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8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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http://www.godish.com/8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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2 ncfb.org
NCFIELDFAMILY.ORG
RECIPES
Discover delicious dishes to try this spring at ncfieldfamily.org/food. Youll
find Chipotle Bacon Deviled Eggs, Lightened Up Cream of Asparagus Soup,
Strawberry Sheet Cake and much more.
Find even more member news and
events in the On the Local Level
section of our website. Check it
out at ncfieldfamily.org/local.
Read this magazine on your computer
or iPad, and easily share it with
friends. Visitncfieldfamily.org
and click Magazine at the top.
LOCAL LEVEL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Visit the North Carolina Field & Family website for
online-only recipes, photos and expanded stories
facebook.com/ncfieldfamily
twitter.com/ncfieldfamily
youtube.com/ncfieldfamily
pinterest.com/ncfieldfamily
ONLINE
http://www.ncfieldfamily.org/http://www.ncfieldfamily.org/foodhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/foodhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/foodhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/localhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/localhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/http://www.ncfieldfamily.org/http://www.ncfieldfamily.org/http://www.facebook.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.twitter.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.youtube.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.pinterest.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.pinterest.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.youtube.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.twitter.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.facebook.com/ncfieldfamilyhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/http://www.ncfieldfamily.org/localhttp://www.drfieldbrush.com/http://www.drchipper.com/http://www.ncfieldfamily.org/foodhttp://www.ncfieldfamily.org/8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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Celebrate
spring
strawberrieswith fresh
recipes atfarmflavor.com.
4 ncfb.org
http://www.farmflavor.com/http://www.farmflavor.com/http://www.farmflavor.com/http://www.farmflavor.com/http://www.burncage.com/fnc8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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COMMENTARY
ncfieldfamily.org 5
THE FUTURE OFFARM BUREAU
Farmers must provide leadershipand communicate in new ways
Farm Bureaus roots run deep in North Carolina,
stretching back to 1936.
In that year, 9 percent of the states population
were farmers. There was no question who would speak
for those farmers. They voiced their concerns through
their newly organized Farm Bureau.
But a wise Greek philosopher once warned, The onlyconstant is change.
Today, our states farming community represents less
than 1 percent of North Carolinas population. The state
is currently growing at a rate of 100,000 persons per year.
Thats nearly 2,000 people per week or 274 per day.
These new neighbors are not farmers. They are, however, changing the political
and economic landscapes. The demand for land has increased to the point where
North Carolina is losing farmland at faster than the national rate. This phenomenon
is occurring both in urban areas and in the surounding rural communities.
The majority of North Carolina General Assembly members are at least several
generations removed from any agricultural experience. Even with our best efforts,
there is less understanding of the importance of agriculture to our state and
national economies. Without question, changes within the state require changes
within Farm Bureau.
Who is going to speak for Farm Bureau in the future?
During 2013, we held a series of 10 district meetings with county Farm Bureau
leaders across North Carolina. At each meeting, we took time to discuss the future
of our organization. Without exception, our members emphatically said farmers
must provide the leadership and serve as the voices of Farm Bureau. I came away
from those meetings with a clear understanding we must zealously protect the
farmers right to speak through the unified voice of Farm Bureau.
Like many organizations, Farm Bureau has recognized that the models of the
1940s, the 1970s and even the 1990s do not work in todays world. In 2000, our
organization reviewed its structure. We deliberately chose to study the situation,
involve all the stakeholders, and then make well-thought-out decisions that
positioned Farm Bureau to move to the next level. In other words, we anticipated
the need for change before it was demanded of us. Weve made similar changes in
other areas, as well. Even though Farm Bureau is a powerful organization, we
realize the value of working cooperatively with groups having analogous goals. We
will continue to follow this path of proactive forethought during 2014 and beyond.
NORTH CAROLINA
AND
North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation
5301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, N.C. 27612, (919) 782-1705
www.ncfb.org
Larry Wooten is
President of North
Carolina Farm Bureau.
PRESIDENTLarry B. WootenVICE-PRESIDENTSJ.M. Wright Jr., Scott Whitford, Jerry Wyant
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENTPeter T. Daniel
SECRETARY Julian Philpott
TREASURERPerry Crutchfield
DIRECTORS
Ray Allen, 1703 Winding Creek Rd., Elizabethtown 28337
David Allred, 799 Jasper Rd., Robbins, 27325
J. Larry Barbour, 7684 Cleveland Rd., Clayton 27520
Judy Bare, 131 Hickory Forest Dr., West Jefferson 28694
Keith Beavers, 482 N.C. 403 W., Mt. Olive 28365
Carl Bond, 1249 Governors Rd., Windsor, 27983
Randy Britt, P.O. Box 463, Fair Bluff 28439
David Brooks, 6567 Hebron Rd., Oxford 27565
T.R. (Pete) Burgess, 6736 NC 39 Hwy. South, Henderson 27537
Ronnie Burleson, 28838 Kendalls Church Rd., Richfield 28137
R.H. Byrd Jr., 8136 US Hwy. 401 South, Bunnlevel 28323
Jody Clemmons, 273 Sellers Road NW, Supply 28462
William Craig, 315 Union-New Hope Road, Gastonia 28056
Jerry Davis, 1949 Dogwood Vista, Lenoir 28645
Karlene Doby, 1630 Baker Mill Rd., Cleveland 27013
Elaine Fryar, 6298 McLeansville Rd., McLeansville 27301
Herbert Gaines, 4284 Siler City Glendon Rd., Bear Creek 27207
Ray Garner, 242 Elwyn Dr., Roanoke Rapids 27870
Brian Greene, P.O. Box 501, Crossnore 28616
Shawn Harding, 762 Harding Ln., Chocowinity 27817
David Haynes, 112 Haynes Farm Ln., Dobson 27017
Dan Hunsucker, 3216 John Daniel Dr., Conover 28613
Glen Ipock, 550 Ipock Ln., New Bern 28562
Richard J. Jenks, 2300 Richardson Rd., Apex 27502
Billy Johnston, 1492 Jeffress Road, Mills River 28759
Talmage Layton, 6504 Cheek Rd., Durham 27704
Lycurous Lowry, 545 Burleigh Ave., Pembroke 28372
Donald G. Madre, 706 Wynne Fork Rd., Hertford 27944
Kevin Martin, P.O. Box 256, Ansonville 28007
Kirk Mathis, 155 Millard-Mathis Rd., Roaring River 28669
Daniel R. McConnell, 475 Old Dana Rd., Hendersonville 28792
Brandon Moore, 1165 W. Hilliardston Rd., Nashville 27856
Harold C. Morton, 300 Country Club Blvd., Jacksonville 28540
James Nations, 370 Wilkerson Way, Marion 28752
Steve Nelms, 269 Bern Wilder Rd., Louisburg 27549
Harrell Overman, 1132 Overman Rd., Goldsboro 27530
Lorenda Overman, 1132 Overman Rd., Goldsboro 27530
Gwen Pitt, 193 Pitt Farm Ln., Macclesfield 27852
Ronald Price, P.O. Box 218, Cliffside, NC 28024
Richard Renegar, 694 E. Houstonville Rd., Harmony 28634
Alton Roberson, 1305 Cobb Rd., Kinston 28501
Jack Shore, 2220 Shore Rd., Yadkinville 27055
L.M. Simmons, 562 Masontown Rd., Newport 28570
Donald Smart, 1440 Crabtree Rd., Waynesville 28785
George Smith, 2750 Jersey Church Rd., Lexington 27292
Aaron Stack, 13562 Old Wire Rd., Laurel Hill 28351
Eddie Stroup, 11416 Timber Ridge Rd., Charlotte, 28213
Larry Taylor, 8831 High Ridge Lane, Concord 28027
William E. Tew Jr., 6233 Loop Rd., Linden 28356
Robert L. Thornton, 352 S. McCullen Rd., Clinton 28328
Bill Tipton, 10 Waldroup Rd., Brasstown 28902
Don Tucker, 171 Burnt Hill Road, Laurel Springs 28644
Kelly Vann, 12396 US Hwy. 158, Conway 27820
Hester Vernon, 3629 Yarborough Mill Rd., Milton 27305
Henry Vines, 3450 Isley Drive, Snow Camp 27349
Richard Whitaker, 2991 Providence Church Rd., Climax 27233
North Carolina Field and Family is published quarterly
by North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation at 5301 Glenwood
Ave., Raleigh, N.C., 27612headquarters of the Federation.
