Farm-City Banquet Celebrates Agriculture, Community, and Service
Pictured left to right - Robin Wilson, Clay Coor, Pat Coor, Ozzie Coor, Martha Stevens, Alvin Stevens
Pictured left to right - Michael Davis, Michelle Pace Davis, Jane Pace, Liam Graham Davis, David "Tommy" Pace, Deborah Pace, Jerry Pace Jr., Cara Ruth Pace Dunnavant, Lee Dunnavant, Dayton Dunnavant
The annual Farm-City Banquet brought together members of the agricultural community and supporters on November 26th to recognize the contributions to agriculture. The event highlighted the vital connections between Johnston County’s rural and urban communities while honoring outstanding service to local agriculture and beyond.
The banquet featured keynote speaker Ray Starling of the NC Chamber, a prominent advocate for agriculture and rural development. Starling's speech emphasized the importance of fostering relationships between farmers, businesses, and the broader community to ensure a thriving
agricultural future.
The evening's entertainment was provided by the Loblollies, a talented youth bluegrass band whose lively performance was met with an enthusiastic audience. Their music added a joyful energy to the event, underscoring the value of youth involvement in local traditions and culture.
A highlight of the evening was the baby supply drive organized by the 4-H program. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, a substantial collection of essential items was donated to the Watauga County Children's Council, supporting families in need in Western North Carolina.
The most significant moments of the evening came during the recognition of two pillars of Johnston County agriculture: Coor Farm Supply and Pace Family Farms. Coor Farm Supply has been a cornerstone of the Johnston County agricultural community for generations. Founded in 1960 by Ovid Coor, Coor Farm Supply began as an operation dedicated to meeting the needs of local farmers. Over the decades, it has grown into a trusted resource not only for the agricultural community but also for the general public, offering a wide range of high-quality products and services. From farm products to home landscape products, Coor Farm Supply has been a reliable partner for customers across Johnston County.
Under the leadership of Ovid’s son, Ozzie, the business has upheld its commitment to service, quality, and community. Whether assisting farmers in sustaining their livelihoods or providing goods to local residents, Coor Farm Supply has played a vital role in the economic and social fabric of Johnston County for nearly 64 years.
Pace Family Farms was honored for their dedication to farming and innovation. The Pace family, led by Jerry Pace Jr., his wife Deborah, and their daughters Michelle Pace Davis and Cara Ruth Dunnavant, has embraced both tradition and progress in their farming operation. For over 100 years, the Pace family relied on tobacco, but as the urban areas around them grew, they recognized the need for change. In 2016, they made the bold decision to transition from tobacco to strawberries, a shift that was met with overwhelming support from the community. Listening to their customers, they quickly expanded to include other crops, and even a thriving CSA box program.
The Pace Family is also deeply committed to agricultural education by welcoming students of all kinds to the farm. These field trips provide hands-on learning opportunities that bring classroom lessons to life and pay tribute to the deeply rooted connection to organizations such as FFA that had profound impacts on Michelle and Cara.
The Farm-City Banquet is a signature event supported by NC Cooperative Extension, Johnston County Center, and the JoCo Grows Agriculture initiative. NC Cooperative Extension has long served as a vital resource for farmers, agribusinesses, and families across Johnston County, providing research-based education and resources to support agricultural and economic success.
JoCo Grows Agriculture is a marketing program that highlights Johnston County's rich agricultural heritage, connecting local farmers with businesses, residents, and visitors. By promoting local products, fostering agritourism, and supporting events like the Farm-City Banquet, JoCo Grows Agriculture showcases the critical role agriculture plays in the county's economy and culture.
The Farm-City Banquet served as a reminder of the strong ties that bind Johnston County’s farm families, businesses, and residents. The evening’s celebrations not only honored the past and present contributions of local agricultural leaders but also served as a call to the community to see that agriculture remains a part of our future.