By Miles Layton

EDENTON — On the flat, fertile fields of Chowan County, a family tradition that began more than seven decades ago continues to thrive, fueled by long hours, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.

At the 2026 North Carolina Commodity Conference, Poplar Neck Farms was recognized for having the second-highest dryland soybean yield in the state for the 2025 growing season. The family operation produced an impressive 94.9 bushels per acre, earning statewide attention and praise.

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The Albemarle Observer caught up with Wyatt Bland, who said the farm’s achievement reflects generations of dedication.

“The farm has been in my family since 1949,” Bland said. “With a few different partnership starting with my great grandfather and his son. Now the partnership is with my grandfather and his son, my uncle Carey who is also running an ariel application business he is a very busy man.”

Poplar Neck Farms produces a wide range of crops and livestock — soybeans, corn, cotton and peanuts, along with cattle.

While the recent recognition highlights success, Bland said modern farming is far from easy.

“It’s very challenging,” he said. “Trying to find a younger generation that is interested in farming is almost impossible nowadays, schools don’t teach ag classes or any blue collar jobs anymore.”

Bland added that financial pressures make the profession even tougher.

“Also, along with climbing input costs and low commodity prices, it’s no question why young people are choosing different career paths,” he said. “Long hours and hard work just isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.”

Despite those challenges, Bland remains committed to the lifestyle and values passed down through his family.

“What do you find rewarding about farming?” he was asked.

“Seeing the crops and cattle growing along with our kids growing up in this lifestyle we have,” Bland said. “Knowing we left it all on the table to make tomorrow better than today. My personal favorite is watching the crops come up out the ground.”

That sense of purpose is reinforced by demanding workdays that change with the seasons.

“Depending on what season we are in some days we work 10-12 hour days and in the off season we may work 8 hours a day as long as the cows are in the right area and not wondering down to the neighbors,” Bland said.

From planting and harvesting to tending cattle and maintaining equipment, every day brings new responsibilities.

The 2025 soybean yield stands as proof that those efforts matter. Competing with farms across North Carolina, Poplar Neck Farms’ performance reflects careful management, experience, and attention to detail built over decades.

For Bland and his family, farming is not just a business. It is a way of life — one measured in seasons, generations, and the quiet satisfaction of watching crops rise from the soil each spring.