North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program

DIRECTORY 2020 – 2023

North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

Agricultural Leadership Development Program

North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

Agricultural Leadership Development Program

The social, economic, and political changes affecting agriculture and rural communities pose a challenge to farmers and rural leaders. It is important that potential leaders in agriculture are identified and trained to assume leadership roles that prepare them to bridge the gaps between rural and urban interests, participate actively in issues affecting agriculture, and foster unity among agricultural interests.

The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Development Program of NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is designed to prepare selected outstanding agriculturalists for such challenges.

Support is provided through an endowment from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, commodity and farm organizations, agribusinesses, and personal contributions. The program participants represent the diverse agricultural enterprises found in North Carolina.

Each class participates in approximately 50 days of training over two years. Training includes: eight seminars throughout North Carolina, a legislative study tour to Washington, an international study tour, and a domestic study tour. Throughout the program, leaders from government, commodity groups, farm organizations and related agribusinesses interact with the participants on issues and leadership opportunities. During the study tours, participants observe agricultural production and marketing strategies, engage in conversations with other producers and agricultural leaders, advocate for policy, and gain a broader understanding of North Carolina’s role in domestic and international agriculture.

In addition, participants in the program focus on important agricultural issues they have identified for North Carolina and their communities. Specific leadership training focuses on the following areas:

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Mastering Self Mastering an Understanding of Agriculture’s Environment Mastering Relationships Managing Social and Organizational Action Enhancing Participants’ Understanding of Global and National Aspects of Agriculture

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Agricultural Leadership Development Program Team

Joy Morgan Director

Blake Brown Assistant Director

W.K. Collins Assistant

Lanny Hass Facilitator

Rhonda Sutton Facilitator

Dale Hill - Study Tour Volunteer Linda Andrews - Study Tour Volunteer

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2020-2023 NCTTFC ALDP Participant Biographies

Beth Burchell 2384 Moonlight Road Scotland Neck, N.C. 27874 (859) 221-9943 beth_burchell@ncsu.edu

Beth Burchell is the Halifax County Extension director for North Carolina Cooperative Extension. She works with area livestock producers and farmers to provide needed resources and education to improve their operations while also serving as the liaison between county government and NC State University. She realizes the importance of developing educational programs to increase agricultural awareness in the community and especially enjoys sharing her passion for agriculture with our youth through 4-H programming. A native of Halifax County, she returned home to her family’s farm from Kentucky in 2015 where she continues to help her husband Greg with management of Crossroads Farm, a thoroughbred racing and breeding operation.

Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agricultural business management from North Carolina State University and a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education. She serves as the 2020-2021 president of the North Carolina Association of Agricultural Agents for the Northeast District. She is also a coordinator for the North Carolina Extension Horse Blog and member of the NC State Agriculture Equine Programs Workgroup, NC Cattlemen’s Association, and the NC Horse Council.

Beth believes pressing needs in her community include: 1. Addressing the disconnect between the general public and production agriculture.

2. Ensuring agriculture has a voice in government and policy development.

3. Providing agricultural education to the youth who are our future.

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Matthew Drake Pinetops, N.C. 27864 C: (252) 567-9277 mpdrakefarms@gmail.com

Matthew currently is the director of Leaf Procurement and Agronomy for Pyxus Ag based in Wilson, N.C. His group is tasked with grower relations, agronomic programs, leaf purchasing, sustainability programs and hemp agronomy and purchasing. He is a fourth-generation farmer at Drake Farms in Pinetops, N.C. This diversified family operation produces tobacco and various row crops. They also raise finishing hogs for Murphy Brown, have a brood cow herd, raise industrial hemp and have a nursery business that produces native dune grass plants for coastal dune re-nourishment projects.

Matthew received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business Management from NC State and then continued on at NC State to achieve his master’s in Crop Science degree under Dr. Loren Fisher in Tobacco Production. Upon graduation, Matthew worked for Universal Leaf North America for several years as part of their domestic agronomy group where he oversaw the implementation of several different new agronomic and social responsibility programs. He left in 2018 to pursue his passion in production ag and then returned to the tobacco industry with Pyxus Ag in late 2020.

Matthew and his wife Kaitlin live in Greenville, N.C., where she works as a pediatric physical therapist. They are a house divided between their alma maters of NC State and Clemson University, so football season will always be a stressful time in their household. Matthew serves on the GAP Connections grower advisory committee, is the vice president of the Edgecombe County Young Farmers and Ranchers group, and serves as a member of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund.

Agriculture plays such a vital role in all our daily lives, but that is frequently lost at the consumer level. Important issues that Matthew sees in the ag industry include better consumer education on evidence-based information that also helps to bridge the emotional disconnect from producer to consumer.

The importance of migrant labor and their wellbeing is essential. This is something that needs to be a cornerstone of ag production and should be considered a major ag issue.

The ag industry also needs strong vocal leaders that can support and educate consumers, policy makers, and other individuals involved in the day to day production and use of all ag commodities.

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Cara Ruth Pace Dunnavant Clayton, N.C. 27527 C: (919) 262-5460 cpace@agcarolina.com

Cara Dunnavant is a loan officer with AgCarolina Farm Credit in the Smithfield branch. She is a dedicated lender who assists farmers and rural residents with their financial needs for their agricultural operations or rural lifestyles.

Cara also works with her family on the family’s produce and row crop operation in Archer Lodge, N.C. The family has been farming in the Archer Lodge community for over 100 years. They raise produce to sell at the farm and in CSA boxes. Cara and her husband, Dayton, also raise beef cattle and sell the meat produced at the family’s farm. Dayton works for Meherrin Ag and Chemical Company out of Fremont, N.C. They have been married for one year.

Cara earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management with a double minor in crop science and horticulture from NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2016. After graduating with her bachelor’s, Cara received her M.S. in Crop Science under the leadership of Drs. Matthew Vann, Loren Fisher and David Hardy (NCDA/CS) in the tobacco program studying the effects of chloride on flue-cured tobacco and graduated in 2018.

She serves as the Clayton High School Alumni Association president and is active in the Johnston County Young Farmers and Ranchers committee.

Cara sees the following three issues impacting her agricultural community:: 1. Loss of agricultural farmland due to urban sprawl.

