Foothills Sustainable Agriculture News

Foothills Farm School

2013-10-29T07:48:00.005-07:00

The demand for locally grown food continues to grow despite a faltering economy. Direct sales from farms to consumers grew 215% from 1992-2007. The average farmer in NC is 57 years old and looking forward to retirement. We need new farmers to meet the demand for locally grown food in North Carolina.

More and more families are looking at ways to supplement their incomes and put their land into something productive. Quite often, I’m faced with the question, "I have some land that I want to do something with... but I don't know what. Can you tell me what I can grow and make some money?" This is an open-ended question, because the success of an agricultural venture really depends on the market and the operator. A successful business starts with a good plan and lots of research, and agriculture is no different.

In response to this situation, Cooperative Extension Agents from several counties have developed The Foothills Farm School, a training program for beginning and transitioning farmers. The six-month educational program focuses on operating successful small-scale, sustainable farms.

The school offers six seminars taught by agricultural professionals, which give farmers the tools to develop sustainable farming operations. Session topics include business planning, marketing, and fruit and vegetable production, among others.

The school also includes six field trips to working farms, led by innovative, experienced farmers and agricultural professionals. Participants learn low-cost, sustainable farming methods in a range of production systems, including fruits, vegetables, livestock, and specialty crops.

Classes meet at the Catawba County Extension Center on the first Tuesday of the month beginning in January from 6 to 8:30 pm. Farm field days are typically on the fourth Thursday of the month from 9 am to 3 pm. Farm field days will take place at various farms throughout the Foothills.

Space is limited. Registration deadline is Friday, December 6, and costs are as follows: one person, $250 and $50 for each additional person. To register go to the following link: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/FFS-brochure-2014-final-new-dates1.pdf

Also, a limited number of Foothills Farm School scholarships are available to Gaston County participants through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC funding for a scholarship of $200. Gaston County residents interested in starting a farm or becoming a more successful sustainable farm, should complete the Farm School application and contact Lara Worden at lara_worden@ncsu.edu for a scholarship application. The deadline for the scholarship application is November 30, 2013.

For more information, contact the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Service by calling 704.922.2112.

Home Grown Gaston 2013

2013-08-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

www.homegrowngaston.com

Want a Farm-to-Fork Dinner? Want to support local chefs, local restaurants, local farmers and a local cause?

Tickets are on sale now for the third annual Home Grown Gaston farm-to-fork event, set for September 10th at the Gastonia Farmers Market from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Home Grown Gaston is NC Cooperative Extension’s celebration of local foods and local causes. This event will showcase delicious locally-grown foods that will be prepared by local chefs and restaurants. Festival attendees will also enjoy live music and have the opportunity to meet and greet the local farmers and chefs who prepared the food.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Shelter of Gaston County. The Shelter fills a critical need in our community by providing a safe emergency residence where victims of domestic violence can seek shelter when faced with violent and dangerous situations

How do you attend?

• Tickets are $35 per person at www.homegrowngaston.com

• Attire is business casual

• For further information or to purchase tickets, contact Cooperative Extension at 704.922.2112 or The Shelter of Gaston County at 704-810-6492

Which chefs/restaurants are participating?

• John McCall – Rodi’s

• Cole Witten – Spindle City Café

• Francisco Montes – Tequila’s

• Hans Kanal – H&M Catering

• Job White – The Farmers Fork

• Jack Acheson – The Round Bistro

• Kris Nash – Kris’s Kakes

Hands-on with Home Grown Gaston

2013-07-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a series of educational opportunities from Gaston Cooperative Extension:

Who Grows Your Food?
July 31st
6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Lara Worden

Location: Citizens Resource Ctr., Dallas

Registration Info: 704.922.2112

Registration Deadline: July 24th - register before July 24th

This session will introduce you to the bounty of locally-grown foods throughout the Foothills area. Learn more about our food system and the benefits of local food. (Registration fee includes a meal.)

Cooking with Seasonal Foods
Dates below
6-8 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Linda Minges
Location: Lucille Tatum Center, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia, NC
Registration Info: 704.865.3291
Registration Deadline: 5 businessdays prior to each session
This hands-on cooking series teaches how to prepare simple and healthy dishes featuring locally-grown foods. Choose from the following sessions:

July 17th - Eggplant, berries, summer squash & okra
August 20th - Local chicken, tomatoes, green beans, cantaloupe & peaches
September 17th - Apples, field peas, onions & spaghetti squash
October 15th - Local pork, acorn squash, carrots, kale & pears
November 19th - Local beef, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mustard greens & pumpkin

Apple Butter
September 11th - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or September 12th - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Linda Minges
Location: Lucille Tatum Center, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia, NC
Registration Info: 704.865.3291 - Register before September 4th
Learn how to safely can fruit butters in this hands-on apple butter class.

