Discovering NC Agriculture is a year-long series focusing on twelve N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
North Carolina ranks third in the nation in pork production, making pork an incredibly important industry for agriculture! Chad Herring, manager of Herring Pork Producers in Mount Olive, is passionate about furthering the pork industry not only through his own farm, but by raising up future pork leaders for the years to come.
Growing up on the family farm, Chad always had a love of agriculture ingrained in his spirit. “I’ve been involved with the farm ever since I was a kid,” he said. “In fact, the farm is ultimately what brought me back to agriculture after college because I just love it here.” Chad is a third-generation farmer, carrying on the tradition and legacy of his father and grandfather. “My family grew up raising row crops, however, in 1965 my Uncle Curtis received a project through 4H to raise a few pigs and take them to market,” Chad said. “He ended up loving it so much, he used the money at the end of the project to buy more pigs. That’s when his desire to farm pigs full-time was born.” From then until now, Chad has helped his father and grandfather manage their hog farm in Mount Olive, where they care for over 14,000 pigs each year.
A typical day on the farm starts at 7 a.m. for Chad and his team with checking all the hog houses for feed, water and ventilation. Once that is finished, they examine the pigs from youngest to oldest to ensure any sick pigs are cared for. “We have a hospital pen that we move the pigs to when they aren’t feeling well,” Chad said. “There we can care for them properly until they are feeding well enough to be put back in with the others.” Although no day is the same on the farm, other responsibilities of Chad and his team include barn repairs, record keeping, grass mowing, and shipping and receiving pigs.
As a contract grower for Smithfield Foods, Herring Pork Producers is responsible for raising nursery pigs multiple times each year. This means that on a consistent basis, Chad and his team are receiving pigs from sow farms and raising them until they are moved to a finishing barn. “When the pigs arrive at our facility, they are put into the barns on-site and stay with us for seven weeks,” Chad said. “During that time, they are fed four various rations crafted by Smithfield Foods nutritionists. These rations are specialized to fit the growth stage of the pigs and ensure proper nutrition in their diet.” After a seven-week period, the hogs are moved to a finishing barn where they stay for roughly 16 weeks before being taken to Smithfield Foods facility for processing.
In addition to raising pigs, Chad also has a passion for educating the public on the importance of hog farming and debunking any myths that exist in the industry. In fact, he offers farm tours on a seasonal basis to interested customers, schools, ag groups and more. “I love allowing people to see the farm up close,” Chad said. “We don’t physically go into the hog houses, but I will take them through an empty one so they can put a visual to the concept. It’s really rewarding to see people’s eyes light up with wonder as they experience the farm and learn where their food comes from.” One of the most frustrating myths that Chad and his team face is that pig farmers don’t care for their animals. “We have a deep care for the environment as well as our pigs,” Chad said. “They are our livelihood. If we won’t care for the pigs, then they won’t care for us.” With pork being a vital part of the N.C. Agriculture industry, Chad and his team spend a lot of time educating others on its importance and the movement of eating local.
Although Smithfield Foods owns the pigs, products from Herring Pork Producers can be found at most local grocery store chains, including Harris Teeter and Lowes Foods. “I want people to understand that pork farmers have families just like theirs,” Chad said. “We feed a lot of families on a daily basis, our own included, so everything we do revolves around the customer and the community.” From seeing his products in local stores to serving alongside the incredible farmers and members of the pork industry, Chad is honored to serve in the industry that contributes over $14 billion in economic impact to our state.
In addition to hog farming, Chad also serves as the Director of N.C. Farm Families, a nonprofit organization that advocates for family farmers though social media. “Through N.C. Farm Families, we are able to speak out and stand up for farmers across the industry,” Chad said. “I took over the position of Director in 2018, and it has been incredible to see the recognition and support that we have been able to give farmers through this program.” Learn more, including how you can get involved, on their website or Facebook page.
From bacon and sausage to Southern BBQ and pork chops, N.C. pork is a major player in the North Carolina food scene. We are thankful for producers like Chad and his family that continue to work hard every single day to put food on the table. When you visit the grocery store this week, be sure to look for the Smithfield Foods label on pork products and support farmers like Chad with your purchase!
