From celebrating alpacas to picking apples and from corn mazes to pumpkin patches, N.C. agritourism farms are full of family fun this fall. “Whether it’s picking fruits and vegetables or learning about livestock, agritourism farms offer a fun way for the general public to learn about agriculture,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With about 600 agritourism farms across the state, it’s easy to find an agritourism experience near you.” Following is a listing of several agritourism farms opening their doors …
Category: Agriculture
VGCC hosts screening of “Bringing it Home” documentary on Industrial Hemp
Local farmers can learn about potential new economic opportunities related to industrial hemp during a free “dinner and a movie” presentation at Vance-Granville Community College. The event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 5:30 until 8 p.m., VGCC Warren County Campus, 210 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton, NC 27589 Attendees will watch an award-winning independent documentary, “Bringing it Home,” directed by North Carolina-based filmmakers Linda Booker and Blaire Johnson and distributed by Bullfrog Films. The 52-minute film sheds light …
Pop Up Market in Downtown Henderson Friday August 26th, 2016
The first Pop Up Market in Downtown Henderson, NC will be Friday August 26th, 2016 from 9am to 4pm at the Library and Police Department parking lot near Breckenridge Street. Come for fresh produce, crafts, hot dogs and hamburgers Select vendors will accept SNAP cards as well Pop Up Markets are scheduled weekly throughout the farming season
Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board Meeting September 1st, 2016
The next meeting of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market Advisory Board will be held on Thursday, September 1st, 2 pm at the Farmers Market (210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC). Our meetings are open to the public.
Registration open for Backyard Famers Series
This Fall, Warren County Cooperative Extension will once again offer the Backyard Farmers Series. This educational program is designed for those who would like to learn how to make the most of their land. Whether you have a quarter acre, 25 acres or more, the Backyard Farmers classes will teach you how to make it more productive. Instructors will cover the basics of soil management, vegetable gardening, backyard poultry, fruit production, raising goats, and much more. For those who would …
Troxler announces availability of bioenergy research grants
The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is seeking grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced. The N.C. General Assembly approved $1 million in funding for the 2016-2017 budget cycle. Nearly $74,000 has been committed to multi-year projects that were started with the 2015-2016 grant cycle, leaving over $926,000 for new and existing projects. The grants are designed to focus on projects that boost energy production from North Carolina …
Allegheny, Ashe, Avery: Top Christmas Tree Producers
On August 23, 2005, the Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) was adopted as the official state Christmas tree of North Carolina. The idea came from eighth graders at Spruce Pine’s Harris Middle School who petitioned legislators to bestow the special recognition upon the popular conifer after learning of the economic impact the tree had in the state. The bill was introduced by state Representative Philip D. Frye, also of Spruce Pine. A diagram of a Christmas tree from a 1979 state …
Wineries celebrate N.C. Wine Month in September
Wine lovers will have plenty of ways to celebrate the state’s $1.7 billion wine and grape industry in September during North Carolina Wine and Grape Month. The annual celebration aligns with the traditional harvest season of grapes across the state. The N.C. Wine and Grape Growers Council, which promotes the industry, is encouraging consumers to visit local wineries during the month. “North Carolina is home to more than 180 wineries, and each one is as unique as the wines it …
NC Cooperative Extension Updates and Upcoming Events
FALL IS FOR FESCUE Tall fescue, being a cool-season grass, grows vigorously during the milder temperaturess of fall and spring. That means we need to do some things now to help it along. The first thing would be to get some slow release nutrients applied so they are in place when the turf needs them. We recommend a turf grade fertilizer that is low in phosphorous, applied at a rate of about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. …
At The Vance County Farmers Market – Week of August 20, 2016
You are invited to the Market to shop and visit! FRUIT & VEGETABLES: A selection of fresh vegetables and fruits plus canned goods. FLOWERS: A variety of seasonal plants and flowers. BAKERY: We’ll have breads, pies, cakes and cupcakes! MEAT & EGGS: There will be pasture raised Beef and Shrimp for sale. We’ll have fresh brown eggs. STRAW & HAY: Pine straw, horse hay and straw bales available for delivery or pick-up upon request. CRAFTS: A selection of artwork …
Sweet Corn Variety Demo August 16th, 2016
