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Photos and text by Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent.
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Jimmy Lee has been farming his entire life, and his family before him farmed for many generations. Jimmy and his wife Donna grow a variety of crops on their farm. Tobacco has always been their "bread and butter" crop, and the Lees are currently weathering a transition in the way tobacco is produced in North Carolina - from a quota system to contracts.
Jimmy says he likes the challenge of farming, and is always looking for a new one. Some of his biggest challenges are things that are impossible or difficult to control, like weather and deer. New crops bring new challenges. He initially started growing produce to help keep his crew of workers employed during the lull in tobacco work.
Jimmy and Donna sell most of their produce at the Piedmont Triad State Farmers' Market in Greensboro. You can find Donna there 5 days a week, usually Tuesday-Saturday. During strawberry season, they sell strawberries at their on-farm stand and also welcome customers who want to pick their own.