Big Ivy


Residents consider future farming, feeding


By Melinda Stuart A small crowd gathered Monday


(May 10) at the Big Ivy Community Center to hear a lively panel discus- sion called “Feeding Big Ivy: Part 2” on the opportunities and difficulties of the farming life and “eating lo- cal.” Presenters included three mem-


bers of the Marvin Dillingham fam- ily (all farmers); Paul Littman (farm- er and CSA proprietor); Sue Colucci (N.C. Cooperative Extension agent); and Peter Marks (program director of ASAP--Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Program). Questions, answers and comments rounded out the two-hour session. Te Dillinghams farm on fam-


ily land in both Barnardsville and Weaverville and are the seventh and eighth generation in their fam- ily to do so. Tey concentrate on eggs, livestock, fruits and vegetables. Tey sell directly to their customers at weekly tailgate markets in Bar-


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828-273-9894 Scott Baylor Guests listen during Monday’s discussion.


nardsville and Weaverville. Brenda Dillingham talked about earning customers’ trust and loyalty, and Justin Dillingham described details of new pasturing processes he em- ploys to raise healthy grass-fed beef. Littman and his wife Anna have


North Buncombe Hero


been growing vegetables on an acre in Barnardsville for several years. Tey do all the work themselves and market their produce directly to subscribers through the “farm- share” program called Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA. Te N.C. Cooperative Extension


and ASAP both work fill time to advise, develop and build successful small farming and farmers. Colucci, a plant science gradu-


ate of N.C. State, has several years of field experience in three western counties helping farmers solve their problems and develop new farming schemes. Colucci and her colleagues are trying to change perceptions and bring new farmers along by advising and assisting directly. Marks, much of whose work


Tis week’s Hero of the Week are all those volunteering their time, efforts


or funds to the Relay For Life event. Te Weaverville chapter of Relay For Life will hold its annual event begin-


ning at 6 pm on Friday (May 14) and continuing through Saturday morn- ing (May 15) at North Buncombe Middle School. Te event is an opportu- nity for participants to get together, remember and honor those stricken by cancer and raise resources to fight back against the disease. Many area groups and individuals have been showing their support by do-


ing everything from raising funds to decorating their businesses in purple. For instance, North Buncombe High School Student Council will be


holding a raffle through May 20 with half the proceeds going to Relay For Life. Items include gift certificates to American Eagle, Subway and Buckle, Carowinds tickets and more. To buy tickets, make a donation to Relay For Life or for more information, contact Tiffany Jones at jones468@bcs.gaggle. net, or contact Jeannie Graeme at NBHS.


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involves helping regional tailgate markets do a better job of getting small-farm produce into the hands of local consumers, spoke forcefully about the growth in “local” as an operative word in food consumer- ism today. Several area supermarkets are increasingly buying from local producers in response to consum- ers’ requests. Schools and hospitals are starting to do likewise. Marks assists small farmers work out busi- ness plans. Listeners later remarked that most


owners of farm acreage today are older. By and large younger people don’t think they can make a living at farming. Another roadblock for potential farmers is that equipment dealers are no longer located nearby. However, discussions like the one


held in Big Ivy indicate the picture is changing and area residents are do- ing their part to stay abreast. Te Big Ivy Community Club sponsored the event.


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