Life Is Sweeter For The Sullivans

By Mary Michael Wood
NC Department of Agriculture

LUCAMA, N.C. – For Scott and Katie Sullivan, love didn’t just grow in fields, it started with Scott’s cabbage crop.

The couple operates Sullivan Farms Inc., a fifth-generation family farm in Lucama. Their operation spans about 4,000 acres of tobacco, sweet potatoes, cotton, soybeans, wheat, corn, peas, lima beans and sweet corn. In 2023, they purchased Mid-State Produce, a sweet potato packing facility that allowed them to expand their footprint in the industry.

But their love story began long before they shared a business together.

“We actually grew up in the same area, but Scott was a bit older,” Katie said. “When I was in college, I had a summer job at a local packing shed working with cabbage. I had to fill out tickets for growers when they delivered the cabbage, and Scott was a grower. Truth be told, he grew some of the best cabbage, and that was a big selling point for me,” she added with a laugh.

Farming, Scott said, was always part of his story.

“Farming was always in Scott’s blood, he was born into it,” Katie said. “It’s truly his passion, and he loves farming.”

Katie grew up around livestock but not crop production. Scott introduced her to the realities of row-crop agriculture, from ever-changing markets to weather-dependent decisions.

“There were major learning curves for me at the beginning, but there is no place I would rather raise my family than on our farm,” she said.

Both Scott and Katie have different roles on the farm, but they are deeply connected. Scott manages the day-to-day growing operation and works closely with the packinghouse manager to keep Mid-State Produce running smoothly. Katie handles food safety certifications, payroll and office work, and helps during the busy summer produce season.

Scott credits Katie for keeping both their family and business on track.

“Katie is a great family manager and schedule-maker,” said Scott. “Our daughters are very active in showing livestock, riding horses and playing sports, and she is often in the car all day while still keeping the office running.”

The couple is raising their three daughters, Annah Claire, Liza and Molly, on the farm, and they say their family lifestyle is what makes it all worth it.

The Sullivans hope people understand family farms are evolving, multi-generational businesses committed to stewardship, and that faith and family remain at the center of their partnership.

“We want to leave a legacy of following Christ,” Katie said. “We want our girls to see a marriage and farm founded on faith, truth and commitment.”

Reprinted with permission from the NC Department of Agriculture