Here is a terrific workshop for private forest landowners.
To: Forest Landowners
From: Daniel Smith, County Extension Director
Subject: Tree Farm Meeting in McDowell County
The North Carolina Tree Farm Program of the American Tree Farm System announces a private forest landowner’s workshop at BSA Camp Grimes on Vein Mountain Road, in Dysartsville NC. The workshop will be on Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.
The morning session will feature speakers on sustainable forestry practices and wildlife habitat, non-timber forest products and a panel discussion of working family forest conservation easements. 2008 National Tree Farmer of the Year, Dr. Bob Cooper of Forsyth County, NC, will be the featured luncheon speaker.
Following a complimentary lunch workshop attendees will tour the managed forest on the Scout Camp, which has been certified by the American Tree Farm System as a NC Tree Farm. The afternoon forest tour will feature field discussions of both pine and hardwood management practices, improving habitat for wildlife, developing recreational opportunities in the forest and protecting water quality in forestry operations. Transportation for the field tour will be provided. The workshop is provided free of charge courtesy of the North Carolina Tree Farm Program and local supporters.
Call the NC Cooperative Extension Service office in McDowell County at 828-652-8104 or by email at Jane_McDaniel@ncsu.edu to register for the workshop. Registration is free. The cut-off date for advance registration is Monday, September 14, 2009.
Directions: From I-40 Exit 86 take NC 226 south. Go south approximately 8 miles to Club House Road. Turn right and then turn slight right on to Vein Mountain Road, and go 0.3 miles to the camp entrance on the left.
For Additional Information Contact:
Jim Sitts
Columbia Forest Products
Old Fort, NC
828-724-4191 ext. 2205
jsitts@cfpwood.com
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Mitchell Co. Business Survey
We need your help! North Carolina Cooperative Extension is a collaborative member of the Improving Mitchell County Business Survey Project. Businesses of all types are being asked to provide information that can be used to help improve existing businesses as well as help to create an environment conducive to new businesses. Agriculture is a critically important business in the county and regardless of how small or large your operation is we are asking that you complete the survey at http://tinyurl.com/lwpd6p. The AMY Regional Library is coordinating the data gathering so if you have any questions at all, please call Dan Barron at 828-682-4476 or director@amyregaioanlibrary.org.
The project is a collaborative effort of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission's Mitchell County Certified Entrepreneurial Community Committee, Toe River Economic Alliance, NC Cooperative Extension, Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, Mayland Community College's Small Business Center, Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), AMY Regional Library, HandMade in America, Spruce Pine Main Street and Bakersville Merchants' Association.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The project is a collaborative effort of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission's Mitchell County Certified Entrepreneurial Community Committee, Toe River Economic Alliance, NC Cooperative Extension, Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, Mayland Community College's Small Business Center, Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), AMY Regional Library, HandMade in America, Spruce Pine Main Street and Bakersville Merchants' Association.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tomato Workshop
Highlighting Studies on Growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes
And Growing Tomatoes with a Microbially Active Biochar Product
When: August 21, 2009 10:00 AM
Where: Mountain Research Station, Waynesville, NC
Directions at: http://www.agr.state.nc.us/research/mrs.htm
The Studies:
Organic Production of Heirloom and Heirloom-type Hybrid Tomatoes by Jeanine Davis and Dilip Panthee
Farmers and gardeners have been very interested in the organic heirloom tomato studies that we have conducted at this research station since 2004. This year, 11 heirloom tomato varieties and 9 new heirloom-type hybrids are being grown with an organic insect and disease control strategy that we have developed from results from the previous years’ studies. For the first time, we are growing these indeterminate tomatoes on a high-stake, string and weave system instead of a standard trellis system. There will also be a taste test to compare all the varieties.
Assessing the Effects of Fertilizer Rates and Carbon-based Soil Inoculants on Tomato Growth and Yield by Jeanine Davis
Everyone is talking about biochar and how it can improve crop yields, remediate soils, reduce fertilizer use, sequester carbon, and as a byproduct of its manufacturing, be a source of an alternative fuel. This study is one of several in the Southeast testing CHARGROW, a biochar product inoculated with beneficial soil microorganisms. Different formulations of the product were used to grow the transplants at two rates. The plants are being grown under three fertilizer regimes. Organic disease and insect control products are currently being used. A member of the Carbon Char Group will be present to discuss biochar and CHARGROW.
Tomato Sandwiches Provided: Back by popular demand-free tomato sandwiches! Make your own sandwich-we’ll provide the tomatoes, bread and mayonnaise. Chips and tea will round out this light lunch.
Come Prepared: This is an outdoors workshop. We will have canopies set up, tables, and chairs. If we have heavy rain, we will move inside for the taste tests and lunch.
For More Information: Please call Terri Schell at 828-684-3562 or email her at Terri_Schell@ncsu.edu.
Jeanine M. Davis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Horticultural Science
North Carolina State University
Email: Jeanine_Davis@ncsu.edu
Websites: http://ncherb.org
http://ncspecialtycrops.org
http://ncorganic.org
Blog: http://ncalternativecropsandorganics.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JeanineNCSU
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeanine-Davis/1442912228
Address: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center
455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828-684-3562
FAX: 828-684-8715
And Growing Tomatoes with a Microbially Active Biochar Product
When: August 21, 2009 10:00 AM
Where: Mountain Research Station, Waynesville, NC
Directions at: http://www.agr.state.nc.us/research/mrs.htm
The Studies:
Organic Production of Heirloom and Heirloom-type Hybrid Tomatoes by Jeanine Davis and Dilip Panthee
Farmers and gardeners have been very interested in the organic heirloom tomato studies that we have conducted at this research station since 2004. This year, 11 heirloom tomato varieties and 9 new heirloom-type hybrids are being grown with an organic insect and disease control strategy that we have developed from results from the previous years’ studies. For the first time, we are growing these indeterminate tomatoes on a high-stake, string and weave system instead of a standard trellis system. There will also be a taste test to compare all the varieties.
Assessing the Effects of Fertilizer Rates and Carbon-based Soil Inoculants on Tomato Growth and Yield by Jeanine Davis
Everyone is talking about biochar and how it can improve crop yields, remediate soils, reduce fertilizer use, sequester carbon, and as a byproduct of its manufacturing, be a source of an alternative fuel. This study is one of several in the Southeast testing CHARGROW, a biochar product inoculated with beneficial soil microorganisms. Different formulations of the product were used to grow the transplants at two rates. The plants are being grown under three fertilizer regimes. Organic disease and insect control products are currently being used. A member of the Carbon Char Group will be present to discuss biochar and CHARGROW.
Tomato Sandwiches Provided: Back by popular demand-free tomato sandwiches! Make your own sandwich-we’ll provide the tomatoes, bread and mayonnaise. Chips and tea will round out this light lunch.
Come Prepared: This is an outdoors workshop. We will have canopies set up, tables, and chairs. If we have heavy rain, we will move inside for the taste tests and lunch.
For More Information: Please call Terri Schell at 828-684-3562 or email her at Terri_Schell@ncsu.edu.
Jeanine M. Davis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Horticultural Science
North Carolina State University
Email: Jeanine_Davis@ncsu.edu
Websites: http://ncherb.org
http://ncspecialtycrops.org
http://ncorganic.org
Blog: http://ncalternativecropsandorganics.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JeanineNCSU
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeanine-Davis/1442912228
Address: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center
455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759
Phone: 828-684-3562
FAX: 828-684-8715
Honey Bees and CCD
Within the past year much research has been done to try and find out what caused huge die offs of honey bees last year. The cause was labeled CCD or Colony Collapse Disorder, but it was never pinpointed what was the driving force of CCD. Researchers from multiple agency's and university's have been studying the disease. The following link gives a good overview of some of the results and where the team of researchers are heading to try and find out the problem.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/ps-sfh081309.php
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/ps-sfh081309.php
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Products for Insect Control
New Products for Ornamental Greenhouse, Nursery, and Landscape Pests
A new product Kontos is available to manage most sucking pests in greenhouses. It is also labeled for use in nurseries. Kontos from OHP is effective against whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and other insects. Kontos has a unique mode of action (IRAC group 23) that makes it an important tool in resistance management programs. This could be particularly important as a product to rotate with Conserve (spinosad) to kill thrips. It is also soft on beneficial organisms. More information on Kontos can be found at: http://www.ohp.com/PIB/PDF/kontos_490_pib.pdf.
