CaesNews

Where Science Meets Society

CaesNews

Where Science Meets Society

Home

Learn More

Sign up for the Newsletter

Three are Named Regional Finalists for 2026 Small Farmer of the Year Award

Logo for Small Farms Week featuring "40" prominently, with the text "Small Farms Week," the tagline "Deep Roots, Strong Future: 40 Years of Small Farm Impact," and the dates March 22-28, 2026.

Three small-scale farmers from around the state have been named N.C. Cooperative Extension’s 2026 Small Farmer of the Year regional finalists. They will attend the Small Farmer of the Year awards ceremony and dinner on March 24, where one will be named the statewide 2026 Small Farmer of the Year.

The three regional finalists are:

A smiling man with a beard and dreadlocks wears a blue t-shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. He stands outdoors in front of trees, exuding a friendly demeanor.

Darius McKoy

Eastern Region: 12:03AM Farm (Sampson County). Owned and operated by Darius McKoy, a first-generation farmer and Air Force veteran, this 36-acre farm produces organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey and fresh eggs. Along with innovative practices such as high tunnels, rotational grazing and trellising, McKoy is an engaged community member who regularly provides fresh produce to more than 200 families across three counties, hosts farm tours for 4-H members, and mentors beginning and veteran farmers with technical training and guidance. https://1203amfarm.com

A woman wearing sunglasses smiles in a greenhouse filled with vibrant green lettuce. She has medium-length hair and is dressed in a light-colored shirt with "FARM" printed on it.

Anna Anders

Urban Region: Anders Family Hydroponic Farm (Forsyth County). This farm, owned and operated by a widow (now remarried) and her daughters, produces high-quality produce year-round using hydroponic techniques. Customers include about 40 restaurants as well as food hubs and farmers' markets. Anna Anders has expanded the farm since its launch in 2017, and in addition to her commitment to providing fresh, locally grown leafy vegetables, she hosts farmers, school groups, veteran apprentices and others interested in learning about hydroponic growing. https://andersfamilyfarms.com/

A bearded man with glasses stands with his arms crossed, looking thoughtfully to the side. He's wearing a long-sleeved gray shirt, and there are plants and structures in the background.

Nick Dezern

Western Region: Millboro and Co. Farm (Randolph County). This farm, run by Nick Dezern, grows a wide variety of vegetables that customers can purchase online and pick up at one of four locations. Millboro Co strives to reconnect people with local farm systems and, in the process, provide healthy produce. Dezern educates his customers about food production and the inefficiencies of the food system, such as buying produce out of season and the environmental impact of trucking food long distances. https://www.millboro.co/

For more on Small Farms Week, including a registration form, visit the Small Farms Week web page.

Read more CAES News

Black Extension Leader Overcame Odds to Serve His Community

Black Extension Leader Overcame Odds to Serve His Community

Being a trailblazer in your field often can be challenging, and for North Carolina’s Black Extension workers who started their careers during the segregation era, the challenges were many and often daunting.
Extension Administrator Honored as Hall of Fame Inductee

Extension Administrator Honored as Hall of Fame Inductee

M. Ray McKinnie, Ph.D., associate dean and administrator for Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University, has earned another accolade in recognition of more than 40 years as an educator and leader in his field.
A&T Partners on Mental-Health Grant to Support Helene-Affected Farmers, Communities

A&T Partners on Mental-Health Grant to Support Helene-Affected Farmers, Communities

More is expected of farmers and ranchers than any other group of people, said Crystal Cook-Marshall, Ph.D., director of NC AgrAbility and agromedicine coordinator for Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T.
Extension Helps Reserve Unit Understand the World’s Most Important Protein Source

Extension Helps Reserve Unit Understand the World’s Most Important Protein Source

As someone with more than a decade of military experience, including the last two years with an Army Reserve Civil Affairs unit, William Landis knows that building trust and understanding with communities around the world often starts by understanding the animals they raise and depend on for food.
No results found.

Never Miss an Issue


By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from the College of Agriculture and Environment Sciences at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Recent Articles

Trio Recognized For 4-H Collaboration and STEM Programming

Can AI Help Produce Happier Hogs? Workshop Shows Ways

N.C. A&T, Columbia to Study Ginger’s Therapeutic Potential as Asthma Treatment