Everything’s Coming up Daffodils
Seven years ago, Dave Walker of Daffodil Spring Farm came to Boone for the Appalachian Studies grad program to study geographical landscapes and their relationship to forming a regenerative and equitable local economy. His research specifically focused on first generation farmers and how they become successful.
“Farming is really hard,” Dave explained. “And if you don’t come from money or from land or experience in farm chores, then it’s really hard. If you can make it work, then that can be instructive for other occupations and the community as a whole.”
While interviewing other farmers, Dave began the position of Program Manager and Grant Writer of High Country Local First's entrepreneurship program, Ascent Business Network. This position led him to Blue Ridge Women of Agriculture. As the recently appointed Interim Director of BRWIA, he learns about farming by working closely with local farmers.
After working alongside the farmers, Dave realized this was something he wanted to do as well. He leases his land from FIG Farm owned by The Valle Crucis Conference Center. This land is shared with other farmers and designed to provide beginning producers with a relatively low-risk entry into farming by providing land, production and marketing infrastructure to help farmers establish lasting farm enterprises in the High Country. Even closer to Dave’s heart is his grandmother’s home place within view of the farm.
Why heritage pigs? “Pigs are a good enterprise because of their size and impact on the land,” he explained. “Daffodil Spring Farm practices regenerative agriculture, growing food that is good for the land, animals, and community.” Dave’s pigs are Certified Animal Welfare Approved, which was important to him because he could convey to customers the kind of production practices that he uses and also work with other growers so they could become certified too. “It’s important that multiple farms are certified because we source from the same growers,” he said. “It supports the whole system.”
We discussed the struggles that many farmers face, especially the first generation. “One of the hard things for beginning farmers and for direct to consumer farmers is connecting with the consumers.” Programs and events such as the High Country Food Hub and the weekly Farmer’s Market make it easier to overcome this difficulty.
How can we boonies show our famers love? Glad you asked! Check out the Farmer’s Market (starts back up this Saturday and Tuesday!), Be Natural Market, High Country Food Hub, and so much more! If you know of other local businesses or markets that utilize local farm products, let us know!!