Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund
Coastal Region
Project Descriptions for 2011
Bertie
Small Farm Goat Producer
Aaron cultivates row crops along with managing a small herd of meat goats. An increase in demand for goat meat necessitates expanding his herd and significantly increasing production, which he has chosen to do in part by using lights for continuous breeding. Grant funds will pay for lighting, as well as the bins he needs so that he can make his own feed.
Green Pond Farm
Wayne and his brother raise free range hogs and produce. His growth to a herd of 150 hogs has necessitated maximum use of his limited land, causing him to develop an intensive rotational grazing plan. Grant funds will purchase fencing and a watering system for his pasture. Wayne makes his products available to EBT card users at the market and on the farm.
Marvelus Farms-High Tunnel & Deep Well
Marvin raises wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and corn on his family’s farm. Recently, he converted an old tobacco greenhouse into a high tunnel for vegetable production. Grant funds will be used for drip irrigation and another high tunnel so that he can expand his produce operation. Marvin will sell watermelon, sweet corn, peppers, salad greens, Swiss Chard and tomatoes to grocery stores.
Watford Prawn Operation
Howard, a 4th generation farmer, plans to dig a 1 acre pond to raise prawn, the jumbo cousin of shrimp. Grant funds will allow him to supplement his existing equipment so that he can build the pond and cement the bottom as is customary in prawn production. Howard believes that prawn production, still relatively new in North Carolina, is an excellent opportunity for catfish farmers to expand into.
Certified Dairy Operation
Henry and his family operate a CSA and a farm store where they sell the organic vegetables, figs, grapes, persimmons, eggs and honey produced on their land. Grant funds will allow them to diversify their operation by purchasing equipment for making goat cheese. Steady beach-bound tourist traffic provides a consistent market for the family, and expanding their product selection will be an additional draw.
Duplin
Total Mix Ration
Donna has recently transitioned from tobacco into the cattle business. She now has 120 cows and 90 calves that she raises along with corn, wheat, rye and millet, and rents additional land for hay. In order to reduce her dependency on hay, Donna will use grant funds to purchase a two ton tub grinder powered by her tractor in order to make her own feed.
Beef Handling & Feeding Facility
Deleon started with 1 heifer when he was 12 years old; now he has over 100 cows. His family members also raise chickens, and both businesses have suffered as a result of rising feed costs. Grant funds go towards a feed mixer which will reduce the cost of purchasing feed, improve the health of his animals, and allow him to focus on direct marketing.
Gates
Livestock Barn, Chute and Auto Watering System
Jonathan, Tammie and sons raise pigs, chickens, goats and cattle, along with blueberries, blackberries and strawberries on their 27 acres. In order to grow to meet their needs and the market they have established, they need better access to water on site. Grant funds will go towards a well and equipment for livestock management.
Pick Me Berry Farm
After losing her poultry contract, Joan converted her chicken houses into goat shelter and vermin-composting facilities. She also has a hog operation, along with raising corn, wheat and soybeans. Currently she is developing 5 acres of her land into a pick-your-own berry farm. Grant funds will be used to install drip irrigation, deer fencing, and bird netting.
Off of the Beaten Path, Dalure Farms
Lulu recently returned to her family farm where she hosts agritourism events and raises about an acre of lufa, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, asparagus and squash. Grant funds will be used for irrigation equipment. Lulu is excited about the market potential of her lufa, which is easy to grow, edible, and can be dried and used for bathing and washing dishes.
Greene
02 Compost System (Converting horse manure)
Christy has been in the compost business for 20 years, first by utilizing the turkey litter and horse manure. With help from grant funds, she plans to build on odorless oxygen intensive compost system that will blow air through the compost, resulting in a finished product within 10 to 15 days instead of the usual 30 days.
Graze More-Feed Less
Gary and Mary have farmed for 10 years, starting with goats and produce. They now have 150 chickens 13 cows, 4 milk cows and 12 milk goats on 4 acres of rotated pasture. They mainly market their products through a CSA, but some of the milk is sold locally, much of it being turned into cheese and butter. The two strongly believe that grass-fed cows are healthier, and produce a higher quality product than grain fed, and they want to pass on those health benefits to the end consumer. The grant funds will be used to develop their pasture to support the rotational grazing plan with seeding and fencing.
