Agribusiness in the News

Agribusiness is a prominent industry in Johnston County. Stay in the know with all the happenings in the agribusiness sector of JoCo.

The Farmers Feast Campaign

Farmers in Johnston County are the backbone of the local agricultural economy, yet their stories often go untold. We identified a need to bridge the gap between the community and its farmers, fostering appreciation for their hard work and legacy. JoCo Grows Agriculture launched "The Farmers Feast," a vibrant social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram, inviting the public to nominate their favorite Johnston County farmers via a Google Form. Each week for 10 weeks, we drew a farmer’s name from a hat to spotlight and partnered with Carolina Packers, Home of the Brightleaf Hotdog, to surprise the farmers with a cooler bag full of their meat products. These visits were enhanced by interviews that highlighted each farmer’s story, legacy, and contributions. Crucial to the campaign’s success was the video editing expertise of our intern, Chloé Sharpe, who skillfully brought these stories to life, creating engaging and heartfelt content for the public to enjoy. The campaign achieved remarkable social media reach, connecting with over 400,000 people. It not only deepened community connections with local farmers but also elevated the visibility of Johnston County agriculture. "The Farmers Feast" showcased the power of storytelling in promoting agriculture and paved the way for future partnerships and community engagement initiatives.
 

NC Distillers Using Locally Grown Products

Broadslab Distillery in Benson is one of three distillers using local farm products to make delicious spirits that are purely North Carolina. Hear what owner Jeremy Norris has to say about his roots and what makes Broadslab products unique. Read more...

Our State Spotlights Carolina Packers

The July issue of Our State Magazine was all about the I-95 corridor and the many local businesses that attract visitors to explore all that Johnston County has to offer. The most exciting part was Carolina Packers and red hot dogs were featured on the cover. Read more...

Our State Features Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm

Learn how Don Lee and his family started their wildflower business and all they are doing to help restore native landscapes across the South in their Our State article. Read Here...

NC Sweetpotato Commission Plans 60th

BENSON, NC - What does it take to spark a progressive vision and propel that mission into a 60-year legacy? Dedication and tenacity. These words carry both intention and passion and describe the effort and commitment that has carried the North Carolina (NC) Sweetpotato Commission into its 60th-anniversary year kicking off today, June 30, 2021. Read more...

Kornegay Farm in the News

One of the county's largest farms located in the Princeton community, was recently in the news. Read More...

Stephenson’s Barbecue

If a hog isn’t pit-cooked, it isn’t barbecue. That’s Andy Stephenson’s belief. He says his father wouldn’t have had it any other way. Enjoy this article that appeared in Our State Magazine. Read More...
 

Counties Grow, Some Try to Slow Density

Michelle Pace Davis' farm encapsulates the changes Johnston County has faced in recent years. Until a few years ago, her family grew tobacco and row crops on about 250 acres, all while renting out still more land. Now, she focuses on pick-your-own produce on about half as much land, along with some livestock for meat sales. Her farm is best known these days for its strawberry fields, where families come to pick all the berries they want. Read Here...

Kidds Garlic Farm Finds Niche

Meet Don and Doris Kidd who own a garlic farm located outside Selma, NC. Read More...
 

Commission Launches Program Promoting the Sweetpotato

Apr. 10—BENSON — As North Carolina sweetpotato growing season begins, the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Founded in 1961, the NCSPC is one of North Carolina's oldest agricultural commodity groups and serves as a go-to resource for all things sweetpotatoes. Read More...

The Truth About Ag & Farm Workers

An article by Bryant Spivey with a candid look at the life and work by farmworkers in Johnston County. Read More...