Telephone (919) 782-1705. Annual subscription rates: 25 for
members (included in annual dues). Periodicals postage
paid at Raleigh, N.C. 27611, and additional mailing offices.
(Postmaster: Return all Forms 3579 to North Carolina
Farm Bureau, P. O. Box 27766, Raleigh, N.C. 27611).
(ISSN 0744-9593) (USPS 392-740)
North Carolina Field and Family is produced by
North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and
Journal Communications Inc.
Please direct inquiries to North Carolina Farm Bureaus
Public Relations Department at (919) 782-1705.
For more information, visit ncfieldfamily.org.
A MAGAZINE FOR NORTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS
VOLUME 1, NO. 1
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ALMANAC
Oh, DeerTo help reduce crop loss, diversify farm income and foster sustainable community support byfeeding those in need and more, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer
Services implemented the Farmers Manage Deer program.
The program is meant to help communities across the state control deer population on farms
through special events held during the hunting season. Hunters can keep what venison they
will use but are asked to donate the rest to North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry. In 2013,
this program offered special hunts on more than 14,000 acres of state farmland.
For more information on the program, visit ncfieldfamily.org.
Sweet SmilesChocolate Smiles has been providing North Carolina with locally made
candy for 30 years.
Located in downtown Cary, the chocolate company prides itself on making
treats handcrafted in small batches and free of preservatives and additives.
Stop in for some rich chocolate clusters, which feature nuts and fruits
dipped in chocolate, or try the shops popular almond toffee, handmade
truffles, snappers (also known as turtles) or freshly made fudge.
Each spring, the confectionery also offers hand-dipped North Carolina
strawberries and strawberry fudge, made with fresh strawberries picked
daily, though availability depends on when the fruit ripens each year.
For more information on Chocolate Smiles, its products and gift baskets,
call (919) 469-5282 or visit chocolatesmiles.com.
WIFE: There
is trouble with
the car. It has
water in the
carburetor.
HUSBAND:
Water in the
carburetor?
Thats
ridiculous.
WIFE: I tell
you, the car
has water inthe carburetor.
HUSBAND:
You dont even
know what a
carburetor is.
Ill check it
out. Wheres
the car?
WIFE: Inthe pool.
FIELD NOTES
MADE IN N.C.
THE LIGHTER SIDE
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ALMANAC
ncfieldfamily.org 7
Alls WellFor fresh, clean drinking and irrigation water, many landowners turn
to private water wells. A new website, wellowner.org, provides helpful
information to anyone who uses a private well.
The resource was created through an agreement between the National
Ground Water Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The website features a variety of help from the Private Well Owner Hotline,
a free monthly tip sheet, online training modules and more.
ON THE WEB
Throughout April and May, youll find
no shortage of fishy festivals taking
place across the state:
1Blowing Rock Trout Derby:Held
the first weekend in April, this
family-friendly festival celebrates
the opening of trout season. Bringyour prized trout to the American
Legion to be measured, and awards
will be given out at 4:30 p.m. on
Saturday in five categories: Men,
Women, Girls, Boys and Small Fries.
For more information, visit
blowingrock.com.
2Grifton Shad Festival:One of the
states longest-running festivals, this
annual event celebrates the river
herring in Grifton, the Shad Capitalof North Carolina. Held the second
weekend of April, activities include
a fishing contest, carnival rides, craft
show, live music and more. Learn
more at griftonshadfestival.com.
3N.C. Herring Festival: Celebrate the
arrival of spring with friends, food
and fun at the N.C. Herring Festival
in Jamesville. This lively festival,
held on Easter weekend, features a
pancake breakfast, Easter egg hunt,Saturday night street dance and
sunset fireworks. Find more about
this event at ncherringfestival.com.
4Engelhard Seafood Festival:Seafood
lovers can make their way to Hyde
County for the annual Englehard
Seafood Festival held the third
weekend in May. The event offers
carnival rides and games, crafts,
historical displays, the Miss Seafood
pageant and, of course, lots of freshseafood. Read more about this and
other festivals at ncfieldfamily.org.
GO FISH
FEATURED FESTIVAL
435MNorth Carolina farmers
produced 435 million pounds
of peanuts in 2012.
Peanuts are technically
legumes, which means they
are part of the bean family.
Most of North Carolinas peanuts are consumed out-of-hand
as cocktail peanuts, instead of processed into peanut butter
or incorporated into candies.
Peanuts are
high in protein
and vitamin B.
The primary variety of peanut
grown in North Carolina
is the Virginia peanut.
Its known for its large oval
shape and reddish-brown skin.
FARM FACTS: PEANUTSDid you know that North Carolina ranks fifth in the U.S. for peanut
production? Learn more interesting statistics and facts about the states
peanut industry:
Source: ncagr.gov
431
2
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FEATURE
Alan Parker and his family
have breathed new life into
an aging farm in Southeast
North Carolina.
