Every Friday on social media, we post a Farm Feature Friday showcasing one of our dedicated North Carolina farmers. Benny Fountain, of Tarkil Branch Farm, is one of those farmers. The #FarmFeatureFriday campaign will run through December 2021 on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Be sure to tune in each Friday afternoon on social […]
Emily Sutton
Mitchell County Century Farm known for its molasses
In 1796, Hugh Harrell planted the roots of a family farm in Bakersville that would grow with love over the centuries. Harrell Hill Farms has produced a variety of products throughout time, but the family has always valued education and each other. Luther Harrell, a descendant of Hugh, was one of the first farmers in […]
Grapes galore at Cleveland County Century Farm
Located in Cleveland County, Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery operates on farmland that has been in the Baker family for quite some time. Ann Edwards, an owner of the vineyard, said her grandfather first used the family’s farmland, growing corn for his federally licensed liquor. As a “gentleman farmer,” Ann’s grandfather farmed mostly for […]
Small stands, large impact
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 […]
Surry County Century Farm attracts a crowd each summer
Since the late 1700s, the Key family has reaped the benefits of the same land in Surry county, whether that be through farming or other business ventures. Following the Revolutionary War, Martin Rice Key moved from Virginia to North Carolina, settling on what would be the family’s land for centuries. At one point, the family’s […]
Intern Spotlight: N.C. A&T Sophomore Milosh McAdoo
Like many other college students across the United States, Milosh McAdoo’s summer internship was unexpectantly altered to meet the needs of a pandemic-ridden nation. Originally from Efland, McAdoo is a rising sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University. As an animal science major, McAdoo hopes to one day work in the animal agriculture industry, whether […]
Sampson County Century Farm prospers under the care of one woman
Since 1913, the Petersons have been operating their family farm in Sampson County. Carla Peterson and her husband, Chris, currently own the farm, but it was his grandfather who laid the foundation in the early 1900s. Mr. Peterson’s grandfather sold books door to door in order to make money. He then bought war bonds, using […]
Virtually celebrating NC FFA members
Around this time each June, downtown Raleigh becomes a sea of corduroy blue as hopeful NC FFA members from across the state come together. This year, however, the streets of Raleigh will be much quieter. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the 92nd North Carolina FFA State Convention was unfortunately canceled. Instead of an in-person convention, NC […]
2020 Graduate Spotlight: Nallah Muhammad
During this unpredictable time, students like Nallah Muhammad have been reflecting on their educations, while looking forward to their futures. An Asheville native, Nallah Muhammad developed her passion for agriculture during her senior year of high school. Nallah and her family are vegetarians, and because of this, she understood the importance of access to fresh […]
2020 Graduate Spotlight: Tori and Tripp Johnson
Like many other students, the Johnson siblings are missing out on important milestones in their lives due to COVID-19. While they may not have been afforded traditional graduation ceremonies, the Johnsons have made the best of their situation. Tori and Tripp Johnson come from a family of farmers. The brother and sister duo grew up […]