CaesNews

Where Science Meets Society

CaesNews

Where Science Meets Society

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

AI Project Aims to Help Teachers Understand Neurodiverse Students

AI Project Aims to Help Teachers Understand Neurodiverse Students

Unnecessary disciplinary action against neurodiverse students in K-12 schools isn’t an issue most middle-schoolers think about, much less venture to resolve.
CAES cuts the ribbon on $6 million Extension and Research Farm Pavilion

CAES cuts the ribbon on $6 million Extension and Research Farm Pavilion

“A dream 20 years in the making” was realized at N.C. A&T State University’s 492-acre farm as local, state and national dignitaries lined up to cut the ribbon and open its Extension and Research Farm Pavilion.
Extension at A&T launches effort to help BIPOC youth find success after high school

Extension at A&T launches effort to help BIPOC youth find success after high school

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (11022021-CYFAR Grant) - A new program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture will give youth in two underserved North Carolina counties the chance to work with Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T State University to explore post-high school educational and work opportunities.
“Bringing the Fun Back to Fitness” at N.C. A&T Wellness Training Day

“Bringing the Fun Back to Fitness” at N.C. A&T Wellness Training Day

Shewana McSwain, the Try Healthy SNAP-Ed coordinator with Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T, joined forces with other campus and county faculty and staff, including Ryan O'Connor, Patrice Dollar, Katryn Eske, Ph.D., and Morgan Malone to lead an inspiring wellness training session during N.C. A&T's Division of Student Affairs End-of-Year Retreat earlier this summer. The event was held at Barber Park Event Center in Greensboro. Shewana and Ryan's segment, "Bringing the Fun Back to Fitness," was a highlight of the event and featured an over-and-under ball transfer competition and a hula hoop pass through relay race. Both sparked some spirited discussion and fostered team building.
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

N.C. A&T Preschool Director’s Books Making Room for Classroom Dads 

Extension Exhibit Puts Kids on Speedway to Healthy

N.C. A&T’s Free Lactation Clinic Moves into The Resurgent