In the traditionally male-dominated agricultural industry, we’re excited to celebrate some of North Carolina’s strong women in agritourism. Read on to learn more about Angel Lockwood from Lockwood Farms in Goldsboro and Allie Beck from Ellaberry Llama Farm in Hendersonville.
Angel Lockwood of Lockwood Farms
Goldsboro, NC
Angel Lockwood runs Lockwood Farms alongside her husband, Tyler Lockwood. As a first-generation farmer, farming has not always been her career path, and it still isn’t her only one. Lockwood also works full time as a paramedic. “Over the last few years, though, my heart has been pulling me more and more toward agriculture,” Lockwood said. “Agriculture gives me the opportunity to continue learning every day, to build something meaningful for my family, and to serve our community.”
Lockwood emphasized that for her, being involved in agriculture has required a lot of hard work and the willingness to learn. It’s also required patience and resilience. “Nature doesn’t run on your schedule, and there are always challenges,” Lockwood said. Working through these challenges has taught her about the importance of community. “When you farm, you realize quickly that you can’t do it alone,” Lockwood said. “The support of neighbors, customers, and other farmers means everything.”
It’s this community aspect that keeps Lockwood working hard every day. “My favorite thing is being able to provide real, wholesome food to families and seeing people connect with agriculture again,” Lockwood said.
The farm has several upcoming events, including its Spring Festival on April 18. The event will feature local vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, animal encounters and time to take in the farm.
The farm also brings local producers and artisans together monthly for its “Last Tuesday Farmers Market on the Farm.” Other activities offered throughout the year include goat cuddles, baby animal photo opportunities, educational experiences and other family-friendly events.
When you stop by the farm, be sure to pick up some of its pasture-raised beef and pork, as well as fresh eggs. You can also inquire about its herdshare program for raw dairy and purchase farm-made and locally sourced goods, including tallow soaps and lotions, elderberry products, sourdough and more.
Angel Lockwood and one of her cows pose for a photo on Lockwood Farms in Goldsboro, N.C.
Lockwood Farms offers a number of community focused events, including yoga on the farm.
Allie Beck of Ellaberry Llama Farm
Hendersonville, NC
Allie Beck is the inspiration and energy behind Ellaberry Llama Farm, which offers unique llama experiences. The farm is the agritourism offshoot of D&M Orchards, her family’s now seventh-generation apple orchard. While the orchard offers no direct agritourism—selling the majority of its apples to be made into juice and puree—both businesses are integrated and are a family effort.
Born into agriculture, Beck shared that she’s always been drawn toward farming and caring for animals. “It’s in my blood, or at least it feels like it is,” Beck said. She explained that she loves being outside and the lifestyle that agriculture and agritourism provide. “I love caring for my animals and these apple trees,” Beck said. “I love the smells and views that the different seasons bring, from spring to summer to harvest. The wide-open spaces and community that is made through farming and caring for God’s creation are irreplaceable.”
While she’s always been naturally drawn toward agriculture, agritourism wasn’t something she knew about or experienced as a child. “Growing up as a small-town farmer’s daughter, visiting other farms as paying guests was simply not something we did,” Beck said. But after Beck developed a passion for llamas, she and her family started welcoming guests at Ellaberry Llama Farm about five years ago. “Letting people see your operation — how their food is grown, how clothing fibers are produced, and how livestock is cared for — is very eye-opening and impactful,” Beck said.
Today the farm offers a variety of regular events including farm tours, llama treks through its apple orchards and “Cookies & Canvas Classes,” which feature painting with llamas and cookies. Through hosting these events, Beck shared that she has “learned to appreciate the importance of educating the public about agriculture and the importance of local agriculture.”
Beck knows that an important part of providing agritourism is giving visitors genuine experiences, so Ellaberry Llama Farm keeps its groups small, with no more than 12 hikers per trek. She takes providing a quality experience seriously. “As the owner, I want to welcome, greet, or have conversations with every guest who comes to our farm to attend a farm tour or an orchard hike,” Beck said. “I want to answer their questions and teach them about what we do and why we do it.”
“My favorite thing about agritourism is letting other folks come in for just an hour or a day and experience what I get to do 24/7. The smiles coming from (their) faces are priceless when they interact with our llamas,” Beck said.
The farm has several upcoming events, including its Spring Festival on April 18. The event will feature local vendors, food trucks, children’s activities, animal encounters and time to take in the farm.
The farm also brings local producers and artisans together monthly for its “Last Tuesday Farmers Market on the Farm.” Other activities offered throughout the year include goat cuddles, baby animal photo opportunities, educational experiences and other family-friendly events.
When you stop by the farm, be sure to pick up some of its pasture-raised beef and pork, as well as fresh eggs. You can also inquire about its herdshare program for raw dairy and purchase farm-made and locally sourced goods, including tallow soaps and lotions, elderberry products, sourdough and more.
Ellaberry Llama Farm offers unique llama experiences.
Llama treks are a popular activity offered by Ellaberry Llama Farm.