Last month, one of Virginia’s largest producers of flour and cornmeal announced they would be closing their business. Big Spring Mill has been in operation along the Roanoke River between Christiansburg and Roanoke since 1850. Meanwhile, another mill in nearby Floyd County is stepping up its production.
Franklin County native Tom Maxey grew up on cornbread, but it took the end of his first career to turn him into a miller of heirloom and ancient grains, especially
Tom Maxey mills small batches of organic, heirloom and ancient grains for sale at New River Valley farmer s markets and to restaurants and distillers. Tonia Moxley/The Roanoke Times
CHECK â Franklin County native Tom Maxey grew up on cornbread, but it took the end of his first career to turn him into a miller of heirloom and ancient grains, especially corn.
âMaize is a wonderful plant,â Maxey said. âItâs like a gift to us from the gods.â
And itâs been a gift to Maxey, giving him a second act after his first long career in sales for an Alabama-based metals company came to a sudden end. His service center was sold, and soon Maxey said it was clear he no longer shared the values of his employer.