Carlea Farms is an small, sustainable, family-owned farm located in Millingport, NC.
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Carlea Farms is a small, sustainable farm in New London, NC owned and run by Carl, Leah, Chet, and Jennie Wagner. We are dedicated to providing our customers with food that has been responsibly raised. You can find us at the Matthews Community Farmers' Market every Saturday or stop by the farm any time.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our loyal mother customers and followers! We celebrated a milestone Thursday when..
CARL WALKED 16 FEET WITH A WALKER DURING PT!
Words are inadequate.
Our peonies peaked about 3 weeks ago. We hated not to be able to share them with you all this year but can share these pictures that I snapped.
Love and Peace ~ Leah
In my last post, I told you all about how my (our) friend, Sarah Lawhon, has been working with Carl since he came home. With PT being put on hold indefinitely, Sarah has stepped up her game in royal fashion. She decided that Carl was GOING to have a standing frame so she started searching for patterns online. At this point I should explain that standing is crucial to walking as it sends the message to the brain that the body is poised for walking and thus stimulates muscle/nerve conversation, helps the heart pump blood which promotes circulation and prevents blood clots.
I think she told me that she searched for a “poor man’s standing frame” and SHAZAM ⚡️she got a hit! She sent Carl a screenshot and so it began. A conversation about materials with his friend, Dean Mullis of Laughing Owl Farm Jenifer Korndoerfer Mullis, forwarded him the picture and a few hours later, a basic standing frame appeared at our house. Next step was for Sarah to add her touch with materials we had at the house plus a swimming noodle and voila a STANDING CARL!
He is so determined to walk and farm again and I think I may have spurned a little more determination when I cursed the cultivating tractor while making potato beds then threatened to get rid of it. 🤬🚜😬🏃🧑🌾
We are so grateful for our friends and rural ingenuity. Joel Salatin once said, “sometimes good enough is perfect.”
Love and Peace ~ Leah Porch Wagner
https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/news/2020/3/29/yadkin-riverkeeper-launches-sustainable-farms-initiative
Support your local farmer ❤️
One of the compelling story lines emerging in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is the importance of local farms and access to locally produced food. Did you know that there are more than 1,000 farms in the Yadkin River watershed that market their products directly to consumers, generating nearly $6
Carl continues to make phenomenal progress. His Physical Therapist, Thomas Azalone, at Northeast Rehab Gateway believes in Carl and is pushing him....hard. For those of you who don’t know, Carl is a former long distance runner, a long distance bicyclist and triathlete. He says that Thomas has redefined, “HARD”. He has been going to PT twice a week for 1-1/2 hours each time. When not going to PT, my friend, Sarah Lawhon, is his drill sergeant.
I got lucky when I was able to snare her to sit with my good friend and mentor from NCDOT, Robert Thompson. We became friends almost instantly. Robert passed away December 8th while Carl was in rehab. Carl came home December 20th and Sarah has been helping him since that day. She came to our house in her pj’s because his catheter malfunctioned; she MAKES HIM WORK. She stretches him and drives him to appointments so I don’t have to miss work and bought my Valentine from Carl because it was raining too hard to get him out of the car. To say that she is anything but wonderful would be a gross understatement.
I have to give you this background information so that you can watch this brief video and know that Thomas and Sarah have and continue to be instrumental in Carl’s recovery. He’s getting there. Yesterday he was “behind the wheel” of his Ranger for the first time since November. He is on his way to walking, it will be a while but he is on his way.
Oh and the video is so short because he took off so quickly. 🤣
Love and Peace ~ Leah
Follow-up pictures to my post about Jennie’s trip to Oregon and her training hike because I am not proficient with Social Media. 🙄
Long overdue update: Carl is working really hard and making fabulous progress towards his goal of walking; however he is months away from reaching that goal. He is taking this year off from Market but he is determined to be back in full force by next Spring and who knows, it could be sooner. (We may even try to bring peonies one or two Saturday’s in April/May if Mother Nature smiles down upon us fairly and we can get it all worked out.)
Please continue to keep us in your prayers and please please keep sending positive thoughts and communication in whatever form you like. Positivity is a HUGE part of his recovery.
Love and Peace ~ Leah
FINALLY HOME!!!!!!!!!There are no words to express our joy. ❤️
So this happened today......with assistance but 😃 ❤️
Thanksgiving was not at all what we had envisioned but we were together and that is truly what is important. Carl continues to make progress....slowly; but as Laura McLeod reminded me, " progress is progress, no matter how slow." Discharge date is tentatively this Friday, December 6th. Your continued positive energy/thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated as we learn to navigate through Carl's recovery and his journey to walk again.
