May 18, 2013

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NC Cooperative Extension Updates

March 8, 2013 Leave a Comment
PLEASE TAKE THIS SHORT SURVEY (THREE QUESTIONS)
We are trying to assess training needs for the local agricultural community. This short survey should take you less than two minutes! Here’s the link:
http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/form.cfm?testID=15582
WELCOME BACK TOMMY BROOKS!
We are pleased to report that Tommy Brooks will be joining us again part-time as the Field Crops Agent for Granville and Vance Counties for this growing season. I know you will be happy to tap into his wealth of knowledge and experience. I, of course, will continue to provide field crop support for Warren County, but I am also glad to know I can get advice from Tommy as well!

TRAINING TO CERTIFY CURING BARNS/TOBACCO GAP CERTIFICATION

If you were not able to attend one or both of these certification trainings just let me know. I can make arrangements to provide that for you.

FUMIGANT TRAINING

If you have not already gone through the on-line training, we have another option for you. On March 13th, NCDA&CS will offer the training/testing in-person at the Franklin County Extension Center. It will run from 9 am until 2 pm, and includes a sponsored lunch. Please register by Monday at 919-496-3344.
PRODUCE GAP Q&A
Are you currently, or have you considered raising fresh produce for a wholesale market? Do you have questions about GAP certification for produce? If so, I have arranged a Question and Answer session with NCSU Extension Specialist Dr. Chris Gunter on March 18 (1 pm, Warren County Extension Center). Please call me or e-mail to register (252-257-3640).
FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR CANTALOUPE PRODUCERS
Details here: http://www.ncmhtd.com/NCCantaloupe/

FUEL STORAGE REGULATIONS
We have been advised that EPA is stepping up enforcement of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulations. These are in place to encourage active participation in preventing oil spills on farms, and to make sure there is a response plan in place. Sample forms are available upon request, and here is a link to more info: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm. It all boils down to how much of all types of oil is stored on the farm, including diesel, gasoline, motor oil, waste oil, crop oil, etc., and whether it is stored above or below ground. Since there isn’t much below ground storage being approved these days, the guide says that if a farm stores over 1,350 gallons of all types of oil above ground, then a SPCC plan must be put into place by May 10, 2013.  Paul Westfall will host a webinar on the topic at the Granville County Extension Center on March 26, 2013, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
MARCH 1 UPDATE FROM KENT YARBOROUGH, NCDA&CS REGIONAL AGRONOMIST

Kent just wanted to let you know that we are now at a 4 week turnaround time on soil samples.  Reports are being released and available on PALS for soil samples received around January 10th. There are still approximately 45,000 samples yet to be processed. There is still time for folks to take and submit samples for soil fertility analysis. Maybe some growers want to check on potassium and sulfur levels in their wheat crop, especially after the rains that we have had in January and February.  Tissue sampling wheat is another good practice to help assure nutrient levels in the plant are adequate.  Tissue samples have a 2-3 day turnaround time.   Lastly, solution analysis of tobacco floatbeds is a good practice to follow especially with the new GAP certification rules for tobacco growers. Kent can be reached at 252-340-1135.

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