Left to right, Horticulturist Johnny Coley, Granville County Extension Director Selena McKoy, Small Farmer of the Year finalists Elvin and Madeline Eaton, Food and Built Environment Associate for NCA&TSU Wendy Tatum, center, at Fairmont Farms.

AROUND THE STATE — Each spring, North Carolina A&T State University’s Cooperative Extension shines a spotlight on the little guys of agriculture – small-scale farmers whose innovation and love of the land provide a shot in the arm to their communities as well as food for their tables.

The weeklong event is Small Farms Week, a celebration of small-scale producers and their essential contribution to the state’s $111 billion agricultural sector. The week includes educational programs, farm tours, demonstrations, and an event that is always eagerly anticipated: the announcement of the annual Small Farmer of the Year award, presented to a farmer or farmers who personify the perseverance, innovation and community involvement of growers who are neighbors as well as business owners.

2025 Small Farmers of the Year Elvin and Madeline Eaton at Fairmont Farm

This award has shown to have a positive, long-lasting impact on the hard-working farms it honors, bringing the winning farmers more traffic, higher sales and well-earned recognition.

In 2025, that honor went to Elvin and Madeline Eaton, owners and operators of Fairport Farm in the Granville County town of Kittrell. The Eatons started their quarter-acre farm as a retirement project with a mission: grow clean, nutrient-rich produce without tilling, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. Using permanent beds and year-round covered growing techniques, they’ve challenged local norms and inspired fellow growers.

“We’re more than surprised,” said Elvin Eaton upon receiving the Small Farmer of the Year Award. “We grow so different; covered, no chemicals, no tilling. Soil health is the basis of our farm. This is far out of the norm in our area, but when people see the results, they’ve been super receptive.”

2024 Co-Small Farmer of the Year Patrick Brown, right, owner of Brown Family Farms & Produce, walks with his nephews Justice White, left, and Isaiah White.

Fairport Farm’s success is deeply rooted in community. Located in the Kerr-Tar region where food insecurity is a persistent challenge, the Eatons are determined to be a reliable source of healthy, accessible produce. Their practices not only improve soil health but empowers local families to rethink what sustainable food systems can look like.

The Eatons now join the growing number of Small Farmer of the Year Award alumni, located across the state, growing vegetables and crops, raising livestock, selling agricultural products, and increasingly, sharing knowledge to help their communities. In 2024, the award was shared by two innovative operations: Secret Garden Bees, a beekeeping and honey producing farm in Hoke County owned by Jim and Christi Hartman; and Brown Family Farm, a legacy farm in Warren County owned by fourth-generation farmer Patrick Brown that has grown grain, timber and tobacco, raised livestock, and, most recently, focused on cultivating vegetables and industrial hemp. Both farms demonstrate the award’s emphasis on community engagement and agricultural education.

“We’re building something that will last beyond us,” said Hartman, who before becoming a beekeeper served in the U.S. Army as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal officer. “This award gave us validation — not just of our work with bees, but our outreach to schools and beginning farmers. The exposure from A&T has opened doors for grants, partnerships, and most importantly, conversations.”

2024 Co-Small Farmers of the Year Christi and James Hartman of Secret Garden Bees farm

Secret Garden Bees has become a beacon for pollinator education, teaching students the importance of bees to ecosystems and food systems. Meanwhile, the Brown Family Farm, under the leadership of Patrick Brown, has focused on reviving generational farming knowledge while incorporating new technologies and market strategies.

“The recognition helped elevate what we’re doing and bring visibility to young Black farmers like my nephews,” said Brown. “It’s not just about farming anymore; it’s about mentoring, entrepreneurship, and legacy.”

A common thread among all winners is how they pay forward the support they’ve received. Since being recognized, each has become more deeply involved with Cooperative Extension efforts, mentoring new farmers, speaking at educational events, and participating in policy discussions.

“They’ve become voices for what’s possible,” said M. Ray McKinnie, associate dean and Extension administrator at N.C. A&T. “Small Farms Week isn’t just about celebration; it’s about building a support system that equips the next generation of farmers to thrive.”

That spirit was on full display during the 2025 Small Farms Week, themed “Next Gen Agriculture.” With more than 400 attendees, the event offered workshops on sustainable practices, digital tools, and economic strategies to help small farms succeed in a changing world.

As North Carolina faces the challenges of aging farmer populations, increasing food insecurity, and more volatile weather patterns, small farmers like the Eatons, Hartmans, and Browns are leading the way with practices rooted in knowledge, respect for the land, innovative practices and community service. They show their communities that the people who grow their food aren’t faceless; they are neighbors providing healthy food choices and thereby seeding better health.

“We’re just getting started,” said Madeline Eaton. “This award gave us a bigger platform to do what we love — grow good food and grow good neighbors.”