Love and Peace ~ Carl, Leah , Chet & Jennie.
A special request and quick update:
Tomorrow is Carl's bday so any bday wishes would be appreciated.
He is making great progress; his therapy is intense and he is quite tired by the time I get there. He called just as I was getting home and told me he had been wheeling the halls in his wheelchair so his fire is coming back!
We so appreciate you all! ~ Leah
Friday, November 15th, Day 11 of Carl's Journey
CARL IS IN REHAB!!! 🙌🏻 After initially being turned down by insurance,he finally received approval and was transported late this afternoon to Carolina Rehabilitation on the campus of Atrium-CHS Main, Charlotte. We were told to expect a 3 week stay where he will receive intense rehabilitation. We met with his medical team and are so impressed. He is eager to start this process; he is determined!
His strength and leg movement continue to improve. Before leaving Concord today, he was able to get in another session with the awesome PT and OT teams. His balance and strength transferring from bed to wheelchair have improved dramatically (there is no way to time/measure strength of these tasks); however, his cycling saw a measurable improvement. He went from 38 seconds of independent cycling in a 36 minute period on Wednesday (those numbers might be off a tad😬) to 1 minute 56 seconds in a 20 minute period today, a phenomenal improvement!💪🏻🚴(We did, by the way, receive excellent overall care at Atrium Concord.)
Some of you have asked about visiting hours and address for sending cards. Any cards can be sent to our home address as I will be visiting daily after work or to the rehab facility. The address of the facility is Carolina Rehab, 1000 Blythe Blvd, Room 24034, Charlotte NC 28203. Visiting hours are from 4:00 PM-8:30 PM Monday-Friday, 12:00 noon until 8:30 PM Saturday & Sunday. His room phone number is 704-355-9725 and of course he has his cell phone too.
We are so very grateful for all of the prayers, cards, post-likes and well-wishes. They have helped tremendously. We didn't expect this outcome but know that good things will come.
~ Leah
Day 9 of Carl's recovery finds him with some improvement in the movement of his legs and feet.
Today he increased his independent pedal time on the PT bicycle to 38 seconds from 8 seconds! (We celebrate the small victories but this is actually huge!). This apparatus is so cool. Carl's legs are strapped into a bicycle simulator (he is in his bed) with electrodes attached to his legs to stimulate the muscles while the PT staff control the speed, electrodes and monitor his muscle activity. He so enjoyed his 25 minutes!
As soon as a bed becomes available, he will be moved to the spinal cord rehabilitation center at Atrium Main Campus in Charlotte. I will post visitation hours and address (physical and mailing) as soon as he is settled in.
~Leah
Carl's second surgery was again more complex and took longer than expected, 5 hours, but was successful.
Before I give today's update, let me first share that following the first surgery, he experienced a complication that was unexpected but not a complete surprise. He has been unable to move his legs; he has feeling in them but he can't move them. His surgeon ordered an MRI and CT scan, neither of which revealed anything abnormal with the exception of some swelling near the bottom of the spinal cord, which considering the extent of his deformity and the trauma of the repair, was not surprising. After consulting with Dr. Chewning, the other neurosurgeon who teamed with Dr. Holland, they decided to proceed with today's surgery in order to stabilize the spine, completing the process, thereby facilitating the recovery process.
Now to today's surgery. His spine curvature and rotation have been corrected to a 90% normal position. (His spine had twisted almost 90 degrees from its normal position.) He now has titanium rods that extend from his T8 vertebrae to S1 vertebrae and anchors in his hips (incision is about 13" long). Dr. Holland also told me that today's surgery further opened the stenosis that had been created by the twisting and curvature. At the worst location, the opening that should have been the size of a quarter had been compressed to the size of a pencil!
We fully expect that as the swelling diminishes, he will regain movement in his legs and feet. He will remain in the hospital for a week and begin physical therapy within the next day or two and then likely to rehab for a week or two for intensive physical therapy.
Let the healing begin! ~ Leah
As many of you probably know, Carl underwent the first of two surgeries today to correct a spinal deformity. I am happy to tell you that after what the lead neurosurgeon (on a team of two neurosurgeons) called a difficult complex 4 hour surgery, Carl is in recovery and doing well. Dr Holland said that Carl's deformity (curvature and twisting of the spine) was one of the worst out of hundreds that he has seen, a 9.8 on a scale of 1 to 10.
