RALEIGH, N.C. – A Wayne County farmer will be recognized during one of North Carolina’s largest agricultural celebrations this week.
Josh Young of The Young-Outlaw Ranch in Dudley has been named the Young Farmer of the Day for Sunday, May 17, during the 2026 Got to Be NC Festival at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.
Young joins fellow honorees Madison Costa of Fowl Creek Farms in Nashville, who will be recognized Friday, May 15, and Will Thomas of Buddy Waddell’s Farm in Wadesboro, honored Saturday, May 16.
The Young Farmer of the Day recognition, presented by AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit, highlights young agricultural leaders helping shape the future of farming in North Carolina.
The annual Got to Be NC Festival, scheduled for May 15-17, celebrates the state’s agricultural heritage with exhibits, food, entertainment, rides, live music, tractors, educational displays, and family activities.
“I invite you to join us for the Got to Be NC Festival as we celebrate the people, products and traditions that make North Carolina agriculture so strong,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “From our farmers and food producers to the families who support them, this festival is a chance to experience the very best our state has to offer.”
Festival visitors can explore more than 100 North Carolina food companies, wineries, and breweries inside the Got to Be NC Pavilion at the Agri Supply Expo Center. The marketplace will feature locally made products ranging from sauces and snacks to meats, spices, sweets, and beverages.
The festival will also feature daily tractor parades, children’s activities, educational exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment throughout the weekend.
Special events include the Carolina Pig Jig barbecue fundraiser, antique tractor pulls, children’s pedal tractor competitions, cooking challenges, and Action Alley, where children can explore construction and emergency vehicles up close.
Admission and parking for the festival are free, though some activities, rides, and exhibits require tickets or purchase.
Festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