Hertford
HAG, Hogs and Nursery
Curtis is a row crop farmer who has recently begun integrating pastured hogs and goats into his farm system using management intensive grazing techniques. Curtis will run his hogs and goats together, separating only during the reproductive phase. He will also raise and custom mix feed for all his livestock. Grant funds will be used to help with fencing and supplies.
Bailey Water System/Goat Operation
After losing his tobacco allotment, Larry began establishing a sheep and goat herd on his 85 acres. He plans to grow his herd to 600 combined sheep and goat in the next four years, using intensive rotational grazing methods. Grant funds will allow him to drill a well and develop the watering system.
Small Animal Livestock Operation
Jennifer is a small sheep and goat farmer who is ready to expand her business this year. Grant funds will help pay for farm infrastructure needs like fencing for her newly expanded pasture. She has had success marketing the meat locally, and will continue to build on her regional market options as she expands.
Diamond City Produce Market
Herbert operates an organic transitional farm in which he cultivates 18 different varieties of herbs, along with squash, watermelons, collards, potatoes, string beans, and various fruits and nuts. He sells his wares at a road side stand located near a major highway. Grant funds will allow him to rent cultivating equipment, and supply water to his field.
Lenoir
Spray-to-go
David’s pecan business has grown tremendously in the last two years, but the cost of spraying equipment is prohibitive for a small orchard owner to purchase. Grant funds will allow him to obtain the equipment he needs to protect his trees from destructive pests. He will also offer custom spraying services to area small pecan producers.
Martin
Hank’s Place
Henry and Sheila have a cotton, soybeans and corn farm near the Roanoke River where they have recently begun creating a hunting and fishing business. The two are converting several buildings to cabins and need a larger building to accommodate events. Grant funds will be used for the purchase and construction of an event facility.
Converting Cotton Gin Trash to Horticultural
Brent uses the by-product of cotton production at a local gin and converts it to compost for horticultural use. Grant funds will purchase necessary equipment to complete his set-up for the process, which includes retrofitting much of his old tobacco equipment and barns. His project serves farmers with abundant commodity waste, as well as be an asset for bedding plants in green houses.
New Hanover
Warm Weather Season Extension
Christin produces a range of chemical free produce on less than 10 acres of land and specializes in high-end salad mixes that she sells at the Wilmington Farmers Market, as well to four local restaurants. With grant funds, she will be able to construct a high tunnel in order to begin spring growing earlier and extend fall harvesting.
North Hampton
C.R. Tyner Goat Farm
Charles raises 800 acres of no-till cotton, soybeans, wheat, and corn. Recently, he has integrated meat goats into his farm operation, and currently keeps 100 head on pasture with access to a chicken house converted into goat shelter. Grant funds will be used to purchase a squeeze chute to better manage his herd. Charles sells his goats to the local Latino community.
Onlosw
Organic Bee Growing
Julian has been raising bees since he was 15, and concern for ongoing loss of honeybees has motivated him to avoid using chemicals on his bees, and instead breed hygienic queens. He now has 275 colonies and will use grant funds to increase his capacity for pollination, honey production, and sales. Read his articles in Bee Culture, www.culture.com, and the American Bee Journal, www.americanbeejournal.com.
Muscadine Grape Products
Troy has raised Muscadine grapes for over a decade with his family members, selling to customers like Duplin Winery. He also has a pick your own business and would like to introduce value added products like grape juice and grape smoothies to the market. Grant funds will allow him to purchase the equipment necessary for creating these products.
Pender
Blueberry Irrigation System
Howard inherited his family’s tobacco farm, which he eventually transitioned to blueberry production. Between summer droughts and sustained hard frosts in the winter, his bushes and his berry production have suffered. With assistance from grant funds, Howard will purchase an overhead irrigation system, making use of his 1.5 acre pond. The system will function in a dual capacity, frost protection and watering the bushes.