Pressure Canning 101
July 24th
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Linda Minges
Location: Lucille Tatum Center, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia, NC
Registration Info: 704.865.3291 - Register before July 17th
Learn to safely can vegetables in this hands-on pressure canning class.

Planting a Fall Garden
August 13th
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Julie Flowers
Location: Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
Registration Info: 704.922.2112
Registration Deadline: Augsut 6th
Come learn the finer points of cool season vegetable gardening. Fall provides optimal conditions for growing a plethora of tasty treats! (Registration fee includes a meal.)

You Can Can Salsa!
August 14th - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or August 28th - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Linda Minges
Location: Lucille Tatum Center, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia, NC
Registration Info: 704.865.3291- Register before August 8th
Learn to safely can fresh tomato salsa with this hands-on canning class.

Raising Backyard Chickens
August 14th
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
Instructor: Lara Worden
Location: Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
Registration Info: 704.922.2112 - Register before August 8th
Learn the basics of raising chickens: breeds; where to buy hatchlings and hens; requirements for housing, feeding and lights; and regulations for selling eggs from home. (registration fee includes a meal.)

NC Egg Safety Training for Small Producers

2013-02-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

Date: March 20, 2013
Location: Poultry Teaching Unit, 2801 Inwood Rd, Raleigh, NC
Registration Fee: $50 (Registration covers printed class materials, Biosecurity garments for hands on training and lunch)
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/site-poultry-workconf/2013-egg-safety-training-registration-form/
Training:

The program is designed to instruct small producers selling eggs through Farmers Markets, Cooperatives, and CSAs. The training will be aimed to provide instruction to these producers to improve their understanding of egg safety. Training will be provided on principles of egg safety plans, monitoring, testing methods currently used, and what consumers are expecting, so that they can improve the safety and quality of the eggs. By attending they will have an understanding of the strategies they need to implement to improve the safety of the shell eggs they produce.
Program:

Registration
Introductions
What is Egg Safety and Quality, and what is expected by customers
Egg Safety Components

Egg Handling
Egg Washing
Refrigeration
Production Environment
Insect and Rodent Control

Packaging And Labeling
Monitoring of an Egg Safety Program
Testing to show your program works

NCDA&CS Services

Flock Health
Testing Laboratory

NC Egg Laws

Upcoming Regional VAD Programs

2013-02-04T11:47:00.001-08:00

Free workshops on Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) programs will be held in February and March across North Carolina. There are now over 84 of these programs in North Carolina.
Dates/Locations:

*February 4 - Plymouth, N.C. - Vernon G. James Research and Extension Center (Northeast)

*February 18 - Mount Olive, N.C. - Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center, Mount Olive College (Southeast)

*February 25 - Elon, N.C. - Elon University (Piedmont)

*March 6 - Newton, N.C. - Catawba County Agricultural Resources Center (Foothills/Western Piedmont)

*March 22 - Franklin, N.C. - Cowee Elementary School (West)

These workshops are for board members, program staff, including cooperative extension and soil and water conservation district employees, planners, municipal/county managers, farmers, citizens -- and those local governments considering adopting or amending a VAD or Enhanced VAD program ordinance.

Registration is now open: .

Topics to be covered will include:
*Overview of voluntary agricultural district programs and farmland protection planning
*Incentives for program participation
*Considerations for program success
*Overview of regional initiatives pertaining to farm operation and protection -- and economic development
*Program signage on right-of-ways and private property
*Farmland impact assessment for transportation planning
*Food Safety Modernization Act, estate planning and taxes, farm labor
*And other topics...

Registration and workshop information is available here: http://www.ncadfp.org/vadprogram.htm

There is no fee for this workshop.

2013 Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference

2013-01-30T07:27:00.002-08:00

Even though we had inclement weather to contend with, the turnout for the Putting Small Acreage to Work conference was good.

Also, all of the resource materials and most of the presentations are loaded on this site. Just go to the lefthand column and scroll down midway to Additional Pages section and click on 2013 Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference Resources tab.

