The Future of North Carolina Agriculture

Farmers are the backbone of North Carolina’s $92.7 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry. What opportunities do industry leaders see as keys to a successful future? And how are NC State Extension and research helping position them to make the most of those opportunities? Learn more in the latest episode of the Farms, Food and You podcast.

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Our Guests 

Archie Griffin produces tobacco, corn, soybeans and wheat on a 2,000-acre farm in Washington, North Carolina. He’s a graduate of NC State’s Crop and Soil Sciences Department and a past recipient of the prestigious Nuffield International Farming Scholarship.

Bryan Blinson is executive director of the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association. He is a graduate of NC State’s Department of Animal Science and a recipient of that department’s Outstanding Alumni Award.

Sue Leggett operates a 3,000-acre diversified farm in Nash County with her husband, Brent, producing sweet potatoes, tobacco, cotton, peanuts, soybeans and strawberries. Leggett serves on the Nash County Board of Commissioners and holds a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from NC State. 

Blake Brown is a Hugh C. Kiger Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at NC State. An expert in agricultural policy analysis, Brown has served as a senior economist for the Council of Economic Advisers in the Executive Office of the U.S. President.

Mike Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at NC State and one of North Carolina’s most well-known and well-respected economists.

Owen Wagner is an economist and engineer who serves as chief executive officer for the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association. He holds two NC State degrees, one in agronomy and the other in biological and agricultural engineering.

Rich Bonanno serves as associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of NC State Extension. He also owns Pleasant Valley Gardens, a farm in Massachusetts that his daughter operates. The farm has been in the family since 1910.

More from Rich Bonanno on the Future of North Carolina Agriculture