They dismantled old livestock
buildings. They recycled the metal,
found other uses for the lumber and
crushed the concrete for use on the
farms roadways. In their place, they
built six double-wide pig nurserieswith ventilation systems that
discharge air away from nearby
homes and traffic. They constructed
waterways, diversions and holding
ponds to handle rain that falls on
the farms 1.75 acres of roof area.
Now a fully functioning farm, the
family strategically places the animal
waste as natural fertilizer. The farm
participates in wildlife programs to
promote habitat for ducks, quail andsongbirds. Yet their overarching role
is to care for as many as 19,200 pigs
at once as a contract nursery for
Clinton-based Prestage Farms.
Within seven months of starting
their operation, the Parker family
earned an environmental award for
their efforts.
My goal today and to the day I
leave this earth is to be a producer
of wholesome, safe pork and do
everything I can to protect the
environment in ways Im required
to by the state and beyond, Parker
says. My plan is for this to be a
multi-generation farm.Farmer innovation, new technology,
regulatory compliance, and industry
and land-grant university research
combine to improve animal and
environmental care in North Carolinas
pork industry. The result: higher levels
of environmental management than
ever before.
There is a strong attitude among our
producers to comply, and compliance
is a highest priority, says Deborah
Johnson, chief executive officer of
the North Carolina Pork Council.
Compliance makes the neighbors
happy, but it also makes good business
sense. In fact, hog farmer Bundy Lane
believes environmental management
and production management are
synonymous on his 4,800-sowfarrow-to-wean farm in Gates County.
(Farrow-to-wean farms specialize
in care during the birthing process,
known as farrowing, until the piglets
are weaned and sent to another farm
to grow.)
Whats efficient is efficient for
both production and environmental
management, says Lane, an eighth-
generation farmer. Some people have
this notion that were doing it just to
feel good, but the best protection of
the environment is the best use of the
resources. And we dont waste them.
WASTE NOTThroughout North Carolina, hog
farmers prove they can do more
with less.
The greatest impact weve made on
Alan Parker of Autreyville has only been a hog farmer for three years but has already received an environmental award for his efforts.
He recycled old farm buildings into new, eco-friendly structures, while also implementing other sustainable measures for water and air.
PIG FARMERS GO GREENNorth Carolina hog farms make environmental strides over past 20 years
Story by Joanie Stiers
Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto
ncfieldfamily.org 9
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FEATURE
the environment is through feed conversions,
Parker says. Our feed conversions are the best
theyve ever been, which in turn reduces the
amount of waste that goes into a lagoon and [is]
applied to the fields.
Pigs today produce more pork per pound of
feed than in the past, and farmers do not use
growth promotants, a myth among the general
public. In fact, Parker estimates improvements
in genetics and nutrition have cut feed
conversions 25 percent over the last 15 years.Likewise, water use is reduced. Parkers farm
adopted the cup watering system, which reduces
his herds water usage and waste discharge by
50 percent over the trough watering system
common years ago.
And farmers today share the knowledge and
ability to capture, treat and recycle nutrients
from hog manure in more improved ways than
just a generation ago, Johnson says.
In fact, hog farmer Tommy Porter uses
manure as efficiently as possible on his 2,200-
sow farrow-to-wean multiplication farm in
Cabarrus County.
We utilize all the waste on the farm. I call it
the ultimate in recycling, he says. Fertilizer is
very expensive. The waste that is produced on
the farm is valuable to us. We want it to go as far
as it will.
The farm analyzes soil and waste samples
at a laboratory. Porter, therefore, considers the
nutrients already in the soil, the nutrients in
the manure and the nutrient needs of his farms
crops to determine the precise amounts for
application to their land.
The Porters are also mindful of the level of
odor and its direction before, during and after
applications. The family hosts weddings and
events on their farm, and they also remain aware
of the social functions of the neighboring church
and daycare, so they are able to adjust the farms
waste application schedule accordingly.
ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP EVOLVESMaking environmental improvementsremains a cooperative effort. Farmers
partner with government service providers,
educators, researchers, conservationists
and their communities to adopt improved
environmental practices.
Industry research from the National Pork
Board and production companies proves
valuable, Johnson says. Farmers also rely
on leading pork industry research at North
Carolina State University, which is delivered
to farmers through the North Carolina
Cooperative Extension. Specialists help farmers
calibrate equipment and teach them how to
measure a farms carbon footprint, Johnson
says. They deliver university-researched
recommendations about soil nutrient levels
and lagoon management. Farmers also learn
new production methods, which feature
elevated levels of environmental care.
Simply stated, North Carolina hog farmers
actively approach environmental stewardship
as more than a state-mandated requirement.
The Porter family
of Cabarrus County
recycles waste on their
hog farm in a variety
of ways, such as using
manure to providenutrients to their crops.
PORTERF
ARM:AMY
LAFONTAINE
PHOTOGRAPHY
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BY THE NUMBERS
9.5MNorth Carolina farmers
care for 9.5 million hogs
46KThe pork industry generates
46,000 state jobs
$2.5BIt contributes $2.5 billion
to the state economy
2ndThe state ranks second in
the nation for hog production
Sources: National Agricultural
Statistics Service and NorthCarolina Pork Council, 2013
FEATURE
They feel accountable to the rural
communities in which they live and
to the legacy they create for future
generations of farmers.
My children were raised here.
We drink water out of the same wells
as the animals. We breathe the same
air. We play in the fields where the
animals are and waste is spread. We
play in the creeks, Porter says. We
want to take care of everything the
very best that we can because its not
only where were making a living, but
its also where we live.
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ncfieldfamily.org 11
MAKE LASTINGMEMORIES IN
NORTH CAROLINA
from the Mountains to the Coast
Download the app or order a freetravel publication at www.visitnc.com.
Get the official
NORTH CAROLINA TRAVEL GUIDE
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COVER STORY
12 ncfb.org
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COVER STORY
ncfieldfamily.org 13
Discover fascinating facts about Ashevilles architectural masterpiece
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photography by Brian McCord
Think you already know everything
about Biltmore? You might be surprised
to learn theres more to this iconic
North Carolina estate than meets the eye.
1. Asheville can thank France for the designof its popular tourist attraction.WhenGeorge Vanderbilt began building his dream
home in Asheville in 1889, he envisioned a
French Renaissance chateau that intertwined
architectural features of 16th-century castles
he had seen in the Loire Valley of France.
George was an avid traveler. He crossed the
Atlantic Ocean 60 times in his life, says Darren
Poupore, chief curator of Biltmore. When plans
[for the house] were being discussed, he went toEurope with his architect Richard Morris Hunt
to gain inspiration. The result was Biltmore an
American expression of those grand European
estates that is truly an American design.
2. It took 1,000 men six years to build thehouse.Vanderbilt had fallen in love with
Western North Carolinas climate and scenery,
and in 1888 he began purchasing land that
eventually amounted to 125,000 acres.
