RALEIGH — The rate of farmland loss in North Carolina slowed over a five-year period even as the number of farms continued to fall, a review of the federal Census of Agriculture shows. The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts an agricultural census every five years and released preliminary results of the 2012 survey today. North Carolina had 2,700 fewer farms in 2012 than it did in 2007. The state’s 50,210 farms occupy 8.41 million acres of land. In 2007, there …
Category: Agriculture
Keep safety first when cleaning up storm debris
RALEIGH — Recent winter storms felled trees and branches across North Carolina. The N.C. Forest Service encourages homeowners and others who prune trees or burn yard debris to use caution and follow some basic steps. Although your trees may look severely damaged, restorative pruning and care may increase the chances of them regaining their original health and beauty. If the basic structure of your trees is intact, it may be in your best interest to save the tree. Tree topping …
Greg’s Garden (February 17th, 2014)
Written by Greg and Mari Miller How Does Our Garden Grow? Well, the plots were rototilled and then raked thoroughly to make the soil very aerated . Some lime or fertilizer can be added to the soil prior to the 4 x 4 foot block being placed around the soil. Greg raises rabbits and uses a mix of water and rabbit droppings to fertilize but 10-10-10 general fertilizer available at the Lowes in Henderson would work the same. After the …
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers information hotline for farmers affected by winter storm
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its toll-free hotline to help farmers affected by the winter storm to connect with resources that can assist with recovery. Farmers who have an agricultural emergency can call 1-866-506-6222. The hotline will be staffed 24 hours a day through Friday, Feb. 14. Operating hours will be re-evaluated at that time. “This storm is bringing a potentially nasty mix of snow and ice,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Possible …
NC Cooperative Extension Soybean/Corn Production and Weed Update February 25th, 2014
There will be a Soybean/Corn Production and Weed Update meeting held on Tuesday, February 25th at the Epsom Fire Department. This meeting will give you an update on soybean variety performance and we will spend some time discussing what the best management options are for controlling Round Up resistant weeds (ex. pigweed, marestail, etc.). Dr. Jim Dunphy and Dr. Wes Everman will be on hand to give updates and answer questions. We will also spend some time discussing corn production …
New N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regional agronomist for Rocky Mount area
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has hired Mike Wilder to help growers in Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Vance and Warren counties manage nutrient-related crop issues. Wilder, a resident of Franklin County, comes to the department from the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. “We’re pleased to have Mike Wilder join our staff,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “His broad range of experience and familiarity with regional concerns will make him a valuable resource for growers seeking …
NC Cooperative Extension Commercial Applicator pesticide training
For Commercial Applicators with endorsement “O” (Ag Pest – Plant), please note that there was an error in the previously sent list of training courses. The Turf/Landscape Update sessions will NOT provide credit in Category “O”. Instead, you can attend the session on 2/18, 2/27 or 9/25. The updated information is below. Turf/Landscape Update – Vance – Category G, L, N, D, X – Feb 13, 6:30-8:30 pm All Classes Pesticide Update – Vance – All classes but P&V – …
NC Cooperative Extension Newsletters
MASTER GARDENERS TO HOST GARDEN SYMPOSIUM ON MARCH 8TH Come to Henderson on Sat., March 8th for an exciting learning event for gardeners new and experienced! We will have presentations on herbs, vegetables, edible landscaping and “the power of worms”! The event will feature expert speakers including NCSU faculty and local experts. For complete details and to register, visit the following link: http://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/2014/01/garden-symposium-coming-march-8/ GARDEN PATH NEWSLETTER, FEBRUARY EDITION NOW AVAILABLE Another excellent edition of the newsletter, written and published by …
Troxler, tobacco growers take issue with proposed exclusion from trade agreement
RALEIGH — North Carolina tobacco growers this week have taken exception to a letter signed by N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper and his counterparts that supports excluding the crop from a pending international trade agreement. “I’ve heard an earful about it this week while talking with farmers at the Southern Farm Show,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said today before speaking at the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina’s annual meeting. “Tobacco farmers are mighty upset, and understandably so.” The National …
Prime Lumber named N.C. Exporter of the Year
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today recognized Prime Lumber as the 2014 N.C. Exporter of the Year. The Exporter of the Year award honors agribusinesses that have excelled in exporting their products around the world. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award to Prime Lumber’s partners Bill Graban and Jeffrey Neidert during the Ag Development Forum at the State Fairgrounds. The Thomasville-based company processes and sells hardwoods for use in furniture, architectural millwork, cabinetry, flooring, …
Greg’s Garden (February 3rd, 2014)
