The Farm Family of the Day is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and seeks to recognize and celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage and many farm families that are behind the state’s agriculture and agribusiness industry. One family is recognized each day of the Fair, either nominated themselves or by members of their community. Congratulations to the 2023 Farm Families!
Say hello to our Farm Family of the Day for Tuesday, Oct. 17! Located in Benson, Lees Produce is a produce farm that grows a large variety of fruits and vegetables. With locations in Dunn and Benson, the family aims to grow and sell quality products for their community. Lee’s Produce can also be found at the Raleigh Farmers Market.
Lee’s Produce is owned by brothers Marshall and Ronald Lee, but the love that this family shares for agriculture continues from the children in the family all the way to their furry friends.
From strawberries to 10 varieties of eggplants, Lee’s Produce has it all. In operation since 1990, the operation is in its third generation. However, the family has a much longer farming history than before Lee’s Produce.
Throughout the years, Lee’s Produce has expanded their operations. Now, they tend over 100 acres of farmland used to grow fruits and vegetables. Their season starts in early spring and continues throughout the summer. This means that most of the year, the family lives and breathes agriculture.
After hours and hours of hard work, the reward of the harvest keeps the family loving agriculture. Providing good, healthy food for their community is also important to them. “We love to educate the general public about local farms and why they should support them,” Shelly said.
During strawberry season, Lee’s Produce also has strawberry picking opportunities on their farm, yet another way that they get their community involved in agriculture.
It is hard to pass up good, fresh produce. Lee’s produce says that their canning tomatoes are a huge item that people come back for year after year. Customer loyalty makes their work special.
“We have been serving a lot of the same local families for years. Families know that they can count on us to provide great quality produce at an affordable price,” Shelly said.
The Lee family loves the North Carolina State Fair because of the food (of course) but also recognizes the rich and historical agricultural background that the Fair is rooted in.
So, if you see the family members of Lee’s Produce around the fairgrounds today, make sure to say hello! Who knows, they might even be your new favorite produce supplier. We are honored to have them as the Farm Family of the Day for October 17th, thank you for your commitment to our state’s number one industry!
