RALEIGH – The 2013 State Fair fall concert lineup will feature performances by rock, country, contemporary Christian and bluegrass musicians, along with a unique Michael Jackson tribute band. Sister Hazel will kickoff the series on Thursday, Oct. 17. The alternative rock band has been entertaining since 1993 and has created such hits as “All for You” and “Change Your Mind.” Friday, Oct. 18, will feature two contemporary Christian artists, both of whom are Dove Award winners. Francesca Battistelli was a …
Category: Agriculture
China Tobacco International opens N.C. office
RALEIGH – China’s national tobacco company officially announced the opening ofits United States office, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today. Officials with China Tobacco International informed Troxler of the decision at a meeting Wednesday afternoon, citing his department’s ongoing efforts to bolster trade relations with China with the decision to locate their office in the state. The company also has filed incorporation papers with the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State. “We checked different policies in different states, and …
Farmers should take caution before burning crop residue
RALEIGH – The wet, cool spring caused delayed harvest of winter wheat and other grains, and now farmers may be looking to burn off crop residue to be able to switch crops more quickly. However, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says that farmers should review open burning rules before burning off crop residue to ensure they stay in compliance with state air quality rules. “As we get into warmer, more humid days, farmers will especially need to be aware of air …
Consider soil sampling after grain harvest
RALEIGH — Due to wet weather, small grain harvest is running about a week behind schedule. Although growers are anxious to get full-season crops planted, it may be worth their while to take time to collect soil samples directly following harvest. The rains that have delayed harvest may have also washed essential nutrients from the root zone, especially on sandy soils. Dr. David Hardy, Soil Testing Section chief with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, urges growers in …
Vance County NC Cooperative Extension Updates
DO YOU STORE MORE THAN 1,320 GALLONS OF FUEL? Then you may need to develop a “Spill Prevention, Control & Countermeasure” plan. Basic information is available at the following link: http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/docs/oil/spcc/spcceasy123.pdf . I’m happy to provide more information upon request. SEEKING CORAGEN-TREATED TOBACCO FIELDS FOR RESEARCH Dr. Hannah Burrack, NCSU Entomology Specialist, is seeking tobacco fields that were treated with Coragen at transplant. She would like to collect leaf samples from the field for research purposed. If you can help, please …
Vance County NC Cooperative Extension Crop Production and Pest Updates
MID-SEASON TOBACCO INSECTS http://tobacco.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/tobacco-insect-update-201/ THRIPS ON COTTON http://www.nccrops.com/2013/06/14/thrips-waning-whats-coming/ TOBACCO INSECTICIDE TANK MIXES? MAYBE NOT… http://tobacco.ces.ncsu.edu/2013/06/insecticide-tank-mixes/ NC TOBACCO TOUR July 15-17, details TBA. http://plantpath.cals.ncsu.edu/north-carolina-flue-cured-burley-tobacco-tour KUDZU BUG UPDATE http://www.nccrops.com/2013/06/12/kudzu-bug-soybean-scouting-and-treatment-update/
First detection of the emerald ash borer made in the state; quarantine established for Granville, Person and Vance counties
RALEIGH — Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler signed an emergency quarantine order today restricting the movement of hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock and other ash materials from Granville, Person and Vance counties following the confirmation of the emerald ash borer in trees there. This marks the first time emerald ash borer has been found in the state. North Carolina is the 20th state in the country to confirm the presence of the destructive pest, following the discovery of an adult beetle …
Piedmont Triad Farmers Market to host Crawfish Day June 22
COLFAX — You can find a variety of local produce, meats and cheeses at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market throughout the year, but Crawfish Day is the best chance to get locally raised crawfish. The annual event, sponsored by the N.C. Crawfish Growers Association, will take place Saturday, June 22. N.C. crawfish are raised in earthen ponds from the Piedmont to the coast, and the season runs from the end of May to mid-July. Last year, crawfish growers raised about …
Vance County NC Cooperative Extension: High moisture wheat, tobacco fertility
HIGH MOISTURE WHEAT, WHEN TO HARVEST? From Randy Weisz – Small Grain Specialist @ NCSU Wheat grain moisture levels around the state are being reported in the 16 to 22% range. While we usually wait until wheat is closer to 15% to harvest, the prolonged exposure to high humidity and rain, combined with lodging, is resulting in grain sprouting in the head. If growers have the capacity to dry grain they need to be getting this crop out of the field. Here is …
Vance County NC Cooperative Extension Updates
DIAGNOSING INSECT/DISEASE PROBLEMSSamples may be sent to the NCSU Plant Disease and Insect Clinic ($20 charge). Contact us for details on submitting a sample. In most cases, we will come to the farm in 24 hours or less to assist with sample collection. We are also happy to arrange delivery to the Clinic. In some cases the fee may be waived. DIAGNOSING NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES Two services are available from NCDA&CS to diagnose nutritional deficiencies: Plant Tissue Sampling ($5) and Problem …
