We asked Richmond County farmer, Chris Taklin, “As a farmer, how many hats do you wear in a typical day?

There’s no such thing as a typical day in the life of a farmer. Agriculture is reactive by nature, so I don’t work from a to-do list – I work from whatever the day brings.

Raising livestock means wearing many hats: carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, mason and even equipment operator. It also means being a designer, a marketer, an accountant, a finance manager and a lawyer. I’m also an employer, a manager, a mentor and an active member of my community. At times, I’m a veterinarian, at other times, I’m a problem solver working against the clock.

Scott Whitford

Ask a Farmer

Ask a Farmer: Advice for New Farmers

We asked farmer Scott Whitford for his advice for new farmers; he says it takes hard work and determination.

Beyond the farm gate, farmers must also be advocates for agriculture, helping others understand how and why we do what we do. Most importantly, we must be leaders and teachers – preparing and inspiring the next generation to carry agriculture forward.

Chris Yaklin
Chris Yaklin; Photo credit: Mark Stebnicki

About the Farmer: Chris Yaklin and his family run a diversified operation, which includes cows, pigs, chickens, hay and a wedding venue, in Richmond County. He also serves as Richmond County Farm Bureau president.

The Berry Patch in Richmond County

Travel

Start Your Engines with 8 Reasons to Visit Richmond County

Start your engines or slow it down when visiting Richmond County, North Carolina, including Rockingham, Ellerbe and Hamlet.

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Read & Connect

North Carolina Field & Family Spring 2026
Flip through the pages of the Spring 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, impress your guests with creative yet easy spring holiday recipes, learn how farmers face challenges planning the future of their farmland, meet some North Carolina beef producers raising the steaks, start your engines with eight reasons to visit Richmond County, get crabby with Sheri Castle’s Deviled Crab recipe and much more.

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