Former Pork Council CEO Receives Lois Britt Service to the Industry Award

Deborah Johnson, who led the N.C. Pork Council for over a decade before leaving in 2016, became the seventh honoree of the Lois Britt Service to the Industry award. This special award celebrates the spirit of Lois Britt, who devoted her life to agriculture, education and service to the pork industry. It is awarded at the discretion of the N.C. Pork Council’s officers.“It is a pleasure to present this award to a friend of Lois’ and a friend of mine,” said Jan Archer, president of the National Pork Board. “Deborah Johnson did so much to support our industry. Thanks to her leadership, the N.C. Pork Council and the pork industry are better off today.”Deborah grew up on a farm and has always been an advocate of agriculture. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, she began her career in the pork industry with Prestage Farms. She also worked for NC State Ports Authority and Cape Fear Farm Credit before joining the NC Pork Council.During her time as CEO of NCPC, strong relationships were formed, and Deborah worked tirelessly to be an advocate for farmers and the industry. Her leadership saw an increase in barbecue promotion, and NCPC was able to be a founding sponsor for the award-winning PBS series "A Chef's Life." She was also a huge support system for NC Farm Families for which we are so appreciative.Deborah has done so much for North Carolina pork industry, and for that we are so grateful. She certainly has a servant's heart and a passion for agriculture. Deborah is certainly deserving of this award. 

John C. Howard Inducted in the NC Pork Hall of Fame

John C. Howard Jr. was recenty inducted into the N.C Pork Hall of Fame, the pork industry's highest honor.  Howard, a Deep Run hog farmer who has spent more than a half century building J.C. Howard Farms into one of the state’s largest pork producers was presented the award by the N.C. Pork Council.As a young boy in Lenoir County, Howard developed a strong affection for animals. He was active in 4-H and recalls the pride he felt showing a steer that he was certain would earn a blue ribbon. He lost that competition and decided to turn his attention to pigs. It was a passion that has lasted more than sixty years - and the North Carolina pork industry is much better for it.Howard’s family has deep roots in Deep Run. His grandparents started farming the land more than a century ago, raising hogs and growing tobacco, cotton and other crops. Soon after graduating from N.C. State in 1962, Howard and his wife returned home to the family business. He brought with him new methods for raising hogs and was among the first farmers to embrace the integration of the pork industry in the 1990s. Today, J.C. Howard Farms has more than 18,000 sows.Howard has been an active supporter of the pork industry and his local community. He was appointed by President Reagan to serve on the National Commission on Agricultural Policy and also served on the N.C. Board of Agriculture. He received the N.C. Pork Council’s Outstanding Pork Producer award in 1988.“It’s a great honor to be inducted in the N.C. Pork Hall of Fame,” Howard said. He thanked his family, friends, employees, growers and suppliers for enabling him to be a successful pork producer and said he hopes future generations will carry on the family business.The impact Howard has had on the North Carolina pork industry is profound. His passion for hogs has turned into a legacy for future generations. There are many in the industry who are thankful for his contributions, leadership, drive, and love of pigs.  Congratulations to Mr. Howard on this well-deserved honor!

Gaye Crowther Recognized as NC Oustanding Pork Producer

Meet Gaye Crowther, a family farmer from Tabor City. Gaye recently received North Carolina’s Outstanding Pork Producer award, which recognizes industry leaders for exceptional management and outstanding contributions to the state’s pork industry. The NC Pork Council honored her with this award.If you've ever visited Gaye's farm, it will be of no surprise that she truly is an outstanding pork producer. Not only does she work hard every day to run the farm to it's full potential, but she is passionate about her farm and all the animals on it. She loves it.Although she grew up as a city girl, Crowther always had a deep love for animals. Shortly after graduating from Auburn University, she moved to North Carolina to work for Murphy Farms and managed the company’s first 1,000-sow farrow-to-feeder farm.“Gaye is an exceptional pork producer who represents our industry well,” said Andy Curliss, chief executive officer of the NC Pork Council. “She is dedicated to promoting the industry and always looking for ways to make it stronger.”Gaye started Seawright Farms, a 3,400-sow farrow-to-wean farm, in 1993 and Sea Gro, a 2,000-sow farrow-to-feeder farm, in 2004. In addition, she operates Sea Blu, a 40-acre blueberry farm, and runs a 100 head cow-calf operation.She has been actively involved with the pork industry at the local, state and national level, including the N.C. Pork Council and the National Pork Producers Council. She currently serves on the N.C. Pork Council board of directors and the Grower Council for the Smithfield Hog Production Division.“I’m grateful to be part of an industry that has such great leadership and so many growth opportunities,” Gaye said.Congratulations to Gaye! She certainly deserves to be recognized for her many years of hard work both on the farm and for the hog industry.*Photos originally appeared in the NC Pork Report