Generation after generation has responded successfully to Benjamin Franklin’s warning in his answer to Elizabeth Powel’s question on September 1787 about what kind of government they had established. His answer, “A Republic, if you can keep it.”
There have been many evil persons attempting to destroy the divinely inspired work of those noble Founders. There are now many evil persons and organized groups still intent on “fundamentally changing America.” That phrase sounds so innocent, doesn’t it?
What are their names? Mark 5:9 (KJV) records the Savior asking a question of the evil spirit who was tormenting a man. “What is thy name?” asked the Savior. The answer, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” One needs only to occasionally watch the national news to conclude there are many evil forces trying to destroy America. They have all but a few mainstream media organizations supporting their efforts with ultra-liberal, biased reporting. Thank heaven for the Duplin Journal and the North State Journal.
We have had one horrible Civil War and two terrible World Wars that have soaked the ground and filled the oceans with the blood of Patriots, trying to keep it. There have been other wars and rumors of wars facing the nations of this earth on a daily basis. Certainly, the effects of natural disasters in diverse areas temporarily grab our attention and then it is back to life as normal.
However, our Republic may now be facing its most formidable challenges: extreme prosperity combined with many flavors of progressivism, accelerating moral decay, and enemies within who are antagonistic, hostile, and work in opposition to our founding principles.
Evil forces have slowly but surely infiltrated and indoctrinated institutions founded to inform, educate, and pass to the next generations the knowledge and wisdom of prior generations.
John Calvin observed, “Men are undoubtedly more in danger from prosperity than from adversity. For when matters go smoothly, they flatter themselves, and are intoxicated by their success.” In 1838, Abraham Lincoln observed, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroy ourselves.”
By casual observation, we are left to conclude that never have we been so prosperous in terms of worldly things. Certainly, we see that the new morality is really no morality at all and that decline is accelerating.
More and more frequently these days, I am prone to interject the phrase “Granny told me” or “Granny said” into a variety of conversations with family, friends, or colleagues in the political arena. Sometimes, when I don’t exactly remember who gave some good advice, I will cover the plagiarism base by saying, “Granny said.”
Almost all the wise folks whose paths I have crossed personally or through their literature are someone’s Granny or Papa. Now being called Papa, I know from personal experience wisdom accumulates as one advances from child to parent to grandparent.
More than a few folks have advised those of a younger generation thusly: “The older I get, the smarter my parents become.” The Latin phrase “Ut Est Rerum Omnium Magister Usus” is attributed to Julius Caesar and is translated as “Experience is the best teacher.” My Granny characterized experience as the only successful teacher.
We have strayed from successfully passing on that which is good to the next generations. The so-called Progressive movement has turned into the “Hate anything that is good about America movement.” Remember, “Lies can travel around the world while the truth is strapping on its boots.”
We, the people should join President Trump and his efforts to “Make America great, again.”
Jimmy Dixon (R-NC04) represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
WARSAW — A proposal to install a four-way stop at one of Warsaw’s busiest intersections sparked spirited debate at the latest town board meeting, as officials weighed rising crash reports on Memorial Drive and Hill Street against longstanding frustrations with state inaction and broader concerns about infrastructure, safety and town planning.
Town Manager Lea Turner explained that due to an increase in accidents at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Hill Street, a Warsaw officer made a request to NC DOT to conduct investigations on a four-way stop at that intersection.
“DOT has sent me the information in reference to their investigation. I’ve attached that email,” said Turner, explaining that DOT responded that a four-way stop could be implemented if the town passed a resolution.
Some board members expressed doubt about whether this intersection warranted such a measure, arguing that other intersections, particularly one near Friendly Mart, were more dangerous.
The board discussed alternatives like flashing caution lights or motion-activated signals at the stop signs. Several members expressed frustration with DOT’s past rejections of similar safety measures at other intersections. Ultimately, the group agreed to request further studies and possibly pursue warning lights instead of a four-way stop at the Memorial – Hill intersection.
Commissioner Al Searless spoke about a roundabout that was once proposed by DOT, but the town rejected it due to heavy truck traffic. Several members of the board believe that this decision may have delayed any major safety improvements at that location.
Another commissioner noted that Friendly Mart has been under discussion for over 25 years, yet meaningful changes have not been implemented, and more recent DOT scoring and prioritization efforts have failed to place the intersection high on the list.
