Pasture to Plate: The Story Behind Biltmore Estate’s Heritage Hog Herd

When most visitors think of the Biltmore Estate, they picture the grandeur of America’s largest home or the beauty of its world-famous gardens. However, just beyond the manicured lawns and historic architecture lies a working farm operation. The farm has been part of the estate’s identity since the 1800s, and it’s an agricultural legacy still … Read more

Commissioner Troxler: Honoring the Biltmore Legacy

by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler Last week I had the honor of recognizing George Cecil, one of the two grandsons of George Vanderbilt, with the Ambassador of Agriculture award. This award represents the highest honor given by the N.C. Department of Agriculture for outstanding work in agriculture. Mr. Cecil is the owner of Biltmore Farms, … Read more

Vanderbilt descendents join distinguished group

On Wednesday night, Agriculture Commissioner presented the Cecil and Pickering families with a sign that designates their property as a North Carolina Century Farm. They are now part of the distinguished group of about 1,700 families across the state who have maintained a farm within the family for more than 100 years. Bill Cecil Jr. … Read more