2. Growing disconnect between the farmer and the consumer.

3. Ability of other crops to help offset loss of tobacco income in eastern N.C.

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Tyrone Fisher Hillsborough, N.C. 27278 C: (919) 961-0996 tyrone_fisher@ncsu.edu

Tyrone Fisher a resident of Wake County, is the county Extension director in Orange County, N.C. He is responsible for administration and livestock programs. His journey of over 24 years he has served communities in Northampton, Wake, Harnett, Lee, Cumberland, Warren, Franklin and Orange counties. He has worked with many stakeholders such as livestock/cattlemen associations, Kiwanis Clubs, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs and more to enhance quality of life, promote environmental stewardship and to increase profitability among the citizens across the Piedmont, Sandhills and Eastern North Carolina.

Tyrone has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with specialization in Industry from Southern University, College of Agriculture. Additionally, he earned a master’s in Animal Science from Colorado State University, College of Agriculture.

While growing up in Louisiana, Tyrone was very active in 4-H and traveled many places due to his positions held and awards. He currently partners with his brother on a hay farm in Louisiana. Tyrone is very active with his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, and is currently the president of the Noble Aspiration Foundation. He is a NCAA Men’s Basketball and Men’s Lacrosse Official and has officiated several international, national and state championships. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors camping, hiking, cycling and golfing.

Tyrone has identified three community needs: 1. Finding ways to close the gap to get technology (broadband) to rural areas to help farmers expand their outreach in marketing.

2. Build the relationship between traditional large-scale veteran farmers and non-traditional beginner smallscale farmers.

3. Educate elected officials the importance of all the agricultural agencies and the importance of their impacts in the communities.

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Kimberly Pittard Foley Mechanicsville, VA 23116 (434) 623-8414 Kimberly.L.Foley@altria.com

Kimberly Foley is the owner of Foley Seed and Service LLC – a tobacco distribution and marketing services company for tobacco growers in the United States. Prior to starting her own business, she was with the Altria family of companies for six years. Her roles with Altria included working for F.W. Rickard Seeds as a sales representative and supporting various functions of the Leaf Department.

Her various responsibilities in the Leaf Department included on-farm projects, leaf market management, university contributions, and leaf corporate responsibility.

She has had the pleasure of representing Altria on various committees and industry groups including the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Tobacco Program.

Kimberly grew up on a cattle farm in south central Virginia where her family also owns a farm supply business. Kimberly has a bachelor’s degree in Crop and Soil Environmental Science from Virginia Tech and a master’s in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University. Kimberly is the Vice Chairman of the N.C. Tobacco Foundation, serves on the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Board and communication co-chair for the Whole Woman Conference is the.

Kimberly sees the three largest challenges facing the agriculture community as 1. Agriculture economic stability on the farm, government and industry.

2. Building a balanced, proactive sustainability dialogue between producers, consumers and the investor community.

3. Developing CTE, Agriculture and STEM immersion programs throughout primary education to support early, science-based exposure to the above challenges.

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Rob Glover Bailey, N.C. 27807 C: (252) 205-4054 rob@robsproduce.com

Rob Glover is the owner of Rob Glover Farming, LLC, in Bailey, N.C. He is a third-generation farmer and started working on the family farm at a young age. After graduating from Southern Nash High School, he started his own farming operation while continuing to work alongside his father on the family farm. Rob currently grows sweet potatoes, tobacco, watermelons, cantaloupe, strawberries and other mixed vegetables.

Rob serves on the board of the North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association as second vice president, is a member of the Stanhope Volunteer Fire Department and the Wilson County Young Farmers Association.

Rob is very passionate about agriculture and most recently was chosen to be a part of the 2020 class of the Fruit + Vegetable 40 under 40 awards, which represents the best in the industry.

Community issues that Rob sees as important are: 1. Urbanization and solar farms causing a lack of farmland.

2. Regulations put in place by the state and federal government.

3. Public’s lack of knowledge of the agricultural industry.

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Crystal Cobb Godwin Windsor, N.C. 27983 C: (252) 209-7618 crystal.godwin@southernbank.com

Crystal Godwin of Bertie County is the vice president/ city executive for Southern Bank and Trust Company, Inc. in Windsor, N.C. She manages multiple employees along with doing agricultural, commercial and consumer loans.

She has been working with Southern Bank for fifteen years. In addition to banking, she and her husband, Chris Godwin, own and operate four Perdue poultry houses.

They currently have over 100,000 free-range chickens.

They have been operators for over six years and she is a second generation Perdue farmer. She is able to use her knowledge of the industry to help her customers make the best economic decisions for their farming operations. She also serves on the Perdue Producer’s Poultry Council for the Lewiston, N.C. complex.

Crystal attended East Carolina University where she earned a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Crystal’s husband Chris is employed with NC State Highway Patrol as a trooper. They have two daughters, Ella and Helen.

Crystal is an active member of Ross Baptist Church where she has served on the Finance Committee as well as the pianist for over fourteen years. In addition, she is a member of the Windsor Rotary Club where she is the treasurer and recipient of the Rotarian of the Year award. She has also served on the Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce Board as both a member and president.

The following are agricultural issues that are concerning: 1. Commodity prices and how they affect area farmers.

2. Sage contracts and tobacco contracts because both of those crops have been a very big part of the economy in Bertie County and surrounding counties.

3. The impact of tariffs with China on NC agriculture.

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Mark Grant Garysburg, N.C. 27831 C: (252) 578-6431 Mdgrant49@gmail.com

Mark Grant farms in Northampton (N.C.) and Greenville (VA) counties with his parents David and Carol Grant. The family operation mainly focuses on 700 acres of cotton. But also cultivates 100 acres of peanuts, 100 acres of corn, and 200 acres of soybeans. Mark also serves on the board of the Gaston Co-op where his cotton is ginned.

Mark graduated from NC State in 2014 with a B.S. in agricultural engineering. While attending NC State he held several leadership positions in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

After graduation He has enjoyed opportunities to participate in Cotton Incorporated’s programs, Policy Education Program and Producer Information Exchange. Participation in these programs helped to understand the importance of gathering together with a united voice to help policy makers understand the needs of agriculture. These programs helped to fuel Mark’s desire to become a leader and ambassador to agriculture.

Mark sees three community issues: 1. Poor performing local school districts.

2. Lack of good jobs for college graduates to return to rural areas after graduation.

3. Fewer people involved in agriculture and the public ignorance of its imperative role in modern society.

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Stephen Herring Raleigh, N.C. 27603 C: (910) 379-7555 saherring1@gmail.com

Stephen Herring is the producer and state engagement manager for the National Pork Board serving the southeast region of the United States. The National Pork Board is a producer led consumer facing organization which oversees the Pork Checkoff and focuses on research, education and promotion of the pork industry. In this role, Stephen serves as liaison between the state pork associations and the National Pork Board, as well as works directly with pork producers to add value and build trust in the industry.

