Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Michael Joe Holt, Jr., Holt Livestock Breeding and Feeding Facility for Show Pig Production Grant Award: $6,000 Michael is expanding his pork and show pig operation by constructing a facility to house sows year-round. Both pork and show pig markets … View >>
Anthony Cole, Jasperwood Farm Winter Squash Curing Facility Grant Award: $3,000 Anthony is building on the success of a 2010 WNC AgOptions project by improving the storage and curing of pumpkins and winter squash. He has constructed a passive solar … View >>
Dwayne and Christy Reeves, Rolling Ridge Farm Cattle Handling System Grant Award: $6,000 Dwayne and Christy are enhancing the quality of their Black Angus cattle by improving stress and safety conditions at their Leicester farm with the addition of a … View >>
Neal and Ava have constructed a dedicated space on their farm for storing and marketing freezer beef to individuals and eventually restaurants. Their aim is to display a professional and sanitary image, “one that shows customers we are committed to … View >>
Susan is adding a 30-foot by 96-foot heated greenhouse specifically for growing vegetable and herb transplants in organic potting soils with organic fertilizer and pest control methods. The separate greenhouse prevents cross-contamination with conventionally raised nursery crops. Purchases include a … View >>
The Frisbees are adding 400 vines of Petit Manseng to their vineyard, expanding it from 3.8 acres to 4.4 acres of six varieties. Growing more of their own fruit increases the ability to have influence over the quality and availability … View >>
Neal Woody, Woody Farms Packing and Grading Facility Grant Award: $6,000 Neal is building an on-farm packing facility and adding a well to improve the washing and grading system at his Leicester farm. This centralized grading shed reduces labor costs … 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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
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 >>
Leslie Sigmon Emma Farms Grant Award: $6,000 — Indoor Oyster Mushroom Production Leslie is adding indoor oyster mushroom production to her farm to boost winter and early spring income. She is studying the most effective facilities, substrate and strains to … View >>
William Metes B.M.S. Enterprises Grant Award: $3,000 — Shiitake Mushroom Smokehouse William is building a smokehouse for growing log-inoculated mushrooms infused with an aromatic wood smoke such as hickory during the fruiting process. He is experimenting with different infusion durations … View >>
Loretta Ball Craggy View Farm Grant Award: $6,000 — Farm Stand Loretta is building a farm stand on the Barnardsville Highway in Weaverville. At the retail store, she sells her greenhouse plants as well as locally grown and organic produce, … View >>
Joan and Carl Chesick Green Goddess Farm & Apiary Grant Award: $6,000 — Heckuva Honey House With the construction of a new structure for their apiary, the Chesicks are raising production by 500 percent and providing local beekeepers with adapted … View >>
Thomas E. Shepherd, Jr. Headwaters of Poverty Farm Grant Award: $6,000 — Specialty Poultry Thomas is raising and processing specialty poultry, focusing on poussins, three-week-old chickens. With the purchase of a brooder, grow-off pens and processing equipment, he is raising … View >>