Alumni Corner: James Lamb

James Lamb is a lifelong farmer and environmental specialist from Clinton, North Carolina. Raised on a diverse family farm, James spent his childhood helping tend tobacco, corn, soybeans, cucumbers, okra, cows, chickens, and pigs. That early foundation shaped his future. Today, he raises around 20,000 nursery pigs annually and rents his crop land to a neighboring farmer, continuing the agricultural legacy of his family.

A proud 1996 graduate of NC State University with a degree in Agriculture and Environmental Technology, James has spent more than two decades balancing production agriculture with environmental stewardship. For 22 years, he has served as an environmental specialist with Prestage Farms. His leadership and service have extended into state and national roles, including the National Pork Board Environmental and Nominating Committees, the North Carolina Pork Council Board, and the North Carolina Soil and Water Commission. He also served 15 years as a Sampson County Soil and Water Supervisor and held roles with Cape Fear Farm Credit and the NC Agriculture Commissioners Circle.

His achievements have earned wide recognition: 2016 North Carolina Outstanding Pork Producer, graduate of the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Ag Leadership Development Program, 2020 and 2021 NC Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Farmer of the Year, and 2022 North Carolina Ports Cold Chain Ambassador.

A vocal advocate for sustainable farming, James partnered with the CLEAR Center at the University of California, Davis in a 2025 YouTube video titled “Carrying on a Pig Farming Legacy with Purpose and Progress.” Beyond work, he enjoys promoting rabbit habitats for his beloved beagle hounds.

Family remains at the heart of his life. He and his wife, Felicia, are parents to Maegan and Kensley—an NC State CALS undergraduate. His mother, Thelma Lamb, worked on the farm until age 91 and continues to inspire him at 94.

James’s advice to students: “Network and build relationships any time you can—you’ll see the same faces again on your path.”