Roots in the Soil: A Day with Westley Drake

Westley shared how his earliest memories of farming came from following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. While he once considered firefighting and EMT work, it was his time at NC State that confirmed his calling in agriculture.

Listeners got a real look at the sacrifices farming requires—long days, unpredictable weather, and constant challenges. But Westley reminded us that farming is more than a career. It’s a year-long commitment to the land and to future generations.

We also heard from Westley’s wife, Maci, who described her own role in supporting farm life—from chasing cows out of the yard to delivering food to the fields. Together, they’ve built a family grounded in faith, adaptability, and teamwork.

Looking ahead, Westley sees peanut farming staying rooted in tradition while evolving with new tools and technology. His ultimate goal? To keep the farm thriving so his children—and future generations—can choose whether to continue the legacy.

As he put it best, farmers like him are “the bridge between the old and the wise and the new and the inexperienced.” Westley is carrying wisdom forward, while preparing space for those who will one day follow in his tracks.

🎧 Tune in to hear the full story of Westley Drake—a farmer, husband, father, and a living link in the long chain of peanut farming legacy.