North Carolina
See how beef farmers and ranchers in North Carolina are rethinking the ranch to raise sustainable beef through land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
North Carolina Century-Old Farm Uses Technology to Help Keep Cattle and Crops Thriving
The Honeycutt family of Coats, North Carolina has been farming in the area for over a century and is currently owned by Curt and Ashley. What started as a tobacco farm, today the farm raises cattle, corn, soybeans and wheat. As stewards for a century-old farm, the Honeycutt family understands the importance of being sustainable and focusing on the overall health of the farm for future generations to come. They take soil samples annually to assess the land and keep it productive for each growing season. They have also implemented rotational grazing to maximize grass production by letting areas rest and recover which helps ensure the cattle are always able to eat the best quality food. Several streams run through the pastures and with water quality management in mind, the Honeycutts have designed and installed fencing to allow specific areas where cattle can access the stream for fresh water. The family continues to use different forms of technology to keep accurate, real-time measurements and data on each animal and crop they raise. They are constantly learning and adapting to new practices to provide stress-free and high-quality care for their cattle and crops.
"Sustainability to me means, that my children and future generations will have the option to be a part of this farm and continue what we have been building should they choose to do so. It means producing the highest quality product for the community from our grain to our cattle while being mindful of our impact on the land." - Curt Honeycutt
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
Jason and Natalie Farmer
Meet Jason and Natalie Farmer of Louisburg, North Carolina. As third generation farmers, they are raising their children to appreciate the land and cattle they take care of every day. They have a diversified farm that includes row crops and cattle. They are an excellent example of how young farmers in North Carolina are maintaining farming traditions while embracing innovation and raising the next generation.
Raising Beef in North Carolina
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way. North Carolina has over 810,000 cattle across its 100 counties. North Carolina farmers are diligent in their care for the animals and the land, and always have future generations in mind.
popular North carolina-inspired recipes
CAROLINA BARBECUE BURGERS
These are no ordinary burgers. Combine brown sugar, beer, mustard and vinegar to prepare a barbecue sauce to add extra flavor to Ground Beef burgers.
Sunrise Beef Steak
Mashed sweet potatoes, arugula salad, steak, and a spicy-sweet sauce make for a dish that is as hearty as it is colorful.
North Carolina Fact
North Carolina's diversified agriculture ranges from cattle, Christmas trees, broiler chickens, trout, produce, eggs, pork, and peanuts. All 100 counties have cattle for a state total of over 800,000.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
north carolina beef council
Learn more about the North Carolina Beef Council and the work they do within the state.