Grandpa John and Grandma Becky Lee started Lee’s Produce over 25 years ago with tobacco, corn and produce. John’s favorite crop to grow was watermelon. He’d care for them as they’d grow to be 100-200lbs. John still works on the farm, but it’s now run by his two sons and granddaughter, Marshall, Ronald, and Shelly.

Marshall first took over the farm as a side-job to help Shelly learn about farming and working hard. In 1991, he opened a booth at the Raleigh State Farmer’s Market. He’d drop off Shelly to sell produce on the way to his job, and they’d harvest for the next day when they got home at night. After working for Diesel Injection for 27 years, the company closed and Marshall began farming full-time. Ronald is a full-time fireman, but he works on the farm in the summer to help with planting and harvesting.

The Lee’s now run a CSA and grow various varieties of vegetables in 3 greenhouses and several fields.