Joe Deal grew up on his family farm and since he graduated from NC State in the spring of 2004, he is back on his land contributing to the farming industry on a more permanent basis. He owns two acres of land on his own and looked towards this grant to assist him with starting a fraser fir operation.

Expected income at harvest - $25,000.

"With tobacco quotas dwindling, this project will be a start to providing late fall employment and income. Christmas trees are also a market that is growing and will provide a future and diversity to the family operation."

- Joseph Deal
Macon County