HomeGrown Directory

The Upper Mountain Research Station, located in the eastern Ashe County region of Laurel Springs, hosts a truly astounding quantity (and quality) of research and demonstration efforts, all geared toward improving the productivity and profitability of agriculture here in the High Country. Across its more than 450 acres, a visitor can witness the cutting edge of many types of farming, from livestock and tobacco, to small fruits and organic vegetables. On Wednesday, June 25, the station will be open to visitors and showcasing its several research projects on Specialty Crops Production. This is your chance to examine some of the most promising high-value crops that can be grown in our mountain climate, and to question the researchers and scientists who are hard at work refining their production systems.

The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. To register, call the Upper Mountain Research Station at 336-982-2501. A lunch sponsored by Dole Foods will be served.

The day's program will begin at 9:30 AM, and will include presentations by leaders from NC State University, NC Cooperative Extension, and the NC Department of Agriculture. Dr. Barclay Poling of NCSU will present on growing the day-neutral strawberry varieties Albion and Seascape, and the results of their trials at the station. Bill Jester and Brad Taylor of the Specialty Crops Program will discuss Golden Leaf Foundation-sponsored Lettuce adaptation trials and research in the NC Mountains. A focus on lettuce production will continue when Dr. Chris Gunter, Jose Garzon and Dr. Brian Whipker present on identifying Macro- and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Romaine Lettuce. Dr. Jeanine Davis of the Specialty Crops Program and Area Extension Agent Richard Boylan will share insights on Growing Heirloom and Heirloom-Type Hybrid Tomatoes in an Organic Production System. Dr. Gina Fernandez will describe what has been learned from Bramble (raspberry and blackberrry) research at the Upper Mountain Research Station and beyond. Nick Augostini of NCDA will deliver some profit-protecting tips on "The Importance of Proper Packaging to Successful Produce Marketing."

Growers who attend the UMRS Specialty Crops Field Day will certainly learn new techniques and tips that will improve their harvests, open-up new crop possibilities, and improve their chances of successful and profitable marketing. Do not miss this event: it will not be repeated anytime soon.