In ornamental landscapes we now have Acelepryn by Dupont. This unique chemical has a very low vertebrate toxicity. So low in fact that it does not require a signal word on the label. It is effective on many landscape pests and can be used as a foliar spray or drench to provide translaminar and systemic plant protection. Acelepryn also is soft on beneficial organisms compared to older products. More information about Acelepryn can be found at http://www2.dupont.com/Professional_Products/en_US/ assets/downloads/pdfs/H65676.pdf.
As new products become available it is important to begin incorporating them into insecticide programs. These products are less toxic to vertebrates, pollinators, and beneficial insects than products such as organophosphates and pyrethroids. They can also help reduce development of resistance and prolong the effective life of other products.
From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist
A new product Kontos is available to manage most sucking pests in greenhouses. It is also labeled for use in nurseries. Kontos from OHP is effective against whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and other insects. Kontos has a unique mode of action (IRAC group 23) that makes it an important tool in resistance management programs. This could be particularly important as a product to rotate with Conserve (spinosad) to kill thrips. It is also soft on beneficial organisms. More information on Kontos can be found at: http://www.ohp.com/PIB/PDF/kontos_490_pib.pdf.
In ornamental landscapes we now have Acelepryn by Dupont. This unique chemical has a very low vertebrate toxicity. So low in fact that it does not require a signal word on the label. It is effective on many landscape pests and can be used as a foliar spray or drench to provide translaminar and systemic plant protection. Acelepryn also is soft on beneficial organisms compared to older products. More information about Acelepryn can be found at http://www2.dupont.com/Professional_Products/en_US/ assets/downloads/pdfs/H65676.pdf.
As new products become available it is important to begin incorporating them into insecticide programs. These products are less toxic to vertebrates, pollinators, and beneficial insects than products such as organophosphates and pyrethroids. They can also help reduce development of resistance and prolong the effective life of other products.
From: Steve Frank, Extension Entomologist
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Fall Webworm
Fall webworms have hatched their early season brood. There is a race of fall webworm that develops in mid-summer. The web starts at the branch tips and becomes enlarged to encompass fresh, green leaves until the web may become two to three feet long. This is more noticeable with the later season brood. Because fall webworm damage accrues over the summer, they usually cause little long-term health damage to the trees they defoliate. At any one location, the populations of fall webworms wax and wane so that they are conspicuous and damaging for a year or two and then the populations seem to be thin. Webworms feed on over 600 types of trees, shrubs and other plants. In North Carolina they are most often reported on pecans, persimmons, sourwoods and willows. Small trees infested with several broods of caterpillars may be entirely enclosed in webs. After feeding for four or five weeks, the caterpillars crawl down, spin cocoons and pupate in mulch or soil.
Fall webworms can be managed by pulling down the webs and destroying the caterpillars if the webs are within reach by a pole. If the webs are within reach of a sprayer, several insecticides can be sprayed for control. Spray adjacent foliage. Insecticides work best when the caterpillars are young, so it is best to treat as soon as the webs are first noticed. A product containing Bacillus thuringiensis or carbaryl is appropriate for homeowner use, while commercial applicators can use B.t. (e.g., Dipel), Conserve, Talstar or one of several other options. Talstar is not recommended for plants prone to spider mite problems. You can view a QuickTime movie clip about fall webworms and their control on the Internet at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/note07/fallwebworm.mov.
