By C. Smith
Bladen County’s Annual Farm-City Breakfast
Photo credit NC Cooperative Extension
On November 22, 2024, Bladen County came together to celebrate its annual Farm-City Breakfast, a key event during National Farm-City Week. This gathering highlighted the essential partnership between rural farming communities and urban consumers, emphasizing the mutual dependence between food producers and the public they serve. Hosted by the NC Cooperative Extension, on Smith Circle in Elizabethtown, the breakfast featured presentations, reflections, and sponsor recognitions, underscoring the county’s commitment to agricultural excellence.
Mrs. Becky Spearman, Bladen County Extension Director and Livestock Extension Agent North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Bladen County Center, welcomed the attendees to the breakfast, and played the role of the event’s emcee.
The event featured remarks by other local leaders, including Dr. Dalton Dockery, the District Extension Director, and Mrs. Deborah Johnson, Communications Director of Prestage Farms.
Dr. Dockery said, “I’ve been in farming my whole life. Farming is a passion. We produce a crop to feed the nation. We need farmers!”
Guest speaker, Deborah Johnson explained how National Farm-City Week was created, “National Farm-City Week started in 1955,” with a farmer and a Kiwanis Club member who was also a car dealership owner. The two men noticed the disconnect between the farmers and urban areas. The duo wanted to help educate consumers about the importance of the agriculture.
Johnson directed one part of her presentation to challenges and opportunities in the farming industry. She asked those in attendance, “What are some concerns for agriculture in North Carolina?”
Some farmers seated at the event named several challenges such as the weather, labor, and market access. Johnson noted, the agricultural community faces more challenges, such as the 19% decline in land used for farming since 2017.
Bladen County Board of Commissioners member, Pastor Cameron McGill took the opportunity to ask those in attendance to contact their elected officials to voice their feelings about using rural land for solar farms. “It is a concern we have to address,” McGill stated.
Nevertheless, the dedication of farmers, coupled with strategic support from loyal organizations and government agencies, offers hope for continued growth and innovation in Bladen County’s agricultural sector.
The breakfast celebrated the dedication of Bladen County’s farmers, who produce the crops and livestock that feed the region and beyond. Attendees also honored the rich legacy of farming in the county, which has been an integral part of the local economy.
Key Agricultural Data for Bladen County
Bladen County is home to 423 farms, encompassing 146,195 acres, as revealed by the 2022 Census of Agriculture. While the number of farms has decreased by 17% since 2017, the market value of agricultural products sold has grown significantly, reaching $615.98 million—an impressive 38% increase. Notably, livestock, poultry, and related products account for 86% of the county’s agricultural sales, with broilers and turkeys being major contributors.
The average farm size in Bladen County is 346 acres, and family farms make up 94% of all farming operations. The data also shows that 83% of farms have internet access, highlighting a blend of traditional practices and modern technology in the industry.
Top Commodities and Industry Highlights
Bladen County ranks fifth in North Carolina for agricultural sales, with notable strengths in:
• Poultry and Eggs: Generating $226.15 million, placing the county 14th in the state.
• Hogs and Pigs: Contributing $301.53 million, ranking Bladen County fourth in North Carolina.
• Blueberries and Forage Crops: With 6,275 acres of blueberries, the county ranks second in the state.
Read the full article in the latest issue of Bladen County Beautiful magazine linked here: https://www.flipsnack.com/CA68DFBBDC9/bladen-county-beautiful-holiday-shopper-2024/full-view.html
Author: staff report
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