Raised on the Farm

We sit down with Jake Parker of the North Carolina Farm Bureau to trace how a career in politics and appellate law turns into real protection for farmers. Along the way, we break down how ag litigation works, why unified partnerships matter, and what it takes for farmers to keep their freedom to operate. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with North Carolina farmer and drone applicator Preston Cave to hear how a $40,000 leap turned into PAC Aerial Applications and a new way to help growers get more done with less time. We also talk through the hard parts of getting legal, working safely, serving western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, and staying grounded in faith and purpose. • Preston’s background on a tobacco farm and how it builds work ethic • Transition from cattle and grass-fed beef to custom drone application • Buying the first ag drone and learning to fly with real stakes • What these ag drones can carry and why size changes the job • FAA requirements and North Carolina pesticide licensing for drone spraying • Handling restricted airspace and setting safe operating limits • Mapping fields while spraying and planning around obstacles • Year-round services from cover crop seeding to frost protection • The moment a mountain sunrise reframes purpose and direction • Hurricane Helene relief work and delivering supplies with drones Remember to subscribe and follow us on Instagram. Have a question or a topic idea, let us know and join the conversation. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We talk with Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council, about the winding path from an Oklahoma farm equipment shop to the front lines of pork public policy. We dig into what it takes to defend hog farms, build trust with lawmakers, and keep improving how we produce food. • growing up in western Oklahoma around farming, equipment, and custom wheat harvest • learning leadership through 4-H, Extension, and early career pivots • taking the Oklahoma Pork Council job without a production background, focusing on association management and policy • navigating environmental regulation fights and building an industry image campaign • moving to North Carolina during COVID, adjusting to scale and nonstop opposition • strengthening partnerships across NC agriculture to advocate as one voice • developing leaders through Pork Leadership Carolina and Emerging Pork Leaders • explaining National Pork Board checkoff work versus National Pork Producers Council advocacy • on-farm improvements like digesters, lagoon covers, renewable natural gas, precision nutrient use, and efficiency gains • farm bill delays, Proposition 12, and why federal policy still affects every barn • NC swine general permit status, DEQ rulemaking steps, and the road to 2028 Remember to subscribe and follow us on Instagram. Have a question or a topic idea? Let us know and join the conversation. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

