Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

2019 Recipient: Gaining Ground Farm

Anne and Aaron Grier, Gaining Ground Farm Expansion of Heirloom Wheat and Rye Flour Production Grant Award: $6,000 The Griers purchased equipment to expand heirloom small grain production on their 12-acre diversified farm. While they have been growing grains for … View >>

2018 Recipient: Dreamy Bean Farm

Alexa Baker, Dreamy Bean Farm Heirloom Dry Beans and Dry Corn Production Expansion Grant Award: $6,000 To meet demand for heirloom beans and corn, Alexa has expanded production of specialty legumes and grains by a half-acre with the purchase of … View >>

2018 Recipient: Blue Ribbon Farms

Warren, Diana and Clint Cabe, Blue Ribbon Farms Stone Grist Mill Grant Award: $6,000 With the long-term goal of diversifying his farm to remain viable, Warren used past WNC AgOptions grants to improve his cattle operation and develop a niche … View >>

2014 Recipient: East Fork Farm

  Stephen and Dawn have completed the construction of a gristmill with the purchase of milling and packaging equipment. They are enhancing the agritourism side of their business, attracting customers to participate in grinding corn, as well as selling the … View >>

2013 Recipient: Cove Creek Nursery

Alvin Lytle, Cove Creek Nursery Expansion/Diversification to Grow Grain and Vegetables Grant Award: $6,000 Alvin is diversifying his farm, which is currently a tree, shrub and vine nursery, to include the production of chemical-free produce and grain, flour and meal. … View >>

2013 Recipient: Tester Dairy Farm

Thomas and Margaret Tester and Jessica Lawrence, Tester Dairy Farm Hydroponic Fodder System Grant Award: $6,000 Tester Dairy Farm in Watauga County is creating a hydroponic fodder system, which grows barley, rye and wheat from seed to sprouts in eight … View >>

2009 Recipient: Neal & Ava Morgan

Neal & Ava Morgan Creating non-corn-based feed for beef cattle – Grant Award: $3,000 Neal is a third-generation farmer and has raised black angus beef cattle and alfalfa hay since 1984. He grew tobacco prior to 1994, and then leased … View >>

2009 Recipient: Mick Rattler

Mick Rattler Job’s Tears (Coix Lacryma-jobi) – Grant Award: $3,000 Mick has raised a variety of vegetables, fruits and livestock since the 1960s With his award, Mick will cultivate Job’s Tears, a plant that produces a seed used as a … View >>

2005 Farm: Jim Edwards

  Jim Edwards grew up raising tobacco with his father to help pay for expenses at home and for his college education. 2004 was the last year Mr. Edwards planned to grow tobacco due to the end of the price … View >>