Agriculture

LIVING OFF THE LAND

Some people call it “paradise,” and the rural nature of the county is the main reason. People in the Foothills, if they choose, can almost live entirely “off the grid” and rarely visit a grocery store. That’s because farms are so prevalent locally. It is not uncommon to get stuck behind a tractor, or to stop and wait for chickens or turkeys to cross the road, or even an occasional cow.

FARM STORE

The area has thriving farmers markets, where residents can get a variety of homegrown foods, as well as the Mill Spring Farm Store, where many local farmers sell their products, including produce, meat, fish and homemade canned and baked goods.

VINEYARDS

Polk County has a variety of vineyards, where people can stock up on locally produced wines. See page 24 for more details.

SOURCING LOCAL

The county has several businesses besides the farm store that source local agricultural products, including Manna Cabanna in Tryon, Meanwhile Back in Saluda, Martha’s Amish Bakery in Green Creek and OpenRoad Coffee in Columbus.

FARMERS MARKETS

Farmers markets are in full swing through the fall. Tryon’s market is at Harmon Field on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; Saluda’s market is in the city’s downtown parking lot off U.S. Highway 176 on Fridays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Columbus’ market is in front of the Polk County Courthouse from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays; and Landrum’s market is held beside the railroad tracks on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon.

BEEKEEPERS

Polk County also has a beekeepers association, and lots of locally harvested honey. Details are online at PolkCountyFarms.org.

Agriculture

LOCAL FARMS

While Polk’s number one cash crop is hay, do not be surprised to discover there are some unique farms all around.

Nelon Knoll Bison is one place to purchase bison, while Emerald Springs Farm

features an aquaponics greenhouse system to get excellent fresh lettuce mixes and other greens.

Buttercup Cottage in Saluda grows tomatoes, onions, beans, apples, figs, pears, herbs and other tasty items. Buttercup Cottage grows using organic methods and sells a variety of canned products at the local farmers markets and local restaurants, including the Purple Onion in Saluda.

Sunny Creek Farm grows hydroponic sprouts and is a local produce distributor, and GoGarlic! is a group of ladies who know garlic in and out.

TK Family Farm is a high-density apple orchard that also produces pork and eggs. Bradley Family Farms produces beef, pork, chicken and eggs, and local mushrooms can be found at Adawehi in Columbus and Myla Rose Farm.

FARM TOUR

To catch a glimpse of Polk County’s agriculture, do not miss out on this year’s PolkFresh Farm Tour. Participants can tour the county’s finest farms and vineyards this summer. For more information and to see a list of participating farms, visit growrural.org.