ROXBORO N.C. – On Jun. 5, the Thomas Family Farm was presented with N.C State Conservation Farm Family award. The family was recognized due to their dedication to responsible farming, by using cover crops, no-till planting, and crop rotation. The award was presented in the company of friends and family.  

“It’s a real honor to represent North Carolina and agriculture”, said Jimmy Thomas during an interview with the N.C Farm Bureau.

About the Award

The Conservation Farm Family award program is sponsored by the N.C Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (NCASWCD).  The award recognizes the achievements of the state’s farmers and farm families who excel in implementing effective, innovative, economical conservation practices, and their active involvement in conservation education. 

The award starts locally; a county Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will nominate farms from the county. The nominees will then go to the Area competition, that state currently has eight regional Soil and Water Conservation Areas. The area winners then go to the Central Region competition, with the goal of becoming the State Conservation Farm Family winner.

Nominees must be actively managing a farm and implementing practices that protect soil and water resources, manage pollution, and improve overall sustainability.

About the Farm

The Thomas Family Farm can be described as a large-scale, multi-generational agricultural operation. Their operation features a rotation of corn grain, wheat, soybeans, tobacco, and a sizable hog operation exceeding 6,000 animals. The farm is also one of the few independent hog producers left in the state. As more family members come on board, they each bring their own unique talents. Between the crops and the animals, the farm responsibly manages over 3,000 acres.

Conservation Efforts

The reason why Thomas Family Farm takes conservation so seriously is because the farm operates around a watershed that feeds three major rivers in the state - the Flat, the Roanoke and the Neuse. They made it a point to invest in conservation efforts and expand. 

Between 2010 and 2014, the Thomas family participated in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), receiving a Cropland Annual Payment. In 2013, their commitment to conservation extended further as they completed an Agricultural Energy Management Conservation Activity Plan (CAP), constructed a Diversion, and established a Grassed Waterway in collaboration with NRCS.

From 2020 to 2024, through CSP, the Thomas's implemented cover crops consisting of four different species to help reduce soil erosion. Additionally, they left standing grain in their fields to support local wildlife. For fiscal year 2026, the Thomas family has been pre-approved for another CSP contract. During recent discussions, they considered expanding their efforts by adopting a multispecies cover crop mix with more than five species, aiming to enhance both soil health and pollinator habitats. They also explored the possibility of planting a cover crop after soybeans, a practice not previously implemented. There are also strategies being discussed for improving fertilizer efficiency, specifically by introducing products that interrupt nitrogen loss pathways such as volatilization and nitrification, which would maximize the effectiveness of applied fertilizers. But no-till practices still remain the most efficient. 

“No-till has been the real secret for conservation farming”, said Jimmy.

The Thomas family's eagerness to expand their cover cropping practices and utilize enhanced efficiency fertilizers reflects a thoughtful approach to maximizing their land's productivity, especially during periods of high fuel and fertilizer costs. Their willingness to embrace greater diversity in cover crops and advance their soil health initiatives demonstrates an ongoing commitment to responsible agriculture and investment in the long-term vitality of their operation.

“Thomas Family Farms stands as a strong example of where successful farming meets intentional stewardship. I’m proud to work with a family that reflects the spirit of North Carolina agriculture and exemplifies the foundational ideals that guide NRCS,” said Casey Harrington, Supervisory Soil Conservationist. 

Leaders in Conservation

This isn’t the first time the Thomas family has been recognized for their conservation efforts. In 2015 Jimmy Thomas earned the American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award. He was also named a Water All-Star by the United Soybean Board for his superb efforts toward sustainable production. 

The Thomas family has also been heavily involved in agricultural boards across the state. Currently the family participates in:

• American & NC Soybean Association
• NC Tobacco Growers
• NC Small Grain Association
• NC Pork Council
• Piedmont Electric Cooperative
• Person County Farm Bureau
• Person County Agricultural Advisory
• Person County Soil and Water Board

The Thomas family recognizes the importance of being responsible community stewards, consistently leading by example. “It’s about being a role model for North Carolina,” said Jimmy

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

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