Page 12 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Fourth Quarter 2023

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From Tobacco
Several members of the NCFA team joined me to visit Kim Stewart’s farm in September. toAlpaca
This was a first-time visit to an alpaca farm for most of us, so we were very excited for the opportunity.
To get to Hardly Farm in Castalia, NC, you drive Kim Stewart on the History
away from civilization, much like visiting most of the NCFA forest landowners. We pulled up as the fog was of Her Land, and Why
beginning to lift. Kim’s family greeted us, welcomed us into their home, and then the tour began.
You Should Plan for Yours
Chris Sullivan, Kim’s son-in-law, was especially excited to share his experience in building everything needed for the farm. Lauren Sullivan, Kim’s daughter,
By Amanda Murphy, Director of Communications
The following is an interview with Kim Stewart, NCFA landowner member, chair of the Franklin County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and member of the NC Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and Forest Advisory Committee. She is also an ambassador for the American Farm Bureau Agriculture Foundation and co-owner of Hardly Farm LLC.
is the social media/marketing manager, as well as
the animal caretaker on hand to help with keeping the animals healthy. And Emilene Sullivan, Kim’s granddaughter, was right there in the middle of all of it, telling us about the animals and taking us down into the back of the farm to see the forest.
When you visit Hardly Farm, it is evident how much this family loves their land and is committed to the community and the sustainability of forestry.
Above: Kim Stewart stands outside her farm, reflecting on her plans to ensure that the land her father gave to her stays in her family. She prioritizes educating her children and grandchildren on the importance of keeping forests in forests. Inset: Kim Stewart poses in front of the barn at Hardly Farm with her daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Chris Sullivan, and their daughter Emilene.
10 ncforestry.org / FOURTH QUARTER 2023