David “Harrell” Overman
North Carolina Farmer of the Year 2025
Harrell Overman is a sixth-generation Wayne County farmer whose grandfather rented him a 13-acre tobacco farm to work when he was just 14 years old. He and his wife, Lorenda, have been farming row crops and raising swine in Goldsboro now for forty-three years.
After earning a degree in agronomy from North Carolina State University, Harrell returned to the family farm where his dad, David John, was raising hogs and row crops. Lorenda earned an associate degree in biology from Mount Olive College, and the two were married after graduation in 1982. They have three grown children: Beth Overman Cauley, Betsy Overman Roberson, and David William Overman and eleven grandchildren. Lorenda and Betsy handle payroll, irrigation records, accounts receivable and payable, and H2A paperwork on the farm. Betsy’s husband, Ryan, has worked full-time at the family enterprise since 2012; he owns a cattle operation there and acts as general manager of Overman Farms. The grandkids are involved in 4-H programs, learning responsibility and animal care, and participating in livestock shows.
Today Overman Farms raises corn, soybeans, and sweet potatoes on over 2200 acres. Their swine business has 44 finishing houses in five different farm locations featuring of 42,000 head space, resulting in 84,000 hogs produced annually.
Harrell said, “In recent years we’ve worked to diversify how we use the land and income. We’ve converted 30 acres of less productive, particularly dry row crop land into a solar energy facility that provides a steady stream of income for this property. I’ve enrolled farmland in conservation easements to prevent incursion from urban sprawl and land developers.” In their woodlands, the Overmans have maintained forests by clearing and replanting trees when needed while protecting streams and waterways.
A major transition occurred in 2005 when they switched over to growing for swine integrators and contracted with Goldsboro Milling Company until it closed in 2020. They are now contracted with Smithfield Foods Hog Division and Prestage Farms for the processing and finishing portion of their swine operation. Harrell noted, “The decision was one that ensured the farm would remain sustainable for the next generation to grow the operation.” Overman Farms sells its row crops to various local mills, including Smithfield Foods. Sweet potatoes are grown contractually for Eastern Agribusiness.
The Overmans are in the process of installing methane gas digesters at each of their hog farm/lagoon locations. These digesters increase environmentally friendly practices, reduce odor, and create a renewable energy source – in the form of methane – that’s also a revenue stream for them and other landowners and producers in the area. The hog farms currently operate on a recycled water system where houses are flushed with water from the lagoon that is also irrigated onto spray fields to fertilize the annual hay crop.
Harrell noted, “We monitor nitrogen levels in the wastewater quarterly and record and report all waste application yearly with the Department of Environmental Quality. These practices minimize our water use on the farm, maximize our use of fertilizer in a sound manner, and keep the farm in compliance with all regulations.” Overman Farms applies fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides using GPS technology and “Y-drops” to cut down on draft and waste per industry guidance and consistent compliance.
The family has met many crises and challenges through the years—including damage from hurricanes, dramatic drops in crop and pork prices, diseases, labor issues, and droughts—with typical fortitude and flexibility. The ever-present labor shortage problem was tackled in recent years by employing H2A labor.
On the local level, Harrell is a former president and current board member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau. On the state level, he is a NC Farm Bureau State Board Member and a NC Farm Bureau Executive Board Member as well as an inductee of the Wayne County Agriculture Hall of Fame. Lorenda is a former Board member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, serves on the Wayne County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, the NC Farm Bureau Swine Advisory Committee, is an Executive Board member, former president, and current secretary/treasurer of the NC Pork Council and the Vice Chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.
Having such a large family all living together on the farm is a joy to Harrell and Lorenda, who are long-term, active members of Providence Methodist Church. In the summer, their backyard pool is a gathering spot for swimming, volleyball, and cookouts. They also have a place at Atlantic Beach where everyone enjoys boating and fishing together. Harrell added, “There are enough grandkids so that we can have some robust, competitive softball and baseball games—usually the girls against the boys. It’s how they like it.”
Forty years of farming have taught Harrell some valuable lessons. He said, “You have to be able to adapt to constantly changing conditions, unpredictable weather, fluctuating prices, and ever-evolving technology. And you need to solve problems with patience and learn to take risks. Sticking it out through the hard times makes you appreciate the many blessings that come along to balance them out.”
Harrell was nominated North Carolina Farmer of the Year by Taylor Fish, District Field Representative for NC Farm Bureau. She said, “Harrell Overman is a sixth-generation farmer who began his career in 1982 with a goal of reclaiming and preserving his ancestral land. Through hard work, innovation, and diversification, Harrell has built a resilient operation that includes his wife, Lorenda, daughter, Betsy, and her husband, Ryan Roberson. Together they are preparing the farm for future generations, including their eleven grandchildren.”
She added, “Harrell is a model of sustainability and family-focused leadership, successfully farming amid increasing urban pressure. His family is actively involved in farm decisions, and he prioritizes their growth and engagement in agriculture. His lifelong service, advocacy, leadership, and mentorship reflect a deep commitment to Eastern North Carolina’s agricultural future.”
A distinguished panel of judges will visit Harrell Overman, along with the farms of the other six state finalists, the week of August 5–8. The judges include John McKissick, retired Ag Economist UGA; and Charles Ed Snipes, retired Weed Scientist Mississippi State University; and Kevin Morgan, retired Executive Assistant to the President Florida Farm Bureau. Judges typically serve for three years before rotating off the team.