Eastern:
(Brunswick) Venus flytraps: Homegrown North Carolina wonders
Children all around the world learn about an incredible carnivorous plant called the Venus flytrap that can eat bugs. It seems almost magical to kids that a plant can feed itself in that way. It is one of the most famous and popular carnivorous plants in the world, and for good reason. The Venus flytrap is a truly unique plant with a fascinating way of life. What kids don’t always learn – even here in our state — is that the native range of the Venus flytrap is limited to the wetlands of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, a total area of just about 100-square miles on the entire planet. In North Carolina, its range extends from Wilmington only to around Fort Liberty. The Venus flytrap is a natural gem of North Carolina and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Plant Industry Division and its Plant Conservation Program work hard to make sure this exceptional plant has a bright future. …
(Dare) Preserving Agricultural History and Legacy at the Island Farm
When picturing North Carolina beaches, many families don’t immediately envision a farm. However, the coastal areas of our state are steeped in agricultural history, some of which is still thriving today. The Island Farm in Manteo dates back to 1757, and is not only a working farm today, but also a place of education and entertainment for visitors. In 1757, Adam Etheridge rented the farmland that the Island Farm now sits on for fourteen years before his son Jesse purchased it to carry on the farming tradition. “Jesse purchased the land that is now known as the Etheridge Homeplace and built the farmhouse around 1847. The homeplace stayed in the family until it was donated to the non-profit, Outer Banks Conservationists in 1997,” said Michelle Clower, site manager of the Island Farm. “Since then, the site has become a living farm for people to visit and learn about the rich agricultural history found in this part of the state.” …
Piedmont:
(Cabarrus) Up close and personal with the alpacas at Good Karma Ranch
Our state’s agriculture industry is full of many adorable livestock animals, including alpacas. At Good Karma Ranch in Iron Station, you can not only see the alpaca and learn about their place in the industry, but also pet them, feed them and even do yoga with them! What started as a simple move for a quieter lifestyle became a community hub where people from all walks of life come to enjoy peace, joy and fun on the farm. In 2009, Mike and Shelly Walsh purchased their first group of alpacas and dove full-time into the farming business. “I didn’t know much about alpacas initially, but Mike took me to the Carolina Alpaca Celebration in Concord to learn more and I fell in love with the animals,” Shelly said. Today, they have about 30 alpacas on-site at any given time. “Not only do we raise and breed alpacas, but we also offer a variety of agritourism events throughout the year to invite the public out to our farm and teach them about these amazing animals,” she said. In fact, the very first event that they ever offered was their Fall Farm event in honor of National Alpaca Farm Day, which takes place each year the last weekend in September. Good Karma Ranch continues to host this event today, in addition to many others like Alpaca Yoga, Farm Tours and Craft Classes. …
(Durham) Providing local products and events at Jireh Family Farm
Are you looking for a place to find peace, strength, hope and local pride? Jireh Family Farm in Durham provides all of that and more through their meat products and agritourism offerings each year. Whether you head out for a farm-to-table dinner, a herbal class, a birthday party or an Air BnB stay, Jireh Family Farm is sure to be a place where serenity will be found and a connection with nature will be formed. In 2017, Immanuel and Valerie Jarvis opened Jireh Family Farm with the hope of providing a place where the community could learn about the importance of eating healthy and the strength to be found in farming. “I have always had a vision that people would come to this farm broken and leave whole,” Valerie said. Although both Valerie and Immanuel had established careers in other areas, a passion for farming was born through the needs of a family member. “I grew up on a tobacco farm, so agriculture was no stranger to me, but I was a nurse by trade.” Valerie said, “However, when my brother got diagnosed with colon cancer, he reminded me of the importance of knowing what’s in the food that we eat as well as where it comes from. It sparked a passion in me to not only help him, but to further his message.” Thus, Jireh Family Farms was born. Today, the farm is home to a variety of livestock animals, including chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and beef cattle. …
(Granville) Love, laughter and core memories made at Carlee Farms in Oxford