Construction began a year later by what is
reported as 1,000 talented craftsmen, and
Biltmore House opened to the family at
Christmas 1895.
3. The architect of the estates gardens alsocreated Central Park.Frederick Law Olmsted,considered the father of landscape architecture,
was hired by Vanderbilt to design the grounds.
Olmsted decided to have a grand garden area
close to the house and majestic views beyond it.
4. Mount Pisgah was once part of Biltmore.After George Vanderbilts death in 1914, his wife,
Edith, sold 86,700 acres to the U.S. government
to honor her husbands wishes. The land became
part of Pisgah National Forest, the second
national forest to open east of the Mississippi.
5. Biltmore is home to Americas most-visited winery.The winery came about after
William A.V. Cecil, Vanderbilts grandson, planted
grapes on the property in 1971. Disappointed with
his first vintage, he brought a sixth-generation
winemaker from France to North Carolina.
The Biltmore Estate Winery opened in 1985,
which Cecil declared the most historic event
since my grandfather had opened his estate tohis family on Christmas Day 90 years earlier.
6. Frommers says it takes at least five hoursto fully explore the house.Biltmore Housespans more than four acres of floor space,
including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65
fireplaces. It was and still is Americas largest
home with 250 rooms. At first glance, people are
simply amazed by the large scale of the house,
Poupore says. He recommends the 60-minute
Architects Tour, which allows guests to get
a closer look at the design of Biltmore House
by touring areas not on the regular house visit,
including rooftops and balconies.
Even after working there for 14 years,
Poupore continues to make new discoveries.
It never gets boring, because the house
continues to give back, he says. Ill walk
through on any given day and see some
detail Ive never noticed before.
Constructed in the late 19th century, Biltmore Estate in Asheville opened to the public in 1930 with the hope of
increasing tourism during the Depression. Today, admission includes a self-guided visit to Biltmore House,
access to historic gardens and a Vanderbilt family exhibition, and a free wine tasting and guided winery tour.
MORE ONLINE
Find even more
fun facts about
Biltmore Estate at
ncfieldfamily.org/
biltmore. You can
also plan your visit
at biltmore.com
or by calling
(800) 411-3812.
65number of
fireplaces
in Biltmore
250number of rooms
8Kacres the
estate spans
23Knumber of
books in
Biltmores library
BILTMOREBY THE
NUMBERS
BILTMORE
Behind the Scenesof
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WATER WORKING ITHydroponic farms grow fresh produce throughout the year
Story by Carol Cowan
Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto
Hydroponics, the technique of
growing plants without soil in acontrolled environment, has been
around for hundreds of years. Sir Francis
Bacon first wrote about it back in the 1600s.
His work spawned research, which led to
discoveries concerning the mineral nutrients
plants need to thrive and the development
of technologies to deliver those nutrients
without soil.
Today, hydroponic systems range from
the simple to the sophisticated. They include
both kitchen windowsill herb gardens and
high-tech setups in massive commercial
ventures. The term itself hydroponics,
from the Greek hydro, meaning water, and
ponos, meaning labor literally means
water working.
Water is working well, in fact, for North
Carolina farmers who use hydroponics to
grow lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers
and other fresh produce in greenhouses year
round. The controlled environment and
carefully engineered nutrient delivery
systems free these farmers from many of
the limitations of field-grown crops for
instance, seasonal production, variationsin soil quality and mineral content, weather
and weeds.
As one part of its overall operation that
also includes field-grown tomatoes and
strawberries, Shelton Family Farm in
Jackson County near Whittier produces
10,000 to 12,000 heads of hydroponically
grown Bibb lettuce every week.
Its a year-round operation thats geared
toward wholesale markets. Its an intensive
production, says William Shelton Jr., a
fourth-generation family farmer whose
lettuce is distributed in grocery stores
throughout the Southeast.
Prior to 1986, when Shelton began growing
lettuce hydroponically, his farm, like many in
North Carolina, primarily produced livestock
and tobacco.
I grew up on a subsistence farm here in
the mountains, and we raised a lot of stuff
for our own consumption. But as far as
commercial enterprises, it was tobacco and
livestock, Shelton recalls. When I graduated
FEATURE
21
1Shelton Family Farm
Whittier
(828) 497-5323
sheltonfamilyfarm.com
2Spahrs Produce Farm
Lillington
(910) 850-9013
ncagr.gov/ncproducts
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ncfieldfamily.org 15
William Shelton Jr. of Shelton Family Farm in Whittier grows
10,000 to 12,000 heads of hydroponic Bibb lettuce per week.
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FEATURE
from college and took over the farm, I
kind of saw the handwriting on the wall
with tobacco, so we made the transitionkind of early on. Weve tried to diversify
and fill a niche.
That meant building greenhouses
and installing hydroponic systems that
currently occupy two 120-foot-by-96-
foot ranges. A nutrient flow-tray system
pumps the nutrient solution from an
in-ground tank into plastic PVC
channels. The channels are built to
allow the water to flow through them
via gravity, coming in contact with theroots of each plant as it passes through
the channel, then drops into a gutter
and returns to the nutrient tank.
Its an enclosed system that runs
24/7, and its very efficient from a
water-usage standpoint because we
recycle the water, Shelton says. The
only water thats actually consumed
in the process is what is taken up and
transpired through the plants.
Water conservation is just one of
the benefits of hydroponic farming.
Other advantages include the absence
of weeds and less potential for disease.
Disease is more manageable,
mainly because youre keeping
the tops of the plants dry, Shelton
explains. Theyre not getting hit
with rain thats dispersing disease
organisms. And theyre not being hit
with wind or hail or things like that.
Constant, regulated uptake of an
exact mix of mineral nutrients also
Hydroponic farming is not necessarily foreverybody, but it is a viable alternative for peoplewho are willing to put the work in.
William Shelton Jr., Shelton Family Farm
Shelton checks the conductivity of the nutrient solution that grows the lettuce. The
hydroponic system runs around the clock, pumping water and nutrients to the plants.
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FEATURE
ncfieldfamily.org 17
HYDROPONICS 101Learn about the six types of hydroponic systems
Two types of hydroponics exist. In the first, plants grow in a non-soil
medium, such as sand, clay, vermiculite or rock wool, which stabilizes
plants and wicks up nutrient solutions. However, whats known as true
hydroponics uses no medium, only a water-based solution of plant nutrients
Hydroponically grown plants get their nutrients from one of six different
types of delivery systems that range from straightforward to complex.
