NORTH CAROLINA

AND

SPRING 2014

NCFIELDFAMILY.ORG

Behind the Biltmore

Six things you might not know about Ashevilles architectural masterpiece
THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

ONLINE

NCFIELDFAMILY.ORG
Visit the North Carolina Field & Family website for online-only recipes, photos and expanded stories

RECIPES
Discover delicious dishes to try this spring at nceldfamily.org/food. Youll nd Chipotle Bacon Deviled Eggs, Lightened Up Cream of Asparagus Soup, Strawberry Sheet Cake and much more.

LOCAL LEVEL
Find even more member news and events in the On the Local Level section of our website. Check it out at nceldfamily.org/local.

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CONTENTS

SPRING 2014
NORTH CAROLINA
AND

SPRING 2014 NCFIELDFAMILY.ORG

Behind the Biltmore

Six things you might not know about Ashevilles architectural masterpiece
THE MAGAZINE FOR NORTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

ON THE COVER
The Biltmore has drawn visitors to Asheville for more than a century. Turn to page 12 to go behind the scenes of Americas largest home. PHOTO BY BRIAN MCCORD

22
IN THIS ISSUE

5 COMMENTARY

Farmers must provide leadership and communicate in new ways

14 WATER WORKING IT

Hydroponic farms grow fresh lettuce and other produce throughout the year

24 TRAVEL: ASHEBORO

From polar bears to pottery, the Asheboro area makes a wonderful weekend getaway

6 ALMANAC

Jokes, farm facts, North Carolina products and events

18 RECIPES

PIG FARMERS GO GREEN

Turnip Greens & White Beans Saut, Spring Greens & Country Ham Tart, Greek Chicken Lasagna, StrawberryCoconut Tres Leches Cake

28 ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

County news and events from Farm Bureau members throughout the state

North Carolina hog farms make environmental strides

31 NCFB NEWS
Headlines, resources and other stories

12

BEHIND THE SCENES OF BILTMORE

22 EVERYTHINGS COMING UP AZALEAS

A fragrant festival and gardeners across the state honor this bountiful springtime shrub

32 LAST LOOK
Scenic photo showcasing North Carolinas beauty
ncfieldfamily.org

Six fun facts about Ashevilles architectural wonder

Celebrate spring strawberries with fresh recipes at farmflavor.com.

ncfb.org

COMMENTARY

NORTH CAROLINA
AND

A MAGAZINE FOR NORTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS VOLUME 1, NO. 1

THE FUTURE OF FARM BUREAU

Farmers must provide leadership and communicate in new ways
arm 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 only constant is change. Today, our states farming community represents less than 1 percent of North Carolinas population. The state Larry Wooten is President of North is currently growing at a rate of 100,000 persons per year. Carolina Farm Bureau. 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 unied 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 Farm Bureau Federation 5301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, N.C. 27612, (919) 782-1705 www.ncfb.org
ncfieldfamily.org

PRESIDENT Larry B. Wooten VICE-PRESIDENTS J.M. Wright Jr., Scott Whitford, Jerry Wyant ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT Peter T. Daniel SECRETARY Julian Philpott TREASURER Perry 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.

ALMANAC THE LIGHTER SIDE

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 in the carburetor. HUSBAND: You dont even know what a carburetor is. Ill check it out. Wheres the car? WIFE: In the pool.

FIELD NOTES

Oh, Deer
To help reduce crop loss, diversify farm income and foster sustainable community support by feeding 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. MADE IN N.C.

Sweet Smiles
Chocolate 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 .

ncfb.org

ALMANAC

FARM FACTS: PEANUTS

Did 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:

FEATURED FESTIVAL

GO FISH
1 2 3 4

435M
North Carolina farmers produced 435 million pounds of peanuts in 2012. Peanuts are technically legumes, which means they are part of the bean family.

Peanuts are high in protein and vitamin B.

Throughout April and May, youll find no shortage of fishy festivals taking place across the state:

1
Blowing Rock Trout Derby: Held the first weekend in April, this family-friendly festival celebrates the opening of trout season. Bring your 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 .

The primary variety of peanut grown in North Carolina is the Virginia peanut. Its known for its large oval shape and reddish-brown skin.

2
Grifton Shad Festival: One of the states longest-running festivals, this annual event celebrates the river herring in Grifton, the Shad Capital of 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 .

3
Most of North Carolinas peanuts are consumed out-of-hand as cocktail peanuts, instead of processed into peanut butter or incorporated into candies. N.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 .

Source: ncagr.gov

ON THE WEB

Alls Well
For 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.

