Brandon Batten Wins Innovative Young Farmer Award

Brandon Batten, a sixth-generation farmer from Johnston County, was awarded the 2017 Tobacco Farm Life Museum “Innovative Young Farmer of the Year Award” earlier this year from the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina.

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A native of Four Oaks, Batten works as a partner on his family farm, Triple B Farms Inc., where he helps farm flue-cured tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat, Bermuda hay and raises 40 head of Angus-mix beef cattle. He and his wife, Jessica, are also raising their son, Camden.

Batten was recognized as a leader in creative thinking, technology and adaptability, helping his farm to thrive in ever-changing times.

Batten holds degrees from North Carolina State University, with a bachelor’s in Agricultural and Biological Engineering and a master’s in Agricultural Engineering. Not only did his education allow him to stay up to date on the most recent farming trends and technology, but it also gave him an extensive source of contacts with both farmers and agricultural experts.

Batten does his part to advocate for agriculture as an active member in the community. He participates in the Johnston County Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Program and the Johnston County Agribusiness Council. He also volunteers his time as a captain with the Strickland Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department.

All these attributes made him a worthy recipient of the award. The committee responsible for choosing the winner said that Batten possessed admirable leadership and a value- based approach with his family, role as an agricultural professional and within the community.

Learn more about Batten and the Innovative Young Farmer of the Year Award at agcarolina.com.

– Rachel Bertone