On-Farm Feed Mill
Jeremiah, Joann and their five daughters currently raise goats, cattle, chicken and hogs and want to expand to include turkeys on their 75 acre farm. They grow their own non-gmo feed grain; grant funds will be used to mill and press the feed. Controlling the feed source will reduce costs, as well as improve the health of their animals. http://www.jonesfamilyfarmnc.com/
Crop Pollination, Honey Bees
Fenton saw the need for pollinators for his crops and began breeding honeybees, eventually expanding to rent his hives to area farmers to boost their pollination. He also harvests and sells honey from the 50 hives which he rents out. Increased demand for his services has necessitated further expansion, and grant funds will allow him to outfit a custom trailer to haul his bees.
Perquimans
Farm Equine Therapy
Gail and her husband raise American Quarter Horses. Over the past three years she has developed an equine therapy service she provides to individuals with mental health problems. Grant funds will allow her to make repairs on her existing facility in order to grow her business. She will also develop her website and direct targeted marketing efforts at institutions and rehabilitative service providers.
Bull Soundness
Jared is trying to tap in to a niche market of high value breeding bulls, and in order to make it cost effective, he needs to be able to examine his own animals instead of relying on the veterinary clinic over an hour away. Grant funds will be used to purchase an ultrasound machine, enabling him to achieve a higher profit. http://www.snowhillfarms.com/
Pitt
Produce Market Expansion
Josh and his father grow produce in addition to the 200 acres of family land in tobacco production. They would like to launch a U-pick strawberry operation in hopes of bringing in additional revenue. Grant funds will allow Josh to plant seven acres of strawberries with drip irrigation. This farm business venture will allow Josh to come onto the family farm full time.
Community Grants
Craven
West Craven High School Ag Coop
Brenda teaches farm management skills to special needs students at West Craven High School. She is in the process of creating a cooperative between local farmers and the honorary FFA students, in which farmers will train the young folks in various aspects of farming as they prepare to run their own farms. The cooperative will also serve to expose current farmers to diverse farming practices. Grant funds will be used for livestock fencing.
Dare
The “Locally Grown, Seasonally Fresh”
Anna operates Natures Harmony, an ornamental plant nursery located at the beach and in close proximity to Jockey’s Ridge Park. In order to take advantage of the tourist market, she has begun carrying food products ranging from her own preserves and fresh fruits to produce from area farmers. Grant funds will allow her to upgrade this informal farmer’s coop by paying for marketing so that Anna can sell as much local produce through her distribution hub as possible.
Duplin
Mushroom Fruiting House and Production Facility
Geneva is working with a group of farmers training them how to produce mushrooms year-round indoors. The farmers plan to market collectively, with the possibility of selling to institutional markets such as universities. With help from grant funds, they will be able to erect a 20 x 40 mushroom fruiting facility which can be replicated on individual farmers’ land. The facility will have the capacity of producing 200 lbs per week.
Greene
Install Well Water System/Storage Unit
Charlene, John & Chad have become leading prawn farmers in the state, and have recently formed the American Prawn Cooperative in order to standardize and verify quality control processes that will be good for the prawn and win consumer confidence. Access to clean water and storage for water so that it is available when needed is a major factor in a successful prawn business. Grant funds will be used to dig a well and for a water storage facility.
Lenoir
Lenoir Farmer’s Market
The Lenoir County Farmers market currently serves as an outlet for 15 farmers, all former tobacco growers. The newly formed Community Based Foods Initiative has boosted the market potential; however, the facilities are in need of restoration to attract the necessary level of local and tourist customers, especially the elderly. Grant funds will allow them to improve the bathroom, upgrade the facility, and improve the parking area.
Martin
Project Farmhouse
Danny and Jackie raise goats, hogs, beef and buffalo as well as produce, which they deliver directly to their customers. In order to make their operation more profitable, they have begun contracting with local farmers to grow and sell additional produce to market to their clients. Grant funds will assist them in growing their farm product delivery business by paying for processing and packaging equipment.
New Hanover
Farm to Chef Program
Jane Steigerwald, Program Director of Marketing and Nutrition Specialist, manages the marketing for the Southeast North Carolina Food Systems Network. She and several other cooperators including over a dozen farmers began in 2007 by bringing farmers and chefs together and developing a brochure with contact information. While the focus is on restaurants, there are plans to move into public schools and group homes with their produce. They work with the local schools and the extension offices to promote their efforts and train students. The funds will be used to hire a coordinator to manage the program.
