February 23, 2022
AgCarolina Farm Credit believes in supporting young, beginning, and small farmers as both a financial institution and an organization that invests in their success. Hosting the Emerging Entrepreneurs’ Conference provided many agricultural entrepreneurs the chance to cultivate their knowledge and skills and network with others in the industry.
Held in Wilmington on February 17-18, the conference covered topics like leadership development, risk management, agricultural trends, and communication strategy by professionals from all over the country.
Attendees Holly and Micah Brewington said that “The speakers were great! We learned a lot about entrepreneurship and building relationships.” They also said that being able to network with other farmers was special. Making those connections was not only helpful in the business sense but connecting with other agricultural entrepreneurs and developing friendships was a boon on a personal level.
The goal of the conference was not just to help cultivate agricultural entrepreneurs, but to give them the chance to make meaningful and lasting connections with others. During dinner, keynote speaker Jason Brown, NFL player turned North Carolina farmer, spoke to the group about what it means to be passionate about agriculture. Brown’s stories of life on the farm were relatable for the attendees. His heart for serving the community through agriculture was an encouragement to look beyond borders of the farm.
Before heading back to the farm, attendees were given the opportunity to tour the Port of Wilmington. Here they were able to see how the port can connect them with areas beyond eastern NC through transportation and trade. Farmers are just one piece of a larger puzzle when it comes to the supply chain of food.
AgCarolina Farm Credit is proud to support young, beginning, and small farmers, which includes veterans and minorities that are young, beginning and small farmers. Hosting events such as the Emerging Entrepreneurs’ Conference is an investment in the future of agriculture, the community, and these individuals.
“We are grateful to have the ability to provide a quality event that cultivates these individual’s entrepreneurial spirit and allow them to network,” said Evan Kleinhans, CEO of AgCarolina Farm Credit.