Discovering NC Agriculture is a social media series focusing on N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Originally started in 2025, this series has been renewed to run for another year! 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 produces over 200 million pounds of potatoes each year, with more than 70% going to chip processors across the world. John E. Ferebee Farming, located in Camden, has been producing white potatoes since the mid-1700’s, as well as red and yellow potatoes since the late 80’s. Currently operating with the eighth generation, the family works hard each year to bring high-quality potatoes to grocery stores and restaurant chains all over the country.
For over 100 years, John E. Ferebee Farming has been raising fresh market potatoes. “Our farm, which dates back to the mid-1700’s, has grown many crops throughout its history, including potatoes, corn, soybeans, grain, broccoli, cabbage and cattle,” said Jeff Jennings, owner and president of John E. Ferebee Farming. “My wife, Susan, and her sister, Martha, are the seventh generation on the farm. I came to work here in 1985 after Susan and I got married, and we’ve been here ever since.” Jeff and Susan both grew up on family farms in Camden County and always shared a passion for the lifestyle. “We have always loved farming,” Jeff said. “It’s an honor and blessing to do it every day not only with my wife, but also our children and extended family.” Today, Jeff and Susan operate the 6,000-acre farm with their three sons, Bryant, Austin and Scott, as well as Susan’s sister, Martha, and her son, Ethan.
Each summer, Jeff and his family produce between 375 and 400 acres of white, red and yellow potatoes. In addition to potatoes, the family also grows soybeans and corn. “Until 1999, we raised market potatoes as well as chipping potatoes on the farm,” Jeff said. “Today, all the potatoes we produce are used in grocery stores and restaurant chains across the country for baking potatoes, potato salad, and more.” In January, seed potatoes arrive from Wisconsin and/or Maine and are cut into 2-to-3-ounce seed pieces. Once the cutting is finished and drying dust is applied, the seeds are planted in rows in the field around mid-February. “From the time the seeds are planted to when we first see the plants emerge aboveground is about thirty days,” Jeff said. “Over the next few months, we monitor for disease and treat the plants where needed to ensure a healthy crop.” Around the middle/end of May, crews will begin test digging the potatoes to determine an approximate harvest time. “Usually around the 15th of June, we begin machine harvesting our potatoes from the field,” Jeff said. “Harvest typically lasts from then until the end of July.” Once harvested, all potatoes are taken to the packing facility on-site for sizing and grading.
As potatoes enter the packing house, they are first washed before being sized and graded. “We have an automatic machine that sizes and grades potatoes for us, as well as line workers who do some by hand,” Jeff said. “While the technology is fantastic, sometimes things get missed, which is where our line workers really come in handy.” While all No. 1 graded potatoes are sent to restaurant and grocery store chains across the country, no potatoes are wasted at John E. Ferebee Farming. “Our No. 2 grade potatoes, which are ones that are cosmetically less appealing, are sent to processors for items like potato salad,” Jeff said. “This ensures the potatoes are still used in products consumers enjoy, regardless of their appearance.” Potatoes are sold either in 5 lb. bags, 10 lb. bags, 50 lb. cartons, 50 lb. bags or 2,000 lb. tote bags, depending on customer needs. Once packaged, potatoes are loaded onto trucks to be delivered to retailers across the eastern part of the country and Canada.
Although the weather can be a challenging and uncontrollable factor, Jeff wouldn’t trade anything in the world for the joy and pride he feels in farming with his family. “The longevity and legacy of this operation is a tremendous honor and blessing to me,” he said. “It’s bringing someone up behind you and being willing to teach that next generation how to keep the farm running that truly matters. Susan’s ancestors have built quite the impact on this farm, and we are striving to continue it for many generations to come.” We are proud to have John E. Ferebee Farming as a part of our Century Farm Family Program where we honor the hard work of their past, present and future. Currently operating with the eighth generation, and raising 12 members of the ninth generation, the future of their farm certainly looks bright for our state’s agriculture industry!
In addition to being a member of our Century Farm Family Program, John E. Ferebee Farming also partners with Potatoes USA where they market the nutrition, use, governance and importance of potatoes across the globe. “In the past, potatoes have received a bad reputation for being unhealthy,” Jeff said. “Potatoes USA has helped us overcome that stigma by educating consumers on the benefits of potatoes, like vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and iron.” Jeff and his family are also very involved with the community, educating consumers through potato donations, sponsorships and 4H shows in the county. “Any education we can do to support our state’s agriculture industry is important,” Jeff said. “People don’t realize how important this industry is for our state’s economy, job force, and well-being. One thing drives another, making every piece vital to meeting the needs of our families, friends and neighbors across the state.” We are so proud of all that Jeff and his family are doing to further our state’s potato industry at John E. Ferebee Farming. Join us in helping show appreciation to the farming families like Jeff’s who work hard to bring the products we love to the table!