Pastured Poultry All Day Seminar

2013-01-15T07:00:00.003-08:00

Date: February 7, 2013

Location: Alamance County Center
http://alamance.ces.ncsu.edu/
209-C N Graham-Hopedale Rd
Burlington, NC 27217
(336) 570-6740

9-10 am
Registration – There is a $10 fee to cover lunch and educational materials. Please be prepared to pay at the door. Bring checks or correct change. See RSVP info at the end of this message.

10-10:15 am
Welcome – Roger Cobb, Alamance Co. Cooperative Extension Director
Housekeeping – Dan Campeau, Cooperative Extension Specialized Area Poultry Agent
10:15-11:00 am
Bio-security and Keeping your Flock Healthy – Dr. Donna Carver, NCSU Poultry Veterinarian

11-11:45 am
Niche Egg Production Using Alternative Poultry Species – Jeannette Beranger, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

11:45-Noon
Realistic Yield Expectations and How to Get your Birds Processed – Chaudhry Halal Poultry Processing

Noon-1:00 pm
Catered Lunch

1:00-1:15 pm
NC Laws and Regulations that Affect Small-scale Poultry Producers – Dan Campeau

1:15-2:00 pm
Turkey Production Experiences, Market and Processing Challenges – Alex Hitt, Peregrine Farm

2:00-2:30 pm
Forages for the Birds – Dan Campeau

2:30-3:00 pm
Panel Discussion, Questions

3:00 pm
Adjourn

*RSVP - Please respond by Friday, February 1, 2013. We need to make sure we have enough lunches ready for everyone. There are space limitations. First 80 people to sign up will be able to attend!

By email: Please email extension.programs@chathamnc.org . Please put meeting name and meeting date in subject line and below as a message. That way our support staff will know what meeting you want to sign up for.

By phone: Please call Chatham County Cooperative Extension at 919-542-8202 during business hours. Please let Chatham Co. staff what meeting you would like to sign up for.

Got Worms? WNC Sheep, Goat and Llama meeting

2013-01-09T10:27:00.001-08:00

Dr. David Pugh, author of Sheep and Goat Medicine, will be part of a free program (lunch provided) on Saturday, February 9th from 9am-5pm at the WNC Agriculture Center in Fletcher, across from the Asheville airport. Wet labs will be available with microscope training, Famancha training, nutrition, and breeding information. Bring samples to check. For additional information call Animals R Us Veterinary Clinic (828-693-7387) or Country Lane Veterinary Hospital (828-627-9100). Registration opens at 8:15am in the Boone Building. FREE. Lunch provided.

Horticulture Lunch 'N Learns

2013-01-08T10:27:00.001-08:00

Pruning: What, When, and How
Timing and technique matters!

February 13, 2013
Gaston County Citizen’s Resource Center, Dallas, NC
Cost: $10.00 (lunch included...please specify any special needs)
Pre-registration required: Call 704-922-2112 by February 8th to reserve your seat.

Getting Started with Garden Chickens - Come Learn How to Raise Your Own Backyard Flock!

February 27, 2013
Gaston County Citizen’s Resource Center, Dallas, NC

Cost: $10.00 (lunch included...please specify any special needs)
Pre-registration required: Call 704-922-2112 by February 8th to reserve your seat.

Wake Up…Veggie Garden! Plan now for Spring Harvesting

March 13, 2013
Gaston County Citizen’s Resource Center, Dallas, NC
Cost: $10.00 (lunch included...please specify any special needs)
Pre-registration required: Call 704-922-2112 by March 8, 2013 to reserve your seat.

Top Ten Flowers for 2013: Need some new, trendy color in the garden? Come learn what’s hot for 2013.

April 10, 2013
Gaston County Citizen’s Resource Center, Dallas, NC
Cost: $10.00 (lunch included...please specify any special needs)
Pre-registration required: Call 704-922-2112 by April 5, 2013 to reserve your seat.

Landscaping Outdoor Living Spaces: Boring deck? Plantless patio? Let’s create something inviting!

May 15, 2013
Gaston County Citizen’s Resource Center, Dallas, NC
Cost: $10.00 (lunch included...please specify any special needs)
Pre-registration required: Call 704-922-2112 by May 10, 2013 to reserve your seat.

All of these sessions are from 12 to 1 p.m.
http://gaston.ces.ncsu.edu/spotlight/horticulture-lunch-and-learn/‎

Deadline for Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference is Fast Approaching!

2013-01-07T08:09:00.002-08:00

We are three weeks away from the Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference in Dallas, NC. Registration is filling up fast, and it is important to note that it is PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY and the deadline is Wednesday, January 23rd. We will not be accepting any registrations at the door! So get your registration in now; otherwise, you will have to wait another year to attend this great conference.

