Keeping Up the Pace: Six Generations of Family Farming

For NC State University alumna Michelle Pace Davis and her cousin, Agricultural Institute student Josie Pace, agriculture isn’t just a profession — it’s in their blood. The sixth-generation farmers have inherited more than land; they’ve embraced a legacy of resilience, innovation and mentorship. 

Davis graduated from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2015 with a degree in agricultural education and a minor in agricultural business. She took over Pace Family Farms in Archer Lodge, North Carolina, and led the farm’s transition from tobacco to high-value crops, ensuring its lasting impact for generations. Now, she and Josie are shaping the future of their family’s farm and North Carolina agriculture.

Innovating for the Future

The legacy built by Davis’ father, uncle and grandfather has undergone a significant transformation.

“Our farm is completely different from what it was in previous years,” she says. Once a thriving tobacco operation with extensive infrastructure, the family faced a crossroads in recent decades: continue the traditional path or carve out a new future.

With her husband working full-time as a firefighter, Davis knew they needed a more manageable approach. “We didn’t want to continue growing tobacco because the buyer sets the price,” she explains. In addition to tobacco, Davis sold community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes of local produce sourced from neighboring farms. However, uncertainty and labor issues posed challenges. The safety risks of transporting farm equipment on increasingly busy roads were also a concern. 

Seeking a high-cash crop that fit their available land and lifestyle, the couple explored their options before settling on strawberries. “It took three years of planning and researching. We went to conferences. We talked to other strawberry growers,” Davis recalls. 

Their efforts paid off. In 2019, they fully transitioned from tobacco and introduced fresh produce offerings. The farm’s CSA program grew to serve hundreds of families. “From almost 50 families to over 300 last year, providing families with their summer produce is humbling,” Davis says. 

Collaborative Success

For Davis, collaboration isn’t just good business. It’s essential for supporting agriculture in a rapidly changing landscape. 

The farm’s partnerships extend to resource-sharing with neighboring farmers. “We partner with several people in our community,” she says. “A local farm couple raises chicken and pork, and we have their business cards. When people ask, we send them their way.”

Davis’ network provides business benefits and strengthens the agricultural industry. “Instead of only promoting ourselves, we promote others and support everybody.”

A Seat at the Table

Davis understands that agriculture needs a voice in local government. Recently elected as a Johnston County commissioner, she plays a direct role in shaping policies that impact farmers and rural communities. “It’s important for agriculture to have a seat at the table, not just with your local farm bureau boards and commodity boards, but also in policy.”

With Johnston County ranked as the fastest-growing county in the state, Davis is focused on balancing development with agricultural viability. “Suburban expansion next to farmland is an issue,” she explains. “Maybe we can install buffers between subdivisions and active farms to help block dust and noise from spraying.”

While she recognizes North Carolina’s right-to-farm laws provide some protections, she thinks local ordinances can further support farmers as growth pressures mount.

“Being able to help guide ordinances, determine budgets, and shape planning and zoning decisions ensures that agriculture remains part of the conversation,” she says. Her presence on the board provides other commissioners with direct insight into the challenges facing farmers. “If they have questions about agriculture and farmers’ challenges, having that direct connection in a board meeting is helpful.”

Staying Connected with NC State

The Pace family enjoys an enduring partnership with NC State. Davis’ sister, Cara Dunnavant, studied crop and soil sciences at NC State, where she took Crop Science 213 with legendary CALS professor Bob Patterson. She earned a degree in agricultural business with a double minor in crop science and horticulture before completing her master’s in crop science. After working at Farm Credit, she and her husband started raising cattle after Davis began growing strawberries.

Patterson’s class visits the farm to expose his students to modern agriculture. “Through our relationships with NC State, we have been able to hire amazing NC State students, build relationships outside of the classroom and further engage students after college,” Davis says.

Davis also understands the value of education and mentoring. “I think current students should network with alumni and form those relationships,” she explains. Whether as future employers, employees or committee members, these connections help strengthen the industry.

She wants to see the next generation become interested in agriculture and find new ways to contribute. “It’s exciting to see the next generation learn about agriculture and other ways to be involved and give back.” 

The Next Generation of Ag Leaders

The connection between Pace Family Farms and NC State continues to grow through Davis’ younger cousin, Josie Pace.

“My family has farmed since I’ve been alive,” Pace says. “Michelle jumped on the train and wanted to keep agriculture prosperous in our community. And Cara’s transition from working at Farm Credit to pursuing cattle farming proves that women have a rightful place in agriculture.”

Pace’s interest in agriculture led her to NC State’s Agricultural Institute, where she is pursuing an associate’s degree in agribusiness management. She plans to continue in the four-year agricultural science program and is eager to build on her experiences, including an internship at Kornegay Family Farms. 

The AGI Experience

Pace didn’t initially see herself studying agriculture in college, but the path became clear. “If you would’ve asked me a year ago, I probably would’ve laughed,” she admits. Inspired by her alumni family members, she joined FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) in high school. “FFA opened my eyes to the importance of agriculture and inspired me to study agribusiness at the Agricultural Institute.”

AGI’s small class sizes and technical learning opportunities made her decision easier. “I attended Spend a Day at State and liked the smaller classes. Your professors get to know you.”

Networking has also been a game-changer. “AGI is great with career fairs. You don’t realize its importance until you’re looking for job opportunities. Networking plays a crucial role.”

As she prepares to enter the four-year agricultural science program, Pace is excited for the future. “A year ago, I couldn’t have predicted this path. Now I’m excited to see what’s in store for me.”

Hands-On Farm Management 

One of Pace’s most defining experiences has been her required internship. Rather than returning to her family farm, she sought a new perspective. “I wanted to do something more in an office setting because I chose agribusiness to understand the business side. It opened many doors and showed me what I want to do as a career.”

Pace’s summer internship at Kornegay Family Farms and Produce in Princeton, North Carolina, gave her field experience in large-scale farm management. Coming from a smaller family farm, she was amazed by the operation. “I got to see stuff that I’d never seen before, from planting sweet potatoes in the field to watching them go through the packing line and get shipped all over the world.”

She gained practical business experience working in the farm office. “I went in there not knowing anything about finance except for what I learned in my classes, but I gained plenty of experience with office software.” She took on practical projects, including organizing farm maps and designing signage.

Her mentor, Kim LeQuire, played a key role in her growth, teaching her everything from payroll to filing while encouraging independent problem-solving. “I’ve never worked in an office before, so this internship was important. I applied what I’ve learned in AGI to real-world farm operations.”

She also attended North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission meetings alongside LeQuire, who is an active member. “She showed me how women can thrive and succeed in agriculture.” 

Pace is committed to keeping agriculture thriving in her community and hopes to inspire the next generation by highlighting her family’s lasting impact on local farming.