Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog. Please feel free to use any of this content in your publications or contact us if you have any additional questions.
Eastern:
(Brunswick County) Finding Comfort in Farm Cuddles at Greenlands Farm
In the heart of Brunswick County dwells a place where peace and comfort can be found. Three generational and women-owned, Greenlands Farm has been centered around agritourism for many years and, today, offers events that are both educational and therapeutic for visitors, including community farm days, farm yoga and animal cuddling. Throughout the years, farming has been not only a way of life but a source of comfort for the Kelley family. In fact, when times got tough financially or economically, agritourism is what kept the farm afloat and kept the family doing what they love most. “We are caretakers of the land and farm animals as well as small-farm producers with a wealth of knowledge from growing, harvesting, canning, baking, animal husbandry and more,” said Maud Kelley, current owner and operator of Greenlands Farms. “This farm has always been a safe space in the hearts of our family. We feel that our love of nature, agriculture and creation shine through all of the programs and events we offer on the farm today.”
(Cumberland County) Year-Long Adventure at Sweet Valley Ranch
If you’re looking for a weekend roaring with fun, head on over to Sweet Valley Ranch NC in Fayetteville! What started in 2016 as a simple horse farm, has turned into a home for over 500 animals, exciting events year-round and the only permanent dinosaur exhibit in the state. In 2022, Anita and Fred Surgeon began opening Sweet Valley Ranch to the public with the Festival of Lights. “We know how special this place is for us and how much it brought us back to our roots in agriculture,” Fred said, “so, we wanted a way to share that with the community in a way that brings people, especially families, together.” The Festival of Lights takes place in November and December and features over 1 million Christmas lights! Customers ride through the farm on wagons to experience the beauty of lights on the farm and visit with the animals. Llamas, horses, chickens, rabbits, buffalo, cows, a zebra and a camel are just a few of the animals you can expect to see! Since the beginning of the Festival of Lights, Sweet Valley Ranch has expanded to offer many other agritourism events. “There is a reason to visit in every season,” Fred said. ..
(New Hanover County) N.C. summer fruit won’t come without some winter work
Although North Carolina is in the middle of winter, some of your favorite summer fruits are getting attention on farms across the state. No, that’s not a reference to chocolate-covered strawberries you may have for Valentine’s Day. The North Carolina strawberries you hope to enjoy in warmer weather are in the ground right now across the state. That’s also the case for strawberries on the state’s research stations. For example, at the Horticultural Crops Research Station in Castle Hayne, there are two research trials underway – one is breeding to compare common varieties with new varieties being developed, and the other trial is related to fungicides and disease control. Over the course of a few seasons, different sections of a strawberry plot are being treated with different fungicide options to see which works best, explained station superintendent John Garner. …
(Wayne County) Flowers Timber Company named Ag Exporter of the Year
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recognized Flowers Timber Company of Seven Springs in Wayne County as the 2022 Exporter of the Year. The announcement was made at the 17th Annual Ag Development Forum hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show. “We are proud to recognize Jeremy Flowers and Flowers Timber Company as Exporter of the Year,” Troxler said. “Flowers Timber Company actively participates with the department’s international marketing programs and works hard to expand its export opportunities. In 2022, the company experienced $15 million in exports. Annually, the company averages $10 to $12 million in exports.” …
Piedmont:
(Forsyth County) Spotted lanternfly team recognized with department’s team award
The discovery of a spotted lanternfly infestation in North Carolina created quite a buzz last year, and the reaction by several department employees earned them the NCDA&CS Excellence in Team Accomplishment award. In total, Plant Industry division director Bill Foote nominated 31 employees as part of the team. They were spread across three divisions – Plant Industry, the N.C. Forest Service and Public Affairs. The team even includes the two detector K-9’s “Goose” and “Kita.” During the award presentation, chief deputy commissioner David Smith said, “I’m impressed by how quickly this team came together to respond after a spotted lanternfly infestation was found in Kernersville. It’s unchartered territory for our state, and this team wasted no time in forming a response that’s serving North Carolina well.” …
(Orange County) Embracing the farm life with hands-on activities at Woodcrest Farm and Forge
Adventure, learning and agriculture await you and your kids at Woodcrest Farm and Forge in Hillsborough. Growing up on his family farm, Danny Green learned a lot from his parents, including how to raise pork and beef. After college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and 13 years living and working in theater in New York City, Danny and his wife Liza decided to take over the family farm and offer produce, meat, arts events, and educational opportunities. In the spring of 2020, COVID-19 hit the United States and changed the way of life for many businesses in our state, including farmers. Like most parents, Danny and Liza started looking for fun outdoor activities to entertain and educate their children. “Together with my sister-in-law Tracy, we started offering fall and spring camps to kids during the pandemic – ultimately because it was something we created for our own children,” Danny said. ...
