Every Wednesday in 2024 the In the Field Blog has highlighted a young person in agriculture in North Carolina through our Next Gen Ag series. These profiles included students at one of our ag universities or colleges, FFA leaders, young farmers and those just starting out in an agriculture-related field.
As we worked to recognize these young leaders, we also found that they also offered wisdom beyond their years and a passion that we hope carries them forward. We want to take a look back and share some of this wisdom that shows that the future of agriculture in North Carolina certainly is bright. Read below to learn what agriculture means to them.
“When I wake up in the morning, I know that I have a reason to be alive because the livestock depend on me getting out of bed,” he said. “To know that I have a purpose and that I am making a difference, not only in the lives of these animals but also people across the world through the products that they produce, is the most rewarding feeling in the world.”
— Shane Kendall, Sampson County
“Agriculture is a tight knit community that stays connected no matter where you go in your career. People in this industry are always so willing to help one another. It’s a community that I am honored to be a part of.”
— Elizabeth Espino, Lenoir County Schools Horticulture Teacher, North Carolina FFA State President from 2021-2022, where she was the first Hispanic state FFA officer in North Carolina
“It is amazing to see how something so little turns into something so big with a little hard-work and love put into it. There is just something about being able to take a seed to harvest that just gives you a sense of pride that your hard work has paid off, and that’s why I choose to farm.” (on why collards is his favorite to grow)
— Landen Morris, Landen’s Produce, Roanoke Rapids
“Our community is small but big at the same time. Everyone in agriculture acts like good friends and are always there to support and help one another. It’s a passion-based industry that leads to a heart of generosity and kindness that is unmatched in other industries.”
— Emily Langley, farmer Ashlan Meadows in Selma, Food Safety Manager for Kornegay Farms in Princeton
“People in this industry do more for the community than many individuals realize. It’s an honor to be a part of something that is bigger than myself. There is a lot of pride to be found in this industry.”
— Makayla Norman, Wilkes County Soil and Water Conservation District. Natural Resource Conservationist specializing in Streamflow Rehabilitation and future Bicentennial Farm Owner
“The stories of hard-working people who spend their lives in this industry are both astounding and amazing,” she said. “I not only love to hear those stories, but also spend time networking with those individuals and building relationships with them. People in this industry are so supportive, welcoming and unique. They will give you advice and you never know how far that advice will take you. It’s a blessing to witness as well as be a part of.”
— Jessie Fouts, Program Technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Lenoir County
“My dream is to one day own an agritourism farm where people can come and visit, see the animals and the work that we do on the farm in person, and learn about the importance of the industry. I would love to combine my passions in a way that would bring something new and unique to the community, while also educating the public about agriculture and garnering appreciation for our farmers.”
— Savannah Dennis, regional FFA Officer, Uwharrie Charter Academy
“I want to help farmers bridge that gap and help the public understand that agriculture connects us all. It provides all the daily necessities that we need. It’s a huge driver for our economy, and something that deserves to be both appreciated and protected.”
Neva Grace Brescia from Cary
https://blog.ncagr.gov/2024/08/07/next-gen-ag-ag-dreams-come-to-life-through-ffa-and-disney/
“I want to be an ag educator at my farm,” she said. “I want to give people a reason to come out to the farm and learn about agriculture, touch the animals for themselves, purchase homegrown products, and more.” In addition to providing agritourism activities and farm tours, Calyn also wants to offer camps for kids that teach them how to show livestock. “I want to provide livestock opportunities that I didn’t have growing up,” she said. “As long as I am helping to grow the future of agriculture with the work that I do each day, I will be happy.”
Calyn Taylor of Snow Hill
https://blog.ncagr.gov/2024/08/21/next-gen-ag-bringing-agriculture-to-the-next-generation/