Stephen grew up in the small farming community of Newton Grove, where he was involved in his family’s hog farming operations. From there, he worked with Murphy Brown LLC., a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, as their company production trainer. There he oversaw the company’s farm manager trainee program as well as worked with company farm employees to develop better production practices. Stephen now resides in Wake County with his wife Ashley (graduate of the 2008-2010 program), Director of Consumer Information for the NC Beef Council, and two young children Mary Carroll and James.

Stephen is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds a B.S. in agricultural science with a minor in animal science and leadership. He also holds an A.S. in applied animal technology from Sampson Community College.

Stephen sees three community needs as follows: 1. Bridging the growing gap between consumers and farmers regarding production practices.

2. Showcasing our respective industries to encourage local talent to pursue careers in agriculture.

3. Recognizing that regional agriculture has a role in the growing world market.

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Laura Kilian Raleigh, N.C. 27609 C: (252) 425-1889 Lekilian14@gmail.com

Laura Kilian hails her heritage from Vance/Warren counties, but currently calls Raleigh, NC home. She is the Legislative Director for the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS). As state liaison, Laura serves as the primary point of contact between elected officials of the state legislature and NCDA&CS. She lobbies for NCDA&CS policy initiatives and multi-million dollar budget requests, working with state agriculture commodity groups to convey a unified message. She tracks and analyzes state legislation, guidelines, or policy that affects N.C. Agriculture.

Laura graduated from NC State in 2014 with a B.S. in business management with a concentration in marketing. Prior to working at NCDA&CS, Laura worked at Vista Strategies, a government relations firm.

Faith, family and the farm have been influential factors leading to Laura’s current endeavors. Her maternal grandparents just recently retired from their flue-cured tobacco and soybean operation in South Hill, VA. Her paternal grandparents raised black Angus beef cows and sold world-famous Ridgeway cantaloupes and watermelons in Warren County. Continuing with family tradition, Laura’s mother and sister own an independent H2A/H2B foreign labor service business, providing workforce solutions to farmers all over the United States.

Laura has participated in various outside organizations throughout her career, including serving on the NC Museum of History Young Associates Committee and volunteering at Refugee Hope Partners. In her free time she also enjoys playing intramural volleyball, reading, traveling, and playing with her German Shepherd puppy, Tara.

Three community needs for N.C. agriculture Laura sees are as follows: 1. Urban messaging in schools, grocery stores, and other areas about the importance and preservation of N.C. agriculture and ag labor is needed in communities where the state is seeing a surge of people moving from other urban areas of the country like Charlotte and Raleigh.

2. Protecting N.C. farms for generations to come in order to continue feeding the world-having difficult family conversations are important for estate planning and farmland preservation.

3. Expanding an agriculture workforce for farmers that is reliable and efficient in order to sustain the fruits of the labor the country has today in order to protect us from relying 100% on other places in the world for our food supply.

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Mac Malloy Lumber Bridge, N.C. 28357 C: (910) 237-5187 mac_malloy@ncsu.edu

Mac Malloy is an Agriculture Extension Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center. He has served the last nine years with field crop responsibilities working with stakeholders in the region to deliver educational programs and on-farm research. He also operates a field-grown wholesale nursery and helps manage the family row crop operation consisting of 600 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Mac has a B.S. in Agronomy from NC State and a M.S. in agriculture education from NC A&T State University. He currently serves on the N.C. Certified Crop Advisor Board, Treasurer for the North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents- South Central District, and advisor for the Robeson County Crop Promotion Association. He maintains membership in both the National and North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents. Mac also serves as the Clerk of Session for Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church. His wife Suzanne, is a loan officer with Cape Fear Farm Credit and is a graduate of the 20172019 program. They have twin boys, Ian and Walt, and a daughter, Anna Marie.

Mac expects the leadership program will allow him to be a stronger advocate for agriculture and more effective leader in his community. Mac sees three community issues as follows: 1. Inadequate broadband access for rural communities and modern agricultural enterprises.

2. Increasing regulation and the burden of associated compliance cost for agricultural businesses.

3. Public perception of modern agriculture.

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Liz Mason Prospect Hill, N.C. 27314 C: (919) 907-8143 farmers@honeybeehillsfarm.com

Liz Mason moved to Caswell county and started her farm, Honey Bee Hills Farm, in 2017. She and her family grow 10 acres of certified organic seasonal produce year-round and sell in five farmers’ markets, wholesale and offer home delivery.

Liz obtained her Masters’ of Public Policy in Program Evaluation and Data Analytics from The George Washington University, as well as a B.S. in economics and a B.A. in international development from The Ohio State University. She worked both abroad and in Washington, D.C. in international development for 10 years before opting for a change of pace and starting her farm.

She currently serves on the Caswell County Agricultural Advisory Committee, the South Durham Farmers’ Market Board, and organizes the Caswell Women in Agriculture.

Liz sees three community needs as follows: 1. Access to broadband internet in rural areas; 2. Access to healthy, fresh food in rural communities; and community education around the benefits of organic agricultural practices.

3. Community education around the benefits of organic agricultural practices.

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Tate Mayo, Jr. Tarboro, N.C. 27886 C: (252) 343-3859 btmayo@ncsu.edu

Tate is a fourth-generation textile manufacturer with Mayo Knitting Mill in Tarboro, N.C. He and his family have owned and operated Piney Grove Farm in Tarboro since before the founding of the United States. Piney Grove currently grows corn, cotton, soybeans, peanuts, wheat, rye and clary sage with some acreage of organic land as well.

Tate is an Eagle Scout and graduate of Rocky Mount Academy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science and a certificate in general horticulture from NC State University. He serves as a town councilman for the 8th Ward in Tarboro and is the youngest known elder in Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church’s history.

Tate is a member of Edgecombe County’s Young Farmers and Ranchers, a member of Tarboro’s Rotary Club and a youth advisor at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Tate sees three community needs: 1. Rural infrastructure improvements - particularly internet connectivity.

2. Access to emerging ag markets and marketing of value-added products.

3. Mental health awareness and assistance for farmers.

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Carrie McClain Grassy Creek, N.C. 28631 C: (847) 877-1979 carriemcclain@hart-t-trees.com

Carrie McClain helps manage Hart-T-Tree Farms, a family owned and operated Christmas tree farm in Grassy Creek, N.C. (Ashe County). Hart-T-Tree Farms was founded in 1976 in Hart, Michigan by Carrie’s parents. In 1986, they moved the farming operation to Ashe County to grow Fraser fir in their native mountain home. Today, Hart-T-Tree Farms grows Fraser fir Christmas trees in North Carolina and Virginia and retails them in southeast Florida. They also wholesale Christmas trees and greenery.

