Thank you to the PBS team for capturing what we’ve been growing here, and what it feels like to stay awhile. We hope you’ll plan a visit soon.

Explore our upcoming farm stays at juneberry.com/farmstay.

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Plus, for the full experience, check our festival stay for a two-night all-inclusive weekend in our comfortable cabins, complete with our fields & flavors farm tour, all meals and try your aim at our 5-stand clay shooting event (open to all levels, first timers and expert sharp shooters).

By Visit North Carolina

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Lost your zen? Reconnect with nature on a forest walk, say “aah” at a spa or take a whole weekend to recharge.

Research has shown what many have always known – time spent immersed in nature is good for us. Enter: Juneberry Ridge, where the farm’s two- or three-night stays offer a high-end, all-inclusive retreat experience. With every detail planned, you’re free to relax, dine on farm-fresh meals, and take part in wellness activities like yoga and forest bathing. And with 750 acres of grounds, that’s a lot of forest to bathe in.

By Visit NC

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The weekend’s itinerary fosters friendships between guests, time to reconnect with a partner or friends and downtime for reading walking. Each activity is designed for all comfort levels; no experience is needed to participate.

Just before bedtime, guests participate in Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation. A good nigh’s sleep is promised after the hour-long experience.

During the stay, a forest bathing guide leads the group through a three-hour exercise along a short path in the woods. Forest bathing, an immersive practice with a focus on healing, is attributed to lowering depression, stress, and heart rate. The guide offers several invitations to discover through seeing, smelling, and touching the forest. The session finishes with a tea ceremony.

Several activities such as forest bathing, the garden to glass mixology class, and the farm-to-fork dinner on Saturday, and the Sunday brunch are open to the community, not just overnight guests. Tickets are all available online.

Juneberry Ridge, a 750-acre working farm in Norwood, North Carolina, offers two- and three-night weekend getaways twice a month. Guests stay in rustic one-bedroom cabins, or they can book the Longleaf Cottage, a spacious three-bedroom home, all set in a wooded area. Meals are farm-to-fork, and many of the ingredients are grown on the farm.

Getting there: A 75-minute drive east on country roads will take you to Juneberry Ridge’s entrance. The farm is located at 40120 Old Cottonville Road, Norwood, NC.

By Vanessa Infanzon

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The post ‘Centered’ in the Carolinas: Wellness Retreats to Jumpstart the Year By Vanessa Infanzon appeared first on Juneberry Ridge.

Some farm vacations let you roll up your sleeves and do farm chores. At others, you can just breathe the fresh air, relax, and enjoy serene pastures and rural views.

About an hour east of Charlotte, Juneberry Ridge offers a unique blend of agritourism and sustainability. What began as a farm dedicated to healthy soil and plant diversity has evolved into a vibrant retreat featuring wooded cabins, event spaces and creative culinary experiences. Set in rolling Piedmont countryside, this spot embraces North Carolina’s largest residential renewable energy system. Next time you visit, make sure to experience their latest offering: forest bathing!

By Visit North Carolina

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The 750-acre regenerative farm in Norwood is quickly becoming an immersive environment for relaxation and the availability of abundant nature. Founded more than 10 years ago, Juneberry Ridge has grown into an agritourism destination with wooded private cabins, beautiful event spaces for culinary and educational experiences and a 43,000-square-foot greenhouse.

As the temperatures cool and summer turns to fall, Juneberry Ridge is offering guests a chance to step off the path and into the woods to engage all five senses through monthly guided forest bathing experiences.
The term “forest bathing” emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“taking in the forest atmosphere”). Research has shown what many have known innately: time spent immersed in nature is good for us. Slowing down and indulging your senses in the forest leads to an increased ability to focus, a bolstered immune system, and enhanced creativity, among other benefits.

“Through a series of guided invitations, you will experience the sounds, smells, sights, tastes and textures of the forest around you,” says Suzanne Durkee, chief executive officer of Juneberry Ridge. “Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health, and we are grateful to welcome guests to experience that revelation at Juneberry Ridge.”

Each forest bathing session at Juneberry is led by a wellness coach and forest guide. For each three-hour experience, participants are invited to slow down, get present and connect with the natural world through a gentle awakening of their senses.

Forest bathing has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, lower the risk of chronic diseases and even promote better sleep, Juneberry wellness coach Karla Aldridge says. Plus, all that fresh air and natural light can give your body a much-needed vitamin D boost.

