Raised on the Farm

We sit down with Jake Parker of the North Carolina Farm Bureau to trace how a career in politics and appellate law turns into real protection for farmers. Along the way, we break down how ag litigation works, why unified partnerships matter, and what it takes for farmers to keep their freedom to operate.  Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com...

We sit down with North Carolina farmer and drone applicator Preston Cave to hear how a $40,000 leap turned into PAC Aerial Applications and a new way to help growers get more done with less time. We also talk through the hard parts of getting legal, working safely, serving western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and staying grounded in faith and purpose.  • Preston’s background on a tobacco...

We talk with Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council, about the winding path from an Oklahoma farm equipment shop to the front lines of pork public policy. We dig into what it takes to defend hog farms, build trust with lawmakers, and keep improving how we produce food.  • growing up in western Oklahoma around farming, equipment, and custom wheat harvest  • learning leadership thro...

The farm doesn’t clock out, and neither do the moms who keep it moving. We talk with Lorenda and Betsy about life inside a multi generation family farm in eastern North Carolina, where the operation spans row crops, strawberry ventures, and hog farms . What starts as a simple “tell us about your farm” quickly turns into a candid look at what modern agriculture demands from a family and what it giv...

We sit down with this year's NC Pork Council's Award winners to hear their stories. This is part 2 of 2 featuring: W.W. Shay Award--Dr. Mary Battrell Emerging Leader Award--Blake Floars We weren't able to sit down with the Hall of Fame recipient, Greg Brown, but you can watch this video to hear his story.  Congratulations to all award winners! Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Q...

We sit down with this year's NC Pork Council Award Winners to hear their stories. This is part 1 of 2.  Excellence in Innovation--Dr. Christina Phillips Outstanding Pork Producer--Debbie Craig Lois G Britt Service Award--Curtis Barwick nc Don't forget to mark your calendars for Pork Foward on April 15 in Clinton!  Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefa...

We talk with Neill Westerbeek about Smithfield’s Pork Forward expo.  We break down what’s happening on April 15, 2026, including OIC credit hours, technology showcases, and the simple details that make the day easy to attend. Here's a few details: Held in Clinton Free BBQ lunch OIC Credit hours Over 130 vendor booths No registration required For more: https://smithfieldfoods.com/Pork-Forward...

Meet Summer Lanier, the NC Poultry Federation's new Executive Director. While new to this role, Summer is no stranger to the poultry industry.   “I feel as if I have spent my life, up to this point, training for this position. Since the age of three, poultry has been the center of my home and professional life and coming to NCPF is a very natural progression in my career. I am thrilled for th...

We sit down with Adam Caldwell to unpack why Johnston County leads the nation in projected farmland loss, what a UDO really changes on the ground, and how citizen input can shape a better balance between growth, jobs, and agriculture. We cover buffers, bona fide farm status, easements, tax impacts, and the push to bring high-paying jobs closer to home. • why farmland loss in North Carolina acceler...

We sit down with Brandon Batten, a farmer in Johnston County, NC to talk farming, faith, farmland loss/preservation, and the importance of getting involved in our communities.  Johnston County is is among the top 5 fastest growing counties in the state and one of the top counties nationally for farmland loss. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail...

Chad, Marisa, and Marlowe gather round the mic to talk AI...artificial intelligence that is. Does it have a place in agriculture? How are we seeing it being used? What concerns and benefits do we see? It's all on episode 34, the first of 2026.  If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to dig into, let us know—we want to hear from you. Join the conversation! Find us on Instagram @raised...

We sit down with Tori Rumenik, a native of Florida, but now, an excited North Carolinian. Tori is the new Executive Director for the NC Ag Partnership. We learn her story, talk NC agriculture, and hear a whole lot of passion for the industry.  NC Ag Partnership @NCAgPartnership Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

In this episode, Marisa sits down with Dr. David Monks, Director, NC State Extension and Associate Dean, CALS. They talk about Extension services, North Carolina agriculture, and how these two entities help each other.  Be sure to connect with Extension. It's not just for farmers. Find them at:  Extension Website Facebook  Instagram X YouTube Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? E...

In this episode, Chad and Marisa sit down with Dr. Blake Brown, an Ag Economist. We talk about how North Carolina is a diverse agriculture state, policy, and of course economics. We promise this conversation is anything but dull.  NC Farmers Appreciation day is a date set aside to celebrate the state's farmers from mountains to sea. Learn more about NC Farmers Appreciation Day and the Young F...

Marisa sits down with Curtis Smith of T.C. Smith Produce. Mr. Curtis was awarded the 2024 NC Farmer of the Year Award at the inaugural NC Farmers Appreciation Day.  NC Farmers Appreciation day is a date set aside to celebrate the state's farmers from mountains to sea. Learn more about NC Farmers Appreciation Day and the Young Farmer of the Year Award at https://www.ncfarmerappreciation.com/ Y...

Marisa sits down with John and Kristen Norwood of Norwood Meador Farm. John was awarded the 2024 NC Young Farmer of the Year Award at the inaugural NC Farmers Appreciation Day.  NC Farmers Appreciation day is a date set aside to celebrate the state's farmers from mountains to sea. Learn more about NC Farmers Appreciation Day and the Young Farmer of the Year Award at https://www.ncfarmerapprec...

Jordan Phasey moved his family from Outback Australia to partner with the communities and farmers of Eastern NC to provide solutions to sludge on pig farms. He founded Phinite and now provides a unique fertilize product.  Learn more about Phinite at: Web Facebook Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

Nancy Kennedy is a feed truck driver for Smithfield Hog Production. She has a passion for mentoring others and agriculture.  Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

This is part 2 where we sit down with this year's NC Pork Council award winners.  In this episode: Emerging Leader--Ben Davis Lois G. Britt Service Award--Jan Archer Excellence in Innovation-- Tammy Peterson Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

We sit down with this year's NC Pork Council Award Winners to hear their stories. This is part 1 of 2. Hall of Fame- Dexter Edwards WW Shay Award-Dr. Randy Jones Outstanding Pork Producer-Everett Johnson Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

We sit down with NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler in this episode to talk agriculture in North Carolina.   Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

In this episode we sit down with Steven Brake of NC Center for Poultry Education. Steven was raised on the farm, left the farm, and ultimately came back to life on the farm. His working farm hosts tours and seeks to educate how broiler chickens are raised.  For more on what Steven is doing visit and follow: https://www.nccpe.org/ @NCCenterforPoultryEducation Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Q...

Gang is all here with Marlowe, Chad, and Marisa catching up. There's a lot of good stuff packed in this one. In this episode: Marlowe is now a turkey farmer. Technology on the farm--can we take it to NASA? Marisa is back in NC. Prop 12 impacts on bacon prices. What is a contract farm? Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com 

Milo joins us in this episode of Raised on the Farm. She was born and raised on the farm, and is now raising her daughter there too. May is Beef Month, so it's only fitting that we share our conversation with the new Executive Director of NC Cattleman's Association--Milo Lewis! Find NC Cattleman's at: Instagram Facebook Web Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us a...

Accidental farm girl, Madison, has a heart for agriculture, which is so obvious after talking with her. In this episode we hear about: Bacco Trail Apparel  Growing strawberries Love for the community And how Madison ended up on the farm To shop Bacco Trail visit: https://www.shopbaccotrail.com/ Stop by the strawberry barn in Fremont to get fresh strawberries! https://www.facebook.com/westfamilyfar...