1998 Success Stories

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Date: Mon Jun 8 20:59:31 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: milton parker

New Greenhouse grower implements successful Risk Mgt.program
Debbie Broome and her partner Sandy Croom have recently
established a perennial G.H/garden center in Brunswick Co.
with the assistance of Milton Parker. They successfully
outlined a business plan and set of goals beginning in June
1997 and finshed in Feb.1998. Their operation opened up on
March 16,1998. They have followed closely the outline and
videotape on Risk Mgt.:Planning for Success. They are very happy and excited that the plan is working for them.
Debbie and Sandy are one of 6 small,part-time producers
participating in Risk Mgt. project in Brunswick,Columbus and Robeson counties.

Date: Thu Jun 25 09:59:26 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Ross Young

Organic Christmas Trees: In light of an ever increasing demand for sustainable farming practices, the first ever certified organic Christmas tree farm became established this spring. A previously certified organic vegetable grower in Madison County set 200 Fraser Fir Christmas trees as a part of an intensive on-farm-test. The trees are being fertilized with manures and fish emulsion; they are being scouted regularly using the latest IPM techniques; and several experimental ground cover management practices are being tried. The successes and failures (if any) of this test will provide vital information to this unusual but growing enterprise.
Date: Thu Jun 25 10:00:07 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Ross Young

Opportunities for Small Farms: The struggle to find alternative crops to supplement the threatened Burley Tobacco industry is never ending. To "better the odds" Extension in Madison County has joined forces with A-B Tech Community College to design a "for credit" course program intended to attract local farmers. The program entitled "Opportunities for Small Farmers" will introduce farmers to a wide variety of potential crops suited for the mountain area. Participants will spend approximately two thirds of their time in the class room and one third at farms experiencing alternatives first hand.
Date: Thu Jun 25 10:00:31 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Ross Young

Ginseng on Water: With average Madison County farms having only 2 acres of tillable land, it is vital that enterprise choices be made wisely with a high return/acre. One on-farm-test cooperator chose the crop ginseng which has a high return/acre but normally requires a 7 year investment. To speed up the realization of a return on his investment, the cooperator planted ginseng seed in styrofoam trays floating on a water bed in his greenhouse. After only a few months he had healthy 3" tall ginseng plants that he potted and sold live at a local tailgate market for almost the same value he would have gotten by planting and managing the crop for 7 years then harvesting. The grower plans on expanding his production next year to include some bulk markets he has been able to find. Several thousand dollars of potential income will be gained by this grower.
Date: Thu Jun 25 10:00:50 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Ross Young

Alternative Ag: In response to the threats posed to the tobacco industry, the second annual Alternative Ag Seminar was held in Madison County. The purpose of the seminar was to expose farmers to a large variety of possible alternative enterprises to Burley tobacco. A dozen speakers shared talks on everything from cultural practices to marketing techniques on crops like organic vegetables, medicinal herbs, bee keeping, and agri-tourism. Over 40 individuals participated, out of which a known 31 have tried a new enterprise during the 1998 season.
Date: Fri Jun 26 12:25:53 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: sampson
Person Reporting: Allan Thornton

One grower utilized a transplant production greenhouse to grow poinsettias. 2000 plants were grown resulting in $10,000 additional gross income. This enterprise increase agricultural spending by $4,000.
Date: Mon Jun 29 11:03:49 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: clevelan
Person Reporting: Greg Traywick

Greg Traywick provided counsel to a female landowner who was looking for ways to generate additional farm income. After using Extension recommendations to retrofit an old barn, fence her property, and improve a 9-acre fescue pasture, she was able to secure a horse boarding agreement that provides her with $350 added monthly income.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:34:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: milton parker

