Rowan County Farmers Honored at Salute to Agri-Business Event

Bread Riot board members enjoyed celebrating local farmers and sharing information with the community.

Bread Riot had the pleasure of taking part in the Salute to Agri-Business breakfast held on March 16 at West End Plaza. Hosted by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and the Rowan County Cooperative Extension, the annual event honors local farmers as well as supporters of this important business sector. Among the many attendees were various Rowan County farmers, West Rowan FFA members, the 4-H County Council, elected officials and more.

Several local groups, including Bread Riot, set up booths to share information with attendees. Bread Riot board members enjoyed visiting with local farmers, meeting community members and local leaders, and discussing North Carolina agriculture. The hearty breakfast, which included several Rowan-grown products, was a bonus.

Keynote speaker Jake Parker, North Carolina Farm Bureau secretary and general council, spoke about the new Farm Bill and its importance, how agritourism might help farmers generate extra income, and various issues surrounding regulation and litigation.

The event was part of the Chamber’s Power In Partnership series. Elaine Holden, chair of the board, reminded guests of upcoming events, including Earth Day Jam and the Dragon Boat Festival, as well as the Salisbury Farmer’s Market, which reopens on April 15.

Rowan County Agri-Business Facts

• Number of farms: 925

• Percentage of total land in farm production: 36%

• Average farm size: 129 acres

• Average farmer age: 57 years old

Provided by the Rowan Farm Bureau

Thank you to the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, the Rowan County Cooperative Extension and sponsor organizations for putting together this wonderful event!