Sunshine Strawberry Farm by Arlene Childers
Coy Evans, more commonly known as “Buddy”, is a local Rutherford County farmer who has taken advantage of entrepreneurship education opportunities by attending the Sustainable Agriculture Class at Foothills Connect Business & Technology Center, and entrepreneurship classes at Isothermal Community College. Buddy lost his job as a Facility Manager after the company he worked for outsourced his position. Buddy now owns and operates Sunshine Strawberry Farm in Bostic, North Carolina, where he raises plasti-culture strawberries using drip irrigation on a raised-bed covered with plastic. Buddy understands the importance of networking with peers. He attends conferences and is a member of the NC Strawberry Association. While completing an apprenticeship with a neighboring farmer, Buddy learned how to use drip irrigation, and how to use row cover to protect the strawberries from deer, frost, and insect damage. Attending classes at Isothermal Community College gave Buddy a sense of direction and helped him develop business skills and confidence. The advice Buddy would like to share with others is, “You can do anything you want to if you are willing to work for it.” Buddy’s future plans include growing strawberries in the off season, and expanding his farm to include other agriculture products for year-around crops.
