One of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today is the difficulty first-generation farmers experience in succeeding in the industry. Daniel Williams, owner of County Line Tree Farm on the border of Johnston and Harnett counties in N.C., is a first-generation farmer. Although his path has been far from easy, his determination and resilience shine through in his story.
Growing up, Williams had little exposure to or interest in agriculture. That changed at the age of 14, when a small job sparked a passion. He began mowing lawns for his neighbors. Later, he attended North Carolina State University, where he earned a degree in turf grass and agribusiness with the goal of launching his own landscaping company. While still in college, he founded Southern Touch Lawn & Landscaping, LLC, operating out of a storage unit just minutes from campus. He started planting container plants in his backyard to use on client projects, unknowingly planting the seeds for his future nursery.
In 2013, Williams decided to expand his operations and purchased 25 acres on the Johnston-Harnett county line. At the same time, he volunteered at the West Johnston Fire Department, a service he continues today.
By 2019, however, he found himself growing tired of the landscaping business and eager for a new challenge. He enjoyed working with container plants, so he shifted his focus to operating a nursery. But shortly after the transition, a harsh winter freeze devastated nurseries across North Carolina, and Williams lost 90% of his plant material. Surrounding nurseries experienced millions of dollars in losses. As a new business without established profits, the freeze completely wiped out his season.
To stay afloat, Williams took on a second job as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) worker for Harnett County while simultaneously rebuilding his nursery from the ground up. His hard work paid off, and by 2021, he was able to return to running the farm full time.
Another significant challenge he faces is the constant pressure to sell his farmland for housing developments. According to the World Population Review, Johnston County is the fourth fastest-growing county in North Carolina. Developers frequently reach out with high-dollar offers for Williams’ farmland.
When asked, “What do you say when someone wants to buy your land, and why do you say no?” he responded, “I get asked almost every day to sell my farm for much more money than I bring in, but I just tell them it is not for sale. I enjoy what I do, and it is worth more than the money to me. I hope one day to pass the business on to my sons.”
Today, Williams operates his nursery with the help of just three employees. They supply wholesale nurseries and landscaping companies, delivering plants directly to their customers. He also attends weekend markets to sell to the public. His specialties include container trees, shrubs, grasses and field-grown materials.
Williams’ perseverance reflects the true spirit of a first-generation farmer. His journey has been filled with hardship, sacrifice and risk, but he proves every day that, despite the challenges, the work is worth it in the end.