Roadside market operation going strong in Robeson County.
Jeff McPherson of the Long Branch Community is in the 3rd
year of his small,yet intensive fruit and vegetable farm
operation. he operates a successful roadside stand based on the "Honor System". Customers purchase fresh items and put their money in a locked and tightly secured box in the stand area. Very little thievery has occurred reports McPherson.
he expects to gross approximately $24,000 off of the 8 acres
on the farm comments Agent Parker. he has been a pleasure to
work with the last several years. jeff attended the 1996 Veg. Expo and developed an overall farm production and marketing plan. Growers in the area are taking close notice.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:35:45 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: milton parker

Raspberries as an alternative crop in Brunswick County.
Yes, red raspberries are indeed being grown commercially in
Leland by Don Gilbert who also successfully grows and markets greenhouse tomatoes. First crop of "Heritage" berries was grown in the fall of 1997. the harvest was from August 12 - Nov. 15. he sells all of the fresh berries he can harvest. Berries go to 5 stores in the Wilmington Area
Milton Parker suggested that Mr. Gilbert expand his small
garden planting which he did in May 1997. Don has completely
sold out the fall crop and is harvesting the spring crop.
berries sell for $2.50 per pint and he has sold over $2,000
off of .20 acre of land. He can't keep up with the demand.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:15:51 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: lee
Person Reporting: Taylor Williams

Strawberry production has been a successful crop for seven Lee County Growers. Strawberry yield and quality can be reduced by late freezes and pests. Damaging freezes were predicted for the week of March 15­22. Each of these growers was contacted to discuss frost protection strategies. As a result, two of the growers employed a new combination of row covers and overhead irrigation which saved early blooms. With the severity of the freeze, growers not using row covers were advised to do nothing. This turned out to be valuable advice, as growers who attempted frost control with overhead irrigation only lost later­maturing buds. Late in the season, an outbreak of spider mites threatened to shorten the berry season. Growers were given information on mite control alternatives, their costs, potential impact on bees, minimum waiting period, and sources. As a result, these seven growers had five additional picking days, which resulted in $21,000
Date: Tue Jun 30 15:51:11 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: pasquota
Person Reporting: Tom Campbell

Connections made regionally between Reddick Fumigants, beekeeper Jessica Lynam, the Wang family farm, and Bill Mansfield of Windmill Perennials, resulted in 23,000 melon transplants being raised, sold, and planted on 15 acres of plastic mulch with trickle irrigation. The melons are marketed in New York City among Asian buyers. A hail storm on Saturday, June 12 destroyed the early market potential, but the vines are recovering and putting on new fruit. Pollination arrangements are significantly boosting yield of all vine crops on this farm.
Date: Wed Jul 1 12:58:23 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: franklin
Person Reporting: Ted B. Sanderson

Franklin County Farmer's Market, Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg, NC 27549 started a Farmers Market/Nutrition Program, June 8, 1998. The purpose of the Farmers Market/Nutrition Program is to encourage the purchase of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers as well as to improve nutrition of low income women, infants and children. These direct purchases increase the farmer's share of the food dollar, keeps more of the consumer dollar in local communities, and helps to revitalize rural areas. The program is provided in cooperation with the North Carolina Department Health and Natural Resources and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Date: Wed Jul 1 12:58:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: franklin
Person Reporting: Ted B. Sanderson

May 20, 1998 there was a Strawberry Field Day on the Vollmer farm in Franklin County. The Field Day focused on the current research studying economical and effective alternatives to the soil fumigate, methyl bromide. North Carolina is number three in strawberry production in the country, the elimination of methyl bromide will greatly effect the production and economical feasibility of strawberry production in the state. NC Cooperative Extension Service is currently working with John Vollmer in providing a test site to compare Methyl bromide, commpost-based system and Telone-C35. The Field Day highlighted the research results from the first year of a three year study.
Date: Wed Jul 1 15:54:09 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Jeff Morton

