I Am CALS: Tate Mayo

For NC State University alumnus Tate Mayo, agriculture has never been just about what is grown in a field — it’s about sustaining a way of life and strengthening the community around it. Raised on his family’s farm in Tarboro, North Carolina, Mayo developed an early understanding of the value of hard work and stewardship. That foundation continues to shape both his career and his long-term vision.

Mayo earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science in 2016, along with a certificate in general horticulture and participation in the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program (NCTTFC ALDP). His decision to pursue agriculture was deeply personal.

“Of the 15 family members in my generation, I am one of two still local to Tarboro,” Mayo says. “I am the only one with an interest in keeping the family’s farm alive.”

Nurturing a Legacy

That commitment has evolved into a unique approach that connects farming, manufacturing and economic development. On his family’s land, Mayo grows cotton and uses it to supply Mayo Mills, a business operating out of the historic Mayo Knitting Mill. The mill, which has been producing socks in Tarboro since 1932, represents a legacy he is working to preserve while also moving it forward.

“Through farming cotton and turning it into finished products, I’m able to maximize our land use and keep the textile industry alive in my hometown,” he says. By controlling the process from field to finished product, Mayo is not only creating high-quality, locally sourced goods but also supporting the long-term sustainability of both agriculture and textile production in eastern North Carolina.

Mayo credits his time at NC State with helping him develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed across multiple roles. “My time at State made a great impact on me as a person,” he says. “I learned how to study, how to set goals and how to build connections that last for life and business.”

The relationships he formed on campus continue to influence his work today. Faculty mentors, including Joy Morgan, associate professor of agricultural and human sciences and director of the North Carolina Leadership Development Program, played a critical role in shaping his perspective on leadership and communication. Through classroom experiences and opportunities like traveling to Brazil with the NCTTFC ALDP, Mayo gained both confidence and a broader view of agriculture’s global impact.

“Dr. Morgan showed me keys to success that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” Mayo says. He also credits Lis Meyer in the Department of Horticultural Science with helping him connect academic learning to real-world application. “She taught me how to learn from what I enjoy with plants,” he says.

Deep Roots and Public Service

While his time at NC State helped refine his direction, Mayo’s values were shaped long before college through hands-on experience and mentorship. He points to retired farm manager Glenn O’Neal as one of the most influential figures in his life.

“He taught me my motto: ‘Do the best that you can, with what you have, where you are at,’” Mayo says. “He worked from the end of the mule-drawn era into the modern agricultural era and passed down lessons from all of it.”

That perspective — grounded in adaptability and resourcefulness — continues to guide Mayo as he balances multiple responsibilities and looks toward the future.

Today, Mayo manages approximately 60 acres of his family’s farm, growing row crops with a focus on cotton. That cotton serves as the foundation for Mayo Mills, where he is working to expand production capacity using modern, 21st-century equipment and exploring new product opportunities.

His work reflects a broader goal of strengthening local economies by keeping production close to home and investing in community-based industries. At the same time, Mayo is making an impact beyond agriculture through public service.

In 2019, he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by serving on Tarboro’s Town Council, representing the same ward his grandfather once held. In 2021, he was elected mayor of Tarboro and re-elected in 2025, continuing a family tradition of civic leadership that spans generations.

During his time in office, Mayo has worked alongside town leaders to support business growth, expand housing and improve infrastructure. He has also helped strengthen relationships between local, state and federal partners.

“Public service runs deep in my family,” Mayo says. “It’s about contributing where you can make a difference.”

His perspective on leadership is rooted in both experience and a belief in the importance of change. He does not plan to seek re-election after completing his current term, but is open to future opportunities if he feels he can make a meaningful impact. “It’s important for leadership to evolve. New voices bring new strengths, and communities benefit when different perspectives are part of the conversation.”

As he plans for the next chapter, Mayo remains focused on growth — both personally and professionally. He plans to complete his MBA, continue expanding Mayo Mills and building his family with his wife, Katie. 

From the fields of Tarboro to the factory floor and city hall, Mayo’s journey reflects a commitment to honoring the past while building for the future. Through agriculture, business and public service, he is creating a model of leadership rooted in purpose, resilience and community connection.