When Hart-T-Tree Farms started growing their own seedlings and transplants, Carrie founded a sister e-commerce company called Little Saps. Shipped nationwide, Little Saps makes meaningful gift giving easy by offering gift trees with inspirational messages for life’s big (and small) moments.

Carrie has a B.A. in comparative literature from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a masters in divinity from North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. She is also a recent graduate of the Executive Farm Management Program. Carrie has served as an AmeriCorps VISTA and also worked for a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C. Carrie is the president of the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association; a member of the Christmas Tree Promotion Board Promotions Committee; and is also actively engaged in volunteer work in her local community. Her husband, Jeff, is a pastor at Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, N.C. (Watauga County). They have three children Emma, Anne and James.

Carrie believes that we need to create better dialogue between farmers and 1) farmworkers; 2) consumers; and 3) policymakers so that we can all enjoy the benefits of a healthy and robust agricultural industry.

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Karen RM McSwain Raleigh, N.C. 27606 C: (828) 423-2463 karen@carolinafarmstewards.org

Karen McSwain, is the associate executive director for Programs at the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) in Pittsboro. She is responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategic operations to help CFSA grow, fulfill its mission, and meet its members’ needs. She leads the execution of CFSA’s farmer and food system technical assistance and training programs, research activities, and fundraising and development efforts.

Karen has a B.S. in crop and soil science with distinction in research from Cornell University. Additionally, she has a M.S. in horticulture with a minor in sustainable agriculture from Iowa State University.

During her professional career she has managed farms, cotaught college level study abroad classes, and has been a member of non-profit boards, food policy councils, advisory councils and task forces.

Karen sees three community needs as follows: 1. Increasing awareness and support of the local food system.

2. Increasing the resiliency of the local food system to better withstand human and environmental threats.

3. The need to address racial inequities in the food system.

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Justin Miller Advance, N.C. 27006 C: (336) 909-3306 cherryhillag@gmail.com

Justin Miller of Davie County, owns and operates Cherry Hill Farm LLC, Mocksville, N.C. Justin and his wife Holly are first generation produce farmers working to buy the 5th generation Miller family farm. They grow a large variety of produce for wholesale and retail. Along with strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, they also raise and direct market pork, beef and chicken. In addition to farming Justin manages the forming department at Fuller Welding and Fabricators in Mocksville where he has been employed since 2007.

Justin graduated with an associate’s degree in automotive technology from Nascar Technical Institute, in Mooresville N.C. in 2004 and in 2006 from Forsyth Technical Community College with a certificate in welding. Justin currently serves as the Davie County Farm Bureau YFR Co-Chair as well as serving on the Davie County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He also serves on the Davie County Agricultural Advisory Committee for Voluntary AG District. Justin is a member of Fork Baptist Church where he volunteers on the kitchen committee and in the nursery.

Justin has been married to his wife Holly since 2007 and has two sons who are 7 and 9 years old.

Justin sees the needs of his community as follows: 1. Lack of available or willing local farm labor, coupled with the complex and expensive H2A program is a major issue to our local farming community.

2. Suburban sprawl is claiming more farmland every day.

Each year valuable cropland and forests are growing their final crop of houses and parking lots.

3. Government overregulation makes operating even a small farm a balancing act between daily farm work and maintaining all the records, licenses and certification required just to do business.

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Emily Ward Morris Lake Waccamaw, N.C. 28450 C: (910) 625-5760 elward5893@gmail.com

Emily Morris and her husband are the next generation to take over her family’s farm, Ward Farms in Bladen County, NC. She works to successfully diversify her family’s farm to better sustain the next generation, to help solve the employment issues they face in their local community, and to bridge the understanding gap between consumer and farmer.

Emily has a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in marketing from North Carolina State University, Poole College of Management. Additionally, she has her North Carolina Broker’s License from the Market Place Real Estate Academy and also serves as a Broker/ Realtor® with Intracoastal Realty. She is also a graduate of the 2020 Executive Farm Management Program through North Carolina State University.

She is a member of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus County Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Social Committee with Intracoastal Realty.

Emily sees three community needs as follows: 1. Helping the average consumer understand the importance of shopping local, no matter how convenient it is to do otherwise.

2. Increasing the education and employment opportunities for young farmers in our local community.

3. Making agriculture an appealing career choice for potential employees.

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James Clinton Neal Clinton, N.C. 28328 C: (910) 385-8570 jneal@smithfield.com

James Neal is the feed mill manager for Smithfield Foods in Warsaw, N.C. James manages all aspects of the facility including production, maintenance, regulatory compliance, budgeting, finances, and all personnel. Since 2015 James and his 25-member-team have built Warsaw into the highest producing facility among Smithfield’s network of twenty feed mills worldwide. Warsaw operates 24 hours / 7 days per week producing over 1 million tons and consuming approximately 22 million bushels of corn annually.

Growing up on a small cattle farm in Roseboro, James learned animal husbandry and discovered a love for agriculture. Upon graduation James worked for farmers in the Sampson county community before being recruited for a lead role in feed production at Coharie Farms.

This soon led James to a career in feed manufacturing eventually joining Smithfield foods where he has executed management roles at 3 facilities. There he has completed business training including Smithfield’s Leadership Exploration and Development Program.

Leveraging his role at Smithfield, James leads and presents mill tours to groups of 4-H, FFA, young interns, NC House Representatives, local business leaders, and teams from across the state showing how animal feed production is a key piece in worldwide food sustainability. The Neal family of four attend Mintz Baptist Church where James serves on the safety team and his family supports a plethora of children’s ministries. James is a volunteer boys’ baseball coach for the Sampson County Parks and Recreation department.

James sees three community needs: 1. The general public’s understanding of animal agriculture and sustainable food supply.

2. Young people’s perceived negativity towards animal production.

3. Public apathy and lack of adult leaders supporting community programs.

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James M. Pearce, Jr. Hope Mills, N.C. 28348 C: (252) 814-7760 jamespearcejr@outlook.com

James Pearce, Cumberland County, is a sales agronomist for Yara North America in the Mid-Atlantic Region. He works with retail distributors and farmers to formulate precision fertility plans for many row crops and specialty crops in North Carolina. James has a B.S. in plant and soil science with concentration in agronomic sciences from North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Additionally, he has a minor in agronomic business management from North Carolina State University.

