Burch Farms, Faison, NC

Burch Farms started in 1950 with 35 acres in Faison, North Carolina. Today that farm expanses 2,500 acres. The Burches, Jimmy, Bill and Ted, with Jimmy’s wife, Theresa, and son, Jimmy Junior, run the farm, continuing their family’s history of farming which began in the 1800’s. The family grows everything from kale to sweet potatoes.

Patterson Farms, China Grove, NC

Patterson Farms is a 3rd generation family farm in China Grove, NC. The farm was started in 1919 by James A. Patterson as a row crop and cotton farm. Today, the farm is operated by grandsons Randall and Doug Patterson and their wives, Nora and Michelle. Corn, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, squash and pumpkins are grown for you and Lowes Foods.

Cottle Farms, Faison, NC

Ned A. Cottle planted his first patch of berries in Faison, North Carolina in 1964. Mr. Cottle began increasing his land with “U-Pick” locations across North Carolina. Ned’s son, Ron, grew up helping his father on the farms and when he graduated from NC State University, the family got into the nursery business, which is presently known as Cottle Strawberry Nursery, Inc. The nursery is one of the leading berry plant suppliers in the country. The family produces not only berries, but blackberries and other vegetables, such as squash and cucumbers.

Bailey Farms, Oxford, NC

Bailey Farms Inc is a family run operation with humble beginnings from 1989. Thomas Bailey had a passion for farming even though he had a full time career. He farmed strawberries, squash and cherry tomatoes on the side. His children Wayne, Barbara, Tammy and Randy grew up helping with the crops. Unfortunately, Thomas had some misfortune farming in the 80s, filing bankruptcy in 1988. In 1989, they joined forces and bought back one tractor, one disk, one cultivator, one pick up truck and a few other essentials – the bare minimum needed to farm a crop!

Burch Farms, Duplin County, NC

Burch Farms hopes you again enjoy the kale and sweet potatoes grown at their farm in Duplin County, North Carolina. Burch Farms began over 50 years ago with 35 acres in Faison, but farming has been in the family’s history since the 1800’s. They will continue to bring you the highest qualities sweet potatoes and greens North Carolina has to offer.

Deal Orchard, Taylorsville, NC

Lindsay Deal’s family has farmed land at the foot of the Brushy Mountains near
Taylorsville, North Carolina, for three generations. Ground was broken in 1939 by
Brack Deal and his wife, Thelma Isabelle. Lindsay, son of Brack and Isabelle, continues the family farming tradition today along with his son, Alan, and Alan’s family. Deal Orchards is in Alexander County, an area well-suited and well-known for its tasty fruits. Throughout the summer and fall you can find their peaches and apples at your local Lowes Food store!

Pilot Mountain Pride, Pilot Mountain, NC

Joshua Cave is just one of the many farmers who represent Pilot Mountain Pride, an aggregation center for produce in Surry County, North Carolina. Small to medium size farmers in the area can bring their produce to the center where they will receive a fair price for their produce, like the cabbage in your box. Farmers can also receive training on food safety at Pilot Mountain Pride. Lowe’s Foods is proud to have supported Pilot Mountain Pride and their mission to provide farmers with crucial training and education since the center was founded in 2006.

Shelton Family Farm, Whittier, NC

Shelton Family Farm is a small diversified farm located near the town of Whittier in Jackson County, North Carolina. Though the land has been in agriculture for many years, since 1986, the Sheltons have specialized in bibb lettuce, as well other vegetables. The present Shelton generation farming the land along the Tuckasiegee River includes William and Sabrina Shelton along with their four sons, Wil, Sam, Cal and Tom.

Ham Farms, Snow Hill, NC

Ham Farms started in Snow Hill, North Carolina over 35 years ago. They produce sweet potatoes, fondly known as Ham’s Yams, and cabbage, They have a motto to “sustain and preserve” their community and environment. They believe good quality produce comes from good quality seed. Ham Farms is proud to grow in Greene County and Greene County is proud to have them!

Eastern Carolina Organics, Pittsboro, NC

Several farmers from Eastern Carolina Organics, an organic North Carolina produce distribution center located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, have provided your organic produce this week. One of those farms is Black River Organic Farm, featured below. Eastern Carolina Organics, or ECO, began in 2004 as a project of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association from a Tobacco Trust Fund Commission grant. ECO’s mission is to support emerging organic farmers and organic tobacco farmers while improving the supply of local organic produce. In 2011, CFSA recognized ECO as its Business of the Year, stating, “ECO is honored for their commitment to helping sustainable family farms thrive in the Carolinas.”

Jackson Farming Company, Sampson County, NC

In this week’s box, you will find a sweet, delicious Galia melon from Jackson Farming Company. The Galia melon’s taste is reminiscent of a cantaloupe-honeydew cross, with a green inside flesh. Founded in 1981, Jackson Farming Company is a family owned and operated business located in the heart of Sampson County near Fayetteville, NC. They grow, pack and ship fresh fruits and vegetables year round. Brent and Debbie Jackson and their sons share in the responsibility of this successful and competitive family farm business.

M&M Plant Farms, Elon, NC

Randy Massey farms in Caswell County, near the town of Elon. Certified organic since 2008, Randy grows cantaloupe, tomatoes, eggplant and peppers, as well as many other vegetables, on his 40 acres. Randy’s interest in farming came from spending his childhood with his Granddaddy in the tobacco fields. He likes bringing his products to Eastern Carolina Organics in Pittsboro because they relate to him as an organic farmer. He and his family enjoy eating the fresh, organic produce they grow and hope you will, as well!

Legacy Farm, Rutherfordton, NC

Making their motto “Back to Green,” Lee and Betty Ledbetter started Legacy Farm in 2007. The Ledbetters grow organic greens, heirloom tomatoes, potatoes and herbs, among many other crops. They utilize many unique plantings to keep biodiversity high on their land. They believe in preserving their land in Rutherfordton for future generations and producing quality produce for customers like you!

Mitchem Farms, Vale, NC

As a fourth generation farmers, Carrol and Wayne Mitchem’s farmland has seen many different crops over the years. The farm has changed with the times to remain in the family. Initially, the farm produced cotton and milk which was common for the area in western Lincoln County. Today, the Mitchems keep a few animals around, continuing to raise beef cattle, but also produce some of the most delicious cantaloupe, watermelon, blackberries and grapes for you and Lowes Foods!