Produce farmers in Onslow county identified the expansion
of markets as their greatest need. Extension led the effort
to organize a community retail farmers' market and to
conduct educational meetings on intensive vegetable production with a total of 32 growers attending the two
meetings. A total of eleven growers have sold at the
market with 4-5 on a regular basis. Growers were qualified
to receive WIC produce vouchers with slightly over $10000 of
vouchers being redeemed in 1997. Growers surveyed indicated
that this represented 15-25 percent of their total sales. The market opened its second season on May 2, 1998 and sales
are up compared to last season. Two growers each planted
1.25 acres of vegetables on black plastic with drip this
season and are convinced that it is a better way to grow.
Date: Wed Jul 1 15:54:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Jeff Morton

Leaders of an inner city minority church identified the
need to develop a garden project for youth. Extension MG
volunteers worked with church leaders to develop a 1 acre
fruit orchard containing recommended varieties and a 0.25
acre garden using intensive production methods. Fifteen
children and youth have participated along with parents.
It has provided the youth with a greater appreciation for
agriculture, a constructive summer activity and also
enhanced their self esteem. The extension family and
consumer science agent works with adults on proper
preparation, cooking and storage methods for the fruits
and vegetables. Compost bins and a greenhouse have also been
constucted utilizing a grant.
Date: Wed Jul 1 10:06:32 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Martin Brewington

Alford Brown lives in the Purvis Community in Robeson County. He and his brother operate a five acre produce farm together. He is employed with the Robeson County Health Department. Alford, came to my office two years ago to get assistance and information that could improve his farming operation. For the past two years I have assisted him with getting greenhouse plants to a get a early start in his produce operation. He also has plans for a greenhouse called "A Small Backyard Greenhouse" - For the Home Gardener. At this time he is not able to construct the greenhouse, but future plans are to construct one within the next two years through a grant with the NRCS Social Sciences Institute at NC A&T; State Univ. With this part of the state susceptible to dry conditions, irrigation is a big part of our future plans in this operation.
Date: Thu Jul 16 08:17:11 EDT 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Martin Brewington

Alford Brown lives in the Purvis Community in Robeson County. He and his brother operate a five acre produce farm together. He is employed with the Robeson County Health Department. Alford, came to my office two years ago to get assistance and information that could improve his farming operation. For the past two years I have assisted him with getting greenhouse plants to a get a early start in his produce operation. He also has plans for a greenhouse called "A Small Backyard Greenhouse" - For the Home Gardener. At this time he is not able to construct the greenhouse, but future plans are to construct one within the next two years through a grant with the Natural Resources and Conservation Service Social Sciences Institute at North Carolina A&T; State University. With this part of the state susceptible to dry conditions, irrigation is a big part of our future plans in
Date: Tue Nov 3 13:30:33 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: madison
Person Reporting: Ross Young

With the average Madison County farm having only 2 acres of tillable land, it is vital that farm enterprise choices have a high return/acre. As a result of an Extension program that promotes alternative enterprises one farmer chose to try growing ginseng. Although ginseng is a high value cash crop, traditional methods of growing require at least a 7 year investment before harvest. To speed up the realization of a return on his investment this farmer planted ginseng seed in styrofoam trays floating on a water bed in his cold-frame. After only a few months healthy 3" tall plants were potted and sold at a local tailgate market for almost the same price the grower would have received by planting and managing the crop for 7 years. As a result of the test this grower is expanding his operation and three other growers have adopted this method of growing transplants.
Date: Tue Dec 22 11:05:46 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Martin l. Brewington

Stedford Collins Lives in the Shannon Community area of Robeson County. Stedford and his family operate 109 acres on three farms. Stedforf has been to my office several times seeking assistance and information, asking questions about different kinds of produce that he might grow on his farm. Stedford Collins has put in five acres of strawberries on plastic, and about one acre of blueberries.
his plans are to grow some other vegetables also on black plastic that he put in this fall. With this part of the state susceptible to dry weather conditions, irrigation was a big part of the cost of putting in the strawberries this fall. future plans are to construct a greenhouse to grow tomatoes in .
Date: Wed Dec 23 12:01:32 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: wake
Person Reporting: Morris J. Dunn

