Meet the Farmer: Derrick Austin
Hard work, patience, and dedication have guided Derrick Austin throughout his journey to becoming a first-generation farmer. His passion for agriculture took root at a young age while helping his grandfather tend a garden with a Super A Farmall. After graduating from the North Carolina State University Agricultural Institute, Austin spent the next 20 years working part-time on a farm, putting in long nights and weekends while pursuing his goal of farming full time. In 2014, that goal became a reality. Today, he farms 1,550 acres in the heart of Union County, North Carolina, growing soybeans, corn, and wheat.
For Austin, farming is far more than a job - it is a way of life. From spending his days outdoors to watching seeds emerge and caring for each crop through harvest, he says he couldn't imagine doing anything else. The work is demanding, but for Austin, it is equally rewarding.
Austin credits his family and faith as the foundation of both his life and his farming operation. "I thank God every day for keeping me healthy all these years to be able to put in all these long hours that it takes to do this successfully," he said. He is equally grateful for his wife's unwavering patience and his son's tireless work ethic. Looking ahead, Austin hopes his daughter will join the operation one day when she is old enough.
While Austin's passion for farming began with a Super A Farmall, today's operation relies on technology to improve efficiency and manage costs. He says GPS guidance has been one of the most valuable investments he has made. After purchasing his first GPS-equipped sprayer, he saw a significant reduction in chemical costs thanks to more precise applications. As his operation grew, he expanded the technology to his tractors and combine, where autosteer has improved efficiency and reduced fatigue during the long days of planting and harvest.
More than anything, Austin hopes consumers understand the care behind every crop farmers produce. Farmers care deeply about the people they feed, the land they steward, and the environment they will leave for future generations. Behind every harvest are long hours, family sacrifices, and a commitment to producing safe, high-quality food for families across North Carolina and beyond.
