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!

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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

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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 this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take my passion for poultry to the next level and serve this great industry,” says Lanier in a NCPF press release.

Raised on a turkey farm, Summer holds bachelor's degrees in both Animal Science and Poultry Science as well as a master's degree in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University (NCSU). She also completed NCSU's Agricultural Leadership Development Program in 2014. Prior to joining NCPF, Summer spent 19 years working for Prestage Farms, Inc. in numerous roles, including Public Relations Director, and most recently, Antibiotic-Free Turkey Production Manager. She lives in Wallace, N.C. with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Cade, 10, and Maesie, 6.

Mark your calendars for Pork Forward,the state’s premier swine and agronomy event, happening April 15th at the Sampson County Exposition Center in Clinton. Join more than a thousand producers, industry partners and experts for a full day of learning, innovation, and handson demonstrations. Explore the latest in animal health, equipment and production technology — all in one place.

Visit SmithfieldFoods.com/Pork-Forward for more details.

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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 accelerates and why Johnston County tops the list
• what a unified development ordinance is and how it affects farms and neighborhoods
• why early engagement matters
• conservation easements and local resources that keep land in production
• the cost of residential growth versus the fiscal benefits of ag and commercial uses
• strategies to attract high-paying jobs and reduce commuter outflow
• balancing property rights with the need to preserve prime soils
• farmland preservation as local resilience and national security

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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.

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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!

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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

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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

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Questions? Email us at raisedonthefarmpodcast@gmail.com