Hello from Megan Hatfield

Hi there! My name is Megan Hatfield, and I am the Program Manager for the NC Ag Partnership Foundation (NCAP Foundation). As we introduce our organization and its purpose, I’d also like to introduce myself.

I’m a North Carolina native, born and raised in Wilmington, but currently residing in Raleigh! My husband, David, and I spend most weekends exploring our new city’s local greenways, farmers' markets, and coffee shops with our dog, Ruby. I enjoy Raleigh’s proximity to trails, parks, farmland, and agritourism opportunities.

David and I are both passionate about our food, but if I’m being honest, he is the chef in our home! Whether it’s trying new recipes, incorporating fresh fruit or vegetables, or preparing a great cut of meat, he is always open to fun flavors and techniques. I’m so thankful for his love of cooking, not only because it’s an area where I fall short, but also for the ways it connects me to my childhood.

Growing up, I was blessed to experience my grandma’s home-cooked Southern meals. She was truly happiest when feeding family and friends. Over a plate of collards, chicken and pastry, and field peas, she would share memories from her childhood on a farm in Clinton, NC. She and my grandpa were both born and raised in Sampson County, on a subsistence farm and a tobacco farm, respectively. Additionally, my paternal grandfather was raised on a dairy farm in West Virginia. While I am two generations removed from direct agricultural practice, the knowledge and tales from several of my grandparents have continued to be passed down through our family.

As a child, I was always captivated by their stories of waking up at the crack of dawn to work in the fields or milk the cows. A suburbanite myself, I hadn’t been exposed to the hard work and dedication required to be a farmer. Hearing their stories as a child helped me develop a fascination for their way of life. How could something that requires so much effort, dedication, and perseverance also be so idyllic and alluring?

I studied Nutrition Science before earning my Bachelor of Science in Communications from East Carolina University. It was at ECU that I learned about the importance of food and how it fuels our bodies, a study that deepened my interest in farmers and the importance of their work.

I had long hoped for a career where I could help build awareness around a subject or cause, and my second job out of college allowed me to do just that. I served as the Communications Manager for a government agency and nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect and engage youth in North Carolina with the outdoors. That role prepared me for my role with the NCAP Foundation, and I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons I gained during that time.

So far, this position as the NC Ag Partnership Foundation’s Program Manager has taken me to commodities and livestock conferences, led me to research topics I had never before heard of, and opened my eyes to the powerhouse that is North Carolina’s Agriculture Industry. I am proud to say I have learned a great deal in just my first few months in this position. I now know what crops and livestock are typically raised in regions across the state, which fruits and vegetables can be harvested in what months, and how vital NC’s poultry, pork, and cattle are to the food supply chain of our entire country.

It feels amazing to be a part of something so important! I look forward to taking you all on this journey of education and awareness along with me. Join me in this mission to inspire appreciation, understanding, and active support of North Carolina Agriculture. Share our pages (Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn) and posts with friends, neighbors, family, and government officials!

With gratitude,

Megan Hatfield