March 3, 2026
Innovative Young Farmer of the Year: Frank Scott of Kenly, North Carolina
STATESVILLE, NC (March 3, 2026): – The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina, AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit, proudly recognized the 2026 recipients of the Innovative Young Farmer of the Year Award and the Excellence in Agriculture Award during the 21st Annual Breakfast with the Commissioner, held at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds as part of the Southern Farm Show.
This year’s event continues the long standing tradition of honoring individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to North Carolina agriculture.
Frank Scott of Kenly, North Carolina, has been named the 2026 Innovative Young Farmer of the Year, recognizing his outstanding commitment to advancing modern farming techniques and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Scott, a ninth generation farmer and graduate of NC State University, operates Scott Brothers Inc. alongside his father, uncle, and two brothers. The diversified operation produces cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, tobacco, sweet potatoes, sweet onions, and hay.
Scott has led notable improvements in efficiency and diversification, including adopting precision agriculture technology, drip irrigation, double cropping strategies, innovative fertilizer applications, and intensive crop data analysis. He also introduced sweet potato and sweet onion production to the operation and helped develop climate controlled storage and an H 2A labor program to support specialty crop production.
Beyond the farm, Scott actively advocates for agriculture through commodity group involvement, student mentorship, media outreach, and volunteer support for the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. His advocacy even reached national youth audiences through a guest appearance on Sesame Street teaching children about sweet potatoes.
David Smith, Chief Deputy Commissioner of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was awarded the 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Award for his extraordinary contributions to strengthening and protecting the state’s agricultural industry
With more than 53 years of service, Smith is widely respected as the institutional memory of the Department. His leadership spans oversight of statewide operations including the N.C. State Fair, agricultural statistics, budgeting, farmland preservation, IT, human resources, and legislative coordination. He has guided the Department through decades of storms, droughts, and industry shaping challenges.
In 2024–2025, Smith led the state’s largest-ever agricultural disaster relief effort following Hurricane Helene and subsequent crop losses, helping administer over $448 million in state assistance and coordinating the rollout of an additional $221 million USDA block grant for affected farmers.
In a joint statement, Evan Kleinhans, CEO of AgCarolina Farm Credit, and Chad Puryear CEO of AgSouth Farm Credit, said: “We are pleased to recognize both David Smith and Frank Scott. Both awards are well deserved as they are deeply committed to serving the agricultural industry. Their innovation, stewardship, and commitment to community reflect the values that ensure agriculture remains viable in North Carolina for future generations.
About The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina
The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina is the leading provider of credit to farmers in the state of North Carolina. The member-owned financial cooperative consists of AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit. The Associations have over $6.9 billion in loans and commitments outstanding to farmers and rural residents in all 100 North Carolina counties. Loans are made to finance land, homes, farm buildings, operating expenses, livestock and equipment, as well as other purposes. Appraisal services, leasing programs, and crop insurance are also available through the Farm Credit Associations of NC. The Farm Credit Associations of NC owe their successes to their members and appreciates their support in helping them grow and remain financially strong.