NC Cooperative Extension Updates


TOBACCO SHORT COURSE
Jan 28 through Feb 1. Applications due to the County Ag Agent by Jan 2.

BUILDING A SPECIALTY CROP FARM ENTERPRISE SCHOOL
People who are interested in learning how to properly transition into farming by creating a business plan, as well as learning from current growers, are invited to attend a series of training sessions, sponsored by the Granville County Extension Service. This six-week program will train beginning and transitioning farmers to operate small-scale successful specialty crop farms.  A total of six sessions will begin on Tuesday mornings from 9 A.M. to 12 Noon at the Granville County Cooperative Extension Center, 208 Wall Street, in Oxford on  February 5, February 19, March 5, March 19, April 9, and April 23, 2013. For details, go to: http://granville.ces.ncsu.edu/spotlight/building-a-specialty-crop-farm-enterprise-school/ or e-mail  carl_cantaluppi@ncsu.edu or call 919-603-1350.

NEW RULES FOR FARM EQUIPMENT ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
Last year the NC Legislature revised the laws on this subject. Farmers are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules. Feel free to contact me if you’d like more information.

FRESH PRODUCE SAFETY WORKSHOP, JAN 17, OXFORD
Produce farmers and market gardeners of all sizes will not want to miss a January 17th workshop on “Fresh Produce Safety”. The workshop, to be held in Oxford at the Granville County Extension Center, will cover all aspects of safe produce handling from farm to market. Specific topics to be addressed include worker sanitation, water quality, post-harvest handling, and other measures to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This training is essential for anyone selling produce to restaurants, grocery stores or directly to consumers at area farmers markets. The workshop will also serve as an introduction to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for any growers who wish to pursue GAPS certification. For more information or a registration form, call 919-603-1350 or 252-438-8188, or e-mail at carl_cantaluppi@ncsu.edu  or paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu. Details also available at http://go.ncsu.edu/GVsafeproduce.

ORGANIC COMMODITIES AND LIVESTOCK CONFERENCE
Feb. 14 – On-farm workshops at Lindale Dairy a certified organic dairy in Snow Camp, NC and at Hocutt Farms, a certified organic vegetable farm in Sims, NC.
Feb. 15 – Conference in Rocky Mount, NC at Brown Auditorium Business & Industry Center at Nash Community College
Cost: On-farm workshops are free, but you must pre-register.  The Feb. 15 conference costs $35.
Learn More and Register: www.carolinafarmstewards.org/oclc/

EVENTS AT THE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FARMING SYSTEMS, GOLDSBORO
Herbs, Microgreens and Edible Flower Production, Tuesday, January 8, 9:00-12:00p.m., $10
Muscadine Grape Production in Eastern NC?, Friday, January 25?, 9:00-12:00pm?, $10?
More information and to register visit the CEFS Website

2013 FARMERS MARKET MANAGERS WORKSHOPS
NCDA&CS will hold its annual Farmers Market Managers workshops in three locations in late February and early March 2013 as follows:
Friday, February 22 – New Hanover Government Center, Wilmington, NC
Friday, March 8 – Johnston County Extension Office, Smithfield, NC
Wednesday, March 13 – Virginia Boone Building, WNC Ag Center, Fletcher, NC
Registration for the workshops will open on January 14.

NORTHERN PIEDMONT SPECIALTY CROPS SCHOOL, ROXBORO
Friday, March 1, 2013, at the Person County Extension Center, 304 S. Morgan Street in Roxboro, NC. For a copy of the program and pre-registration form, go to: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/NPSpecCropSchool2013.pdf Or contact Carl Cantaluppi at carl_cantaluppi@ncsu.edu or call 919-603-1350.

MASTER GARDENER OPEN HOUSE
Have you ever thought about becoming a volunteer in the Extension Master Gardener program? Cooperative Extension in Vance and Warren will conduct a volunteer training class beginning in January, to be held on Tuesday mornings. To learn more, please consider attending our Open House on Jan. 5th. Details here:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/openhouseflyer2013.pdf

GARDEN TO DO LIST
1. Inventory leftover seeds. Do a germination test on older seed to see if they are still viable.
2. Schedule pruning work on large shade trees if needed, BUT NO TOPPING!
3. Turn that compost pile!
4. Put wood ashes in compost pile or scatter in garden, but moderate amounts only.
5. Clean old nests out of bluebird boxes. Add more if you have space.
6. Visit a public gardens/arboretum over the holidays to see which plants look good in winter.
7. Inspect trees and shrubs for dead, diseased, damaged wood and remove.
8. Remember to monitor soil moisture in the landscape through winter, esp. new turf, trees, shrubs.
9. Make a list of needed supplies to improve your irrigation system in 2013.