Remembering Johnny Barnes
Johnny Barnes lived and breathed North Carolina farming from an early age, shaping not just fields but futures. Returning to Nash County after earning his agricultural economics degree at NC State, Johnny stepped alongside his father, Carson, and together they built Barnes Farming Corporation into one of the world’s largest and most respected sweetpotato producers. Johnny served as president of the company, never losing sight of the land and community that raised him. He saw early that North Carolina sweetpotatoes were special and, more importantly, believed they deserved global recognition. He played a founding role in the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute and served as its president, tirelessly working to create opportunities for the industry beyond American borders. Under his guidance, the company earned accolades for international trade and used state-of-the-art technology to push the boundaries of what could be achieved in agriculture.
Johnny was not just a farmer or a businessman. To his family, he was a devoted husband to Senator Lisa Stone Barnes, a loving father and grandfather, and the foundation on which they built their dreams. Those who worked with him found a teacher, a peer and a friend, someone who believed in the good that came from honest effort and doing things the right way.
Messages of condolence and admiration have come in from every corner of the industry since his passing. The heartfelt words from two colleagues capture much of what Johnny meant to those who knew him:
Johnny was more than a grower – he was a visionary who helped elevate North Carolina sweetpotatoes onto the global stage. His legacy lives in the fields he stewarded, the people he mentored and the standards of excellence he set for our entire industry. He was not just respected, he was loved.
He believed in doing things the right way, not the easy way. Every person who worked with him learned something about dedication, patience and pride in their work. While his absence leaves a deep void, his impact will be felt for generations. We are thankful that Johnny’s son, Josh Barnes, will continue his father’s legacy by leading Barnes Farming Corporation and carrying forward his father’s vision for innovation and stewardship in agriculture.
Johnny’s legacy will live on in the people and land he cared for, in the family he cherished, and through the continued leadership of his son Josh and the next generation at Barnes Farming. His spirit, vision and deep sense of responsibility toward the land and his community will not be forgotten.