The idea of a roundabout was once ahead of its time, being part of a very early statewide rollout. Unfortunately, a lack of public understanding of roundabouts at the time led to resistance. Now, with more municipalities adopting such traffic designs successfully, there may be renewed interest.
“I sit on the DOT, Transportation Advisory Council, and I have not seen anything at the meeting where they’re scoring points for a project,” said Mayor A.J. Connors. “Many other places are getting bicycle lanes and all the other things, and changing routing of 24 in some areas, but have not seen anything in that area.”
The town plans to send a renewed request to DOT, hoping to bring attention back to the intersection and reconsider possible improvements.
Turner also spoke about the need for a retirement policy. Previously, town retirees with 25 years of service and age 62 qualified for medical coverage until age 65, after which they would transition to Medicare supplements. That policy was rescinded in 2022, and currently, the town has no formal retirement policy in place, although some employees remain grandfathered under the old rules.
The town manager proposed a tiered retirement plan with three levels: full medical benefits for 30 years of service at any age, partial benefits for those with 25 years and age 62, and Medicare-only support for 20 years and age 65. While this plan is more generous than the previous one, some board members raised serious concerns about cost and sustainability, particularly the unlimited liability of covering healthcare for potentially decades if someone retires at 50. They noted that most municipalities and even the state are moving away from early retirement coverage due to rising healthcare costs.
“I just question whether we can afford 30 years at any age. If you’ve got somebody who starts at age 20 and they go 30 years and they turn 50, you’re talking about paying their insurance for a lot of years,” said Searless. “I don’t know of any program that does that. In fact, I know the state has pulled back a lot of the retirement programs because retirement programs will break a budget.”
“This is open as a suggestion for tonight. And it is something for you to consider and evaluate so that we can come back at a later date,” said Connors.
Board members requested that the town manager return with projected cost analyses and employee eligibility estimates.
“We have no idea what the cost of somebody’s medical might be if they were to leave at say age 55. And we were saying we were gonna sign up for their medical expenses for the rest of their lives,” said Searless. “We’re seeing both companies and municipalities and even the state back off of the idea of early retirement medical coverage because of the unlimited liability.”
During departmental updates, Betty Davis, with Warsaw Parks and Recreation, shared about her ongoing efforts to enhance recreational facilities.
Davis discussed a number of initiatives in partnership with North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. These include the development of a new walking trail with informative signage and a storytelling component, as well as a collaborative art project involving Girl Scouts to beautify the path and picnic areas. Davis explained these enhancements are being funded through grants.
Davis also shared her vision for revitalizing Warsaw’s community life and infrastructure.
She recalls the town’s more prosperous past and advocated for the community to collectively brainstorm ways to bring back the vibrancy of earlier decades.
Turner provided an update on the wastewater pretreatment program stating that they have been meeting with the state.
“There’s still information that they’re requesting to complete our final review of our pretreatment program, but we have been working with them on that,” said Turner, adding that the town is actively working with state agencies to address wastewater compliance issues.
According to NC DEQ documents in the last three months Warsaw has been fined more than $115,000 in civil penalties for violations of the discharge limitations found in the town’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System wastewater permit, which occurred from January through March 2025.
Turner told Duplin Journal that the fines are paid by the industries responsible for the violations.
Commissioner Jack A. Hawes stressed that local leaders are engaging state and federal representatives to advocate for equitable funding to bring the sewer system up to par.
“I’ve been reaching out to our representatives to get us this money because I think it’s totally unfair that they represent us and everybody gets money besides Warsaw,” said Hawes, he also encouraged residents to contact legislators.
“I kind of want to dispel some of what I feel like is out there that feels like there is secrecy. There’s some things we just can’t talk about because there’s a law issue related to it. And we go in closed sections.”
The board pushed back on any narrative that the town is hiding information, especially concerning fines. Hawes clarified that all required reports are self-submitted by licensed professionals, and any issues identified stem from honest internal reporting, not external audits.
“When you just see or hear that we got a fine, it’s not the state coming, breaking down our doors and finding this fine. It’s the reports that we send them. So that means there’s nobody hiding nothing because we send them the report,” said Hawes. “We are working to get this sewer problem resolved as quickly as we possibly can because right now it’s really going to start stunting our growth if we don’t get it rectified.”
Hawes praised the town manager’s willingness to confront longstanding problems, particularly regarding the water and sewer infrastructure.