Pre-registration fees of $35 per person and $20 for each additional person are due by Wednesday, January 23. Checks made payable to Gaston County Cooperative Extension.

To learn more about the conference or to register go to: http://smallacres.eventbrite.com or call Gaston Co. Cooperative Extension at 704-922-2112 for more information.

Prodigal Farm Workshops: Beginning Cheesemaking & Basic Goat Husbandry

2013-01-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

For those of you interested in learning more about basic goat care, goat production and possibly dabbling in cheesemaking, Prodigal Farm of Rougemont, NC is now offering two workshops to share their knowledge: a Basic Cheesemaking Workshop, and a Basic Goat Husbandry Workshop.

The Beginning Cheesemaking Workshop – obviously with a focus on goat milk cheese styles – will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the Sunday before Martin Luther King day; with the hope that this will fit well into many folks’ long weekend.

While we’ll hold the class in our commercial dairy (and if the class as a whole is interested in spending a part of the time on learning more about that we can review some of the aspects that are distinct to the commercial dairy side), we will be teaching "stovetop" techniques for the home cheesemaker. We’ll have handouts for you to take home, but also bring a notebook. During the class, we’ll make chevre and feta, and maybe one other cheese, depending in timing and interest. We’ll cover foundational topics such as:

• sanitation of utensils & equipment

• Milk composition and sourcing

• Pasteurization

• basic equipment and supplies needs and sourcing

• use of rennets & cultures for beginners, including a discussion of the basic scientific principles at work during cheesemaking

• principles of molding, draining, and aging

• troubleshooting

Basic Goat Husbandry Workshop - will be held on March 30, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm is entirely pasture-based. If it’s pouring rain that day, we’ll reschedule for the same day/time the following week. If it is just sprinkling, the show will go on. Bring a lunch – it’s a long day! There will be handouts for you to take home, but also bring a notebook. Topics to be covered include:

• assessing your goatkeeping goals

• preparing for your goat: shelter, fencing, considering other animals

• finding and selecting your goats

• essential and handy equipment and where to find it or how to make it

• nutritional requirements and supplements

• vaccinations, parasite control, and discussion of common health issues

• hoof trimming

• assessing health and illness

• finding a good veterinarian and when to consult

• basic breeding and kidding

• disbudding of horns and castration

• milking

Each workshop is limited to 12 participants; if there is more demand, we will consider scheduling a second workshop. To register for the workshops, please email kat@prodigalfarm.com; payment is required at that time. You can also pay via paypal at www.prodigalfarm.com. Cost for each workshop is $110.

Cooperative Extension to Hold Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference

2012-12-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for ways to make a living or supplement your income off of your land, we invite you to attend the Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference on January 26, 2013 at the Gaston County Citizens Resource Center in Dallas, NC from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The goal of this conference is to encourage the success and viability of small farm operations through educational workshops, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities. You will be able to explore alternative enterprises by speaking with successful producers, university personnel, and experts in the field who are already growing, producing, and researching various crops, livestock and field techniques to enhance production. Conference tracks include sessions on aquaculture, fruit production, pastured pork, pasture management, beef cattle production, parasite management for small ruminants, growing specialty crops, direct marketing of meats, forages for free range birds, importance of cover crops, and QuickBooks for farmers.

Class sessions will start promptly after registration. The program will include three breakout sessions, plus a special session on parasite management for small ruminants. Three to four topics will be discussed concurrently during each of these breakout sessions.

Pre-registration forms and a fee of $35 per person and $20 for each additional person are due by Monday, January 23. Checks made payable to Gaston County Cooperative Extension. To register go to: http://smallacres.eventbrite.com or call Gaston Co. Cooperative Extension at 704-922-2112 for more information.

Fiber Animal Production Workshop in Silk Hope, NC

2012-11-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

December 5, 2012

The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will offer a workshop on fiber animal production from 8:30 am-5:00 pm on Wednesday December 5 at the Silk Hope Farm Heritage Center in Silk Hope, NC. We offer a full day of educational programs and exhibits, plus lots of opportunities for sharing and networking and show and tell

Program Agenda:

Introduction and Learning Resources – Debbie Roos, Chatham County Cooperative Extension

Animal Care - Dr. Barbara Walton, DVM, Third Street Veterinary Clinic

 How to Find a Veterinarian

 First Aid Kit for the Farm

 Preventative Care

 Common Ailments and Diseases

How to Control those Pesky Worms: Integrated Parasite Management for Small Ruminants – Dr. Niki Whitley, North Carolina A&T State University

Forage and Nutrition – Sam Groce, Chatham County Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University

 How to Establish & Maintain Pasture

 Forage and Browse for the Piedmont Region

 NCSU Research on Lespedeza for Parasite Control

Animal Spotlights: Producers will discuss breeds, harvesting fiber, unique production needs, and more!

