North Carolina Farm Bureau Magazine will make its way into the state’s living rooms via satellite television Sept 2. Check your satellite listing for times.

In this edition of North Carolina Farm Bureau Magazine, we will take you to one of the state’s 18 research farms, the Sandhills Research Station, to see how researchers are helping local farmers grow better peaches.

We’ll also take a trip to Asheville to see how one farmer, Jamie Ager of Hickory Nut Gap Farm, is providing meats to local markets and restaurants.

The program will then examine how a purple sweet potato is saving farm land in Stokes County.

After that venture, we’ll take a trip to west central North Carolina’s Lincoln County, an area that is becoming famous for growing blackberries.

And finally, we watch potters work the clay in an area of the state that is world famous for its pottery—the town of Seagrove.

Commitment, passion, values and faith—these are the core components of a strong relationship. A farming life is not always an easy one, but these two Farm Bureau couples say it’s the experiences they’ve had and the lessons they’ve learned on the farm that has fostered a healthy, happy marriage and raise a family with strong values. A marriage lasting 50 years or more is no small accomplishment in today’s world, and these two couples reflect on their time together and what’s helped their marriage stand the test of time.

Max and Avolene Boyles
Stokes County Farm Bureau members Max and Avolene Boyles met through the Methodist Youth Foundation when Avolene was just 14 years old and Max was 18. Their relationship persevered for four years, and in 1951 the pair got married—58 years, two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren later, they’re still going strong.

Max and Avolene have farmed together since they got married, and Avolene can’t remember Max wanting to do anything other than farm. “His mother told me that at 15 he saw a tractor in the field and said, ‘That’s what I want,’” Avolene says. And that’s exactly what he got.

“I started farming while I was in school, and when I graduated I got into chickens,” Max says. “We raised chickens until 1967, and then we just had tobacco. Me and my brother farmed together until 1978 when he left farming to carry mail.” Throughout his farming career, Avolene has been by his side.

“We worked together in the chicken business and with tobacco it was the same way,” Max says. “When you’re farming you have to get up very early, and she would get up to fix breakfast and be ready to go into the field by daylight. We just did everything together.”

The way they’ve approached their business together is similar to the way they have approached their marriage.
“We reason with each other and we make decisions,” Avolene says. “We’ve never really had a fuss. If something wasn’t OK, we just let it go. We might discuss it, but we’re not going to have a knock-down, drag-out about it.”

“When we tell people that we really can’t remember an argument they always say, ‘Well then there’s something wrong with you,’ but that’s just the way we are,” Max says.

Avolene credits their happy memories to their stable family life. “We’ve been blessed,” she says. “Everything with raising our children went well. We really didn’t have the problems some people have to contend with.”

“We always take life one day at a time,” Max says. “We also had the support of our neighbors and family. This was a really tight-knit community, and if you were in need there was always someone here to help out.”

Now that the Boyleses have raised their family, they are giving back to their community and family in the same way they received support when they were first starting out.

In addition to his 30 years as a county director with Farm Bureau, Max is also a member of the Ruritan Club and active in politics and the church where he and Avolene first met. Avolene spends most of her time doing volunteer work in the community and taking care of her great-grandchildren. Together, Max and Avolene still have a large garden where they grow enough produce to give it away to the community for free.

“We’re just thankful we can get around and are still able to do all of this,” Avolene says. “As long as he can still plow, we’ll still do it.”

Bob and Agnes Shipley
Watauga County Farm Bureau members Bob and Agnes Shipley are a spritely pair, especially when you consider their ages. Bob is 96 and Agnes is 91, and they’ve been married since 1942. But life never slows down for them.

In their 67 years of marriage they’ve traveled the world together, including a trip to Ireland they have planned for this spring. “We figure we’ll keep going as long as we’re able to,” Bob says. And that’s part of their secret to staying young and happy.

The other part of their secret is a happy marriage and a healthy family. And their advice for having a happy marriage? Don’t fight. “We’ve never had any real major disagreements,” Bob says. “Anything that we haven’t agreed on, we’ve been able to work out and not let anything build up.”

“We learned that when you have a little disagreement, it isn’t the end of the world,” Agnes agrees. “Instead we just try to be patient and solve the problem instead of rushing home to mother.”

“Our children probably contributed to it,” Bob says. “We never had a sleepless night worrying about the kids.” The Shipleys say having similar values helped them raise their family—including three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren with a seventh on the way.

They also credit farm life for developing those values they installed in their children. “We think the farm is the best place to raise a family,” Bob says. “It gave the children something to do. They had livestock to take care of and two acres of tomatoes they took care of that helped with paying for college. It gave them good work experience and helped them to know where their food comes from.”

