NC Cooperative Extension Updates from Paul McKenzie


KERR/TAR BEEKEEPERS

Come and join this great group every 2nd Monday, 7 pm at the Vance County Extension Center. All are welcome!

SMALL FARM ENTERPRISE SCHOOL IN OXFORD

Monday is the last day to register for this multi-class series which begins on 2/5. You will learn about various small-scale enterprises, and also create a business plan step-by-step. To register, call 919-603-1350.

FRUIT TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP

Learn how to properly prune your backyard fruit crops. Tues Feb 5, 10:30 am. From Warrenton Rd., turn to the north on Boney Lankford Rd. After the sharp curve, look for a sign or banner on your left. Please call first to register (252-438-8188).

MEDICINAL HERB WORKSHOP
Raising medicinal herbs for the wholesale market is an interesting possibility for NC farmers. To learn more, consider attending a 2/28 workshop in Silk Hope, NC. This workshop will fill up quickly, so register early. Details available here: http://go.ncsu.edu/gsfworkshops

MUSRHOOM PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS
NC A&T SU is offering several workshops on mushroom production in coming weeks around the state. Call or e-mail me for more details.
LEARN TO RAISE CHICKENS AND BEES!
New classes at VGCC:  http://www.vgcc.edu/News/newsarticle.cfm?recNo=3171

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRODUCE LADY
http://www.theproducelady.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/TPLenewsPDF_Feb13.pdf

PACKAGED FOODS MANUFACTURING SHORT COURSE
Feb 11, location TBA. This will introduce you to the regulations around the sale of packaged foods, which may be of interest to produce growers interested in expanding into value-added products.. Details here: http://go.ncsu.edu/pfmsc
NC A&T GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, FOCUSING ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP
March 7, Greensboro, call 336-285-4674 for info.
CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE

Deadline approaching soon, please return this important survey so that the voice of agriculture is heard!

CAROLINA FARM STEWARDSHIP ASSOCIATION UPDATES
Lots of great information and events in their latest newsletter, including dates for their “don’t miss” spring farm tours.
http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/enews-february-2013/

FARMERS MARKET MANAGERS WORKSHOPS
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR NC A&T SMALL FARMS WEEK

Contact wayne_rowland@ncsu.edu for details.

It’s time for our annual fruit tree pruning workshop! Please consider joining me and the Extension Master Gardeners for this live demonstration. This event will be held at the home orchard of one of our Extension Master Gardeners. There is no cost, but please call or e-mail to register (252-438-8188 or 252-257-3640). This will be an outside event with limited access to facilities, so please plan accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, we will have a pruning seminar at the Warren County Extension Center (158 Rafters Lane).

From Warrenton Rd., head north on Boney Lankford Rd. After the sharp curve, look for a sign or banner on the left. If you get lost, call my cell 252-213-6095.