Source: PRESS RELEASE, 2/18/16

The Farm Credit Associations of NC announce the recipient of the 2016 Innovative Farmer of the Year Award given by The Tobacco Farm Life Museum.

This year’s “Innovative Young Farmer of the Year” award winner is Robert Elliott.  Robert sets himself apart with dedication and enthusiasm for agriculture. 

Robert is owner/operator of Cypress Hall Farms of Louisburg in Franklin County.  He began his farm with an interest in sustainable agriculture, 100 chickens, and 35 laying hens.  From those humble beginnings, Robert’s motivation to succeed and provide high quality products for himself and his customers have enabled him to continually reinvest in his operation as it grows.

Aside from his innovative work on the farm, he is also extremely active in advocating for agriculture awareness.  Robert serves as the President of the Franklin County Small Farmers Association.  He is also involved as an active board member with United Way of Franklin County, a firefighter with Justice Volunteer Fire Department, and a mason.

Robert is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.  Being a veteran, Robert has a keen understanding of the challenges of assimilating to civilian life.  This spring, he will unveil the Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina to engage veterans by training them how to grow, market, and sell all of their products.

In his nomination form, Robert stated, “I want to find a way to provide better food for myself and for the members of my community.  I believe in the methods of sustainable agriculture and will continue them on my farm.”

“Farm Credit is proud to be able to present such a prestigious award to Robert Elliott” says Dave Corum, AgCarolina’s President and CEO. “We salute Robert for his service to our country.  We are also proud of his spirit to adopt sustainable agriculture principles on his farm.  Farm Credit will continue to support those innovative-minded farmers in North Carolina.”

The Farm Credit Associations of NC are AgCarolina Farm Credit, Cape Fear Farm Credit, and Carolina Farm Credit. They are farmer owned financial cooperatives with headquarters in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Statesville respectively. They are the leading provider of credit to farmers in North Carolina. The Associations have over $3.5 billion in loans and commitments outstanding to over 14,500 North Carolina farmers. Loans are made to finance land, homes, farm buildings, operating expenses, livestock and equipment, as well as other purposes. Credit life insurance, crop insurance, appraisal services, and leasing are also available through the Farm Credit Associations of NC.