2010 Conservation Farm Family

Lee Family Farms 

James W. Lee, his wife of 60 years, Marveline, and their family were recognized as the county’s Conservation Farm Family for 2010 by the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District.  In its fortieth year, the Conservation Farm Family Award is presented to a family farm that implements ‘best management practices’ to maintain soil quality and agricultural sustainability.  

The Lee Family has an extensive farming background that goes back for four generations. Since 1961 when the Lee Family first became a cooperator with the Soil and Water District, they produced tobacco, sweet potatoes, corn, soybeans, small grains, Yorkshire and Duros swine, beef cattle and hay crops.  They are one of the largest producers of sweet potatoes in the state.  Today, the Lee’s innovative farm operation has added the production of native warm season grasses, watermelons and wildflower seeds.  The best management practices utilized on the farm include grassed waterways, crop residue management, cropland conversion to grass, the establishment of upland wildlife habitat and the distribution of coastal Bermuda sprigs to help others prevent soil erosion.   

Located in the Four Oaks area, the Lee Family Farm has been active in conservation education where their farm hosted the Johnston and Wake FFA Federation’s Land Judging competition.  In addition, the Lee’s have donated wildflower seeds to the Soil and Water District to be distributed to schools for beautification projects.  

James and Marveline have three children, Don, Doug and Ann, who are all active on the family farm.  With their innovative spirit, they have modified their farm equipment to harvest the native warm season grass seeds which are used to prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat and sequester carbon dioxide.  

In reflecting on his farming background, James often refers to the Farmer’s Creed which states, “I believe farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in ways money cannot buy.” The Lee Family was recently recognized at the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation Awards banquet.