David Ballard

MT. ULLA – David William Ballard, 50, an organic farmer whose New Moon Farm was a founding member of the Davidson Farmers Market, died March 24, 2010, after an 18-month battle with kidney cancer. Services are Saturday, in Mount Ulla.

New Moon Farm, which Mr. Ballard ran along with wife Suzanne, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, expanding from a kitchen plot to a thriving farm based on the principles of sustainability and organic growing. New Moon also has operated a CSA – community supported agriculture – service in Davidson for many years.

“He was a brilliant organic farmer and a kind person,” Mary Jane Leach, manager of the Davidson Farmers Market said Friday. Mr. Ballard was one of the first certified organic farmers in the area.

Ms. Leach recalled a conversation in which Mr. Ballard expressed satisfaction over his organic farm’s maturation. “He said in the past six years he had seen that everything on the farm begin to work in harmony. It really had started to click, and the soil and microorganisms and even the animals working together, and it was a process that was really gratifying,” she said.

Suzanne Ballard and New Moon Farm are expected to be regulars at the market again this year when it begins a new season May 1, Ms. Leach said.

Dave Ballard was born on Dec. 15, 1959, in Charlotte, to Frances Ballard and the late Bill Ballard. He attended Olympic High School and graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in industrial engineering.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Suzanne; sister, Lynda of Wilmington; step sons, Philip and Will Simmons.

Mr. Ballard’s interests were wide and varied. He was an excellent sailor, surfer, windsurfer, and kite-boarder. As a licensed falconer, he spent many hours walking the woods with his red-tailed hawk.

He chose organic farming as a profession over a decade ago and co-founded New Moon Farm in 1999, after moving back to North Carolina from the coast of Oregon. He lived his life doing what he loved, with those he loved most.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, at Back Creek Presbyterian Church, Mt. Ulla, with Rev. William “Bill” Thrailkill officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the Ballard family.