Braswell Family Farms celebrated its 75th year in business on October 6. Operations are centered in Nashville, North Carolina, and Jetersville, Virginia.
Braswell Family Farms began in 1943 when E.G. and Joe Braswell purchased Boddie Milling from G.M Strickland. The Braswell brothers produced corn meal for more than 20 years and eventually expanded their milling business to Nashville. The company would operate as Braswell Milling Company.
E.G.’s sons, Gene and Ronald, continued to run the feed mill and would eventually begin raising pullets. The pullet business led to their involvement in egg production.
In 1991 Ronald invested in an Eggland’s Best franchise, a decision in which many questioned. Ronald passed away soon after this investment. His son, Scott, then took over leadership of the company. In 2017 Trey Braswell (Scott’s son), president of Braswell Family Farms, became the fourth generation to run the company.
“When my grandfather bought the rights to produce for Eggland’s Best, a lot of people thought he was crazy,” recalled Trey Braswell in a previous report.
“It turned out to be a brilliant move that my father was able to use to grow our company from 30 employees in 1991 to around 200 today,” he said.
The Rocky Mount Telegram reported that at the company celebration both Scott and Gene Braswell were present with their families.
Braswell said in the Rocky Mount report that, “God has blessed us with the resources to continue to grow our business into the 75th year and beyond.”
Several employees celebrated their retirement during the companies anniversary celebration. “One of those resources are our employees. We have several employees here who have worked with all four generations. You don’t see that anymore and we are so grateful to have employees that have been like family to us,” Braswell said.
According to WATTAgNet Top Poultry Companies Database, Braswell Foods, now operating as Braswell Family Farms, is one of the largest organic feed and egg producers in the United States. Subsidiaries include Carolina Egg Companies Inc., Glenwood Foods LLC, Braswell Milling Co. and Braswell Egg Co. According to its website, Braswell estimates 20 percent of its birds are cage-free and organically raised. Carolina Egg Companies sells more than 35 million eggs annually. As of Dec. 31, 2016, its layer flock included 2.4 million hens.
