Bucolic Briefs
NC BiomassTrader, a free Web-based service that allows companies to list bio-based materials wanted or for sale, is now up and running. To use the service, go to the Web site at www.ncbiomasstrader.org. Companies can either list an item wanted or available for sale. There is no cost for listing materials, and no finder’s fee. Negotiations and trading are handled directly between interested parties. The trading service takes advantage of an increased interest in bio-related feedstocks and residues as new business opportunities seek replacements for fossil fuel-based products and fuels. Examples of materials include pallets, wood waste from industrial processes, urban trimmings, crop residues, animal waste products, mulch and food processing wastes and oils. For more, contact Bob Leker, State Energy Office, at (919) 733-1907.
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The Mid-Atlantic Professional Rodeo Association will host the following rodeo events in June and July: June 1 & 2 at the Iredell County Fairgrounds Arena in Troutman; June 8 & 9 at the American Legion Park Arena in Edenton; June 15 & 16 at the Pilot Lions Club Arena in Pilot; June 29 & 30 at the Rotary Fairgrounds Arena in North Wilkesboro; July 27 & 28 at Oakboro Arena in Oakboro. All events start at 8 p.m. Call (704) 882-6994 for more and entry deadlines.
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The Ammon Blueberry Festival will be held June 2 in Bladen County with a parade beginning at 10 a.m. The event features games, rides, crafts, entertainment, a blueberry cooking contest, an antique car cruise, vendors and more. For information, call Martha Culbreth at (910) 588-4592 or e-mail at dcmc@intrstar.net.
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Piedmont Biofuels and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems will hold energy management and renewable energy workshops this spring, focused on reducing farm energy costs, coping with high and fluctuating energy costs, and capturing all the energy resources available on the farm, including wind, solar and biofuels.
Piedmont Biofuels is offering free tours of its on-farm biodiesel plant near Moncure every Sunday at 1 p.m., or any day of the week by appointment. On-farm biodiesel demonstrations can also be arranged in North Carolina. For more, go to the Piedmont Web site at www.biofuels.coop or call (919) 533-0172.
CEFS will host an all-day energy risk management workshop, “Fueling the Farm,” at Cherry Research Farm near Goldsboro on July 12. Participants will learn about innovative energy-saving strategies and find out how to incorporate renewable energy into their operations. Hands-on demonstrations and instruction will be emphasized. For more, contact Steve Moore at (336) 549-9525. The workshops are sponsored by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency.
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The Mid-State Tractor Heritage Association will host a series of fundraising events for Jim’s Kids, a group helping disabled children. Following is a listing of events and dates: June 9, 9 a.m., a 35-mile tractor drive starting at Southwest High School in Randolph County; Oct. 14, 8 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.
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The N.C. Percheron Horse Association will hold its annual field day June 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rolling Hills Percheron Stables, 3024 Sell Road, Winston-Salem. Activities include hay making using draft horses, cart and wagon pulling demonstrations, clogging, and a drawing for a registered Percheron filly. For more, contact Karen Jordan, (336) 260-6534.
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Bits & Boots Old Fashioned Fun Horse Show featuring 30 different classes will be held June 16 at DC Western in Goldsboro beginning at 3 p.m. A negative Coggins test is required for all horses. Entry fee is $5 per class. Riders compete for trophies, ribbons and prizes. Show attire is not required, but participants are encouraged to dress neat. For more, contact Cynthia Duke, (252) 443-1958, Nicole Alford, (252) 883-4248 or Mike Eason, (252) 903-1017.
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The annual open horse show for the U.S. Equine Rescue League will be held at 9 a.m. June 16 at the Piedmont Saddle Club in Colfax. Cost per class is $5 or $30 for all day. For more, call (336) 813-0289 or go to www.USERLtriad.org for a class list.
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A Five-County Beef Tour will be held June 26 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 or go to http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu.
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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. Both are are available online or through the mail. 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.
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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 identification 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.
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The N.C. Beekeepers Association will hold its Annual Summer Conference in Kinston July 12-14. Workshops will focus on raising queens, labeling honey, organic farming/beekeeping, candle making and the cape honey bee. For more, go to www.ncbeekeepers.org/meetings or contact Charles Heatherly at (919) 859-6995 or e-mail at heath7@bellsouth.net.
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The 13th Annual Franklin County Horse Farm Tour will be held Aug. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tour includes three farm visits with educational programs at each stop. For more, contact Martha Mobley, extension agent, at (919) 496-3344 or go to http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu.
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The N.C. Goat & Sheep Producers Roundup II will be held Aug. 17 & 18 at the Sanford Lions Club Fairgrounds in Sanford. The event offers the latest research and management information on goat and sheep production. For more, contact Martha Mobley, extension agent, at (919) 496-3344 or go to http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu.
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The 2007 Equestrian Exchange Consignment Sale will be held Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in the Holshouser Building at the State Fairgrounds. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 2 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 3. The sale offers the opportunity to buy and consign anything equestrian related. Pre-registration is required. Volunteers shop before consignors and consignors shop before the public. Items can be dropped off Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pickup for unsold items will be Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Lynn Beeson at (336) 643-3773.
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June is recognized annually as Dairy Month in celebration of the cool, refreshing and nutritious beverage that is a perfect complement to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chocolate cake and more. North Carolina is home to more than 50,000 milk cows, with cash receipts from milk totaling $163 million in 2005. Enjoy an extra glass of milk in honor of June being Dairy Month.
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