4
Engelhard 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 fresh seafood. Read more about this and other festivals at ncfieldfamily.org.
ncfieldfamily.org

ncfb.org

FEATURE

North Carolina hog farms make environmental strides over past 20 years
Story by Joanie Stiers Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto

PIG FARMERS GO GREEN

lan 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 nurseries with 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 and songbirds. 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-sow farrow-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 eighthgeneration 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 NOT

Throughout 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.
ncfieldfamily.org

FEATURE

The Porter family of Cabarrus County recycles waste on their hog farm in a variety of ways, such as using manure to provide nutrients to their crops.

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 elds. 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 2,200sow 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 EVOLVES

Making environmental improvements remains 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.

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PORTER FARM: AMY LAFONTAINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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 elds 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.

BY THE NUMBERS

9.5M
North Carolina farmers care for 9.5 million hogs

The pork industry generates 46,000 state jobs

46K

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

of

Behind the Scenes

Story by Jessica Mozo Photography by Brian McCord

Discover fascinating facts about Ashevilles architectural masterpiece

BILTMORE
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 mostvisited winery. The winery came about after William A.V. Cecil, Vanderbilts grandson, planted grapes on the property in 1971. Disappointed with his rst 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 to his family on Christmas Day 90 years earlier. 6. Frommers says it takes at least ve hours to fully explore the house. Biltmore House spans more than four acres of oor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 replaces. It was and still is Americas largest home with 250 rooms. At rst 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.

hink 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 design of its popular tourist attraction. When George 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 to Europe 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 the house. 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 also created 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.

BILTMORE BY THE NUMBERS

number of replaces in Biltmore

65

number of rooms

250
acres the estate spans

8K

number of books in Biltmores library

23K

MORE ONLINE
Find even more fun facts about Biltmore Estate at nceldfamily.org/ biltmore. You can also plan your visit at biltmore.com or by calling (800) 411-3812.

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.

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FEATURE

Hydroponic farms grow fresh produce throughout the year

Story by Carol Cowan Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto

WATER WORKING IT

1
Shelton Family Farm Whittier (828) 497-5323 sheltonfamilyfarm.com

2
Spahrs Produce Farm Lillington (910) 850-9013 ncagr.gov/ncproducts

ydroponics, the technique of growing plants without soil in a controlled environment, has been around for hundreds of years. Sir Francis Bacon rst 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 eld-grown crops for instance, seasonal production, variations in soil quality and mineral content, weather and weeds. As one part of its overall operation that also includes eld-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

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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

Hydroponic farming is not necessarily for everybody, but it is a viable alternative for people who 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.

from college and took over the farm, I kind of saw the handwriting on the wall with tobacco, so we made the transition kind of early on. Weve tried to diversify and ll a niche. That meant building greenhouses and installing hydroponic systems that currently occupy two 120-foot-by-96foot ranges. A nutrient ow-tray system pumps the nutrient solution from an in-ground tank into plastic PVC channels. The channels are built to allow the water to ow through them via gravity, coming in contact with the roots 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 benets 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

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FEATURE

makes hydroponically grown crops consistently nutritious and avorful. 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 eld-grown lettuce. Of course, hydroponic farming is not all a bed of lettuce. While production is fairly straightforward, it requires constant attention, signicant 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, diversied 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 ve 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.

HYDROPONICS 101
Learn about the six types of hydroponic systems
wo types of hydroponics exist. In the rst, 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 ber 3. Ebb and Flow System: growing medium is ooded with nutrient solution via a timer-controlled pump; excess solution ows back into reservoir for reuse 4. Water Culture System (effective for lettuce production): active system wherein plants oat 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 ow 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 nceldfamily.org.

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RECIPES

Fresh Spring
Recipes and Food Styling by Mary Carter Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto

North Carolina farm products shine in seasonal recipes for dinner and dessert

Flavors
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 avor 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 avor to our Spring 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 Leche Cake. North Carolina ranks third in the nation for strawberry production, and May has been designated National Strawberry Month. What better way to celebrate than with a uffy, fruity cake?

our 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 avors. Full of ber, 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 Beans Saut or combined with the cheesy layers 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

SPRING INTO STRAWBERRY RECIPES

If you love strawberries, we have some spectacular springtime recipes for you: Fresh Strawberry Mufns Strawberry Breakfast Smoothie Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake Strawberry Freezer Jam Orange Strawberry Salad Find these and even more recipes at nceldfamily.org/strawberries.