“Forest bathing is a powerful stress reliever,” Aldridge says. “The sights and sounds of nature have a calming effect on our nervous system, reducing anxiety and helping you to unwind. Just a few minutes surrounded by trees can lower your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and boost your immune system. In fact, research has shown that forest bathing can even reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body.”

Forest bathing is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 14, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2. Reservations are required and admission is $60 per person.

Each session begins at Juneberry’s Toadhouse event venue, 40120 Old Cottonville Road, Norwood.

Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the session.

For additional details and to make a reservation, visit juneberry.com/events.

By The Stanly News & Press

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Juneberry, about an hour east of Charlotte, began more than 10 years ago as a farm and nature retreat that focuses on healthy soil and plant diversity. Over its lifespan, the farm has grown into a thriving agritourism destination. Today, visitors will find event space, wooded private cabins, and inventive culinary experiences.

by Sunny Hubler

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At our final Juneberry Jams fireside chat, Daniel shares how reconnecting with nature’s rhythms isn’t just about restoring land—it’s about restoring ourselves. Watch the full fireside chat below.

A path to restoring the land and ourselves

On June 22nd, 2024 at 5:15 PM, Ashton, our Chief Operating Officer, introduced Daniel Firth Griffith, a hunter-husbandman, storyteller, and award-winning indie author, as our third and final fireside chat guest speaker of our three-weekend long Juneberry Jams festival. As the evening unfolded, Daniel challenged us to rethink our relationship with nature. Through his unique philosophy of “kincentric” rewilding, he reminded us that working with nature instead of against it transforms not just landscapes but ourselves, too.

Daniel began by discussing rewilding, a movement to restore land to its natural state by encouraging native plants, animals, and ecological processes to thrive. His experience restoring the land over the past decade at Timshel Wildland, a kincentric rewilding project he co-founded in central Virginia, served as inspiration for his latest book, Stagtine. He shared it’s not as simple as letting nature take over. Even in rewilding, there’s an element of human control, he explained. However, Daniel believes in working with what we’ve been gifted—honoring and enhancing the land within its existing parameters. 

This perspective inspired what he calls kincentric rewilding, a term that his book uses to define the relationship that all of life has with one another. Daniel explained that “kincentric” combines kin (kinship) and centric (concentric). The kinship side reflects the idea of a single living system—this sense of oneness where we all work together. But there’s also the concentric side, which reminds us of the cycles of death, rebirth, and many other interconnected rhythms of life.

Daniel challenged us to reflect on our place within these cycles: What is our role in these natural systems? Kincentric rewilding he explained isn’t just about restoring the land—it’s about restoring ourselves. It’s about finding balance, working with nature instead of trying to control it, and reawakening our connection to the earth in the process.

The importance of happy cows

Ashton shared an idea that resonated deeply, food isn’t just something we eat—it’s what connects us. “Not only does food bring us together,” Ashton said, “but for a lot of people, it’s the only connection they have to the natural world on a daily basis.” Think about it—the vegetables on our plates, the bread we slice, even the coffee in our cups—they’re all little reminders of how tied we are to the earth, whether we realize it or not.

This connection becomes even clearer when we look at the animals that feed us, particularly cows. Dan Kittredge, founder of the Bionutrient Food Association, is researching nutrient-dense beef, exploring what it means for beef to deliver health benefits. But what’s more important for our well-being—nutrient-rich soil that produces nutrient-packed beef, or happy soil that nurtures happy cows?

What a cow eats and how it lives doesn’t just affect its own well-being—it affects us, too. If a cow eats feed sprayed with glyphosate, a chemical herbicide that’s known to wreck the gut microbiome, we’re essentially inheriting that glyphosate when we consume its meat or milk. Beyond physical health, Daniel posed a fascinating question. If happiness is biochemically driven, could eating meat from stressed or unhappy cows transfer those stress-related chemicals to us?

This idea challenges us to see food as more than just fuel. It’s a transfer of energy, life, and maybe even emotion. What we eat connects us—not just to nature, but to the lives that sustain us.

How plants “communicate” with us

It’s not just animals—plants have a story to tell, too. The Xenohormesis Hypothesis dives into this idea, showing us how plants adapt to stress and pass those adaptations on to us. For example, resveratrol—a compound in red wine—helps stressed plants survive harsh conditions while influencing the biology of the humans who consume it.

Daniel shared a compelling study about asparagus that reframed how we view food as communication. In this study, asparagus—a spring crop—was grown in a hoop house during winter. The plant anticipated warm weather, but when it didn’t arrive, the asparagus chemically adapted to the colder conditions.

