Congressman Don Davis to Host Next-Generation ENC Farmer at State of the Union
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) announced Nathanael Simmons, a 17-year-old senior at Mattamuskeet High School, and a next-generation farmer, as his guest for the 2026 State of the Union Address. Simmons comes from a multigenerational farming family stretching back eight generations. His father, Benjamin Simmons, III, started with just 12 acres, and today their operation spans more than 14,000 acres across eastern North Carolina. Nathanael plans to follow in his father’s footsteps by continuing to support the family farm.
“Young farmers like Nathanael represent the future of American agriculture, and the future is on the line. Over the past year, about 15,000 farms have closed, taking with them livelihoods, family legacies, and dealing a blow to rural America. Now more than ever, we must stand with our farm families to protect their ability to keep ownership of their land and pass it on to the next generation. When young farmers succeed, agriculture thrives, and rural communities across eastern North Carolina are stronger. If we are serious about protecting our national security, we must recognize young people like Nathanael and invest in the hands that feed, clothe, and fuel American agriculture,” said Congressman Don Davis.
(From Left to Right: Congressman Don Davis, Savanah Whitfield, Olivia Simmons & Nathanael Simmons)
“I’ve been working on the family farm since I was nine, where my father taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and the importance of seeing a job through from start to finish. I want to sincerely thank Congressman Don Davis for inviting me to the State of the Union. It is a tremendous honor to represent the next generation of young farmers and share our story at such an important national event,” said Nathanael Simmons.
Congressman Don Davis, along with Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03), introduced H.R. 6385, Farm Transitions Act of 2025, in December. The bill would reauthorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commission on Farm Transitions and require the Commission to deliver a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to Congress within two years, focusing on ensuring that next-generation farmers, like Nathanael, have access to the land, resources, and support needed to keep family farms strong for the future.
(Nathanael Simmons and Congressman Don Davis)
Nathanael’s parents are Benjamin and Tonya Simmons. His father will travel with him to the State of the Union, which is set for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol.