Fred is a fourth-generation farmer deeply rooted in the West Virginia mountains, a region where his family has been dedicated to cattle farming for nearly 80 years. In 2016, Fred diversified the family's agricultural practices by venturing into soil amendments and hops farming. "I recognized a significant opportunity to create high-quality, value-added products right here in West Virginia," Fred explains. His introduction of soil amendments such as biochar, mealworm frass, and worm extract through his business, "Dirty Boys," has not only broadened the scope of regenerative products but also significantly boosted agricultural yields and enhanced product quality. "The deeper my understanding of these products grows, the more my passion for them intensifies. Witnessing both the personal satisfaction and the positive feedback from those using our products is immensely rewarding," Fred states.
Driven by a mission to help both businesses and individuals unlock the astonishing potential of these products, Fred aims to enhance their ability to cultivate superior produce. His other venture, "Hopped Up Farm," challenges the traditional geographies of hops production. "It’s thrilling to introduce hops farming to the West Virginia mountains—a concept that surprises many. Our success in growing and harvesting hops for local breweries has been outstanding, as evidenced by our enthusiastic repeat customers and the demand that now exceeds our current supply," Fred notes. To meet this demand, he is actively expanding his operations.
Fred's innovative efforts are a testament to the dynamic and thriving agricultural scene in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, setting new standards and exploring uncharted territories in farming.
