Andy and Joyce Brown of Creag Creek Farms
Andy Brown was appointed Executive Director of the Appalachian RC&D Council in July, 2024. In addition to bringing decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, small business owner, and mindfulness teacher, he is a stonemason and a self-described “small time farmer” at Creag Creek Farm, Buladean, NC.
Because they are farmers of Christmas Trees, while other farms are winding down, Andy, Joyce and their family, have been as busy as North Pole Elves.
In fact, this winter was especially busy, because this was the first year their Frasier Fir trees had finally reached the right size to sell to the public. It was 6 years from first planting to first sale.
Andy spoke to the Field School last month about Creag Creek Farm’s multi-year journey and how their Vision has sustained them along the way.
Christmas Tree farms require patience. Trees grow cycle by cycle, season by season, ring by ring, needle by needle. Andy planted his first tree field 6 years ago, in 2018. The search for the perfect property for the Brown family began in earnest in 2013.
[Photos above: A little Fraser Fir waiting for its day to be a big Christmas Tree; Iron Mountain ridge visible from Creag Creek Farm’s cabin; Christmas Trees growing in high meadow habitat for pollinators and wildlife.]
Andy had a dream. But he wanted it to be a reality for his whole family. “When you have high positive energy, concentrated around the shared values of all the people involved, you get tremendous potential for success.”
Andy likened Visioning to a hawk: fly above the big picture, and also be able to descend and get into the details.
“We sat down many times, intentionally,” he shared to the beginning farmer cohort. “We came up with our list of what is essential to all of us on a hypothetical farm. We all wanted a farm that centered around these common principles.” He cited:
- Family
- Organic practices that are pollinator and wildlife friendly
- Sharing the Farm with others
- A place for our own solitude and fun
“We want our farm to not just be for growing Christmas Trees and Hierloom apples. We want it to be a contemplative space and celebration ground for us as a family and for those who visit.”
That crystallization of Vision was when Creag Creek Farm became a solid idea, before there was a property for purchase.
The Farm is a beautiful spot on the North Carolina side of Roan Mountain, inspired by a nearly 180-degree view of the Iron Mountain ridge. The farm has a cabin and camping platforms, surrounded by maple, cherry and buckeye forests, trails, and old apple trees.
Even with a vision and multi-year plan, things on a farm are subject to change. “I like to quote Mike Tyson,” said Andy, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Creag Creek’s punch is the environmental pressures out of their control. “We learned this year from Extension that pests like the Elongate Hemlock Scale is spreading, likely given rising temperatures and stressors on the trees. In the future we will need to incorpoate a mix of different Christmas Trees to diversify.”
Although Andy and Joyce have already closed their Christmas Tree orders for the year, they may be able to accommodate those receiving the ARC&D newsletter who want to source their tree locally in time for the holidays; email andy@arcd.org.
As the weather warms in 2025, Creag Creek’s HipCamp will be open for individuals and small groups seeking retreat, re-creation and for festive occasions. More information and pictures at their Facebook Page.
To schedule an appointment with Andy to discuss partnering with the Appalachian RC&D Council, email andy@arcd.org.
On behalf of the ARCD Board and staff team, Andy’s journey as a beginning farmer gives him essential insight into leading the ARC&D’s organization and serving the agricultural community, and we are so glad to have him with the ARCD!
