Gaining Ground Farm

Aaron and Anne Grier run a farm located in Leicester, NC on 70 acres of family farmland. Aaron's agricultural journey began at Ramsey Dairy in Fairview, followed by work at Warren Wilson College and managing a natural meats farm in Madison County. Anne grew up on a large beef farm in southwest Virginia and later gained experience in organic agriculture by working on various farms in WNC and western Massachusetts. Together, they produce diversified vegetable crops on 12 acres, selling their produce at tailgate markets and to restaurants in the Asheville area.

The farm is home to Red Devon cattle, a Jersey milk cow, a flock of chickens, and several acres of vegetable-growing bottom-land. The cattle graze on mixed forage pasture, which aids in carbon sequestration. Vegetables are grown in soil enriched with green manure and composted chicken manure. No chemical fertilizers, synthetic herbicides, or insecticides are used; all disease and insect management products are approved for organic farms. The farm emphasizes crop diversity, good soil fertility, and maintaining wild borders to create an ideal environment for healthy vegetable growth.

The farm offers a CSA farm share and sells its products at area tailgate markets. The Grier family, including their children Addiebelle and Cyril, along with many seasonal workers, are devoted to producing good food and enjoying the farm lifestyle.