Opposite page: Turnip Greens & White Beans Saut

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RECIPES

TURNIP GREENS & WHITE BEANS SAUT

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Makes: 4-6 servings

2 3 1

tablespoons olive oil large leeks (or 1 cup ramps), sliced large bunch turnip greens*, cleaned and sliced chiffonade-style

1/2 cup stock (chicken, beef or vegetable) 15 15 ounces (1 can) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained ounces (1 can) navy beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 teaspoon red pepper akes 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 akes, 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 TART

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Makes: 8 servings

1 6

pie crust (to t a 10-inch tart pan) ounces (about 3/4 cup) country ham, chopped

8 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups packed) Gruyere cheese, grated 8

1 /2

eggs
cup milk

5 ounces (about 2 cups) mixed spring greens

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3

green onions, chopped

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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GREEK CHICKEN LASAGNA

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Makes: 8-10 servings

4 5 4 4 3 1
1 /4

tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter cloves garlic, minced tablespoons our cups 2% or whole milk cups chicken, cooked and chopped tablespoon dried oregano teaspoon red pepper akes ounces no-boil lasagna noodles cups ricotta cheese ounces (1 cup) feta cheese, crumbled cups shredded mozzarella cheese ounces spring greens mix (any combination) pint grape tomatoes, halved 1
Greek Chicken Lasagna

1/2 teaspoon salt 9 2 4 2 5 1

STRAWBERRY-COCONUT TRES LECHE CAKE

Prep time: 30 minutes Total time: 8 hours or overnight

(15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix, prepared in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish according to package directions

1/2 cup whole milk or half- and-half 2

1 /3

cups whipping cream

cup sugar

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk 12 ounces (1 can) evaporated milk

1 2

teaspoon vanilla extract cups fresh strawberries

1 cup sweetened coconut, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a deep-dish, 13-by-9inch casserole dish. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and saut the garlic until just fragrant. Stir in the our until it foams. Whisk in the milk, and stir until it mixture thickens into a white sauce. Mix in the chicken, oregano, pepper akes and salt. Spoon 1 to 2 cups of white sauce into the casserole dish. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of each type of 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.
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When cake is slightly cool, poke holes evenly over the surface with a toothpick or skewer. Pour each of the three milks slowly over the top. Allow each to absorb into the cake. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In a medium bowl, whip the cream using a mixer. Slowly mix in the sugar and vanilla. Layer the berries on top of the cake. Cover with whipped cream and sprinkle with coconut.

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FEATURE

EVERYTHINGS COMING UP AZALEAS

Gardeners throughout the state honor bountiful springtime shrub
Story by Nancy Dorman-Hickson Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto

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. Azaleas 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,

TRUE COLORS

no matter when the gardener chooses to plant them. Only the states coastal and high mountain regions prove barriers 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 rst 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 owers. Ward prefers to buy in spring. I like to see the blossom that Im actually getting, 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 lures visitors 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.

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FEATURE
1 2

Azaleas thrive in most areas of North Carolina.

1
Franklin Brothers Nursery Henderson (252) 492-6166 franklinbrothers.com

PLANTING POINTERS
Plant in an area that drains
well. Azaleas do not like wet feet, says Sam Franklin.

2
C&J Nursery Angier (919) 207-0042 candjnurserync.com

Azaleas prefer full sun to

light, ltered shade with a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sun daily.

3
North Carolina Azalea Festival Wilmington (910) 794-4650 ncazaleafestival.org

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.

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.

Water well when you rst

plant azaleas in spring and summer. Keep the soil moist in winter. Unless there is a drought, azaleas require no watering after the rst 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.

Greeneld Park in Wilmington

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An elephant at the North Carolina Zoo

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TRAVEL

A WEEKEND IN ASHEBORO
From polar bears to pottery, the Asheboro area makes a wonderful weekend getaway
Story by Jennifer Justus

Asheboro

ituated 30 miles south of Greensboro, 70 miles west of Raleigh and 70 miles northeast of Charlotte, the city of Asheboro tucks away treasures worth nding. Visit zoo animals in their natural habitats, discover the pottery-making heritage in the region, learn about some history at the North Carolina Aviation Museum and then do some ying of your own through the North Carolina outdoors at Richland Creek Zip Lines. The North Carolina Zoological Park, one of only two state-owned zoos in the country, gives Asheboro its best-known attraction and fourth-largest tourist attraction in the state by showcasing the animals of North America and Africa. The rst zoo in the United States to embrace the natural habitat philosophy, it strives to recreate a natural living environment for its animals. Its also the largest land area zoo in the world with 2,200 acres, 500 of them developed. We are a very large park, says Rod Hackney of the zoos marketing department. He notes that while the average city zoo elsewhere includes about 55 acres including parking lots, the North Carolina Zoo has one exhibit

