The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. The program is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and will run from October 14-24, 2021.
Ogburn Berries and Produce in Willow Springs has been providing fresh products to the community since the 1900’s. Originally the farm focused mainly on tobacco as well as other cash crops, like sweet potatoes, soybeans and corn.
When current owner and operator Sim Ogburn graduated from N.C. State University in 2011, the farm transitioned to strawberries and other produce items.
Today, the fourth-generation family farm produces a variety of fruits and vegetables for their customers, with one of the most popular crops being strawberries. They offer pick-your-own seasonally and also have a produce stand onsite that has become a popular spot for members of the community.
“Our produce is picked at the height of quality and ripeness each morning so our customers can be confident that they are getting the best product possible,” Sim said. “Check out the availability chart on the Got To Be N.C. website to see what might be available at our produce stand each season.”
In addition to their fresh fruits and vegetables, the Ogburn family also has a variety of jarred goods, including jam and honey, as well as Maple View Dairy ice cream available at their farm-stand onsite.
Not only have Sim and his father, Tandy, worked hard through the years and been recognized with several awards, including the Wake County Agribusiness Council‘s Outstanding Young Farmer Award, but they also strive to impact the community any way they can.
“With the ever-changing landscape and growth in southern Wake County, the Ogburn family has recognized the needs of a growing community and changed its platform to provide fresh produce to their community through the farm stand,” said Maggie Bock, who nominated the farm for the N.C. State Fair Farm Family of the Day program. Their passion to influence the community and state through agriculture is one of the reasons Ogburn Berries and Produce was selected to represent the industry on Oct. 20 as our N.C. Farm Family of the Day.
The Ogburn family loves the N.C. State Fair each year because of its foundation in agriculture.
“The State Fair is rooted in agriculture and is a celebration of farming all over North Carolina,” Sim said, “and our family is honored to be a part of that this year and represent the hard work of farmers across our state.”
The family also fully believes in all things “Got To Be N.C.”. They are members of the NCDA&CS Got To Be N.C. program and fully support buying local and supporting the community.
If you happen to see the Ogburn family at the N.C. State Fair this year be sure to congratulate them on the honor of being selected as a Farm Family of the Day and thank them for their hard work done through the farm each year!