“At least she has the guts to face it and try to correct it. Because the other managers did not do it. And now it’s falling square in her lap. But at least she’s not turning a blind eye to it,” said Hawes. “She’s facing it straight on. Even though she gets all the different phone calls, the nasty phone calls, the nasty emails, she still is moving forward along with the commissioners, to actually fix the problem that’s been there for decades.”
Connors discussed reviewing the town’s personnel policies, specifically those related to vacation leave for full-time employees. Connors proposed changes to the internal process for approving and tracking leave. Currently, policy requires board approval for employees seeking two consecutive weeks of leave.
Connors also highlighted the need for timely performance evaluations, particularly for the town manager. Although evaluations are outlined in the town’s municipal policy, they have not yet been completed.
“That is something that needs to be done in the near future,” said Connors.
He emphasized that evaluations are also expected from department heads for their respective staff.
KENANSVILLE — As Duplin County nears Friday’s candidate filing deadline for the Nov. 4 Municipal Election, a contrasting picture is emerging among the electorates — one marked by quiet incumbency and uncontested seats, and the other marked by competitive shakeups and a surge of new challengers.
In Beulaville, incumbents are holding their ground, with longtime Mayor Michael “Hutch” Jones and Commissioner Delmas Highsmith both facing no new challengers. The town’s trend of minimal electoral competition is likely to persist, as seen in previous elections.
Similar patterns can be observed in Greenevers, Kenansville, Magnolia and Teachey, where no opposition has yet emerged. Each of these towns has only one candidate so far, despite multiple seats open. In Greenevers, incumbents Gregory Carr and Timothy Murphy have filed for reelection. In Kenansville, Commissioner Linda Tyson is seeking to retain her position. Magnolia’s incumbent, Jeanine Cavenaugh, has filed for reelection. In Teachey, Commissioner Danny Sutton is looking to keep his seat as well. Historical trends in some of these towns have shown spikes in competition, particularly around contentious local issues such as infrastructure, suggesting that surprises may still occur before the Friday deadline.
Calypso also shows signs of continuity. Although Rodney Lambert Jr. has filed, key incumbents, including Mayor JoAnn Wilson, have not as of newspaper deadline. The current lack of filings so far hints at another uncontested cycle, unless last-minute candidates step in.
On the other hand, Faison appears to be set for a competitive election cycle with four candidates already in the race — including incumbent Sandy McCarty, Juan Carlos Quintanilla, Alane Brewer Floyd, and Joanie Babcock vying for three commissioner seats. As of the press deadline, Mayor Billy Ward, Commissioners Christy Allen and Sherry Franklin had not yet filed, but Faison’s past elections have often drawn a strong field and more challengers may still emerge. Rose Hill remains quiet for now, with no candidates in sight.
In Wallace, incumbents like Mayor Jason Wells, Councilwoman Tasha Herring-Redd, and Councilman Jason Davis have filed to retain their seats, but given the town’s developing infrastructure and ongoing projects, it is anticipated that more candidates will join the race.
In Warsaw, the field continues to grow. With six candidates now in the mix, Warsaw is on track for a potentially intense and possibly transformative election cycle. Incumbent A.J. Connors, seeking a third term, was among the first to file on July 7. The race took a significant turn on July 14 when Wesley Boykin officially filed to challenge Connors. Boykin’s entry indicates a competitive battle for the town’s top position, with both candidates likely to face scrutiny on issues such as water infrastructure and growth strategy. Newcomers Sheree Shepard and Kiara Smith have also declared their candidacies for commissioner, challenging incumbents Ebony Wills-Wells and Al Searles, who are seeking to retain their seats. As debates around infrastructure intensify in Warsaw, the stage is set for a dynamic and closely watched election season.
Meanwhile, Mount Olive, though not entirely within Duplin County, is witnessing strong electoral activity, with six candidates and multiple competitive races already underway. Harlie Junior Carmichael and Don Fairman are running for the Commissioner At-Large seat. District 1 Commissioner Vicky Darden is facing Robert King, while Incumbents J. Jerome Newton and District 2 Commissioner Delreese Simmons are also seeking reelection. Mount Olive stands out for its early political participation. Issues like leadership succession and equitable district representation seem to be mobilizing residents ahead of the November vote.
This election cycle also brings structural changes to Duplin County’s voting map: the number of precincts will be reduced from 19 to 17, with the closure of the Locklin and Rockfish precincts.
This decision, made by the Duplin County Board of Elections and approved by the State Board of Elections, was driven by financial considerations due to low turnout and proximity to the Wallace precinct.
