On the Horizon: Small Farms Week runs March 21-27

Each year a small farm in North Carolina is honored with the Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year Award in recognition of Small Farms Week. The award will be presented March 24 at N.C. A & T State University in Greensboro.

Small Farms Week runs March 21-27 with events planned at the university.

This annual event is designed to recognize a farmer who exemplifies success, innovation and leadership in small-scale agriculture. Small farms are described as those with a net farm income of $100,000 or less.

The 2009 Small Farmer of the Year was John L. Council Farms of Hoke County. The farm is owned by John L. Council, and includes Council’s team of daughter Jacquie Rogers, Ted Smith and Paul Raymond.

The 68-acre farm produces pastured-raised hogs, chickens and turkeys, cows, goats and rabbits. The operation also produces hay and vegetables.