The farm doesn’t clock out, and neither do the moms who keep it moving. We talk with Lorenda and Betsy about life inside a multi generation family farm in eastern North Carolina, where the operation spans row crops, strawberry ventures, and hog farms . What starts as a simple “tell us about your farm” quickly turns into a candid look at what modern agriculture demands from a family and what it gives back in return.No doubt, farm moms are the backbone of farming operations. Happy Mother's Day to all!Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with this year's NC Pork Council's Award winners to hear their stories. This is part 2 of 2 featuring:W.W. Shay Award--Dr. Mary BattrellEmerging Leader Award--Blake FloarsWe weren't able to sit down with the Hall of Fame recipient, Greg Brown, but you can watch this video to hear his story. Congratulations to all award winners!Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with this year's NC Pork Council Award Winners to hear their stories. This is part 1 of 2. Excellence in Innovation--Dr. Christina PhillipsOutstanding Pork Producer--Debbie CraigLois G Britt Service Award--Curtis Barwick ncDon't forget to mark your calendars for Pork Foward on April 15 in Clinton! Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We talk with Neill Westerbeek about Smithfield’s Pork Forward expo. We break down what’s happening on April 15, 2026, including OIC credit hours, technology showcases, and the simple details that make the day easy to attend. Here's a few details:Held in ClintonFree BBQ lunchOIC Credit hoursOver 130 vendor boothsNo registration requiredFor more: https://smithfieldfoods.com/Pork-ForwardDo us a favor and make sure you follow us on social media and hit the subscribe whatever you're listening so you don't miss an episode. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Meet Summer Lanier, the NC Poultry Federation's new Executive Director. While new to this role, Summer is no stranger to the poultry industry.  “I feel as if I have spent my life, up to this point, training for this position. Since the age of three, poultry has been the center of my home and professional life and coming to NCPF is a very natural progression in my career. I am thrilled for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take my passion for poultry to the next level and serve this great industry,” says Lanier in a NCPF press release.  Raised on a turkey farm, Summer holds bachelor's degrees in both Animal Science and Poultry Science as well as a master's degree in Poultry Science from North Carolina State University (NCSU). She also completed NCSU's Agricultural Leadership Development Program in 2014. Prior to joining NCPF, Summer spent 19 years working for Prestage Farms, Inc. in numerous roles, including Public Relations Director, and most recently, Antibiotic-Free Turkey Production Manager. She lives in Wallace, N.C. with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Cade, 10, and Maesie, 6. Mark your calendars for Pork Forward,the state’s premier swine and agronomy event, happening April 15th at the Sampson County Exposition Center in Clinton. Join more than a thousand producers, industry partners and experts for a full day of learning, innovation, and handson demonstrations. Explore the latest in animal health, equipment and production technology — all in one place. Visit SmithfieldFoods.com/Pork-Forward for more details.Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with Adam Caldwell to unpack why Johnston County leads the nation in projected farmland loss, what a UDO really changes on the ground, and how citizen input can shape a better balance between growth, jobs, and agriculture. We cover buffers, bona fide farm status, easements, tax impacts, and the push to bring high-paying jobs closer to home.• why farmland loss in North Carolina accelerates and why Johnston County tops the list• what a unified development ordinance is and how it affects farms and neighborhoods• why early engagement matters• conservation easements and local resources that keep land in production• the cost of residential growth versus the fiscal benefits of ag and commercial uses• strategies to attract high-paying jobs and reduce commuter outflow• balancing property rights with the need to preserve prime soils• farmland preservation as local resilience and national securityDon’t forget to subscribe and follow us on InstagramIf you got a question or a topic you want us to dig into, let us knowWe want to hear from youJoin the conversationFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with Brandon Batten, a farmer in Johnston County, NC to talk farming, faith, farmland loss/preservation, and the importance of getting involved in our communities. Johnston County is is among the top 5 fastest growing counties in the state and one of the top counties nationally for farmland loss.Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Chad, Marisa, and Marlowe gather round the mic to talk AI...artificial intelligence that is. Does it have a place in agriculture? How are we seeing it being used? What concerns and benefits do we see? It's all on episode 34, the first of 2026. If you’ve got a question or a topic you want us to dig into, let us know—we want to hear from you. Join the conversation!Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with Tori Rumenik, a native of Florida, but now, an excited North Carolinian. Tori is the new Executive Director for the NC Ag Partnership. We learn her story, talk NC agriculture, and hear a whole lot of passion for the industry. NC Ag Partnership@NCAgPartnershipFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

In this episode, Marisa sits down with Dr. David Monks, Director, NC State Extension and Associate Dean, CALS. They talk about Extension services, North Carolina agriculture, and how these two entities help each other. Be sure to connect with Extension. It's not just for farmers. Find them at: Extension WebsiteFacebook InstagramXYouTubeFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

In this episode, Chad and Marisa sit down with Dr. Blake Brown, an Ag Economist. We talk about how North Carolina is a diverse agriculture state, policy, and of course economics. We promise this conversation is anything but dull. NC Farmers Appreciation day is a date set aside to celebrate the state's farmers from mountains to sea. Learn more about NC Farmers Appreciation Day and the Young Farmer of the Year Award at https://www.ncfarmerappreciation.com/You can also follow NC Farmers Appreciation Day on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Marisa sits down with Curtis Smith of T.C. Smith Produce. Mr. Curtis was awarded the 2024 NC Farmer of the Year Award at the inaugural NC Farmers Appreciation Day. NC Farmers Appreciation day is a date set aside to celebrate the state's farmers from mountains to sea. Learn more about NC Farmers Appreciation Day and the Young Farmer of the Year Award at https://www.ncfarmerappreciation.com/You can also follow NC Farmers Appreciation Day on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Marisa sits down with John and Kristen Norwood of Norwood Meador Farm. John was awarded the 2024 NC Young Farmer of the Year Award at the inaugural NC Farmers Appreciation Day. NC Farmers Appreciation day is a date set aside to celebrate the state's farmers from mountains to sea. Learn more about NC Farmers Appreciation Day and the Young Farmer of the Year Award at https://www.ncfarmerappreciation.com/Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Jordan Phasey moved his family from Outback Australia to partner with the communities and farmers of Eastern NC to provide solutions to sludge on pig farms. He founded Phinite and now provides a unique fertilize product. Learn more about Phinite at:WebFacebookFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Nancy Kennedy is a feed truck driver for Smithfield Hog Production. She has a passion for mentoring others and agriculture. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

