Our Story
"When tillage begins, other arts follow.” - Daniel Webster
The Farm
Woodcrest Farm is located at the corner of Dairyland and Orange Grove Roads in Orange County, NC. The house was built in the 1880’s by the Reynolds Family then passed in 1920 to one of the Snipes Families who still farm in this area.
We continue the “family farm” tradition - which means that, in today’s agricultural market, it is too small to be profitable in the modern agri-business model. Our strategy over the years has been to develop niche markets: highlights include organically-grown produce, a small dairy, grass-fed Dexter beef, farm-raised pork, dairy goats, free-range poultry, traditional crafting classes, and other educational programming.
All of these activities can coexist, use the land gently, and be economically practical for a family farm. We have found a useful model in the farms of the early 1900’s: small, multi-use, and relatively self-sufficient; this dovetails nicely with our interest in historic farming methods, skills, and rural life.
We find great joy in sharing the heritage of the land, breeds and skills unique to the Orange Grove area, where there is a sense of community and a welcoming open door. Visitors are drawn to our farm for many reasons, not the least of which being our animals! Our border collie Sadie is quickly adapting to the role of Farm Ambassador, introducing the visitor to the sense of warm vitality that is present everywhere you look. Continuing down to the pastures, our Great Pyrenees Jasper is learning to keep a watchful eye on the goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and pigs (but will probably take a break to come over and say hello.)
Our Past and Future
Christine “Grandma Green” and Allan founded Woodcrest Farm. Chris has always been a skilled homemaker; her knowledge extends to weaving, chair-caning, and other forgotten skills. Allan is a jack of all trades who is looking forward to the day when he can spend most of his time in the forge restoring old equipment and making artifacts for the farm.
In 2016 Chris and Allan’s son Dan and wife Liza relocated to the area to begin transitioning management and ownership of Woodcrest. Today both families are working together to reshape the farm and its operations to continue providing a local source for high quality natural foods, learning opportunities, and a strong sense of community for another generation.
We’re excited about what we can accomplish by working together towards the common goal of honoring the land, the history of the community in which we live, and the passion and work that has gone into making the farm what it is today.
Dan and Liza came to the farm as arts professionals and see the future of Woodcrest as an incubator for sustainable agriculture as well as a center for art making, community building, meal-sharing, vintage vehicle appreciating, and maybe even some dancing.
Our People
Dan and Liza Green
Dan and Liza are the current owner/operators of the farm, purchasing it in 2020 after 4 years working and learning alongside Chris and Allan.
Chris and Allan Green
Chris and Allan are the founders of Woodcrest Farm, purchasing the land in 1992 and building it into a working family farm offering produce, meat, and educational opportunities.
Tracy Rhone: Farm Camp Founder
Tracy is the force behind Woodcrest’s Farm Camps and educational opportunities. Her vast experience as an educator and outdoor education leader help to make the farm a welcoming and enriching place for visitors of all ages.
Laura Lund: Farm Camp Leader
Laura started at Woodcrest as a volunteer and an enthusiast of our farm. She now works at the farm as a mentor (aka teacher) at our camps. She has a background in early childhood education. The best day ever for her would involve mud, water, sticks, animals, running, play, creating, treasure collecting and being still in nature. I guess it's no wonder she loves it here!
