Source:PRESS RELEASE, 2/22/17

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina announce Brandon Batten as the recipient of the 2017 Tobacco Farm Life Museum “Innovative Young Farmer of the Year Award”.

Brandon is a sixth-generation farmer in southern Johnston County embracing the challenges of modern agriculture through creative thinking, technology, and adaptability.  The Four Oaks native is a partner in the family business, Triple B Farms, Inc., producing flue-cured tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat, and Bermuda hay on 600 acres, along with 40 head of angus-mix beef cattle.  

Brandon is a 2008 North Carolina State University (NCSU) graduate obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.  He also completed his Master’s in Agricultural Engineering in 2010 from NCSU.  His education has enabled him to have an extensive source of contacts with many producers and experts in the field of agriculture, as well as a widerange of industry knowledge and practices.  

Aside from his innovative work on the farm, he is a proud husband to Jessica and father to Camden.  Brandon is active in the community and in advocating for the future of agriculture in North Carolina.  A member of Pauline Baptist Church and a captain with the Strickland Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, he participates in the Johnston County Young Farmer and Rancher Program, as well as the Johnston County Agribusiness Council.  He is an active supporter of Johnston County Extension and is a county representative to the North Carolina Farm Bureau Farm Labor State Advisory Committee.  

In his nomination form, Brandon states, “By being involved in the community and agricultural organizations, I can advocate for farm interests and give a first-hand perspective on current issues.  These contributions, through farm-level research and utilizing technologies and advancements in agriculture, can help our industry to remain strong.”    

The CEOs of AgCarolina Farm Credit, Cape Fear Farm Credit, and Carolina Farm Credit are Dave Corum, Brad Cornelius, and Vance Dalton respectively.  They issued the following joint statement regarding Brandon Batten: “It is an honor to be able to recognize Brandon Batten as the 2017 Innovative Young Farmer of the Year.  We admire the leadership and value-based approach he takes with his family, in his role as a professional in the field of agriculture, and as he makes a positive impact on his community.  We congratulate Brandon for this award and look forward to his achievements in the future.”