Cleveland County Agriculture, Images of America
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern North Carolina, Cleveland County has long been cultivated. Before the Civil War, self-reliant farms grew and raised a diverse array of vegetables, field crops, and livestock. These small farms relied on family labor, draft animals, waterwheels, and ingenuity. Eventually, the county became a leader in production of cotton and dairy products; tractors, combines, and hay balers became farm mainstays. Cleveland County Agriculture showcases the triumphs and trials of farmers--farmers who endured the Great Depression, the arrival of the boll weevil, and the everyday challenges of farm life.
Cleveland Soil and Water Conservation District
The Cleveland Soil and Water Conservation District has worked with farmers for over 75 years. After the Dust Bowl increased the nation's awareness of erosion, soil conservation districts were established across the country. Districts were supervised by farmers for farmers to promote the best practices for building and conserving soil. Today, the Cleveland Soil and Water Conservation District continues the important mission of helping farmers conserve resources. The district has allocated over $1,000,000 to conservation projects in Cleveland County since 1990. All of the author's proceeds from the purchase of Cleveland County Agriculture go to the Cleveland County Farmland Preservation Program.
