Just Starting Out 

Kenny Barnwell never thought he would be a farmer. Now, this long-time Farm Credit customer farms over 150 acres of apples and was recognized as the 2023 National Apple Grower of the Year.  

In addition to apple farming, Kenny is passionate about farmland preservation, grower advocacy and community service. 

Both sides of Kenny’s family had been involved with apple growing for generations. But he had different plans for his life. After graduating with a degree in chemistry and biology, he wasn’t sure if sitting in an office or laboratory was the right fit. He then started helping his uncle with the family business. Soon, he realized that’s where he was meant to be. 

Kenny planted his first orchard in 1983 and officially took over the family business in 1989. Barnwell structures his business by marketing some apples to packing houses that go to Ingles and Walmart grocery stores. He sells to farmers markets and fruit stands that spread from Kentucky all the way to Florida. He could have never dreamed that his family farm would have him being a distributor across the entire southeast.  

Farmland Preservation 

When asked about his passions, Kenny immediately said, “farmland preservation.”  

He wants to see local farms be successful for generations to come. Kenny’s aim has always been to conserve while maintaining a productive operation. He works with local North Carolina Extension Agents to use pesticides that are gentle and are targeted to specific insect species that attack apples.  

Working with North Carolina Research and Extension, his farm uses a predictive model for pesticide spraying to eliminate waste and increase productivity.  

His family is a big reason why he is so passionate about farmland preservation. He knows firsthand it is a lot for someone new to come in and take over such a large operation.  

A Friend of Farm Credit  

Kenny has been an AgSouth Farm Credit customer for over 30 years. He says his loan officers’ understanding of agriculture has made all the difference and why he has kept his business with Farm Credit.  

“Farm Credit is different because when the loan officers see something advantageous for you, they will call. You don’t have to be on top of everything. They are very proactive about helping you,” Kenny said. 

He appreciates Farm Credit because they do everything that they can to keep farmers farming. 

This article was originally published by AgSouth Farm Credit.