2011 Small Farmer of the Year Thomas Pierce

GREENSBORO -- Thomas Pierce, a Martin County farmer who gave up cotton, corn and soybeans to grow specialty fruits and vegetables on black plastic, is the 2011 N.C. A&T Small Farmer of the Year. The annual award was bestowed on Pierce March 23 during the 25th annual Small Farms Week ceremonies at A&T. Pierce will maintain the title -- which comes with a $1,500 award, a specially monogrammed jacket and other prizes -- until next March. Pierce, 38, and his family operate J&J Farm and they are recognized for the farm's ability to maintain a year-round farming operation. The 10-acre spread of fruits and vegetables, includes strawberries, sweet potatoes, collards and cabbage grown on black plastic; summer and fall tomatoes, watermelon, potatoes, onions and lots more. Pierce also uses drip irrigation, as well as a traveling reel to keep his farm hydrated -- practices that offer an environmental and sustainable approach to farming. "I love to farm and provide my customers with fresh fruit and vegetables," Pierce says. "I am a good steward of the land and take care of it, as it is what takes care of me." Pierce spent many a day working for other farmers to earn extra money while growing up. When he brought property more than seven years ago that fronted U.S. 64, Pierce decided to farm for himself, starting with soybeans, then corn and cotton. He switched to the more lucrative fruits and vegetables three years ago, recognizing that it was a better use for small acreage that he had. He owns more than 20 acres, with 10 acres in active production. Pierce also realized that he needed help and advice and called on the agricultural experts at the Martin County Cooperative Extension Center to help with the transition. J&J farms also operates a successful roadside stand on the perimeter of its U.S. 64 border to take advantage of passing beach traffic, and has also installed a cold-storage unit to keep the produce fresh as it comes from the field. Pierce is the 25th N.C. A&T Small Farmer of the Year, which recognizes the producers of small-scale agriculture in North Carolina who generate $250,000 or less, annually, in gross sales. Activities for the week also included workshops, tours and demonstrations.