Come to the Oxford Research Center on Tuesday, August 16, 6:30 pm to view a sweet corn variety demonstration, and get updates on sweet corn production. Extension Agents Gary Cross and Paul McKenzie will review the different varieties planted in the demonstration, and also discuss fertility, insect management and more. This is a great opportunity to see several different varieties growing side-by-side. The demo plot includes both GMO and non-GMO cultivars. For more info or directions, call 252-213-6095 or e-mail …
Vance County Regional Farmers Market: At the Market – August 13, 2016
At the Market – August 13, 2016! Be sure to stop by the Market to stock up on veggies. Straw and hay have been added to the agenda. VEGGIES & FRUIT: – Butter Beans (Shelled) – Canary Melons – Cantaloupes – Corn – Eggplant – Green Beans – Honey – Okra – Peas – Peaches – Peppers (Variety) – Potatoes – Squash – Tomatoes – Watermelons – Zucchini – Jams/Jellies/Preserves FLOWERS: A variety of seasonal flowers & herbs plus …
Workshop on Sweet Corn August 16, 2016
Come to the Oxford Research Center on Tuesday, August 16, 6:30 pm to view a sweet corn variety demonstration, and get updates on sweet corn production. Extension Agents Gary Cross and Paul McKenzie will review the different varieties planted in the demonstration, and also discuss fertility, insect management and more. This is a great opportunity to see several different varieties growing side-by-side. The demo plot includes both GMO and non-GMO cultivars. Please RSVP by calling 252-213-6095 or e-mail paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu. The …
Vance County Regional Farmers Market for August 6, 2016
Be sure to stop by the Market to stock up on great selection of veggies. We have a new cupcake vendor selling delicious creations. VEGGIES & FRUIT: – Apples – Butter Beans – Cantaloupes – Corn – Eggplant – Green Beans – Okra – Peas – Peaches – Peppers (Variety) – Potatoes – Squash – Tomatoes – Watermelons – Zucchini – Jams/Jellies/Preserves – Plus a few surprises! FLOWERS: A variety of seasonal flowers & herbs plus sunflowers. BAKERY: We’ll …
NC Cooperative Extension Updates
GARDEN PATH NEWSLETTER, AUGUST EDITION The latest issue of our gardening newsletter is available for download from this link. As usual, your local Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have included lots of timely tips, plant suggestions, and much more. GARDENING CLASSES, VANCE CO REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET Aug 10, 10 am, Good Bugs for Your Garden – Learn how to attract and conserve beneficial insects Aug 24, 11 am, Garden Photography – Learn how to take beautiful photos with the camera …
Genome sequencing’s role in reducing foodborne illnesses is topic at Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum Aug. 16
The role of whole genome sequencing in reducing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses will be among topics covered at the 12th annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum on Aug. 16 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 other interested people. Admission is free and includes lunch, but pre-registration is requested. Whole genome sequencing is a process …
NC Cooperative Extension Updates
COST-SHARE ASSISTANCE FOR ORGANIC CERTIFICATION The NCDA&CS is offering cost-share assistance for farmers pursuing organic certification. For details and requirements, visit this link. SOYBEAN INSECT SCOUTING Dr. Dominic Reisig, NCSU Extension Specialist, predicts that this year will be “wormier than the previous three”! For scouting and ID tips, check this link. OCT 2-4: WOMEN WORKING IN THE MEAT BUSINESS This conference features expert speakers who will cover production, marketing, processing and much more. Efland, NC (Orange County). Details here. …
NCDA&CS offers organic certification cost-share assistance
Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2015, and Sept. 30, 2016, can apply for assistance through the program. “This cost-share program will cover up to 75 percent of the cost of organic certification for a farm, up to a total of $750,” said Agriculture Commissioner …
Vance County Regional Farmers Market Summer Blastoff – June 25, 2016
“Summer Blastoff” Saturday, June 25th. Summer is in full swing, you are invited to come help celebrate peak season Summer Blastoff! We will have the Buggs Island Community Band performance beginning at 10:00am, a free Container Gardening Class at 10:00am and Ask a Master Gardener. VEGGIES & FRUIT: – Bell Peppers – Eggplant – Green Beans – Cantaloupes – Cucumbers – Okra – Onions – Peaches – Potatoes (Red, White & Blue) – Squash – Tomatoes (Red & Green) – …
Horse owners urged to vaccinate horses after two S.C. horses confirmed to have EEE
North Carolina horse owners are urged to vaccinate their equine after two horses in Horry County, South Carolina contracted Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis within the past three weeks. EEE is a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable in equine by vaccination. Horry County is the northern-most coastal county in South Carolina and borders Brunswick County in North Carolina. EEE causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord and is usually fatal. Symptoms include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, …