Farm families extend beyond the farmer and their immediate family members. It also includes a large network of friends and colleagues that have a part in helping the farmer grow crops and raise livestock. We want to introduce you to some of these “friends of farmers” for three reasons:
They work hard and deserve to be recognized and thanked.
While farm families are our core, agriculture is a much bigger family. Farming wouldn’t work without our friends.
To show just how profoundly agriculture connects us.
We are excited to start this series. If you would like to nominate a “Friend of NC Farm Families”, shoot us a message! For now, though, let’s meet our first highlight: Eve Honeycutt
Even Honeycutt has been an Extension Livestock Agent in Lenoir and Greene Counties for 16 years. When speaking with her, it doesn’t take long for her passion for agriculture and farmers to shine through. She is knowledgeable, passionate, and great with both farmers and youth! Eve assists farmers in their operations, teaches youth, and is a strong advocate for agriculture. During Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, Eve organized a staging area for farm donations. That is so like Eve—always willing to give her talents, time, and knowledge. We are so thankful to call Eve a friend and for everything she does for agriculture.
Did you grow up in agriculture?
Ironically, no. I grew up in Washington, NC and never could seem to figure out exactly what excited me. I loved animals and wanted lots of them, but we lived in a subdivision and livestock animals were not allowed. We did not know any 'farm people'. Finally my mom got me involved in 4-H, and I met some! The closest farm animal was a horse, so I took riding lessons and became involved at a local horse farm that also raised hay and cattle.
Why did you want to become an Extension Agent?
I continued my career in 4-H and competed at the national level in various contests. It was those experiences that got me interested in agriculture, though I still wasn't sure what to do with that interest. My sophomore year of college, I did an internship with my local county Extension office. I fell in love with the idea of combining my passion for helping people and my love of animals.
How do you help farmers?
As an Extension Agent, it is my job to provide educational agricultural opportunities and services to the citizens who need my help. In my area, the most economically important animals are poultry and swine. A big part of managing poultry and swine farms is understanding the regulations that surround the management of their waste. I work closely with farm owners to make sure they know and understand these regulations. I provide technical services such as sludge surveys, irrigation equipment calibration, nutrient management plans, and record keeping.
Favorite and most difficult part about your job?
Favorite: I get to do something different almost every day. Some days I have farm visits all day and never go to the office. I love being outside and helping people at the same time.
Difficult: While I love Extension work, it can be difficult to balance time to dedicate to all the parts of my job and also balance a family life. However, Extension offers a lot of flexibility that I would not have in other jobs.
You've been a fierce agvocate for farmers, especially hog farmers. What pushes you to do that?
I guess it’s because I visit with them all the time. I hear their stories, I see their farms. I see how much they really care about their animals, their land, their community. I go to church with them. Then I see the lies being told about them. It makes me frustrated and angry to think people would outright lie just to push their own agenda, and then the general population believes the lies because they simply do not know the truth.
What ways do you educate others about agriculture?
I work a lot with youth activities such as livestock judging, ag awareness days, and school enrichment. It is amazing how little most children know about their food and how animals are raised. I am very passionate about teaching children (and adults) about agriculture so that I can try to win them over- even if it is one at a time.
Proudest moment as an Extension Agent?
In the spring of 2019, I received the Lois Britt Service Award from the NC Pork Council. Mrs. Britt was a well known and very respected member of the pork industry, as well as a former Extension Agent. To have my name mentioned in the same sentence as hers was an honor I will never forget.
Favorite pork product?
Probably bacon, though I do love a good whole hog barbecue!
