Local Processing Hub Expands Options for Area Livestock Farmers
Nebo, NC · September 22, 2026
A gentle drizzle is tapping the rooflines across the ridge this morning. Keep an umbrella handy and give yourself an extra minute along Route 70.
The Lead
A homegrown effort to keep regional agriculture self-sufficient is gaining momentum just west of town. First-generation farming couple Josh and Ashley Clark of Nebo have transformed the former Foothills Pilot Plant on Ag Services Drive into Blueridge Processing, a thriving, USDA-inspected custom meat facility and farm marketplace. Since taking over the site, the Clarks have expanded beyond small-scale poultry to process cattle, hogs, and sheep for area producers, recently securing state agricultural grant funding to add cold storage and small-batch cured specialty lines like sausage and snack sticks.
For local livestock producers, the expanded facility eliminates the costly headache of hauling animals hours across county lines for certified processing. Inside the on-site retail market, shelves now stay stocked with pasture-raised beef, mountain cheeses, and regional pantry goods. The next phase brings expanded walk-in freezers online before winter.
Local Pulse
County Explores Interconnected Municipal Water Lines City Hall Commissioners are pursuing regional funding partnerships to link municipal water supplies and ensure backup reserves during drought or infrastructure emergencies.
Pottery Fundraiser Brings Handmade Bowls to Marion Community The annual Soup and a Bowl gathering offers handmade artisan vessels and hot lunch to support county arts education.
Today's Outlook
- High 79°F · Low 68°F — Drizzle (50% chance of precipitation) Keep a rain jacket handy today as passing drizzles linger into the afternoon.
What's On Around Town
Today
Heritage Craft Workshop Historic Carson House (1805 US-70), Marion, 1:00 PM Hands-on afternoon crafting inside one of the county's oldest historic homesteads.
World Tavern Poker The Spillway (93 S Main St), Marion, 7:00–10:00 PM · Free Casual tournament play with regional league points on the line.
Tomorrow
- Old Fort Storytime Old Fort Branch Library (77 Catawba Ave), Old Fort, 11:00–11:30 AM · Free
- Random Draw Dubs Marion Disc Golf Course (210 Blue Ridge Dr N), Marion, 5:00–8:00 PM
- Wednesday Trivia Night Appalachian Mountain Brewery Outpost (78A Catawba Ave), Old Fort, 7:00–9:00 PM · Free
Thursday
- Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze 70 Club House Rd, 3:00–10:00 PM
- Trivia Night Marion Branch Library (90 W Court St), Marion, 5:30–7:00 PM · Free
- Music Trivia Mica Town Brewing (311 NC-126), 6:30–8:30 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- Nebo City In the late 1880s, promoter James H. Atkin mapped out a 30-block metropolis dubbed "The Switzerland of America," complete with grand avenues and dual competing rail depots. When the second railroad went bust, the ambitious city vanished back into quiet pasture.
Nebo Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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