Bucolic Briefs
The Tarheel Barrel and Roper Association will hold a series of horse shows with classes for all ages at Lockamy Stables and Arena in Benson. Events include pole bending, barrels, goat tying and breakaway roping. Divisions are assisted – any age, pee-wee – 8 years and under, youth – 9-12 years old, teen – 13-18 years old and open for any age. Following are upcoming show dates: June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6. All shows start at 10 a.m. Cost is $7 per event; association membership is $20. For more, call Shannon and Melody Lockamy at 919-894-5719 or 291-3295 or 291-3294.
***
The N.C. Work Horse and Mule Association is sponsoring the N.C. State Championship Horse Drawn Plowing Contest June 2 at 10 a.m. at the historic Ivey Burn Plantation six miles south of Erwin on N.C. 217. Contest categories include single walking plow, team walking plow, team antique riding plow, team modern riding plow, team consisting of three or more horses or mules, single ox and team oxen. For the first time, there will be a category for teams of 6-hitch horses. Contestants will compete for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. Cost to enter each contest is $20 per category. The event is free for spectators. For more information, contact Ronnie Bowen at 919-820-4067 or Wayne Collier at 910-980-0066 or email at babowen898@yahoo.com.
***
The New Bern Farmers Market is looking for producers of farm and farm related products to be vendors at the market. The New Bern market is open every Saturday all year. For more information, contact Julie McKeon at 252-637-4172.
***
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 the state. A minimum of 15 birds per flock would be tested by oral swabs four times each year at no cost to the owner. This program is to maintain surveillance for bird flu in North Carolina. Bird owners with questions or who want to be sure their flock is free of bird flu, can contact Dr. Sarah Mason or Jimmy Collie at (919) 733-7601.
***
The North Carolina chapter of Re-Run, a non-profit organization that places ex-racehorses into adoptive homes, now has thoroughbred racehorses available for adoption. Thoroughbreds are versatile and do well in any number of disciplines including shows, events, fox hunting or pleasure riding, according to Elizabeth Macdonald with Re-Run. For more, go to www.rerun.org or contact Elizabeth Macdonald at hemacd@mindspring.com.
***
