RutherfordBARN
Building Agriculture Relationships Now
Our Governing Body
Rutherford BARN is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that supports a locally-based food system that: a) improves public health and well-being by increasing dietary intake of fresh produce; b) improves access to fresh produce by limited resource families c) enhances the capacity for sustainable food production, processing, and distribution by addressing the educational needs of the producer and consumer; (d) supports agri-tourism and economic development; (e) provides an atmosphere conducive for exchange of information and ideas between producers and consumers, and; (f) strengthens the social fabric of the local community by increasing awareness and support of local agriculture and the arts.
We believe in the inclusion of those we serve. “Nothing about us, without us, is for us.” We believe in the power of the local food system to nourish those in need locally, and strive to connect local farms to local plates to accomplish the mission of reducing local food insecurity. We believe in the capacity of our local community to sustain local farms, and believe that local farmers deserve to work for a living wage.
In keeping with these ideals, we will strive to always include our local communities in our discussions. We intend to operate with the farmers’ best interests at heart, and wish to adequately represent both the farmer and the consumer. We will act as a liaison between local organizations, helping move the mission forward in a holistic manner. Our organization is not best suited to work in every aspect necessary to reduce food insecurity, and we need to support our local partners in their work. We wish to help streamline the local response to food insecurity, so that our efforts multiply, but not duplicate.
Rutherford BARN, Inc. Officers and Board
Stephanie Rzonca – President/Organization (2025)
Marie Rapisarda – Treasurer/Vendor (2024)
Beverly Aiken – Secretary/Vendor (2024)
Bill Coxe – Community (2023)
Linda Bond – Vendor (2024)
Stephanie Higgins – Vendor (2023)
Amy Bridges – Organization (2023)
Magnolia Long – Organization (2025)
Teri St John – Vendor (2025)
Paul Brock – Community (2025)
News and Updates
Pie Safe Baking Co
Pie Safe is a small batch bakery located in the historic former Forest City National Bank on Main Street in Forest City. The safe within
Six Points Farm
Six Points Farm is a one-acre mushroom farm located in Mooresboro, North Carolina. The farm’s large barn houses both their poultry and mushroom fruiting area.
Beam Farms
Beam Farms is a diversified livestock and forage operation located in Rutherfordton, NC, supplying quality hay and beef to the surrounding area. Their farm has
Heirloom Annie Farms
Heirloom Annie Farms is a 2.5-acre farm located in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The farm grows vegetables, microgreens, eggs (duck, chicken, and quail), and quail
Spirit of Sunday Alpacas
Spirit of Sunday Alpacas is a 10-acre farm in Rutherfordton, NC that raises alpacas for their fiber. The farm is owned and operated by Dana
In Bloom Flower Farm
In Bloom Flower Farm is a 6th-generation farm located in Ellenboro, NC. The farm specializes in producing cut flowers, herbs, floral design/weddings, and skincare products.
Monthly Minutes
February 2020 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – February 12, 2020 12:00 pm, 500 West St, Spindale, Nc 28160 Meeting Minutes Members Present: Bob
January 2020 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – January 15, 2020 10:30 am, Cooperative Extension Meeting Agenda CALL TO ORDER Brandon Higgins Called the
November 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – November 13, 2019, 10:00 am, Cooperative Extension AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Brandon Higgins called the meeting
October 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – October 9, 2019, 10:30 am, Cooperative Extension Meeting Minutes Board members in attendance: Bob Young, Tiffany
August 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – August 28, 2019, 10:30 am, Cooperative Extension MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Brandon Higgins called the meeting
July 2019 Monthly Meeting
Rutherford BARN (Building Agricultural Relationships Now) Board Meeting – July 17, 2019, 10:00 am, Cooperative Extension Minutes Members present: Brandon Higgins, Wendy Shumaker, Bob Young,