Here’s the fascinating part: when people ate this asparagus, their bodies adjusted to the plant’s “message.” The usual transition from spring to summer didn’t occur. It’s as if the asparagus was saying, “Wait—summer isn’t here yet,” and their bodies listened.

Our food isn’t just nourishment; it’s a conversation. Each bite carries signals from the environment where it grew, speaking directly to our bodies. This reminds us that what we eat is far more than calories—it’s a conversation with the world around us.

How food deepens our connection to nature

Food speaks most clearly when we eat seasonally and locally. Local, seasonal eating isn’t just trendy or fresh—it’s about syncing with nature’s rhythms. It’s about choosing foods that align with the cycles of the earth.

Daniel put it beautifully: “When we start to turn locally, we start to understand that local food matters. And once we understand this, we begin to see that the people preparing that local food on local landscapes matter. Suddenly, community erupts.”

That’s where the magic happens. Eating local isn’t just about feeding ourselves—it’s about investing in something bigger. It’s about farmers, land, and communities working together in harmony. When these pieces fit, food becomes more than sustenance—it becomes the glue that binds us to one another and the earth.

In summary, Daniel Griffith reminded us that working with nature isn’t about letting go or taking over—it’s about finding that sweet spot of partnership. When we embrace the natural rhythms around us, we discover how interconnected everything truly is.

We’re all part of the same system. Kincentric rewilding shows us that life is a beautiful cycle—growth, death, and rebirth all working together. When we lean into these rhythms, we don’t just heal the land—we heal ourselves, too.

Healthy land, healthy lives. Whether it’s plants or animals, their health directly affects ours. If we care for them—through ethical, thoughtful practices—they give that care right back to us. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Food is our lifeline to nature. Every meal carries the stories of where it came from, whether it’s the soil that grew it or the hands that harvested it. By eating local, seasonal food, we strengthen our bond with the earth and the people around us.

In the end, it’s simple: we’re not separate from nature—we are nature. And when we work with it instead of trying to control it, we create a world where everything—land, animals, plants, and people—can thrive together. It’s a journey worth taking, one meal, one moment, one connection at a time.

About Juneberry Jams

Juneberry Jams is an annual summer festival celebrating regenerative agriculture, great music, and farm-fresh food in Stanly County, North Carolina. The festival is hosted by Juneberry Ridge, a 750 acre farm, education center and events destination in Norwood NC. There’s no better place to build community and learn about soil health, local food, and holistic farm management than the local farms forging the path for healthier agriculture.

Juneberry Jams was made possible by title sponsor and community partner, Uwharrie Bank as well as Kinetic by Windstream, and Visit Stanly. Community sponsors also included local business leaders, Stokes Construction, Precision Mechanical, and Uwharrie Technology.  Music programming was produced in partnership with Charlotte-based non-profit, Tosco Music.

About Daniel Firth Griffith

Firth Griffith is a hunter-husbandman, storyteller, and award-winning indie author of four books. His latest book, Dark Cloud Country, came out in 2023 and won two INDIE Awards in Nature and Environment. Described as the poet laureate of the climate crisis by Allan Savory—the Zimbabwe-based originator of Regenerative Agriculture—he is the founder of Timshel Wildland, the largest rewilding and relational conservation project in the Eastern United States. Timshel’s work was most recently featured in India’s largest progressive media organization, The Wire.

Daniel is also the co-founder and President of the Robinia Institute, a center for rewilding’s social emergence and the Mid-Atlantic’s Educational Hub of the Savory Institute.

Daniel is the host of Denusion and writes regularly on Substack under Denuding the Illusion. He writes for Resilience.org, Permaculture Research Institute, Front Porch Republic, and the Stockman Grass Farmer, among others.

Daniel lives in Virginia with his wife and three children.

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At the second fireside chat at Juneberry Jams, we explored how local food systems and collaboration are not only essential to agriculture but also key to fostering a stronger sense of community. Watch the full fireside chat below.

A little less ‘me’ and a lot more ‘we’.

On June 8th, 2024 at 5:15 PM, Ashton, our Chief Operating Officer, introduced Roger Dick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Uwharrie Bank, as our second fireside chat guest speaker of our three-weekend long Juneberry Jams festival.

Roger began by sharing his perspective on community: it’s not just a space where people live, but a place where people are cooperating and genuinely care for one another. In a world that often focuses on individual success, Roger invited the audience to think differently—putting community and collective well-being at the center of everything we do. 

