Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Randy and Megan Smith, Smith’s Sweet Grass Farm Improved Forage-based Genetics for Grass-fed Beef Grant Award: $6,000 The Smiths are transitioning their cattle to have foraged-based genetics, which should greatly reduce the high input costs associated with feed. Their goal … View >>
Neal Woody, Woody Farms Packing and Grading Facility Grant Award: $6,000 Neal is building an on-farm packing facility and adding a well to improve the washing and grading system at his Leicester farm. This centralized grading shed reduces labor costs … View >>
Ray Revis, Revis Russian Apiaries Production and Evaluation of Russian Honey Bee Queens Grant Award: $6,000 Ray is adding 50 new queen-mating colonies to his operation to be better prepared for the high-demand season. He is purchasing equipment and supplemental … View >>
The Frisbees are adding 400 vines of Petit Manseng to their vineyard, expanding it from 3.8 acres to 4.4 acres of six varieties. Growing more of their own fruit increases the ability to have influence over the quality and availability … View >>
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 >>
Susan is adding a 30-foot by 96-foot heated greenhouse specifically for growing vegetable and herb transplants in organic potting soils with organic fertilizer and pest control methods. The separate greenhouse prevents cross-contamination with conventionally raised nursery crops. Purchases include a … View >>
Elymus D. Payne, Payne Dairy Farm Replacement Heifer Barn Grant Award: $6,000 Elymus is expanding to respond to the high demand for replacement heifers that have been trained to stand in headlocks. He is building a 40-foot by 100-foot pole … View >>
James A. Ramsey, Ramsey Farms Cattle Handling Facility Grant Award: $6,000 Jimmie is purchasing cattle handling equipment to increase the poundage per animal, raising profits by $150 to $200 each. He plans to increase his herd from 40 to 80 … View >>
Julie Teneralli, Dancing Doe Farm Heritage Hog Production Grant Award: $6,000 Julie is adding heritage hogs to her operation, which has been a small vegetable farm and plant nursery since 2002. She is purchasing six piglets—Large Black and the Gloucester … View >>
Joe Ward, Ward Farm Customized Kinze Row Planting System Grant Award: $6,000 Joe is purchasing customized no-till row planting equipment that enables him to plant and grow no-till corn so he can expand into local food and livestock feed markets. … View >>
Susan Epps Ward, Brothers On Farms Lamb Expansion Grant Award: $6,000 Susan and her sons Dmitry, 13, and Andrei, 12, are adding all-natural grass-fed lamb to their growing farm business, which currently includes mushrooms, heirloom vegetables, rabbits, and specialty garlic … View >>
Tim & Annie Burrell, Rabbit Creek Bee Company, LLC Pollination Services “With grant funding and the additional income achieved from this project, we hope that within three years the farm can provide a majority of our income, and within four … View >>
Salvador is adding a heating system and gravel and ventilation system to his existing greenhouse so that he can supply all his own plant starts. Before this project he could only grow plants in late spring, which is not … View >>
Joseph is diversifying his nursery and landscaping business, which has been in operation since 1997, by adding heirloom vegetables grown with organic methods. The additional crops help keep the viability of the Bethel Valley farm, which has been in his … View >>
Lori and Michael Osada, MiLo Acres Walk-in Cooler Grant Award: $3,000 The Osadas are adding an on-site walk-in cooler to store their naturally certified produce, fruit and eggs and extend shelf life. They are able to harvest and store more … View >>
Larry Stepp Sr. & Larry Stepp Jr., Stepp’s Plants, etc. Grant Award: $6,000 – Expansion of Raspberries and Blueberries “We have made a commitment to use this third generation land for agriculture and use it for our livelihood.” ~ Larry … View >>