1.Drip System (most commonly used): timer-controlled pump drips
growing solution onto the base of each plant
2.Wick System (simplest system): nutrient solution is drawn up from
a reservoir by means of material such as vermiculite or coconut fiber
3.Ebb and Flow System: growing medium is flooded with nutrient
solution via a timer-controlled pump; excess solution flows back intoreservoir for reuse
4.Water Culture System (effective for lettuce production): active system
wherein plants float atop nutrient solution while oxygen is pumped into
solution to aerate plant roots
5.Nutrient-Film Technique System (used by commercial farmers): high-tech
system in which a constant flow of nutrient solution is pumped over
plant roots; with no growing medium, plants are supported in plastic
or mesh baskets
6.Aeroponics System (most sophisticated): plants are suspended in a rack;
exposed roots are misted frequently with nutrient solution
Learn more about hydroponics at ncfieldfamily.org.
makes hydroponically grown crops
consistently nutritious and flavorful.
But, perhaps most important,
the controlled environment of the
greenhouse allows for year-round
production, which means better access
to fresh produce for consumers and
more income for farmers. Shelton
estimates that due to the intensity of
production seeding, transplanting
and harvesting every week of the year
his half-acre of greenhouse space yields
the equivalent of 80 acres to 90 acres
of field-grown lettuce.
Of course, hydroponic farming
is not all a bed of lettuce. While
production is fairly straightforward,it requires constant attention,
significant investment and a great
deal of marketing. Sheltons operation
keeps him and four full-time employees
busy all year long.
Hydroponic farming is not
necessarily for everybody, he says,
but it is a viable alternative for people
who are willing to put the work in.
Scott Spahr of Spahrs Produce Farm
in Lillington echoes that sentiment.Itll work for anybody if you want
to work at it, he says. But its not for
everybody. Its a lot of work. It keeps
me busy every day.
Spahr, who runs his Harnett County
operation mostly solo since his parents
retired, diversified into hydroponics
about 15 years ago, gradually adding
one greenhouse at a time as he could
afford it. He started with tomatoes,
then added lettuce, English cucumbers
and bell peppers. Today, three of his five
hydroponic greenhouses are dedicated
to tomatoes two for the spring crop,
one for the winter crop.
I seem to get better quality and size
with two different crops, he explains.
Selling exclusively at farmers
markets, Spahrs goal was to be able
to make a living through the winter.
Now the winter market is almost
as good as the summer market is,
he says.
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RECIPES
ncfieldfamily.org 19
North Carolina farm products shine in seasonal recipes for dinner and dessert
Recipes and Food Styling by Mary Carter
Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto
Your mother probably told
you to eat your greens, and
these days, its easier than
ever. Mustard, collard, beet and
turnip greens are partnering with
spinach, escarole, Swiss chard and
kale to enhance many dishes with
delicious flavors.Full of fiber, vitamins and minerals,
greens are even said to help prevent
diabetes, not to mention theyre
carbohydrate-free.
The North Carolina climate is
friendly to both fragile and hearty
varieties. With easy access to so many
types of greens, and the long growing
season (almost year round for the
heartiest strains), you can add them
to as many dishes as possible.
A few of the recipes on the following
pages offer a glimpse into the potential
for adding them to your diet. They are
no longer stuck in the overcooked, salty
stew of greens of yore, but looking hip
in a Turnip Greens & White BeansSautor combined with the cheesylayers of Greek Chicken Lasagna.
Whats more, most greens can be
used interchangeably in these recipes,
so feel free to swap turnip greens for
collards or kale. In fact, the spring
greens mix used in two of these recipes
often come in convenient packages
featuring many different types greens.
They consist of tender baby lettuces
including romaine, oak leaf, red leaf,
lolla rosa and tango, as well as varieties
of other seasonal greens such as Swiss
chard, mizuna, tatsoi, baby spinach,arugula, frise and radicchio. Lettuces
typically are pretty mild, while other
greens have a bolder flavor that some
consider bitter, though thats lessened
by the cooking process not to mention
the other, more savory ingredients.
Pork, one of North Carolinas top
commodities, lends its salty and
savory flavor to ourSpring Greens& Country Ham Tart. In addition to
the healthy greens, the ham provides
nutrients including protein, zinc,
vitamins B12 and B5, thiamine and
iron. Turn to page 8 to learn more
about North Carolinas pork industry.
Fresh strawberries are readily
available in the spring, perfect for our
Strawberry-Coconut Tres LecheCake. North Carolina ranks third inthe nation for strawberry production,
and May has been designated National
Strawberry Month. What better way to
celebrate than with a fluffy, fruity cake?
SPRING INTOSTRAWBERRY
RECIPES
If you love strawberries,we have some spectacular
springtime recipes for you:
Fresh Strawberry Muffins
Strawberry Breakfast
Smoothie
Old-Fashioned Strawberry
Shortcake
Strawberry Freezer Jam
Orange Strawberry Salad
Find these and even more recipes
atncfieldfamily.org/strawberries.
Opposite page:
Turnip Greens &
White Beans Saut
Fresh Spring
Flavors
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RECIPES
1 pie crust (to fit a 10-inch
tart pan)
6 ounces (about 3 4/cup) country
ham, chopped
5 ounces (about 2 cups) mixed
spring greens
8 ounces (about 1 1 2/cups packed)
Gruyere cheese, grated
8 eggs
1 2/ cup milk
1 2/ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 green onions, chopped
TURNIP GREENS &WHITE BEANS SAUTPrep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 4-6 servings
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large leeks (or 1 cup ramps),
sliced
1 large bunch turnip greens*,
cleaned and sliced
chiffonade-style
1 2/ cup stock (chicken, beef
or vegetable)
15 ounces (1 can) garbanzo
beans, rinsed and drained
15 ounces (1 can) navy beans,
rinsed and drained
1 2/ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 2/ cup grated Parmesan cheese,
or more to taste
*You may substitute any hearty
greens, such as collards, kale,
spinach or beet greens.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over
medium heat. Add leeks and saut until
they just begin to brown and soften. Stir
in greens and stock. Stir occasionally
over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
When greens have softened, stir in the
beans and pepper flakes, and heat until
warmed through. Spoon into a serving
dish, and top with Parmesan cheese.
May be served over pasta, polenta or
rice, or enjoyed on its own.
SPRING GREENS & COUNTRY HAM TARTPrep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Makes: 8 servings
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Press the crust evenly into the tart pan. Layer the ham, greens and cheese over
the crust.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, nutmeg and green onions. Slowly
pour the egg mixture into the tart pan.
Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Cover the top with foil, and continue baking for
about 30 minutes longer, or until center is set and no longer jiggles. Cool slightly
and serve.
