NC A&T Honors Small-Scale Farmers

May 14, 1997

Greensboro, NC: Larry Pierce of Halifax County was named the recipient of the 1997 G. L. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year Award during a luncheon on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University. Named as runners-up were Dallas Gallop of Washington County, Bonnie Blanks of Robeson County, and Cornelius Southerland of Duplin County.

The G. L. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year Award was presented to Pierce on April 9, a day designated by Governor Jim Hunt and Commissioner of Agriculture James Graham as Small Farms Day.

Pierce and his wife Barbara Jean live on their family-owned farm, located about three miles south of Roanoke Rapids. The farm was originally purchased by Barbara Jean's grandparents in 1946, and has since been divided into three sections of 39 acres each.

Until about six years ago, the Pierces leased their portion of the farm and lived in Roanoke Rapids, where Larry worked in a factory. It was only after being laid off from his factory job that Pierce looked to the land to support his family.

One of the first chores for Pierce when planning his farming future was contacting Haywood Harrell, a Cooperative Extension agricultural agent in Halifax County. "Haywood got us started," said Pierce. "He helped us choose crops which would be profitable, and he taught us about soil testing and selecting the right fertilizers for our needs."

With Harrell's help and careful planning, the Pierces have been able to increase their profits as much as 50 percent. "The main thing we've done is concentrate on produce that is less labor-intensive," said Pierce. "By choosing crops which Barbara Jean and I can handle, we've been able to reduce labor costs and increase production."

The Pierces focus their farming efforts on vegetable growing, and rotate their crops according to season. In the spring, they grow mostly cabbage, and in the summer, corn, watermelons and cantaloupes. Collards, their largest crop, are harvested in the fall.

Since becoming full-time farmers, they use Cooperative Extension to stay abreast of the newest growing methods. Extension's Master Gardeners Program recently helped the Pierces improve their fertilizing methods. "The program showed us what kinds of fertilizer to use, and when and how to use it. With this information, we're able to use what we need instead of guessing."

The Pierces have also proved themselves skilled in the marketing aspect of agriculture. According to Harrell, the Pierces usually have no trouble finding a market for their quality vegetables. "Larry has taken a wealth of information, adapted it to his situation, and made the most of his resources," said Harrell.

A large part of the Pierces' marketing strategy involves selling at the Roanoke Valley Farmer's Market, though they also operate a roadside stand to provide customers with collards during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
In addition to agriculture, the Pierces supplement their family income with remodelling jobs and a lawn mowing service.

"Mr. Pierce is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the reversal of the disappearance of small family farmers in the region," said Gary R. Grant, director of the Land Loss Fund, Inc.

Dallas Gallop of Washington County was noted by Cecil Sumner, an agriculture and natural resources technician with the North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension Program in Martin and Washington Counties, as a "shining example of what the small farmer can achieve through hard work and determination."

Gallop has a fresh vegetable and fruit market in the Macadonia area of Washington County. He is one of the charter members of the Washington County Farmer's Market Association, and also serves as that group's president.
On his own land, Gallop has begun incorporating black plastic and drip irrigation methods ­ an effort which has garnered him increased yields and more profits.

Through these activities, Gallop has established himself as a leader among small-scale farmers in his area.

Bonnie Blanks and her husband Burnice of Robeson County grow 29 varieties of vegetables on a 20-acre farm, which they have operated for seven years. Active participants in NC A&T's Cooperative Extension Program's Farm Opportunity Program, the Blankses have used education to improve their growing practices.

By attending demonstrations organized by the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, the Blankses have learned how to redesign their irrigation system to improve the distribution of water, and how to make their current growing practices more environmentally sound. They are also participating in a project the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program is coordinating to help small-scale farmers computerize their record-keeping practices.

According to Martin Brewington, an agricultural technician with the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, "Bonnie Blanks is eager for success, and takes great pride in her small farm operation.

Cornelius Southerland owns and operates a 55-acre farm in Duplin County. According to Princella Howard, a small farms management agent with the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, the Southerlands believe strongly in diversification, and they have used this belief to improve their profits and reduce the labor required for daily operations.

As part of this diversification effort, the Southerlands have recently added sheep and goats to their vegetable, fruit and swine operation. By working with a number of crops and varieties of livestock, the Southerlands are able to move their focus away from labor-intensive efforts such as tobacco.

To learn about diversification and the requirements of new enterprises, the Southerlands have attended workshops and tours coordinated by the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program. They have also participated in the Small Farmers Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program, organized by the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program to help small-scale farmers improve such skills as farm management, record-keeping and estate planning.

Dr. Daniel Lyons, assistant administrator of regional and county field operations for A&T's Cooperative Extension Program and chairperson of Small Farms Week activities, said, "Small-scale farmers, like those we honored during Small Farms Week, are crucial to small towns and farms across America. Through their dedication to agriculture, they help the economy of rural America survive."

The G. L. Dudley Award is presented annually by the A&T Cooperative Extension Program to a small-scale farmer who exemplifies prudent stewardship of the land while optimizing resources and enhancing farm operations through Cooperative Extension programs.

Joseph L. Dudley, president of Dudley Products, Inc., established the G. L. Dudley Award in 1986, as a tribute to his father's commitment to higher education and appreciation of farming.

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