James is a member of the North Carolina Plant Food Association, the North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association, the North Carolina Greenhouse Growers Association, and the North Carolina Tobacco Growers Association James sees three community needs as follows: 1. Lack of knowledge from the general public regarding farmers day to day operations and responsibilities.

2. The lack of genuine interest in the agriculture industry from people in the younger generation.

3. The direction of the U.S. Tobacco industry due to regulations and market pressures.

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Beverly Hampton Phifer Mount Ulla, N.C. 28125 C: (980) 505-0003 beverlyjhampton@gmail.com

Beverly Hampton Phifer, Rowan County, owns BH Phifer Consulting, LLC where she provides contracted project management support for animal agriculture trade associations representing dairy, seafood, poultry and other commodities focusing on developing on-farm resources along with social responsibility and communications efforts. Beverly’s unique life-long background in agritourism laid a strong foundation of understanding the importance of animal agriculture and a first-hand knowledge of the growing knowledge gap between production agriculture and consumers.

Beverly has a B.S. in poultry science from North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

She serves on the Rowan County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and as president of the West Rowan FFA Alumni.

Through participation on a variety of planning committees and initiatives she works to recognize local farmers and agriculture producers in addition to providing opportunities for people to have hands-on interaction with local farms and farmers.

Beverly sees three community needs as follows: 1. Continuing to close the farm to fork gap by encouraging open dialogue between farmers and consumers.

2. Empowering the agriculture community to continue to evolve to meet contemporary demands.

3. Ensuring the agriculture industry’s needs are understood and scientifically-supported to ensure a safe and wholesome United States food supply for all.

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Whitney D. Phillips Raleigh, N.C. 27604 C: (704) 989-1821 whitney@phyllatech.com

Whitney Phillips, Wake County, is the operations director of PhyllaTech, LLC, Farmville. She oversees the daily operations of their facilities and develops working relationships with both community members and customers. She additionally is an adjunct instructor of horticulture science at the University of Mount Olive where she has helped develop the plant science degree and help guide students into a career within the agronomic and horticulture industry.

Whitney obtained dual B.S. degrees in horticulture science and plant and soil science and earned her M.S. in horticulture science with a thesis focusing on ornamental plants from North Carolina State University, which she attended on the Monsanto Plant Breeding Fellowship. After graduation, she worked as an assistant curator of woody plants at Chicago Botanic Garden and taught high school horticulture science in Johnston County before her current position.

Whitney sees three community needs as follows: 1. Helping find ways to recruit others to agriculture as a career field.

2. Finding a way to bridge gaps between consumers and growers.

3. Teaching others to advocate for agriculture and its policies.

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Colleen Porter Concord, N.C. 28025 C: (828) 773-7427 m.colleen.porter@gmail.com

Colleen Porter co-owns Porter Farms, Inc and The Farm at Brusharbor, LLC – two family-operated farms in Cabarrus County. Porter Farms are approximately 1,000 acres including hay, beef cattle, a poultry layer operation, a pullet operation and a swine farm. In addition to the livestock raised on Porter Farms, Colleen also owns and operates an agritourism venue where weddings are held. Colleen has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Appalachian State University. Prior to working on the family farm Colleen worked in residential real estate. Colleen is married to Jared (participant in 2017-2019 program) and they have three daughters. Colleen is a member of the North Carolina Pork Council and of North Carolina Farm Bureau.

Colleen sees three issues impacting agriculture: 1. Rapid growth in our rural communities.

2. Labor force availability and willingness to work.

3. Nuisance lawsuits.

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Daniel Lee Shires Lawndale, N.C. 28090 C: (704) 300-9042 daniel_shires@ncsu.edu

Daniel has been an agriculture Extension agent with NC Cooperative Extension (NCCE) for the past 16 years.

Daniel’s Extension work focuses on commercial fruit and vegetable production. A large focus of his work is with blackberry production where he serves as the Extension liaison to the NC Commercial Blackberry and Raspberry Growers Association. In addition to working for NCCE, Daniel owns and operates Shires Cattle Company- selling feeder cattle and hay on 300 acres. He also custom bales hay on an additional 300 acres for local farmers.

Daniel has associate’s degrees in agricultural fields from Catawba Valley Community College and a B.S in horticulture from NC State University. Throughout his career he has continued his studies in master’s level coursework at NC State University.

Daniel is past president of the Cleveland County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers group. He has served on the Cleveland County Farm Bureau Board, Cleveland County Cattlemen’s Association board, NC Cattlemen’s Association board and the Catawba Valley Community College Department of Ag and Life Sciences Advisory board.

Daniel’s wife, Katie (participant in 2017-2019 program) farms full-time with her father on Fieldstone Farm. They attend Double Shoals Baptist Church with Katie’s two boys, Cooper and Parker.

Daniel sees three community issues as follows: 1. Labor availability.

2. Public perception of agriculture and agricultural products.

3. Shrinking farm profits.

25

Michelle Muller Shooter Rowland, N.C. 28383 C: (910) 734-3477 shootermichelle11@gmail.com

Michelle Shooter, originally from Greenville, N.C., has been a resident of Robeson County for fifteen years. She received her bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in agricultural and Extension education from NC State. Her first position after graduation was at Embrex, a company that made vaccinations for chickens in Research Triangle Park. In 2007, she married Pat Shooter and became the livestock agent in Robeson and Hoke Counties.

In 2013, Michelle became a plant pest specialist for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. She now covers five counties in the southeastern part of the state inspecting plant nurseries, issuing certificates for export on agricultural commodities and trapping and scouting for invasive weeds and insects to protect our agricultural industry. She is a certified plant professional.

Michelle and Pat are the proud parents of Jackson and Addie. Michelle has served as the mayor of the town of Rowland for the last three years. She also serves as the Women’s Committee Chair and as a board member for Robeson County Farm Bureau. She attends Rowland First Baptist Church and is a 4-H animal science club leader. Michelle is an advocate for community, rural living, agriculture and education, and works to combine these passions in her everyday life.

Michelle sees three community needs as follows: 1. Bridging the consumer/farmer gap of understanding agricultural practices and the importance of sustainable, local agriculture.

2. Protecting rural areas and farms from development and frivolous lawsuits.

3. Bringing non-farming residents of rural areas and farmers together to be a cohesive group to advocate for rural living.

26

Ashley Thomas Raleigh, N.C. 27612 C: 336-504-0083 thomasas112@gmail.com

Ashley Thomas is the manager of grower and legislative relations for the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association (NCSPA) and has been with them for over five years. In her role, she communicates the needs of growers back to their state and federal representatives. Ashley‘s other areas of focus include the Board of Directors, fundraising for the N.C. SoyPAC and Corporate Partners, as well as digital communications.