N.C. Mountain State Fair celebrates 20 years of ‘Mountain Fun for Everyone’ Sept. 6-15
FLETCHER — Whatever your interests are, you’ll find something fun at the 2013 N.C. Mountain State Fair. Organizers promise “Mountain Fun for Everyone” during the fair’s 20th run, which will take place Sept. 6-15 at the Western N.C. Agricultural Center. The fair may be 100 days away, but organizers are encouraging visitors to start planning now, especially if they are entering one of hundreds of premium competitions. The entry department has already received dozens of entries for this year’s fair. …
New trail segment at DuPont State Recreational Forest to open Saturday; trail volunteers will be recognized
RALEIGH — Staff and supporters of DuPont State Recreational Forest will open the High Falls Trail extension with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, June 1. Trail volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. at the High Falls access area on Staton Road in the forest to open the extension and recognize the many supporters who help to maintain the forest’s trails. Supporting groups include Friends of DuPont Forest, Pisgah Trail Blazers and Southern Off Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). Todd Branham with Long …
State Farmers Market to host Crawfish Day June 8
RALEIGH — Vendors at the State Farmers Market offer local produce, meats and cheeses throughout the year, but the best time for locally raised crawfish is Crawfish Day. The annual event, sponsored by the N.C. Crawfish Growers Association, will be held Saturday, June 8. N.C. crawfish are raised in earthen ponds from the Piedmont to the coast, and the season runs from the end of May to mid-July. Last year, crawfish growers raised about 9,000 pounds of crawfish. Sterling Davenport, …
State Farmers Market open regular hours June 2
RALEIGH — Visitors to the State Farmers Market on Sunday morning should plan to take an alternate route, as Lake Wheeler Road will be closed temporarily for Raleigh’s first-ever Ironman 70.3 competition. The farmers market will be open Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but Lake Wheeler Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the race. Visitors are encouraged to access the market from Centennial Boulevard, by way of Avent Ferry Road, during those times. …
NC Cooperative Extension Updates and Events
COLLECTION DAY FOR ALL PESTICIDES (HERBICIDES, INSECTICIDES, FUNGICIDES, ETC.)Bring your all old, unneeded pest control products for disposal free of charge! Thursday, May 30th, 10 am to 2 pm, City Operations Center on Beckford Dr. in Henderson. Signs will be posted, or call for directions (252-438-8188). This is a once every two year opportunity! (also look for a collection day in Warren County this fall) THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN 1 – Grow your own dried flowers. Plant statice, globe …
Troxler advises farmers to prepare for hurricane season
RALEIGH – As another hurricane season nears, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reminds farmers that basic emergency planning can go a long way in lessening a crisis situation. “Thinking through your emergency plan can help whether a hurricane, tornado or other emergency strikes,” Troxler said. “I hope all farmers will review their plans and get ready for hurricane season. A produce operation has very different needs than a dairy farm. Determining what your most pressing needs will be if you should …
Early-planted corn is showing problems
RALEIGH — Corn planted early in the year often yields better than late-planted corn, but it can also be hindered by unfavorable weather. This year, cool and wet conditions early in the season have stressed plants and slowed root growth. As a result, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that many fields now show evidence of nutrient deficiency, especially of phosphorus and sulfur. Corn plants that are purple because of phosphorus deficiency are showing up even in …
Syngenta opens unique $72 million Advanced Crop Lab
Syngenta unveiled its new crop research facility during a grand opening celebration on May 17 at the company’s RTP Innovation Center. The first-of-its-kind, $72 million Advanced Crop Lab allows company researchers to simulate any agricultural climate and precisely measure plant inputs – the key to helping farmers grow more food from fewer resources. “Our new Advanced Crop Lab allows us to bring together components of all research where we can create environments for multiple crops from multiple regions — simultaneously,” …
Get in Gear for Gardening! Saturday, May 18th, This Week in Gardening
Come on out this Saturday, 5/18, 9 am to the First Presbyterian Church for a symposium by the Extension Master Gardeners! Learn from experts about soil preparation, raising daylilies, and vegetable production. Lots of time to get your questions answered. Doorprizes and refreshments! Cost is only $7 at the door. The church fellowship hall is located at the corner of Young St. and Chestnut St. in downtown Henderson. If you need to reach us on Saturday morning, call 252-213-6095. THIS …
N.C. Pesticide Advisory Committee announces new members and approves case settlements
RALEIGH – Two new members were recently appointed to the N.C. Pesticide Advisory Committee. Greg Bunn, a farmer from Nash County, was appointed to fill the vacant farmer position, and Manly Wilder of Raleigh was chosen to fill the vacancy reserved for a conservationist. The board also approved the following settlement agreements for cases in Ashe, Lee, Lenoir, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Perquimans and Wake counties. Stevie G. Harrell of Boone’s Farm Supplies in Garysburg agreed to pay $800 for continuing to …