Farm Pics and News
What's New in 2013!
Introduced New Breeds of Chickens:
Jersey Black Giant. The Jersey Black Giant breed is an American-bred and known for its large frame. However unlike the fast-growing commercial Cornish breeds, it is a slow-growing fowl that can weigh up to 10-13 lbs. The hens are broody and lay brown eggs.
Black Copper Marans and Blue Copper Marans. The Maran breeds originate from France. They are known for their very, dark "chocolate-like" egg color and delicate fine meat. However, not all breeds produced the deep chocolate brown eggs.
Introduced New Breeds of Chickens:
Jersey Black Giant. The Jersey Black Giant breed is an American-bred and known for its large frame. However unlike the fast-growing commercial Cornish breeds, it is a slow-growing fowl that can weigh up to 10-13 lbs. The hens are broody and lay brown eggs.
Black Copper Marans and Blue Copper Marans. The Maran breeds originate from France. They are known for their very, dark "chocolate-like" egg color and delicate fine meat. However, not all breeds produced the deep chocolate brown eggs.
Native Wildflowers and Herbs Production 2012
Due to the decrease in bee population in our area, planted native wildflowers between pecan trees to attract bees and other beneficial insects to lower end of farm to help pollination of crops in this area.
Performed on-farm research regarding growing various vegetation under pecan trees to reduce disease and unwanted insects that are destructive to the trees and nut crop production.
Performed on-farm research regarding growing various vegetation under pecan trees to reduce disease and unwanted insects that are destructive to the trees and nut crop production.
Extending Growing Season Via Use of High Tunnel 2011
Program through NC A&T University Cooperative Extension
Installed a small high tunnel to extend the tomato growing season during Fall 2011 and early Winter 2011.
Planted more Blueberry bushes. Only a few left in freezer -- Blueberry Smoothies were good during winter.
Looking forward to having more blueberries again.
For Spring 2012, we are growing strawberries. Picked first crop on March 1, 2012. Hope to have second crop
late Spring or Early Summer if weather permits.
(Meanwhile, we grew carrots, beets, basil, mustard greens, tomatoes, turnips and gladiolus in our hoop house.
These crops were separate from the carrots, beets, mustard greens, radishes, turnips and collards that were growing in the field this winter. Winter has left us... would you believe the carrots (sweet), turnips and rutabagas are still producing!) Looking forward to upcoming spring crops.
Planted more Blueberry bushes. Only a few left in freezer -- Blueberry Smoothies were good during winter.
Looking forward to having more blueberries again.
For Spring 2012, we are growing strawberries. Picked first crop on March 1, 2012. Hope to have second crop
late Spring or Early Summer if weather permits.
(Meanwhile, we grew carrots, beets, basil, mustard greens, tomatoes, turnips and gladiolus in our hoop house.
These crops were separate from the carrots, beets, mustard greens, radishes, turnips and collards that were growing in the field this winter. Winter has left us... would you believe the carrots (sweet), turnips and rutabagas are still producing!) Looking forward to upcoming spring crops.
2009 Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year Award Recipent
NC A&T University, Greensboro NC
Here is a link ( http://www.ag.ncat.edu/sfy09/index.html ) to NC A&T 2009 Small Farmer of Year webpage with video about our farm. - Reprinted with the permission of NC A&T University, Greensboro NC
LYFE (Linking Youth to Farming Enterprises) Program 2007-2008
Beginning Farmers Initiative (2007-2008)
Program through NC A&T University Cooperative Extension
To encourage young and beginning farmers in sustaining family farms through value-added or niche
enterprises.
Pastured Pork Farm Tours 2006 and 2007
Outreach farm tour to inform local farmers and extension agents regarding our farming practices, experiences, challenges and outcomes.
News Article:
Here is the link to a recent article on our farm in The Pilot http://www.thepilot.com/stories/20090909/scene/arts/20090909Family.html – Reprinted with the permission of The Pilot, Southern Pines, NC 2009