Farm

Woodcrest Farm is located at the corner of Dairyland and Orange Grove Roads in Orange County, NC. The farm and house were first worked in the 1880’s by the Reynolds Family then passed by 1920 to one of the Snipes Families who still farm in this area.

 

This has always been a “family farm” - which means that, in today’s agricultural market, it is too small to be profitable in the usual agri-business model. Our strategy has been to develop niche markets: organically-grown produce, a small dairy, grass-fed Dexter beef, farm-raised pork, dairy goats, and free-range poultry.

 

All of these activities can coexist, use the land gently, and be economically practical for a family farm.

 

We have found a useful model in the farms of the early 1900’s: small, multi-use, and relatively self-sufficient; this dovetails nicely with our interest in historic farming methods, skills, and rural life. Over the years we have accumulated an extensive collection of antique farm machinery and household items, and use these tools in teaching and sharing about the cultural heritage of the farm.

 

We find great joy in sharing the heritage of the land, breeds and skills unique to the Orange Grove area, where there is a sense of community and a welcoming open door.

 

 

 

 

Staff

Christine and Allan Green

Christine “Grandma Green” and Allan own and manage Woodcrest Farm. Chris has always been a skilled homemaker. Her knowledge extends to weaving, chair-caning, and other forgotten skills.

 

Allan is a jack of all trades who keeps the equipment running and is looking forward to the day when he can spend most of his time in the forge restoring old equipment and making artifacts for the farm.

 

Interns

The farm benefits from our interest in preserving rural skills by employing several interns to manage Livestock/Dairy, Poultry, and our Organic produce operation. Interns receive room and board and a small stipend.

 

Volunteers

Woodcrest is a member of WWOOF-USA, which leads many volunteers to our farm for stays of between 2 weeks and 2 months. We value the opportunity to get to know workers from all over the world and have welcomed people from all walks of life and several overseas countries.