VOLUME 11 ISSUE 9 | THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
VAD meeting canceled Kenansville The Duplin County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program has canceled its April 28 meeting due to a scheduling conflict affecting several members. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Soil and Water conference room.
County in severe drought Duplin County Duplin County is experiencing severe drought conditions, reflecting a broader trend across eastern North Carolina. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, 2026 is among the driest starts to a year on record, with below-normal rainfall from January through March. The lack of precipitation is reducing soil moisture, lowering water levels in streams and ponds, and placing stress on crops and pastureland. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality also reports an increased wildfire risk due to dry vegetation.
Coombs named NC Pork Council president Clinton Pork producer Josh Coombs has been elected president of the North Carolina Pork Council, succeeding Jay Archer. Reggie Strickland of Mount Olive will serve as vice president, and Lorenda Overman continues as secretary/treasurer. The council also announced seven new board members: Garret Barwick, Chris Conser, Reid Cumbo, Blake Floars, Dean Hilton, Kaleb Sargent, and Mallory Strickland.
Authorities investigate fatal stabbing Pink Hill The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday in a roadway near 312 Broadway St. in Pink Hill, just inside Duplin County. The victim, identified as Jermaine Graham, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said Graham was with a female; she has been identified by law enforcement, but her name has not been released. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Livestock sector leads gains, speakers say at Pork Forward State Sen. Brent Jackson, left, and Ray Starling, general counsel for the NC Chamber, speak after Starling’s presentation at Pork Forward on April 15 in Clinton. Turn to A3 for more.
Duplin’s Brown named to NC Pork Hall of Fame Awards from the North Carolina Pork Council spotlight innovation and service By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal GREG BROWN, a longtime agricultural producer from Duplin County, was recently in-
Ribbon cutting marks new era for ag education at HCA A nearly 7,000-square-foot center offers hands-on training in mechanics, welding and animal science By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal HARRELLS — The hum of future welders, mechanics and agricultural leaders is set to fill a new space at Harrells Christian Academy, which officially
opened its Prestage Agricultural Education Center on April 15. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the Cargill Agriculture Education Complex, marked the debut of a nearly 7,000-square-foot facility designed to expand hands-on learn-
ing for students in grades 6-12. Inside the new center, students will gain experience in welding, woodworking, small engine mechanics and animal science, guided by instructors Lindsay Matthews and Mark Stampe, with additional collaboration from the University of Mount Olive. School leaders dedicated the building in honor of William H. Prestage, recognizing his last-
Duplin Winery seeks town support for liquor permit A liquor-by-the-drink approval could boost the weddings and events business for the company
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
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ducted into the North Carolina Pork Hall of Fame — one of the highest distinctions in North Carolina’s pork industry. Brown was recognized during the North Carolina Pork Coun-
cil’s annual conference for a career spanning decades in hog production, beginning on a small family farm and growing into leadership roles in both corporate and independent operations across Eastern North Carolina. His entry into the hog business came after the loss of his fa-
ROSE HILL — Dave Fussell, president of Duplin Winery, appeared before the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners at its April 14 meeting to request that a letter be submitted by the town in support of the winery being granted a liquor-by-the-drink permit. Fussell said the permit is needed for the winery to be competitive with other venues that offer facilities and services for special events, especially weddings.
“We have a lot of competition in (that area),” Fussell said. “One of the reasons we’re not getting so much (wedding business) is because we’re not able to serve liquor by the drink, which is a cocktail. The alcohol content would be about the same as a glass of our wine.” Angela Smith, Rose Hill town administrator, told the board that a letter had been drafted with the help of town attorney Kenn Thompson and could be signed by Mayor Davy Buckner and presented to the N.C. ABC Commission in support of the permit. The board voted to approve the request with one board member, Perry Tully, abstaining from voting on the issue. See PERMIT, page A3
“The alcohol content would be about the same as a glass of our wine.” Dave Fussell, Duplin Winery president
ther when he was 12, later building a 15-sow operation with his family. By 1972 he had joined Carroll’s Foods, eventually becoming vice president of production operations. In 1991, he founded Browns of Carolina, expanding hog finishing operations throughout the region. The family’s agricultural business now includes finishing barns, poultry houses, cattle and cropland. Family members say his influence extends beyond agriculture. “He’s left a legacy within our family, but he’s also left a legacy See BROWN, page A2
ing impact on the agricultural community. Attendees included members of the Prestage family, as well as representatives from the Golden LEAF Foundation, local officials and supporters of the school’s agricultural program. Funding for the project came from a mix of grants, corporate support from Prestage Farms and private donations. The facility’s opening represents the realization of a student-led idea first proposed by HCA’s 2021-22 Future Farmers of America officers. Less than a year after breaking ground, See HCA, page A2