“We are at our best and most powerful when we cooperate with one another,” he emphasized, setting the stage for a conversation about how collaboration, rather than competition, is the path forward.

Collaboration, not competition.

Success is often seen through a lens of competition—a “survival of the fittest” mindset. But lasting success comes when we work together, creating environments where everyone can thrive. Whether in business or in daily life, collaboration lets us combine resources, share knowledge, and tackle challenges together. This doesn’t just lead to better solutions; it helps build stronger, more connected communities where people feel valued and supported.

Communities that prioritize collaboration over competition are also more resilient and adaptable. They can weather challenges because their strength lies in their connections. When neighbors help each other, when local businesses support one another, and when volunteers come together to address community needs, everyone benefits. Collaboration amplifies the impact of each individual effort, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Each small act of cooperation creates ripple effects that strengthen the entire community, making it a more vibrant, supportive, and thriving place to live. True success isn’t about standing alone at the top—it’s about rising together, creating a future where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Communities as ecosystems.

Think of human communities like ecosystems. Just as plants, animals, and the environment rely on one another to thrive, people depend on their relationships and connections to create a healthy, thriving community. In nature, each element—whether it’s the soil providing nutrients for plants or animals enriching the soil through grazing and fertilization—plays a vital role in supporting the whole. The same goes for people, when we nurture our relationships and work together, the entire community benefits.

Ashton echoed Aldo Leopold’s “land ethic,” which emphasizes the deep interconnectedness between people, land, water, plants, and animals. Leopold believed that just like every part of nature is intertwined, human communities are also closely tied to the land and each other. In regenerative farming, this connection is clear—success depends on the relationships between soil, crops, livestock, and farmers. The soil’s health impacts the crops, which in turn feed the animals and people, creating a cycle of mutual support. If any part of this system is neglected or pushed too hard, the entire ecosystem starts to break down.

The same concept applies to human communities. If we neglect the relationships that connect us—whether with neighbors, local businesses, or the land itself—our community weakens. However, when we invest time, energy, and care into these connections, we create a web of support that strengthens everyone. By working together, nurturing each other, and respecting the environment around us, we can create thriving communities which are resilient, vibrant, and sustainable for generations to come.

Local bites, better lives.

“The biggest contributor to your health and well-being is your diet. If we really want to build community, we need to start with local foods,” Roger explained. But what we eat doesn’t just impact us personally—it affects our entire community. When we choose to eat local, we’re not only looking after ourselves, but we’re also helping the people, farms, and businesses right around us. It’s all connected.

This idea connects so well with Michael Shuman’s “25% shift” concept. He suggests that if we spent just 25% of our budget at local businesses, it could have a huge impact. Imagine what would happen if we applied that thinking to our food choices. By spending just a quarter of our grocery budget on local produce, meats, and other goods, we’d not only nourish our bodies with fresh, healthy foods, but we’d also improve the wealth of our community, create jobs, and support local farmers.

There’s another simple truth we might all agree on: relationships are worth a lot more than money. When you buy local, especially food, you’re building connections with the people who grow and produce it. You get to know where your food comes from, how it’s made, and even the land it’s grown on. There’s something powerful about that connection—it gives more meaning to food you eat, and more quality to the relationships you keep. 

Keeping wealth in the community.

While the benefits of local food systems and community collaboration are clear, globalization brings its own set of challenges. Big corporations often take money out of rural areas, leaving behind uncertainty and fewer opportunities. Instead of focusing on boosting corporate profits, Roger highlighted that we need to think about what really benefits people and their communities. 

“If you have a business that is local, and the profits stay in the local community, the wealth goes up,” Roger emphasized. When we invest in small farms, local shops, and community-focused businesses, we keep the wealth right where it belongs—fueling local jobs and building stronger communities. But it’s not just about the money—it’s about the relationships and shared purpose that are built when we prioritize community over corporate profit.

Roger highlighted the importance of purpose-driven businesses that invest in their communities rather than focusing solely on profit. “When a society prioritizes human well-being over profitability, we start to see the true purpose of business: to serve the community,” Roger said. 

Under Roger’s leadership, Uwharrie Bank has fully embraced this philosophy by actively investing in the local community. The bank supports a wide range of initiatives that go beyond typical business goals, including over $7.5 million in charitable giving to 300 civic and nonprofits within Stanly county, including groups such as GHA Autism Supports, Pfeifer University, and the Stanly Adult Care Center. By prioritizing community-centered growth, Uwharrie Bank demonstrates that businesses can thrive while putting people first, creating a win-win for both the company and the community it serves.