Choosing the location for your special day can be a daunting task, but at Carlee Farms in Oxford, the decision becomes easy! Not only is it a working farm and agritourism destination for a variety of events throughout the year, but it showcases a beautiful barn on scenic farmland that makes a truly romantic wedding venue. Growing up on a farm, Gena Stephens never believed she would spend a career in agriculture. “I spent many summers working with my grandparents and other family members on the farm,” she said. “We grew a variety of crops, including tobacco, and I vowed that I would never farm in my adult years because it was such tough work. However, the memories grew sweeter as I got older and I began to miss the life that had shaped my childhood, so I started looking at purchasing land to start Carlee Farm.” Her husband, John, also grew up in the farming world so he gave no objection when the opportunity became available. “We wanted to live simple again and create a place where our family could have a positive experience growing up like we did,” Gena said. Since the farm’s inception in 2011, it has grown to be a staple in the community for fellowship, fun and ag education. They grow several crops, including hay, and house a variety of farm animals, like donkeys, goats, and chickens. …
(Guilford/Randolph) Immerse Yourself in a Christmas Wonderland at Kersey Valley
Creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime is the heart and soul of every event at Kersey Valley in Archdale. From their year-round events like ziplining, escape rooms and laser tag, to the seasonal events that bring families from across the state, Kersey Valley Farms creates a lasting experience that resonates with individuals from the moment that they step foot on the property. Tony Wohlgemuth, owner of Kersey Valley, was uniquely brought to the agriculture industry and has been blessed in his journey every step of the way. “My parents moved to North Carolina from Switzerland in 1968 and I was born in 1970, making me the first American in my family,” Tony said. “My dad had always dreamed of owning a farm, so when I was 9 years old, he purchased the land that is now Kersey Valley and our journey in agriculture began.” Originally, Kersey Valley was set to be a Christmas tree farm, as Tony and his father spent many moments planting trees together on the property. However, when his father got called back to Switzerland for his job, all of that changed. “Thankfully, when my dad got transferred back to Switzerland, the farm never sold. So, I stayed here in High Point and took up the family farm at just 13 years of age,” Tony said. “My friends and I started by planting rows of corn, okra and tomatoes to sell at the farmers market, before the idea of Spookywoods was born.” …
(Randolph) Celebrate the scents of the season with products from Got to Be NC member Sleepy Bee Worx
Sometime around 2012, Michael Zink needed a new hobby to put his energy into. He acquired some bees and became a beekeeper just for fun. Right away, he had fun and enjoyed himself. Now, 11 years later, Michael Zink and his wife, Christina, have turned their passion into a profession with Sleepy Bee Worx, a proud Got to Be NC member. Founded in 2019 and based in Franklinville, Sleepy Bee Worx uses wax and honey from Zink’s homegrown hive to create a wide range of artisan products including soaps, bath bombs, candles, wax melts and balms. “We are very proud of what we do because we use products from our beehive and those products are really the powerhouse ingredient of everything we do because they’re all natural and they come straight from those wonderful little insects,” said Christina Zink, the owner and manager. …
(Stanly) Juneberry Ridge: An oasis of agricultural fun
Imagine warming your feet by a campfire and looking up at the stars before turning into a beautiful cabin in the woods. The next day, you spend the afternoon walking trails, honing your aim at precision clay shooting, or learning how to improve your gardening skills. In the evening, you’re treated to a four-course farm meal. You’re at a communal table, meeting folks who are there for the same reason as you: to connect to nature, healthier foods, and each other. Your meal is crafted for the season by a partnership of two worlds: a head chef and a head farmer who joined forces to celebrate vegetables and meats grown for their taste and nutrients. Escape With NC Ag to discover Juneberry Ridge, a 750-acre regenerative farm and nature retreat located an hour’s drive east of Charlotte, in Norwood. The farm is a peaceful getaway from city life, offering relaxation in nature and clay shooting practice at their incredible shooting facilities. From farm-fresh products, including meats, vegetables and herbs, to a diverse range of agritoruism events, Juneberry Ridge is a must-visit location for those seeking relaxation and connection with the land. …
Western:
(Avery) Building a farm for the community through love, loss and joy
