Source: NCDA&CS, 4/22/22

The Got To Be NC Festival is honoring farmers aged 18-40 in a brand-new way this year through the Young Farmer of the Day program. The program, sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina, celebrates our state’s agricultural future and three young farmers who are behind our state’s $95.9 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry. 

“Developing our next generation of farmers is one of the most critical opportunities we have in agriculture today. Their ideas, adaptability to new technologies and commitment to developing efficient best practices for their farms will advance agriculture in ways we haven’t even dreamed yet,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “They are out there every day working hard to grow the food, fiber and fuel we need, and we look forward to recognizing their efforts at the Got To Be NC Festival in May.” 

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina is a leader in developing the next generation of North Carolina farmers. From scholarships and financial services to educational events and leadership programs, their commitment to growing rural North Carolina has impacted our state for decades. 

"Farm Credit has always recognized that young, beginning and small farmers, including veterans and minorities, are an intricate part of the agricultural industry in North Carolina,” said Dave Corum, CEO AgCarolina Farm Credit, Evan Kleinhans, CEO Cape Fear Farm Credit, and Vance Dalton, CEO Carolina Farm Credit.  “Their hard work, spirit, and drive inspire us as lenders as we fulfill our mission of providing financing to agriculture and rural communities. We're honored to support the Young Farmer of The Day program and look forward to awarding the next leaders in this integral community." 

The individuals recognized as Young Farmer of the Day honorees will be awarded a Got To Be NC prize pack, invited to ride in the Got To Be NC Festival Tractor Parade and celebrated both online and at the festival. Families will be chosen by both nomination and application. Applications can be found at www.gottobencfestival.com. Deadline to apply is May 2. 

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina is the leading provider of credit to farmers in the state of North Carolina. The member-owned financial cooperative consists of AgCarolina Farm Credit, Cape Fear Farm Credit, and Carolina Farm Credit. The Associations have over $3.9 billion in loans and commitments outstanding to over 17,650 North Carolina farmers and rural residents. Loans are made to finance land, homes, farm buildings, operating expenses, livestock and equipment, as well as other purposes. Appraisal services and leasing programs are also available through the Farm Credit Associations of NC.

The Got To Be NC Festival takes place May 20-22 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh and highlights only the best in North Carolina agriculture. Enjoy carnival games and rides, local music, food, animal and agricultural displays, antique tractors and more with a free gate admission. For more information, visit www.gottobencfestival.com.