The wonderful world of birding awaits! We still have a few spots left in Sunday’s bird walk with @bigbaldbirder . The farm is brimming with biodiversity right now as we reach the tail end of spring migration, and many species of our avian friends are passing through. We’ve been seeing and hearing an incredible variety of birds on the farm lately, and Clifton has captured photos of many during past bird walks. It’s always a special treat to spot species like indigo buntings, blue grosbeaks, black-throated green warblers, scarlet tanagers, northern parulas, and more.
Bring your binoculars and join us this Sunday! Sign up through the link in our bio. (Brunch included in $30 ticket)
#ashevillebirding #birdwalk #birding
Western North Carolina is deep in a drought right now, and we’re seeing it firsthand here on the farm. Rainfall has been below average for months across our region, and the pastures are stressed.
But this is also where regenerative agriculture matters.
Because we practice management-intensive grazing, our pastures maintain strong root systems and healthy ground cover that help hold moisture in the soil during dry periods. Instead of repeatedly grazing the same plants down, we move cattle often, giving grasses time to recover and build resilience underground. The plant litter acts as a protective barrier that helps retain moisture, while the living roots act like a sponge, feeding soil biology, and helping the land bounce back faster when rain finally comes.
It’s a reminder that healthy soil isn’t just good for the farm — it’s one of the best tools we have for weathering climate extremes like drought.
We’re hopeful for rain soon. Until then, we’ll keep caring for the land the best we can. Keep your eyes on the skies. 🌦️
#drought #northcarolina #westernnc #regenerativeagriculture
Spring is in full swing, and summer fun is right around the corner at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. Mark your calendars and come spend time on the farm with music, nature, learning, and family-friendly gatherings all season long.
🌿 Upcoming Events:
• May 16 – Barn Dance with Zydeco Ya Ya + Cider Release
Food 5–8pm | Music 6–8pm
• May 17 – Spring Migration Birding with Clifton Avery @bigbaldbirder
8–11:30am
• May 31 – May Faire Big Barn Market
with @appalachianmakerscollective
11am–4pm
• June 5 – Late Spring Stargazing with Stephan Martin
9:30–11:30pm
• June 6 – Free Farm Tour: EOV & Ecology with Mikey Hans-Barrientos
10–11:30am
• June 11, 25, July 9, 23 – Preschool Story Time with Miss Jennifer from @fairview.library
Thursdays at 2pm
• June 13 – Barn Dance with Iliana Rose Cuban Jazz Trio @ilianarosemusica
Food 5–8pm | Music 6–9pm
• June 14 – Chicken Butchery Basics with Josh Boaz + Billy Callis
6–8:30pm
• June 28 – June Big Barn Market by @appalachianmakerscollective
11am–4pm
There’s always something happening at the farm, and we’d love to see you here. Visit our website to learn more and reserve tickets where needed.
#ashevilleevents #828isgreat #thingstodoinasheville #events
We’re excited to share that @kimbertonwholefoods ’ new Eagleview location in Exton, PA is officially open! 🎉
If you’re in Chester County or the greater Philadelphia area, stop by this beautiful new store in the heart of Eagleview Town Center and stock up on Hickory Nut Gap favorites.
You’ll find a selection of our pasture raised pork and 100% grassfed beef, including:
• St. Louis Ribs
• Chorizo
• Ground Italian Sausage
• Ground Pork
• Boneless Pork Chops
• Bone-In Pork Chops
• Beef Short Ribs
• Breakfast Sausage Roll
• Steak Tips
• Filet
We’re proud to partner with Kimberton Whole Foods, a grocer known for supporting local farms, sustainable agriculture, and strong community connections.
Be sure to check out their Grand Opening Celebration May 9–10 featuring local maker demos, samples, giveaways, prize drawings, and special deals.
#kimbertonwholefoods #grassfedbeef #pastureraisedpork #philadelphiafoodie
At our upcoming Barn Dance with Zydeco Ya Ya on May 16th, we'll be celebrating Sugar Hollow Daybreak — a collaborative cider made with @botanistandbarrel using apples grown right here at Hickory Nut Gap Farm.