 Sheep - Ann Fay, Rising Meadow Farm

 Angora Goats and Rabbits - Elaina Kenyon, Avillion Farm

 Alpacas – Rosmarie Rosenbloom, Black Tulip Farms

 Cashmere Goats and Llamas – Laura Young, Dew Dance Farm

Producer Panel:

 Marketing Fiber (internet, farmers’ markets, fiber artist guilds, yarn shops, social media, etc. )

 Income Potential from Fiber Animal Production

Exhibitors: All the producers will have exhibits of their fiber products and tools and equipment for harvesting and processing fiber.

A local lunch will be catered by Celebrity Dairy.

Participants will receive handouts and a Resource CD. Cost of the workshop is $45 and includes breakfast, local lunch, and the CD. Pre-registration is required. The deadline for registration is November 30. Space is limited so register early!

To register, visit Cooperative Extension’s Growing Small Farms website and download a registration form: http://bit.ly/GSFworkshops

Call 919-542-8202 or email Debbie Roos at debbie.roos@chathamnc.org for more information.

Property Tax Treatment for Small Farms

2012-10-08T05:36:00.003-07:00

Dear NC farmers: The NC Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council is looking at an issue of great importance to local, sustainable food production: property tax treatment for small working farms.

As you may know, state law allows counties to tax farms at property tax rates based on their use as farms (known as Present Use Value, or PUV), instead of at higher residential tax rates. However, to qualify for PUV based on farm use, a farm must have more than 5 acres in production in the case of horticultural crops, or more than 10 acres for any other crops. Thus many small farms are not able to take advantage of this preferential tax treatment.

The Council has set up a task force to investigate this situation and to propose changes that would allow small farms serving local food markets to reduce their property tax burdens, and task force members represent Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, NC Farm Bureau and NC Cooperative Extension, among others. We are conducting a survey to collect more information from small farms about their experience with PUV. This is where we need help from farmers. Please take 15 minutes to take the survey, which you can find here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PUV. The information we collect will be crucial to proving to local and state government that small farms deserve more equitable property tax treatment.

So please help us make a difference and fill out the survey today!

Roland McReynolds

CFSA

RAFI Grants for Farmers

2012-10-08T05:35:00.002-07:00

RAFI-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund to Distribute $180,000 in Grants to Innovative North Carolina Farmers in 2013.

In 2013, RAFI-USA will award $180,000 in grants to independent family farms in North Carolina for new farming enterprises that demonstrate innovative opportunities in production, processing and marketing. (A press release is available online here: http://rafiusa.org/tcrf/2013/pressrelease.pdf)

This coming year, the program will award up to $8,000 to individual farmers and up to $10,000 for collaborative farmer projects.

To be eligible for a grant, a farmer must earn at least 50% of their personal income from their farm operation. Individuals who have received a previous grant from RAFI-USA or the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission are not eligible.

The deadline to submit applications is December 5, 2012.

To learn more about the program's guidelines or to download a grant application visit: www.NCFarmGrants.org

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a free informational workshop. We will be offering grant information workshops across the state of North Carolina.

"How to Apply" Workshops (all workshops will begin at 6:00 pm.):

• Rockingham County, Cooperative Extension Office, Oct.22, 2012

• Lincoln County, Cooperative Extension Office, Oct. 23, 2012

• Martin County, Cooperative Extension Office, Oct. 24, 2012

• Montgomery County, Cooperative Extension Office, Oct. 29, 2012

• Pender County, Cooperative Extension Office, Oct. 30, 2012

• Yadkin County, Cooperative Extension Office, Nov. 1, 2012

• Chatham County, RAFI-USA (274 Pittsboro Elementary School Rd, Pittsboro), Nov. 13, 2012

• Wayne County, Goldsboro Public Library (1001 E. Ash St. Goldsboro), Nov. 14, 2012

Grant applications and eligibility guidelines are available online at www.ncfarmgrants.org. Farmers located in the Mountain Regions are encouraged to visit www.wncagoptions.org for information regarding grants in their area.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call Joe Schroeder.

