The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division is looking for small or large backyard or independent poultry flocks to test for avian influenza throughout our state. A minimum of 10 birds per flock would be tested by oral swabs four times each year at no cost to the owner. This program is designed to maintain surveillance for bird flu in North Carolina. If interested, contact Dr. Sarah Mason or Jimmy Collie at (919) 733-7601 to learn more.

The Duke Homestead State Historic site is looking for farm equipment donations to preserve and showcase the state's tobacco heritage. The site is specifically looking for one homemade water tank used to take water to the field for use with tobacco hand planters, a riding plow with two wheels and a seat for the farmer, a gang harrow with spiked teeth (equal to four combined spike teeth harrows) and open coulter plow used for breaking new ground. All donations are tax deductible. N.C. farmers recently donated about 25 pieces to the site. For more information, contact Dale Coats, site manager, (919) 477-5498.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International USA has produced two free farmer publications that focus on financing non-traditional farm-based operations and strategies for small-scale farmers that are available online and through the mail. The two, The Farmer's Guide to Agricultural Credit and Farmer and Lender Project: Strategies to Sustain Agriculture and Enhance Rural Development in North Carolina, are available at www.rafiusa.org/pubs/puboverview.html or by calling (919) 542-1396, ext. 207.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages livestock producers to register their farms with the NCFarmID program. NCFarmID is a voluntary program to register farms for a national number as a way to protect livestock in the event of a disease outbreak. For more, contact NCDA&CS at (919) 715-2951 or go to www.NCFarmID.com.

Nationally recognized trainer Bryan Neubert will hold a horsemanship and colt-starting clinic April 12-15 at the Piedmont Stable Club facilities in Greensboro. Neubert offers a soft technique for working with horses. For more information, contact Michele McLaughlin at (919) 934-1344 or e-mail at sileeno@ipass.net.

The Mid-Atlantic Professional Rodeo Association will host the following rodeo events in April and May: April 13 & 14 at the Four Seasons RV Arena in Sanford; April 20 & 21 at the Robeson County Fairgrounds in Lumberton; April 27 & 28 at the Diamond H Ranch Arena in Indian Trail; May 4 & 5 at the Double P Arena in Vale; May 18 & 19 at Pickens County Fairgrounds in Greenville, S.C.; May 25 & 26 at the Old Gilkey School Ballfield Arena in Rutherfordton. All events start at 8 p.m. Call (704) 882-6994 for more.

A horse and wagon train trail ride will be held April 20-22 in Wade, S.C. Cost is $30 per person for entire weekend or $15 for kids 12 and under. Current negative Coggins test required for all equine. Cost for day riders only is $20 and includes lunch. For more, contact William Bell, (803) 685-7301.

Warner Feed and Tack in Waxhaw will host a free goat education seminar April 23 at 7 p.m. and a free horse owners workshop on May 14 at 7 p.m. For more, contact Paul Warner (704) 243-3011.

A workshop on Legal Liability and Handling Food Safely will be held April 23 at 6:15 p.m. at the Johnston County Agricultural Center in Smithfield. The program includes discussions on avoiding liability lawsuits, good agricultural practices for raw produce handling and getting the right liability insurance coverage. Cost is $15, which includes materials and dinner. For more or to register, call Annette Dunlap, (919) 515-5969 or e-mail at annette_dunlap@ncsu.edu or Amie Newsome, (919) 989-5380 or amie_newsome@ncsu.edu.

The 6th Annual Rusty Pistons Antique Show will be held April 27-29 in Marshville. The event features hundreds of antique tractors, new tractor and lawn mower dealers, hit & miss engines, crafts, kiddie and teen tractor pulls, music, food and kids activities. For more, contact Reid Helms, (704) 624-6105.

The Wake County Beekeepers Association will conduct a beginner's beekeeping workshop April 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Raleigh Police Club in Knightdale. Cost is $25 and includes a book, handouts and lunch. The class is limited to 85. Pre-registration is required and the deadline is April 21. For more, contact Ricky Barbour at (919) 269-0108 or go to http://www.ncneighbors.com/wcba.

The 8th Annual Open Horse Show will be held April 28 at 11 a.m. at Phil Austin Stables in Kannapolis. For more, call Austin at (704) 932-2518 or e-mail at philaustin@vnet.net.

The Mid-State Tractor Heritage Association will host a series of upcoming fundraising events for Jim's Kids, a group helping disabled kids. Following is a listing of events and dates: April 28, 2 p.m., a tractor pull at Lucky J Arena near Ramseur; June 9, 9 a.m., a 40-mile tractor ride starting at Southwest High School in Randolph County; Oct. 13, 8:30 a.m. registration, a tractor parade show in downtown Asheboro. The parade begins at 11 a.m. All events are open to the public. Cost to participate in the tractor ride is $25, which includes T-shirt and meal. The ride is for tractors only, no SUVS, trucks or four-wheelers permitted. For more information or to register, call Alex Gilmore at (336) 879-6412 or 736-0435 or Kelly Wicker at (336) 629-4303.

April is National Garden Month and in celebration check out one of the state's many garden centers or farmers markets and treat yourself to a lovely new plant or select something special for your yard.

Bull riding and barrel racing will be held every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. starting in May and running through September at Carousel Farms in Raleigh. Family entertainment and pony rides will also be offered. Admission is $5 or free for kids 6 and under. For more call Jeff Mullen, (919) 796-8375.

The 6th Annual Antique Farm Days show will be held May 4 & 5 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. The event features antique tractors and related equipment, cars, hit and miss engines, food, a kids' tractor pull and race. Admission is free. For more, call Jerry McGinnis at (919) 735-5503 or go to http://oilslingers.com.

The 4th Annual Franklin County Farm Foods and Crafts Tour will be held May 19 & 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be nine farms to visit. Cost is $5. For more, go to http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu or contact Martha Mobley, extension agent, at (919) 496-3344.

A Five-County Beef Tour will be held June 26. The free program focuses on diversification in the beef cattle industry and includes three farm visits and lunch. For more, contact Martha Mobley, extension agent, at (919) 496-3344.