(Orange County) Celebrating the beauty in diversity at Blawesome
Beauty, compassion, friendship and joy can be found at a farm tucked away in Chapel Hill. Blawesome, a flower farm owned and operated by Rebecca Sorenson and her son Raimee, offers a variety of fun workshops to allow you and your family to build community relationships while learning about peace, serenity and pure fun that can be found amongst the flowers. Although Rebecca has always loved working in the garden and spent years managing the greenhouse, Blawesome was started for the sole purpose of Rebecca’s son, Raimee. At 18 months of age, Raimee was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Throughout his years of schooling, Raimee held various internships in the community, including one at a local farm. “He came home every day from that internship telling us how much he enjoyed the work that he was doing,” Rebecca said. “Sometimes the world has a way of isolating those with disabilities or differences, but we wanted to create a space where Raimee could flourish.” After receiving a grant to start the farm and working with members of the community, including Elon University, to build the barn and greenhouses, Blawesome was opened to the public and it’s journey of influencing hearts, establishing joy and changing minds began. …
(Rowan County) Meet MacKenna Clifton: 2022-2023 National FFA Southern Region Vice President
MacKenna Clifton made history last fall when she became the first female from North Carolina to represent the 850,000 members of the National FFA Organization as Southern Region Vice President. Clifton is also the first North Carolina representative since 1996 and just the 14th person from the state to serve on the national board since 1929. Each year, six individuals are chosen to serve as national officers to advocate for agriculture, agriculture education and FFA. Clifton previously served as the 2020-21 North Carolina FFA Vice President at the Secretary’s Station. …
Western:
(Rutherford County) Fun Times with Farm Animals at Cherry Mountain Farm
Nestled in the heart of Rutherford County, just 50 minutes shy of Asheville, lays a farm full of adorable, fun and friendly animals. Cherry Mountain Farm and General Store is home to 19 goats, two kunekune pigs and two livestock dogs, all of whom are ready to welcome you and your family with lots of sniffs, nibbles and licks! In 2015, owner and operator Debbi Stanfield, along with her husband Craig, opened up the farm to the public for year-round tours. All you have to do is call, text or email to book a reservation! “These tours are a combination of fun and education,” Debbi said, “but kids and adults alike love them because everyone gets to meet the farm animals and learn about their purpose here at Cherry Mountain Farm.” …
(Wilkes County) Inhale peace and serenity at Raffaldini Vineyards
Travel to Italy without leaving the state of North Carolina at Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery in Ronda. Enjoy what owner Jay Raffaldini calls an “exhale moment” the minute you step on the property and take in the beautiful views, natural landscapes and unique architecture of the Villa itself. Their delicious wines will only enhance the memorable and romantic experience you will have! In 2001, Jay Raffaldini purchased the raw land and in 2005 Raffaldini Vineyards opened its doors to the public and immediately started offering agritourism events, like vineyard tours and wine tastings. “My family has a longstanding tradition of making wine in Italy, so I have travelled to Italy a lot to learn more about my family and the winemaking process there and in other countries,” Jay said. “While in Italy, I try to stay in what are called ‘agriturismos’, because agritourism is also big over there, so I knew what it was supposed to look like fully implemented on our vineyard.” Today, Raffaldini Vineyards offers many events in addition to tours and tastings, including Festa Italiana, winemaking classes, specialty dinners and hikes in the vineyard. …
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