Episode 1: Philip J. Haynie III

Philip Johnson “PJ” Haynie III, who goes by PJ, is a farmer. His grandfather was Philip, his father was Philip, and his son is Philip. PJ is from Reedville, Virginia in Northumberland County.

After he graduated from high school, and college where he studied agricultural economics, he then returned home to resume family farming. PJ had the pleasure of meeting other black farmers from across the country. He has received recognitions for America’s Best Young Farmer and Rancher. More recently, PJ participated with National Geographic on a show that aired last Memorial Day covering his experiences with farming.

PJ was interviewed in April of 2021 as he was planting his crop in Arkansas. He was gracious enough to speak while in the cab of his tractor, so there is some mechanical feedback in this phone interview.

Bio PJ Haynie, fifth generation Northern Neck farmer who also serves on USDA’s Plant Variety Protection Act Board and on the Agricultural Advisory Council for Virginia’s first congressional district. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech University and currently serves on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Advisory Committee for both Virginia Tech and Virginia State Universities.