The second surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning, a 5 hour event. This surgery will involve placement of rods and screws and anchors into his hips.
While his recovery will be long and difficult, we are beyond excited to start this part of the journey and are looking forward to his resuming his beloved farming this Spring. He absolutely loves providing quality, beyond organic, sustainable food. 🐷 🐔
Encouraging words to pass along to him are welcome.
More updates to come ~ Leah
Know your farmer. Know where and how your food is raised and thank your farmer for his/her hard work. USDA Certified Organic isn't always what you think. Thank you to my farmer husband Carl Wagner for raising our hens beyond what is considered, "Certified Organic" ❤️🐔🐷🚜
https://returntonow.net/2019/08/14/more-than-a-million-hens-crammed-into-dark-warehouses-at-three-per-square-foot-counts-as-usda-organic/
Did you know the hens that laid your “organic” eggs may have never set foot on bare earth or seen the light of day? An “organic” farm in Michigan keeps 1.6 million hens locked up three-per-square-foot in long, dark metal barns with no access to the outdoors, reports The Chicago …
A little Saturday morning fun 🐷💦
Season's first potatoes at Market tomorrow .... Red Thumb Fingerlings and Yukon Golds.
Have you ever heard the expression, "mad as a wet setn' hen?" This girl isn't wet but is what we call, "broody". She thinks that she needs to incubate eggs despite the fact that the eggs are robbed daily and there is no rooster. She is especially verbal and I laugh every time I collect eggs. We are hoping this phase passes soon. I just have to share.
We are thrilled that our milkweed stand is thriving. Pollinators are vital to our food supply and we are committed to providing an environment free of harmful chemicals and a flourishing habitat to sustain them.
Hoping this catches on in US. Hoping ❤️
France’s new ban goes further than the European Union’s, which outlaws only 3 bee-killing pesticides France has now set the benchmark in the global effort to save the bees and prevent “ecological Armageddon.” The country banned all 5 of the neonicotinoid pesticides that researchers are blami...
We are excited to announce that
Carlea Farms is seeking a young farmer to raise vegetables. Carlea Farms is a small, sustainable farm in New London, NC owned and managed by Carl and Leah Wagner. We own 55 acres, about half of which we farm. Currently, we raise pastured pigs and laying hens. We have raised vegetables in the past and would like a young farmer to continue doing so. We have all the necessary infrastructure and equipment. While the land is not certified organic, production methods have always been compliant with USDA organic standards. The land is eligible for certification if so desired. Our main market is Charlotte, NC; we currently sell only at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market, but there are options for expansion. We are offering up our land and equipment to a young farmer who would like to raise vegetables. We would also ask that the selected individual be willing to help with livestock management when needed. We have the following infrastructure and equipment available:
• 40’x72’ high tunnel
• 12’x12’ seeding greenhouse
• 10’x10’ walk-in cooler
• Packing shed
• Several tractors, tillers, implements, and other tools necessary for vegetable production
• Well water
• Drip irrigation equipment
The projected start date is December 2018. We expect the selected candidate to start and maintain a successful vegetable production operation. Ideal candidates will have extensive farming experience (3+ years) on small diversified farms and will be willing to help with livestock production. Candidates should be motivated and should take initiative to make the operation successful. We already have an established customer base at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market, but candidates are expected to expand to other outlets.
If interested, please email a resume, cover letter, and information for three references to Carl Wagner at [email protected]. Please text or call Carl at (704) 985-5043 or email with additional questions.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER THIS OPPORTUNITY!
Last week started the Great Sweet Potato Harvest. We were only able to harvest 1-1/2 rows out of 5 before the hurricane hit. I raced home from work to help Carl as there is prep work before we can run the plow through. He has to run the bush-hog over the beds to cut the vines; otherwise, the vines become entangled in the plow and we have to stop every 10 feet to clear.
So far, the yield is great as we have picked up roughly 1,250 lbs by hand. Even the culls are used - the pigs looove them and Bubba, our 115 lb Labrador Retriever will eat them as long as you feed them to him.