Carrie Sullivan, Duplin County Board of Elections director, told Duplin Journal that there were a couple of factors that the Board took into account when making the decision to close them.
“Locklin is home to 373 voters, of which less than 90 voted on Election Day each time over the past two elections. The decision for Locklin came down to the amount of manpower and resources it was taking to service a low volume of Election Day voters,” said Sullivan.
“The Rockfish precinct was located roughly half a mile from the Wallace precinct. The location only allowed for parking on the street, which is not adequate for the 961 registered voters of that precinct. The Board felt that the availability of safe, ample parking and drive-up curbside voting service at the Wallace precinct would better serve the voters of Rockfish. Although there are a large number of voters registered at Rockfish, most of them traditionally vote during the Early Voting period and around 100 of them turn out on the actual day of election.”
Sullivan added that Locklin and Rockfish voters will now vote at the Wallace precinct located at the American Legion building.
“We will be sending some of the resources and staffing from the old precincts to handle any increase in voter traffic,” she explained.
Friday, July 18, is the last day of the candidate filing period for the Municipal Election.
July 17, 11 a.m. update
In Beulaville, Commissioner Gene Wickline filed for reelection on July 16.
In Calypso, incumbent Mayor JoAnne Bowden-Wilson filed to keep her seat on July 15, and newcomer Willie Wilcutt filed for a commissioner seat.
In Faison, Ken Avent Jr. filed for a commissioner seat on July 15.
In Greenevers, newcomer Roszena Devione-Bivens filed for a commissioner seat on July 16.
In Magnolia, Commissioner Perry J. Raines filed for reelection on July 15.
In Rose Hill, Mayor Davy Buckner filed to keep his seat on July 15, and newcomer Perry Tully filed for a commissioner seat on July 16.
In Teachey, incumbents Patrick Williams and Ethylen Carlton Powell filed to keep their seats on July 16.
In Warsaw, newcomer Cheryl Smith filed for a commissioner seat on July 16.
In Mount Olive, newcomer Gena Messer-Knode filed for the District 3 commissioner seat, and Camilla Loftin filed for the District 4 commissioner seat.
July 18 update The following candidates have also filed:
In Calypso, Marty Taylor filled for mayor on July 17, and incumbent Larry Cashwell filled to keep his seat on July 17.
In Magnolia, Michael Glenn Chestnuttfilled for a commissioner seat on July 18.
In rose Hill, incumbent Tashau Mathis and newcomer Randy Barrior filled for a commissioner seat on July 18.
In Wallace, Glen Price filled for a commissioner seat on July 17.
Harley Roberson champions agriculture behind the scenes
KENANSVILLE — Harley Roberson’s connection to agriculture runs deep — shaped by her upbringing on a generational farmland in Mount Olive, and early experiences at a local seed company where her mother worked. That foundation grew into a calling, guiding her through her education at the University of Mount Olive, where she earned a degree in agribusiness in 2022.
Though her family no longer farms directly, leasing their land kept her closely tied to the agricultural community and strengthened her desire to serve those who do the work of feeding the world.
“Growing up, I spent countless hours talking to local farmers at the seed company with my mom,” said Roberson. “It made me realize that serving others through agriculture was where I belonged.”
Now a Commercial Loan Processor at AgCarolina Farm Credit’s Kenansville branch, Roberson plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in helping local farmers secure the financial resources they need to succeed.
“Every loan we process represents someone feeding the world,” she says. “AgCarolina goes above and beyond for local agriculture,” Roberson said. “When people think of agriculture, they think of tractors and dirt. I think of families at dinner tables, people getting the medicine they need, and kids wearing warm coats in winter. That’s what it’s all about.”
Roberson is passionate about mentoring the next generation, especially young women entering the field. She credits her education, mentors like Sandy Maddox, and the support of her coworkers for helping her thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“I’ve been lucky to work alongside men who see me as an equal and want me to succeed,” said Roberson. “Young ladies today have so many opportunities to learn and lead. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more women in crop and animal production in the next decade.”
With a strong belief in continuous learning and representation, she encourages others to speak up, stay curious, and take pride in their place in agriculture.
“Always keep learning. Be a sponge. Stay open-minded. And never be too afraid to speak up — the more perspectives you understand, the better you’ll be,” said Roberson. “I love teaching young people about agriculture. Their curiosity is what will keep this industry strong.”