Many farmers across Wake County are become more aware of the changing rural community and are searching for ways in which to be apart of it. Seventeen farm families participated in learning alternative agricultural opportunity to help supplement farm income and support the many changing occurring in the tobacco program. The Group worked on a community grant and one of the farmers worked on an individual grant to help get new ideas and concepts started. A 10,000.00 individual grant has been attained to start a historical farm and tour site and the $30,000.00 community grant is pending for approval by Feb. 1999 for a 5 way vegetable marketing program. Community income could increase by as much as $500,000.00 plus.
Date: Wed Dec 30 22:29:39 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: stokes
Person Reporting: Jeffrey Boyles

A Farmers’ Market was successfully organized and started in the county. This provided growers with a place to sell and the consumer a place to shop for the freshest produce. The Market was opened on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings from May-October at the American Legion grounds in King. Total paid membership reached 56 and total reported sales for the year was $30,250. A big plus for the Market was the use of grant monies from the “Small and Part-time Farmer Program. These monies provided promotional activities and educational opportunities for the Market that would not have been available otherwise. Additional future benefits for the Extension Office from the Market formation were the creation of a strong group of growers and the good will created with the American Legion and the City of King. This success also falls under CEMP 7, Objective 1.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:47:29 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: catawba
Person Reporting: N. Fred Miller

Limited resource vegetable/fruit producers have few marketing venues for selling their produce in Catawba County. Potential loss of the Catawba Valley Farmers Market due to sale of the former location by the landowners threatened to further erode marketing opportunities. Cooperative Extension assisted the Farmers Market Board in securing a new site owned by the city of Newton. This collaboration has resulted in a fifty per cent increase in market participation by growers while Newton planners report a "significant" increase in the number of citizens visiting the downtown area on days the Market is open. Longtime participants indicate renewed enthusiasm for the Market. Extension is further assisting in procurement of grant funds for future marketing/promotion of the Market.
Date: Thu Dec 31 18:07:29 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: Larry Wright

The Columbus County Beekeepers have gone from 8 members to 45 thru initiative programs, videos and literature from the Columbus County Extension Service. The Beekeepers have monthly meetings, field trips to different beekeepers' beeyards & going thru their hives with State Bee Inspector, Bill Sheppard. They have an observation hive and manipulation booth where over 5000 adults and youth viewed one of the beekeepers handle bees and go inside the hive. This was a big success. The beekeepers had a truck with hive and bee equipment with smokers going in the Brunswick Christmas Parade. This drew a lot of interest and questions.
Date: Thu Dec 31 18:08:28 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: Larry Wright

Tony Parker, one of Columbus County's original beekeepers, has met one of his goals in beekeeping. Tony says for years he has wanted to raise and sell queens, but just never seemed to have the confidence to go ahead and get started. After joining the Columbus County Beekeepers and attending meetings and reading everything he could get his hands on, and encouragement from Ag.Technician, Larry Wright, Tony is now raising and selling queens.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:22:33 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Jeff Morton

Produce farmers in Onslow county have identified the expansion of markets as their greatest need. Extension has led the effort to organize a community retail farmers' market that has operated for two years in a rented facility. A total of eleven growers have sold at the market with 4-5 on a regular basis. Growers were qualified to receive WIC produce vouchers. Slightly over 10,000 dollars worth of vouchers were redeemed in 1997 representing 25 percent of total sales. In 1998 38,000 dollars worth of vouchers were redeemed representing 50 percent of total sales. The farmers' market association has worked with local and state representatives to obtain an initial appropriation of 50,000 dollars to be applied toward the construction of a permanent facility.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:25:18 EST 1998
SMP #: 14
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Jeff Morton

