Project Name : NCDA&CS Upper Mountain Agricultural Research Station

Description : The Upper Mountain Research Station in Ashe County focuses on diverse agricultural research, including cold tolerance, forage management, Christmas trees, burley tobacco, and high-elevation crops such as pumpkins, small grains, and turfgrass, all of which are adapted to the mountainous environment. The region’s climate presents challenges, including cold temperatures, short growing seasons, and high elevation conditions, which require specialized research on crop resilience and forage utilization. Its infrastructure includes 33 buildings, including livestock facilities, tobacco barns, greenhouses, and research plots, which support both crop and livestock research, as well as community engagement through tours, workshops, and disaster relief efforts.