REGISTER NOW FOR COVER CROPS WORKSHOP!
On Thursday October 11th Paul McKenzie (Ag Extension Agent) will conduct a seminar entitled “Cover Crops for Small Farmers”. He will discuss the various plants that can be used as cover crops, their benefits, and how to manage them for best results. The seminar will take place at 6:30 pm at the Warren County Extension Center, 158 Rafters Lane in Warrenton. There is no charge, but registration is requested by calling 252-257-3640, or via e-mail at paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
SMALL FRUITS NEWSLETTER
Check out the latest edition for news about brambles and strawberries:
http://www.smallfruits.org/Newsletter/SmallFruitNews.htm
FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR PRODUCE FARMERS (INCLUDING AN INTRO. TO GAP CERTIFCATION), JAN 17, OXFORD
On January 17, Cooperative Extension will conduct an intensive workshop on food safety for produce growers. The program will be held at the Granville County Extension Center in Oxford, from 9 am to 4 pm. Whether you are selling at a farmers market or to wholesale outlets, all produce growers are encouraged to attend. Registration details will be available soon. [Also note that the Franklin County Extension Center is conducting the same program on 10/24, 8:30 am to 3 pm, call them for details.]
PRODUCE LADY NEWSLETTER
http://www.theproducelady.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TPLenewsPDF_Oct12.pdf
GUIDE TO LAWS/REGS RELATED TO LOCAL FOODS
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association has just published an excellent resource for farmers:
http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/north-carolina-reg-guide/
FARM-CITY BREAKFAST
Save the date! Vance County will hold its annual Farm-City Breakfast on Friday, Nov 16 at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson. Details coming soon!
DON’T FORGET THESE EVENTS MENTIONED IN THE LAST UPDATE:
Kerr-Tar Beekeeper Club, 10/8, 7 pm, Henderson
Timber Management Basics, 10/18, 6:30 pm, Henderson
Peach Farm Tour, 10/22, 3:30 pm, Macon
Smartphones for Farmers, 11/30, 10 am, Warrenton
FROM SEEDLING TO SALE: GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR TIMBER, 10/18, VANCE
Paul McKenzie, Ag Extension Agent, will cover the basics of developing a plan, various timber improvement activities, potential cost-share programs, and how to prepare for a sale. Many of you are already very knowledgeable on these topics, but please consider spreading the word to friends and neighbors who may need an introduction to forest management! The program will be held at the Vance County Extension Center, 305 Young St. in Henderson. There is no charge, but registration is required by calling 252-438-8188 or via e-mail at paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu.
FALL FORESTRY TOUR
Plans are currently being developed for a fall tour, possibly including a local mill and a field demonstration. Details coming soon!
ARTICLE ON PRESCRIBED BURNING
A local landowner sent me this link to a great article on the importance of prescribed burning. Enjoy!
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2012/09/18/in-bastrops-ashes-officials-find-a-lesson-in-prescribed-burning/?utm_source=Joint+Fire+Science+Program+List&utm_campaign=b44a33705c-Firescience.gov+News+Issue+32&utm_medium=email
INVASIVE PLANTS WORKSHOP
11/2, Smithfield. More info at: http://www.ncsu-feop.org/NNI/
FORESTRY WEBINARS
Check out this link to some great webinars you can watch from the comfort of your own home (note that there is a registration fee):
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/natural_resources/continuing_education/nrol/
FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM NEWSLETTER
Lots of great information to be found in the latest newsletter from NC’s Forest Stewardship Prorgram:
http://ncforestservice.gov/Managing_your_forest/pdf/stewardship_news/stewardshipsummerfall2012.pdf
PRESENT USE TAX INFORMATION
The Vance County Tax Office is in the process of a compliance review of all participants in the Present Use Value property tax program. You may have already received a letter, but if not look for it around the first of the year. Be sure to provide all the requested information and return it by the deadline so that you can remain enrolled. I’ll be happy to try and answer any questions, but I think you will also find the staff at the Tax Office to be quite helpful (I always have!).
FARM-CITY BREAKFAST
Vance County will hold its annual Farm-City Breakfast on Friday, 11/16 at 1st Presbyterian Church in Henderson. Our speaker will be Mr. Sam Brake, Director of Farming at the Biofuels Center of North Carolina. Save the date, details coming!
SMART PHONES FOR FARMERS, 11/30, WARREN
Have you ever considered buying a smart phone, but were overwhelmed by the choices? Or you have one but would like to know more about its capabilities? Can a smart phone be a valuable tool in your farming operation? Let’s explore these questions on November 30, 10 am to noon at the Warren County Extension Center. I’ll share information on choosing a smartphone, choosing a carrier, downloading apps, connecting to the web, using it for e-mail, and more. No cost, but registration required (paul_mckenzie@ncsul.edu or 257-3640 or 438-8188). Please let me know of your interest, or if another time would suit better.
GARDEN PATH NEWSLETTER
Check out the latest issue with lots of timely tips, published by the Extension Master Gardeners of Vance and Warren Counties.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/thegardenpath/
COVER CROPS SEMINAR
Though meant primarily for small-scale farmers, this seminar may also be of interest to hobby gardeners, especially those who garden large plots. Learn how cover crops can provide lots of benefits, and how to choose and manage them. The seminar will be held at the Warren County Extension Center on Oct 11, 6:30 pm (158 Rafters Lane in Warrenton). The instructor will be yours truly (Paul McKenzie, Ag Extension Agent). No charge, but registration required by phone (252-257-3640) or e-mail (paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu).
KERR-TAR BEEKEEPER CLUB
Meets second Monday of each month, 7 pm at the Vance County Extension Center. Open to beginners and experts! Contact Wayne_Rowland@ncsu.edu for details (252-438-8188).
EXTENSION GARDENER NEWSLETTER
For more gardening tips, visit the link below to download the Extension Gardener newsletter.
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/successg/latest%20issue_eg.htm
KERR LAKE BIG SWEEP, SAT 10/6, 9 AM TO NOON
Come out to Shelter 3 at Satterwhite Point to volunteer for this great event!
HOME AND GARDEN SHOW ON WIZS
Tune in every Tuesday, 4:30 pm to hear Garden Tips from Wayne Rowland and me on 1450 am, and now live-streaming around the globe at http://www.wizs.com.