The N.C. State Fair is a place where thrill-seekers and foodies can enjoy exciting rides and tasty treats; however, it is also a time to celebrate local agriculture and the hardworking folks 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 Angier’s R&B Rhyne Farms, owned and operated by married couple Rex and Beth Rhyne. What began with chickens and gardening has transformed into a diverse operation that naturally and humanely raises beef cattle, pasture-raised pork and chicken, as well as free-range eggs.
“Rex and I started this journey as a way to escape urban life and pursue our passion for sustainable farming,” said Beth Rhyne. “Rex’s great-grandfather raised heritage breed pigs, and we’re proud to be continuing that tradition four generations later.”
R&B Rhyne Farms was established in 2017 when Rex and Beth acquired their Harnett County property. Their farm is truly a family affair with all hands on deck. With Rex and Beth’s prior career experience, agricultural assistance from their son Tanner and help from extension agents and many other kind community members, R&B Rhyne Farms has grown significantly since its founding.
Rex retired after many years in retail and brought his experience of supporting local businesses to the farm. His daily work includes farm chores and what the Rhynes have affectionately dubbed “Poppi Daycare” – a form of farm training for their grandsons Adam, Grant and Warren.
Beth has a background in science education, which has been invaluable in understanding and implementing sustainable farming practices.
“Tanner and his family, wife Megan and their three boys, are key to the R&B Rhyne Farms operation,” said Beth. “Tanner manages the pork side of our operation while also commercially farming soybeans and turfgrass. It’s wonderful to see the next generation embracing farming and passing that love on to their children.”
R&B Rhyne Farms’ mission is to provide quality food for family, friends and others who desire pasture-raised meat grown with care. They are committed to giving back to the earth through farming techniques that build soil health, such as rotational grazing and silvopasture.
Rex and Beth are also dedicated to being involved with their community. In July 2021, they built “The Roost” – a multipurpose structure used for entertainment, education, efficient farm storage and hosting events. It has become a hub for engagement, allowing the Rhynes to share their farming practices, good music and social personalities.
Even though R&B Rhyne Farms has only been around for seven years, they have achieved several impressive accomplishments. They are particularly proud to have been named Harnett County Farm Family of the Year in 2023, which makes their N.C. State Fair Farm Family of the Day recognition even more special.
Additionally, in March 2023, the Rhynes wrote a letter of support for Harnett County’s N.C. Cooperative Extension office’s $130,000 N.C. Tobacco Trust Grant – a grant to fund an educational kitchen promoting local foods.
“The kitchen will create cooking videos of local farm products that will be shared via YouTube and link back to the farms so customers can support these operations,” said Jackie Helton, the nominator of R&B Rhyne Farms for N.C. State Fair Farm Family of the Day. “The grant was funded, and bids will be going out soon!”
Jackie is very appreciative of the Rhynes’ help in launching this program, proving their commitment to assisting the agriculture industry however they can.
Customers can find the Rhynes’ products at their farm, the Growers Market of Fuquay-Varina, or through their pop-up markets, which are announced on their Instagram and Facebook pages. R&B Rhyne Farms also offers farm tours to connect customers directly with their food source and educate them about sustainable farming practices.
Congratulations to R&B Rhyne Farms! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Farm Family of the Day feature.