Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Carrigan.
Hi Doug, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I grew up we were milking a small herd of Guernsey dairy cows, which wasn’t enough to support the enterprise. After I graduated from NC State with my horticulture degree we planted the apple orchard and started growing pumpkins and strawberries. These were U-pick crops and this was in the mid 1970’s when ag-tourism wasn’t as prevalent as it is today. We excelled at this and became known as a place to pick quality produce. We continue to grow these three crops to this day. In fact, this marks our 50th year as a fruit and vegetable U-pick operation. Over the year’s we’ve also expanded into other facets of ag-tourism. For example, we have an old rock quarry on the farm. It’s a granite quarry, 25 feet deep and like a natural oasis. The quarry is spring fed from the bottom so the water stays cool and refreshing. We host events at the quarry like weddings, picnics and the like and all summer, we’re open to the public for swimming. We have families that regularly come from over two plus hours away because swimming at the quarry is a very unique activity that you just can’t find. Customers that come swimming really enjoy the laid back atmosphere and also enjoy the delicious menu items our farm’s restaurant prepares.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We’ve been blessed. There are challenges every day but the way you react to the challenges determines your success. When you farm, Mother Nature is your business partner; she can make you or break you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our farm, Carrigan Farms, is a destination that provides quality produce and memorable experiences. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to grow our operation and continue to farm and now we have next generation coming in and taking over. We used to be in a rural area and now the town has grown up around us, so remaining true to our roots is important. As time marches on, the public has less and less connection to agriculture and we’re proud to be a teaching farm where guests can come learn about where their food comes from. We’re also valuable to our local economy because of the number of outside visitors we bring to town and the number of seasonal staff we employ.
What matters most to you? Why?
My family; I couldn’t do this without them. My wife and kids have been there every step of the way, plus our extended family of employees and friends. It truly takes a village to run a big seasonal operation.
I also enjoy being my own boss and being able to chart my own path, having the freedom to make decisions without a corporate structure. I’d say as a general rule of thumb, most farmer’s are like this, very independent. This can be isolating though, that’s why I’ve joined many civic and trade groups over the years. It allows me to meet other owners and helps me stay up-to-date on all the current best practices.
Pricing:
- U-pick strawberries late April and May
- Swimming every day from Memorial Day to Labor Day
- U-pick apples in September
- U-pick pumpkins in October
- Haunted Trail Weekends in October
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carriganfarms.com
- Instagram: @carrigan_farms
- Facebook: @carriganfarms
- Youtube: @carriganfarms
- Other: https://www.scarriganfarms.com
