Seventeen-year-old Next-generation ENC Farmer Meets President at State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) had the honor of hosting Nathanael Simmons, a 17-year-old senior at Mattamuskeet High School in Hyde County and a next-generation farmer, as his guest for the 2026 State of the Union Address. Afterward, Nathanael met President Donald J. Trump.
[Nathanael Simmons meets President Donald J. Trump after the State of the Union Address]
Before the State of the Union address, Nathanael and his father, Benjamin, were welcomed to Capitol Hill by Congressman Don Davis. They discussed the challenges facing young farmers, from rising input costs to access to land and capital, highlighting the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools and resources needed to keep family farms strong and sustainable for years to come.
[Congressman Davis discusses issues impacting ENC farm families]
Congressman Davis also took to the House Floor to recognize Nathanael as his State of the Union guest, highlighting his dedication to agriculture and his deep roots in eastern North Carolina. In his remarks, the Congressman underscored the importance of supporting the next generation of farmers and praised Nathanael’s commitment to preserving his family’s farming legacy.
[Congressman Davis welcomes Simmons in a speech on the House Floor]
“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.
[Nathanael Simmons tours the Capitol Rotunda]
During his visit to Washington, D.C., Nathanael had the unique opportunity to tour both the White House and the United States Capitol, gaining firsthand insight into the historic halls where national decisions are made and experiencing the legacy of American leadership up close.
[Nathanael Simmons and his father tour the White House]
“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.
[Nathanael Simmons and his father navigate the Capitol tunnels]
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.
[Nathanel Simmons and his father before the State of the Union Address]
Congressman 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.