09/09/2026
“Farming families make sacrifices every day that often go unnoticed. Early mornings, long days and moments missed at home, all to make sure their families, and ours, have food on the table. Few understand that sacrifice better than Bradley Parker.
He was just 15 when his parents established their first poultry farm in Duplin County. In September 1999, Hurricane Floyd flooded their home and farm completely. Just two months later, Bradley lost his father to a sudden heart attack. Instead of stepping back, he stepped up, supporting his mother, Cathy, as together they rebuilt their home and revived the farm.
That foundation carried him into a career with Nash Johnson & Sons’ Farms and, eventually, into building his own operation with his wife, Kay Leigh. Along with their daughters, the Parker’s are proud chicken farmers with House of Raeford Farms in Duplin County. From daily chores to long term investments in their land and their birds, the Parker’s show up for their farm the same way they show up for their family: fully, and without complaint.
This year, that dedication was recognized on a statewide level. The Parkers were honored with the North Carolina Poultry Federation’s 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award, presented by outgoing board president Cowan Johnson, in recognition of their strong best practices, community involvement and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Their story is what it means to be raised by families, for families. We are proud to celebrate the Parkers, and every grower across North Carolina who pours their heart into feeding our communities, one early morning at a time.”
Reposted from NC Department of Agriculture
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