in the News 2010
Haywood hops farmer sets the bar high
Haywood County hops farmer Scott Grahl is a dreamer with his feet planted firmly on the ground. “One day a buddy of mine called and said ‘Did you know there is a worldwide hops shortage?'” Grahl said. “From then on, I’ve spent the last three years learning about this plant.” – Smoky Mountain News, July 20, 2010
Roadside produce stand on honor system
While produce stands are a roadside fixture in the High Country, Springhouse Farm in Vilas has a built-in advantage. Springhouse Farm has a new self-service, around the clock produce stand funded by WNC AgOptions. – Watauga Democrat, June 14, 2010
Green and fuzzy: Moss gardening offers year-round rewards
Leucobryum, Hypnum, Thuidium unless you work in an herbarium, these names may not be familiar to you. So, to clue you in (and perhaps help you out if you’re ever on Jeopardy!), these are all types of bryophytes. Still confused? We’re talking mosses here. – Mountain Xpress, June 2, 2010
Small Miracles
Sometimes you have to look beyond the obvious to enjoy nature’s gifts. They hide in unexpected places, waiting for the patient observer to discover them. Take Leslie Henry’s backyard, for example.Welcome to the moss garden. – Carolina Home + Garden, Spring 2010
Carolina grower ‘hopping’ into new crop
When Van Burnette wanted a drought-resistant crop to try on his 6-acre farm near Black Mountain, N.C., he decided on hops. The problem is, no one really know much about how the essential beer ingredient will grow in North Carolina, much less whether burgeoning interest in local brews and home brewing will translate into a sustainable market. – Southeast Farm Press, April 7, 2010
WNC AgOptions Awards 2010 Farm Diversification Projects: 3 Watauga County Farms Receive Grants
The WNC Agricultural Options Program awarded 42 farmers seed grants totaling $225,000 last month to assist them in completing farm diversification projects. – High Country Press, March 25, 2010
To bee or not to bee? For Marion man, it’s no question: AgOptions grant will help with Russian honeybee project
There’s been a lot of buzz about the decline of the honeybee population in the past few years. Bees face a lot of pressures in North America, including parasites, drought and invasions by Africanized honeybees. – The McDowell News, March 23, 2010
Three area farmers receive grants from Agricultural Options Program for WNC
Three local farmers were among the latest grant recipients in the WNC Agricultural Options Program. “The program itself is designed to keep farmers in active production and viable in a more sustainable future,” said N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Agent Meghan Baker. – Watauga Democrat, March 15, 2010
Dig It! Extension grants help local farmers grow
The WNC Agricultural Options Program recently awarded 42 farmers the seed money they need to complete a variety of diversification projects. This year’s recipients, who are sharing a total pot of $225,000, are selling locally raised meats at the WNC Farmers Market in Asheville. – Mountain Xpress, March 10, 2010
Farmers receive $225,000 in grants
Tambra and Will Buford started a goat farm in Edneyville six years ago, planning to sell goat meat, then switching to goat’s milk. The Bufords sell soaps, lotions and cheeses made from the milk. Their Vineyard’s Edge farm was recently awarded a Grant Award: $6,000 grant to help build a cheese factory. – BlueRidgeNow.com Times News Online, March 9, 2010