Greg’s Garden written by Greg and Mari Miller Welcome Vance and Warren County gardeners to the bi- monthly newsletter “Greg’s Garden”. You will be able to read this newsletter on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Starting with the first Monday in March, March 3rd, a link will be added to this site for a downloadable PDF file for printing off the stories and tips for later review. This newsletter will contain tips and procedures to help the …
NC Cooperative Extension Annual Respirator fit-test
This is a reminder that pesticide applicators who fall under the new fumigant management regulations should get their annual respirator fit-test prior to the 2014 production season. There will be an opportunity to get fit tested on Wed, Jan 22 at the Granville Extension office in Oxford. If interested, call the office at 919-603-1350 to request an appointment (limited spaces available). The cost is $75, and you will need to complete a health assessment form first. The form is available …
N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority Board Approves First Round of Grants
Raleigh, NC – N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker and Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Pat Mitchell announced today that the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 18 grants totaling $11,046,399. The RIA was established as part of the Rural Economic Development Division at the N.C. Department Commerce to assist with the review and approval of grants for rural areas in the state. The grants-making programs of the new Division include assistance for building reuse and restoration, water and sewer …
NCDA&CS schedules two public meetings on proposed gypsy moth treatments in Warren County
RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking input from residents in Rockingham, Stokes and Warren counties concerning planned treatment activities for the non-native, highly destructive gypsy moth. Field monitoring activities conducted by the department in 2013 determined that reproducing populations of the gypsy moth exist in Rockingham and Warren counties and represent a threat to hardwood trees. Residents in or near the proposed treatment areas have been sent notices by mail. The following meetings are …
NC Cooperative Extension Upcoming Events
FARM SAFETY REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO FRIDAY Don’t miss this event! Free breakfast! Great info to help you stay safe and healthy! Jan 14 at Granville Expo Center near Oxford. Call to register, or visit: http://granville.ces.ncsu.edu/farm-safety-field-day/ SMALL FRUITS NEWSLETTERThe Jan edition is available at the following link:http://www.smallfruits.org/Newsletter/Vol14-Issue1.pdf 2014 APPLE GROWERS MEETING Jan 14-15 in Asheville. Details at: http://ncapplegrowers.com/apple-school.html RETAIL READY FOR LOCAL FOOD Jan 17, Louisburg. Learn about opportunties and challenges selling produce to schools, grocery stores and restaurants. Details at: …
VGCC receives Golden LEAF Grant for Manufacturing Alliance with school systems
The Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded a $460,000 grant to support a workforce training partnership involving Vance-Granville Community College and the four public school systems in the college’s service area. The Manufacturing Skills Training Alliance is led by VGCC and also includes the Career and Technical Education high school programs from Vance County Schools, Granville County Schools, Franklin County Schools and Warren County Schools. Alliance partners are seeking to prepare local students and workers for manufacturing-related careers in which they …
NC Cooperative Extension Pesticide Recertification Class Schedule
To Licensed Pesticide Applicators, Below is the schedule of upcoming training opportunities in Vance and Warren Counties. For opportunities in other parts of the state, visit: http://www.ncagr.gov/aspzine/str-pest/pesticides/PesticideCalendar/calendar.asp As a reminder, Private Applicators need two hours of X credits and two hours of V credits. Requirements for Commercial Applicators vary according to license class. Call for details, or if you need to check on your credit status. Private Applicator Update – Warren – Category V – Jan 23, 6:30-8:30 pm Private …
NC Cooperative Extension Upcoming Events
TOBACCO PRODUCTION MEETING/GAP TRAINING, JAN 28, 10 AM At the Granville Expo Center near Oxford. http://granville.ces.ncsu.edu/granvillegap/ FARM SAFETY FIELD DAY, JAN 14 Also at Granville Expo Center. http://granville.ces.ncsu.edu/farm-safety-field-day/ RETAIL READY WORKSHOP, JAN 24 At Franklin Extension Center. Learn about opportunities to sell produce in grocery stores, restaurants, etc. http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu/event/25523749/ready-retail-workshop/
NC Cooperative Extension Farm Safety Field Day – Jan 14, Oxford
On January 14th, the Granville, Vance and Warren offices of Cooperative Extension are partnering with Farm Bureau to hold a farm safety event at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center (4185 US Hwy 15 S). We will have presentations by experts on safe use of chainsaws, tractors, lawn/garden equipment and much more! Please invest a few hours during this down time to come and learn and reflect on the safety practices at your operation. We can ALL make improvements. …
Poinsettia production is big business for North Carolina
RALEIGH – The bright red or frosty white leaves of a poinsettia are common decorations this time of year, and the six-week period leading up to Christmas is the busiest season for poinsettia growers. Last year in North Carolina, 4.4 million poinsettias were sold, generating $17.6 million in sales. “North Carolina not only ranks second in the country in Christmas tree sales, we also rank second in poinsettia sales,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Many people in our state and …