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ncfieldfamily.org 21ncfieldfamily.org 21
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 8 hours or overnight
GREEK CHICKENLASAGNAPrep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Makes: 8-10 servings
4 tablespoons (1
2/stick) butter 5 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons flour
4 cups 2% or whole milk
3 cups chicken, cooked
and chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 4/ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 2/ teaspoon salt
9 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
4 ounces (1 cup) feta cheese,
crumbled
2 cups shredded mozzarella
cheese
5 ounces spring greens mix
(any combination)
1 2/ cup black olives, sliced
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly grease a deep-dish, 13-by-9-
inch casserole dish. In a large saucepan
over medium heat, melt the butter and
saut the garlic until just fragrant. Stir
in the flour until it foams. Whisk in the
milk, and stir until it mixture thickens
into a white sauce. Mix in the chicken,
oregano, pepper flakes and salt.
Spoon 1 to 2 cups of white sauce into
the casserole dish. Layer 4 lasagna
noodles on top. Spread half of each typeof cheese over the noodles, and then
add a second layer of noodles. Spread
all of the greens evenly on top. Add
another 1 to 2 cups of sauce, a third
layer of noodles and the remaining
cheese. Sprinkle the black olives
evenly over the cheese.
Cover with foil, and bake for 40
minutes. Uncover and continue baking
until golden brown and bubbly, about
20 minutes. Garnish with grape
tomatoes just before serving.
1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow
cake mix, prepared in
a 13-by-9-inch baking
dish according to
package directions
14 ounces (1 can)
sweetened
condensed milk
12 ounces (1 can)
evaporated milk
1 2/ cup whole milk or half-
and-half
2 cups whipping cream
1 3/ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries
1 cup sweetened
coconut, toasted
Greek Chicken Lasagna
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FEATURE
S
am Franklin knows why the
North Carolina plant world
celebrates azaleas.The beauty that they bring to
our state and to the Southeast is
unparalleled, says Franklin, who
runs a nursery in Henderson.
Franklin and his brother, Joe, began
Franklin Brothers Nursery in 1974. Joe
has since segued into ministry, but Sam
Franklin and his wife, Sheila, continue
the nursery operation.
Show-stopping beauty characterizes
the azalea, Franklin says. Your
architectural forms and textures are
important, he notes, but color in the
landscape engages people.
TRUE COLORSAzaleas come in a rainbow of shades
of pink, purple, yellow and white, but
Franklin says, Reds are what people
gravitate to.
Vibrant red pushes a green button for
azalea lovers, agrees Camilo Apolinar.
He and his wife, Juliana, own C&J
Nursery in Angier, where they sell
between 18,000 and 25,000 azaleas
per season.
Although Apolinar recommends
fall planting to establish a root system,
many choose azaleas in the spring. The
timing is understandable. Thats when
they show the color, he says.
Azaleas, a Southeast Asia import, are
generally easy to propagate and grow
with proper placement and watering,
no matter when the gardener chooses
to plant them. Only the states coastal
and high mountain regions provebarriers for azalea growth. In the
foothills and throughout the Piedmont
and the Coastal Plain, the plant thrives.
Of the thousands of varieties,
Sunglow and Wolfpack Red sell
particularly well. We cannot even
keep the Wolfpack, Apolinar says.
Its one of the brightest reds.
Traditional Formosa azaleas are
also popular, especially in more
established gardens.
We tend to be comfortable with
plants that we already have, Franklin
says. Familiarity is something we
battle when were trying to introduce
something new to the industry.
Nonetheless, the relatively new Encore
variety is gaining popularity. The
patented brand blooms in spring,
summer and fall.
Gayle Ward of Wilmington loves
Encore azaleas. She is a longtime member
and leader of the Cape Fear Garden
Club, the second largest garden club
in the United States. (The first club
is in Texas somewhere, she says with
a laugh.) Her club is instrumental in
organizing the internationally recognized
North Carolina Azalea Festival.
Azaleas are wonderful to landscape
with, and you can control their size
with pruning, says Ward, who grew
up on a farm. But you should only cut
right after they bloom. Otherwise, she
notes, youll destroy future flowers.
Ward prefers to buy in spring. I like
to see the blossom that Im actuallygetting, she says.
An azalea can die from freezing
weather, overwatering, drought or by
planting too deep (plant no deeper
than the pot it came in, Ward advises).
But, overall, theyre hardy. The blooms
lasts two to three weeks at a time. With
proper care, they live very long lives.
A FRAGRANT FESTIVAL
Resplendent landscaping luresvisitors to southeastern North Carolina
each spring. Called the city of a million
azaleas, Wilmington began hosting the
award-winning North Carolina Azalea
Festival in 1948. This years event, April
9-13, will be the 67th festival.
The celebration attracts thousands
with a heady mix of events. For instance,
the Cape Fear Garden Club offers tours
of 13 stellar gardens, large and small
($20 per map/ticket). Hoop-skirted
high school seniors called Azalea Belles
serve as garden guides.
Other highlights include a street fair
of arts and crafts, a parade, concerts,
home tours, an azalea queen coronation
and even celebrity sightings.
Luminaries who participated in the past
include Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan,
Michael Jordan and Kelly Ripa.
The citys bountiful azaleas blanket
the town, setting a picturesque backdrop
for the extravaganza.
EVERYTHINGS COMING
UP AZALEASGardeners throughout the state honor bountiful springtime shrubStory by Nancy D orman-Hickson
Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto
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FEATURE
ncfieldfamily.org 23
3
1
1Franklin Brothers Nursery
Henderson(252) 492-6166
franklinbrothers.com
2C&J Nursery
Angier
(919) 207-0042
candjnurserync.com
3North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington
(910) 794-4650
ncazaleafestival.org
2
PLANTING POINTERS
Plant in an area that drains
well. Azaleas do not like wet
feet, says Sam Franklin.
Azaleas prefer full sun to
light, filtered shade with a
minimum of 4 to 6 hours of
sun daily.
Make the planting hole twice
as wide as it is deep. Leave
the top of the plant root ball
about one inch from soil level.
Mix peat moss with soil when
planting. The soil needs to
be soft, so the roots can
spread out, says Gayle Ward.
Water well when you first
plant azaleas in spring and
summer. Keep the soil moist
in winter. Unless there is a
drought, azaleas require no
watering after the first year.
If azaleas stop blooming,
consult your county extension
agent about a soil test.
Azaleas are available year
round as greenhouse potted
products. They can be moved
to the garden after blooming.
Azalea Belles serve as garden guides at the North Carolina Azalea Festival.
Greenfield Park in Wilmington
Azaleas thrive in most areas of North Carolina.
Camilo Apolinars son Richard makes cuttings from azalea plants at C&J Nursery.
Their operation in Angier sells between 18,000 and 25,000 azaleas each year.