This is part 2 where we sit down with this year's NC Pork Council award winners. In this episode:Emerging Leader--Ben DavisLois G. Britt Service Award--Jan ArcherExcellence in Innovation-- Tammy PetersonFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with this year's NC Pork Council Award Winners to hear their stories. This is part 1 of 2.Hall of Fame- Dexter EdwardsWW Shay Award-Dr. Randy JonesOutstanding Pork Producer-Everett JohnsonFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We sit down with NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler in this episode to talk agriculture in North Carolina.  Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

In this episode we sit down with Steven Brake of NC Center for Poultry Education. Steven was raised on the farm, left the farm, and ultimately came back to life on the farm. His working farm hosts tours and seeks to educate how broiler chickens are raised. For more on what Steven is doing visit and follow:https://www.nccpe.org/@NCCenterforPoultryEducationFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Gang is all here with Marlowe, Chad, and Marisa catching up. There's a lot of good stuff packed in this one.In this episode:Marlowe is now a turkey farmer.Technology on the farm--can we take it to NASA?Marisa is back in NC.Prop 12 impacts on bacon prices.What is a contract farm?Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Milo joins us in this episode of Raised on the Farm. She was born and raised on the farm, and is now raising her daughter there too. May is Beef Month, so it's only fitting that we share our conversation with the new Executive Director of NC Cattleman's Association--Milo Lewis!Find NC Cattleman's at:InstagramFacebookWebFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Accidental farm girl, Madison, has a heart for agriculture, which is so obvious after talking with her. In this episode we hear about:Bacco Trail Apparel Growing strawberriesLove for the communityAnd how Madison ended up on the farmTo shop Bacco Trail visit: https://www.shopbaccotrail.com/Stop by the strawberry barn in Fremont to get fresh strawberries! https://www.facebook.com/westfamilyfarmsFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

This episode is a little bit different. Chad catches up with this year's North Carolina Pork Council Award winners. Hall of Fame-Jimmy PollockWW Shay Award-Dr. Billy Flowers Award for Excellence in Innovation-Dr. Ashley DeDecker Outstanding Pork Producer-Brian Kennedy Emerging Leader-Zeke McCullen Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

In this episode, we're joined by Lauren Bell, the PSE Director for Trans Ova Genetics. Lauren was raised on the farm and currently lives on that same farm today. We talk about:Cattle ReproductionBeing raised on the farmFiber artsWool sheepAuctioneer schoolThe power of being well-dressedFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We talk to Nicole Hall, Mrs. US Agriculture '23. Raised on the farm, Nicole grew up in agriculture. Nicole is also a chicken farmer and real estate agent. In this episode we discuss:NC accents and pronunciationsAdvocating for agricultureBeing a farmer and being in pageantsImportance of owning property/homeFollow Nicole at @northcarolina.nicole and visit nicolenc.com Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Join the crew as they share what they're thankful for. Learn why Marisa is banned from making dressing and the time Marlowe ate a whole pie. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