Pasquotank
Center for Northeastern Coalition of Minority Small Landowners and Farmers
Shirley has established a coalition of minority farmers in Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, and Currituck Counties. With assistance from grant funds, she is piloting a training program for current and aspiring farmers. The program will take participants through each step in farm business planning, including production in high tunnels all the way to marketing using new technology and innovative media outlets.
Organic On-Farm Grain and Seed
Kenny and his son Ben are using grant funds to establish the first organic seed cleaning facility in the state. Lindley Mills has helped select bread wheat cultivars that will grow well in North Carolina, while the NC Organic Bread Flour Project is identifying organic grain farmers throughout who may be interested in using the seed cleaning facilities. Seed cleaning services are essential for the expansion of organic grain production in the state.
Pitt
C.R. Natural’s Farm Revitalization “Feed the Town”
Farmers in Bethel are organizing to provide for the food needs of their town, which does not have a grocery store. The group formed a business called Beneficial Investments, which will plant on the three organic transitional pastures that they own collectively. Grant funds will go towards renovating a barn where they will sell produce, beef and pork. They also hope to provide some products to the local school system
Project Descriptions for 2010
Bertie
The CMC Farmers Cooperative No- Till Drill
The cooperative consists of 11 active row crop farmers. They shared ownership of no-till drill that allows these farmers to reduce production costs, farm in a more environmentally sensitive manner, and access federal no-till incentive programs.
Beaufort County
From Farm to Fork-Fresh and Local
VanStallduinen started farming at the age of 5; he currently grows vegetables in a green house and plans to diversify his fall and winter produce selections. Using a biomass boiler, he can justify growing out of season vegetables, since the fuel cost is less than half for LP.
Carteret County
Marsh Grass & Storm Water Plant Production,
Garner grows wetland plants in rented tobacco greenhouses with submerged trays in the float beds. Renting offers immediate greenhouse space without purchasing expensive land and provides income for former tobacco growers. Urban development and wetland restoration projects require the use of these plants in tidal areas and stormwater runoff ponds.
Craven County
On-Site Holding of Freshwater Prawn
The Ipock’s will implement a new prawn holding tank design with cooling and fluidized beds that will hold live prawn for up to 30 days after harvest. The tanks will ensure proper purging and allow for more successful long term holding at the production facility awaiting pickup for live haul to market.
Hydroponic Lettuce System,
Garden and McKeon plan to retrofit an existing greenhouse for a hydroponic lettuce production. They propose to install a NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system and cool cell technology, which will allow them to produce lettuce year round.
Chowan County
Upgrade Farm Packaging Facility
Bynum will construct a washing facility that meets GAP Certification standards for food safety and stricter handling protocols. This will aid in his vegetable sells to local grocery stores and will help to open markets that are currently closed to him.
Currituck County
Coinjock Creek Community Farm Plots
Snowden is a fourth generation farmer that plans to establish Community Farm Plot rentals on his 5 acre farm. The plots will be of various sizes, to accommodate the needs of the lessees.
Duplin County
Adding Value to Raw Peanuts in Duplin County
Swinson uses freshly grown peanuts to create candy products. He plans to purchase equipment that will allow him to expand production with popcorn, caramel, and peanut products.
NC Coalition of Farm and Rural Families Exotic Mushroom Farming
The coalition includes 10 minority farmers from Duplin, Sampson, Wayne, Johnston, Nash, Bladen, Pender, Onslow and Jones Counties. They will receive hands-on training from NC A & T State University year-round on intensive production of exotic mushrooms in a small farm environment.
Gates County
Cane/Molasses Production
Hedgepeth is teaching high school students about the process of growing and making molasses/sorghum, a natural sweetener. He is buying equipment for harvesting the cane and anticipates that farmers with interest in growing sorghum will form a co-operative.
Greene County
American Prawn Cooperative (APC) Innovative Handling Practices of Prawns
The APC will acquire equipment for efficient handling and transporting of live prawn from APC members ponds to the Cooperative’s central facility in Walstonburg where they will be held live or processed for fresh, on-ice sales.
Hyde and Dare Counties
Outer Banks Bees
As the only commercial beekeeper in Hyde or Dare counties, there is a great demand for crop pollination in the area. The Smiths plan to build a 28x30 foot facility for honey extraction, bottling, and storage; this will allow the current operation to expand from 150 hives to 300 and will also increase the queen rearing operation.
