Family is the heart of our farms, our communities, and my campaign.
A Farmer’s Vision for North Carolina’s Future
I was raised on a multi-generational family farm where hard work, faith, and community weren't just taught—they were lived. From running Hammonds Land & Cattle to serving our nation in combat and raising a family of my own, I've seen firsthand what North Carolina families need to thrive.
As your next Commissioner of Agriculture, I'll fight to protect our way of life—preserving family farms, strengthening local food systems, and ensuring our state remains a leader in safe, reliable, and sustainable agriculture. My vision is simple: keep government out of the way, put North Carolina families first, and secure a future where local producers feed our people, fuel our economy, and honor our roots.
Growing Up on the Farm
Colby "Bear" Hammonds grew up in the Saddletree community of Lumberton, NC, where he was raised on a cow-calf operation specializing in hay and row crops. His parents, Ronald and Linda Hammonds, were active community members with deep roots in Robeson County. Ronald, a lifelong farmer, still continues his work in agriculture, while Linda, a retired public-school teacher, dedicated years to education.
From a young age, Hammonds immersed himself in Robeson County's NC Cooperative Extension 4H Youth Development programs. At just 9, he joined the 4H Chick to Chicken program, and by 11, he was already part of the local livestock judging team. Hammonds' childhood revolved around hands-on experiences with cattle, chickens, hay baling, horses, and pasture fence maintenance.
On September 8, 1988 (Volume 16, Number 35), The Carolina Indian Voice, a local Pembroke newspaper, featured an article on Colby "Bear" Hammonds that offered an early glimpse into his future dedication to North Carolina agriculture. Below is an excerpt from that piece:
“A Robeson County youth recently attended a new 4H program developed to enhance farm family stability through “hands-on” agricultural production and financial management training. Colby Hammonds, 16, son of Ronald Glenn and Linda Hammonds, is among 17 youths who have enrolled in the two-year Farm Family Stability Program which got underway with its first conference August 4-7 at North Carolina State University. The program is designed to teach youth who plan to operate their family farms the diversity of agriculture and the roles of technology and management in successful farming.Hammonds, who will be a junior at Magnolia High School this fall, has worked on his family farm since age 6. He is a member of 4H, Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America.
During the conference, agricultural experts talked about how to measure financial success or failure, how to solve farm management problems, opportunities in forestry, capital investment, marketing, and the future of agriculture. Other professionals conducted classes on leadership, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. Participants toured area farm operations to see first-hand management, marketing, and computerization.Over the following two years, Colby Hammonds will attend five similar sessions in various parts of eastern North Carolina and on the North Carolina State University campus.”
After high school, Hammonds attended North Carolina State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science. He has since completed several advanced degrees, including a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, a Master of Business Administration with a Marketing Certification from North Carolina State University, a Master of Trust & Wealth Management from Campbell University, and an Army Cost Management Certification from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. During his military career, Hammonds achieved both the Department of Defense Financial Management Certification Level III and the Certified Defense Financial Management with Acquisition certification.
In his community today, Hammonds serves as a Den Leader for his son's Webelos den in Boy Scouts Pack 75 of Fuquay-Varina, NC. He was also a previous one-to-one mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Colby is married to Nicole, and together they have three children: Elaina Henderson and twins Claire and Colby Jr. (CJ).
Elaina is married to Robert Henderson of Angier, NC, and they welcomed their first child, Tristan, in 2023.
Hammonds Land & Cattle
Military Service
Colonel (retired) Colby “Bear” Hammonds has over 33 years of military service with North Carolina Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserves. Hammonds started his military career as an enlisted 19K Armor (tank) Crewmember from 1990 until 1995 with North Carolina Army National Guard (NC-ARNG). In 1995, Hammonds then earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant through NC-ARNG Officer Candidate School Class 36 continuing his career as an Armor Officer.
Hammonds successfully completed assignments with Company B 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment as M1A1 Tank Platoon Leader before transferring to the Aviation branch in 1999. Hammonds deployed under Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan in 2003 as HHC 1/130th Attack Regiment Company Commander with the 10th Mountain Division. Hammonds' second combat deployment was in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Iraq in 2008. Hammonds remained within the Aviation Combat Arms until 2013 before transiting to Financial Management (Comptroller) career field. Hammonds performed Comptroller duties for North Carolina Army National Guard from 2014 till 2020.
Hammonds has served at every level of the United States Army. His last duty assignment was with the United States Army Forces Command as the G8 Accounting Director. Throughout Hammonds’ military career he has trained, been rated, and/or completed gunnery qualification on M60 Tank, M1 & M1A1 Abrams Tank, M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, AH-64A “Apache” Attack Helicopter, UH-60A/L “Blackhawk” Utility Helicopter, and the AH-64D “Apache Longbow” Attack Helicopter.
His awards and decorations include: The Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Staff Identification Badge, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medal, NATO Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Basic Aviator Wings.
Hammonds is also a recipient of “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine” award from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for his many years of service within North Carolina Army National Guard.
Our Dedication to Agricultural Progress and Food Security
“Our families, our farms, and our freedoms are worth every fight. Together, we can secure a future that honors our traditions and our values.”
Support the Producers
Ensure North Carolina farmers have the resources, training, and support they need to thrive
Preserving the Family Farm
Protect family-owned farms from consolidation and economic pressures
Food Security
Strengthen local food systems to ensure safe, affordable, and reliable access for all communities
Scenes From the Farm and Community