In summary, Roger shared how local food systems and community collaboration are essential to building stronger, and more resilient communities.

1. Community thrives on collaboration, not competition. When we work together instead of competing, we create stronger, more vibrant communities. True success comes from lifting each other up.
2. Human communities are like ecosystems. Just as regenerative farming depends on the relationships between soil, crops, and farmers, human communities flourish when we nurture our connections and work toward shared goals.
3. Our diet is deeply tied to our well-being and community. The food we choose to eat not only impacts our health but also strengthens our connection to the land and local farmers. Supporting local food systems builds healthier, more resilient communities.
4. Local businesses keep wealth in the community. Investing in small, local businesses and farms ensures that profits stay local, fueling jobs and boosting the local economy while fostering a sense of shared purpose.

From our conversation, it’s clear that local food systems and community collaboration are deeply connected to the well-being of our communities. By shifting our focus toward supporting local businesses, embracing collaboration over competition, investing in small farms, and strengthening our relationships with the land and each other, we can create healthier, more resilient communities. Each small step we take—whether it’s choosing local food or prioritizing community-driven initiatives—moves us toward building a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

About Juneberry Jams

Juneberry Jams is an annual summer festival celebrating regenerative agriculture, great music, and farm-fresh food in Stanly County, North Carolina. The festival is hosted by Juneberry Ridge, a 750 acre farm, education center and events destination in Norwood NC. There’s no better place to build community and learn about soil health, local food, and holistic farm management than the local farms forging the path for healthier agriculture.

Juneberry Jams was made possible by title sponsor and community partner, Uwharrie Bank as well as Kinetic by Windstream, and Visit Stanly. Community sponsors also included local business leaders, Stokes Construction, Precision Mechanical, and Uwharrie Technology. Music programming was produced in partnership with Charlotte-based non-profit, Tosco Music.

About Roger Dick

Roger Dick is a native of Stanly County and is president and chief executive officer of Uwharrie Capital Corp, holding company for Uwharrie Bank and Uwharrie Investment Advisors. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University and received a Master of Business Administration, concentrating in finance, from UNC-Charlotte. Roger led the development of Uwharrie Bank (formerly Bank of Stanly) in 1983 and has been instrumental in its success ever since.

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What if every decision you made could contribute to a healthier planet? From the groceries we buy to the habits we cultivate, we all play a part in nurturing our land for future generations. Watch the full fireside chat below.

Starting small, thinking big.

At 5:15pm on June 1st, the first fireside chat of our 3-weekend long Juneberry Jams festival began with Ashton, our Chief Operating Officer, introducing our first guest speaker, Jack Algiere, Chief Agroecology Officer at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. Jack, a leader in the farm’s innovation programs and trainer of farmers new and veteran, began with a simple call to action: start small and think big.

Simple habits like composting kitchen scraps, implementing cover crops into rotation, or using natural fertilizers were highlighted as crucial steps toward building a resilient agricultural system. When nurtured consistently over time, these practices can significantly improve soil health, biodiversity, and overall farm regeneration.

Jack urged attendees to consider the impact of their choices on the environment. From small, daily decisions to larger, more strategic initiatives, each action contributes to the tapestry of our agricultural community. By embracing our roles as stewards of the land, we can foster a more harmonious relationship with the planet and pave the way for future generations.

Supporting local agriculture.

“Every dollar spent on locally grown food generates twice as much income for the local economy compared to a dollar spent in a supermarket chain.” says USDA’s Economic Research Service.

This message emphasizes the importance of supporting local agriculture; Buying directly from local farmers not only ensures fresher and more nutritious produce but also strengthens the economic fabric of our communities. If you have the means to, Jack encourages us to grow our own crops as well! It’s a tangible way to forge deeper connections between consumers and producers, reinforcing the value of locally sourced food systems.

Even more than the economic impact, there’s real community impact too. The more we connect with farmers, and the more farmers can connect among themselves, the more empathy we’ll build for each other. The result is we’ll naturally find more ways to collaborate. In reality, we’re always in cooperation, and cooperation is an essential part of a life well lived. As Jack puts it, he wouldn’t choose to hide in the hills and do it all alone, he and many farmers find joy and fulfillment in serving their community.

Far beyond what they grow, farmers intimately know the health of the land.