Joe Schroeder, Director

Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund

Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA)

Email: joe@rafiusa.org

Tel: (919) 542-1396, ext. 208

Connect with Us:

Facebook.com/rafiusa

Twitter.com/rafiusa

New Resource for Farmers and Local Food Entrepreneurs

2012-09-27T12:23:00.002-07:00

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association just released a new resource for farmers and local foods businesspeople called Growing your Local Food Business in North Carolina: A Guide to Laws and Regulations. The guide is designed to give a detailed introduction to the many federal and state laws and regulations that govern the production and sale of farm products (meat, poultry, dairy) and low-risk value-added foods such as jams and jellies. Where possible, the guide also contains information about how to obtain additional information on a topic.

The document can be found on the website at this link: http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/north-carolina-reg-guide/

NORTH CAROLINA CATTLE INDUSTRY ASSESSMENT REFERENDUM VOTE

2012-09-11T13:39:00.001-07:00

FUQUAY-VARINA, NC -- The North Carolina Cattlemen's Association (NCCA) has announced that the N. C. Cattle Industry Assessment Referendum vote will take place on October 4, 2012. The North Carolina Cattlemen's Association requested permission from the N. C. Board of Agriculture to conduct a referendum to continue the N. C. Cattle Industry Assessment. Permission was granted by the Board of Agriculture and arrangements have been made with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service to facilitate the voting. The Extension offices in each county will be the polling places.

Bill Cameron, president of the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association, said that the referendum will be to assess all cattle sold and marketed in North Carolina one dollar per head for the purposes of advancing the cattle industry in the state. The money collected will be used to fund the following five areas: youth programs, cattle research, education, promotion of North Carolina cattle and beef, and issues management. The North Carolina dairy industry will also benefit from the funds collected, as a portion of the income will be allocated to the same areas within the dairy sector.

The referendum would continue the original state assessment program, which was first established in 1957. The national beef checkoff assessment of one dollar per head will still be collected and will be used according to the guidelines set forth in federal law. According to Mr. Cameron, "The national beef checkoff does a tremendous job of promoting beef and the beef industry, returning $5.50 per dollar invested; however, these funds cannot be used for many of the production and regulatory-oriented issues facing the industry today.

The N. C. Cattle Industry Assessment Referendum would allow producers to continue to provide funds that would be controlled totally by the North Carolina beef and dairy producers to promote our product, our youth, our industry, and to provide research and advocacy to protect their way of life." Since the assessment was reinstated on January 1, 2010, research and education projects have been funded to deal with production issues facing North Carolina cattlemen in the areas of management, forage production, feed efficiency, and general input reductions.

In addition, we have been able to provide additional services in issues management to help the public have a better understanding of our industry and training for farmers to help them reduce stress on both them and the cattle in their care. Youth programs have been a huge beneficiary of the investments from the assessment as we were able to support livestock schools, judging contests, Skillathon contests, leadership development, and the very popular Youth Beef Industry Tour, among many others.

Bryan Blinson, executive director of the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association, states that, "The assessment will be for a period of six years with a recurring referendum if requested. Also, Mr. Blinson states that producers will be eligible for a full refund of their North Carolina assessment by request within 60 days of the sale of the animal with proof of sale. This is a provision that is not available in the national program due to federal law."

All cattle owners who are at least 18 years of age as of October 4, 2012, will be eligible to vote. Voting will take place at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension offices. All eligible voters must vote in their county. Absentee ballots may be obtained by contacting the North Carolina Cooperative Extension office. The North Carolina Cattlemen's Association can assist with directing you to your local office.

For additional details on voting procedures or funding information, please contact your local county office of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association.

Organic Broccoli Workshop

2012-09-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2012

Mountain Research Station, Waynesville, NC

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Come learn about organic broccoli production: insect management, post-harvest techniques, and marketing. View 28 varieties and help us rate which one is best. RSVP to reserve a lunch (you can still come regardless, just can't promise a lunch). Richard Boylan, Watauga County Extension Agent, Emily Bernstein, Research Specialist, and Jeanine Davis, Associate Professor will be presenting. The workshop is free and open to the public. Contact Emily at Emily_Bernstein@ncsu.edu or 828-684-3562 to reserve a lunch and indicate any dietary needs or preferences. The workshop will be held at the Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville, NC 28786. This workshop is free and open to the public. Directions. This project is led by Jeanine Davis in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University and funded by a grant from the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

Cover Crop Workshop

2012-09-11T13:04:00.003-07:00

A diverse discussion for homeowners, vegetable growers, farmers & landowners

Monday, September 24, 2012

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Registration Fee of $10/per person

(includes dinner & refreshments)

Gaston Citizens Resource Center

1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC

Join us as we explore the use of cover crops and to learn how specific crops can be used to improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion, increase fertility, suppress weeds, control insects and the use of cover crops for wildlife food plots.

To register, please call

(704) 922-2112

2nd Annual Home Grown Gaston Event - Only 8 Days Left

2012-05-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Home Grown Gaston" is Cooperative Extension’s celebration of Local Foods and Local Causes. This second annual event will be held at the Gastonia Farmer’s Market on May 22nd, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will showcase delicious foods grown and prepared in the Gaston County area. Festival attendees will also enjoy live music and have the opportunity to converse with the farmers and chefs who prepared the foods.

This annual event brings visibility to Gaston County’s local foods economy while raising funds for a great local cause. Cooperative Extension has selected The Shelter of Gaston County as our 2012 partner. The Shelter of Gaston County fills a critical need in our community by providing a safe emergency residence where victims of domestic violence can seek shelter when faced with violent and dangerous situations.

Check out the chefs for Home Grown Gaston! You don't want to miss this event and all the YUMMY food! Get your tickets now! Call 704-922-2112 or 704-852-6047 or order online at www.homegrowngaston.eventbrite.com. Thanks to Encaptured & Co: Fine Art & Event Photography for the awesome picture!

Home Grown Gaston Menu

Lumpia Wrappers with Sweet Chili Sauce

Pancit

Tomato Caprese Salad

Marinated Lamb Skewers

Southern BBQ Pulled Pork with Coleslaw and Homemade Kaiser Rolls

Cucumber Spears in Spicy Vinaigrette

Chiles Rellenos (Stuffed Peppers)

Chicken & Beef Quesadillas with Homemade Salsa

Tomato Basil Soup

Chicken Salad stuff in Bread Horns

Zucchini wrapped Goate Cheese

Spicy Gazpacho Shooters

Steak Tartar with fruit glaze & Pomme Frites

Home Grown Gaston Tickets Now On Sale

2012-04-23T11:25:00.001-07:00

The Gaston County Office of NC Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce the second annual “Home Grown Gaston – Local Food – Local Causes” event. This annual Extension event brings visibility to the County’s local foods economy while raising funds for a great local cause. This year’s recipient is The Shelter of Gaston County. As this year’s partnering cause, The Shelter of Gaston County fills a critical need in our community by providing a safe emergency residence where victims of domestic violence can seek shelter when faced with violent and dangerous situations.

“Home Grown Gaston” is Cooperative Extension’s celebration of Local Foods and Local Causes. This second annual event will be held at the Gastonia Farmer’s Market on May 22nd, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will showcase delicious foods grown and prepared in the Gaston County area. Festival attendees will also enjoy live music and have the opportunity to meet and greet the local farmers and chefs who prepare the foods.

Tickets are $35.00 per person and can be purchased in advance at the Gaston County Extension office, at The Shelter of Gaston County or online at https://www.homegrowngaston.eventbrite.com.

We look forward to a great event in support of The Shelter of Gaston County and a wonderful evening to celebrate our local foods!

Sourcing Local Food for Home Grown Gaston

2012-04-09T10:42:00.003-07:00

Gaston County Cooperative Extension in cooperation with The Shelter of Gaston County and the farmers market will host the 2nd Annual Home Grown Gaston: Local Food – Local Causes event on May 22, 2012.

This event will hopefully fulfill several goals: to support and showcase our local farms and chefs, to let the public see firsthand how to utilize the food they can buy at area markets, to promote and encourage shopping at area farmers markets, farms and restaurants; and raise funds for a local cause.

This event cannot be successful without the full participation of area farms! Thus, we are looking to secure the following local food products from area farms:

Cabbage

Green Onions

Red Onions

Yellow Onions

Carrots

Broccoli

Garlic

Cucumbers

Roma or Plum Tomatoes

Jalepenos

Banana Peppers

Eggs

We are prepared to pay a fair price for your local food products, but also wish to have your presence at this event. We are willing to do an equal trade in tickets for product and/or provide a discount on tickets to the event, in exchange for a discounted price on product. In addition, we will showcase and promote you and your farm before and during the event. This will be a great marketing opportunity for farms direct marketing food products to the public. In addition, area chefs interested in purchasing local foods will be at your fingertips if you attend!

