At a distance, the field looks barren and muddy. But up close, the slender stalks of asparagus are seen popping up like gems.

Ray Ferguson and his son, Jared, grow asparagus on their farm along the Mud River in West Hamlin.

Ray's asparagus is served at Huntington Prime, Jewel City Seafood, and is sold through Forth Food Fair in Huntington and The Purple Onion at the Capitol Market in Charleston.