Brad and Vickie Newsome are long-time members of the Stokes County agricultural community. Former tobacco farmers, Brad and Vickie switched over to breeder chicken houses with Perdue in 1995, while having beef cattle since their marriage in 1987. The Newsome’s have two chicken houses with 10,000 chickens in each house, and at peak production, they can get up to 16,000 eggs a day. The chicken houses are the largest part of their operation and require lots of help. Since the start of their cattle herd in 1987, the Newsome’s have built their cow-calf herd to 40 brood cows where they raise replacement heifers and grass-fed steers for beef. They strive to improve the quality and condition of their herd each year through the implementation of good genetics and management skills. The Newsome’s have also tried their hand at other livestock species such as sheep, goats and currently offer horse boarding.

The Newsome’s are very familiar with N.C. Cooperative Extension in Stokes County as their three daughters, McKayla, Madeline and Meredith, participated in 4-H when they were young. Along with many activities that 4-H offered, the Newsome girls loved showing sheep, goats and even a couple heifers at local fairs. Brad continues to stay active in the community by serving as a member of the Stokes County Extension Advisory Leadership Council as well as taking on other leadership roles such as being a Stokes County Farm Bureau board member. He is also a member of the Stokes County Cattlemen’s Association.

Growing up surrounded by agriculture, it is only natural that Brad and Vickie’s daughters remain deeply rooted in the field. McKayla recently graduated from NC State University with a Master of Science in Animal Science with a focus on beef cattle reproduction. Madeline is preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in May of 2021 and continue on at NC State University graduate school in the fall studying beef cattle nutrition. Meredith chose a slightly different career path and is currently attending Appalachian State University pursuing a degree in Math Education but plans on returning to Stokes County to teach high school students.