Summary: The Got to Be NC Festival is looking for young farmers to recognize for its Young Farmer of the Day program. Interested young farmers must fill out and submit an application or be nominated by April 26. The Young Farmer of the Day program is sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina.
- The Got to Be NC Festival is coming up May 19-21 and we are looking for young farmers 18 to 40 years old to recognize as part of our Young Farmer of the Day program.
- I am proud the Got to Be NC Festival is using the festival to bring attention to some of our young farmers and their contributions to our state’s agricultural industry.
- And I am especially grateful that this program is being sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina.
- To be considered, a young farmer must fill out a short application or be nominated. The deadline for entries is April 26, so that is coming up next week.
- Developing our next generation of farmers is one of the most critical opportunities we have in agriculture today.
- Their ideas, adaptability to new technologies and commitment to developing efficient best practices for their farms will advance agriculture in ways we haven’t even dreamed of yet.
- They are out there every day working hard to grow the food, fiber and fuel we need, so it’s great to be able to recognize their efforts.
- Farmers selected will receive a Got to Be NC prize pack, be invited to ride in the Got to Be NC Festival tractor parade and will be celebrated online on our social media platforms and at the festival.
- Last year at the festival, we recognized young farmers from Powers Strawberries in Lumberton, Andrews Tree Farm and Nursery in Sparta and Williams Produce Farm in Autryville.
- It seems like only yesterday I was in the “young farmer” category, but I am definitely NOT eligible now.
- I can tell you there is really nothing like working for yourself, problem solving and troubleshooting any number of issues on a daily basis, being outside working hard and then seeing your crop through from planting to harvest.
- It’s a great feeling being a farmer; certainly not for everyone, but something that I absolutely love.