Roberson hopes to inspire more young people to explore the diversity of careers agriculture offers. She believes agriculture is about more than just machines and soil — it’s about people, families, and communities.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of dedication to an industry that sustains everyday life — and a mission to ensure it thrives for generations to come.
MOUNT OLIVE — The soft rustle of crops in the breeze and the expansive farmland that stretches across both sides of Manly Grove Road serve as gentle reminders of the steady pulse of work that characterizes life on the farm.
Nestled along the back roads of Mount Olive, Insight Agronomics stands as a quiet outpost amid the agricultural landscape. Greeted by the sight of a towering John Deere tractor parked prominently at the gravel entrance, Duplin Journal met with Isaac Linton, a student from the University of Mount Olive.
Linton is no stranger to farm life. A fifth-generation farmer hailing from Grantham, Linton grew up homeschooled and surrounded by livestock as part of his family’s operation, Countryview Farms.
Although his agricultural journey started with livestock —showing pigs, turkeys, goats, and sheep through 4-H —his focus has shifted toward crop science. Currently pursuing a degree in ag production systems with a minor in plant science, Linton is exploring a new side of agriculture. Through his internship at Insight Agronomics, he is gaining hands-on experience in precision farming and crop management.
Isaac Linton, stands in front of a corn field that sits right next to Insight Agronomics, where he is currently completing an internship as part of his curriculum at the University of Mount Olive. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
“Taking crop science and soil science intrigued me, and it’s something I didn’t have much experience in,” said Linton.
While livestock remains close to his heart Linton has embraced the challenge of learning something entirely new. “Stepping out of your comfort zone,” he says, “makes it more enjoyable because there’s something new every day.”
Linton, who lives seven minutes up the road from the facility, learned about the internship opportunity through one of his professors who works closely with Josh Raynor, the owner of Insight Agronomics. Linton told Duplin Journal that his internship has provided valuable hands-on experience, exposing him to various tasks.
“Yesterday, we were planting beans. Today, I was spraying pre-emergent on top of them,” said Linton, noting that each day is different.
The diversity of work has given him a comprehensive look into the dynamic nature of crop production, helping sharpen his observational skills and deepen his understanding of its complexities. One of the biggest lessons he has learned so far is that agriculture rarely offers a one-size-fits-all solution. Learning to solve problems and make informed recommendations for the farm has been a key takeaway for him.
“So, it’s learning to adapt to those scenarios and understand it further to make recommendations,” Linton explained, adding that every situation requires flexibility.
He has also been involved in several research trials, including testing different soybean varieties and participating in herbicide trials in neighboring counties. Much of his fieldwork has focused on scouting peanuts, corn, and soybeans for pests and evaluating plant health. He has gained valuable experience using advanced tools, such as GPS-guided auto-steering tractors, and learned about the importance of crop-specific management strategies, especially regarding chemical applications.
Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
Balancing a 35-hour workweek that starts at 7:30 a.m. and wraps up around 5 p.m., he still finds time to enjoy the simple things in life like tinkering with his 1987 F250, spending time by the river, and being with his family and girlfriend.
With the internship running through August, Linton is gaining not only technical skills but also a broader perspective of the agricultural landscape.
As graduation approaches in May 2026, Linton is keeping his options open. He plans to earn a CDL and is considering truck driving after school, but the field of precision ag and crop production is now firmly on his radar.
Tucked in the quiet backroads of Turkey, North Carolina, a family found not just land — but purpose. Nestled within 1,300 acres of gently rolling farmland, Jaclyn Smith, her husband Reid, and their three children have created a home here.
What started as a small operation using their land in Clayton to explore the possibilities during the pandemic has evolved into a thriving agricultural venture — the Wilders brand.
We were fortunate to find farmers exiting the industry just as we started, Jaclyn told Duplin Journal, explaining it was an exciting opportunity to learn from experienced breeders as they shared their knowledge while leaving the field.
Cattle graze at Wilders farm in Sampson County. Right, Jaclyn and Reid Smith pose for a photo at their farm. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
With fullblood Wagyu cattle grazing under open skies and Berkshire hogs foraging through native pastures. The rhythm of rural life offers a grounding sense of peace while working the land keeps the family connected to something greater.
At Wilders, each animal is more than just livestock — they’re an integral part of a living, breathing ecosystem that supports the family’s deeper purpose.