Lenoir County
Well & Irrigation System
The proposed system will expand irrigation capacity to additional fields and allow for more acreage production. Lenoir County Extension Service, along with school groups and local establishments will offer outreach to other growers.
Northampton County
State Line Berry Farm Pomegranate Project
The plan for this project is to use 8 acres to plant 5 acres of pomegranates (3 different varieties) and two acres of 6 varieties of apples. Pomegranates are gaining in popularity due to publicized health benefits which will also serve as a test pilot for growing pomegranates in NC.
Pasquotank County
Brothers Farm Market
The Brothers will construct a modern high tunnel that will protect their produce from extreme weather conditions and extending the growing season.
Pender County
Salad Fork Entrée Kits
Molly Rouse is an artist and her husband is a chef, together they created a new product line called “Salad Fork Entrée Kits.” A typical CSA kit contains locally grown produce and products and organizes it into a complete “healthy” meal that will require minimal preparation for the consumer.
Shaken Creek Winery
The Wooten’s will utilize blueberries and blackberries currently being discarded in the grading process, to produce a high quality wine which will allow full utilization of all berry crops from their farm and other growers.
Sustaining the Family Farm
Lanier plans to create a dual use of the land by sowing pasture grasses beneath timber. This will allow more forage to background their feeder calves, introducing the opportunity to hold their calves to finishing size rather than selling them at weaning stage, thus increasing pounds sold per head of cattle.
Perquimans County
Portable Feed Mill
Haines plans to offer a portable feed mill that will serve organic animal husbandry in North Carolina, by providing a local source of bagged wheat/corn organic feed. This provides a secondary market for wheat/corn that does not meet flour milling quality standards.
Artificial Insemination Facility
Harrell, currently a senior at NC State University, seeking a degree in Animal Science, inherited 15 acres of land at the age of 15. He plans to construct a facility that will accommodate the need for breeding, birthing heifers, and blood testing which will increase the existing herd and profitability.
Perquimans County Farmers Market
The Perquimans County Farmer’s Market, through a cooperative sustainable and entrepreneurial partnership of community agencies, growers and merchants, provide locally grown and made produce and products to the community. They are adding the services of market coordinator for 20 weeks to help develop new skills in marketing and outreach.
Northampton County
Chufa Storage Facility
The Lassiter’s will build a storage facility that will lengthen the marketing season for chufa, a birch grass with a peanut-like underground nut. The product is sold in 10, 25, and 50 pound bags and buckets as seed for people interested in creating wildlife plots
Wayne County
Stress Relief Cattle Weaning
Smith has developed program that nurtures calves through the weaning period. By reducing the stress, the calves are healthier and continue to gain weight and therefore provide a great income.
Managing Prawn Survival Rate
To increase prawn survival rate the King Farm will renovate one pond with a concrete internal harvest basin which will prevent prawn from going down into sediment causing less waste, and in turn will assure a higher quality product to meet market demand.
Wahsington County
Growing Future Farmers for Food Preservation Organically
The New Life project provides workshops and trainings for young people and new farmers to learn new and innovative methods of agricultural-based enterprises.
2007
Great Plains No-till Drill
This project has enabled the Kearney’s to cut feed costs by improving their ability to background their cattle on pasture. The Kearney’s manage a direct-market cattle operation. They have a pasture-based, grain finishing system. This project has allowed them to better manage pasture, providing specific cool season and warm season grass species, for improved year round growth of their herd. (information: 919-621-0534)
Fencing System for Organics
This project has assisted the Moye’s to integrate livestock into their organic vegetable and vineyard operation. The grant purchased fencing and cross-fencing materials that enable the Moye’s to control the location and timing of livestock. The goal is for the livestock to contribute to control of weeds and insects, and to improve soil fertility. (information: 919-621-0534)
Southside Farms Blueberry Operation
This project allows this produce and strawberry farm to expand to include blueberries. A market opportunity has opened, because development has encroached on an existing blueberry business. The grant funds were used for establishment costs of the blueberry operation. (information: 919-621-0534)
2005
2003
For additional information contact Joe Schroeder at 919-621-0534 or email joe@rafiusa.org