North Carolina Farms for Sale

North Carolina Farms

Agriculture is not only one of North Carolina’s most profitable industries, but is also a critical part of the culture and economy of the area. The Tar Heel State has been shaped by agriculture throughout the last four centuries and even before, when Native Americans settled the area to take advantage of the rich, verdant landscape and mild climate. In recent years, North Carolina’s state and local governments have done extensive work to promote agritourism, agribusiness, and agricultural education. With this support, new farmers looking for North Carolina farms for sale can feel confident in their future success. North Carolina’s strong farming industry grows each year in an effort to keep up with demand, so there has never been a better time for farmers and investors to join this thriving agricultural industry.

North Carolina’s History of Agriculture

Given North Carolina’s reputation as a verdant paradise for farmers, it is no surprise that the state’s success with agriculture dates back centuries. Before European colonists moved to North Carolina, Native Americans in the region took advantage of the area’s mild climate and fertile soil. They raised a wide variety of crops such as corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and pumpkins, all of which thrived. When colonists arrived, they adopted the agricultural practices of the Native Americans that were well suited to the area, and that many farmers in North Carolina still rely on today. Colonists relied heavily on corn and tobacco crops, which produced large dividends for their growing communities. Additionally, pork production in the U.S. began with North Carolina’s pig farms in the 1700s. Today, tobacco, cotton, pork, and poultry are North Carolina’s most significant agricultural exports. 

Why North Carolina Farms Thrive

If you’re interested in purchasing a farm in an area known to be a haven for farmers, North Carolina has so much to offer. Here are some of the most significant reasons to consider a North Carolina farm for sale:

Given the stellar combination of North Carolina’s prime location – within a day’s drive of almost 200 million customers – it should come as no surprise that farms in the state thrive! Additionally, it’s easy for farms across the state to take advantage of the great access to road, maritime, and rail transportation to transport goods to the rest of the country and throughout the world. 

North Carolina’s economy is extremely friendly to businesses, especially those in the agriculture sector. Farming is the Tar Heel State’s leading industry at almost $100 billion annually. In fact, North Carolina farms employ 17% of the state’s workforce! 

North Carolina has the ideal soil and climate to support many different crops. With a mild, four-season climate, the state offers a long growing season in many regions. Since the geology shifts dramatically from the mountainous west to the coastal eastern region, a wide range of different crops thrive in different parts of North Carolina. 

Finally, North Carolina is the nation’s second largest for food and beverage processing. This means that there are many large companies such as Campbell’s, Butterball, and Smithfield who purchase agricultural products from local farmers for processing. This can be a great way for farmers to guarantee a market for their crops and animal products! 

North Carolina’s Top Agriculture Regions

If you’re considering North Carolina farms for sale, the region the land is located in makes a big difference in terms of the agricultural products that will likely be productive there. North Carolina’s western region is incredibly mountainous, with higher elevations and colder winters. Toward the center of the state the mountains become less extreme, with the Piedmont region’s rolling hills and verdant valleys. And on the state’s easternmost side where the land meets the Atlantic, sandy soils reign supreme. Here are some of the top agricultural commodities in each of these regions:

• Appalachian Mountain Region: greenhouse and nursery crops, turfgrass, Christmas trees, and trout
• Piedmont Region: dairy, turkey, chickens, eggs, row crops, fruits, and vegetables
• Coastal Region: hogs, cotton, soft shell crabs, salmon, sweet potatoes, grapes, tobacco, and row crops

NC’s Top Agricultural Commodities

If you’re considering a North Carolina farm for sale, you’re likely wondering which agricultural commodities have been most successfully produced and marketed in the state. Here are some of North Carolina’s biggest agricultural moneymakers: 

• Soybeans
• Corn
• Tobacco
• Sweet potatoes
• Cotton
• Hay and haylage
• Wheat
• Peanuts
• Blueberries

Finding the Perfect North Carolina Farm

North Carolina’s agriculture industry shows no sign of slowing down as the demand for products from the state continues to rise. North Carolina farms for sale present an incredible opportunity to jump into an exploding industry in a state whose economy is immensely favorable to business owners. Nonetheless, it can be challenging to determine which property is right for your family’s new business. We can help guide you through the process of determining exactly what you’re looking for and finding the perfect North Carolina farm, all the way through to your first season!