“Every animal is treated like they should be — they’re enjoying nature,” said Jaclyn, reflecting their commitment to ethical and compassionate care. “It takes extreme care, and we want to do it the right way. We want to be good stewards of God’s creation.”
At the heart of the Smith family’s operation is a carefully developed breeding program focused on full-blood Wagyu cattle—animals whose lineage traces directly back to Japan. Their mission is to elevate the quality of their herd through superior genetics, producing premium beef known for its exceptional marbling. From the beginning, the Smiths have been intentional about acquiring mature cows and experimenting with elite genetic lines, enabling them to build a strong foundation for both their breeding and terminal herds. This dual-herd approach allows them to balance long-term genetic improvements with ongoing beef production.
Berkshire hogs roam freely in designated areas where they play and forage through native pastures. Currently, the Wilders farm raises between 100 to 150 pigs. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
One of the most important components of their program is the use of advanced reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Partnering with a company called Vytelle, the family employs cutting-edge methods to extract unfertilized eggs which are then fertilized and graded for viability before being implanted into surrogate cows.
“We have a satellite lab here,” said Jaclyn. “Vytelle works extracting what they call ovocytes, which are like unfertilized eggs from the mom and then they can fertilize the eggs to create an embryo.”
This process enables them to multiply the offspring of elite animals while maintaining strict control over genetic quality. Jaclyn noted the excitement of being able to carry out this work on their property, not only for their herd but also as a resource for other cattlemen.
Their use of surrogate mothers, which include both Wagyu and larger non-Wagyu cows, reflects the family’s practical approach to herd management. Since Wagyu cows are smaller and can face challenges during birth, using larger surrogates helps reduce complications and supports stronger calf development thanks to improved milk production. Although only about a third of the implanted embryos successfully take, the results are worth the effort. The Smiths carefully manage breeding and calving cycles, aiming for two- to three-week birth windows in the spring and fall. This schedule improves survival rates and keeps both mothers and calves healthy.
Raising Wagyu cattle also requires patience. Unlike other breeds, Wagyus take 28 to 30 months to reach harvest weight, significantly increasing the cost of production. However, this extended feeding period is essential to developing the fine marbling that defines premium Wagyu beef. During their first year of life, the cattle remain on the farm before being transitioned to a finishing location.
While the cattle graze freely on pasture, their diets are supplemented with grain-based rations to fill any nutritional gaps, ensuring balanced growth and health. The Smiths grow much of their own feed but also source from local farmers. Pastures are equipped with salt blocks and mineral trays, offering essential nutrients and further supporting the animals’ well-being. The family uses a grain-finishing process to enhance this marbling, supplementing the animals’ natural pasture diet with carefully selected grains that contribute to the meat’s tenderness, flavor, and overall quality. This approach mimics traditional Wagyu practices.
To support optimal growth during this phase, the Smiths work with a Wagyu-specific nutritionist to develop tailored feed rations that enhance muscle development and fat distribution.
To further refine their breeding program, the Smiths conduct progeny testing—an evaluation method that tracks how specific sires influence carcass quality traits like marbling. By collecting and analyzing this data, they gain deeper insight into the effectiveness of their genetic pairings. This continuous improvement process is rooted in detailed tracking and a commitment to quality, ensuring that each generation of cattle is more consistent and higher performing than the last. This also allows them to maintain strict control over each phase of development, which is essential for accurate data collection and decision-making.
The family’s investment in premium genetics and long-term strategy is beginning to pay off. Some of the embryos they implanted in 2021 have now matured and are producing beef and pork that fill the family freezer. Turning an embryo into a finished steak is a three-year commitment—an example of the patience and dedication required to raise ethically managed, high-quality livestock. This kind of long-term vision sets the Smiths apart in a competitive and increasingly demanding beef market.
Beyond genetics, farm design and animal welfare are central to their success. The farm layout is designed to support the efficient movement of animals even in bad weather, with connecting alleys between pastures and working areas. This design minimizes animal stress and makes day-to-day operations smoother and safer. The family also carefully rotates cattle through pastures, ensuring that both land and animals are well cared for. This rotational system helps maintain pasture health, supports natural grazing behavior, and provides a more comfortable environment for the animals.
