The N.C. State Fair's new assistant manager Robert Fogle is new to North Carolina, but definitely not to agricultural fairs. The native of Frederick, Maryland grew up showing animals at his local fair through 4-H and FFA programs, gaining a love for...
Andrea Ashby
Small farming operation is a dream come true
Tom Savage is living his lifelong dream of being a small farmer. At 70, his enthusiasm and joy for this dream realized is readily apparent as he talks about new agritourism ideas and opportunities and plans for the future. Savage and his wife Linda operate Allied...
Small Snow Hill farmer has built his business through direct local sales of collards, heirloom variety sweet potatoes and greens
At 79 years old with a lifetime of farming experience to his name, James Shackleford of Snow Hill well understands the challenges of being a small farmer and making a living from the land. This year, he’s watching his input costs even more closely as he makes plans to put another crop in the ground. […]
Nationally recognized Bandys High School ag teacher found her tribe, now inspires the next generation
Laura Pugh Parker’s path could have taken many different directions, but the Bandys High School ag teacher knows she is where she was meant to be, doing what she meant to do. And, she knows one teacher can make a big difference. The wife and mother of two, who counts hundreds of current and past […]
Food traditions help define the holidays and spark joyful memories
Sheri Castle has been writing about food and talking about food professionally for 30 years, always with the goal of helping home cooks become more confident and passionate about cooking. She understands the powerful connection between food and holiday memories. “We all know the feeling of getting a whiff of an aroma of a ham […]
Triangle chef draws from his roots for classic Quiche Lorraine recipe
It seems fitting that Chef Serge Falcoz-Vigne serves up a classic French Quiche Lorraine recipe as a favorite. While quiches can trace their early origins back to Germany, the French are credited with expanding and defining the dish, establishing it as a versatile favorite meal. The hearty and savory Quiche Lorraine is a perfect example, […]
Charlotte restaurant brings local seasonality to the table
Charlotte restaurant Fine & Fettle prides itself on the use of locally-sourced and sustainable foods on its innovative menu. Located in the Canopy by Hilton in Charlotte, Chef Daniel Wheeler creates memorable dishes that give guests and diners an elevated taste of the South, while showcasing the considerable variety of foods grown in the state. […]
Quarantine Kitchen: Henry’s Restaurant
This year has been full of unprecedented times and situations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families and individuals will be cooking at home this holiday season. That’s why we are bringing the dishes to you all month long in our Quarantine Kitchen series. We talked to 23 chefs who have shared some of their […]
Hickory Farmers Market is proudly serving its community
National Farmers’ Market Week takes place Aug. 2-8, 2020. Farmers’ markets across North Carolina offer communities access to fresh, nutritious food, while also stimulating local economies. National Farmers’ Market Week is a time to celebrate those who produce fresh foods in our state. Whether you visit a roadside stand or the State Farmers’ Market, take […]
Food Distribution trucks and staff keep food moving to places of need
In a time when very little is predictable or consistent, the department’s 18 Food Distribution truck drivers have kept food moving to places that need it most. Those drivers are moving USDA commodities available through The Emergency Food Assistance Program to schools, food banks, soup kitchens and other distribution sites And, that has been a […]
NCDA&CS sharing COVID-19-related financial assistance resources (updated 5/04)
COVID-19 has upended seemingly all aspects of our lives, including established markets and income sources for some. NCDA&CS is sharing financial assistance resources that we have learned about. Please note these resources are not offered by NCDA&CS. Contact information and links for more information are provided with the listings. Farmers and food businesses may be […]
Study underway to help farmers produce malting barley for breweries
If NCDA&CS Agronomist Kristin Hicks has her way, in a couple of years North Carolina beer brewers and malting houses will have access to more locally grown malting barley rather than having to source that ingredient from farmers in the Northern United States, Canada or Europe. Hicks, in collaboration with scientists at N.C. State University, […]