Watch piglets snuggle with their sow and learn how and why they’re raised on local pastures on ASAP’s Farm Tour in just a few weeks. Vandele Farms, near Lake Lure, is worth a drive to this beautiful part of North Carolina. Visitors can walk through the farm’s pastures and find out what life is like for the piglets who are born on the property and spend their entire lifecycle on the farm.
While you’re out in that direction, stop by the three other farms on the East Cluster of the Farm Tour. Hop‘n Blueberry Farm in Black Mountain is a new addition to the tour this year. See how hops, one of the main flavoring ingredients in beer, are grown on 15-foot trellises. Wander through the blueberry patch and see butterflies in the pollinator house.
Round Mountain Creamery in Black Mountain is not too far away and has some of the friendliest goats around. Hear for yourself in our Growing Local episode about cheesemaking in the region. Then go on the tour to meet the goats in person and try your hand at milking.
Farm Fresh Ventures is a horticultural therapy program that uses agriculture to support addiction recovery. Find out how the program’s residents learn to grow produce and raise animals, then take a tour of the farm’s hydroponic greenhouse.
There are lots of ways to participate in ASAP’s Farm Tour on June 25th and 26th, 2016. Find out how to pick up a pass, learn about volunteer opportunities, and plan your route at www.asapconnections.org
Aired 6/13/16