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An elephant at the North Carolina Zoo
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TRAVEL
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HI, HONEYHoney Bee Exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo creates
educational buzz about these busy insects
Bees help bring us favorites like apples, strawberries, watermelon andsunflowers, but thats only the beginning. Theyve been called the mostimportant insect pollinator in North Carolina, and thats why the North
Carolina State Beekeepers Association, along with the North Carolina Farm
Bureau, wanted to educate people about the important role of honeybees.
They partnered with the North Carolina Zoo to open the Honey Bee Exhibit
in 2009.
John Groves, supervisor of the exhibit, says the project includes an
active observation beehive, along with a number of educational graphics
and structures such as a 6-foot long sculpture of a honeybee. Visitors can
walk into an oversized skep (the name of a beehive made of grass) and
wander through gardens designed to attract honeybees, as well as other
pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
Volunteers from the beekeepers association also visit on occasion to
talk about honeybees and their important role in pollination.
As for the occasional bee sting, Groves says its never been a problem
at the exhibit. Honeybees are not aggressive, he says.
The Lathams taught themselves the
craft from the family tradition. Their
shop features hand-turned coffee mugs,
pie plates, vases and dinnerware, as
well as Bruces trademark baskets with
handcrafted flowers as decoration. You
can also browse through more than 40
other pottery shops in the Seagrove
area, which has been called the largest
community of potters with the longest
continual history of pottery making in
the United States.
Art galleries and antique shops also
abound in downtown Asheboro. The
35,000-square-foot Collectors Antique
Mall hosts more than 100 vendors.
About 10 miles north of Asheboro, theRichard Petty Museum tells the story
of the racing legend who took home
200 career wins and seven NASCAR
championships. The museum, which
includes Pettys personal collections,
as well as history on racing, recently
returned to its original headquarters
and Pettys birthplace in Level Cross,
where it first opened in 1988.
Finally, to experience the natural
beauty of this region, head south tothe Uwharrie National Forest, the
Piedmont regions only national forest,
which covers about 50,000 acres.
Though the Uwharrie National
Forest stretches farther south than
Asheboro, hikers have an Asheboro
man to thank for the Uwharrie National
Recreation Trail. Joe Moffit, an old-
time trappers son, blazed the trail more
than 25 years ago. The Scoutmaster
started the project in 1972 to help Boy
Scouts earn an Eagle rank.
If youd prefer to soar through the
forest rather than hike it and stay
closer to town choose the Richland
Creek Zip Line Canopy Tour in
Asheboro. Youll glide across 14
different cables with the highlight at
Mendenhall Falls along the companys
namesake Richland Creek.
For additional information about
Asheboro and its surrounding area,
visit heartofnorthcarolina.com.
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LOCAL LEVEL
BUNCOMBE
During the N.C. Mountain State Fair
in September, Congressman Mark
Meadows visited the North Buncombe
High School FFA milking booth,
a fundraiser the high school holds
during one weekend of the fair. The
congressman sat with Caleb and
Cole Gillespie, children of Michelle
Gillespie, the former N.C. Farm Bureau
YF&R chair. After he milked Yancey
the cow, Meadows took a minute to talk
with the children about the importanceof hard work and agriculture.
AVERY
Avery County Farm Bureau has
donated $250 to the new Avery CountyMiddle School Chicken Project. Farm
Bureau member and teacher Chantae
Hoilman, along with teacher Jonathan
Vance, is teaching students about
raising and caring for their Silver Laced
Wyandotte chickens. The students also
sell the eggs produced in order to help
maintain the chicken coop.
CALDWELL
Matt and Jamie Bowman, NCFB
YF&R State Committee members,
recently hosted a farm tour for 85 high
school sophomores from the Caldwell
Early College. The students were able
to see the Bowmans family farm,
shared with Matts father and brother,
including a grain operation, beef cattle
and hay. The students learned about
production practices, conservation
and employment opportunities
in agriculture.
CATAWBA
The Catawba County Farm Bureau
presented Brad Lael, ag education
and FFA advisor for Fred T. Foard
High School, with a check for
$10,000 to support its Greenhouse
Project, which will be fully operational
in spring 2014. Mark Story, career and
technical education director, as well
as students, attended the presentation
in September 2013.
ON THE LOCAL LEVELThis section highlights county news and events from Farm Bureau members
throughout the state. Find more member achievements atncfieldfamily.org/local.
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LOCAL LEVEL
ncfieldfamily.org 29
CLAY
Clay County Farm Bureau Womens
Group held a farm safety event as part
of the 7th Annual Clay County Tractor
Parade and Ag Day in September 2013.
Becky Danielson and Benita England,
with assistance from board memberSmith Danielson, engaged the 50
participants in a safety inspection on
a farm tractor discussing safety issues
and possible solutions. Each was given
a Slow Moving Vehicle Sign and, if they
participated in the safety inspection,
they were given safety glasses or gloves.
HOKE
The annual meeting of the Hoke County
Farm Bureau was held in September
2013 at the West Hoke Middle School
cafeteria, with 125 members and guests
in attendance. County Farm Bureau
officers were elected, including Earl
Hendrix, president; Kelly Archambault,
vice president; James Warner Jr.,
secretary/treasurer. Directors
elected were Johnny Boyles, William
Cameron Jr., James McGougan, Keith
Walters and Robert Wright. Policyrecommendations were also approved.
MECKLENBURG
Robert Pittenger, congressman for
most of Mecklenburg County, spoke
at the countys annual meeting in
November 2013. He discussed several
issues Congress was dealing with at
the time, including health care and
the farm bill. He invited everyone to
contact him if they have a question
or opinion on any issue.
MITCHELL
The Mitchell County Farm Bureau
Womens Committee sponsored a
Tupperware sale to raise funds for
its educational scholarship.Dorothy
Campbell, Carol Wright and Kim
Slotnik (pictured) helped prepare
salsa at the Bakersville Farmers
Market to raise additional funds. The
women raised more than $900 for the
scholarship, which was was matched
|by the Mitchell County Farm Bureau
Board of Directors. The first scholarshipwill be offered in spring 2014.
DUPLIN
North Carolina Farm Bureaus
Young Farmers and Ranchers program
participants Justin Edwards, left, and
Gerald Miller of Duplin, attended
Agriculture Day at Wallace Elementary
in Wallace on Oct. 25. They broughtdisplays with pictures of combines and
tractors harvesting soybeans, wheat
and corn, and they discussed what
products come from each. They also
passed out Rudy Rooster coloring
books for all the kindergarten children.
HERTFORD
The Hertford County Farm Bureau
supported the Hertford County 4-H
Summer Fun Farm to Fork Cooking
School. During the week, 4-H members
traveled to Johnny Powells farm near
Harrellsville to learn about his sweetpotato operation; the State Farmers
Market in Raleigh to identify fruits
and vegetables; and Ham Farms/Ham
Produce Co. in Snow Hill to see sweet
potato production on a much larger
scale. They also prepared healthy fresh
fruits and vegetables for the public.