Ashley grew up on her family farm in Timberlake, N.C. where they grow tobacco, soybeans, corn, wheat and operate an independent farrow to finish hog operation.

Before her time at NCSPA, she attended Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. where she completed a B.S. in business administration and a B.A. in biology.

Her years on the farm taught Ashley a true appreciation of agriculture, farmers and what they do. In her role she strives to serve North Carolina’s farmers so that those who do not have an opportunity to make their voices heard are still represented in Raleigh and on Capitol Hill.

Ashley sees three community needs as follows: 1. Protecting farmland that is threatened by continuous development of rural communities.

2. Ensuring that N.C. growers have a reliable and sustainable workforce.

3. Providing mental health resources to the agriculture community and normalizing the conversation.

27

Julius Tillery Garysburg, N.C. 27831 H: (919) 525-5077 blackcotton.us@gmail.com

Julius Tillery is the NC State Coordinator for the Black Family Land Trust. He is a 5th generation life-long row crop commodities producer (cotton, soybeans, peanuts) from northeastern, N.C. His career has focused on serving as an advocate and resource provider in the North Carolina agriculture and environmental sectors since 2009. Julius has also worked at Rural Advancement Foundation international and The Conservation Fund.

Julius currently serves on the Southern SARE’s Administrative Council, the North Carolina Forestry Advisory Council, and NC Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher State Committee. Julius is a rural economic development advocate and is also known for his entrepreneurial business role as Founder of BlackCotton.

Us. You can find Julius anywhere between his farm working on producing crops, on another farmer’s farm helping consult with new enterprise development or any meeting that is focused on improving the lives of farmers and farming communities across the U.S. Julius is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in economics and minor in entrepreneurship in 2008.

Julius sees three community issues as follows: 1. Food deserts: lack of grocery stores and fresh food access.

2. Lack of hotels/housing infrastructures for increasing agri-tourism.

3. Credit access, limited resources to local entrepreneurs meet market opportunities outside of local reach.

28

Tim Webb Stantonsburg, N.C. 27883 C: (252) 289-5287 rrgcenter@yahoo.com

Tim Webb is the owner of Raleigh Road Garden Center, an independent retail garden center, in Wilson, North Carolina.

Here Tim is the buyer for the store including trees, shrubs and flowers for the given season. Tim also manages the family farm operation which includes 25 acres of hay, 30 acres of peanuts and/or soybeans and beef cattle.

Tim graduated from North Carolina State University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in landscape horticulture. Tim is a third-generation farmer and wishes to pass on the farming tradition to his three children. Tim and his wife Meredith have three children, son, Tuck, and daughters, Willow and Shelby who all attend Peace Church of WIlson. He is also very active in his church and the local youth athletic programs in the community.

Community issues he is concerned about: 1. Protecting farmland that is threatened by continuous development of rural communities.

2. Ensuring that N.C. growers have a reliable and sustainable workforce.

3. Providing mental health resources to the agriculture community and normalizing the conversation.

29

Previous Leadership Program Participants from North Carolina Classes 1984-86, 1986-88, 1989-91, 1992-94, 1996-98, 1999-2001, 2002-04, 2005-07, 2008-10, 2012-14, 2014-16 and 2017-19

30

Jamie Ager

Fairview, N.C.

Jack J. Allen, Jr.

Greenville, N.C.

W. Theodore “Ted” Allen

Winterville, N.C.

William Andrews

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Linda Andrews

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Andrew Arnold

Washington, N.C.

Sarah Marie Arthur

Trenton, N.C.

John Ashe

Reidsville, N.C.

David Askew

Elm City, N.C.

Amanda Aycock

Louisburg, N.C.

James Barbour

Clayton, N.C.

John Barnes

Spring Hope, N.C.

Brandon D. Batten

Four Oaks, N.C.

Charlie Batten

Four Oaks, N.C.

Stan Biconish

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Scott Bissette

Spring Hope, N.C.

John Bizic

Winterville, N.C.

Bill Blackman

Wilson, N.C.

Mark Blevins

Bolivia, N.C.

Jonathan Bone

Nashville, N.C.

Donnie Boyette

Kenly, N.C.

Art Bradley

Rocky Mount, N.C.

Phill Bradley

Sanford, N.C.

Preston Britt

Lumberton, N.C.

Jeffrey Broadaway

Monroe, N.C.

Talmadge Burgess Jr.

Henderson, N.C.

Andrew Burleson

New London, N.C.

David Burns

Laurel Hill, N.C.

Bill Cameron Jr.

Raeford, N.C.

Ann Camden

Raleigh, N.C.

Kelly Carlton

Wilson, N.C.

Billy Carter

Eagle Springs, N.C.

W.L. Carter Jr.*

Scotland Neck, N.C.

Ryan Cahoon

Fairfield, N.C.

Jeffrey Hunter Chandler

Mills River, N.C.

John Clapp

Greensboro, N.C.

Michael Clapp

Gibsonville, N.C.

Scott Clayton

Cedar Grove, N.C.

Jody Clemmons

Supply, N.C.

Eileen Coite

Goldsboro, N.C.

Rodney Coleman

Wilson, N.C.

Tiffanee Conrad

Rockingham, N.C.

James Crews

Oxford, N.C.

DeShon Cromartie

Hillsborough, N.C.

Kelli Dale

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Amy Dalrymple

Sanford, N.C.

Tommy Dalrymple

Sanford, N.C.

David Davenport

Greenville, N.C.

Charles Davenport

Greenville, N.C.

Lawrence Davenport

Greenville, N.C.

Michelle Pace Davis

Clayton, N.C.

Jared B. Day

Clayton, N.C.

Max Denning

Benson, N.C.

Kevin Dixon

Reidsville, N.C.

Sam Dobson

Statesville, N.C.

Chadwick Docsh

Ayden, N.C.

Dennis Durham

Four Oaks, N.C.

Katie Spangler Earl

Lawndale, N.C.

Jack Edmondson Jr.

Maury, N.C.

Julie Edwards

Bladenboro, N.C.

Scott Edwards

Bladenboro, N.C.

Dave Elkin

Warsaw, N.C.

Angelo Enoch

Burlington, N.C.

Robert Fann

Salemburg, N.C.

Elizabeth (Beth) Farrell

Cary, N.C.

John Fleming

Halifax, N.C.

Joy Morgan Fleming

Zebulon, N.C.

Robert (Rob) Fleming

Scotland Neck, N.C.

Susan Weaver Ford

Kenly, N.C. 31

32

Elizabeth Foster

Roper, N.C.

