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...
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
If you want tips for greener yards, perkier plants and healthier soils, then follow along with the Backyard Blog Tips, a monthly column from agronomists with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services Division — yes, the folks that process soil samples. Tips will cover common issues, offering science-based solutions. Moss problems […]