Falling in love is a beautiful thing, both between people and animals. Lee Rankin, owner of Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk, started her farming business on love and a dream. “We started Apple Hill Farm in 2003 with chickens and alpacas,” she said. “A few years prior, I connected with my first alpaca while attending a county fair. I looked into the eyes of that animal and completely fell in love with its being, nature, and spirituality. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to farm and raise alpacas.” Lee and her son Will worked the farm together for many years before he went off to college. Today, Lee continues to raise alpacas, chickens, angora goats, donkeys and Randall Lineback cows on her beautiful property in the middle of the N.C. mountains. In 2004, Lee and her family were faced with a farming tragedy that forever changed their vision for Apple Hill Farm. “A year after the farm opened, our alpacas were attacked by a mountain lion, taking the lives of most of our herd,” Lee said. “We knew that we weren’t going to give up on the farm, so while this attack was devastating, it gave us a way to start over.” Directly following the attack, Apple Hill Farm became the talk of the town. The story of the farm that survived a mountain lion attack influenced people to drive for miles to meet Lee, Will and see the farm. “Our original intentions with the farm were to raise, breed, sell and show alpacas,” Lee said. “However, when people began to come by and ask to see the farm, we would spend hours talking with them and touring them around, sharing our story. That prompted us to venture into agritourism and, ultimately, was the steppingstone that led us to where we are today as a farm.” …
(Haywood) New research station superintendent feels calling to advance agriculture
For Kyle Miller, working in agriculture isn’t just his job. He feels it’s a gift that he has to share. “I’ve always loved agriculture. I’ve always just wanted to farm my whole life,” Miller said. “When it’s in your blood, it’s more than just a job or profession. You feel like you’ve got a moral responsibility and you owe it to the rest of society.” Miller has been able to live out his desire to farm at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville for several years, and that work recently advanced to another level. This summer, N.C. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Research Stations Division Director Teresa Lambert chose Miller to be the new superintendent of the station in Waynesville. Miller grew up in Haywood County on a small farm with beef cattle, some burley tobacco and hay. In addition, he grew some pumpkins and a few other vegetables. He started working at the Mountain Research Station while in high school in 1999, as part of a job shadowing program. That transitioned into an internship at the station through the Department of Labor and later into part-time employment during his summers in high school and college. …
(Lincoln) Starting the Christmas Season off right at Grace Tree Farm
Choosing the perfect Christmas tree is a tradition for many families during the holiday season. Actually being able to cut your own tree down, however, is a much more personal and unique experience. At Grace Tree Farm in Denver, families can do both. In 2011, Doug Sidell decided to take a leap of faith and start a Christmas tree farm. “My wife, Krista, and I wanted a farm for our children to grow up on, which led to the purchase of our beautiful land,” said Doug, owner and operator of Grace Tree Farm. “I am a degreed forester, so after speaking with a Christmas tree farmer at a show in 2010, it just made sense to use my degree knowledge and venture into Christmas tree farming.” Today, the 15-acre farm grows four varieties of Christmas trees: Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Arborvitae and White Pine. They also have many Fraser Fir trees available for purchase on-site that are brought down from the N.C. mountains for interested customers. …
Statewide:
Christmas Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Experience
Whether it’s a concert, a play, a vacation or a fun day with friends and family, everyone loves to receive a gift at Christmas that gives them something to look forward to. Did you know that many farms and agritourism destinations across the state offer gift cards during the holidays so that you can experience some of their most popular events? Check out our top ten list and be sure to look at farms in your area to see if they are giving the gift of an experience this year. There is nothing better than quality time with friends and family on a beautiful N.C. farm! …
Christmas Gift Guide: Unique holiday gifts from NC agriculture
Christmas is a beautiful time of year where friends and families alike gather to spend time together and exchange gifts. This year, give your loved ones something unique, special and straight from the heart of North Carolina! Many farms across our state have an abundance of items available for purchase, including scarves, hats, soaps, candy, toys, lotion and more. Check out some of our recommendations below and visit a farm in your area this weekend. There’s nothing better than supporting your community and putting a smile on the face of someone that you love! …
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