From Hyde County to Cherokee County, North Carolina’s egg farmers are located all over the state, raising approximately 9 million birds that lay about 7 ½ million eggs per day. Egg farmers are passionate about producing fresh, nutritious eggs every day and about building strong communities throughout the state.
North Carolina egg farmers support their local communities through creating local jobs, purchasing local products and services and giving back to causes that matter. This fall, egg farmers have stepped up in a big way to donate thousands of eggs to food banks and disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina after the area was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
This Thanksgiving season, we asked North Carolina egg farmers to reflect on the moments and people they are most grateful for. Here’s what they shared:
“I am thankful for the family that the good Lord gave me, all they instilled and taught me. I am thankful to be able to help friends and family when they ask. I’m thankful for my grandparents, parents, wife, children and grandchildren. We give the glory to God every day.”
– Frank Latta of Latta’s Egg Ranch
“I am thankful for the gift of eternal life that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made possible by going to the cross in my place.
I am thankful for my wife of 42 years, Anita.
I am thankful that I get up every morning and help produce God’s most perfect protein pack—the EGG —and help feed a starving world.”
– Tony Wesner, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors for Rose Acre Farms
“I am thankful for the first responders across the Appalachia mountains after hurricane Helene. These are the people who put everything on the line to protect us, to keep our families safe and to help us rebuild when the worst is over.
This year has been particularly special. We are blessed not only to continue the legacy of farming that’s been passed down through four generations, but this year we welcomed the newest addition to our family—our beautiful daughter. I am thankful to have a fifth generation egg famer in the family.”
– Lake Wagner, fourth-generation egg farmer and owner and operator of Dutt & Wagner
“I love getting to wake up each day and be proud of the products that we produce. God’s creation is amazing and as farmers we get the opportunity to responsibly take care of the animals and work the ground He gave us. I am thankful that when people are eating the eggs or beef that we produce, that they are scooting their feet under the table of family or friends.”
– Trey Braswell, fourth-generation farmer and president of Braswell Family Farms
“As a thankful farmer, I feel truly blessed by God for the bountiful harvest and the opportunity to work the land. Each day, I see His hand in the growth of the crops and the beauty of nature around me. I am grateful for the strength and health to continue this work and for the blessings that sustain my family and community.”
– Alex Simpson, fourth-generation egg farmer and president of Simpson’s Eggs, Inc.
Meet North Carolina egg farmers and learn why they love what they do. Share what you’re most thankful for with us on Facebook and Instagram!
