Chad Herring is a third-generation pig farmer who manages the family pig farm in Mount Olive.
Not only does Chad nurture the newly weaned pigs that come to his nursery, he has begun to nurture relationships with consumers as well. Through his position as executive director of NC Farm Families, Chad has invited countless guests to his farm to give them a first-hand look at what goes on on a hog farm.
These visits have opened an honest dialogue with lawmakers, students, reporters and others to give them a better understanding of the pork industry. As more and more North Carolinians are from out of state or from urban backgrounds, the benefits of these visits cannot be overstated.
Chad’s ability to be a great ambassador stems from his farm. It’s well-run, in compliance with all rules and regulations and produces high quality pigs. Chad is Pork Quality Assurance Plus-certified and the farm has passed the PQA Plus site assessment.
Chad has also invested a lot of time and energy to become an ambassador, by applying and being selected for the Pork Leadership Institute, attending Operation Mainstreet training and serving as an NPPC delegate at National Pork Forum for several years. He’s also on the NPPC Conference Committee and the National Pork Producer Council’s Environmental Policy Committee.
Chad embodies the We Care principles and he cares for his community as a volunteer fire fighter and a previously served on the Duplin County Board of Health.
The North Carolina Outstanding Pork Producer of the Year award recognizes a pork producer or family who has made significant contributions to the pork industry in North Carolina.