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Agriculture |
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Evaluations of Accomplishments |
STORY OF THE QUILT SQUARE, AGRICULTURE BY THE CAPE FEAR EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS CLUB FOR HARNETT COUNTY HISTORICAL QUILT, 1989 Agriculture Most
of the Cape Fear Extension Homemakers have had a hand in agriculture
production all their lives, from growing food products, vegetables and
fruit, even baby chicks, to raising money crops like cattle, hogs,
grain, and tobacco. They
understand the importance of good farming for health sake as well as for
a better economy. They also realize the pitfalls or uncertainties of
growing plants due to climatic changes, also of supply and demand, that
sooner or later affect marketing sales. The
soil in the Cape Fear Club Area is ideal: it's fertile, mostly level,
well drained and loamy. the many tributaries from the Cape Fear River
provide adequate water for ponds and irrigation if rainfall is
insufficient. The
colorful embroidered quilt square depicts numerous food supplies:
various vegetables, fruits, grain, beef, pork, eggs, poultry
-interspersed with bright flowers signifying a growing interest in
greenhouses as a new means of livelihood. The square was designed by
Paul Soublet, the designer for most of the quilt squares. In
recent years, in the County, there has been a diversification. of food
crops that have been grown in abundance for commercial purposes, namely:
blackberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, bell peppers and asparagus.
There are many areas in the county, where the soil is very suitable for
these products. In 1985 there were 4, 000 acres of sweet potatoes. The
town of Benson, in Johnston County, only a short distance away., is
called the sweet potato capital of the world. , Live
stock markets, especially for hogs and cattle, are found in nearby
areas. In Harnett, with 388,096 acres, urban sections and well populated
areas claim 11,000 acres; water courses, 4,000 acres, cropland 117,719
acres pasture, 11,167 acres; and forests, 232,400 acres. In 1985 Harnett
had 3,083 farms with an average acreage of 113 acres. By 1989 the number
of farms had dwindled due to changes in land uses: the moving away from
croplands and pastures to housing developments and forests. Gratefully
a mixture of agriculture and industry has provided .Harnett with a
stable and strong economy over the years. So,
here in Harnett, one can eat well, stay well, and live well. What better
place to be? Thanks to diversified farming and good schools! Written by: Evelyn
Byrd For: Cape Fear Extension Homemakers Club Source: 1985
Surveys of the Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service Quilt square: Row
6, Number 33 Embroidery by:
Imogene Holmes, member Cape Fear Extension Homemakers Club |