From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist
Fall webworms can be managed by pulling down the webs and destroying the caterpillars if the webs are within reach by a pole. If the webs are within reach of a sprayer, several insecticides can be sprayed for control. Spray adjacent foliage. Insecticides work best when the caterpillars are young, so it is best to treat as soon as the webs are first noticed. A product containing Bacillus thuringiensis or carbaryl is appropriate for homeowner use, while commercial applicators can use B.t. (e.g., Dipel), Conserve, Talstar or one of several other options. Talstar is not recommended for plants prone to spider mite problems. You can view a QuickTime movie clip about fall webworms and their control on the Internet at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/note07/fallwebworm.mov.
From: Steve Bambara, Extension Entomologist
Monday, July 20, 2009
Farm Business Planning Program
New Carolina Farm Credit program for young, beginning, small, and minority farmers within NC. Applications for the program are being accepted until September 1.
Farm Credit has received a grant to cover the tuition and make a new e-learning financial and business management course available to North Carolina farm families.
The on-line training will be offered statewide through North Carolina’s three Farm Credit associations. The Farm Credit University curriculum includes financial planning, budgeting and other money matters essential to a farm’s success.
The program is funded by a $94,500 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The N.C. General Assembly established the commission in 2000 to help tobacco farmers, farm workers and related businesses impacted by the transition out of tobacco farming.
The commission’s funding comes from money paid by cigarette manufacturers as a result of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement.
Farm Credit’s e-learning program targets young, beginning, small, and minority farmers throughout the state. Participants will be assigned a Farm Credit loan officer to serve as a mentor throughout the course. Highlights of the program include modules that cover business and personal financial planning, understanding income statements, cash flow, the smart use of credit on the farm. Each participant will have completed a business plan for their operation at the conclusion of the class. Priority will be given to former tobacco farmers and others impacted by the Tobacco buyout. The grant provides for training 60 producers in a set of 2 classes over the next 2 years.
AgCarolina Financial, Cape Fear, and Carolina Farm Credit will be accepting applications for the program which will begin in October of 2009. Applications, a course outline, and program information is available at the following websites: www.CarolinaFarmCredit.com, www.AgCarolinaFinancal.com, www.CapeFearFarmCredit.com. Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2009. Individuals selected for the program will be notified after September 15. The course will conclude with a group meeting in Raleigh in March of 2010.
“This is a unique opportunity for this group of farmers to learn and benefit in ways that will certainly improve their family farm operations,” said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
Farm Credit has received a grant to cover the tuition and make a new e-learning financial and business management course available to North Carolina farm families.
The on-line training will be offered statewide through North Carolina’s three Farm Credit associations. The Farm Credit University curriculum includes financial planning, budgeting and other money matters essential to a farm’s success.
The program is funded by a $94,500 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The N.C. General Assembly established the commission in 2000 to help tobacco farmers, farm workers and related businesses impacted by the transition out of tobacco farming.
The commission’s funding comes from money paid by cigarette manufacturers as a result of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement.
Farm Credit’s e-learning program targets young, beginning, small, and minority farmers throughout the state. Participants will be assigned a Farm Credit loan officer to serve as a mentor throughout the course. Highlights of the program include modules that cover business and personal financial planning, understanding income statements, cash flow, the smart use of credit on the farm. Each participant will have completed a business plan for their operation at the conclusion of the class. Priority will be given to former tobacco farmers and others impacted by the Tobacco buyout. The grant provides for training 60 producers in a set of 2 classes over the next 2 years.
AgCarolina Financial, Cape Fear, and Carolina Farm Credit will be accepting applications for the program which will begin in October of 2009. Applications, a course outline, and program information is available at the following websites: www.CarolinaFarmCredit.com, www.AgCarolinaFinancal.com, www.CapeFearFarmCredit.com. Applications will be accepted through September 1, 2009. Individuals selected for the program will be notified after September 15. The course will conclude with a group meeting in Raleigh in March of 2010.
“This is a unique opportunity for this group of farmers to learn and benefit in ways that will certainly improve their family farm operations,” said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
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