Central to the ethos of regenerative farming is the concept of developing a genuine relationship with the land. “Farms are not just workplaces; they are living ecosystems shaped by generations of stewardship and care.” says Jack.

Understanding the unique characteristics of one’s farm—its soil composition, microclimates, and natural resources—is foundational. This intimate knowledge empowers farmers to make informed decisions that promote soil vitality, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Just as families nurture their children with love and attention, caring for a farm involves daily exertion and a deep respect for the natural rhythms of the land.

As Jack puts it, we may all have an issue top of mind about food and agriculture. These may relate to food access, quality and degradation, or the chemicals sprayed onto our foods. Whatever the issue, the solution is actually that we can take better care for each other.

The same way a parent might look at their child, or spouse and know if they are happy and well, or tired and sick, the farmer looks at their land with eyes of understanding. Details unseeable to most are keenly observed through years and decades of developing a feeling for the land. When we choose to support local farmers, we’re casting a vote for people just like that, true stewards of healthy land and healthy food.

What Jack highlights is that, as consumers, we aren’t separate from our local farmers. When we make a habit of shopping at a farmers’ market, or book experiences at farming destinations, we are undeniably part of, and valued contributors to, that very same farmer and every aspect of the land they manage. When we reflect on that, we might be able to see how deeply we are connected, that we are a community working together in ways we scarcely realize.

Ashton Thompson, COO of Juneberry Ridge pointed out that the answer is staring right at us. Within our language and the word “agriculture”, the “agri-“ part is junior to the “-culture” part. This tells us a lot about how important the farmer-community relationship is for our collective health.

In summary, Jack shared four principles from nature that guide his approach to farming.

1. Soil is the foundation of all life and health. It’s the first and last thing to pay attention to. Everything in soil is living in our own bodies, too. The elements, the carbon, the minerals, the proteins, and yes, even the bacteria are all part of us.
2. Diversity is an essential part of nature. The more ways we find to mix and interconnect people and plants and animals, the more resilience we’ll build into our food systems.
3. Waste is unnatural. Nature doesn’t produce waste. The more we focus on keeping energy and resources in cycle, the better we’ll be able to work with nature instead of against it.
4. We are all connected. Finally, we’re not separate from nature, or each other. Our farmers directly connect us to the land. Our chefs and kitchens are like speakers and amplifiers in that conversation. As consumers, we are more than audiences. We choose where to focus our attention and it’s our attention that determines our actions and the actions of others.

From our Juneberry Jams journey, it’s clear that there’s an important connection between regenerative farming practices and our collective well-being. By reconnecting with the land, embracing our responsibilities as Earth’s caretakers, starting with incremental changes, supporting local agriculture, and fostering meaningful relationships with our farms, we can collectively contribute to building a better future.

About Juneberry Jams

Juneberry Jams is an annual summer festival celebrating regenerative agriculture, great music, and farm-fresh food in Stanly County, North Carolina. The festival is hosted by Juneberry Ridge, a 750 acre farm, education center and events destination in Norwood NC. There’s no better place to build community and learn about soil health, local food, and holistic farm management than the local farms forging the path for healthier agriculture.

Juneberry Jams was made possible by title sponsor and community partner, Uwharrie Bank as well as Kinetic by Windstream, and Visit Stanly. Community sponsors also included local business leaders, Stokes Construction, Precision Mechanical, and Uwharrie Technology.  Music programming was produced in partnership with Charlotte-based non-profit, Tosco Music.

About Jack Algiere

Jack Algiere is the Chief Agroecology Officer and the founding farmer of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, NY. Jack graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in horticulture and has been actively farming since the early 1990s. His lifetime of experience in organic, biodynamic, and ecological systems brings a broad diversity of experience in greenhouses, orchards, fields, and pastures.

At Stone Barns Center, Jack oversees the extensive and diverse farming operations, integrating multispecies pastured livestock, grains, field crops, greenhouse, fruit, flowers, and compost in a four-season agroecological system. He also oversees the greater public and wild landscape as elements of the whole farm system. Jack is a leader in the farm’s innovation programs and is integrally involved in training beginning farmers. On the side, with his wife and fellow farmer, Shannon, Jack has two farm-raised sons. He plays the drums, is captain of the local volunteer fire department, and sits on the board of Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

The post Harmony in Agriculture: Listening to the land. A Fireside chat with Jack Algiere of Stone Barns Center. appeared first on Juneberry Ridge.