Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
David Noland Noland Farm Place Grant Award: $3,000 — Improving Cattle Genetics and Structure The purchase of one purebred Angus bull with enhanced genetics, structures and Expected Progeny Difference (EPD’s) enables Noland Farm Place to produce calves with improved genetics … View >>
Joni and John Wavra Ty-Lyn Plantation Grant Award: $6,000 — Truffle Project The Wavras are phasing one-half acre of their Christmas tree farm into Black Perigord Truffles (which yields $800/lb) and possibly the Burgundy Truffles ($400/lb). They are preparing the … View >>
Al McNeely, Catamount Honey Beekeeping Expansion Grant Award: $6,000 Al is expanding and upgrading his beekeeping operation by adding nucleus hives for sale, obtaining a universal product code (UPC) for his products, and purchasing specialized honey extracting equipment. Al manages … View >>
Marsha Crites, Harvest Moon Gardens Herbs and Perennials – Grant Award: $6,000 Marsha has been in the nursery business for nearly 20 years, and now operates a day retreat for local businesses and non-profits. For the WNC AgOptions project, she … View >>
Joseph & Carol Doyle, Salegee Farm Heather & Lavendar Project – Grant Award: $3,000 “This grant has given us the ability to try more cultivars in this harsh mountain climate so that we understand lavender and heather better. It’s also … View >>
Doug and Renee Lambrecht, owners of Bearpen Farm, are expanding production of wasabi, which they sell nationwide to natural grocers and individuals through realwasabi.com. Doug is constructing greenhouses that are specially designed for the growing conditions wasabi desires. Jackson … View >>
George Frady of Jackson County is turning a portion of his Christmas tree farm, formerly just for wholesale, into a choose-and-cut operation. George needed to expand his farm after the company he worked for in Transylvania County closed. Jackson … View >>
Mike has a great appreciation for his grandfather and father who have farmed all their lives, and he wants to follow in their footsteps. He also hopes the income from his business will provide savings for his children’s education. Mike … View >>
During the last few years, Vera Guise purchased land that used to be in her family’s hands and turned it into Appalachian Homestead, a non-profit organization and educational farm. With the grant funds, she is establishing a demonstration field of … View >>
Agri-Tourism Jackson County farmer, Norm Dudgeon, has been adding value to saw mill waste products with the WNC Ag Options Grant. Norm produces handcrafted mountain made wood products, such as Adirondack chairs, tables, and swings. Norm hopes that Mountain … View >>
Harold and Nancy Long are interested in learning and experimenting with the production of medicinal herbs. The Long’s have researched the increasing market demand for medicinal herbs in our country, and with the support of the 2005 WNC Ag … View >>
J. Hooper and C. Rector are looking ahead to create supplemental income for their farm. They have created a long range plan including crop production and marketing ideas. Jackie and Charlene used their grant money to cover costs for seedlings, … View >>
Doyle and Janet have recently started a new business Happy Valley Farms where they specialize in hot-house tomatoes production. The income from the tomatoes sales when supply is normally low will help keep this family economically viable in the … View >>