Category: Agriculture

North Carolina is among the top states when it comes to the growth of farmers markets, according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. The USDA has launched a Farmers Market Directory, and North Carolina ranks No. 7 in growth, with 240 farmers markets. That’s up from 182 in 2010 – and from 86 in 2004. The USDA’s Luanne Lohr says the trend gives N.C. farmers greater access to venues to market their goods. She says regional food hubs have also …

RALEIGH – Two horses have been confirmed this week as having died after contracting Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis within the past two weeks. EEE is a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable in equine by vaccination. The unvaccinated horses – an 18-month-old Paint from Carteret County and a 3-year-old Quarter horse from Bladen County – exhibited signs of generalized weakness, stumbling, depression and inability to stand or eat. The Carteret County horse was euthanized July 21, and the Bladen County horse died …

RALEIGH – Registration is open for the 10th annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum, scheduled for Aug. 26 at the State Fairgrounds. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will host the event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Expo Center. It is open to farmers, food businesses, regulators, health professionals and others with an interest in food safety. Admission is free and includes lunch. “This year’s forum will focus on how the federal Food Safety Modernization Act will affect international accountability, …

THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN (from the WIZS Home & Garden Show) 1. You can start your fall garden now! Consult this planting calendar for complete details: http://cals.ncsu.edu/hort_sci/extension/documents/AG-756.pdf 2. We are only about 5 weeks from tall fescue seeding time. If you plan to do a complete renovation, you will need to spray in the next week or so to kill off the existing weeds and grass.  3. Vegetables that are no longer producing need to be taken out of …

Come to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market this Wednesday, July 30, 12 noon to learn about options for managing deer in the garden and landscape. This class will be presented by one of our fabulous Master Gardener Volunteers, Mrs. Edna Gaston. Feel free to bring a bag lunch. The Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., just of S. Beckford Dr. near the Social Security office.  This is a free seminar. Registration is requested but not required, just …

RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market will host its annual Watermelon Day July 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free slices of N.C. watermelon, get their photo taken with the N.C. Watermelon Queen and purchase locally grown watermelons from market vendors. The event also includes the largest-watermelon contest, with weigh-in at noon. The grower with the largest watermelon by weight will win bragging rights and $1,000 in prize money. The second-heaviest melon will earn $500, the …

Vance County Regional Farmers MarketMarket hours are 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, Wednesday and Saturdays. What’s at the market – Saturday July 19th Blackberries Cucumbers Muscadine Juice & Salsa Okra… Onions Peas Peppers Squash Tomatoes (Lots) Zucchini   Also at the market will be vendors selling crafts and flowers. Master Gardeners Seminar set fr July 19th at the Farmers Market July 19th “Garden Photography for Beginners” @ 10:00am in the Farmers Market Classroom will be taught by Paul McKenzie NC …

RALEIGH – Every year, thousands of North Carolinians show off their talents by competing at the N.C. State Fair. State Fair competitions began with the intention of encouraging advances in agriculture, but gradually, more categories were added, leading to the variety of competitions available today. With contests ranging from baked goods and horticulture, to poultry and graphic design, there is sure to be something for everyone, including children. More than $600,000 will be awarded this year in prize money, along …

GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS This Saturday, 7/19, I will teach a short class on the basics of garden photography. The class will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, starting at 10 am, and will last about 45 minutes. Registration requested but not required (just call or e-mail). Feel free to bring your camera so you can get more comfortable with the functions. THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN 1. Vegetables are at least 90 percent water! Pay close …

Month of June Attendance Calculated The Farmers Market was open for 6 sessions in June with the average attendance at 276 customers for each session. This number does include the large turn-out for the opening day on June 11th (213) and the official Grand Opening on June 28th (538). Numbers for the first 4 sessions completed for the month of July are averaging 243 attendees per session. Average number of vendors for June was 9 per session and average so …

RALEIGH — North Carolina growers of flue-cured tobacco have approved an assessment that will support the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina’s efforts to promote the interests of its farmers. The assessment was approved on 88 percent of ballots in a mail-in referendum. A two-thirds majority was needed for approval. Growers approved an assessment of up to 15 cents per hundred pounds of flue-cured tobacco sold in North Carolina. However, the initial assessment will be 10 cents per hundred pounds. …

Come and get the latest updates about Forest Pest issues! We will have an expert presenter from the Forest Pest Outreach Program. This event will take place at the Community Building, Satterwhite Point, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area. Again, the date is July 31, 2 pm. Don’t miss this excellent learning opportunity! There is no charge for this event, but registration is requested so we can plan for seating, handouts, etc. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu Paul McKenzieAgricultural Extension Agent, Vance/Warren CountiesNC Cooperative Extension

Any farmer who sells “direct to consumer” is encouraged to attend a Farmers Market Good Practices class on July 21, 1 pm. The class will be held at the new Vance County Regional Farmers Market. The class is free, but registration is requested so I can plan for seating and handouts.  If you are interested but unable to attend, let me know and I’ll consider offering a second session. Also be advised that we still have space for additional vendors …

On Thursday, July 3rd, the Advisory Board for the Farmers Market met. They discussed the new signage that will be placed out on Beckford Drive. As soon as all the permits are obtained, it will be permanently placed to direct the public to the entrance of the market. During the Grand Opening on June 28th traffic was an issue. Though no accidents were reported, cars and trucks lined the roadways all along Southpark Drive where the market is located. A …