Allison Fowler

Cornelius, N.C.

Daniel Fowler

Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Travis Gardner

Princeton, N.C.

Jennifer A. Gasque

St. Pauls, N.C.

Mike Gaster

Sanford, N.C.

Walt Gerard

Washington, N.C.

Howard Gentry

King, N.C.

Richard Goforth

Monroe, N.C.

Steve Grady

Mount Olive, N.C.

McRay Greene Jr.

Walnut Cove, N.C.

Edward L. Gregory, Jr.

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

S. Archie Griffin

Washington, N.C.

Matt Grissom

Henderson, N.C.

Ben Haines

Elizabeth City, N.C.

Bobby Ham

Snow Hill, N.C.

Stacy Ham Thomas

Snow Hill, N.C.

Tim Hambrick

Dobson, N.C.

John E. Hammond

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Miles J. Hamrick

Shelby, N.C.

Farrah Hargett

Monroe, N.C.

Charles Harrell

Stantonsburg, N.C.

Norman Harrell

Lucama, N.C.

Norris Harrell

Macclesfield, N.C.

David Hartman

Walnut Cove, N.C.

Brooke Harward

Richfield, N.C.

David Haynes

Dobson, N.C.

David Heath

Dover, N.C.

Caroline G. Hines

Selma, N.C.

David Hinnant

Kenly, N.C.

Casey L. Hinnant

Garner, N.C.

Kenneth Hinnant

Kenly, N.C.

Der Xiong Holcombe

Statesville, N.C.

Russell Horton

Hurdle Mills, N.C.

Morgan Howard

Deep Run, N.C.

Forrest C. Howell

Plymouth, N.C.

Chase Hubbard

Asheville, N.C.

Jeremy Hudson

Newton Grove, N.C.

Josh Hudson

Newton Grove, N.C.

Pelmon Hudson, Jr.

Turkey, N.C.

James Huggins

Clarkton, N.C.

Brent Hunter

Yadkinville, N.C.

John Isley

Reidsville, N.C.

John Ivey

Mount Olive, N.C.

Major Ivey

Mount Olive, N.C.

Rouse Ivey

Mount Olive, N.C.

Jennifer Johnson

Pikeville, N.C.

Kevin Johnson

Pikeville, N.C.

Lendy Y. Johnson

Rolesville, N.C.

Teresa Johnson

Mocksville, N.C.

Tony Jones

Mount Olive, N.C.

Thomas Joyner

Rocky Mount, N.C.

Matthew Daniel Keen

Mt. Olive, N.C.

Whitney King

Ash, N.C.

Kevin Kinlaw

Bladenboro, N.C.

James L. Lamb

Clinton, N.C.

Ryan Lambert

Angier, N.C.

Emily Lancaster

Pittsboro, N.C.

Dudley Langdon

Angier, N.C.

Sandy Langdon

Dunn, N.C.

Jerome Lanier

Burgaw, N.C.

Summer Lanier

Wallace, N.C.

Adam Lassiter

Conway, N.C.

Donny Lassiter

Conway, N.C.

Mark Lassiter

Conway, N.C.

Christina L. Law

Leicester, N.C.

A.K. Leach Jr.

Raeford, N.C.

Jeremy Lee

Catawba, N.C.

Brent Leggett

Nashville, N.C.

Susan Leggett

Nashville, N.C.

Cody Lewis

Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

Dan Lewis

Orrum, N.C.

Steve Lilley*

Williamston, N.C.

Stephen C. Lilley Jr.

Williamston, N.C. 33

34

Dwight Little

Durham, N.C.

Trey Liverman

Columbia, N.C.

Craig Lovette

Lumberton, N.C.

Suzanne Hodge Malloy

St. Pauls, N.C.

Lex Mann Jr.

Washington, N.C.

Gregory Manning

Nashville, N.C.

Brandon Marshall*

Engelhard, N.C.

Dana H. Massey

Mebane, N.C.

Charlie McClenny

Mount Olive, N.C.

D. Weston McCorkle

Willow Spring, N.C.

Billy McDaniel

Whitakers, N.C.

Peyton G. McDaniel

Whitakers, N.C.

Allen McLaurin

Laurel Hill, N.C.

John McLawhorn

Hookerton, N.C.

Roland McReynolds

Pittsboro, N.C.

Richard Melton

Wadesboro, N.C.

Miles Mercer Jr.

Lumberton N.C.

Jillian Allmond Mickens

Cedar Grove, N.C.

H..Gerrald Miller Jr.

Pink Hill, N.C.

Pattie D. Mills

Greenville, N.C.

Matthew J. Moore

Ivanhoe, N.C.

Farrell V. Moose

Pittsboro, N.C.

Jessica A. Morgan

Polkton, N.C.

James Morris

Colerain, N.C.

Michael Mulier

Stedman, N.C.

Mann Mullen

Bunn, N.C.

Morris Murphy

Albertson, N.C.

Paul Myers

Blanch, N.C.

Daniel Nelson

Warsaw, N.C.

Kelvin Norris

Princeton, N.C.

Joshua E. Outlaw

Rocky Point, N.C.

James Overton

Creedmoor, N.C.

Dale Parker

Pfafftown, N.C.

Drew Parker

Angier, N.C.

David Parrish

Princeton, N.C.

Keith Parrish

Benson, N.C.

Jimmy Pate

Rowland N.C.

Jeff Peed

Aurora, N.C.

Raeford Pernell

Warrenton, N.C.

Pate Pierce

Ahoskie, N.C.

Stuart Pierce Jr.

Ahoskie, N.C.

Elbert Pitt

Macclesfield, N.C.

Jared Porter

Mt. Pleasant, N.C.

Tom Porter

Rocky Mount, N.C.

Kelley Precythe

Faison, N.C.

Rodney Purser

Marshville, N.C.

James Radford

Mount Airy, N.C.

Melvin Ray Jr.

Whiteville, N.C.

Shivaugn Rayl

Raleigh, N.C.

Bryan Redfern

Indian Trial, N.C.

Richard Renegar

Harmony, N.C.

Jonathan Renn

Henderson, N.C.

Jeremy Rhodes

Four Oaks, N.C.

Suzanne Rhodes

Four Oaks, N.C.

Alton Roberson

Kinston, N.C.

Mark Ross

Williamston, N.C.

Kenneth Rudd

Greensboro, N.C.

McCray Sadler

Edenton, N.C.

Larry Sampson

Rowland, N.C.

Chris Sawyer

Greenville, N.C.

Milton Sawyer Jr.

Greenville, N.C.

