May Issue Extra: Down On the Farm

Grayson South might be based in the hopping, urban Charlotte, N.C., area, but some of its future endeavors lie in a marketplace far less populated: China Brook Farms cattle ranch.

Two miles north of the hustle and bustle is Michael Neese’s family farm, named after a stream that runs through more than 100 acres of rural landscape. Gradually, Neese is converting the beef cattle farm into a nursery that will not only provide field-grown and container plant material for Grayson South’s clients, but will also sell its products to other landscape companies.  

“It will be developed as a compliment to Grayson South, but not in lieu of it,” he assured. “Long term, it will be a self-supporting entity. We’re not going to detract from the growth of Grayson South to expand that side of the business. We’ll let it develop over four years vs. 12 months.”

In addition, the nursery project offers extra work and incentive to Grayson South employees. “If someone wants to work extra hours, they can work with me on the farm from time to time,” he said. “It’s a reward for the guys – some of them want to work as many hours as you can give them.”

What about the cows? “There’s always a market for beef cattle,” Neese pointed out.”

The author is Managing Editor – Special Projects for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at khampshire@gie.net.