People want to know where their food comes from. And we think they should be able to find out. That’s why we’re happy to introduce you to some of our family farmers. They take pride in raising chickens to share with you and your family.
Doug and Joyce live in Gates County, North Carolina, and operate six houses. They've been farming for 50 years and make up the fifth generation of farmers in their family. Their farm has actually been passed down from generation to generation for 300 years. The couple finds that the most moving part of the job is the continued growth, from their crops and chickens to their children and grandchildren.
After a career in banking, Andrew transitioned to farming and has been doing so for over 13 years in beautiful Queen Anne's County, Maryland. His son has grown up working with him on his 410-acre farm, where they strive to take the best care of the 160,000 chickens and keep their environmental impact to a minimum.
James and Carolyn Gray tend 76 acres of land in Ohio County, Kentucky, where they grow beans, corn and hay and raise chickens. The poultry operation helps pay for the farm they love, but is also a source of great pride, as the couple puts much effort into raising healthy animals and following Perdue's strict protocols.
Dwayne has been farming for 12 years and his family has done it for as far back as he can trace. Family is everything to him. He loves being able to spend more time with them and teach his children a strong work ethic. Dwayne lives in Perry County, Pennsylvania, where he operates three houses. He also grows soybeans, corn, angus beef and katahdin sheep.
Randy Hughes has farmed at least part-time throughout his entire life. Today, he owns 450 acres of land in Bertie County, North Carolina, where he raises poultry for Perdue and grows corn, sage, soybeans and wheat. Randy raised hogs and cattle with his father and was encouraged by friends and family to add poultry. 'My dad never wanted to take that step of faith, so when I was able, I moved forward,' he says. 'It helps tremendously with our fertilizer needs and helps with farm cash flow.'
On a 130-acre farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that dates back to the late 1800s, Brian Eckman raises hogs and chickens and grows corn, soybeans and hay. He added the poultry operation to his farm to ensure that the next generation in his family could continue to live and work on the farm. Eckman focuses on humane care of his livestock and environmental upgrades that will protect nearby waterways and create wildlife habitats. 'We strive to grow a quality chicken,' he says, ' and enjoy the relationships and friendships we have acquired during our years of farming.'
Farming is not just a job to Edward and Noreen; it's a way of life. They love the land and do their best to honor the blessings God has given them. Edward inherited the farm after his father passed, but even before that farming was what he adored. Working for Perdue has been a great experience for Edward and Noreen, thanks in part to the support system. From management to flock advisors, there's always someone there to help the growers. The two live in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and operate six houses. In addition to chickens, they raise cows and goats and also grow cotton, soybeans, wheat, hemp, peanuts and strawberries on their solar-powered farm.
Farming is a long, respected tradition in Linda and Vernon's family, one that has endured for 140+ years. Although they have worked in the fields since 2000, they're always excited to greet new flocks of baby chicks. A standout memory was when they walked into one of the houses and all the chickees were climbing a mountain of feed like little mountaineers. Linda and Vernon live in Suffolk County, Virginia, and operate three houses. In addition to chickens, they also raise goats.
Eli and Darla live in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and operate two houses with 80,000 chickens. They are following in the footsteps of their parents, who moved to Lebanon County in 1974. The Nolts represent the second generation in charge of the farm, where they relish the time they spend working as a family.