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LOCAL LEVEL
RANDOLPH
The Randolph County Farm Bureau
made safety its theme for the annual
meeting in Asheboro in October 2013.
Edsel Beck was the keynote speaker
for the event. Beck spoke about his life
before and after a farming accidentnearly 20 years ago. He lost both arms
in the accident, one at the shoulder
and one at the elbow. He reminded
everyone to listen to the little voice in
your head, and if it says, Dont do it,
then dont do it! Nearly 200 people
attended the event.
WARREN
Members of the Warren County Farm
Bureau Womens Committee and
Ambassadors for Ag in the Classroom
program recently recognized returning
teachers at the annual countywide
Teacher Convocation at Warren
County Middle School. North Carolina
Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom
information and other items were
provided to the veteran educators to
help with their daily teaching activities.
WAYNE
The Wayne County Farm Bureau
Womens Committee held its
Distracted Driving Safety Program in
September 2013. Twenty-three teens
and adults attended the program. They
watched the distracted driving video
and then discussed it. Each attendee
was given a winner medal to hang on
their car mirror to remind them to not
text and drive. The program was led by
Patricia Herring, Wayne County Farm
Bureau safety coordinator.
YADKIN/DAVIE
Davie and Yadkin County Farm
Bureaus were instrumental in
supporting the Annual Yadkin/Davie
Area 4-H Livestock Show. More than
30 youth from the surrounding area
participated in exhibiting beef cattle,
sheep and goats. The August 2013
event was held at Lone Hickory Arena
in Yadkinville. Farm Bureau has
supported this show for several
years, as well as numerous other
programs through the North CarolinaCooperative Extension.
STANLY
Stanly County Farm Bureau held a
Healthy Living for a Lifetime event for
the residents of Stanly County on Oct.
24, 2013. Approximately 130 people
attended the event and received free
health screenings and advice on healthyeating and living. Board members
enjoyed greeting those who attended.
Along with North Carolina Farm
Bureau, Stanly County Farm Bureau
donated $5,000 for those whose
screenings showed they needed further
treatment but had no insurance.
WAKE
Wake County Farm Bureau Womens
Committee Chair Shirley Burt visited
Brassfield Elementary as a guest
speaker for the fourth grades NC
Commodity Day. Burt spoke to students
in June 2013 about the importance ofagriculture and shared about farming
in Wake County. At the end of the
discussion, students learned how to
milk Bernice the Dairy Cow.
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MCCLOY FELLOWSIN AGRICULTURE
Brandon Moore, a North Carolina
livestock farmer and waste
management specialist, was selected
to be part of the prestigious McCloyFellows in Agriculture program in 2013,
which sent him on a three-week trip to
Germany. The program gives American
farmers the opportunity to get an
up-close look at agriculture, farms and
food, including conditions and policies,
with their transatlantic counterparts.
The Nash County farmer and
member of North Carolina Farm
Bureaus Board of Directors says he has
seen diversity of farming throughoutthe United States, but visiting Germany
was an amazing opportunity for him to
understand agriculture from a greater
perspective, as well as to exchange
ideas and information.
I have a great interest in innovations
of manure management and animal
husbandry practices, Moore says. I
know that many livestock production
methods originated in Germany years
ago. It was interesting to see how
changes in animal housing, water usage
and environmental regulation have
affected their livestock operations.
One of the main things he learned
from German farmers that he felt he
could bring home is transparency on
the farm.They wanted to let the public see
what was happening on the farms, he
says. Some even had web cams in the
livestock facility. He adds that the trip
made him realize the importance for
himself and other American farmers
to educate the public about modern
agricultural practices and their benefits.
Read what Moore and his fellow
travelers wrote about their experience
atjhawkins54.typepad.com/mccloy.
Learn more about the McCloy
Fellowship in Agriculture and how
to apply atacgusa.org.
NEW GROUP FOILSMETAL THEFT
A new entity is joining the fight
against scrap metal theft in North
Carolinas rural counties.
Recycling Association of NC,
established during the summer of 2012,
now counts more than 50 members in
the industry, according to its president,
Travis Ward. Their goal is to combat
metal theft through legislative action
and working with the North Carolina
Sheriffs Association, the North
Carolina Association of Chiefs of
Police, Duke Energy Progress, Farm
Bureau and other groups.
While knowing that we cant fully
stop it, Ward says, we want to doeverything we can by working with
these organizations to severely limit
it and slow it down.
Ward works with his familys
Regional Materials Recovery Inc. Our
business has been in existence for over
80 years, and this problem has been in
existence for over 80 years, he says.
Ward notes that the North Carolina
General Assembly has passed four
pieces of legislation since 2007 thataid efforts to slow down metal theft,
but more clarification is needed
to create an equal playing field for
the industry.
While legislation was what brought
us together, we realized the bigger need
was to change the stereotype of our
industry, Ward says. Lots of people
have a negative view of our industry
aiding and abetting criminals. We want
them to know that we are legitimate
businesses that care and are concerned
about this metal theft issue.
The industrys national
association hosts a free website,
www.scraptheftalert.com,that helps
law enforcement track metal theft.
If all law enforcement would
use it, it would make a positive
impact, Ward says. He encourages
anyone with questions to contact
him atncrecyclingassociation.org,(252) 443-1521, or [email protected].
NCFB NEWS
ncfieldfamily.org 31
NEWS & NOTESHeadlines, resources and other stories from around the state
North Carolina farmer Brandon Moore, second from left, spent three
weeks in Germany through the McCloy Fellows in Agriculture program.
http://jhawkins54.typepad.com/mccloyhttp://jhawkins54.typepad.com/mccloyhttp://jhawkins54.typepad.com/mccloyhttp://www.acgusa.org/http://www.acgusa.org/http://www.acgusa.org/http://www.scraptheftalert.com/http://www.scraptheftalert.com/http://www.ncrecyclingassociation.org/http://www.ncrecyclingassociation.org/http://www.ncrecyclingassociation.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.ncrecyclingassociation.org/http://www.acgusa.org/http://jhawkins54.typepad.com/mccloymailto:[email protected]://www.scraptheftalert.com/8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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32 ncfb.org
LAST LOOK
Local legend says pirates used Topsail Islands channels as ahiding spot to capture merchant ships until they began looking
for tops of the pirates sails over the dunes, which gave thecoastal island and beach the name Topsail (pronounced Topsl).
Staff Photo
Topsail Beach
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THERAPY, SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE
http://www.mysafestep.com/8/13/2019 Spring 2014: North Carolina Field & Family
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http://www.qualityequip.com/http://www.eastcoastequip.com/http://www.jamesriverequipment.com/