Leadership Union Agriculture Day 2025: A Deeper Look at the Land That Sustains Us

Leadership Union: Agriculture Day with the Union County Chamber of Commerce offered more than just a tour—it provided a thoughtful, up-close look at the diverse agricultural systems that help sustain Union County. From conservation practices and higher education partnerships to family farming legacies and local food access, this year’s stops reflected the complexity and community at the core of local agriculture.

The day began at Tyson Hatchery, where participants gained a behind-the-scenes view of commercial poultry production. The level of precision and care required to raise healthy chicks at scale offered a fresh perspective on one of North Carolina’s leading agricultural sectors.

From there, the group visited Josh Eudy’s cow-calf farm, a place where conservation meets practicality. With support from Union County Soil & Water, Josh implemented a solution to provide clean, accessible water for his cattle while also protecting the integrity of a stream that runs through his property. It was a real-world example of environmental stewardship and agricultural viability working together.

The tour then shifted to a unique topic: urban forestry. Union County is one of the few in the state with a dedicated Urban Forester, and participants learned how this role supports healthy green spaces, provides guidance on the correct way to plant trees, why oak trees are his primary concern for saving, and advocates for more tree canopy across developing areas of the county. It was a reminder that agriculture isn’t always rural—it exists wherever land and people intersect.

Gena Moore, Director of the Agricultural Food Systems degree program at Wingate University, led a walking tour of their developing 8-acre teaching and research farm. With a vision of experiential learning at its core, the farm, even before ground is broken, is serving as a platform for students to engage with applied agricultural research and community-based food systems.

Throughout the day, hearing directly from farmers added an invaluable perspective to the stops along the way. One of those voices is longtime Union County farmer Randy Baucom. He shared stories of his family’s deep farming roots, along with a tour of his cow-calf herd and row crop operation. His reflections underscored both the pride and the pressures that come with generational farming—and illustrated how agriculture remains at the forefront of Union County’s identity and economic strength.

The day concluded at Bountiful Blessings Produce Stand, a small but mighty example of local food in action. The stand provides community members with access to locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables in and around Union County. It is also a hub for new and emerging goods created by community members. From pies to juices to holistic products, you can find almost anything at their location. 

Agriculture Day remains a cornerstone of the Leadership Union experience—not just for what participants see, but for what they come to understand. Agriculture is more than rows of crops or herds of animals. It’s conservation, innovation, education, and community, rooted in the land and carried forward by the people who care for it. The members of the Chamber of Commerce expressed their appreciation and newfound respect for the farming community and its contributions to the county.