A native of Piney Creek, NC, Beth developed a deep passion and appreciation for agriculture on her grandparents’ dairy and burley tobacco farms.  After college graduation, she worked for 8 years at the NC Agricultural Foundation, focusing on 4-H and Extension fundraising efforts. She holds a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Poultry Science from NC State University. 

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Beth and her husband, Kevin, reside in Cary, NC, and enjoy cheering for the NC State Wolfpack.  They also established Pack House Farm in 2016, a pick-your-own blueberry and heirloom blackberry farm in Apex, NC near Jordan Lake. Their first year open to the public was Summer 2020 during the global pandemic. Instead of a full opening, reservations were required and limited to 3 families per hour.

 

Beth Pugh Farrell joined the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 2010 and is currently serving as an Agricultural Programs Specialist.   From February – May 2022, she also was appointed as Acting Director, Marketing Division. As an Agricultural Programs Specialist, she is making contributions to a broad range of activities to strengthen and enhance agriculture in the state that directly impacts farmers and agribusiness.  Additionally, Beth works with North Carolina farmers and industry on a variety of topics including public relations, international and domestic marketing, and special projects.

Outside the office, Beth has held numerous leadership positions in the Junior League of Raleigh, NC Agri-Women, Capitol Grange, NC 4-H Honor Club, American Agri-Women, and Sigma Alpha Alumni Association. She also serves on the board of directors of the Tobacco Growers Association of NC,  Feed the Dialogue NC, the NC Agricultural Foundation, NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Alumni and Friends Society, NC Agricultural Institute Advisory Board, NC A&T State University College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Advisory Board, NC Biotech Center Board of Directors, and NC Ag Biotech Advisory Council.

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She is also a member of the NC State Alumni Association, NC State Grange, NC Farm Bureau, Wake County Agribusiness Council, and  Sigma Alpha Alumni Association.  

Beth also volunteers with Global Hope India and has completed the

North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Leadership Development Program, the Junior League of Raleigh’s Capital Leadership Initiative, and Syngenta’s Leadership at its Best program.  

In 2019, she was recognized by Sigma Alpha Sorority with the Spirit of Ruth Award, recognizing alumnae who embody the spirit of Ruth through active involvement, leadership, and commitment to the field of agriculture. She also received an Honorary FFA American Degree and was recognized by the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina with their 2020 Distinguished Service Award.

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She has also had the opportunity to serve on several leadership development focused short-term mission trips to India and Haiti.