Dewey Scott

Lucama, N.C.

Franklin Exum Scott

Kenly, N.C.

Linwood Scott III

Lucama, N.C.

Zane Sells

Kernersville, N.C.

Thaddeus Sharp IV

Sims, N.C.

Thomas Shaw III

Henderson, N.C.

Clay Shields

Scotland Neck, N.C.

George Simpson

Beaufort, N.C.

Billy Slade Jr.

Bath, N.C.

Anthony Smith

Pink Hill, N.C.

Gary Smith*

Yadkinville, N.C.

Martha Smith

Durham, N.C.

Bill Smith

Cary, N.C. 35

36

Randy Smith

Deep Run, N.C.

Maurice W. Smitherman

East Bend, N.C.

Arlie Snider

Mount Airy, N.C.

Bryant Spivey

Smithfield, N.C.

Suzanne Stallings

Elizabeth City, N.C.

Wiley Stancill

Ayden, N.C.

Michael “Bo” Stone

Rowland, N.C.

Manley Stovall

Sandy Ridge, N.C.

Katherine Drake Stowe

Holly Springs, N.C.

Clay Strickland

Clinton, N.C.

Clint Strickland

Salemburg, N.C.

Reginald Strickland

Mount Olive, N.C.

Jarman Sullivan

Faison, N.C.

Jay Sullivan

Faison, N.C.

Grace Summers

Brown Summit, N.C.

Dustin W. Sumner

Como, N.C.

Lee Swinson

Mount Olive, N.C.

Victor Swinson

Mount Olive, N.C.

Wilson Talley

Locust, N.C.

Elizabeth Taylor

Whitakers, N.C.

Tonya Taylor

Warrenton, N.C.

Zachary G. Taylor

Greenville, N.C.

Dale Threatt-Taylor

Raleigh, N.C.

Winslow Tew

Albertson, N.C.

Hunter Thomas

Roxboro, N.C.

Jamie Thomas

Greensboro, N.C.

Mark Tucker

Madison, N.C.

Ralph Tucker Jr.

Greenville, N.C.

Jeff Turlington

Coats, N.C.

Kent Turlington

Coats, N.C.

Jeff Tyson

Nashville, N.C.

Kerry Venable

Belews Creek, N.C.

Kerry Venable II

Belews Creek, N.C.

Linwood Vick

Wilson, N.C.

Betty Vollmer*

Bunn, N.C.

John Vollmer*

Bunn, N.C.

Stacy Walker

Mocksville, N.C.

Keith Waller

Mount Olive, N.C.

Bobby Walls Jr.

Goldsboro, N.C.

Danny Walters

Fairmont, N.C.

Dan Ward

Clarkton, N.C.

Susan E. Ward

Hayesville, N.C.

Bartley Warren

Newton Grove, N.C.

Brad Warren

Faison, N.C.

Brandon Warren

Clinton, N.C.

Brian Warren

Newton Grove, N.C.

Logan Watson

Monroe, N.C.

Mark Wellons

Princeton, N.C.

William Whaley Jr.

Kinston, N.C.

Faylene Whitaker

Climax, N.C.

Richard Whitaker

Climax, N.C.

Shane Whitaker

Climax, N.C.

Garland Whitford Jr.

Ernul, N.C.

Scottie Whitford

Grantsboro, N.C.

Brittany Whitmire

Brevard, N.C.

Joseph Wiggins Jr.

Trenton, N.C.

Charlie Wilkinson

Powhatan, V.A.

Jay Willard

Gable, S.C.

Ashley Williams

Raleigh, N.C.

Justin M. Williams

Goldsboro, N.C.

Ernest Winstead

Nashville, N.C.

Alton Wood

Elizabeth City, N.C.

Allen Wooten

Burgaw, N.C.

Larry Wooten

Raleigh, N.C.

Bryant Worley

Princeton, N.C.

Harold Wright

Bladenboro, N.C.

* deceased 37

The Agricultural Leadership Development Program is funded by an endowment from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The following individuals and organizations have also provided financial support for the last four programs: Ag Carolina Financial Altria Client Services Sarah Arthur BASF Bayer CropScience LP Cape Fear Farm Credit Carolina Farm Credit Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Central Electric Membership Corporation Roger and Omega Collins Corn Growers Association of North Carolina Teresa and Yyron Croslin Jared Day Duke Energy Beth and Kevin Farrell First Citizens Bank Susan and Brian Ford Gibbs and Soell Gold Leaf Seed Company Golden Leaf Foundation Brooke Harward Peter and Suan Heiman Helena Chemical Company John and Elizabeth Hammond Sterling Harrell Forrest Howell Teresa Johnson Rebecca and Trey Liverman Suzanne and Mac Malloy William McDaniel Marsh and David McManus Pattie and Dustin Mills Monsanto North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association 38

North Carolina Cotton Producers Association North Carolina Electric Cooperatives North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation North Carolina Farm Bureau North Carolina Grange Mutual Insurance North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association Inc. North Carolina Peanut Growers Association North Carolina Pork Council North Carolina Seedsmen’s Association North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association North Carolina Soybean Producers Association North Carolina State Grange North Carolina SweetPotato Commission Open Door Farm Pee Dee Electric Membership Corporation Philip Morris International Program Participants Jared Porter R & R Enterprises Jeff and Susan Radford R. J. Reynolds Foundation Reynolds American Inc. Reynolds American Foundation Southern Bank & Trust Company Southern Produce Incorporated Katherine and Sadler Stowe Syngenta Crop Protection LLC Wilson Talley Stephen and Susan Tracey Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation Ralph Tucker, Jr. Union County Farm Bureau Weston Wallace William Wilkinson Yara North America Inc.

If you are interested in donating to this program, please visit: http://www.give.ncsu.edu and search TTF/ NC Tobacco Trust Fund Comm Ag Leadership Dev Prg End-INC (011084/661327). We thank you for your past donations and appreciate your future support in preparing agricultural leaders.

39

For more information about the program, we encourage you to watch these videos:

About the Program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKA8nj6QwUI

Personal Testimony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVbWw-ARg7o

Practicum Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIswGs9HO7g

40

For more information contact: Dr. Joy Morgan Program Director Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Human Sciences NC State University Campus Box 7607 Raleigh, N.C. 27695 jemorga2@ncsu.edu Dr. W.K. Collins Assistant NCTTFC Agricultural Leadership Development Program NC State University Campus Box 7645 Raleigh, N.C. 27695-7645 919.513.2944 bill_collins@ncsu.edu

150 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $4.04 per copy.

Any opinion, finding conclusion or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view and policies of the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

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