Laid-Off Construction Workers Give Up Hammers for Hoes

Meet two young farmboys who’re trying to turn lemons into lemonade.

I learned this week from MyNC.com that when James Taylor Jr., 23, lost his construction job last year, he decided to give farming a try.

He and his buddy Robbie Lee, also 23, have leased 14 acres in Clayton from Taylor’s grandfather to start T & L Farms, an organic operation.

They grow spinach, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, watermelon, sweet peppers, hot peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, among other crops.

“The construction industry around here has just hit rock bottom. So we said, well, if there ain’t nothing else to do let’s start farming,” Taylor is quoted saying.

I’m so impressed that these young men are not only going whole hog into farming, they’ve embraced the CSA model, only the second in their county.

They’re up to 25 shareholders so far. Let’s hope this upstart sustains itself and the locals.

As Lee says, “Sustainability. That’s what we’re looking for. It’s a better way for people and the environment.”