By Courtney Campbell
Every Thursday without fail, Nancy Joyner sets up a tent filled with a wide variety of seasonal potatoes, squash and peppers outside of Elon Community Church. Joyner, who has come to Elon Community Church Farmers Market since spring of 2009, has made connections with local community members as well as students.
Redbud Farm, located in Burlington, is owned and managed by Joyner and Clay Smith. It is on the same land where Smith’s family farm was since 1945. The two have been harvesting since 2009, using only certified organic practices and bringing only the best produce to market.
“What you see on the table is in season,” Joyner said.
The farm specializes in vegetables and herbs including heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, eggplant, various squash, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, kale, ginger, garlic, basil and cilantro.
Each person who approaches Joyner’s stand comes with a different purpose, but leaves with a connection.
“My favorite part of farming is coming from farming and having a connection with the people,” Joyner said. “There’s a diversity of people from the community and church and college students. It could be a regular who always needs their cherry tomatoes or a New York boy that decided he loves okra.”
In addition to Elon Community Church Farmers Market, Joyner has a stand at the Western Wake Farmers Market in Morrisville, North Carolina on Saturdays. Redbud Farm is also incorporating some of their produce in local restaurants. Currently, Pandora’s Pies, a local pizza restaurant, is serving a seasonal orzo salad containing Joyner’s peppers and tomatoes.
While making connections to the Elon University students, Joyner has also been known to give discounts or free produce to those that are especially excited about what they are buying.
“She’s so sweet and she always remembers people,” said junior Abbey Maloney. “She’s definitely passionate about what she does.”
The Elon Community Church Farmers Market runs until the end of October, but for those who can’t get enough of Redbud Farm’s product can visit the farm located at 1921 Gwyn Rd. Burlington, N.C.
Courtney Campbell 