General permits... sounds dry, right? It's more than just regulations. In this episode:Commander Ivey What is the General Permit?How do farmers feel about being regulated?Real comments from activistsHonest feelings about how the conversation is goingFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Hubbs Farms is a working 5th generation family farm. In 2008, Tammy Peterson and her husband started an agritourism facet to the farm. In this episode, Tammy shares her journey with agritourism and the diversity it has brought the farm. It's a fun conversation that goes beyond the corn maze!To learn more about Hubbs Farm, visit www.hubbsfarmnc.comFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Meet John Stewart. He's  a State Government and Public Affairs Advisor for Elanco (aka a lobbyist). John is newly married, loves the outdoors, and travels a lot to talk ag policy with folks. It's a great conversation that may have you thinking differently about politics (maybe?). Don't miss this next episode with Marlowe, Marisa and John (Chad's on vacation this round). Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

We hear the term "factory farm" being thrown around to describe some farms, but what do farmers think about it? Listen to Chad and Marlowe's take on the term and catch a glimpse into how they operate their farms. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

On this episode of Raised on the Farm, we're talking all about the wellness of farmers. It goes beyond just safety around equipment and livestock. Wellness also extends to mental health. Join Marlowe, Chad, and Marisa as they discuss how we all have a part to play in keeping our farmers well. Note: Farming is one of the most stressful jobs and has a high suicide rate. If you are struggling, see these resources or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  1-800-273-TALK (8255) (ENG), 1-888-628-9454 (ESP).Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Beef is on the table in this episode of Raised on the Farm! Marlowe and Chad are joined by Bryan Blinson, Executive Director of the NC Cattleman's Association to talk beef, cattle, sustainability, and youth programs. It's a great conversation where these pig farmers learn a thing or two from a cattleman. Learn more about NC cattle at:Facebook: @nccattleInstagram: @eatbeefncWeb: https://www.nccattle.com/Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Marlowe and Chad are recording remotely at their homes for the first time. In this episode:Why the name change?BBQ opinionsEat your red meatLivestock vaccinesFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

She's a cool grandma and someone our Bacon Buddies look up to. It's the one and only, Jan Archer! In this episode:The pork industry has a job for you!The importance of finding your tribeWhere does your pork go?PQAAnd More!Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

GHG Guru Dr. Frank Mitloehner joins the Bacon Buddies in NC to discuss efficiency, energy, activists, communication, and of course greenhouse gases. In this episode:-how food choice is a personal choice-how swine operations are different than cattle with GHG-how the USA compares to the rest of the world in livestock GHG-the importance of communicating agriculture's practicesHear more from Dr. Mitloehner at:Instagram: @UCDavisClearTwitter: @GHGGuruClear Center at UC DavisFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

The Bacon Buddies have talked a lot about how good RD Jones sausage is, so it was only natural they had one of the ones responsible for this great product on the show. Taylor Best joins Marlowe and Chad to talk sausage, farming, and entrepreneurship. They even auction off Chad's cup! Don't miss this episode!Follow RD Jones Packing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R.D.JonesPacking/Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

 Edward Olive with the University of Mount Olive joins the Bacon Buddies to talk about UMO's agricultural program.UMO offers many ag degrees including animal science, ag communications, and precision ag! In this episode, we hear about: -UMO's ag programs -Get to know Edward Olive a bit more -The university's farm -AgFest -Success stories For more, head to: @UMOAgriculture https://umo.edu/the-school-of-agriculture-and-biological-sciences/ Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

Kim Kornegay LeQuire with Kornegay Family Farms and Produce joins the Bacon Buddies as their first ever guest on the podcast! In this episode we hear about:Sweetpotato is one word and how they are grown.The important roles H-2A workers play on the farm and  what farmers have to provide them.History of Kornegay Family Farms For more follow:@kornegayffp@ncsweetpotatoesFind us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

The Bacon Buddies drill each other with questions for their hot takes! On the table--food labels, how they like their bacon, summer vs winter, and more. Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

 In this episode Marlowe and Chad talk about: Prop 12 and its price on foodFood insecurityShout out to first responders during a local fireEggs Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected] 

 It's the very first episode of Bacon Buddies! We're talking about growing up on the farm, why we're starting a podcast, and of course, bacon! Find us on Instagram @raisedonthefarm Questions? Email us at [email protected]