Lastly, the Smiths have embraced a holistic vision for their farm’s role in the Wagyu industry. In addition to raising beef, they export embryos and semen to help grow the Wagyu breed in the U.S.— a process slowed historically by limited imports. Their upcoming production sale will feature live animals and frozen genetics, allowing other breeders to benefit from their progress. Their processor also plays a key role, grading marbling based on the ninth rib and using that data to determine whether beef will be sold as steak or ground. Through these combined efforts, the Smith family is not only improving their own herd, but contributing meaningfully to the future of Wagyu cattle in the United States and beyond.
One of the distinctive and heartfelt aspects of Wilders Farm is how the Smith family raises their Berkshire pigs on open land rather than confining them in hog houses — a common practice in the area. This decision reflects the family’s core values, prioritizing animal welfare and natural behaviors over convenience and cost-efficiency. By allowing the pigs to roam freely, forage, and dig in the soil, the Smiths believe they’re not only improving the animals’ quality of life but also enhancing the flavor and nutrition of the pork. Jaclyn explained that it’s a choice they willingly make because it aligns with what they believe is right.
“Even though the economics might not work with what makes our hearts happy — it’s our piggy bank — so we can make that decision,” she said with a smile.
To further support animal health and responsible breeding, the Smiths rotate their sows and boars through designated areas, allowing plenty of space for movement and play. Jaclyn described the pigs’ joy in digging mud puddles and snuggling together — behaviors that highlight their intelligence and social nature. Currently, the farm raises between 100 to 150 pigs, with most reaching market readiness between 6 to 12 months of age. Special attention is given to the expectant sows, who are placed in dedicated maternity zones to provide a calm, nurturing environment for birthing.
With a background in education and real estate, Jaclyn brings a passion for teaching to the beef side of the business, likening it to selling homes — where explaining value, quality, and investment is key. While she focuses on customer education and sales, Reed dives deep into the genetic side of farming. Together, they emphasize the importance of educating consumers about the care, time, and ethical practices behind their Wagyu beef.
Through their e-commerce site, a general store in Clayton, and presence at farmer’s markets, they connect directly with customers.
Jacly shared that they often offer unseasoned samples of their product so that customers can taste the pure, unadulterated flavor of the meat. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers expressing their appreciation for the quality of the beef.
Although the region lacks the affluence of larger cities, Wilders has found deep-rooted support in their local community. They are especially grateful for customers who recognize and value their dedication to quality and ethical animal care. Looking ahead, their vision includes expanding their beef products onto restaurant menus nationwide while continuing to refine their herd’s genetics to consistently deliver top-tier Wagyu beef.
One of the most rewarding aspects of their journey has been the sense of belonging within the agricultural community. Jaclyn describes it as a network of hardworking, generous people who are eager to see one another succeed.
Through this network, the family has built lasting relationships with farmers both locally and internationally — from Australia to England, Scotland, and Canada — gaining valuable insights into global farming practices.
Their agricultural efforts are also deeply connected to their real estate and nonprofit work. Through One Compassion and the “Farm to Need” initiative, they help address local food insecurity by donating surplus products like ground beef to food pantries, effectively linking farmers, communities, and those in need.
The Smith family is deeply committed to sustainability and community support, making it a priority to use every part of the animal. Over two years, they refined their process based on customer preferences to minimize waste and maximize the value of each carcass, ensuring high-quality, thoughtfully crafted products. They also donate surplus cuts — especially ground beef — to local food pantries, helping address the frequent shortage of protein donations. This initiative not only provides nutritious food to those in need but also strengthens the connection between local farmers and their communities. Beyond their own farm, the Smiths actively engage with the regional farming network, attending cattle meetings and fostering relationships to support and uplift fellow producers. They are passionate about honoring the essential, often underappreciated role of farmers, who make up just 1% of the U.S. population yet feed the entire nation.
The Wilders farm has been evolving, with recent developments including the restoration of a greenhouse and the reintroduction of horses to a property built initially for cutting horses. While the farm now focuses primarily on Wagyu cattle, the family has maintained their connection to equine life through a riding arena and a performance horse division.
The farm is full of life and energy, especially in the evenings when the animals — horses included — often get the “zoomies” and playfully race around.
Looking to the future, Jaclyn told Duplin Journal that they hope to create a space for agritourism. Their long-term plans include offering hands-on farm experiences, educational opportunities, and rustic lodging for guests to immerse themselves in rural life. They’ve already built two cabins on the property, intended as future Airbnb-style accommodations. Though still in the early stages, this vision reflects their desire to create a sustainable and welcoming space where visitors can connect with animals, learn about ethical farming, and enjoy the slower pace of the countryside.
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