Each year at the Got to Be NC Festival, we recognize three young farmers between the ages of 18 and 40 through our Young Farmer of the Day Program, presented by AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit. These young farmers work hard every single day to further the N.C. Agriculture industry and build upon it as the next generation of leaders. Come out during the Got to Be NC Festival this year, May 16-18th, at the N.C. State Fairgrounds to help us recognize them and say thank you for all their hard work!
Meet our Got to Be NC Festival Young Farmer’s of the Day for Saturday, May 17th: Stephen and Kayte Leatherwood with Leatherwood Family Farms in Canton! In 2024, many farmers were affected by Hurricane Helene, including Stephen and Kayte Leatherwood. In fact, the couple lost their home in Fred due to the storm, but through it all they stayed positive and continued to persevere.
Growing up on the farm, Stephen learned a lot about how to grow produce and plants at the hands of his father, John. “My dad started farming around the age of 14 years old,” Stephen said. “He has grown a variety of things through the years, including tobacco, green house tomatoes, rhododendron’s, azalea’s, and a variety of vegetables. I grew up learning the ways of farming from him, and eventually started farming on my own in 2013 while I was attending Western Carolina University.” After graduation, Stephen and his wife Kayte opened Leatherwood Family Farm in 2016.
From beef and pork to fresh vegetables, eggs, and honey, Leatherwood Family Farms offers a variety of homegrown items for their customers to enjoy. The farm stand on-site, which is open seasonally from May through October, sells their products directly to members of the community. According to Danielle Smith, who nominated the couple for the Young Farmer of the Day program, “I purchase some of the best squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes and more from their farm stand. Not only do they produce amazing products, but they also both serve as a strong voice for the N.C. Agriculture community.” The farm also offers Meat Days in the winter where customers can come out to the farm to pick up fresh meat products, including steaks, pork chops, beef ribs and sirloin tips.
Although Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Fred brought damage to both the farm and their personal home, Stephen and Kayte persevered through the struggle to continue bringing products to customers. “It would have been easy to give in and give up during this time,” Danielle said, “however, Stephen and Kate didn’t. It was inspiring to watch them push harder, as well as encourage other farmers across the community, to continue providing products to customers and making a difference in the industry.”
In addition to farming, Stephen and Kayte also sere on several boards within their community to help educate others about the importance of our state’s agriculture industry and influence the next generation of leaders. “I am passionate about young farmers because I know how challenging it is to breakthrough in this industry,” Stephen said. “However, I speak from experience that it is doable and worth the struggle. So, I enjoy encouraging future ag leaders as much as I can.”
We are thankful for all that Stephen and Kayte do to further our state’s number one industry! If you see them across the festival grounds today, be sure to stop and make them feel appreciated. Also, be sure to try some of their products for yourself this year and enjoy all the flavor of N.C.!
