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2015 Grant Recipient Mikell’s Farm Honey has won the 7th Annual International Black Jar Honey Contest for best SOURWOOD honey. This is the second year they have won this prestigious honor after winning it in 2014. The contest is held by … View >>
Awarded projects often have high potential for demonstration to other diversifying growers in the region. Susan Owen of The Lily Patch Farm in Watauga County, who is expanding her pawpaw orchard, said that the native fruit has potential in all … View >>
Budget decision affects future of WNC AgOptions Note from WNC Agricultural Options: The N.C. House Appropriations Committee released Tues., April 26 a draft of the state budget, which is circulating among legislators for review and discussion. Wording in the proposed … View >>
By Scott Nicholson Watauga Democrat, February 2011 The Watauga County Farmers Market and six local farms received funding in the latest round of WNC AgOptions grants for farm diversification. The farmers market received $18,000 for a site analysis and expansion … View >>
So, she quit her university job and went back to the family farm and began an organic vegetable farming operation of her own. Last year Jeremy quit his job and became the unofficial farm engineer. They now grow 20 acres … View >>
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.”… View >>
Hopping along: Hops farming comes to WNC. Cowzilla may be the only local hops lover who didn’t make an appearance at the inaugural Hops Farm Tour. The huge feral cow, christened Cowzilla by Julie Jensen, co-owner of Echo View at Landfair Farm in Weaverville, may have been intimidated by the more than 100 growers, home brewers and beer lovers… View >>
Good News “This program has been a blessing and an education. I had no idea of any resources other than the few farmers in the area. The resources provided by this grant have been excellent!” “This grant has allowed me … View >>
North Carolina vegetable growers carry on the Cherokee Tradition. Harold Long is full-blooded Cherokee Indian and proud of his heritage. Through his well-known Cherokee pottery and his extensive traditional Cherokee vegetable varieties, Long is doing his part to carry on Cherokee traditions.… View >>
Madison Couple Look to the Sweet Fruits by John Boyle, Asheville Citizen-Times, June 20, 2005 Pam Zimmerman and her daughter, Ashley, handle a basket of black raspberries they picked Saturday at Zimmerman’s Berry Farm in Madison County. While berry income … View >>