Agriculture and education has been very important to the Shipleys all their lives. Bob Shipley earned undergraduate degrees from Virgina Tech and a graduate degree from Ohio State University, and Agnes earned her degree from Madison College and became certified to teach elementary education through Appalachian State University. The Shipleys were both teachers until their retirement, and today both are still active in the community.

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service set up an endowment fund in the Shipleys’ name to support agricultural programs for youth in Watauga County.

In addition to Bob’s involvement with Watauga County Farm Bureau, he has also been a member of the Rotary Club for 60 years, Ruritan Club for 45 years and an active member of his church.

The church has held an important role in the Shipleys’ marriage. They credit their happy marriage and healthy family to their faith. And the church was also how they met. “A friend of mine said I know the nicest young man at church,” Agnes recalls. “I said, ‘I don’t see any young men!’ But when she introduced us, I thought he was a right nice fellow.”

The couple met in 1940 and dated for two years before getting married in 1942. “I just wanted to be sure,” Bob says. “I was 30 and she was 25, but we didn’t want to rush into marriage. You should have your mind pretty solidly made up.”

CASWELL COUNTY Farm Bureau members Donna Ligon and Jennifer Cook recently represented Farm Bureau at Aging with Gusto, a seniors’ event at the Caswell County Civic Center. Ligon and Cook distributed 150 Farm Bureau bags containing membership information, farm safety information, scratch pads and other items. Ligon and Georgie Holden also gave out information about Ag in the Classroom, lesson plans and Farm Bureau bags containing notepads and brochures during the Caswell County Schools Benefits Fair.

In other activity…Caswell County Farm Bureau recently hosted Congressman Brad Miller. The congressman talked with farmers about their concerns regarding national legislative matters. Also, Caswell County Farm Bureau held a Member Appreciation Day, where they served refreshments and hosted almost 50 guests.

CLAY COUNTY Farm Bureau was a main sponsor of the county’s Tractor Parade, Sept. 27. The parade, organized by the Clay County Tractor Club, featured 76 tractors of all models and years, the oldest being a 1933 model and the newest a 2008 model. The $20 entry fee for the tractors went to a Hayesville High School Scholarship fund. An estimated 1,500 spectators, including State Sen. John Snow, attended the parade, where they were given the chance to look at and ask about the tractors, as well as pose for pictures on them. The parade generated $3,500 for the scholarship fund.

DAVIE COUNTY Farm Bureau and the Davie County Cooperative Extension Service sponsored a Weights and Measures Seminar at the Davie County Public Library recently. Eighty-five people attended the event and said they learned much and appreciated Farm Bureau for offering it to them.

DARE COUNTY Farm Bureau held a Dessert Hospitality Hour for Farm Bureau members from Western North Carolina. During their visit, they toured a local fish company, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Wright Memorial State Park and attended an outdoor theater production of The Lost Colony. The event was held at the Dare County Farm Bureau office in Manteo and a variety of desserts were served.

DUPLIN COUNTY Farm Bureau presented scholarships of $1,000 each to Tiffany Young, who won a scholarship for the third year, and James Hunter Frederick, the 2008 scholarship recipient. Both students attend N.C. State University. Duplin County Farm Bureau President Dexter Edwards made the award presentations.

In other activity…the Women’s Committee prepared a meal for board members to raise money for the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Farm Bureau, along with Time Warner, the Franklin County United Way and Cooperative Extension Service, co-sponsored the 14th Annual Agriculture Field Day Thursday, Sept. 18 at Riverbend Park in Louisburg. About 800 third-graders attended the event, where exhibits created awareness of animal agriculture and showcased the importance of this industry in everyday life. Farmers who helped teach were Bill Wallace, New Light Angus Farm; Maxine Mosley, JaMaLa Farm; Warren Harris, Harris Farm; Carvel Cheves, Clover C Farm; Deborah Perry, Dream Llama Farm; Yevette Green, Cedar Meadow Farm; and Mike Jones, Mae Farm.

PENDER COUNTY Farm Bureau member Calvin (Cal) Lewis Jr. is the recipient of the 2008 Department of Horticultural Science Outstanding Alumnus Award. The award is given yearly by the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University. A 1977 graduate of N.C. State University, Lewis grew up on a family farm that specializes in strawberries, strawberry plants, blueberries and vegetable production. A reception to honor Lewis was hosted by the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University, Oct. 3.

STOKES COUNTY Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors voted to issue a $20 check to every participant in the Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem. Jordan Rawlings bought the winner.

WAKE COUNTY Farm Bureau presented Alexis Anne Brogden, of Wake Forest, with a $1,000 scholarship during the September board meeting. County President Jackie Thompson made the presentation to Brogden, who graduated from Wake Forest-Rolesville High School and is now a freshman at N.C. State University.

