Fork Mountain Farm

by | May 19, 2017 | Uncategorized |

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I have been farming for almost 30 years on an old mountain homestead site with log cabin and wormy chestnut barn which is 1/2 mile up a 4WD road. The cultivated 3 acres is at 3.800 ft. and is surrounded by forested land up to 5.000 ft. Here I tend 18 varieties of no-spray apples, some cherry and pear trees, 250 blueberry plants, black raspberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes as well as a garden. I seek to combine permaculture practices with sustainable simplicity based on the conviction that the continuation of traditional indigenous knowledge is crucial to planetary survival. I use wildflower intercropping in the orchard to attract beneficial insects and birds, hugel kulture conversion and exploring silvapasturing ideas to encourage perennial food crops and lessen outside fertility inputs.
Appalachian Grown small

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About purchasing from Fork Mountain Farm...

“I have known and worked with Pat for 8 years and have always been delighted with everything she has brought me. I look forward each year to our first visit and the return of the growing season.”

- Nate, chef at Knife & Fork Restaurant

“Pat is a joy to work with. Plus, she grows the tastiest apples. We look forward to apple & persimmon season just so we can hear the news from Bakersville, NC.”

- Justin, wholesale buyer at Roots & Fruits Market

Our work schedule…

Depending on the tasks required and harvest schedule, hours could be as limited as 20 hours/week allowing for outside recreation and other paid employment.

Compensation offered...
  • Room and board in insulated cabin with composting toilet, oil lamps, & woodstove (NO electricity)
  • Share of market profit possibly
  • Shared meals as desired
  • Produce and garden plot sharing
  • Community educational opportunities (including CRAFT membership)

    • Our location...

    Our farm is 6 miles from Bakersville with lively arts and craft markets, 20 miles from Penland School of Crafts, music, and restaurants in Spruce Pine, and only 10 miles from the Appalachian Trail on Roan Mountain; our section of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers hiking trails, and area rivers for fishing and swimming. Asheville and Johnson City are each 1.5 hours away.

    What we’re looking for...

    Looking for a long-term commitment from a couple, ideally.
    Commitment & sustainable energy as far as the work.
    Appreciation of off-grid, homesteading lifestyle and the importance of it.
    Many possibilities for long-term housing or building projects.

    To inquire about employment opportunities, please contact Pat Tompkins (farm owner/operator) by phone during the day. Please leave a message.

    About working for Fork Mountain Farm...

    “I worked with Pat on Fork Mountain Farm back in the summer of 1999. While the offer to cohabit in her cabin was offered, I chose to live in the loft of the barn so I could experience the North Carolina woods to the utmost. I was pretty green back then and needed a lot of instruction and Pat was really patient even when I made some mistakes (like not being able to identify ground cover from weeds). My chores ranged from weeding in the garden beds to weeding and picking in the berry orchard, firewood collection, and delivering berries to Asheville on Fridays. It was hot and humid and hard work but I still have dear memories and developed skills and witnessed techniques that helped to form my future as a small farmer in Alaska. I keep in touch with Pat though it has been 18 years and I have gone back once to visit and would love to go back again. The farm is in a wonderful location and offers not only a learning experience in organic agriculture but also a chance to surround yourself in the flora of the southern Appalachian mountains.”

    - Tenley, former apprentice

    “If you believe in authentic, humble and awake living stay with Pat, be around her and learn about prayer in action. Her farm and life are beautifully human and close to the earth in solidarity with indigenous peoples of the world.”

    - Claudia, former apprentice

    Our farm is open for farm visits. Please contact us by phone to arrange.

    About purchasing from Fork Mountain Farm...

    “I have known and worked with Pat for 8 years and have always been delighted with everything she has brought me. I look forward each year to our first visit and the return of the growing season.”

    - Nate, chef at Knife & Fork Restaurant

    “Pat is a joy to work with. Plus, she grows the tastiest apples. We look forward to apple & persimmon season just so we can hear the news from Bakersville, NC.”

    - Justin, wholesale buyer at Roots & Fruits Market

    About working for Fork Mountain Farm...

    “I worked with Pat on Fork Mountain Farm back in the summer of 1999. While the offer to cohabit in her cabin was offered, I chose to live in the loft of the barn so I could experience the North Carolina woods to the utmost. I was pretty green back then and needed a lot of instruction and Pat was really patient even when I made some mistakes (like not being able to identify ground cover from weeds). My chores ranged from weeding in the garden beds to weeding and picking in the berry orchard, firewood collection, and delivering berries to Asheville on Fridays. It was hot and humid and hard work but I still have dear memories and developed skills and witnessed techniques that helped to form my future as a small farmer in Alaska. I keep in touch with Pat though it has been 18 years and I have gone back once to visit and would love to go back again. The farm is in a wonderful location and offers not only a learning experience in organic agriculture but also a chance to surround yourself in the flora of the southern Appalachian mountains.”

    - Tenley, former apprentice

    “If you believe in authentic, humble and awake living stay with Pat, be around her and learn about prayer in action. Her farm and life are beautifully human and close to the earth in solidarity with indigenous peoples of the world.”

    - Claudia, former apprentice


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