Exclusively funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
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 >>
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 >>
James Steve Dalton, Fruit of the Spirit Orchard and Vineyard Crop Diversification: Berry Juices and Jams Grant Award: $6,000 Steve is adding several more fruit crops to his blackberry farm: blueberries, raspberries, dwarf apple trees, and table, juice and wine … View >>
Nancy is upgrading the basement of her apple storage building to provide a cool space for the apples, increasing their longevity. She is also creating a permanent display area to enhance the experience for participants of large tours. The … View >>
Rick and Amanda Walker, 4 Sons Farm On-Farm Poultry Processing Facility Grant Award: $6,000 The Walkers are adding an on-site poultry processing facility to their farm, with the goal of producing 450 broilers, 450 fryers and 75 turkeys in 2013, … View >>