Source:  NCDA&CS, 2/3/11

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has named Rooks Farm Service Inc. of Burgaw its 2011 Exporter of the Year.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award during the Ag Development Forum on Feb. 3. The department created the award to honor agriculture businesses that successfully export N.C. agricultural products around the world.

In presenting the award to Charles Rooks, Troxler cited the company’s success in boosting exports of North Carolina soybeans and wheat.

“People describe Charles Rooks as forward thinking and willing to try new business ventures,” Troxler said. “He has worked closely with the N.C. Soybean Producers Association and our department’s international marketing section to take advantage of overseas markets. With the success that Charles Rooks delivers, soybean farmers are very excited about international marketing and want to continue to invest in it. He has made a difference in North Carolina agriculture that has been felt across the state.”

Founded in 1962 and incorporated in 1972, Rooks Farm Service operates a federally licensed grain elevator and assists farmers in marketing and contracting corn, wheat and soybeans.The company also provides farmers with products such as fertilizers, seeds and chemicals, and farms 2,500 acres of corn, wheat and soybeans.Other services include for-hire hauling, fertilizer spreading, custom harvesting and construction work.