Mackilwean Turf Farm has been a North Carolina family farm since 1790. James McIlwean migrated from Scotland to New Bern in 1730. Francis McIlwean Jr., James’ grandson, began farming in New Bern around 1790. During the 1980’s, Mackilwean Farms began to diversify from tobacco and row crops to other crops. The McIlweans pursued Christmas Trees, then eventually settled with turfgrass sod. The need to supply grasses for commercial/residential lawns and athletic fields became evident. Over the following decade, Mackilwean Farms grew into one of the largest turf farms in Eastern North Carolina.