NC Ag Leads Announces Working Group Leaders

NC Ag Leads reached a significant milestone in June by completing phase one of the strategic planning initiative. Through NC Ag Leads, the NC Chamber Foundation and Golden LEAF Foundation, with support from NC Farm Bureau and Google, are leading a strategic planning initiative for the North Carolina agriculture industry that will position the state’s number one economic driver for continued success.   

During phase one, NC Ag Leads convened over 400 members of the agriculture community through initiatives such as Imagine Ag Day, an industry-wide wargame, and focus groups across the state.  

During phase two, six working groups will work to identify solutions and make recommendations to North Carolina’s ag industry for the priorities identified by the industry during phase 1. 

We are excited to announce the leaders of the six working groups.

Harmonize land and resource use in a growing state.  

John Burt, President, Wake County Farm Bureau 

Daniel Hedgecock, Senior Manager of Business Intelligence, Precision Planting 

Align technology supply and demand.  

Katherine Drake Stowe, Director, US Soybean Research Collaborative 

Paul Ulanch, Senior Director of Focused Initiatives, North Carolina Biotechnology Center 

Reinforce farmer support systems.  

Milo Lewis, Executive Director, NC Cattlemen’s Association and NC Cattlemen’s Beef Council 

Angie Maier, Founder, Valley View Insights 

Value a business mindset across the industry, particularly on the farm. 

Nelson Powell, Senior Vice President, Agricultural & Commercial Lending at First Bank & Trust Company 

Victor Youngblood, Program Specialist FSA Eligibility , North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Empower and equip the agriculture workforce. 

Vincent Ginski, Director of Workforce Competitiveness, NC Chamber Foundation 

Ed Olive, Director, University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center  

Streamline market access efforts. 

Bryan Blinson, Owner, Blinson Strategies 

Adam Helms, Owner, Presa Consulting 

Each group includes a council and an advisory group. The council is comprised of approximately six experts who provide ongoing guidance to the working group leaders. The advisory group consists of around 25 members who will be consulted throughout phase two. 

If you’re interested in participating in an advisory group, please contact Sarah Grace Stone at sstone@ncchamber.com.  

Additional information about the working groups, collectively titled HARVEST, is available here.