Farmers in Western North Carolina haven’t had much to be thankful for in the last year. Tropical Storm Helene left them drained, financially and emotionally. But one farmer, Jack Crowley, is speaking up about what there is to be grateful for — even in the aftermath of a devastating storm and a life with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
When he and his wife Jen Crowley bought a farm, just northwest of Asheville, in 2013, the property was in bad shape. The previous owner had let things deteriorate spectacularly.
Jack and Jen set about renovating the farm. They brought 25 cattle onto the pastures and began vegetable production, with the successful plan of providing farm-to-table food for local restaurants. They rented out their barn for weddings. Things were looking bright…