Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Bobby Gragg BRG Angus Grant Award: $6,000 — Enhanced Cattle Production Bobby is improving his cattle production system with the incorporation of grain storage bins, an auger, feed bunks and creep feeders. Grain bins enables Bobby to purchase feedstuffs at … View >>
Danny and Krista Lambert Lambert Farms Grant Award: $6,000 — Grass-fed Beef Managed Intensive Grazing and Pastured Poultry Processing Danny and Krista are improving their grass-fed beef grazing system by adding the ability to overseed pastures. By maximizing intensive management … View >>
Rickey and Judi Postell Fir Heaven’s Sake Tree Farm Grant Award: $3,000 — Gift Shop and Sleigh Ride Scenery Rickey and Judi are creating a unique family experience at their Christmas Tree Farm that will incorporate community participation. They are … View >>
William Hunt Kay Farm Grant Award: $6,000—Romaine Lettuce Expansion Bill is expanding the production of an uncommon romaine, Kalura, which is outstanding in all attributes—size, rapid growth, heat tolerance and shelf life. He is also growing another variety of lettuce, … View >>
Joni Wavra Ty-Lyn Plantation Grant Award: $6,000 — Truffle Project The 2012 WNC AgOptions grant is assisting the Wavras in phase II of their truffle project, which started in 2011. In honor of her late husband John, Joni and her … View >>
Dewain Mackey Mackey Farms Grant Award: $6,000 — Meat Processing and Storage Facility Dewain is constructing an on-site meat processing and storage facility to better meet customer demand for pork, chickens, rabbits and turkeys. He can safely and sanitarily process … View >>
Mario DeLuca DeMariano Vineyard Grant Award: $6,000 — Wine Production The 2012 WNC AgOptions grant offsets DeMariano Vineyard’s wine production costs to help the family realize the value-added income from the farm’s grapes. The vines are producing at about 75 … View >>
Susan and Terry English English Dairy Farm Grant Award: $6,000 — English Farmstead Cheese Susan and Terry are planning to manufacture fresh cheese spreads as well as aged cheeses using milk produced solely on the farm. They are constructing a … View >>
David E. Hughes David Hughes Farm Grant Award: $3,000 — Potato Production David is growing one acre of Kennebec potatoes as he diversifies out of tobacco production. He produces yields as high as 375 to 400 bushels per acre, well … View >>
Kevin and Shelley King Axios Farms Grant Award: $6,000—Axios Apiary Kevin and Shelley are establishing a full operational apiary and a mobile pollination trailer. They plan to transport bees to farms in the WNC region to help successfully pollinate crops. … View >>
William and Glenda Newell Cherryfield Farm Grant Award: $6,000—Sheep Expansion Project William and Glenda are expanding their lamb meat operation by adding approximately 10 additional ewes, increasing their herd to 40 breeding ewes. The purchase of livestock handling equipment enhances … View >>
Traci McMahan Mt. Mitchell Produce Grant Award: $6,000—Portable Cooling Unit Traci is improving delivery capabilities of Mt. Mitchell Produce to expand sales to Ingles Markets, the farm’s primary customer. With the purchase of a 16-foot long cargo transporter utility trailer … View >>
Appalachian Botanical Alliance Cooperative Production, Research and Marketing of Traditional Chinese Herbs Grant Award: $8,000 Project Leader: Amy Hamilton, Appalachian Seeds Farm and Nursery The Appalachian Botanical Alliance is showing by example that medicinal herbs are a viable, alternative crop … View >>
Alan and Seth are establishing an aquaponics greenhouse system integrated with their existing greens production. They are transforming a 1,500 square foot greenhouse into a symbiotic leafy green and tilapia production area. Excrement from the fish provides nutrients for the … View >>
Frank and Jeanette Wilson, Hominy Valley Farms – Land and Cattle Home Delivery or Farm Pick Up Grant Award: $6,000 Frank and Jeanette are expanding their on-line ordering and home delivery marketing system. The purchase of a walk-in freezer and … View >>
Alex Brown and Vanessa Campbell, Full Sun Farm Mixed Nut Orchard Grant Award: $6,000 Alex and Vanessa are diversifying their mixed vegetable operation with tree nuts. No other farmer in the county currently produces nuts for commercial sale. They are … View >>