A winter vegetable production meeting was conducted on oriental vegetable production and intensive vegetable production with 12 growers present. Two growers each established 1.25 acres of vegetables on black plastic with drip irrigation for the first time. They both stated that the black plastic culture system was the only reason they had product to sell after June when drought conditions became
severe here in the county. Both growers indicate that intensive vegetable production will be a major component of their vegetable operations in coming seasons. Both growers
also made test plantings of various oriental vegetables for sale at the local farmers' market.
Date: Mon Jan 4 16:48:38 EST 1999
SMP #: 14
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Rickey Williams

We have 4 individal that are developing an herb business in Caswell County. They have made contacts with individual and wholesalers to purchase their products. They have taken advantage of the farmers market in Greensboro to promote their products. They have built a 100 ft greenhouse to accomodiate this increase in business. They have developed a web page on the internet to market and promote their new business.
Date: Wed Jan 6 15:31:09 EST 1999
SMP #: 14
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Princella Ibrahim

Mrs. Estelle Caldwell is a 68 years old African American small farmer residing in Turkey, NC located in Sampson County. She is a high school graduate, mother of six children, a widow and has been farming for over 55 years. She has participated in two projects conducted by NCA&T; Cooperative Extension Program. One was the Ways to Grow, which assisted in expanding her goat production, and is currently in the Small Farmer Outreach & Technical Assistance Project, which assists in financial and agricultural production.

Mrs. Caldwell owed FmHA over $95,000 and was in the process of foreclosure. As a result of my assistance, I was able to have her son secure a loan with FmHA to purchase the farmland which has been in the family for over 100 years. Presently he has acquired the land and is farming produce and traditional crops. Mrs. Caldwell for the first time is FmHA
Date: Wed Jan 27 14:33:39 EST 1999
SMP #: 14
Local System: yancey
Person Reporting: Stanley Holloway

WNC saw a rapid decline in the number of honeybees and beekeepers during the late 80's and early 90's due to losses resulting from infestations of mite pests. The rapid death of infected hives caught area beekeepers off guard, uninformed and disheartened to the point of giving up. The loss of both captive and feral honeybees resulted in poor poilnation of many fruits and vegatables. This lack of pollination sparked a renewed interest in beekeeping. Seeing this as a "teachable moment", Extension staff in Yancey and Mitchell Counties looked at forming a beekeepers club to facilitate information delivery. During 1998, the group grew from a 15 member organizational meeting to a State Chartered beekeeper chapter with over 40 active members. Monthly educational meetings and events have helped this core of beekeepers to keep their hives healthy and as a result, the honeybee is showing a come back.
Date: Mon Feb 1 11:53:25 EST 1999
SMP #: 14
Local System: jones
Person Reporting: James A. Daughtry

Onslow Horticulture Agent, Jeff Morton, and Jim Daughtry helped an interested group of farmers start a
Jacksonville­Onslow Farmers Market.

Currently involving about 14 volunteers representing the local community and military base, helped strengthen the local support for the market. 8 local farmers are utilizing the market to increase their income and local families have a location to get farm fresh vegetables.
They have grossed over $53000 income resulting from new investment and marketing of alternative
enterprises.
Date: Tue Feb 2 10:41:21 EST 1999
SMP #: 14
Local System: guilford
Person Reporting: GWYN RIDDICK

Due to the high volume of telephone calls received in the Guilford County Extension center from landowners and small farmers about either starting a farm or entering alternative farm enterprises,a Small Farm Demonstration and Field Day was developed jointly between NCA&TSU; and the Guilford Extension Center.The event was to allow these landowners to hear experts discuss small scale farming opportunities. thirteen specialists from NCDA, NCATSU, NCSU, CFSA, USFOREST SERV. presented information on the following topics: meat goat production, organic farming, pasture poultry, managing small farms, soil sampling,plasticulture, irrigation methods, pasture mgmt.,woodland mgmt., pond mgnt, greenhouse options, erosion control,covercrops.Approximately 70 participants attended the lectures, demonstrations and exhibits.90percent said they learned a new farming practice they would use & they would attend next year if offered. 70 percent of the respondents were not presently farming but were in the decision process. a useful tool for education about small scale farming.
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