Picture of the day - November 7, 2006

A Scenic Farm In Zionville, NC

A few weeks ago, Cheria and I were driving through rural Zionville, NC when we passed this scenic farm lying in the valley below us. The autumn leaves were in full "bloom" making the mountains in the distance contrast nicely with the evergreens growing at their feet. In years past, this was most likely a cattle farm since it has a farm pond and barn on it, but apparently the owners have moved on to a new crop: Christmas trees. Like many other "high country" farmers, they probably decided that growing Christmas trees would provide more long-term financial stability than traditional crops. Apparently abandoned, the old barn appears to be leaning, eventually to fall over and rot away. Over time, the demands of the marketplace change, and America's small family farms must change along with them - or they will simply go under. Many already have, but I hope this one is around to provide Christmas trees to those who wish to buy them for many years to come.   Submit a photo                       Picture of the day archives