This orchard-driven pét-nat cider is made from a blend of Arkansas Black, Old Fashioned Winesap, Golden Russet, Gold Rush, and a mystery green-skinned variety with bright snap and acidity. The result is rich and textured with notes of butterscotch, while still staying lively and refreshing.
The label artwork was created by Kelsey Winterbottom, and the cider recently earned a silver medal from Cider Craft Magazine.
Taste it at our barn dance on May 16th and pick up a bottle from the Farm Store! 🍾
Dance to Zydeco Ya Ya's energetic tunes from 6-9, and @grushs.cajun.dino.grill will be serving up their delicious cajun dishes from 5-8.
#cider #botanistandbarrel #barndance #zydeco
Come to my next bird walk at Hickory Nut Gap Farm on Sunday, May 17! We will bird around the farm for a few hours and then enjoy a farm fresh brunch! Link in bio to sign up.
@hickorynutgap@hngfarmstore
#ashevillebirdwalks #asheville #birdwalk #birbs
Did you know about 85% of grassfed beef sold in the U.S. is imported? And unlike olive oil, orange juice, or honey, meat has not always required clear country-of-origin labeling.
Now there’s a new USDA seal for beef that’s born, raised, and processed in the USA. We’ve long believed transparency matters, which is why we’ve voluntarily shared country of origin on our labels.
What do you think — should country-of-origin labeling be mandatory on beef? Should this new seal become the standard?
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
#ProductOfUSA #KnowYourFarmer #KnowYourFood #AmericanFarmers #GrassfedBeef
Nothing says game day quite like a ballpark dog and a night at McCormick Field. 🌭⚾️
Bring your friends, bring your family, and grab one of our hot dogs at the concession stand. We’ve got all your bases covered with 100% grassfed all-beef hot dogs made without antibiotics, added hormones, or fillers.
Now’s the perfect time to check out the Asheville Tourists 2026 season schedule and get in the game!
#ashevilletourists #mccormickfield #baseball #hotdogs
Our pasture raised Breakfast Sausage has a fresh new look hitting shelves this week!
The updated packaging features a photo taken on the farm by Jamie Ager of the Appalachian Mountains we call home. It’s a small way to bring a sense of place to what we do—grounded in our community and committed to connecting people to the land, to each other, and to the family farms their food comes from.
Keep an eye out for the bold new blue next time you’re in the breakfast sausage section. Inside, nothing’s changed—it’s still the same savory, familiar favorite, ready for whatever you’ve got cooking.
#breakfastsausage #pastureraisedpork #sausage
This Earth Month, it’s about feeling good about what’s on your plate 🌱
We’re proud to partner with Hickory Nut Gap — a farm that raises pasture-raised pork using regenerative practices that actually give back to the land.
From managed grazing to healthier soil and more biodiversity, it’s all connected — and you can taste the difference.
Better for the earth. Better for your table.
Shop Earth Month favorites and tell us below — what’s your go-to from Hickory Nut Gap?
April is always a special time on the farm. As new growth pushes up after the dormancy of winter, we’re reminded just how alive this landscape really is—and how closely our work is tied to the soil beneath our feet.
As farmers, caring for that soil is at the center of everything we do. When we take the time to manage the land well, it gives back in meaningful ways: healthy pastures, well-raised livestock, and food we’re proud to share. It also supports something just as important—a strong, connected community built around this place.
Thank you for being part of it. We’re grateful to do this work and to have you alongside us.
Happy Earth Day from all of us at Hickory Nut Gap 🌎
#EarthDay #celebrate #gratitude #regenerativeagriculture
We had a great time at our employee workday on Friday! We do these a few times a year, giving folks who normally work in the office a chance to come out and help tackle projects around the farm as we get things ready for event season. We rehung the string lights in the Big Barn, painted the brooder house green, made new road signage, and pressure-washed the apple area. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped!
#employeeappreciation #farmlife #gratitude
