 raises soybeans, corn, cotton, and peanuts in Martin County, North Carolina. Ben went…
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Meet Beth Taylor, a true farm girl whose roots run deep in the fertile soil of her family farm in Nash County. This farm dates back to 1938, when her grandparents first purchased it, bringing along a rich history and an abundance of cherished memories. Today her family farm grows a diverse collection of crops,…
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At the NCSPA, board seats are determined by the number of acres of beans produced in the county. That is why many of our directors come from the east to central region of NC. Cole Beasley Phillips joined the NCSPA in 2023 as the newest representative of Duplin County. Cole’s farming operation is located in…
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In this series, we want you to get more familiar with the growers across the state that are representing you on the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association. Forrest Howell farms 8,000 acres in Beaufort County with his dad, uncles, cousins, and brothers as part of Howell Farms in Beaufort County, N.C. The Howells grow corn,…
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Since he could walk, Gary Hendrix has been planting seeds on the family farm. Hendrix, president of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association board of directors, is a third-generation farmer in Hoke County. Hendrix Farms was established in the 1930’s by his grandfather, and was later operated by Gary’s father, growing cotton, tobacco…
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What do you get when you combine a major in Communications Studies and minor in History? For Jamie Carrick, the answer is a farmer! This was the path Jamie took when he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jamie also played football for the Heels, and though his background may seem atypical…
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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…
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As generations become removed from the farm, an unintentional disconnect is created between farmers and consumers, making it important that people share their stories and help bridge this gap. Farmer and newest executive committee member, Keith Caldwell, shares his story and encourages other farmers to share theirs, in hopes of preserving their way of life.…
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Michael McPherson always knew he wanted to be a farmer. His love for agriculture dates all the way back to 1948, which is when his grandfather started the dairy farm that his current operation now sits on. In 1989, the farm transitioned to row crops and hay, with direction from Michael’s father. The farm now…
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The farm started in 1971 and Reggie grew up every day with our entire family on the farm. Reggie got to the farm as fast as possible, actually as soon as he could walk. Currently, the farm raises corn, wheat, soybeans, grain sorghum, hay, and beef cattle. Looking forward to the advancements in the industry,…
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Deep Roots: A Lineage of Farmers Reggie Strickland comes from a long line of passionate agriculturalists. Though the official start date of the farm is unknown, it may have beginnings dating back to the Civil War. Reggie’s known kin have been operating what is now Strickland Farm since 1861. The farm is located on Hollingsworth…
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After running a 75-year-old farming operation, a person gains a wealth of knowledge of “how to grow their operation and what not to do.” Trey Liverman is a third-generation farmer in Columbia, North Carolina. His operation produces cucumbers, potatoes, cotton, corn, wheat, sorghum, and soybeans. Trey graduated from N.C. State University with degrees in Ag…
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