We are anxiously awaiting the beds to dry out enough for us to dig more before they get as big as Bubba's head or rot. 🤞🏻~Carl and Leah
Last winter, a large oak tree fell in the woods at the edge of the pasture so this weekend was the weekend to cut and split. Chet asked if Paw Paw could come too. My dad is 81 years old, had bypass surgery 25 years ago, has asthma, macular degenerative eye disease and still kicks butt at cutting wood! Chet told me that at one point Paw Paw took the chainsaw from him. 😂. I captured this video during the splitting process - Paw Paw providing instruction and making sweet memories. #81 ain't got nothing on Paw Paw ❤️ Chet Wagner
I meant to post this earlier but just didn't get to it. Carl took the first picture on Wednesday before Florence. We have titled it, "Calm before the storm".
I took the second picture a few minutes ago. In the background on the hill are Nellie and her half dozen. They don't seem to be phased by the wind and rain but are rather enjoying the cooler temps and a much needed rain bath. I had honestly forgotten that some of them have white markings! The sunflowers aren't weathering the storm as well but I am hopeful that they will stand up when the sun shows its face again. ☀️
Our main purpose in planting sunflowers this year was to benefit the pollinators. Our hearts have soared as we have observed the butterflies, bees, Syrphid flies and other pollinators dance and float from flower to flower.
Happy Peaceful Sunday Morning. Sunflowers are awake, piggies still sleeping. 🌻🐷
A glimpse into life on our farm this week.....
This week has reminded us of the joys and heartaches of what we do. Wednesday evening,our sow, Nellie, began nesting in the pasture, on top of the hill, instead of her new farrowing house. She had made a nest in it too so we were a little worried that she'd farrow in the field with storms all around. This litter is her third and both previous litters came at night and in the woods so we were a bit surprised that she was feverishly building a nest in the pasture.
The next morning, Carl found 9 live piglets and 3 that were stillborn. As temperatures climbed Thursday morning, Carl called me to see if I could come home at lunch to check on Nellie and her babies. By the time we got to the pasture, she had moved them down closer to the house but even closer to her mud hole where she was cooling off. As we had feared, three had followed her into the mud hole; two had already drowned and a third was barely alive; it later died.
We raise our pigs on pasture, in the woods, because that's how pigs are supposed to live. But hand-in-hand with raising dirt hogs is sometimes having to allow nature to take its course because a 500 pound sow only allows you to intervene as much as she wants to.
She moved them to the house Friday morning after they had been in rain Thursday night. We don't understand why she delivered the way she did but that's just nature.
Today, we have six piglets and are once again entranced by their wonder. Attached is a video made this evening. Nellie is in her spa with babies nearby. If you look closely, you can see the piglets eating mud; that's how they get their iron - not from a syringe because concrete floors in CAFOs don't offer iron enriched soil.
Despite the trials, we still feel privileged to live this life and provide a source of quality food.
You know spring is in full swing when the peonies are in bloom! Barring any weird weather changes, it looks like they’ll peak for the May 5th market. Hopefully we’ll have some for Mother’s Day - no better way to let your mom know you’re thinking about her than gorgeous locally and organically grown peonies! (Trust me, I speak from experience. They are my favorite!)
-Leah
First Sungolds of the season! Be on the lookout for more of these in the coming weeks at the Matthews Market. In the meantime, we will have all the pork and potatoes you need for your Independence Day celebrations. Brats and ground pork will be great on the grill, and our new German Butterball potatoes will be great in potato salad!
And, check out our new Instagram !
Moved the pullets to new pasture today! These ladies should start laying soon!
P.S. We now have an Instagram account ()!
Come see us at the Matthews Community Farmers' Market this weekend to pick up supplies for your summer cookouts! We will have potatoes (Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Russian Banana Fingerlings, and Red Thumb Fingerlings), garlic, and eggs, as well as a variety of pork cuts. Cuts include hot and mild breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, ground pork, uncured bacon, tenderloins, pork chops, Boston butts, ham and loin roasts, and baby back and spare ribs. If you would like to pre-order, please call, text, or email Carl at (704) 985-5043 or [email protected].
Come see us at the Matthews Community Farmers' Market this weekend to pick up essentials for your Father's Day celebrations! We will have potatoes (Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Russian Banana Fingerlings, and Red Thumb Fingerlings), garlic, and eggs, as well as a variety of pork cuts. Cuts include hot and mild breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, ground pork, uncured bacon, tenderloins, pork chops, Boston butts, ham and loin roasts, and baby back and spare ribs. If you would like to pre-order, please call, text, or email Carl at (704) 985-5043 or [email protected].
Stay tuned to our page for updates about changes that will be taking place in the next few weeks - we have several exciting things in the works!
36188C Esther Road
New London, NC
28127
| Monday | 8am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 12pm |
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