Every year the N.C. State Fair thrills people of all ages and backgrounds from across the state for 11 exciting days. Fairgoers get the chance to enjoy exciting rides and delicious new foods. The State Fair is also a time to celebrate N.C. agriculture and the hardworking families who make it our state’s leading industry.
Farm Family of the Day, sponsored by Tractor Supply Co., is a program that recognizes one standout farm family each day of the N.C. State Fair. To honor these families’ accomplishments and contributions to North Carolina agriculture, they are awarded tickets to attend the fair on a day of their choosing, where they will be recognized through PA announcements and signs on the fairgrounds.
Today, the N.C. State Fair and Tractor Supply Co. congratulate E.B. Harris Livestock of Warren County!
This third-generation family farm is located in Warrenton where it’s operated by Shane Harris. The farm has been in the Harris family for over a century, with the farm first entering family ownership back in 1916.
E.B. Harris Livestock is a diversified livestock and row crop operation. They raise beef cattle and produce hay, soybeans, and corn. In addition to their farming operations, starting in 1977, E.B. Harris Inc., another family enterprise, began hosting auctions on the farm for farm, logging, industrial, real estate and antique equipment in addition to cattle auctions. Every year the family also holds a cattle sale where they offer Angus-based commercial cows that are due to calve.
E.B. Harris is also very involved with the N.C. State Fair Sale of Champions, providing his auctioneering skills for this sale that benefits youth livestock each year. In 2015, Harris was inducted into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame.
Through their farm work as well as their auctions the Harris family keeps close ties with their local community, providing vital access to supplies for local producers while also supporting agricultural commerce and preserving rural traditions. They also actively work to mentor young farmers, participate in community service when they can, and support charitable efforts.
Additionally, Shane has served as fire chief with the local fire station where he’s dedicated countless hours of his life to public service and emergency response. Through his work at the fire station, he’s made a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of the community.
In the community, the family is beloved and known for their generosity, reliability, and willingness to lend a helping hand to whoever needs it.
They family had made it a point to hold true to their farming values and traditions over the years. Shane, and his wife Morgan, make it a priority to teach the importance of their heritage to their three young children so that they can carry on the traditions and beliefs.
The Harris family is incredibly excited to visit the State Fair this year. As a long-standing force in the agricultural world, they have a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of N.C. agriculture and the State Fair. They’re looking forward to seeing how the fair celebrates farming heritage, livestock, and community.
Congratulations to E.B. Harris Livestock! Look out for our next featured farm family tomorrow!