The Farm Family of the Day program is a new addition to the N.C. State Fair. The program recognizes 11 farm families – one for every day of the State Fair – who work hard everyday to impact our state’s agriculture industry. Families either nominated themselves or were nominated by members of the community. Thanks to Tractor Supply Company for sponsoring the program, which will run from Oct. 14-24.
Haynes Farm in Dobson is a fourth generation family farm that has a rich history of farming in our state and has diversified many times through the years.
Where the farm sits today was actually a sawmill run years ago by the great-grandfather and expanded on by the grandfather of current owner Hannah Haynes. It was Hannah’s father who actually transitioned the farm into a produce growing operation with corn, soybeans, tobacco and pullets, as well as beef cattle.
Hannah took over the family farm when her father passed away and is immensely proud to be carrying on the family legacy. “I am an only child, grandchild and great-grandchild on the ‘farm’ side of my family,” she said, “while I have had to adapt to make the farm manageable for me as a female, I am very proud of what my family bestowed upon me.”
Today, Haynes Farm continues to raise about 60 beef cattle as well as lambs both for commercial sale and shows. Additionally, they continue to grow a variety of produce, including tomatoes, sweet corn, broccoli and hay, that is sold to local restaurants and individuals within the community. Although Hannah enjoys providing products to the community that people love and enjoy, her true passion is showing lambs and beef cattle.
Hannah has been showing livestock at the N.C. State Fair since she was four years old. “It is by far my favorite time of year,” she said. “Showing livestock at this level taught me how to win, how to lose, how to communicate with the public and how to work towards a goal.”
Hannah now uses all these lessons that she learned through showing livestock to teach young kids how to do the same. The family offers many opportunities through their farm for young people to get involved, learn about agriculture and learn how to show livestock at places like the N.C. State Fair.
“We strive to offer young people the opportunity to raise show animals and learn responsibility, give them knowledge of livestock and where their food comes from,” she said. “They learn the grace to win and lose and to keep working for another day.” If you have a child that would like to get involved and learn about showing livestock, find Hannah’s contact information on the farm’s Facebook page.
At the end of the day, Hannah loves helping people through her farming operation, whether through lending equipment to other farmers, teaching children about the importance of agriculture, providing fresh products to the community or raising livestock.
“I love knowing that I am helping to feed not only my family but my community as well,” she said. “There is something so rewarding about working through the weather, broken equipment, rise in prices of feed, fertilizer, fuel, etc. and still seeing an end product that I can be proud of. I love seeing people smile with a delicious tomato or helping young people with their show animals.”
As a young, female farmer, Hannah wants to remind young people that agriculture is not only a viable career path but that it is an excellent field for women, too.
“The average age of farmers is up to around 60 now,” she said, “I want other young people and women to know that they can farm, too! No matter how big or how small the operation is, you can do it!” Hannah and her farm family can be found showing livestock at the fair this year, so be sure to stop by, show your support and extend congratulations for this honor of being selected as a 2021 N.C. Farm Family of the Day for Oct. 15!
