Part of the Randolph County Ag Center named for former legislator

ASHEBORO — Elected officials and community leaders gathered on Nov. 17 to celebrate the opening of the Randolph County Agricultural Center, marking a significant milestone in the county’s commitment to supporting agriculture, education and community development, the county said in a press release.

Some 160 people were invited to the event. Media were not among the invitees.

“So this facility doesn’t get built without a lot of courageous decisions and actions, and we owe a lot of respect for the leadership, support, and efforts of our elected officials,” Randolph County Manager Zeb Holden said, according to the press release. “Locally, our Board of County Commissioners ultimately had to push play on this. This has been talked about for decades, and when a glimmer of hope came, they took action, and here we are today.”

Commissioner David Allen outlined the county’s vision for agricultural development and acknowledged the vital support of community members and stakeholders. A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the newly named Arlie Culp Drive as visitors enter off of US 64 East, honoring the legacy of the late state legislator. 

Former NC State Representative Allen McNeill shared his involvement in the project to obtain legislative support that helped make the center a reality.

“The finish line is just insight for this long-envisioned Ag Center,” he said. “It’s been a long road from the first thoughts and conversations about an ag center here in Randolph County to today, where we all stand and see this great facility as evidence of the dreams they had coming true.”

Darrell Frye, chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, shared the details of what changed the trajectory of the idea of the Agricultural Center. “I got a call from Allen McNeill asking if the Board of Commissioners would be interested in reviving the discussions and the process of pursuing an agricultural center with funding possibilities from legislation,” Frye said.

Frye then asked McNeill to come forward for a special presentation. 

“This project came alive thanks to Allen McNeill. He birthed this facility, and because of that, we decided that this facility ought to have a name: ‘Allen Ray McNeill Education & Resource Center.’” 

McNeill emotionally stated, “I appreciate this and really am speechless.” 

After the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the building, which features modern meeting spaces, demonstration areas, and offices for agricultural services. 

For more information about the Agricultural Center and upcoming programs, please contact Taylor Wright at 336-318-6102 or agcenter@randolph-countync.gov.