The Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will meet Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr. Henderson, NC. The meeting is open to the public.
Category: Agriculture
Fall wildfire season is here; be careful when burning yard debris
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to think safety and exercise caution during the fall fire season, which typically lasts from mid-October into December. In the fall, people do a lot of yard work that often includes burning leaves and yard debris. These fires sometimes escape and start wildfires. The N.C. Forest Service encourages residents considering debris burning to contact their local county forest ranger. The ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options …
Troxler announces availability of farmland preservation grants; application deadline is Dec. 19
RALEIGH – County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects have until Dec. 19 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This year’s request for proposals includes statewide general appropriations and $1 million for military base and training buffers. The statewide general appropriations are anticipated future appropriations in the 2015-2017 biennium budget. The military buffer funds are from the 2014-2015 budget and must be contracted and encumbered by June 15, 2015. …
NC Cooperative Extension Updates
AG BUSINESS CLASS – DON’T MISS THIS! SPACE STILL AVAILABLE Are you considering a new farm enterprise? Want to figure out how to better manage an existing one? Then this class is for you! In seven classes, you will learn the basics of business planning, marketing, operations, financials and business proposals, with a focus on agricultural enterprises. This is offered by Vance-Granville Community College at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, with the first class scheduled for Oct 28, 6 …
NC strawberry referendum to be held during Southeast Strawberry Expo in November
RALEIGH — North Carolina strawberry growers will hold a referendum to decide whether to increase the current strawberry assessment during the Southeast Strawberry Expo in Pinehurst Nov. 17-19. Started in 1989, the strawberry assessment is used to advance strawberry research and marketing to improve the industry. Dexter Hill, strawberry marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, says the funds are vital to research in the region. “Funds collected through this assessment go directly to research and …
Handcrafted Holiday Market presented by the Vance County Regional Farmers Market November 22, 2014
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will be hosting it’s inaugural Handcrafted Holiday Market, November 22nd from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Artisans & Crafters who are interested in having a booth are asked to please contact Tracy Madigan at (252)598-0814 or farmersmarket@vancecounty.org for an application.
Jr. Livestock Sale of Champions brings in $167,700
RALEIGH – The junior livestock grand and reserve grand champion steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys were auctioned in the Sale of Champions on Saturday at the N.C. State Fair. Bidders paid a total of $167,700 for the top animals, the highest auction total ever. “The State Fair’s livestock shows highlight some of the best animals and brightest kids in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The sponsors of this event recognize that our youth exhibitors are the future …
Farmland Preservation workshops to be held across the state
RALEIGH – The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold six workshops across the state for those interested in protecting local agricultural lands. The ADFP Trust Fund will be collaborating with the state USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service staff to host these workshops. The Farmland Preservation workshops target non-profit conservation organizations and county agencies. Farmers, landowners and others interested in the preservation of working lands are also encouraged to attend. The workshops are highly recommended for all …
N.C. State Fair announces winners in annual wine competition
RALEIGH – Winners were recently chosen in the 2014 N.C. State Fair Wine Competition, and for the first time a muscadine wine earned top honors in the contest. Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level won over the panel of judges with Carolina Wildflower, its semi-sweet wine made from muscadine grapes grown in North Carolina. The competition awards two top prizes, the N.C. Winegrowers Cup for overall best in show and the N.C. Muscadine Cup for the best muscadine wine. This …
Vance County Schools – Hydro-Stacker at Dabney Elementary
Students at Dabney Elementary School have been enjoying studying plants and flowers that have been growing in small pots or cups included in the school’s new Hydro-Stacker planting and watering system. Their studies have been led by fifth-grade teacher Susan Hughes, who secured a grant from the N.C. Farm Bureau and the Vance County Farm Bureau in the spring to purchase the Hydro-Stacker. The grant was for $750 and was made available through the N.C. Agriculture in the Classroom program. …
NC Cooperative Extension Ag Updates
AG ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASSES Vance County Cooperative Extension and the Vance County Regional Farmers Market have partnered with VGCC to offer an Ag Entrepreneurship program. Farmers new and experienced could benefit from this comprehensive training course. Details at: http://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/2014/09/agricultural-entrepreneurship-program/ TOBACCO CURING FIELD DAY Tobacco farmers are welcome to attend a field day in Johnston County to learn about the latest NCSU research on curing barn technology. Details at: http://johnston.ces.ncsu.edu/event/59388576/tobacco-curing-field-day/ SMALL GRAIN VARIETY BOOKS Small grain variety books are available at your …
NC Cooperative Extension Forestry Updates
HUNTER’S DAY AT THE VANCE COUNTY REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET Saturday, October 11, 2014, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Deer Corn, Hunting Supplies and MUCH MORE! Pork & chicken BBQ sandwiches will also be available, as well as our normal selection of produce and crafts. At 2:00 p.m., we will have a seminar on Deer & Deer Habitat Management, presented by Gregg Batts, Wildlife Biologist with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Drive Henderson, …
State Farmers Market to host 29th annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest Thursday
RALEIGH – From carved creations to dynamic dioramas, children of all ages will have a chance to show off their artistic side during the State Farmers Market’s annual Decorated Pumpkin Contest on Thursday, Oct. 9. The contest is divided into three age divisions: 8 and under, 9 to 15, and 16 and older. Contestants can carve, paint and use other art media to decorate their entries. Decorated pumpkins will be judged on use of color and shape, the quality of …
NC Cooperative Extension Garden Updates & More!
THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN, FROM THE WIZS GARDEN SHOW 1. Clean up garden sprayers and store if you will not be using them again this season. If you have spray solution left in a sprayer, use it up on an appropriate site. Also inventory pesticides and be sure they are safely stored. 2. Plant trees and shrubs in the fall! Remember, right plant right place! Check mature size and plant where it has room to grow. Most common planting …
NC farms offer plenty of family activities this fall
RALEIGH — From pumpkin patches and hayrides to apple picking and corn mazes, agritourism farms across the state are offering a bounty of fall fun for the whole family. “Agritourism is a fun way for people to learn more about agriculture, and it is a great way to help North Carolina farmers add value to their operations,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With nearly 700 agritourism farms across the state, it’s easy to visit a local farm near you.” The …
Preview Day, Hunger Relief Day offer savings for fairgoers Other special-event days honor military, senior citizens, youth
RALEIGH – Fairgoers looking to save some money during their annual State Fair visit might want to consider planning their trip on a Thursday. Thursday, Oct. 16, is Preview Day, when fairgoers can save on admission and purchase unlimited ride wristbands. Thursday, Oct. 23, is Food Lion Hunger Relief Day, when fairgoers can gain admission by bringing five cans of Food Lion brand food. The fair will also offer other special-event days geared toward the military, senior citizens and youth. …
NC Cooperative Extension: Garden Tips
THIS WEEK IN THE LAWN & GARDEN 1. Tall fescue sowing and fertilizing season is here (actually first half of September is preferred, so delay no further!). Sow 6# seed/1000 sq. ft. Use a blend of three turf-type tall fescue cultivars. Fertilize at a rate of 1# N/1000 sq. ft using turf grade fertilizer that is low in P. 2. Get ready for fall planting! Decide on planting locations, research plants, prepare soil. 3. Clean up vegetable gardens that are …
Peak-season soil fee period announced for 2014-2015
RALEIGH – Growers and home gardeners or landscapers are reminded to send in their soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Lab by Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. to avoid upcoming peak-season fees. There will be a $4 fee per sample for those received during the lab’s peak-processing time of Nov. 25 through March 31. Samples received before Nov. 25 or after March 31 will be processed without a fee. Most soil samples for home …
VGCC to offer Agricultural Entrepreneurship program at Farmers Market
Vance-Granville Community College is offering a new course designed specifically to help local farmers and budding entrepreneurs succeed in developing profitable, environmentally-sound small farms or agricultural businesses. The “NC REAL Agricultural Entrepreneurship” program will be conducted at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, located at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson, on Tuesday evenings, October 28 through December 16, from 6-9 p.m. This is the first class ever offered by the college at the Farmers Market, which opened earlier this year. …
Peak-season soil fee period announced for 2014-2015
RALEIGH – Growers and home gardeners or landscapers are reminded to send in their soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Lab by Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. to avoid upcoming peak-season fees. There will be a $4 fee per sample for those received during the lab’s peak-processing time of Nov. 25 through March 31. Samples received before Nov. 25 or after March 31 will be processed without a fee. Most soil samples for home …