alone that spans 40 acres. Bring your walking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and plan to make a day of it, he says. The walking paths on the property total ve miles, which will take you around the world to see everything from African lions, to swamp alligators, polar bears and birds of the Sonora Desert. For a different type of bird watching, head to the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame. Open since the early 1990s, this Asheboro museum offers guided tours for those who call ahead. Drop-ins can browse the hangers to see and read about everything from Twin Beech aircraft to Swiss war planes and home-built planes. Special events at the museum, such as y-ins and USOstyle dances in the hangers, as well as pancake breakfasts to honor veterans, are open to the public (sometimes for a small fee depending on the event). History lovers with a proclivity toward arts and crafts can check out the regions long tradition in pottery making. While Seagrove, about 15 miles from Asheboro, is best known for pottery, the craft has deep roots throughout the area. Bruce and Janice Latham of Lathams Pottery, for example, opened their shop in 1992, but Janice says the tradition of making pottery goes back to the 1800s on her husbands side of the family.

BEFORE YOU GO
NORTH CAROLINA ZOO Asheboro (800) 488-0444 nczoo.org NORTH CAROLINA AVIATION MUSEUM Asheboro (336) 625-0170 ncaviationmuseumhalloffame.com LATHAMS POTTERY Asheboro (336) 873-7303 SEAGROVE AREA POTTERS ASSOCIATION discoverseagrove.com COLLECTORS ANTIQUE MALL Asheboro (336) 629-8105 collectorsantiquemall.com RICHARD PETTY MUSEUM Level Cross (336) 495-1143 rpmuseum.com RICHLAND CREEK ZIP LINE CANOPY Asheboro (336) 629-9440 richlandcreekzipline.com UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST Troy (910) 576-6391 fs.fed.us HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU (800) 626-2672 heartofnorthcarolina.com

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TRAVEL

Clockwise from top left: The Collectors Antique Mall spans 35,000 square feet in downtown Asheboro; vintage aircraft hang on display at the North Carolina Aviation Museum; Richland Creek Zipline Canopy Tours invite visitors to soar through the Uwharrie National Forest; Ben Owen Pottery is one of 40-plus pottery shops in Seagrove; the Richard Petty Museum, located in Randleman for the past 10 years, is moving to his hometown of Level Cross; polar bears and sea lions live at the North Carolina Zoo, which embraces the natural habitat philosophy.

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TRAVEL

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 owers 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, the Richard 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 rst opened in 1988. Finally, to experience the natural beauty of this region, head south to the 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 oldtime 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.

HI, HONEY
Honey Bee Exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo creates educational buzz about these busy insects

ees help bring us favorites like apples, strawberries, watermelon and sunowers, but thats only the beginning. Theyve been called the most important 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 butteries. 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.

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LOCAL LEVEL

ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

This section highlights county news and events from Farm Bureau members throughout the state. Find more member achievements at nceldfamily.org/local.

AVERY
Avery County Farm Bureau has donated $250 to the new Avery County Middle 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.

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 importance of hard work and agriculture.

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.

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LOCAL LEVEL

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 member Smith 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.

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 brought displays 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 sweet potato 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.

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. Policy recommendations 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 rst scholarship will be offered in spring 2014.
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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 accident nearly 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.

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 healthy eating 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 Brasseld Elementary as a guest speaker for the fourth grades NC Commodity Day. Burt spoke to students in June 2013 about the importance of agriculture and shared about farming in Wake County. At the end of the discussion, students learned how to milk Bernice the Dairy Cow.

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 Carolina Cooperative Extension.

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NCFB NEWS

NEWS & NOTES

Headlines, resources and other stories from around the state
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 do everything 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 that aid efforts to slow down metal theft, but more clarication is needed to create an equal playing eld 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 at ncrecyclingassociation.org, (252) 443-1521, or tward@rmrnc.com.
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North Carolina farmer Brandon Moore, second from left, spent three weeks in Germany through the McCloy Fellows in Agriculture program.

MCCLOY FELLOWS IN AGRICULTURE

Brandon Moore, a North Carolina livestock farmer and waste management specialist, was selected to be part of the prestigious McCloy Fellows 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 throughout the 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 benets. Read what Moore and his fellow travelers wrote about their experience at jhawkins54.typepad.com/mccloy. Learn more about the McCloy Fellowship in Agriculture and how to apply at acgusa.org.

NEW GROUP FOILS METAL THEFT

A new entity is joining the ght 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

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LAST LOOK

Topsail Beach

Local legend says pirates used Topsail Islands channels as a hiding spot to capture merchant ships until they began looking for tops of the pirates sails over the dunes, which gave the coastal island and beach the name Topsail (pronounced Topsl).
Staff Photo

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THERAPY, SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE