Test farm to host new organic crop research

A new organic crop research program will be launched at the Mountain Research Station agricultural test farm in Waynesville.

“Western North Carolina has a high concentration of organic farmers and a strong consumer base for their products,” according to Dr. Jeanine Davis, a specialty crops expert with the N.C. Cooperative Extension.

However, the region lacks a recognized organic research program to support existing growers or help farmers getting into organics, Davis said.

“This program will provide the Western North Carolina agricultural community with research-based information on production of a wide variety of organic horticultural crops, resulting in increased farm income and expanded market opportunities,” Davis said.

A $43,000 federal specialty crops grant was awarded for the project through the N.C. Department of Agriculture. 828.684.3562.

Growing ingredients for beer

Hops, a key ingredient in making beer, holds promise as a new cash crop in Western North Carolina.

A workshop for prospective hops farmers will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville.

The climate is well-suited to hops. There is a demand as well, given the large number of microbreweries. Many local microbreweries have seen hops costs soar due to the long shipping distances.

Horticulture experts and hops growers will explain what is involved in growing hops, discuss market conditions and the economics of hops production, and how to make WNC a new hops production center. Several local commercial hops growers will share their perspectives after a year or two of production. Erin_Freeman@ncsu.edu or Tim_Mathews@ncsu.edu. $5. 828.456.3575.

Tessentee a fitting backdrop for 10-year LTLT celebration

Land Trust for the Little Tennessee will hold its annual fall celebration on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the preserved Tessentee farm tract in the Otto area of Macon County.

The festivities will highlight a decade of stewardship by LTLT in protecting farms, valleys and forests throughout the six western counties.

The 60-acre Tessentee Bottomland Preserve was purchased by the LTLT in 1999 to save it from development. It was one of the first projects of the newly-formed land trust. A decade later, LTLT has played a role in 30 land protection projects, conserving more than 5,200 acres and 35 miles of river frontage.

That first project became a laboratory for land restoration and stewardship by LTLT. The old dairy farm has been actively managed for habitat restoration, with traditional pastures converted to more diverse grasslands and open woodlands. The riverbanks once gouged up by cattle have been stabilized and reforested, and a wetland area has been partially restored.

Elements of the cultural landscape have been preserved as well, including old farm buildings on the site. LTLT also partnered with Cherokee artisans to grow trees and plants on thre tract that are used for traditional Cherokee crafts.

Now a decade later, the Tessentee Preserve is a rich mosaic of wildlife and plant habitats, and it serves as a microcosm of LTLT’s stewardship and restoration work in this historic valley.

The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with music by the Frog Town 5, walking tours of the tract, and demonstrations by Cherokee artisans and others. Conservation awards for the year will be announced. Big Mountain BBQ will have food for sale. For directions contact 828.524.2711, ext. 203 or www.ltlt.org.

Running to save lives

The annual Power of Pink event will feature a three-race lineup on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Haywood County.

The event raises money to provide mammograms for women who otherwise couldn’t afford them, saving lives as a result. Since its inception three years ago, more than $21,000 has been raised and 147 women have gotten mammograms as a result. Breast cancer strikes one in eight women.

The events

• The crown jewel of the Power of Pink is the Pink Relay for Women: a 20-mile, women’s-only relay in which teams of five compete on a four-mile course. Last year 24 teams competed. This race, while competitive and spirited, is cordial and respectful of the theme of women helping women.

• The Pink 4-Miler is open to everyone and is run on the same course as the Pink Relay. The course is rolling and goes through a picturesque cove and through the campus of Haywood Community College.

• The final event of the day is the Bubble Gum Fun Run, which is designed for children and non-runners, and is held entirely on the ground of Haywood Regional Medical Center.

All of the races begin and end at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. www.haymed.org/foundation or greg@gloryhoundevents.com.