Success Stories: Ag-Biz

Skipper Russell has been farming his entire life, but became a full time farmer in 2008. His 35-acre farm in Bethel, Seasonal Produce Farm, sells tomatoes, bell peppers, beans, lettuce, basil, broccoli, potatoes, cucumbers and sweet corn to clients such as Ingles Markets and Haywood County Schools. His farm employs up to 30 people seasonally, and he has worked hard to obtain certifications that allow him to provide produce to larger institutions such as schools and hospitals. Skipper also owns Canton Corn Maze, an agri-tourism family-fun business open annually from mid-September to Halloween. Surviving the sluggish economy has been a challenge, but Mountain BizWorks training has helped Skipper to diversify his offerings and plan for expanded direct marketing efforts.