The group also visited John Deere Turf Care, a manufacturing site which produces small commercial lawn and garden tractors as well as home lawn and garden equipment.

Friday's dinner was a BBQ at a tobacco barn following a tour of Vick Family Farm, a family owned and managed operation in Wilson, currently farming 5000 acres of cropland since 1975.  Jerome and Diane Vick are the original owners and both oversee day-to-day operations on the farm.

Diane manages all the labor, which during the peak season employs 250 workers. Son Linwood manages all the cropland; he plans and prepares the land for planting and follows the crop all the way to harvest.  He was named "Outstanding Young Farmer for the State of NC" in 2004.  Daughter Charlotte Ferrell is the Office Manager and stays on top of all FSA rules and regulations.  She was also named "National Outstanding Young Farmer" in 2008.   Son-in-Law Dwayne Ferrell manages the sweet potato packinghouse, sales and shipping.

Speakers included NC Commissioner of Ag Steve Troxler, Comedian Jay Hendren, NACAA Past President Rick Gibson, John Deere Sales Branch Manager David Thorne, and Dr. David Jones. Orion Samuelson was on hand for the 45th time to announce the four winners chosen from the 10 NOYF finalists.