- Written by Bill Fisher
- News
-
Banner Elk’s Apple Hill Farm was the runner-up for this year’s N.C. Small Farmer of the Year.
High Country Press reports The Small Farmer of the Year Award is awarded annually by Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T, during Small Farms Week.
Lee Rankin, the owner of Apple Hill Farm, breeds and sells alpacas, angora goats and Great Pyrenees dogs for livestock guardians, and offers a year-round store selling socks, scarves, gloves, and yarn made from alpaca fiber and mohair from the angora goats, as well as honey, eggs, jams and jellies, and local crafts.
The farm has been in operation since 2003 and has participated in agritourism and educational activities for more than 15 years.
Apple Hill Farm finished runner-up behind winner MAE Farm in Franklin County.
Small Farms Week features a variety of virtual events and educational programs. This year, March 21-27, was the 35th annual Small Farms Week.
