Sen. Lisa Barnes And Rep. William Brisson Honored At 2026 Farm Show Dinner

Recognizing leadership and lifelong service to NC agriculture and rural communities

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Ag Partnership (NCAP) recognized two leaders in NC agriculture during its 2026 Farm Show Dinner, held Thurs., Feb. 5, at The Angus Barn Pavilion in Raleigh. The annual event brought together farmers, agribusiness leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the state to celebrate leadership, service, and commitment to rural communities.

During the dinner, the Partnership presented the Ag Champion of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring individuals whose service and deep ties to agriculture have made a lasting impact on North Carolina’s farming communities.

“The Farm Show Dinner allows us to recognize leaders whose service has strengthened North Carolina agriculture and the rural communities it supports,” North Carolina Ag Partnership Chairman Peter Daniel said. “Both of this year’s honorees exemplify the commitment and leadership that continue to move our state’s agricultural community forward.”

The dinner also featured remarks and participation from state and federal leaders, highlighting the continued importance of agriculture to North Carolina’s economy and rural communities.

Ag Champion of the Year Award

The 2026 Ag Champion of the Year Award, sponsored by Philip Morris International, recognizes a current public leader whose work in state government demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing agriculture, agribusiness, and rural communities through policy leadership and advocacy.

The 2026 Ag Champion of the Year Award was presented by Senator Brent Jackson to NC Senator Lisa Barnes, who represents Senate District 11, which includes Franklin, Nash, and Vance counties. A businesswoman with strong roots in agriculture, Barnes has brought firsthand experience in agribusiness and local government to her work in the North Carolina Senate, where she has been a consistent advocate for policies that support farmers, rural communities, and responsible economic growth.

Prior to serving in the Senate, Barnes served on the Nash County Board of Commissioners and in the North Carolina House of Representatives, building a record focused on balancing growth with quality of life while keeping taxes low. Her service on organizations such as the Nash County Farmers Market Board and the NC Association of County Commissioners Agricultural Steering Committee reflects deep engagement with agriculture at both the local and statewide levels.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Murphy Family Ventures, honors an individual whose career reflects decades of dedicated service to agriculture, rural communities, and the people of North Carolina.

NC State Senator Brent Jackson presented the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award to State Rep. William D. Brisson, who is retiring after nearly two decades representing House District 22, which includes Bladen and Sampson counties. First elected in 2006, Brisson built a reputation as a steady and trusted voice for rural North Carolina, consistently carrying the concerns of farmers, small towns, and families with him to Raleigh.

Over the course of his legislative career, Brisson focused on strengthening rural communities through support for agriculture, local schools, healthcare access, infrastructure, and broadband expansion. His work reflected a deep understanding of the region he called home and a commitment to preserving North Carolina’s agricultural heritage while positioning rural communities for long-term success.

About the Farm Show Dinner

NCAP’s annual Farm Show Dinner serves as a forum to recognize excellence in agriculture while fostering dialogue among industry leaders and policymakers. The event has become a signature gathering for North Carolina’s agricultural community.

The North Carolina Ag Partnership is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing North Carolina agriculture and agribusiness through education, advocacy, and collaboration.