In other activity…Belinda Evans, along with Shirley and Fred Burt, participated in Safety Day at Wal-Mart in Fuquay-Varina. They used the Safety in the Sun display board, and Willy was there to help them give out sunscreen, sun-safety pamplets and books and stickers for children.

In Memory Of
Marie Joyner, former North Carolina Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee chair and a member of the State Board of Directors from 1987 till 1990. She was also the first chair of Nash County Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee and was still serving in that role at the time of her passing. She is the wife of Warnell Joyner, former Nash County Farm Bureau president and state board member. She will be remembered as a true friend and dedicated volunteer, and our hearts go out to Mr. Joyner, the Joyner family and Nash County Farm Bureau.

NORTH CAROLINA Farm Bureau Federation held its Leadership, Education and Activity Development (LEAD) Program Conference, Sept.18-20 in Durham. LEAD is a leadership development program designed to develop and strengthen the skills of individuals and couples (ages 36-52) who are involved in agriculture. The three-day conference included guest speakers from American Farm Bureau Federation and North Carolina Farm Bureau, a trip to the UNC-CH School of Government and workshops on a variety of topics, such as farm liability issues and their problems and solutions, and understanding N.C. county governments.

ALAMANCE CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Burlington
Aug. 26–30, 2008

ALEXANDER CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Taylorsville
Sept. 30–Oct 4, 2008

ALLEGHANY CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Sparta
Aug. 16–23, 2008

ATLANTIC DISTRICT FAIR
Ahoskie
Oct. 27–Nov. 1, 2008

AVERY CO. FAIR
Newland
Sept. 9–13, 2008

BETHWARE COMMUNITY FAIR
Kings Mountain
July 29-Aug. 2, 2008

BURKE CO. FAIR
Morganton
Aug. 5–9, 2008

CABARRUS CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Concord
Sept. 5–13, 2008

CALDWELL CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Lenoir
Sept. 23–27, 2008

CAPE FEAR FAIR & EXPO
Wilmington
Oct. 30–Nov. 8, 2008

CENTRAL CAROLINA FAIR
Greensboro
Sept. 12–21, 2008

CHATHAM CO. FAIR
Pittsboro
Sept. 17–20, 2008

CHOWAN CO. REGIONAL FAIR
Edenton
Sept. 23–27, 2008

CLEVELAND CO. FAIR
Shelby
Sept. 25–Oct 4, 2008

COASTAL CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL FAIR
New Bern
Oct. 16–26, 2008

COLUMBUS CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Whiteville
Oct. 6–11, 2008

CUMBERLAND CO. FAIR
Fayetteville
Sept. 18–28, 2008

DAVIDSON CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Lexington
Sept. 15–20, 2008

DIXIE CLASSIC FAIR
Winston-Salem
Oct. 3–12, 2008

DREXEL COMMUNITY FAIR
Drexel
Aug. 19–23, 2008

HALIFAX-NORTHAMPTON CO. FAIR
Roanoke Rapids
Oct. 21–25, 2008

HAYWOOD CO. FAIR
Waynesville
Sept. 22–29, 2008

HICKORY AMERICAN LEGION FAIR
Hickory
Aug. 27–Sept. 1, 2008

IREDELL CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Statesville
Sept. 1–6, 2008

LEE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Sanford
Oct. 6–12, 2008

MOORE CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Carthage
Oct. 7–11, 2008

N.C. MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR
Fletcher
Sept. 5–14, 2008

N.C. STATE FAIR
Raleigh
Oct. 16–26, 2008

ONSLOW CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Jacksonsville
Oct. 6–11, 2008

PITT CO. AMERICAN LEGION
AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Greenville
Sept. 29–Oct. 4, 2008

RICHMOND CO.
AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Hamlet
Oct. 14–18, 2008

ROBESON REGIONAL
AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Lumberton
Oct. 2–11, 2008

ROCKY MOUNT AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Rocky Mount
Sept. 8–13, 2008

ROWAN CO. AGRICULTURAL
& INDUSTRIAL FAIR
Salisbury
Sept. 15–20, 2008

STANLY AMERICAN LEGION POST #76 AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Albemarle
Sept. 16–20, 2008

STOKES CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
King
Sept. 8–13, 2008

SURRY CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Mt. Airy
Sept. 1–6, 2008

WARREN CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Warrenton
Sept. 23–27, 2008

WAYNE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Goldsboro
Sept. 25–Oct. 4, 2008

WILKES CO. AGRICULTURAL FAIR
North Wilkesboro
Oct. 14–18, 2008

WILSON CO. AMERICAN
LEGION FAIR
Wilson
Sept. 16–21, 2008