Mike Smith is the owner and operator of Big Oak Farm in Kannapolis, North Carolina. Mr. Smith shares that the farm has been in his family for nearly two hundred years and has been used to raise cotton, corn, and now beef cattle. In this interview, Mr. Smith talks about day-to-day activities on Big Oaks Farm, changing the operation over from crop farming to cattle and pig farming, and why he does not subscribe to organic farming. Mr. Smith discusses the impact of weather, soil conservation, and farming techniques. He explains how he became involved with the Davidson Farmers' Market and how the increasing demand for his products surprised him. Mr. Smith expresses his concern about the future of farming, people's ability to feed themselves in case of an emergency, and the need to embrace modern technologies to keep up with demand.
