AGRICULTURE.

LINWOOD H. SCOTT III

vice president, co-owner | Scott Farms

Lucama

Scott works with his father, Linwood Scott Jr., and his brother, Dewey, at a six-generation Wilson County farm. It's among eastern North Carolina's largest farms, with more than 14,000 acres. He was named U.S. National Young Farmer of the Year in 2000. Sweet potatoes and tobacco are key businesses for the Scotts.

Favorite family tradition: Every year, we take a break from the hustle and bustle of the farm at the beach. Having this time with my wife, children, and grandson is always a special time for us to recharge and connect with one another.

Favorite N.C. place to visit: We have a place where we stay at Emerald Isle that is somewhat secluded and allows our family a chance to get away and share some quality time going to the beach, fishing, and other activities.

What do you listen to on your commute: My favorite podcasts are "Grain Markets and Other Stuff" with Joe Vaclavik and "The Scene Vault Podcast" with Rick Houston. They provide information and entertainment while I am focusing on the opportunities of the day.

Major inspiration: My mom and dad. Alice and Sonny Scott. Through the tough times, they never wavered in their dedication and determination to our family, the farm, employees, and community. Their tireless efforts and guidance have set the standard that our family and business follow today.

Career highlight: At the age of 31,1 was honored with being named National Young Farmer of the Year.

Favorite hobby after work: Running eight to 12 miles per week gives me the time to think and reflect on the days past and plan the days to come. Running allows freedom to just simply be.

Key industry change over the next five years: There will be forms of consolidation that will occur. From consolidation of land to business operations, having to do more with less. These are major factors agriculture is facing now and will continue to face in the future.

MOHAMED AHMEDNA

dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences | North Carolina A&T State University

Greensboro

Ahmedna has doctoral and master's degrees from Louisiana State University and UNC Chapel Hill MBA. Hejoined N.C. A&T, the nation's biggest historically Black university, as an assistant professor in 2000. He became a full professor in 2009, then spent eight years at Qatar University before returning to A&T as dean in 2018.

JOHNNY BARNES

president | Barnes Farming and Farm Pak

Spring Hope

Barnes Farming started in the early 1960s and now ranks among the largest U.S. sweet potato producers, managing more than 6,000 acres. Barnes is president of the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute. His wife, Lisa, is a state senator. He has a bachelor's in agricultural economics from N.C. State University.

BRYAN BLINSON

executive director | N.C. Cattlemen's Association

Fuquay-Varina

Blinson grew up on a farm near Lenoir where his parents still raise cattle. He and his wife, Beth, manage a farm in Buies Creek, while his oldest daughter and her husband have a farming operation in Kansas. His alma mater, N.C. State University, honored him as a distinguished alumni last year.

TREY BRASWELL III

president | Braswell Family Farms

Nashville

Braswell is the fourth-generation president of a family farm established in 1943. It has become the second largest Eggland's Best franchise in the U.S. An N.C. State University graduate and Nash County native, his farm supplied 20,000 eggs for the annual White House Egg Roll in Washington, D.C. in March.

JOSE 'PEPE' CALDERON

international sales director | Farm Pak

Spring Hope

The Costa...