Fletcher – WNC Communities held the 33rd presentation of the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremony Aug. 8 at the WNC Agricultural Center – Davis Event Center.
Clay County farmer Bass U. Hyatt Jr. was inducted at this year’s luncheon.
Each year, this event serves as a testament to the hard work, innovation and commitment of those who have shaped the region’s agricultural heritage and future. It recognizes those responsible for agricultural advancement and aims to encourage, improve and promote agriculture and agribusiness.
Hyatt, a retired county executive director for the Farm Service Agency, has spent decades not only preserving the heritage of Seven Meadows Farm but also leading innovative agricultural practices that have had a far-reaching impact on the farming community in western North Carolina. Known for his ability to communicate complex farm program regulations and his genuine care for farmers’ welfare, Hyatt’s leadership style has made lasting impressions.
One of Hyatt’s most significant contributions came when he secured a $500,000 grant to improve water quality in Cherokee and Clay counties. Through practices like fencing cattle out of streams and developing water crossings, the initiative resulted in measurable improvements to water quality and reduced stream bank erosion. His influence extended to surrounding counties as well, through hosting field days and educational workshops with N.C. State University and other partners, promoting sustainable grazing practices and soil health.
Hyatt’s commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture was a major milestone in his farming career. In the early 2000s, he became an early adopter of “Adaptive Grazing Management,” which focuses on improving soil health, reducing erosion and enhancing forage growth. These practices have helped farmers in the region develop more sustainable, profitable livestock operations.
His innovative approach to farming also included his work with the University of Georgia and Clemson University on beef production and livestock genetics. Hyatt collaborated on projects like the “Beef Challenge Program” and the development of “Ray’s Crazy Mix” – a forage mix that improves drought resilience and soil health.
Also inducted this year was Dr. Jim Walgenbach, an N.C. State entomologist researcher.