Patrick Brown: NC Small Farmer of the Year Cultivates Legacy, Community, and Industrial Hemp

WARREN COUNTY, NC – In the heart of Warren County, Patrick Brown is more than a fourth-generation farmer; he’s a torchbearer of his family’s rich agricultural legacy and a transformative force for his community. Recently honored as the 2024 Small Farmer of the Year by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), Brown embodies resilience, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to sustainability and equity in farming.

A Family Tradition Rooted in the Land

Brown’s journey as a farmer began long before he could till the soil. His family farm, Brown Family Farms, located in the Hecks Grove Community of southeast Warren County, was established in 1865 by his great-great-grandfather Byron Brown, a timber farmer and livestock raiser.  His son Grover Brown began farming as a second-generation farmer, establishing a peach orchard on the land, cultivating grain, and raising livestock until the late 1970s. Grover’s son, Arthur A. Brown, began farming on the estate in 1968 as a third-generation farmer. Arthur raised livestock while cultivating vegetables, grain, and tobacco until his retirement in 2003.

Today, Arthur’s son Patrick leads the farm, focusing on regenerative agriculture. He grows almost 200 acres of industrial hemp for oil and fiber and 11 acres and several greenhouses of vegetables—beets, kale, radishes, peppers, okra, and bok choy. He also cultivates 75 acres of wheat, 83 acres of soybeans, 65 acres of corn, and 45 acres of hardwoods and pine trees. 

“I think my great-great-grandfather would be very proud of the capacity that we’ve built and the fact that every generation put forth something towards the outcome of this farm,” Brown reflects. “We did not skip one generation that provided some impact on this farm. And that is so important to me because there are five boys after me that need someone to look up to.”

Innovating for a Sustainable Future

Patrick Brown is leading the way in modern, sustainable agriculture with his innovative use of industrial hemp. In 2018, he began cultivating hemp in the farm’s nutrient-rich soil, launching his brand, Hempfinity, which produces high-quality hemp-extracted products. But Brown’s vision goes beyond the marketplace; his farm also transforms hemp hurd (the plant’s cellulose-rich stalk fiber) into sustainable materials like eco-friendly building materials and textiles, reflecting his commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.

In addition to hemp production, Brown connects directly with his community through the farm’s thriving Community Supported Agriculture  (CSA) program. This initiative provides local families weekly shares of fresh, seasonal vegetables while fostering a deeper relationship between farmers and consumers. By offering a subscription-style service, Brown ensures families can access ultra-fresh produce and supports the farm’s financial sustainability. Consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

 

A Champion for Farmers and Equity

Brown is not just a farmer; he is a mentor, advocate, and leader. As the director of farmer inclusion for Nature for Justice (N4J), he works tirelessly to support farmers of color, offering resources to help them adopt climate-resilient and regenerative farming practices. Through N4J’s Farmer Inclusion Project, Brown is paving the way for equitable access to agricultural financial and technical assistance.

He also serves as the chair of the Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute, focusing on combating food insecurity across North Carolina. Brown’s leadership extends to the national stage as a board member of Kiss the Ground, an organization helping farmers overcome the challenges of climate change.

Bridging Generations, Building Resilience

Brown’s vision goes beyond his family farm. Through his consulting company, The Connect Group LLC, the Fayetteville State University graduate provides technical assistance, policy advocacy, and educational support to help small and mid-sized farms thrive. “We all win when small and mid-sized farms prosper,” he says. “They nurture communities with healthy foods and a clean environment.”

Brown is also a key partner in the Southern Piedmont Climate-Smart Project, funded by the USDA and led by the Rodale Institute, promoting sustainable farming practices in the Southeast.

Feeding Communities, Preserving Legacy

Patrick Brown’s impact stretches far beyond his fields. From mentoring young farmers to producing high-quality food for local families, he is planting seeds of change that will nourish generations. “It’s about more than growing crops,” he says. “It’s about growing opportunities, strengthening communities, and leaving a legacy my family and others can be proud of.”

For those interested in connecting with Brown and experiencing his farm’s offerings firsthand, the Brown Family Farm is located at 6819 Vicksboro Rd., Henderson, NC. CSA pickups are available every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, ensuring families enjoy the freshest, locally grown produce.

Learn More and Support

To learn more about Patrick Brown’s work or explore ways to support small farms, visit The Connect Group LLC and Hempfinity, or stop by the farm to see how this fourth-generation farmer is redefining agriculture with heart, innovation, and purpose.