Visioning Our Food Future

Nestled on 100 acres of fertile land in Pembroke, NC, Locklear Farms has been a staple of resilience and community spirit for over two decades evolving to meet the changing needs of their community.

In the early years, Locklear Farms sold produce at various farmers’ markets and stands, hauling crops from one place to another to reach customers. However, the logistics proved challenging; and, over time, they decided to focus solely on their own stand where they could connect more personally with their loyal customers. Now, the farm stand is a trusted resource where over 1000 customers come out each week because they know they can find fresh, locally-grown produce, any time of the year.

Locklear Farms takes pride in being accessible to everyone in the community. Recognizing that many of their neighbors rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the farm stand started accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments, making fresh produce available to everyone, regardless of income. This commitment reflects the farm’s mission to not only grow food but also make sure it’s accessible to all.

Locklear Farms plays a unique role in the community’s social fabric, whether it be in offering summer jobs for teens, employment for community members, farm tours for university students and ag educators, or in providing food that brings people together. The farm creates excitement around fresh produce, with customers eager to choose vegetables fresh from the field rather than from a grocery shelf. From Thanksgiving tables to family reunions, their produce is part of cherished moments in the community. There’s a connection to the land, the families, and the heritage of a community that values fresh food, tradition, and resilience.

Written with Ellery Locklear of Locklear Farms. For more information on Locklear Farms visit their farm stand at 9840 Deep Branch Road in Pembroke or email Ellery at locklearellery@yahoo.com.

On a warm spring day, Marvin Frink greets his cattle with a warm smile and a proud hello. He stands at the fence line in his cowboy hat marveling at the business that ultimately saved his life. After a couple of minutes observing the cattle’s behavior, he begins to head towards the barn to feed his cows. “My day begins by just being grateful for my family and the land that I have acquired” explains Marvin.

Marvin dedicated 29 years of his life to serving his country in the special operations unit as a Anti-Terriorsim Specialist in the military. After retiring, and returning to his home in South Florida, Marvin’s father noticed something different about him. He noticed that Marvin was suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress) and had high levels of anxiety that caused him nightmares and depressive episodes. Marvin’s father suggested that he try farming in order to manage his symptoms and take control of his mental health. Marvin was skeptical at first, because he didn’t know a lot about farming. Marvin knew how to research and follow directions plus with Southern heritage in his blood, he turned his insecurities into passion.

The Frinks also give back to their community by hosting a mental health wellness day for veteran farmers. In its 3rd year, the Day of Healing creates a space for farmers who are dealing with PTSD to come and receive support from their peers. This annual event is sponsored by F.A.R.M (Feeding America Real Meat a 501 non-profit) association and by Nature for Justice: The Soil Inventory Project. Briarwood continues to be a beacon of light for the underserved and marginalized communities. Briarwood Cattle Farm continues to push boundaries by setting the example and being at the forefront of agricultural liberation.
To lean more about Briarwood Cattle Farm LLC, please visit www.briarwoodcattlefarm.com

Written with Marvin Frink of Briarwood Cattle Farm