If you think you will have any of the above items available for sale in May and you wish to be apart of this great event, please email or call Lara Worden at lara_worden@ncsu.edu or 704-922-2112.

2nd Annual Home Grown Gaston

2012-04-09T10:23:00.005-07:00

NC Cooperative Extension Presents the 2nd Annual

HOME GROWN GASTON

TUESDAY, MAY 22nd

5 to 8 P.M.

GASTONIA FARMERS MARKET

410 E. LONG AVENUE

GASTONIA, NC

Come and enjoy delicious entrees prepared by local chefs who will showcase locally grown foods.

be sure to take the opportunity to talk with our farmers and chefs.

Your participation in this event will help to support domestic violence awareness.

Participating Restaurants:
36th Street Bakery
Alfred & Charlies Catering
Rodi's
Spindle City Cafe
Tequila's

Freeman's Pub

100% of the proceeds go to
The Shelter of Gaston County

Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance at:

http://www.homegrowngaston.eventbrite.com/
or

The Shelter of Gaston County

704.852.6047

Gaston County Cooperative Extension

704.922.2112

Winter Horse Owner Educational Opportunities

2012-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Local horse enthusiasts are invited to participate in a couple of educational programs on horse management. The sessions are sponsored by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Each individual program will last approximately 1.5 - 2 hours including time for question and answer sessions with presenters.

Program dates and topics are listed below:

Topic: Internal Parasites: Learning to Live With & Manage Equine Parasites with Lara Worden of NC Cooperative Extension. This workshop will focus on the latest information on deworming strategies and how you can help prevent resistance to current dewormers by knowing more about each horse’s parasite status and ultimately improve the parasite load of your herd and save money. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Date: February 29, 2012
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: James W. Warren Citizens Center, 115 W. Main St., Lincolnton
Registration: FREE, but must register at http://reins.eventbrite.com or by calling 704-922-2112.

Topic: The Fundamentals of Saddle Fit: Lecture and Demonstration with Jan & Tim Emore of Emore Leather. This workshop will focus on structural integrity of a saddle, placement/position of saddle, proper padding, and how rider’s position in the saddle affects the way the saddle fits the horse. They will address issues for both Western and English saddles. Note: Dinner and refreshments will be provided at this event. Bring your own chairs!
Date: March 7, 2012
Time: 6:00 to 8 p.m.
Location: Over The Hill Farm, 272 New Ground RD, Lincolnton, NC.
Registration Fee: $10.00. To register go to http://reins.eventbrite.com.

Pre-registration is required for all sessions.
To register, go to http://reins.eventbrite.com.
To get directions, contact Gaston County Cooperative Extension at 704-922-2112. If we do not have a minimum of 10 people registered by the Tuesday before the event, the event will be canceled.

Flock Facts Field Day for Small Ruminants

2012-02-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

March 17, 2012
Windy Wool Windings Farm
5247 Plateau Road, Vale, NC

Cooperative Extension will be providing a sheep and goat workshop on 06/11/2011 at Windy Wool Windings Farm, 5247 Plateau Road, Vale, NC. This training is for anyone who raises goats and/or sheep or anyone interested in raising these animals.

Pre-registration and a fee of $25/person and $15 for each additional person are due by Thursday, March 15. Checks made payable to Gaston County Cooperative Extension. To learn more about this event or to register go to: http://flockfacts.eventbrite.com or call Gaston Co. Cooperative Extension at 704-922-2112 for more information.

Agenda

Registration
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Concurrent Session I
9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
1. FAMACHA Certification Training and Optional Fecal Egg Count Training with Roberto Franco & Dr. Keesla Moulton, NC A&T State University (If you participate in this session, please try to bring some fecal samples from your animals to look at.)

2. Ram Care with Allen Bruhin of Tranquility Farm in Sevierville, TN
&
a presentation by the American Sheep Industry

Lunch
12 noon - 1:00 p.m.

Concurrent Session II
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
1. General Health and Vaccinations with Dr. Steven Matthews of Vale Veterinary Hospital, PLLC

2. Marketing 101 with Lara Worden, Area Specialized Agent, Gaston County Cooperative Extension

Concurrent Session III
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1. Forages and Grazing with Jean Marie, Professor of Crop Science, NC State University

2. Breed Selection Panel for Sheep and Goat Producers
Meat Goats - Greg Traywick, County Extension Director - Cleveland County
Sheep for Meat & Fiber - Allen Hoyle

For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Lara Worden at 704.922.2112 no later than 5 business days before event.